Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure in the Community

To prospectively measure EF, diastolic function, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in community residents with HF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Echocardiographic measures of EF and diastolic function, measurement of blood levels of BNP, and 6-month mortality. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Olmsted County residents with incident or prevalent HF (inpatients or outpatients) between September 10, 2003, and October 27, 2005, were prospectively recruited to undergo assessment of EF and diastolic function by echocardiography and measurement of BNP.

A total of 556 study participants underwent echocardiography at HF diagnosis. Preserved EF (> or =50%) was present in 308 (55%) and was associated with older age, female sex, and no history of myocardial infarction (all P