Diagnostic challenges defining heart failure when using echocardiograms

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement between the numberic values on echocardiograms versus cardiologist' interpretatoins of the same echocardiograpms. We found significant discrepancies between the numeric data and the cardiologists' interpretations of single echocardiograms. We conclude that better, more reproducible methods, or standardizing the interpretatation process for LV function are needed to improve the care and outcomes of patients with LV systolic dysfunction [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT].