383. Guidelines: 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure – Question #33 with Dr. Biykem Bozkurt

Screening for heart failure in asymptomatic patients at risk—specifically those with hypertension and diabetes—utilizes natriuretic peptide biomarker testing to prevent disease progression. The 2022 AHA, ACC, and HFSA guidelines recommend this approach as a class 2A intervention, supported by evidence from the STOP-HF trial, which demonstrated that annual screening followed by multidisciplinary care reduces the incidence of left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. Expert faculty Dr. Bikkem Bozkurt emphasizes that while annual screening is ideal for high-risk individuals, frequency may be adjusted based on evolving risk profiles. Challenges remain regarding primary care adoption, insurance coverage, and the impact of obesity on biomarker sensitivity, where imaging modalities like echocardiography provide necessary diagnostic clarity. Integrating these screening strategies into clinical practice is essential for early intervention and improving long-term patient outcomes.