Novel Monitoring Method for the Management of Heart Failure
Although body weight scales are most commonly used to evaluate body fluid status during follow-up of definite heart failure (HF) patients, bioimpedance measurement methods have become increasingly available in the clinical setting. These monitoring methods, however, are typically used separately to evaluate body fluid status in HF patients. Kataoka developed a novel method for monitoring HF patients using a digital weight scale that incorporated a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. This method combines the well-known advantages of body weighing with a refined bioimpedance technique to monitor HF status and provides valid information regarding a change in a patient's body fluid status during follow-up for HF, such as predominant fluid versus fat weight gain or loss. This special report describes examples of the practical use of this method for monitoring and treating definite HF patients.
The incidence of 0chronic heart failure (HF) increases significantly with age, and readmission after hospitalization for HF is common. Recognition and treatment at the preclinical stage of worsening HF can delay or prevent progression to hospitalization, improve quality of life and reduce the burden of related costs. Therefore, monitoring the clinical status of definite HF patients might provide early warning of decompensation, but monitoring and evaluating volume status in definite HF patients is very challenging. Many devices have been used or developed for the usage of monitoring HF patients. Although body weight (BW) scales are most commonly used to evaluate body fluid status, bioimpedance measurement methods for assessing hemodynamics and volume status in HF patients have become increasingly available in the clinical setting. These monitoring methods, however, are typically used separately to evaluate body fluid status in HF patients. Simultaneous consideration of BW and bioimpedance might improve monitoring of definite HF patients. This special report describes examples of the practical use of this novel method for monitoring and treating definite HF patients.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Although body weight scales are most commonly used to evaluate body fluid status during follow-up of definite heart failure (HF) patients, bioimpedance measurement methods have become increasingly available in the clinical setting. These monitoring methods, however, are typically used separately to evaluate body fluid status in HF patients. Kataoka developed a novel method for monitoring HF patients using a digital weight scale that incorporated a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. This method combines the well-known advantages of body weighing with a refined bioimpedance technique to monitor HF status and provides valid information regarding a change in a patient's body fluid status during follow-up for HF, such as predominant fluid versus fat weight gain or loss. This special report describes examples of the practical use of this method for monitoring and treating definite HF patients.
Introduction
The incidence of 0chronic heart failure (HF) increases significantly with age, and readmission after hospitalization for HF is common. Recognition and treatment at the preclinical stage of worsening HF can delay or prevent progression to hospitalization, improve quality of life and reduce the burden of related costs. Therefore, monitoring the clinical status of definite HF patients might provide early warning of decompensation, but monitoring and evaluating volume status in definite HF patients is very challenging. Many devices have been used or developed for the usage of monitoring HF patients. Although body weight (BW) scales are most commonly used to evaluate body fluid status, bioimpedance measurement methods for assessing hemodynamics and volume status in HF patients have become increasingly available in the clinical setting. These monitoring methods, however, are typically used separately to evaluate body fluid status in HF patients. Simultaneous consideration of BW and bioimpedance might improve monitoring of definite HF patients. This special report describes examples of the practical use of this novel method for monitoring and treating definite HF patients.