Failure to diagnose a heart condition may be medical malpractice that can lead to death. Conventionally used indicators to diagnose heart failure show potential for cardiovascular injury but do not provide adequate risk control for those at higher risk of heart failure or those newly diagnosed with HF. A study published in the July 3 issue of JAMA shows that collaborative care based on peptide level screening reduce the combined rates of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure as well as emergency cardiovascular hospitalizations.
Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs.This serious condition is affecting 5.7 million Americans every year. It costs the nation 34.4 billion every year in health care services, medications, and lost productivity. Diseases that damage the heart including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes-are common causes of heart failure. Smoking; being overweight; eating foods high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium; and physical inactivity also increase the risk of developing heart failure.