Heart failure (HF) descompensations are related to fluid retention. Impedance quantifies body fluid by measuring the damping of an electric current passing through it. The aim of our study is to determine changes in the peripheral impedance in patients admitted due to HF and relate it to biochemical and clinical parameters.
Prospective observational study with 46 patients admitted due to decompensated HF. We collected baseline characteristics, clinical and biochemical parameters and peripheral impedance measurements daily with Bioscan.
Of the 46 patients included, 27 were women. The mean age was 68.2 卤 11.7 years. The most common aetiology was ischaemic (37%). Preserved systolic function was observed in 54%and 26%severely depressed. Starting intravenous diuretic treatment rather than oral was associated with lower impedance values (821 vs 156, P < .049).
The peripheral impedance measurement could be a valid tool for choosing diuretic therapy in patients hospitalized due to HF.