Awareness, Diagnostic Approaches, and Management of Heart Failure in Korea: A Nationwide Survey Comparing Primary Care Physicians and Cardiology Specialists.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Heart failure (HF) imposes a significant global burden, yet awareness and implementation of guideline-directed management remain suboptimal. This study evaluated HF awareness, diagnostic patterns, and therapeutic strategies among physicians in Korea.

Methods

A nationwide online survey was conducted from July to August 2019, targeting primary care physicians (PCPs; n=8,000) and hospital-based cardiology specialists (n=1,339) across Korea. The questionnaire comprised 23 items covering baseline characteristics, perceptions of HF prognosis, diagnostic approaches, and treatment practices.

Results

A total of 543 physicians responded (209 PCPs and 334 cardiology specialists). While the majority correctly defined HF, a substantial proportion underest

SUBMITTER: Lee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12901520 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature