Answer 1 is incorrect. 27% chose this juicy answer. “Recommend the DASH Diet.” Although the DASH Diet with lower sodium content is helpful once someone is diagnosed with heart failure, this dietary approach alone won’t prevent heart failure. In order to prevent heart failure, it needs to first be diagnosed to determine best treatment plan.

Answer 2 is correct. 49% of you chose this answer. “Measure natriuretic peptide (BNP or pro-BNP).”  YES, Great JOB.  According to the ADA Standard on ASCVD, “Adults with diabetes are at increased risk for the development of asymptomatic cardiac structural or functional abnormalities (stage B heart failure) or symptomatic (stage C) heart failure. Consider screening adults with diabetes by measuring a natriuretic peptide (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] or N-terminal pro-BNP [NT-proBNP]) to facilitate prevention of stage C heart failure. In asymptomatic individuals with diabetes and abnormal natriuretic peptide levels, echocardiography is recommended to identify stage B heart failure.”

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 11% of respondents chose this. “Assess ankle circumference at each visit.” Although pedal edema and shortness of breath are both indicators of heart failure, the BNP or NT-proBNP lab test is more definitive.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 18% chose this answer. “Recommend echocardiography after age 55.” According to ADA standards, we would first check the BNP or NT-proBNP lab test. In asymptomatic individuals with diabetes and abnormal natriuretic peptide levels, echocardiography is then recommended to identify stage B heart failure.”

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!