Clinical Findings of Russell et al Associated with Advanced Heart Failure

Number of hospitalizations or Emergency Room visits in the past year

Does the patient experience frequent shocks from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?

Has there been a progressive decline in the serum sodium concentration?

Is the patient able to walk 1 block on level ground without disabling fatigue and/or dyspnea?

Does the patient experience persistent dyspnea during bathing and/or dressing, with need for rest?

Is the systolic blood pressure frequently < 90 mm Hg?

Does the patient have worsening heart failure or hypotension when taking a beta blocker?

Does the patient ahve worsening renal function or hypotension when taking an ACE inhibitor?

Has ther patient had weight loss unexplained by other cause (cardiac cachexia)?

Has there been a progressive deterioration in renal function not explained by another cause?

Has there been a need to increase diuretic dose in order to maintain volume status?