| Title | Current treatment of chronic heart failure in primary care; still room for improvement. |
|---|---|
| Published in | Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, Vol. 16, p.644-650. ISSN 1356-1294. |
| Author | Bosch, M.; Wensing, M.J.P.; Bakx, J.C.; Weijden, G.D.E.M. van der; Hoes, A.W.; Grol, R.P.T.M. |
| Date | 2010 |
| Type | article |
| Abstract | METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, we included a representative sample of 357 patients diagnosed with CHF from 42 primary care practices in the Netherlands. We combined medical record data with data from patient and doctor questionnaires. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 75.7 years (SD 10.2), 53% were male, and 73% of patients had mild heart failure (New York Heart Association class I or II). 76.5% of patients received diuretics. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors were prescribed in 40.6% and angiotensin-II receptor blockers in 20.7%; beta-blockers were prescribed to 54.6%, while 24.9% received spironolactone. Patients with more severe heart failure had a lower probability of being treated according to guideline recommendations. Relevant lifestyle advice was given to 40-60% of the patients, depending on the specific lifestyle advice. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of evidence-based pharmacotherapy for heart failure in primary care has improved since clinical guidelines have been updated; especially with respect to prescription of beta-blockers. However, there still seems ample room for improvement, as in the case for providing lifestyle advice. |
| Publication | http://repository.ubn.ru.nl/handle/2066/87961 |
| OpenURL | Search this publication in (your) library |
| Persistent Identifier | urn:nbn:nl:ui:22-2066/87961 |
| Metadata | XML |
| Repository | Radboud University Nijmegen |
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