Table 1

 Clinical characteristics and treatment prescribed on discharge of 1252 patients with congestive heart failure whose left ventricular systolic function was evaluated echocardiographically

VariableMean (SD) or number (%)
ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; ARB, angiotensin II receptor blocker; LBBB, left bundle branch block; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; NYHA, New York Heart Association.
Age (years)69.4 (11.7)
    <75838 (66.9%)
    ⩾75414 (33.1%)
Sex
    Men767 (61.3%)
    Women485 (38.7%)
Time in hospital (days)14.4 (12.1)
Risk factors
    Arterial hypertension693 (55.4%)
    Hyperlipidaemia419 (33.5%)
    Diabetes mellitus335 (26.8%)
    Smoking390 (31.2%)
Underlying cardiopathy
    Ischaemic cardiopathy616 (49.2%)
    Valve disease260 (20.8%)
    Dilated cardiomyopathy116 (9.2%)
    Other260 (20.8%)
Clinical signs
    NYHA class IV522 (41.7%)
    Rales958 (76.5%)
    Jugular vein congestion562 (44.9%)
    Hepatomegaly292 (23.3%)
    Third heart sound165 (13.2%)
Radiographic signs
    Cardiomegaly994 (79.4%)
    Flow redistribution808 (64.5%)
    Interstitial oedema623 (49.8%)
    Alveolar oedema152 (12.1%)
    Pleural effusion243 (19.4%)
ECG signs
    Sinus rhythm675 (53.9%)
    Atrial fibrillation424 (33.9%)
    Pathological Q waves260 (20.8%)
    LBBB196 (15.7%)
Echocardiography
    LVEF <50%754 (60.2%)
    LVEF ⩾50%498 (39.8%)
Drug treatment
    Digoxin386 (30.8%)
    Diuretics948 (75.7%)
    ACE inhibitors785 (62.7%)
    ARB65 (5.2%)
    Spironolactone162 (12.9%)
    Nitrates545 (43.5%)
    Hydralazine59 (4.7%)
    Vasodilators79 (6.3%)
    Calcium antagonists237 (18.9%)
    β Blockers351 (28.0%)
    Amiodarone199 (15.9%)
    Antiplatelet agents710 (56.7%)
    Anticoagulants336 (26.8%)