Abstract

Introduction: Quality of life assessments (QOL) measurements are valuable in assessing functional class in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Yet, limited quantifiable QOL measures are available in pre-clinical animal models of CHF. To address this issue, we developed methods of QOL assessments in mini swine after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: Quality of life activity was continuously monitored in Yucatan mini-swine using collar-mounted activity monitors (Fitbark 2) and by performing treadmill exercise tests. Activity treadmill data were obtained for 1 month before and 1 month following MI. Myocardial infarction was created by 90-minute occlusion-reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Infarct size and ventricular volumes were measured with Magnetic Resonance Imaging prior to and 1 month after MI. Results: The swine had an average MI size of 20±3%, with increases in LV end-diastolic volume from 62.8±7.8 to 72.1±7.4 ml, LV end-systolic volume from 22.1±2.7 to 36.6±4.8 ml and a decrease in EF from 65±3% to 49±4%, N=5-6 (P<0.05). The 24/7 total FitBark Activity Scores using area under the curve decreased post MI from 184.5±16.8 to 159.4±19.5, N=7-8 (P<0.01). Conclusions: These data demonstrate the feasibility of measuring quality of life in mini swine after myocardial infarction defined by activity level and treadmill exercise testing. This work establishes the potential basis for presenting quality of life measurements in animals as adjunctive assessment of new treatments for chronic heart failure after myocardial infarction.

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