Abnormal Blood Pressure Response Research Articles

Abstract 4134685: Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing for Characterization and Prognostication in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) carries substantial risk of adverse cardiac events. Consequently, detailed physiologic assessment and accurate risk stratification in HCM are of high clinical importance. Aim: To synthesize current evidence on the utility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for characterization and prognostication of HCM. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched for eligible studies from database inception to November 2023. Studies that had at least one CPET performed in HCM patients, with corresponding test data reported, were included. Abstracts with no full-text and studies focused on pediatric populations were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of cardiovascular adverse events. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from Cox proportional hazard model were meta-analyzed. This study was performed following the PRISMA guidelines and registered under PROSPERO (CRD42023487759). Results: Sixty full-length manuscripts focused on CPETs performed in HCM patients were included, comprising 12,914 patients. Despite male predominance (66%) and average age of 48 years, peak VO 2 was only 6.2 [95% CI, 6.0-6.4] metabolic equivalents (21.8 [20.9-22.6] mL/kg/min), consistent with significant functional limitation. In subanalyses, peak VO 2 was 18.9 [18.0-19.9] mL/kg/min in obstructive HCM and 22.5 [20.8-24.2] mL/kg/min in non-obstructive HCM. Compared to commonly used metrics such as NYHA Class, CPET markedly enhances sensitivity to detect impaired cardiac performance ( Figure ). This meta-analysis highlights several easily-derived CPET variables that consistently predict HCM prognosis. An increase of 1 mL/kg/min in peak VO 2 was associated with a lower HR of 0.83 [0.76-0.90] for adverse cardiac events, while a 1 unit increase in the VE/VCO 2 slope was associated with a higher HR of 1.12 [1.03-1.23]. Abnormal blood pressure response to exercise conferred a 2.5-fold [2.0-3.1] increase in adverse events. Conclusion: CPET is a valuable objective method for multi-dimensional physiologic assessment and prognostication in HCM. With further standardization, CPET is well suited for more widespread clinical utilization in HCM patients.

Correlation of exercise blood pressure levels with concomitant cardiovascular disease.

Hypertension is a fatal but preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and an important cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Exercise training has a definite clinical effect on blood pressure control. However, inappropriate exercise is ineffective and may also cause disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible factors influencing blood pressure level in an exercise treadmill test and its relationship with accompanying clinical diseases. Five hundred sixty-four patients who underwent exercise treadmill test were selected and divided into the abnormal exercise blood pressure group (n = 156, age 60.46 ± 9.2 years) and normal exercise blood pressure group (n = 408, age 56.57 ± 8.8 years) according to whether the peak exercise systolic blood pressure was more than or equal to 180 mm Hg. General clinical data and associated clinical diseases were collected from both groups. The prevalence of hypertension and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease in the abnormal exercise blood pressure group was significantly higher than that in the normal exercise blood pressure group (all P < .05). At the same time, the smoking rate and glycohemoglobin level of the patients with abnormal exercise blood pressure were significantly increased (all P < .05), but there was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and other indicators between the 2 groups (all P > .05). Patients with abnormal exercise blood pressure response have a higher prevalence of hypertension and coronary heart disease. Exercise blood pressure level may be an important factor affecting patients' cardiovascular prognosis.

The Role of Exercise Blood Pressure in Hypertension: Measurement, Mechanisms and Management.

Hypertension affects one in three adults globally and is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While blood pressure measurements at rest are fundamental to the detection and management of hypertension, abnormal blood pressure responses to exercise, namely an exaggerated exercise blood pressure (EEBP), can provide additional independent information about current and future hypertension risk. This paper summarizes a symposium entitled: "The Role of Exercise BP in Hypertension: Measurement, Mechanisms and Management" included at the 2023 American College of Sports Medicine annual meeting, which presented a timely discussion about the clinical utility of EEBP. Here we will summarize the evidence presented by the speakers including considerations for blood pressure measurement during exercise, an overview of EEBP thresholds and discussion about the value of EEBP during submaximal exercise for the identification and management of hypertension, a summary of the potential physiological mechanisms underpinning an EEBP, and a review of exercise prescription guidelines based on new and emerging evidence as they relate to the American College of Sports Medicine's exercise recommendations for hypertension. We conclude by highlighting areas for future research with the overarching goal of improving the measurement and management of hypertension.

Exploring the Definition and Prognostic Utility of Abnormal Blood Pressure Response During Exercise Stress Testing

Exploring the Definition and Prognostic Utility of Abnormal Blood Pressure Response During Exercise Stress Testing

Non-cardiac Chest Pain and Benign Palpitations Among Adult Patient Referred for Stress Electrocardiography (ECG) in the Cardiac Clinic in Southern Nigeria

Background Non-cardiac chest pain and benign palpitations are often seen in cardiac clinics, but they are usually not related to serious heart conditions. Exercise testing is usually used to detect cardiomyopathies; it is symptom-limited and may be stopped if patients report symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain or for medical reasons such as ischemic ST-segment changes, abnormal blood pressure response to exercise. With limited knowledge about these presenting symptoms on cardiomyopathies in developing country such as Nigeria, the study therefore aims to determine the stress ECG pattern among patients, reasons for interruption, and stress-induced changes in southern Nigeria. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of 60 adult patients (age 18-69 years) at Good Heart Medical Consultants Hospital from October 2019 to January 2023 referred with noncardiac chest pain and benign palpitations for stress ECG. Data collected was analyzed using the Bruce protocol. Results 83% presented with chest pain and 17% with palpitations. Mean ages were 50±20 for chest pain and 45±13 for palpitations. Majority 66.6% were 41-60 years old. Muscle fatigue 48.3% was the most common reason for interruption. ST-T changes had no significant difference. Stress-induced ischemia 10% and arrhythmia 12% were more prevalent among subjects with chest pain while stress-induced hypertension 10% was significant among subjects with palpitations. Conclusion Arrhythmia was rarely a reason for stopping the stress ECG test, as ST elevation and ischemia were minimal. Ischemic heart disease is becoming an increasing problem however, stress ECG is not commonly used in diagnosing this condition in our region.

Abnormal workload-indexed blood pressure response to exercise in patients at risk of or with overt heart failure

Abstract Background Conflicting evidence exists regarding the functional and prognostic significance of hypertensive response to exercise (HRE), commonly defined as peak systolic blood pressure (SBP) &amp;gt;210 mmHg in males and &amp;gt;190 mmHg in females. No study yet has explored the impact of sex-specific, workload-indexed HRE in patients at different stages of the heart failure (HF) spectrum, as defined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association HF staging system. Purpose We evaluated the SBP/Workload slope during exercise across the HF spectrum and investigated the hemodynamic, functional and prognostic correlates of HRE. Methods Fifty-eight healthy controls, 201 subjects at risk of developing HF (HF Stages A-B), and 369 patients with a definite diagnosis of HF (Stage C) were enrolled; among the latter, 143 had preserved (HFpEF) and 226 reduced (HFrEF) left ventricular ejection fraction. All patients underwent a combined cardiopulmonary-exercise stress echocardiography test. For each patient, we recorded at least two BP measurements during exercise: the first within the first minute of exercise and the last at peak effort. The SBP/Workload slope was calculated as the difference in SBP over the corresponding increment in watts (W): (SBPpeak – SBPfirst)/(Wpeak – Wfirst). In each ACC/AHA HF Stage, we divided patients according to SBP/Workload slope tertiles; HRE was defined as the highest sex-specific SBP/Workload slope tertile. A composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons was chosen as the primary outcome. Results The median SBP/Workload slope was 0.53 (interquartile range 0.36-0.72) mmHg/W and was steeper in women than in men in all subgroups (p&amp;lt;0.0001). After adjusting for age and sex, SBP/Workload slope was significantly higher in Stages A-B (0.61, 0.47-0.75 mmHg/W) and HFpEF (0.63, 0.42-0.86 mmHg/W) compared to controls (0.43, 0.35-0.57 mmHg/W) and HFrEF (0.47, 0.30-0.63 mmHg/W, Figure 1). In all subgroups, patients with HRE showed significantly lower peak oxygen consumption and peripheral oxygen extraction (Table). After a median follow-up of 16 months, HRE was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes (Hazard Ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.81-5.18), while rest and peak absolute SBP values did not. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed a worse survival probability for patients with HRE in Stages A-B and HFpEF but not in HFrEF. After adjusting for confounding factors, the patients with the highest SBP/Workload slope had a 47% higher risk of the primary outcome than subjects in the lowest tertile (Figure 2). Conclusions Across the HF spectrum, patients with HRE, as evaluated by the SBP/Workload slope, present with peculiar pathophysiological features and impaired functional capacity. This is especially true for those in Stages A-B and patients with HFpEF. In these subgroups, HRE may portend an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.SBP/workload slopesKaplan-Meier curves and Hazard Ratios

Abstract 15558: Blood Pressure Responses During Exercise Were Associated With Average Home Blood Pressure and Home Blood Pressure Variability: The Electronic Framingham Heart Study

Introduction: Abnormal blood pressure (BP) responses during exercise are associated with incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease, but how exercise BP responses relate to average home BP and home BP variability (BPV) over one-year follow-up is unknown. Objective: We investigated whether exercise BP was associated with average home BP and home BPV, after accounting for resting BP, in the electronic Framingham Heart Study (eFHS). We hypothesized that higher exercise BP predicts higher average home BP and home BPV over one-year follow-up. Methods: At a FHS research exam (2016-2019), participants underwent maximum incremental ramp cycle ergometry cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with BP measured every two minutes. Participants enrolled in the eFHS were provided with a digital BP cuff to measure home BP weekly for up to one year. Linear regression models were used to examine associations of exercise BP with average home systolic BP (SBP) and week-to-week average real variability (ARV) of home SBP over one-year follow-up, adjusting for covariates. ARV, which considers both the dispersion and order of BP readings, was quantified as the average of the absolute differences between consecutive BP readings. We used p&lt;0.05 for significance. Results: The study sample included 806 participants (mean age 53 years, 58% women, 46% hypertension, median number of home BP returns 22, average home SBP 122 mmHg). Adjusting for resting SBP and other covariates, higher exercise SBP (as measured by peak SBP, SBP at 75 Watts, and SBP/workload slope) was associated with higher average home SBP ( Figure 1A ). Higher SBP/workload slope was associated with elevated ARV of home SBP in men ( Figure 1B ). Conclusion: Higher exercise SBP responses are associated with higher average digital home-based SBP and home-based SBP variability over one-year follow-up after accounting for resting SBP.

Playing a Role in the Diabetes Care Continuum

A recent ‘Number Check' article in the American College of Cardiology's monthly magazine realerted me to the havoc of diabetes (1). The article provided the following sobering data of the U.S. population: 11.3% has type 2 diabetes (T2D). And while this is alarming because of the cost for caring for these patients and the downstream adverse health effects likely to occur, I was surprised to find out that in South Asians living in the U.S., an estimated 23% have T2D. Black Americans have an incidence of about 12% (2), and Hispanics and American Indians and Alaskan Natives are at about a 15% incidence rate. The article also explained the relationship between T2D and the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure. And even if the other major risk factors (i.e., blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and albuminuria) are under control, those with T2D have a 45% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure that in those who do not have T2D.Certainly, the initial goal should be one of primary prevention in which the avoidance of T2D is paramount. However, the current reality of the scourge of T2D emphasizes the importance of secondary disease prevention that requires the control of T2D. Evaluating A1C is the current gold-standard for assessing glycemic control (3). Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic control of T2D is of primary importance. However, the updated guidelines suggest that healthy lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity and exercise should be part of an overall approach to managing T2D. A recommendation is to use physical activity, along with nutrition and behavioral therapy to reduce body weight by ≥5% in those who are overweight or obese, which encompasses most people with T2D (3). The stated target is to achieve a daily energy deficit of 500 to 700 kilocalories per day with a combined diet intake reduction and physical activity increase. To achieve this, the guidelines recommend that at least 16 counseling sessions occur over a 6-month period. The guidelines also recommend regular resistance training and provide information for specific exercise-related situations including the risk of hypoglycemia, exercising with existing peripheral and/or autonomic neuropathy, and exercising with diabetic kidney disease. Each of these can have complexities that require expertise when counseling and designing/implementing an exercise program.While CEPs are not currently routinely part of the multidisciplinary diabetes care team, there is a strong case that they should be part of this team. Often clinical recommendations for exercise are part of the task of a registered dietitian nutritionist. Many of these allied health professionals have an interest in exercise and some may have taken courses in school or have a personal trainer level certification. While this may be adequate for uncomplicated patients, those with obesity or the other aforementioned diabetes-related morbidities might benefit from the experience of a qualified CEP who can assess for low blood sugars postexercise, or for abnormal heart rate and blood pressure responses, and who can work with patients with loss of sensation in their feet or who may develop sores on their feet that can be exacerbated by exercise. Each of these situations requires an understanding of the pathophysiology involved and how it relates to exercise and how exercise mode, intensity, and durations might be modified. This sets up a perfect scenario for the CEP to become part of the diabetes care team. But how does that happen? One thought is for those working in a clinical program such as cardiac rehabilitation, to consider contacting the diabetes management team in your hospital system to discuss the advantages of having a CEP either on staff or on-call to provide their expertise as needed for patients with T2D. A potentially helpful tool in the United States to aid in gaining professional respect from the diabetes team is to consider becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). This is available to those who are an ACSM-CEP. Effective diabetes care requires regular physical activity and exercise, and many of those with T2D have not been regular practitioners. This is yet another opportunity for CEPs, no matter where in the world, to expand into care for patients other than those with cardiac disease. Be progressive and move toward working with those with TD2. They need you!

Retrospective cohort study at two centers, systolic blood pressure response during exercise testing

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Palacky University Olomouc Faculty of Medicine Czechia. Introduction Measurement of blood pressure (BP) is a standard part of the exercise testing protocol in the general population and in athletes, however, we do not have a sufficient definition of normal and abnormal blood pressure response to exercise and we don´t know the prognostic impact of exercise systolic blood pressure. Purpose To present systolic blood pressure values during exercise in athletes examined by an exercise test. Methods Retrospective analysis of blood pressure response to exercise in a selected cohort of athletes who performed a bicycle ergometer exercise test at two centers. We excluded individuals with prevalent cardiovascular disease. An individual ramp protocol to maximum was used and blood pressure was measured by auscultation method. Resting BP and the highest systolic blood pressure during exercise (SPBmax), maximum heart rate (TF), and maximum workload were recorded for each individual. The SBP/Watt-slope and the SBP/Watt-ratio at peak exercise were calculated. The SBP/Watt-slope was calculated as the ratio of the difference in the rest SPB and peak SPB measurement over the increment of workload. The SBP/Watt-ratio at peak exercise was calculated as the ratio of peak SBD over the peak workload. Sex-specific mean values, standard deviations, and 5th, 25th, 75th and 95th percentiles were determined. Results Between the years 2015 and 2021, 14 702 individuals – 3821 females (27,2 %) and 10 251 males (72,8 %) – underwent the exercise test, with an average age of 19 years (±14). The average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 21,1. The average maximum heart rate achieved was 183/min (±16) and the average peak workload achieved was 3,9 W/kg regardless of gender. The following values were calculated for the whole cohort: peak SBP/Watt-ratio and SBP/Watt-slope. More detailed results are in Table 1. Sex-specific values can be seen in Table 2. Conclusion The values of BP response during exercise testing in our cohort are comparable to recently published data. These data can change the interpretation of SPB response to exercise in the future. There is also a strong need for further research-the multivariate analysis of factors associated with a higher blood pressure response to exercise and determination of sex and age-specific values.

PS-BPP02-1: EFFECTS OF INCREASED ARTERIAL STIFFNESS ON HEMODYNAMIC RESPONSE DURING AND AFTER SUBMAXIMAL STEP EXERCISE TEST IN MIDDLE-AGED NORMOTENSIVE INDIVIDUALS

Objective: This study was designed to examine the effects of increased arterial stiffness on hemodynamic response during and after simple step exercise test in middle-aged normotensive individuals. Design and method: The study participants consisted of 819 untreated normotensive individuals (aged 54.8 years; 39.6% men) without a history of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and renal disease. The participants underwent a submaximal step exercise test (25 steps/min for 2 min). Brachial arterial blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate were measured at 1-min interval before, during, and after the step exercise test. During the end of exercise (exercise SBP) and 2 min after exercise (recovery SBP) were evaluated. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as an index of arterial stiffness using an oscillometric device. Results: The mean values of resting SBP, exercise SBP, and recovery SBP were 121 ± 12 mmHg, 153 ± 17 mmHg, and 130 ± 14 mmHg, respectively. The individuals with increased baPWV (&gt; = 1400 cm/s, n = 305) showed significantly higher exercise SBP and recovery SBP than those with normal baPWV (Exercise, 162 ± 16 mmHg vs. 148 ± 16 mmHg, P &lt; 0.001; Recovery, 138 ± 13 mmHg vs. 125 ± 13 mmHg, P &lt; 0.001). The odds ratios for an exaggerated exercise SBP (&gt; = 180 mmHg) and delayed recovery SBP (&gt; = 150 mmHg) in individuals with increased baPWV were 2.7 (95%CI, 1.8–4.9; P = 0.001) and 3.3 (95%CI, 1.8–6.2; P &lt; 0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, and resting SBP. When participants were divided according to a combination of exercise SBP and recovery SBP, the baPWV of the subgroup with exaggerated exercise SBP and delayed SBP recovery was higher than that of those with only exaggerated exercise SBP and delayed SBP recovery (Both, 1585 ± 301 cm/s; Exercise, 1505 ± 232 cm/s; Recovery, 1475 ± 160 cm/s). Conclusion: Exaggerated BP increase and delayed BP recovery during submaximal step exercise test are associated with increased arterial stiffness in normotensive individuals. Subclinical vascular impairment may influence vascular reactivity to a greater degree than basal tone and could be identified by an abnormal BP response to exercise even before clinical manifestation of hypertension.

Impaired Left Ventricular Contractile Reserve in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Abnormal Blood Pressure Response: A Stress Echocardiographic Study.

Abnormal blood pressure response (ABPR) has been reported to be a risk factor for sudden cardiac death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to elucidate the relationship between ABPR during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and impaired left ventricular (LV) contractile reserve based on two-dimensional strain in patients with HCM. Patients with HCM underwent ESE with treadmill exercise. Patients whose blood pressure elevation at maximum workload was lower than 20 mmHg from baseline were classified as having ABPR. Echocardiographic parameters were compared between patients with and without ABPR. Results: Of 26 patients with HCM, nine patients were diagnosed with ABPR. Significant LV outflow tract obstruction (>50 mmHg) was provoked only in one patient with ABPR (baseline to the conclusion of the exercise, 15.2 mmHg to 63.0 mmHg). Change in cardiac output (CO) and the ratio of early diastolic velocity to early annular velocity (E/e') from baseline to just after the conclusion of exercise did not differ between patients with and without ABPR (CO, 102±40% vs. 122±45%, P = 0.19; E/e', 4±22% vs. 2±20%, P = 0.86). Change in systemic vascular resistance change was not significant (patients with vs. without ABPR, -52±10% vs. -46±13%, P = 0.24). Percent change in LV global longitudinal strain was lower in patients with ABPR than patients without ABPR (12±17% vs. 27±15%, P = 0.02). In conclusion, impaired LV contractile reserve during exercise might contribute to ABPR in patients with HCM.

Blood Pressure Responses During Exercise: Physiological Correlates and Clinical Implications.

Abnormal blood pressure (BP) responses to exercise can predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but their optimal measurement and definitions are poorly understood. We combined frequently sampled BP during cardiopulmonary exercise testing with vascular stiffness assessment to parse cardiac and vascular components of exercise BP. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing with BP measured every two minutes and resting vascular tonometry were performed in 2858 Framingham Heart Study participants. Linear regression was used to analyze sex-specific exercise BP patterns as a function of arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) and cardiac-peripheral performance (defined by peak O2 pulse). Our sample was balanced by sex (52% women) with mean age 54±9 years and 47% with hypertension. We observed variability in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and peak O2 pulse across individuals with clinically defined exercise hypertension (peak systolic BP [SBP] in men ≥210 mm Hg; in women ≥190 mm Hg). Despite similar resting SBP and cardiometabolic profiles, individuals with higher peak O2 pulse displayed higher peak SBP (P≤0.017) alongside higher fitness levels (P<0.001), suggesting that high peak exercise SBP in the context of high peak O2 pulse may in fact be favorable. Although both higher (favorable) O2 pulse and higher (adverse) arterial stiffness were associated with greater peak SBP (P<0.0001 for both), the magnitude of association of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity with peak SBP was higher in women (sex-carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity interaction P<0.0001). In sex-specific models, exercise SBP measures accounting for workload (eg, SBP during unloaded exercise, SBP at 75 watts, and SBP/workload slope) were directly associated with the adverse features of greater arterial stiffness and lower peak O2 pulse. Higher peak exercise SBP reflects a complex trade-off between arterial stiffness and cardiac-peripheral performance that differs by sex. Studies of BP responses to exercise accounting for vascular and cardiac physiology may illuminate mechanisms of hypertension and clarify clinical interpretation of exercise BP.

Abstract 11615: The Prevalence and Association of Exercise Test Abnormalities With Sudden Cardiac Death and Transplant-Free Survival in Childhood Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be associated with an abnormal exercise response. In adults with HCM, an abnormal exercise stress test (EST) is predictive of heart failure outcomes. Our goal was to determine if an abnormal exercise response is associated with adverse outcomes in pediatric HCM patients. Methods: : In an international cohort study with 20 centers (PRIMaCY), children &lt;18 years with primary HCM were included. Abnormal EST was defined as an abnormal heart rate or blood pressure response, arrhythmias and/or ischemic ECG changes on exercise. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) events were defined as a composite of SCD and aborted SCD including appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator discharges. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, we analyzed the association of abnormal EST with SCD and transplant-free survival. Results: Of 724 eligible patients, 604 underwent at least one EST on follow-up. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between those with or without an EST. The median age at EST was 13.8yrs (IQR 11.0-15.7yrs), 76% were male, 55% were on beta-blockers. 299 (49.5%) had an abnormal EST. Patients with an abnormal EST had more severe septal hypertrophy, higher left atrial diameter z-scores, higher resting LV outflow gradient at first evaluation, and a higher proportion were genotype-positive (p&lt;0.05) compared to those with a normal EST. An abnormal EST was associated with lower 5-year transplant-free survival (99% vs. 95%, p=0.0082) and lower 5-year freedom from SCD events (96% vs. 92%, p=0.025) (Figure 1). Conclusions: Exercise abnormalities are common in childhood HCM. An abnormal EST in children with HCM was associated with lower transplant-free survival and more SCD events. Further analysis will determine if the inclusion of EST results can increase the predictive accuracy of current pediatric SCD risk prediction models.

The Prevalence and Association of Exercise Test Abnormalities With Sudden Cardiac Death and Transplant-Free Survival in Childhood Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be associated with an abnormal exercise response. In adults with HCM, abnormal results on exercise stress testing are predictive of heart failure outcomes. Our goal was to determine whether an abnormal exercise response is associated with adverse outcomes in pediatric patients with HCM. In an international cohort study including 20 centers, phenotype-positive patients with primary HCM who were <18 years of age at diagnosis were included. Abnormal exercise response was defined as a blunted blood pressure response and new or worsened ST- or T-wave segment changes or complex ventricular ectopy. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) events were defined as a composite of SCD and aborted sudden cardiac arrest. Using Kaplan-Meier survival, competing outcomes, and Cox regression analyses, we analyzed the association of abnormal exercise test results with transplant and SCD event-free survival. Of 724 eligible patients, 630 underwent at least 1 exercise test. There were no major differences in clinical characteristics between those with or without an exercise test. The median age at exercise testing was 13.8 years (interquartile range, 4.7 years); 78% were male and 39% were receiving beta-blockers. A total of 175 (28%) had abnormal test results. Patients with abnormal test results had more severe septal hypertrophy, higher left atrial diameter z scores, higher resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient, and higher frequency of myectomy compared with participants with normal test results (P<0.05). Compared with normal test results, abnormal test results were independently associated with lower 5-year transplant-free survival (97% versus 88%, respectively; P=0.005). Patients with exercise-induced ischemia were most likely to experience all-cause death or transplant (hazard ratio, 4.86 [95% CI, 1.69-13.99]), followed by those with an abnormal blood pressure response (hazard ratio, 3.19 [95% CI, 1.32-7.71]). Exercise-induced ischemia was also independently associated with lower SCD event-free survival (hazard ratio, 3.32 [95% CI, 1.27-8.70]). Exercise-induced ectopy was not associated with survival. Exercise abnormalities are common in childhood HCM. An abnormal exercise test result was independently associated with lower transplant-free survival, especially in those with an ischemic or abnormal blood pressure response with exercise. Exercise-induced ischemia was also independently associated with SCD events. These findings argue for routine exercise testing in childhood HCM as part of ongoing risk assessment.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Pediatric Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

BackgroundExercise stress testing (EST) in pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients has not well described in a large heterogenous cohort. ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to determine the clinical utility of EST in pediatric HCM. MethodsThis was a retrospective single-center analysis of HCM patients younger than 21 years who had EST between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2019. Clinical, demographic characteristics, and EST data were analyzed, using the last EST during the study or prior to the event in subjects with a primary outcome. The primary composite endpoint included cardiac death, transplant, or arrhythmia requiring implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement. Outcome analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard modeling. ResultsThe study cohort included 140 patients, 52% with a recognized genetic variant. There were 2 tests aborted due to safety concerns (ST-segment changes, ventricular ectopy). The median age at first EST was 13.6 years. Ninety percent of patients were tested using cycle ergometry, and 44% were on a beta-blocker. The median peak oxygen consumption was 37.1 mL/kg/min (IQR: 12.5 mL/kg/min) or 81.2% predicted, the mean anaerobic threshold was 21.8 Ml (IQR: 8.3 mL), and the median peak power was 2.6 ± 1.1 W/kg or 73.7% predicted. Ectopy during EST was seen in 44% of patients, and 8% had an abnormal blood pressure response to exercise. The endpoint was reached in 12 patients. The presence of any degree of ectopy was a predictor of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio: 5.8; 95% CI: 1.3-26.7). ConclusionsEST is clinically useful in select pediatric patients with HCM. Ectopy on EST is a risk factor for cardiac death, cardiac transplant, and arrhythmias requiring implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

CORRELATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE CHANGES WITH THE FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH PRESERVED AND MID-RANGE EJECTION FRACTION

Objective: 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) reflects the daily activity of heart failure (HF) patients who develop progressive limitation of functional capacity (FC). Our aim was to assess different blood pressure (BP) parameters and their changes after 6-MWT in patients with HF with mid-range ejection fraction (EF) (HFmEF) and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) and correlate them with the FC assessed by 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD). Design and method: Patients presented with clinical manifestations of HF were admitted to Cardiology Department and medically stabilized. 40 HFmEF patients and 50 HFpEF patients underwent 6-MWT according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines 2002. Different BP parameters before and after 6-MWT were recorded including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean BP, pulse pressure (PP), and proportionate pulse pressure (PPP) defined as the ratio of PP and SBP. Limited FC was defined as 6-MWD &lt; 300 M. Abnormal BP response to exercise (ABPRE) was defined as a decrease, no increase or an increase of the SBP after exercise by &lt; 20 MMHG. Results: The mean 6-MWD was 325.3 ± 56.84 meters (M), 316.1 ± 61.33 M, 332.66 ± 52.44 M in all patients, HFmEF patients, and HFpEF patients respectively. 6-MWD and limited FC showed no significant difference between the 2 groups. Limited FC affected 42.5 % and 33 % of HFmEF and HFpEF patients respectively. ABPRE affected 28 (31.1 %) of patients and was significantly higher in HFmEF than HFpEF patients. Independent predictors of limited FC were lower EF, PP and PPP and higher DBP in HFmEF patients and lower EF in HFpEF patients. Cut-off points for prediction of limited included PP &lt; 32.5 MMHG and PPP &lt; 30.22 % in HFmEF patients, PP &lt; 37.5 MMHG and PPP &lt; 32.67 % in HFpEF patients, and EF &lt; 42.5 % in all patients (figure 1). Conclusions: The 6-MWT is well tolerated by HF patients and easy to perform in clinical practice. Simple bed-side measurement of BP parameters correlated with the FC and predicted limited FC in HFmEF and HFpEF patients.

Exercise Oscillatory Ventilation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

To assess the prevalence and clinical correlates of exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Retrospective single-center study. Thirty-six consecutive HCM patients who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Two patients (5.6%) had EOV. Both patients with peak oxygen consumption (VO2) less than or equal to 9.1 ml/kg/min had EOV. Left atrial size was greater in patients with EOV. Of the 2 patients in the study population with an abnormal blood pressure response to exercise, 1 had EOV. Both patients with New York Heart Association Class 3 heart failure had EOV. This is the first report of EOV in HCM. EOV is uncommon in patients with HCM. EOV appears to be a marker of disease severity as evidenced by overt heart failure, left atrial enlargement, and low peak VO2.

Blood pressure and heart rate responses to orthostatic challenge and Valsalva manoeuvre in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies.

ObjectivesOrthostatic hypotension is a common feature of normal ageing, and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases, in particular the synucleinopathies including dementia with Lewy bodies. Orthostatic hypotension and other abnormal cardiovascular responses may be early markers of Lewy body disease. We aimed to assess whether abnormal blood pressure and heart rate responses to orthostatic challenge and Valsalva manoeuvre would be more common in mild cognitive impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI‐LB) than MCI due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI‐AD).MethodsMCI patients (n = 89) underwent longitudinal clinical assessment with differential classification of probable MCI‐LB, possible MCI‐LB, or MCI‐AD, with objective autonomic function testing at baseline. Blood pressure and heart rate responses to active stand and Valsalva manoeuvre were calculated from beat‐to‐beat cardiovascular data, with abnormalities defined by current criteria, and age‐adjusted group differences estimated with logistic models.ResultsOrthostatic hypotension and abnormal heart rate response to orthostatic challenge were not more common in probable MCI‐LB than MCI‐AD. Heart rate abnormalities were likewise not more common in response to Valsalva manoeuvre in probable MCI‐LB. An abnormal blood pressure response to Valsalva (delayed return to baseline/absence of overshoot after release of strain) was more common in probable MCI‐LB than MCI‐AD. In secondary analyses, magnitude of blood pressure drop after active stand and 10‐s after release of Valsalva strain were weakly correlated with cardiac sympathetic denervation.ConclusionsProbable MCI‐LB may feature abnormal blood pressure response to Valsalva, but orthostatic hypotension is not a clear distinguishing feature from MCI‐AD.

Exercise Testing In Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Safety, Feasibility and Potential Prognostic Implication.

ResumoFundamento Pacientes com anemia falciforme (AF) têm risco aumentado de complicações cardiovasculares. O teste ergométrico é usado como marcador de prognóstico em uma série de doenças cardiovasculares. Entretanto, há uma escassez de evidências sobre exercícios em pacientes com AF, especialmente em relação à sua segurança, viabilidade e possível função prognóstica.Objetivos Usamos o teste em esteira máximo para determinar a segurança e a viabilidade do teste ergométrico em pacientes com AF. Além disso, os fatores associados à duração do exercício, bem como o impacto das alterações causadas pelo exercício em resultados clínicos, também foram avaliados.Métodos 113 pacientes com AF que passaram pelo teste ergométrico e por uma avaliação cardiovascular abrangente incluindo um ecocardiograma e os níveis do peptídeo natriurético do tipo B (BNP). O desfecho de longo prazo foi uma combinação de eventos incluindo morte, crises álgicas graves, síndrome torácica aguda ou internações hospitalares por outras complicações associadas â doença falciforme. A análise de regressão de Cox foi realizada para identificar as variáveis associadas ao resultado. Um p valor <0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo.Resultados A média de idade foi de 36 ± 12 anos (intervalo, 18-65 anos), e 62 pacientes eram do sexo feminino (52%). A presença de alterações isquêmicas ao esforço e resposta pressórica anormal ao exercício foram detectadas em 17% e 9 % da´população estudada respectivamente. Dois pacientes apresentaram crise álgica com necessidade de internação hospitalar no período de 48 horas da realização do exame. Fatores associados à duração do exercício foram idade, sexo, velocidade máxima de regurgitação tricúspide (RT), e relação E/e’, após a padronização quanto aos marcadores da gravidade da doença. Durante o período médio de acompanhamento de 10,1 meses (variando de 1,2 a 26), 27 pacientes (23%) apresentaram desfechos clínicos adversos. Preditores independentes de eventos adversos foram a concentração de hemoglobina, velocidade do fluxo transmitral tardio (onda A), e a resposta da PA ao exercício.Conclusões A realização de testes ergométricos em pacientes com AF, clinicamente estáveis, é viável. A duração do exercício estava associada à função diastólica e a pressão arterial pulmonar. A resposta anormal da PA foi um preditor independente de eventos adversos.

Does exercise stress testing carry an incremental prognostic value beyond resting office blood pressure?

Does exercise stress testing carry an incremental prognostic value beyond resting office blood pressure?