Ventricular-arterial Coupling Research Articles

MATERNAL LEFT VENTRICULAR ADAPTATION IN TWIN PREGNANCY

Objective: During pregnancy, a maternal left ventricular (LV) remodeling occurs to face significant hemodynamic changes. Although twin pregnancy can require greater modifications than in singleton, limited data are currently available. The aim of the study was to longitudinally investigate maternal changes of LV function and compliance in twin pregnancy. Design and method: 35 uncomplicated twin pregnancy women underwent transthoracic echocardiography at first (T1, 10-15 weeks) and third trimester (T3, 30-35 weeks) of gestation. Left atrial (LA) and LV dimensions, LV volumes, systolic and diastolic function were measured, LV mass was calculated. Speckle-tracking imaging was used to evaluate global longitudinal strain (GLS). Non-invasive pressure-volume curves (PV loops) were reconstructed using a dedicated software. Results: Maternal LA and LV dimensions, LV volumes and mass increased from T1 to T3. Ejection fraction and GLS showed no changes between visits. Assessment of diastolic function (at pulsed wave Doppler and tissue Doppler) showed no changes in E/A ratio, while E/e’ ratio was higher at T3. At PV loops analysis, ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) was stable due to the reduction of both LV end-systolic elastance (Ees) and arterial elastance (Ea). An increase in stroke work was observed. The increase in LV end-diastolic volumes from T1 to T3 with no changes in LV end-diastolic filling pressure suggested enhanced LV cavity compliance (rightward shift of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship, EDPVR). Conclusions: Maternal heart in uncomplicated twin pregnancy adapts to the increased hemodynamic load with an increase in stroke work and enhancement of LV volumes without altering ventricular filling pressure.

CARDIAC MANIFESTATION IN PATIENTS WITH TAKAYASU'S ARTERITIS IN THE CONTEXT OF ALTERATION OF VENTRICULAR-ARTERIAL COUPLING

Objective: Takayasu's arteritis is a chronic, progressive inflammatory disease of the large vessels, diffusely disseminated. Thus, it can affect any organ system and can have a wide range of clinical manifestations. In the absence of control of triggering factors and in the absence of treatment, the long-lasting evolution of the inflammation and the detection in advanced stages has led to the appearance of vascular stiffness and left ventricular hypertrophy. Therefore, the decrease in both arterial and ventricular elastance has led to a decrease in mechanical work and myocardial efficiency, which is the expression of altered ventricular-arterial coupling. Design and method: We present the case of a 25-year-old patient, with no significant personal history, admitted to our clinic for the management of high blood pressure values. Biologically, the patient has stage IV chronic kidney disease and significant inflammatory syndrome. The echocardiography shows significant concentric ventricular hypertrophy, with mild systolic dysfunction, due to diffuse hypokinesia and low ventricular mechanical work. Given the multiple arguments of renovascular pathology, we took a native CT angiography which showed circumscribed lesions in the vertebral arteries, carotid, upper mesenteric and left subclavian artery. Therefore, we suspect the Takayasu's arteritis as a possible diagnosis and the treatment with systemic corticosteroid was started, which led to the decrease of the inflammatory syndrome and to the reduction of the inflammation at carotid arteries level, evidenced by a vascular Doppler ultrasound. Results: Ventricular-arterial coupling is important for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying both arterial and left ventricular remodeling. The development of advanced imaging techniques has led to the possibility of non-invasive analysis of the ventricular-atrial relationship which is important for determining the mechanical work, and thus for a better understanding of the mechanisms that led to the development of ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions: Although left ventricular hypertrophy is common in patients with high blood pressure, in a young patient thorough investigation of other possible etiologies has an important role in therapeutic management. Contrary to the literature data, in the present case there is an association between the episodes of severe hypertension and the ones of arteritis activity.

Enhancement of left ventricular compliance in twin pregnancy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The knowledge of maternal left ventricular adaptation in twin pregnancies is incomplete. Purpose The objective of this study was to longitudinally investigate maternal changes of left ventricular (LV) function and compliance in twin pregnancies. Methods Thirty-five women (age 35.3±4.8 years) with uncomplicated twin pregnancy were enrolled to undergo transthoracic echocardiography at 10-15 (T1) and 30-38 (T3) week’s gestation. Left atrial (LA) and LV dimensions, LV volumes and mass, diastolic parameters (at pulsed wave Doppler and tissue Doppler), global longitudinal strain (GLS) at speckle-tracking imaging, and non-invasive pressure-volume curves (PV loops) were measured and calculated. Results Maternal LA and LV dimensions, LV volumes and mass had an increasing trend from T1 to T3 (p<0.001 for all). E/A remained stable, while E/e’ ratio slightly increased during gestation. GLS showed no changes between the two visits. At PV loops analysis (Figure 1), LV end-systolic elastance (Ees) and arterial elastance (Ea) both decreased, with no changes in ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC). LV end-diastolic volumes increased from T1 to T3 with no changes in LV end-diastolic filling pressure; the rightward shift of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR) suggested enhanced LV cavity compliance (Figure 2). An increase in stroke work was observed. Conclusions During twin pregnancy GLS and VAC were not modified showing functional adaptation to enhanced haemodynamic load. Importantly, stroke work increase was sustained by enhancement in LV end-diastolic volume with unaltered filling pressure.

C64 REDUCTION IN EJECTION AND PRE–EJECTION PERIODS ARE PREDICTIVE OF MORTALITY IN AL AND ATTR HEART AMYLOIDOSIS

Abstract Background Amyloidosis is a systemic disease caused by fibrillary misfolded protein deposition in several organs including the heart. Cardiac deposition is the leading cause of death in these patients. Echocardiography is the imaging technique mostly used to study cardiac amyloidosis. Many studies tried to identify earlier markers to stratify the mortality risk. Heart stiffness is the main issue leading the heart dysfunction. However, few data are available on the possible role of connection between heart and possible vessels alterations. Purpose: Aim of this study was to evaluate heart stiffness using Ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC) for relationship between heart and vessel tree. Methods We studied 58 patients (22 F and 36 M, aged 67.14± 12.49) with AL or ATTR amyloidosis and heart involvement. They were 42 AL and 16 ATTR patients. All patients were evaluated before treatment with a complete history, physical exam, serum markers of disease, and echocardiogram. The abdominal fat biopsy to confirm amyloid deposition was performed before treatment. Among all patients, 18 died with a mean OS of 12 months [IQR 1–24 months]. Results At baseline, VAC was increased in died patients (alive 1.53 ± 0.43 vs died 2.06 ± 1.73, p=0.09) but was ineffective to predict the risk of mortality (ROC analysis AUC 0.54, p=0.57). By analysing ejection and pre–ejection periods we found that they were both increased in alive patients (p=0.0016 and p=0.0072, respectively). Moreover, these periods were effective in prediction of the death risk (ejection time AUC 0.81, cut–off 239 msec, sensitivity 61.54% and specificity 88.24%; pre–ejection time AUC 0.75, cut–off 82 msec, sensitivity 84.62% and specificity 58.82%). No difference in VAC, ejection time or pre–ejection time were found comparing AL to ATTR, nor both parameters had a predictive role. Conclusion Amyloidosis induces an increase in heart stiffness and reduces heart contractility. This causes a reduction of peripheral blood flow and a worsening in heart failure. We demonstrated that this mechanism affects the capacity to pump blood in vessels due the reduction in time for loading during the systole. These results may predict the mortality with a significant sensitivity and specificity, regardless of the type of amyloidosis.

C43 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC DATA AND CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TEST PARAMETERS IN ADULT CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE PATIENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract Introduction The interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is challenging because of the high variability in cardiac lesions and because the poor exercise tolerance is often associated with abnormal heart function. The aim of this work is to study the correlation between echocardiographic evaluation and CPET parameters in ACHD population. Methods This is a retrospective clinical study enrolling all ACHD patients afferent to our institution from March 2016 to February 2020 collecting clinical, CPET and echocardiographic data. Population was divided into three groups and compared: patients with prevalent left heart lesions (L group), patients with prevalent right heart lesions (R group) and patients with single ventricle physiology (SV group). Finally, correlation analysis were performed to assess any relationship between echocardiographic and CPET data. Results 60 patients were included in the study, 20 were male, median age was 36 [30–46.75] years old, 23 had a prevalent left side pathology, 31 a prevalent right side pathology and 6 had a single ventricle physiology. L group had a significantly lower predicted peak VO2 in comparison to SV group (p=0.03). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the right ventricular function and the ventilatory reserve in the R group (R2 0.517). In SV group we found correlation between ventricular–arterial coupling and Cardiac mechanical efficiency with the ventilatory reserve (R2 0.6 and 0.65, respectively) and the oxygen pulse (R2 0.97 and 0.98, respectively), and a correlation between the ejection fraction and the Oxygen pulse (R2 0.52). Finally, a correlation between the TAPSE/PAPs index and the ventilation (R2=0.79), the ratio between the oxygen uptake and the workload (R2=0.61) and the oxygen consumption (R2=0.72) was found. Coclusion:In our preliminary experience, echocardiographic parameters of cardiocirculatory efficiency correlate with the oxygen consumption per heart beat evaluated at the CPET in single ventricle patients, and the breath rate is influenced not only by ventricular function but also by the coupling between the ventricle and the arterial system. In patients affected by right–side disease, the breath rate correlate with the right ventricular function. Finally, in the left heart lesion population, a correlation between the TAPSE/PAPs index with the ventilation, the oxygen consumption per beat and the oxygen consumption was found.

Cardiac Mechanical Performance Assessment at Different Levels of Exercise in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors.

There is a shortage of relevant studies interested in cardiac mechanical performance. Thus, it is clinically relevant to study the impact of cancer treatments on survivors' cardiac mechanical performance to improve our knowledge. The first objective of this study is to assess survivors' cardiac mechanical performance during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) using both ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) and cardiac work efficiency (CWE) from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) acquisitions. The second objective is to assess the impact of doxorubicin and dexrazoxane (DEX) treatments. A total of 63 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors underwent a CMR at rest on a 3T magnetic resonance imaging system, followed by a CPET on ergocycle. The CircAdapt model was used to study cardiac mechanical performance. At different levels of exercise, arterial elastance, end-systolic elastance, VAC, and CWE were estimated. We observed significant differences between the different levels of exercise for both VAC ( P <0.0001) and CWE parameters ( P =0.001). No significant differences were reported between prognostic risk groups at rest and during the CPET. Nevertheless, we observed that survivors in the SR group had a VAC value slightly lower than heart rate (HR)+DEX and HR groups throughout the CPET. Moreover, survivors in the SR group had a CWE parameter slightly higher than HR+DEX and HR groups throughout the CPET. This study reveals that the combination of CPET, CMR acquisitions and CircAdapt model was sensitive enough to observe slight changes in the assessment of VAC and CWE parameters. Our study contributes to improving survivors' follow-up and detection of cardiac problems induced by doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity.

Endurance-trained subjects and sedentary controls increase ventricular contractility and efficiency during exercise: Feasibility of hemodynamics assessed by non-invasive pressure-volume loops.

Pressure-volume (PV) loops can be used to assess both load-dependent and load-independent measures of cardiac hemodynamics. However, analysis of PV loops during exercise is challenging as it requires invasive measures. Using a novel method, it has been shown that left ventricular (LV) PV loops at rest can be obtained non-invasively from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and brachial pressures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess if LV PV loops can be obtained non-invasively from CMR during exercise to assess cardiac hemodynamics. Thirteen endurance trained (ET; median 48 years [IQR 34-60]) and ten age and sex matched sedentary controls (SC; 43 years [27-57]) were included. CMR images were acquired at rest and during moderate intensity supine exercise defined as 60% of expected maximal heart rate. Brachial pressures were obtained in conjunction with image acquisition. Contractility measured as maximal ventricular elastance (Emax) increased in both groups during exercise (ET: 1.0 mmHg/ml [0.9-1.1] to 1.1 mmHg/ml [0.9-1.2], p<0.01; SC: 1.1 mmHg/ml [0.9-1.2] to 1.2 mmHg/ml [1.0-1.3], p<0.01). Ventricular efficiency (VE) increased in ET from 70% [66-73] at rest to 78% [75-80] (p<0.01) during exercise and in SC from 68% [63-72] to 75% [73-78] (p<0.01). Arterial elastance (EA) decreased in both groups (ET: 0.8 mmHg/ml [0.7-0.9] to 0.7 mmHg/ml [0.7-0.9], p<0.05; SC: 1.0 mmHg/ml [0.9-1.2] to 0.9 mmHg/ml [0.8-1.0], p<0.05). Ventricular-arterial coupling (EA/Emax) also decreased in both groups (ET: 0.9 [0.8-1.0] to 0.7 [0.6-0.8], p<0.01; SC: 1.0 [0.9-1.1] to 0.7 [0.7-0.8], p<0.01). This study demonstrates for the first time that LV PV loops can be generated non-invasively during exercise using CMR. ET and SC increase ventricular efficiency and contractility and decrease afterload and ventricular-arterial coupling during moderate supine exercise. These results confirm known physiology. Therefore, this novel method is applicable to be used during exercise in different cardiac disease states, which has not been possible non-invasively before.

The Role of the Vasculature in Heart Failure.

The contribution of the vasculature in the development and progression of heart failure (HF) syndromes is poorly understood and often neglected. Incorporating both arterial and venous systems, the vasculature plays a significant role in the regulation of blood flow throughout the body in meeting its metabolic requirements. A deterioration or imbalance between the cardiac and vascular interaction can precipitate acute decompensated HF in both preserved and reduced ejection fraction phenotypes. This is characterised by the increasingly recognised concept of ventricular-arterial coupling: a well-balanced relationship between ventricular and vascular stiffness, which has major implications in HF. Often, the cause of decompensation is unknown, with international guidelines mainly centred on arrhythmia, infection, acute coronary syndrome and its mechanical complications as common causes of decompensation; the vascular component is often underrecognised. A better understanding of the vascular contribution in cardiovascular failure can improve risk stratification, earlier diagnosis and facilitate earlier optimal treatment. This review focuses on the role of the vasculature by integrating the concepts of ventricular-arterial coupling, arterial stiffness and venous return in a failing heart.

A method for calculating left ventricular end-diastolic volume as an index of left ventricular preload from the pre-ejection period, ejection time, blood pressure, and stroke volume: a prospective, observational study

BackgroundLeft ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV) is a major determinant of cardiac preload. However, its use in fluid management is limited by the lack of a simple means to measure it noninvasively. This study presents a new noninvasive method that was validated against simultaneously measured EDV by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The goal of this study was to develop and validate a method to estimate EDV in humans non-invasively from left ventricular arterial coupling (Ees/Ea) and stroke volume (SV).MethodsEes/Ea can be calculated non-invasively from the four parameters of end-systolic arterial pressure (Pes), diastolic arterial pressure (DBP), pre-ejection period (PEP), and ejection time (ET), using the approximation formula. In addition, if SV can be assessed, EDV can be calculated. Therefore, using a vascular screening system (VaSera 1000/1500, Fukuda Denshi Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), blood pressure, PEP, and ET were measured noninvasively, the SV value was obtained using an ultrasound diagnostic device, EDV was calculated (EDV calc), and it was compared with EDV obtained using the ultrasound diagnostic device (EDV echo). The results are shown as mean ± standard deviation values.ResultsThere were 48 healthy subjects (40 men, 8 women), with a mean age of 24 ± 4 years, mean height of 169 ± 7 cm, and mean weight of 65 ± 12 kg. EDV echo was 91 ± 16 ml, and EDV calc was 102 ± 21 ml. There was a significant correlation between EDV echo and EDV calc (R2 = 0.81, p < 0.01). A Bland–Altman plot between EDV echo and EDV calc showed that the bias and limits of agreement were –11.2 ml (-36.6, + 14.2 ml).ConclusionsThe results suggest that EDV can be measured non-invasively from Ees/Ea and SV. This suggests that continuous measurements may potentially work, using equipment available in the intraoperative setting.

Left Ventricular-Arterial Coupling and Vascular Function in Childhood Cancer Survivors Exposed to Anthracycline Chemotherapy

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) diseases are a cause of increased long-term morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) treated with anthracyclines. These drugs may affect not only the heart, but also the vascular system. Left ventricular-arterial coupling (LVAC) represents a reliable parameter of altered ventricular and vascular performance, with validated prognostic value and never investigated in this setting. Aim of this study was to assess, in CCSs and matched controls, LVAC changes, performed with different echocardiographic modalities, and their relationship with endothelial function. Methods: Twenty survivors treated with anthracyclines for childhood malignancies and a matched control group of 20 healthy subjects were enrolled. Arterial elastance (Ea), end-systolic elastance (Ees), Ea/Ees ratio, as well as three-dimensional (3D) LVAC (assessed by measurement of End Systolic Volume [ESV]/Stroke Volume [SV] ratio) were performed at rest. Endothelial function was evaluated by measurement of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Results: 3D SV and 3D ESV/SV ratio resulted respectively significantly lower and higher in CCSs than in controls, while Ea, Ees and Ea/Ees ratio were not different among groups. A positive correlation between 3D ESV/SV ratio and cumulative anthracycline doses, as well as with time after drug exposure were also found. Mean FMD was similar in CCSs and controls (8.45 ± 1.79 versus 9.41 ± 3.41, p = 0.34). Conclusions: In conclusion, conventional LVAC parameters were not shown to be significantly different between CCSs and controls; however, 3D SV and LVAC were significantly impaired in our population. In these patients, endothelial function was comparable to controls. Larger validation studies are therefore needed.

Ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC) in a population-based cohort of middle-aged individuals: The STANISLAS cohort

Background and aimsData exploring normal values of different ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC) parameters and their association with anthropometric and cardiovascular (CV) factors are scarce. We aim to report values of two different methods of VAC assessment according to age and sex and explore their association with CV factors within a large population-based cohort of middle-aged individuals. MethodsFor 1333 (mean age 48 ± 14) individuals participating in the 4th visit of the STANISLAS cohort, VAC was assessed by two methods [1]: arterial elastance (Ea)/end-systolic elastance (Ees) and [2] Pulse wave velocity (PWV)/Global longitudinal strain (GLS). ResultsThe mean values of Ea/Ees and PWV/GLS were 1.06 ± 0.20 and 0.42 ± 0.12, respectively. The two methods of VAC assessment were poorly correlated (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.14 (0.08; 0.19)). Increased PWV/GLS was associated with older age and a higher degree of cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., BMI, blood pressure, LDL, diabetes, hypertension) in the whole population as well as in the parent generation. In contrast, higher Ea/Ees were associated with decreasing age, and lower prevalence of risk factors in the whole cohort but neutrally associated with risk factors in the parent generation. ConclusionsHigher PWV/GLS is significantly associated with CV factors regardless of age. In contrast, worse Ea/Ees is associated with a better CV risk profile when considering individuals aged 30 to 70 but neutrally associated with CV factors when considering only older patients. These results may suggest that PWV/GLS should preferably be used to explore VAC. In addition, age-individualized threshold of Ea/Ees should be used.

(168) Nitric Oxide Administered in Oxygenator During Ecmo Improves Ventricular-Arterial Coupling and Decreases Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

(168) Nitric Oxide Administered in Oxygenator During Ecmo Improves Ventricular-Arterial Coupling and Decreases Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in an Experimental Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Chronic Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension: Difficulties in Assessment of Prognosis and Potential Solutions

Pulmonary hypertension and right heart dysfunction often complicate the course of chronic heart failure. At the same time, the addition of these pathological conditions significantly increases the frequency of hospitalizations and worsens survival prognosis. That is why the assessment of the unfavorable outcome’s risk in the group of such patients is extremely important. This problem draws an interest for a more detailed study, considering the fact that the most convenient, accessible and minimally invasive prognosis marker has still being searched for nowadays. In this review article, which is based on the analysis of literature over the past 20 years dedicated to the problem of pulmonary hypertension and chronic heart failure, right ventricular-arterial coupling, has been considered as a relatively new parameter and as an example of one of these prognostic markers. This parameter can be assessed by echocardiography examination and our article describes several options of calculating it, including one of the most popular and valuable ratio of tricuspidal anular plane systolic excursion to the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (TAPSE/sPAP).

Non-invasive assessment of ventricular-arterial coupling: correlation between myocardial work and the pulse wave velocity parameters

Úvod: Měření práce myokardu (myocardial work, MW) představuje novou echokardiografickou metodu založenou na sledování smyčky tlak-deformace srdeční komory, což umožňuje kvantifikovat výkonnost srdce. Na druhé straně rychlost pulsní vlny (pulse wave velocity, PWV) určuje tuhost tepen na základě poznatku, že se zvyšující se tuhostí tepny se zvyšuje i rychlost anterográdního a retrográdního přenosu sfygmické vlny. Cíl: Cílem této studie bylo stanovit korelaci mezi parametry MW a PWV. Metody: Do studie jsme zařazovali všechny po sobě následující pacienty bez kardiovaskulárního onemocnění, kteří v období mezi červnem 2021 a červencem 2022 absolvovali transtorakální dopplerovské echokardio- grafické vyšetření. Hodnoty MW byly vypočítány ze smyčky tlak-deformace srdeční komory, do níž byly začleněny hodnoty neinvazivního vyšetření tepenného tlaku podle doporučení pro standardní echokardiogracfické vyšetření metodou "speckle tracking". Hodnota PWV se měřila tonometrem na úrovni společné karotidy a společné femorální tepny. Výsledky: Celkem bylo do studie zařazeno 66 pacientů průměrného věku 30,7 &#177; 8,6 roku. Byla nalezena statisticky významná negativní korelace mezi PWV a celkovou zbytečně vynaloženou energií (global wasted energy, GWE) (r = -0,317; p &lt; 0,01) při korelaci s celkovou zbytečně vynaloženou prací (global wasted work, GWW) (r = 0,324; p &lt; 0,01). Statisticky významná korelace přetrvávala v podskupinách žen i mužů u GWE (ženy: r = -0,280; p &lt; 0,05; muži: r = -0,362; p &lt; 0,05) i u GWW (ženy: r = 0,359; p &lt; 0,05; muži: r = 0,359; p &lt; 0,05). Závěr: Vztah mezi MW a PWV jako projev součinnosti mezi levou komorou a velkými tepnami může potenciálně představovat užitečný nástroj pro časné odhalení subklinické dysfunkce kardiovaskulárního systému. &#169; 2023, ČKS.

Chest Shape Influences Ventricular-Arterial Coupling Parameters in Infants with Pectus Excavatum.

The present study was designed to investigate the possible influence of chest shape, noninvasively assessed by modified Haller index (MHI), on ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) parameters in a population of term infants with pectus excavatum (PE). Sixteen consecutive PE infants (MHI >2.5) and 44 infants with normal chest shape (MHI ≤2.5) were prospectively analyzed. All infants underwent evaluation by a neonatologist, transthoracic echocardiography, and MHI assessment (ratio of chest transverse diameter over the distance between sternum and spine) within 3 days of life. Arterial elastance index (EaI) was determined as end-systolic pressure (ESP)/stroke volume index, whereas end-systolic elastance index (EesI) was measured as ESP/left ventricular end-systolic volume index. Finally, VAC was derived by the Ea/Ees ratio. At 2.1 ± 1 days after birth, compared to controls (MHI = 2.01 ± 0.2), PE infants (MHI = 2.76 ± 0.2) were diagnosed with significantly smaller size of all cardiac chambers. Biventricular systolic function, left ventricular filling pressures, and pulmonary hemodynamics were similar in both the groups of infants. Both EaI (4.4 ± 1.0 mmHg/ml/m2 vs. 3.4 ± 0.6 mmHg/ml/m2, P < 0.001) and EesI (15.1 ± 3.0 mmHg/ml/m2 vs. 12.7 ± 2.5 mmHg/ml/m2, P = 0.003) were significantly increased in PE infants than controls. The resultant VAC (0.30 ± 0.10 vs. 0.30 ± 0.08, P > 0.99) was similar in both the groups of infants. Both EaI (r = 0.93) and EesI (r = 0.87) were linearly correlated with MHI in PE infants, but not in controls. On the other hand, no correlation was found between MHI and VAC in both the groups of infants. Chest deformity strongly influences both Ea and Ees in PE infants, due to extrinsic cardiac compression, in the absence of any intrinsic cardiovascular dysfunction.

PS-BPC05-10: DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION, HYPERTROPHY AND HYPERTENSION VENTRICULAR-ARTERIAL UNCOUPLING TREATMENT

Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hypertension ventricular-arterial uncoupling treatment on left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction regression. Design and method: observational prospective study, consecutive hypertension patients. Left ventricle mass index measured by Devereux 2D echocardiography method and diastolic function by conventional and tissue Doppler following the Guidelines from Echocardiography from the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. Left ventricular end systolic elastance (Ees) was measured by Guarracino calculator, the effective arterial elastance (Ea) and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) measured by Sunagawa et al single beat method adapted by Chen et al in human ventricles. The sample was analyzed in quartiles (Q) according to VAC (Q1 worst VAC to Q4 best VAC). Follow-up 2 years. Results: 288 patients, mean age 56.3 + 12.5 years and 168 patients (58.3%) males. VAC increased from 0.303 + 0.07 to 0.54 + 0.25 (p &lt; 0.005) in Q1 mainly due to a reduction in Ees from 5.25 + 2.3 to 3.68 + 0.25 mm Hg/ml (p &lt; 0.01) while Ea increased from 1.5 + 0.53 to 1.64 + 0.56 mm Hg/ml (p = NS); on the other side VAC was reduced from 0.87 + 0.15 to 0.68 + 0.26 (p &lt; 0.05) in Q 4 with an increase in Ees from 2.28 + 0.6 to 2.67 + 1.07 mm Hg/ml (p = NS) and a reduction of Ea from 1.94 + 0.41 to 1.69 + 0.67 mm Hg/ml (p = NS) (Figure). The frequency of LVH was reduced from 31.9% to 10.8% in Q1 (p &lt; 0.025) while moved from 14.7 to 17.9% (p = NS) in Q2, 22.9% to 13.9% (p = NS) in Q3 and 11.3 % to 23.7% (p = NS) in Q4. The frequency of normal diastolic function increased from 75% to 94.6% (p &lt; 0.01) in Q1, from 78.7% to 100% in Q2 (p &lt; 0.005), from 87.1% to 100% (p &lt; 0.025) in Q3 and from 88.7% to 100% (0,025) in Q4. Conclusions: 1) patients with the worst ventricular-arterial uncoupling (Q1) are the most VAC benefited from hypertension treatment; 2) regression of left ventricular hypertrophy was observed only in the group of patients with the worst ventricular-arterial uncoupling (Q1); 3) improvement in diastolic function was demonstrated in all Q of ventricular-arterial coupling. This study shows that achieving an optimal mechanical efficiency measured as ventricular-arterial coupling by hypertension treatment is essential for left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction regression.

PS-C05-7: ASSOCIATION OF VENTRICULAR-ARTERIAL COUPLING WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Objective: Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) has an important role in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease and heart failure. The association of VAC with left ventricular (LV) function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was investigated in this study. Design and Method: Echocardiographic indexes of LV volumes, systolic function, and diastolic function were measured in the usual way. Effective arterial elastance (Ea) was calculated from stroke volume measured using LV outflow waveform. Effective LV end-systolic elastance (Elv) was obtained using the single-beat method. Central aortic pressure waveform was recorded using the applanation tonometry. Characteristic impedance (Zc) of aortic root was calculated after Fourier transformation of both aortic pressure and flow waveforms. Results: Eight-five patients (age 58.5 ± 10.6 years) with AMI were enrolled. They were grouped as patients with reduced EF (rEF, &lt; 50%; n = 27) and preserved ejection fraction (pEF, ≧ 50%; n = 58). In patients with rEF, Ea (2.14 ± 0.55 vs. 1.84 ± 0.51 mmHg/mL; P = 0.017) and VAC (1.18 ± 0.22 vs. 1.02 ± 0.22; P = 0.002) were increased, but peripheral and central systolic blood pressure, Elv and Zc were not different. In multiple linear regression analysis, VAC was significantly associated with E” velocity (beta -0.36, P = 0.001) and Zc (beta 0.33, P = 0.019), but neither with EF nor left ventricular longitudinal strain. The association between VAC and E” velocity was significant in patients with pEF (beta -2.64, P = 0.011), but not in patients with rEF. Conclusions: VAC was associated with LV diastolic dysfunction in AMI patients with pEF, but not with rEF.

S-29-3: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VENTRICULAR-ARTERIAL COUPLING AND AEROBIC CAPACITY ACROSS THE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE CONTINUUM: FOCUS ON PROXIMAL AORTIC STIFFNESS

Objective: Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) can be evaluated as the ratio between arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) and myocardial deformation (global longitudinal strain, GLS). We evaluated VAC across the cardiovascular disease continuum. Design and method: We introduced a Doppler-derived, single-beat technique to estimate aortic arch PWV (aa-PWV) in addition to tonometry-derived carotid-femoral PWV (cf-PWV). We measured PWVs and 3D-GLS in: We evaluated peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and peripheral extraction (AVO2diff) using combined cardiopulmonary-echocardiography exercise stress. Results: aa-PWV was obtainable in all subjects and significantly lower than cf-PWV in all subgroups (p &lt; 0.01). PWVs were directly related and increased with age (all p &lt; 0.0001). cf-PWV/3D-GLS was similarly compromised in HFrEF (1.08 ± 0.36) and HFpEF (1.05 ± 0.22), while aa-PWV/3D-GLS was more impaired in HFpEF (0.69 ± 0.11) than HFrEF (0.60 ± 0.15; p &lt; 0.01). Stage A-B had values of cf-PWV/3D-GLS and aa-PWV/3D-GLS (0.66 ± 0.25 and 0.47 ± 0.12) higher than controls (0.47 ± 0.10 and 0.40 ± 0.10) but lower than Stage C (all p &lt; 0.01). Peak AVO2diff was inversely related with cf-PWV/3D-GLS and aa-PWV/3D-GLS (all p &lt; 0.01). cf-PWV/3D-GLS and aa-PWV/3D-GLS independently predicted peak VO2 in the overall population (adjusted R2 = 0.32 and 0.35; all p &lt; 0.0001) but only aa-PWV/3D-GLS was independently associated with flow reserve during exercise (R2 = 0.51; p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: Abnormal VAC is directly correlated with greater severity of HF and worse functional capacity. HFpEF shows a worse VAC than HFrEF when expressed by aa-PWV/3D-GLS.

PS-C02-1: BENEFIT OF RANOLAZINE ADDED TO ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKERS PLUS MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS THERAPY FOR VENTRICULAR EXTRASYSTOLES TREATMENT IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Objective: Ranolazine is an anti-ischaemic agent with additional electrophysiological properties by inhibiting the cardiac late Na+ current and reducing the Ca2+ overload; it does not produce a change in heart rate or blood pressure. This study aimed to know if Ranolazine was added to Angiotensin Receptor Blockers plus Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (ARB+MRA) therapy in hypertensive with normal kidney function can reduce or avoid ventricular extrasystoles without the use of antiarrhythmics drugs such as flecainide or propafenone. Design &amp; Methods: For developing this study, one first group of 45 hypertensive patients was entered, females 17 with an average age of 64.8 (SD 14.0) and males 28 with an average age of 68.4 (SD 12.8) in a regime of ARB+MRA therapy. All patients were assessed with a 24hs-monitoring Holter, pre and post Ranolazine (375/500 mg, 2xd), with an average therapy time-length on females-males by 12.4 (SD 10.0) - 12.8 (SD 12.0) months. Also, the second group of 73 patients was registered, females-males (43–30) with an average age (SD) 67.1 (12.2) - 66.8 (13.5) assessed with a 24hs-monitoring Holter only once at 12.2–16.7 months after ARB+MRA+Ranolazine therapy. All patients achieved normal levels of the central hemodynamic parameters, principally augmentation index (surrogate value of arterial stiffness) and end-systolic pressure measured with applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor System-PVX AtCor-Australia) used according to standard methods. Results: In the pre-and post-treatment group of females-males were observed ventricular extrasystoles a mean of 2610–5004 which were reduced to a mean of 12.5–1464, respectively, with a highly statistically significant difference (p &gt; 0.001). In the post-treatment group, the average of ventricular extrasystoles on females-males was found 15.0–37.4. Interestingly, during ARB+MRA+Ranolazine therapy patients which had not registered anyone ventricular extrasystoles, in the first group were found females-males 8/17 (47%) - 7/28 (25%), and in the second group 14/43 (33%) - 6/30 (20%), respectively. Conclusion: The combination of ARB+MRA therapy normalized the augmentation index and the end-systolic pressure, stabilized the curve volume/pressure reduce the stress of ventricular-arterial coupling, and can avoid the onset of atrial fibrillation, also so it would allow added Ranolazine to perform a beneficial antiarrhythmic action avoiding or reducing the appearance of the ventricular extrasystoles.

The relationship between left ventricular artery coupling and left ventricular work and their predictive value on prognosis in septic shock

Objective: To explore the relationship between left ventricular artery coupling and left ventricular work in patients with septic shock, and further clarified their predictive value for the prognosis of septic shock. Methods: In total, 56 patients with septic shock admitted in the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively enrolled between January 2016 and July 2021. The hemodynamic indexes and clinical data monitored by pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PICCO) at different time points were collected. To reveal alterations of arterial elastance index (EaI), end-systolic elastance index (EesI), EaI/EesI, stroke work (SW), total cardiac function (PVA), and left ventricular ejection efficiency (LVEf) in patients with septic shock at different time points. The patients were divided into the death group (n=20) and survival group (n=36) according to the outcome of the ICU. The relationship between left ventricular work and left ventricular arterial coupling and its prognostic value were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 56 patients were enrolled, 32 males and 24 females, aged (61±15) years. There was a significantly difference in EaI/EesI and LVEf between survivors and non-survivors with septic shock at 6 h (P<0.05). Further analysis showed that the correlation between EaI/EesI and LVEf was most evident at 6 h after intervention. EaI/EesI was negatively correlated with SW (rs=-0.500, P<0.001), and highly negative with LVEf (rs=-0.959, P<0.001). Both univariate logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis showed that EaI/EesI (adjusted OR=42.783, 95%CI: 2.725-671.819, P=0.008) and LVEf (adjusted OR=2.293, 95%CI:1.222-4.301, P=0.010) were risk factors for ICU prognosis of patients with septic shock. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that EaI/EesI [area under the curve (AUC)=0.742±0.083, P=0.004; cut-off value 6.10, sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 65.0%] and LVEf (AUC=0.733±0.084, P=0.006; cut-off value 0.24, sensitivity 88.8%, specificity 60.0%) were both effective indicators for predicting the prognosis of patients with septic shock in the ICU. Moreover, EaI/EesI had a better prognosis value than LVEf (ΔAUC=0.120, Z=6.528, P=0.036). Conclusion: It's indicated that EaI/EesI was significantly correlated with SW and LVEf after 6 h of septic shock intervention; EaI/EesI and LVEf are risk factors and effective predictors of ICU prognosis in patients with septic shock. The predictive efficacy of EaI/EesI is greater than LVEF.