Acoustic cardiography S3 detection use in problematic subgroups and B-type natriuretic peptide "gray zone" : secondary results from the Heart failure and Audicor technology for Rapid Diagnosis and Initial Treatment Multinational Investigation

Abstract

Dyspneic emergency department (ED) patients present a diagnostic dilemma. The S3, although highly specific for acute heart failure (AHF) and predicting death and readmission, is often difficult to auscultate. The HEart failure and Audicor technology for Rapid Diagnosis and Initial Treatment (HEARD-IT) multinational trial evaluated the S3 via acoustic cardiography (Audicor). Our goal in this secondary analysis was to determine if the strength of the S3 can provide diagnostic/prognostic information in problematic heart failure subgroups