Correlation between trans and intra-thoracic impedance and conductance in patients with chronic heart failure

AimsIn chronic heart failure, changes of intra-thoracic impedance (Z(0IT)) may suggest impending pulmonary congestion; a similar result has been found by measuring trans-thoracic conductance (TFCTT=1/Z(0)=1/k). We assumed that a relationship could exist between Z(0IT) and TFCTT.MethodsWe collected 140 measurements from 70 patients carrying an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization device with the CareLink function (719 years, New York Heart Association (NYHA) 2.40.9, ejection fraction 31 +/- 8%, optimal treatment); they were studied during system alarms and after appropriate treatment (diuretics and/or vasodilators, n=42) or during clinical stability and at the time of a system alarm (n=28); correspondent BNP values were obtained. We related Z(0IT) obtained by the device, with TFCTT obtained with a commercial system.ResultsA strong relationship was found between Z(0IT) and TFCTT. Changes in the variables after treatment or during worsening conditions were of the same direction and order of magnitude, and were related to BNP levels obtained simultaneously.ConclusionsTrans-thoracic conductance, similarly to intra-thoracic impedance, may noninvasively point to pulmonary congestion and be useful in patients not carrying an implanted device. The possibility of remotely obtaining this variable should be evaluated for the telemonitoring of heart failure patients.