Positive predictors, however, included being male, poor, registered with a GP, and having a slightly more serious initial presentation. Blood test is useful adjunct in diagnosing heart failure Heart failure is a common problem in primary care but there is no simple, reliable method for its diagnosis. Measurement of plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides, such as the B type, may be of value, but previous studies of diagnostic utility have focused mainly on young patients, whereas the burden of disease is in elderly people. It is, however, not useful for confirming the diagnosis, and access to echocardiography remains essential for the early diagnosis of heart failure in general practice. Patients have good reasons for not wanting further information about their cancer Communication and information are accepted as important in the cancer setting.
Patients vary, however, in how much information they want.
In developing recommendations, the government's cancer information strategy should take account of these explanations.