B-type natriuretic peptide is associated with mortality in older functionally impaired patients.

Objectives: To determine the predictive power of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) regarding death in older, functionally impaired patients with multiple comorbidity.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Specialist geriatric assessment clinic and day hospital.

B-type natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of cardiac disease in elderly day hospital patients.

Objectives: heart failure is primarily a disease of elderly people. Current guidelines suggest all patients with suspected heart failure should undergo objective assessment, usually by echocardiography. In the UK resources are limited and not all patients have access to echocardiography.