Prevalence, aetiology and management of heart failure in general practice.

There is a high level of morbidity and mortality among patients with heart failure. Management of the condition has changed substantially in recent years. However, there is little information on the management of heart failure in general practice. A study was carried out in 1994 to assess the prevalence, aetiology and management of heart failure in a general practice setting. A retrospective review was undertaken of the manual and computerized medical records of patients in two group practices in Liverpool (combined patient population of 17 400). A total of 266 patients with heart failure were identified (a prevalence of 15 per 1000). The two practices had 2747 patients who were aged 65 years and over and 221 of these had heart failure (prevalence of 80 per 1000). The principal aetiological factor considered responsible for heart failure was: coronary heart disease in 45% of patients, hypertension 18%, valve disease 9%, cor pulmonale 7%, cardiomyopathy 2% and a metabolic problem 2% (aetiology unknown in 17% of cases). Urea and electrolytes had been checked in the last year in 59% of patients. Chest x-ray and electrocardiography had been performed in 89% and 80% of patients, respectively, and echocardiography in 30%. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were being prescribed to 33% of patients. The study found a high prevalence of heart failure among patients aged 65 years and over. Coronary heart disease was considered to be the main aetiological factor. Patients were being investigated mainly by means of chest x-ray and electrocardiography. Most patients with heart failure were not receiving treatment with ACE inhibitors. Evaluation of heart failure by clinical criteria alone is now deemed insufficient. Echocardiography should be used routinely to assess cardiac dysfunction. Patients with confirmed left ventricular dysfunction will benefit from treatment with ACE inhibitors unless contraindications exist. The study suggests that there is a need to explore ways of optimizing the management of patients with heart failure.