Transthoracic Bioimpedance and Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels Accurately Indicate Additional Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Advanced Systolic Heart Failure

Abstract

The combination of transthoracic bioimpedance monitoring and BNP measurement accurately indicated the presence of diastolic dysfunction in most patients. These user-friendly and operator-independent tools may be useful as a screening assessment for diastolic dysfunction, and consequently abnormal central haemodynamic status, either in ambulatory patients or when an adequate echocardiographic evaluation is not readily available.