Clinical decision making in patients with congestive heart failure: The role of thoracic electrical bioimpedance

Abstract

Optimizing appropriate pharmacologic therapy in patients with congestive heart failure has been difficult due to a lack of easily obtainable hemodynamic information to guide the approach to the patient. Recently, thoracic electrical bioimpedance has allowed reliable outpatient determination of these hemodynamic variables, potentially allowing tailored adjustment of therapy in patients with cardiac dysfunction. Case studies are presented in which bioimpedance data were important contributing factors in optimizing patient management. Utilization of this new technology to individualize patient therapy should lead to improved outcomes and more efficient use of health care resources. (CHF. 2000) © 2000 by CHF, Inc.