Introduction:
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) carries high morbidity and mortality. Compared to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HFpEF is more difficult to diagnose and lacks in evidence-based treatments. We assessed the perceptions of CV specialists and primary care physicians (PCP) regarding HFpEF diagnosis and management.
Methods:
The online survey targeted 200 specialists and 200 (PCPs), offering a token honorarium. A total of 159 cardiologists (C), 59 internists (I), and 200 PCPs completed the survey.
Results:
All provinces were represented. The perceived prevalence of HFpEF vs HFrEF was similar across physician types (58% HFrEF, 42% HFpEF). Roughly 25% of PCPs did not differentiate between HF types. All physician types ranked symptom and mortality reduction as treatment priorities. The majority of specialists felt that HFpEF is best co-managed by primary and specialty care. One fifth of PCPs felt that HFpEF should be managed by primary care alone. Compared to specialists, PCPs were more likely to underestimate HFpEF mortality vs. HFrEF, less aware of gender differences, and less able to identify clinical findings of HFpEF vs. HFrEF. Fewer PCPs (33%) than specialists (50%) use natriuretic peptide (NP) levels for diagnosis, with PCPs expressing more uncertainty with NP utility. All physician types listed cost and limited availability as restrictions to use of NP testing. For evidence-based treatments in HF (ACEi/ARB, beta blockers, loop diuretics, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists), >50% of PCPs incorrectly identified all agents as effective for HFpEF, with <10% stating that none improved outcomes. Cardiologists were more likely than internists to identify the lack of evidence-based treatments.
Conclusions:
This survey reveals substantial knowledge and treatment gaps in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF, specifically amongst PCPs. Given the prevalence of HFpEF in primary care, and its substantial morbidity and mortality, strategies are required to reduce these gaps. All physician types recognized the need for increased availability of NP testing for HFpEF diagnosis.
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