Echocardiographic correlates of dyspnoea during acute decompensated heart failure treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Dyspnoea is frequent complaint reported by acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. Aim of the research: To evaluate the association of dyspnoea intensity and resolution measured by the dyspnoea visual analogue scale (VAS) with structural and functional parameters obtained by echocardiography during ADHF treatment. Material and methods: In 34 consecutive adult patients who required hospitalization due to ADHF, echocardiographic assessment was performed upon admission and at discharge, together with clinical and laboratory evaluation. The severity of dyspnoea was assessed with standardized 0–100 points VAS.