This observational feasibility study aims to assess (i) how practical and acceptable repeated KCCQ assessments are; (ii) the connection between changes over time in KCCQ scores and signs of congestion; and (iii) clinical outcomes, including worsening heart failure events or cardiovascular death (CVD), and the time between 5- and 10-point KCCQ changes and clinical events.
Established diagnosis of chronic HF with reduced, mildly reduced, or preserved ejection fraction, NYHA II-III
History of heart failure (HF) hospitalization within the last 6 months before enrollment, defined as the presence of dyspnea, elevated NT-proBNP ≥300 pg/mL (sinus rhythm) or ≥600 pg/mL (if AF), and 2 of the following: i. Rales on chest auscultation or signs of congestion on X-ray/CT scan; ii. Peripheral Oedema; iii. Loop diuretics IV at admission
Free of signs and symptoms of congestion, defined as JVP of <8 cm, with no orthopnea, pulmonary rales, and with trace peripheral edema or no edema.
Stable doses of oral loop diuretics, if prescribed
Acute coronary syndrome, cardiac surgery, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident, ablation of atrial flutter/fibrillation, valve repair/replacement, implanted cardioverter defibrillator or urgent PCI within the last 3 months
Planned interventions, including major cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair/replacement, ventricular assist device, cardiac transplantation), coronary revascularization, implantation of a cardiac device or ablation of atrial flutter/fibrillation during the study
Previous cardiac transplantation and candidates for heart transplantation
Complex congenital heart disease