May 1, 2001The Medical Journal of Australia
Chronic heart failure in Australian general practice: The Cardiac Awareness Survey and Evaluation (CASE) Study
Key result
Chronic heart failure was diagnosed in 13.2% of patients aged ≥60 years presenting to general practice, with ACE inhibitors prescribed in only 58.1% of these patients.
Population
22,060 consecutive patients aged 60 years and older presenting to 341 general practitioners throughout…
Design
Cross-sectional
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
Suggests underutilization of ACE inhibitors in elderly HF patients in general practice; leaves open whether targeted interventions improve uptake.
Key Points
- To assess the frequency of chronic heart failure (CHF) diagnoses in general practice and evaluate GP awareness and diagnostic procedures.
- 341 general practitioners assessed consecutive patients aged 60 years and older presenting for evaluation between March and August 1998.
- A standardized cardiac algorithm based on WHO guidelines was used to identify suspected CHF.
- Diagnostic tests and prescribed medications were documented for previously diagnosed and newly diagnosed CHF patients.
- CHF diagnosed in 2905 of 22060 patients (13.2%), with 420 newly diagnosed cases.
- Echocardiography performed in 64% of previously diagnosed patients, but only 22% of suspected cases.
- ACE inhibitors prescribed in 58.1% of CHF patients, with higher usage in those with left ventricular dysfunction.
Study Design
Type
Cross-Sectional (n=22,060)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
P
Population
22,060 consecutive patients aged 60 years and older presenting to 341 general practitioners throughout Australia.
O
Outcome
Estimated numbers of patients with CHF in general practice (previously and newly diagnosed); major aetiological factors; use of ancillary diagnostic tests; drugs prescribed.
Chronic heart failure is highly prevalent among elderly patients in Australian general practice, but diagnostic testing and evidence-based treatments like ACE inhibitors appear to be underutilized.
Cite This Study
Krum et al. (2001) conducted a cross-sectional in Chronic heart failure (n=22,060). Standardized cardiac algorithm was evaluated on Estimated numbers of patients with CHF in general practice (previously and newly diagnosed). Chronic heart failure was diagnosed in 13.2% of patients aged ≥60 years presenting to general practice, with ACE inhibitors prescribed in only 58.1% of these patients.