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Aims: This study aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Thirst Distress Scale for patients with Heart Failure (TDS‐HF) and to describe thirst distress‐associated factors in outpatients at a heart failure (HF) clinic in Spain. Thirst is common in patients with HF, but thirst distress has rarely been addressed and may significantly decrease quality of life. Methods and results: A cross‐sectional study was performed assessing perceived thirst distress by patients with HF during the preceding 3 days, with the TDS‐HF (scores 8 to 40). Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify variables independently associated with thirst distress. Three‐hundred two HF outpatients were included (age 67 ± 12 years, 74% male, HF duration 82 ± 75 months, left ventricular ejection fraction 42 ± 14%). Most patients were on treatment with fluid restriction (99%), sodium restriction (99%), and diuretics (70%). The psychometric evaluation of the Spanish version of the TDS‐HF showed satisfactory item‐total and inter‐item correlations (range from 0.77 to 0.85 and 0.60 to 0.84, respectively), and internal consistency was 0.95 (Cronbach's alpha). The majority perceived mild to moderate thirst distress, and 18% perceived it as high or severe. The mean score obtained was 16.2 ± 9.3 (median 13, Q1–Q3 8–20). Higher serum urea {beta coefficient 1.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.267 to 2.92], P = 0.019} and lower potassium [beta coefficient −3.63 (85% CI −6.32 to −0.93), P = 0.009] remained significantly associated with thirst distress in the multivariable analysis, together with the dose of diuretics [beta coefficient 2.98 (95% CI 1.37 to 4.59), P < 0.001]. Treatment with angiotensin receptor blocker showed an independent protective effect [beta coefficient −3.62 (95% CI −6.89 to −0.345), P = 0.03]. Conclusions: The psychometric evaluation of the Spanish version of the TDS‐HF showed good psychometric properties. One in five patients experienced severe distress by thirst, but the majority had mild to moderate thirst distress. The dose of diuretics and angiotensin receptor blocker treatment influence thirst distress and could be clinically important targets to relieve thirst distress in patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Prognostic value of ST2 levels and dynamics has not been investigated in acute heart failure (AHF) using prospective real-life measurements. Objective:The objective of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of ST2 in AHF. Methods:ST2 levels were determined at admission (n = 182) and discharge (n = 85). Primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death and HF rehospitalisation at one year. Results: Discharge ST2 (HR 2.42 [95% CI 1.46–4],p = 0.001) and ΔST2 (HR 2.32 [95% CI 1.21–4.57],p = 0.01) but not admission ST2, remained independently prognostic for the primary endpoint after comprehensive multivariable adjustment. ST2 significantly improved prognosis stratification on top of clinical variables and NTproBNP. Conclusions: Routine clinical use of discharge ST2 and ST2 dynamics provide independent prognostic information. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]