A case of premature ventricular contractions-related cardiomyopathy

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are heart beats initiated in the ventricles instead of in the sinoatrial node. A high burden of PVCs can lead to a cardiomyopathy, characterised by reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. We present a case of PVC-related cardiomyopathy where the 65-year-old male was initially seen by his primary care provider for recent onset chest pain and dizziness. His transthoracic echocardiogram showed mild concentric LV hypertrophy and mildly reduced systolic function (LV ejection fraction 43%).

Potential costs of B-type natriuretic peptide for the identification of people with heart failure in primary care in Scotland – a pilot study

Background and Aims: The utility of B-type natriuretic peptide as a screening test for heart failure has been proven in a number of clinical trials. The aims of this study were to assess the utility of the measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide in a ‘real life’ setting and to estimate the potential costs of implementing its use in primary care in Scotland.

Improving the care of patients with advanced heart failure

A strategy for managing heart failure based exclusively on conventional treatment results in the majority of patients having inadequate symptom control, a poor quality of life and uncoordinated care. The Scottish Partnership for Palliative Care report Living and dying with advanced heart failure: a palliative care approach advocates that these problems should be addressed by the integration of conventional and supportive care; at present this rarely happens.

Applying evidence-based device care in cardiovascular patients: which patient with heart failure and what device?

In terms of engineering, clinical understanding and application, device therapy remains in its infancy. In clinical trials, implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) have greatly reduced the rate of sudden death and had a modest impact on mortality in a relatively broad range of patients. They do not generally improve symptoms and may make them worse.

The prevalence of proteinuria in patients presenting with fluid retention due to heart failure

The prevalence of proteinuria in patients presenting acutely with oedema due to heart failure has not been studied extensively. Recent evidence from the Candesartan in Heart failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) trial suggests that there is a high prevalence of albuminuria in chronic heart failure patients. We set out to investigate the prevalence of proteinuria in patients presenting with fluid retention secondary to heart failure. A random collection of urine albumin–creatinine ratios (ACRs) in successive patients was used to quantify proteinuria.

Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) in chronic heart failure

Background: Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) is an essential tool for assessing the quality of chronic disease management. The optimal method for delivering a PREMs survey however is unknown. This study reports two methods for assessing PREMs in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods:  A bespoke online and postal survey delivered to community-based CHF patients in Scotland.