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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

In Reply: Our study was designed to quantify miscalibration of patient predictions of survival in comparison with objective model predictions. The reasons underlying the overestimation of life expectancy by many patients with heart failure remain unknown. Our limited findings suggest age, depression, education, and other factors are all likely to play a role in patient perceptions of prognosis and thus in the personal choices made by symptomatic heart failure patients regarding their medical care.

Dr Nusbaum raises a number of open questions about heart failure prognosis. In his accompanying Editorial, Dr Yancy¹ highlighted additional uncertainties, such as what risks are associated with providing patients with survival statistics and how prognostic information is best delivered to patients. We would add to this list of important but as yet unanswered questions. How do patient predictions of prognosis change during the course of this disease process? How does acute decompensation with hospitalization alter . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Larry A. Allen, MD, MHS
larry.allen@ucdenver.edu
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Denver

Jonathan E. Yager, MD
Cardiac Care Associates
Fairfax, Virginia

G. Michael Felker, MD, MHS
Duke Clinical Research Institute
Durham, North Carolina

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