Reducing Hospitalizations in Heart Failure Patients Aged 65 and Over Through Early Diagnosis and Treatment Strategy

What this Trial Is About

Heart failure HF is a common condition where the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to worsening symptoms often mistaken for normal aging. Early detection is difficult because symptoms develop gradually and are non-specific. This study evaluates whether a combined approach of raising awareness, using NT-proBNP blood testing for early diagnosis, and starting guideline-based treatment promptly can reduce hospitalizations among patients aged 65 and older with or at risk of HF. The intervention involves increasing awareness among patients and healthcare providers, applying NT-proBNP testing to identify HF early in high-risk patients, and quickly initiating recommended HF treatments once diagnosed. The study compares this strategy against usual care in a randomized, parallel design. The intervention bundle includes education, diagnostics, and management based on clinical guidelines, implemented as part of routine care in participating sites. Participants are followed for 18 months to monitor hospitalizations due to acute HF and other outcomes such as cardiovascular death, changes in kidney function, and health economic impacts. Data collection uses routine clinical records and standard procedures. The study measures acute HF events, death rates, hospitalizations, treatment changes, and cost-effectiveness to assess the impact of the early diagnosis and treatment strategy on HF prognosis and healthcare burden.

Early Detection and IntervenTion in Heart Failure