How to measure dyspnea in acute heart failure

Synopsis:

Abstract:  Dyspnea is the most common presenting symptom of patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Although dyspnea is an important target for treatment in clinical practice and clinical trials, there remains a lack of consensus on how to assess it. We describe and recommend to use absolute scales such the Likert 5-point or the Visual Analogue Scale rather than any comparator scale such as the Likert 7-point scale. We further recommend starting dyspnea measurements in sitting position and perform, if possible, similar measurements in lying position.

Source:

Journal: Therapeautische Umschau

Vol/Page/Date:

2009 Sep;66(9):639-42.

Resource Type:

Journal Article

Author/Source:

Socrates T, Mebazaa A.