Electronic nudge uncovers silent heart failure
NCT ID NCT01734135
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States