Uso de la ecografía clínica en atención primaria: marcadores de congestión en la insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva

Abstract

The patient with heart failure (HF) is a frequent scenario in primary care consultations. The presence of subclinical congestion is a predictor of rehospitalization and adverse events in these patients. The assessment of congestion is complex due to the low sensitivity of classic symptoms and signs, which leads to underdiagnosis, delayed initiation of treatment and a greater likelihood of complications. The family doctor should be familiar with new techniques for congestion assessment, such as the study of venous congestion with ultrasound and pulmonary ultrasound. This makes it possible to know the existence of subclinical congestion in a more realistic way. Clinical ultrasound in the hands of the family doctor individualizes decongestive therapy in patients with HF in an accurate, fast and safe way.