This study sought to assess the utility of impedance
cardiography (ICG) in predicting clinical deterioration
in ambulatory patients with heart failure (HF).
Multivariate analysis identified 6 clinical and ICG variables that independently predicted an event
(death, HF hospitalization or ED visit within 14 days
of assessment). When the independent ICG predictor variables were combined into a composite score, it was a powerful predictor of an event in the study.
High risk visits with a stroke index <35 ml/m2 and thoracic fluid content >35 /kOhm had 7 times the risk for an event than low risk visits with a stroke index
>35 ml/m2 and a thoracic fluid content <35 /kOhm.
These results suggest that when performed at regular intervals in stable patients with HF with a recent episode of clinical decompensation, ICG can identify patients at increased near-term risk of recurrent decompensation.
