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Early Post-discharge Follow-up — EECC MCQ

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ModerateHeart FailureEarly Post-discharge Follow-upEECC

A 60-year-old man is discharged after an acute HF hospitalisation. His HF team schedules follow-up at 1-2 weeks post-discharge. What is the evidence-based rationale for this early follow-up?

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Correct answer: D — The STRONG-HF trial demonstrated that intensive early follow-up with rapid GDMT up-titration reduces 180-day all-cause death or HF rehospitalisation

The STRONG-HF trial (2022) demonstrated that an intensive strategy of early follow-up (weeks 1, 2, 3, and 6 post-discharge) with rapid GDMT up-titration significantly reduced the composite of 180-day all-cause death or HF rehospitalisation by 34% compared with usual care. The 2023 ESC HF Focused Update incorporated this evidence, recommending early post-discharge follow-up within 1-2 weeks (Class I, LOE B) to optimise GDMT, reassess volume status, check renal function and electrolytes, and identify early decompensation. The vulnerable period post-discharge carries the highest readmission and mortality risk.

Reference: ESC (2023): Focused Update on Heart Failure; STRONG-HF Trial