Open-access echocardiography to general practitioners for suspected heart failure.

Authors:
  • JFJ P Frain
    J P Frain
  • PRP Ramesh
    P Ramesh
  • RSR N Siddiqui
    R N Siddiqui
  • CBC M Bossingham
    C M Bossingham
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Abstract
Echocardiography is now considered to be the key investigation when heart failure is suspected, and should improve clinical management. An open-access echocardiography service was piloted to 24 general practitioners and the service was audited after 250 cases. The impact on clinical management was assessed by reviewing general practice notes 2 months after the echocardiogram. Significant impairment of left ventricular function was found in 49 patients (20%). Out of these subjects, 38 had been started on an ACE inhibitor. Twenty patients were considered to have a significant valve lesion by echocritiera, of whom 14 had been referred for a cardiological opinion. The provision of an open-access echocardiography service was popular with general practitioners and the information resulted in appropriate management decisions being made.