Lack of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Measurement Following a High B-type Natriuretic Peptide Value

Conclusion: Approximately half of patients with a high BNP and an LVEF not known to be low did not have a follow-up guideline recommended LVEF study and may have unrecognized heart failure. Our findings suggest that a trial is warranted of a clinical pathway where those patients with a high BNP and without appropriate follow-up are randomized to have their physician receive a notification of the high BNP value.
Source: Critical Pathways in Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Studies Source Type: research