Semiology and Heart Failure

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Since 1997, we’ve known that heart failure is a syndrome, and the positive predictive value increases when multiple findings are present.

But is semiology the key?

I wouldn’t say it gives us the best diagnostic accuracy. However, it does give us something far more valuable—the ability to think like real doctors again. 

☝Davie AP, Francis CM, Caruana L, Sutherland GR, McMurray JJ. Assessing diagnosis in heart failure: which features are any use? QJM. 1997 May;90(5):335-9. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/90.5.335. PMID: 9205668.





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