Electronic nudge uncovers silent heart failure

NCT ID NCT01734135

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: VA Palo Alto Health Care System Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether sending an electronic alert to primary care doctors about patients with high BNP levels (a sign of possible heart strain) would lead to more heart imaging and earlier diagnosis of hidden heart failure. 115 patients with high BNP but no recent heart imaging were enrolled. The goal was to see if the alert increased the number of patients who got an echocardiogram within six months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Clinical reminder (electronic medical record notification)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help doctors catch hidden heart failure earlier, leading to better management and outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial testing a notification system, not a new treatment. It may not change patient health or be practical in all clinics.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

heart failure

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEART FAILURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.