Key result
Primary care physicians were more likely than specialists to underestimate HFpEF mortality, less aware of sex differences, and less likely to use natriuretic peptides for diagnosis (all P < 0.001).
Why the study?
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction carries high morbidity and mortality, is difficult to diagnose compared with HFrEF, and lacks evidence-based treatments.
Cross-Sectional (n=448)
Yes
There are substantial knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF among primary care physicians, highlighting the need for targeted educational strategies.
Knowledge gaps among primary care physicians may delay HFpEF diagnosis; hypothesis-generating for targeted education and outcome studies.
Background Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) carries high morbidity and mortality. Compared with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HFpEF is difficult to diagnose, and lacks evidence-based treatments. In this survey we assessed perceptions of cardiologists, internists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding HFpEF diagnosis and management. Methods In total, 159 cardiologists, 89 internists, and 200 PCPs from across Canada completed an online survey, with response rates of 14%-17%. Results The perceived prevalence of HFpEF vs HFrEF was similar across physician types (58% HFrEF, 42% HFpEF). Thirty-seven percent of PCPs did not differentiate HF on the basis of ejection fraction. All physician types ranked symptom and mortality reduction as treatment priorities. Ninety-two percent of specialists believed that HFpEF is best comanaged by PCPs and specialists, whereas one-fifth of PCPs suggested PCP management alone. Compared with specialists, PCPs were more likely to underestimate HFpEF mortality and less aware of sex differences in the prevalence of HFpEF vs HFrEF (all P < 0.001). Fewer PCPs use natriuretic peptides for diagnosis ( P < 0.001). All physician types listed cost and availability as barriers to natriuretic peptide use. Ninety-one percent of PCPs incorrectly identified various therapies as effective for improving HFpEF outcomes. Most of all physicians expressed a strong desire to increase knowledge of diagnostic and treatment algorithms for HFpEF. Conclusions There are substantial knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF, particularly among PCPs. Because of the prevalence of HFpEF in primary care, strategies are required to reduce these gaps.
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Gupta et al. (2020) conducted a cross-sectional in Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (n=448). Primary care physician specialty vs. Specialist (cardiologist or internist) was evaluated on Perceptions and knowledge regarding HFpEF diagnosis and management. Primary care physicians were more likely than specialists to underestimate HFpEF mortality, less aware of sex differences, and less likely to use natriuretic peptides for diagnosis (all P < 0.001).
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