Chronic Heart Failure Hospitalization Research Articles

ДОЛГОСРОЧНАЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ УСИЛЕННОЙ НАРУЖНОЙ КОНТРПУЛЬСАЦИИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ СЕРДЕЧНОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТЬЮ ИШЕМИЧЕСКОГО ГЕНЕЗА

Aim. To study the long-term effect of complex therapy with the addition of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on exercise tolerance, quality of life and systolic heart function in patients with ischemic chronic heart failure (CHF). Material and methods. Patients with ischemic CHF NYHA class II-III (n=20) included in the study. Patients, in addition to optimal medical therapy, were treated with EECP (35 hours, the standard protocol, 1 course every 6 months). The duration of observation was 5 years. Baseline, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months performed assessment of NT-proBNP level, clinical status, exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test – 6MWT), quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire – MLHFQ), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) according to echocardiography. The composite primary endpoint (CPE) included adverse cardiovascular events, new cases of atrial fibrillation (AF), diabetes mellitus (DM), decreased renal function, and hospitalizations due to CHF. Results. During the observation period (60 months), significant stable positive dynamics were noted in exercise tolerance (6MWT distance increased by 59.3%), clinical status, LVEF, NT-proBNP level, quality of life (MLHFQ). The incidence of myocardial infarction was 5%, revascularization – 15%, new cases of AF – 5%, decreased renal function – 10%, hospitalizations for CHF – 35%. There were no cases of strokes, deaths or new cases of diabetes. The prevalence of CPE was 70% over a 5-year period. Conclusion. A stable positive effect of EECP treatment of patients with ischemic heart failure on functional status and clinical outcomes has been demonstrated.

СРЕДНЕСРОЧНЫЕ ЭФФЕКТЫ УСИЛЕННОЙ НАРУЖНОЙ КОНТРПУЛЬСАЦИИ НА МАРКЕРЫ ГЛИКЕМИЧЕСКОГО КОНТРОЛЯ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ СЕРДЕЧНОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТЬЮ ИШЕМИЧЕСКОГО ГЕНЕЗА

Aim. To study the effects of complex therapy with the addition of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on exercise tolerance, echocardiographic parameters, markers of glycemic control and clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic chronic heart failure (CHF) with concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Material and methods. Patients with ischemic CHF II-III functional class with type 2 DM were randomized into group 1 (n=20) – optimal medical therapy (OMT) and EECP (35 hours, 2 courses per year), group 2 (n=21) – OMT and EECP (35 hours, 1 course per year), control group (n=20) – OMT and placebo-counterpulsation (35 hours, 1 course per year). The primary endpoint was achieving an HbA1c level of ≤7%. Secondary endpoints included the development of a combined endpoint (CEP: cases of adverse outcomes, hospitalizations for CHF, new onsets of atrial fibrillation, decreased renal function), as well as an increase after 12 months in the distance covered in 6-minue walk test (6MWT) by 20% or more from the baseline. Results. After 12 months, the proportion of patients achieving an HbA1c level of ≤7% in group 1 increased by 30%, in group 2 – by 14.3%, and remained the same in the control group (p=0.005). The proportion of patients with an increase in distance traveled according to 6MWT data >20% after 12 months in the 1st, 2nd and control groups was 100%, 76.2% and 15.0%, respectively (p<0.001). The development of CEP was observed in 3 (15.0%) patients of the 1st group, 7 (33.3%) – of the 2nd group and 12 (60.0%) – of the control group (including 1 case of death), p =0.003. Conclusion. Over a 12-month study period in patients with ischemic heart failure and type 2 diabetes, the addition of EECP to OMT after 12 months demonstrated an improvement in the clinical status of patients, which was accompanied by a decrease in levels of markers of glycemic control and the incidence of adverse outcomes compared with the placebo counterpulsation group.

Rationale and design of a prospective randomized study of the effect of ferric carboxymaltose therapy on quality of life and clinical picture of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in patients with iron deficiency

Introduction. The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) ranges from 50% to 80%. It has been established that ID is a significant predictor of adverse outcomes and mortality in CHF, and is also associated with a decrease in exercise tolerance. The use of oral iron preparations for the purpose of its correction is limited by the high frequency of adverse events and, in some cases, their ineffectiveness in CHF. Ferric carboxymaltose has a high potential in the correction of ID, which has proven itself well in the cohort of patients with CHF, but its effectiveness has not been precisely established in CHF.Aim: To evaluate the effect of ferric carboxymaltose therapy on the quality of life, functional status, and clinical picture of CHF in patients with diagnosed iron deficiency.Material and Methods. It is a prospective randomized cohort study. It is planned to include 70 adult patients with CHF (NYHA II-III) and diagnosed ID: group 1 (n = 35) – group of drug therapy with ferric carboxymaltose, group 2 (n = 35) – without drug therapy. A control group of patients without ID (n = 30) will also be recruited. The prospective part involves the observation of patients with repeated visits after 6, 12 months, during which the indicators of quality of life, functional status, clinical picture of CHF, structural and functional echocardiographic indicators of LV and right heart, as well as the presence of repeated hospitalizations for CHF and death from all causes will be evaluated.

Effectiveness of different treatment regimens of enhanced external counterpulsation in patients with stable coronary artery disease complicated by heart failure

Aim. To study the effect of various therapy regimens with enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on exercise tolerance, quality of life, indices of structural and functional state of cardiovascular system in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated by chronic heart failure (CHF).Material and methods. The study included patients with stable CAD complicated by CHF with reduced and intermediate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from the randomized EXCEL trial (NCT05913778; n=120) and additionally patients with similar inclusion and exclusion criteria (n=90) who were randomized into groups with different EECP treatment regimens for 12 months: Group 1 (n=40): course of 35 hour-long procedures; Group 2 (n=40): course of 35 hourlong procedures every 6 months; Group 3 (n=30): course of 20 hour-long procedures then constantly 1 hour per week; Group 4 (n=30): constantly 2 hours per week; Group 5 (n=30): course of 20 hour-long procedures then constantly 2 hours per week; Group 0 (placebo ; n=40): course of 35 hour-long procedures with compression pressure 80 mm Hg. All patients at baseline and after 12 months were assessed for clinical status, quality of life (MLHFQ, SF-36), NT-proBNP levels, LVEF, as well as exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test; 6MWT) initially, after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Correlation analysis and risk assessment of adverse events (combined endpoint — combination of cases of adverse cardiovascular events, deaths, hospitalizations for CHF, new-onset of atrial fibrillation, diabetes, decreased renal function) was performed.Results. Treatment effectiveness had positive correlation with EECP duration (r(S)=0,670; p<0,001) and treatment regimen (r(S)=0,620; p<0,001). The maximum effect (changes in NT-proBNP levels, LVEF, clinical status, quality of life) was noted in the combined and constant regimen groups (5, 4, 2). The increase of 6WMTdistance was 6,6% in group 0, 24,9% in group 1, 44,5% in group 2, 31,8% in group 3, 49,1% in group 4, 58,6% in group 5. The proportion of patients with an increase in 6WMT-distance >20% after 12 months was 7,7%, 72,5%, 97,5%, 76,7%, 90%, 100%, respectively. Cumulative event-free survival was highest in groups 5, 4, and 2 (0,97, 0,93, and 0,86, respectively), and the risk of developing combined endpoint in these groups was minimal (0,035, 0,075, and 0,150, respectively).Conclusion. The effect of EECP treatment in patients with coronary artery disease complicated by CHF depended on the EECP hours and regimen. Alternative EECP regimens (with more treatments spread evenly over the year) in addition to optimal medical therapy may improve the management of these patients.

Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiac function and health status in chronic heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeNumerous clinical studies have explored sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and SGLT2i were proved to significantly reduce CHF hospitalization, cardiovascular death, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction in patients with or without T2DM. However, only a limited few have investigated the effects of SGLT-2i on HF disease-specific health status and cardiac function. This meta-analysis aims to assess the effects of SGLT2i on disease-specific health status and cardiac function in CHF patients.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted of trials by searching in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science, and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang), Clinical Trials (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) were also searched.ResultsA total of 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 23,953 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The effects of SGLT2 inhibitors were compared with control or placebo groups in CHF with or without T2DM. The SGLT2 inhibitors group exhibited a significant reduction in pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels by 136.03 pg/ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: −253.36, − 18.70; P = 0.02). Additionally, a greater proportion of patients in the SGLT2 inhibitors group showed a ≥ 20% decrease in NT-proBNP (RR = 1.45, 95% CI [0.92, 2.29], p = 0.072). However, no statistically significant difference was observed for the effects on B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors led to a noteworthy improvement in LVEF by 2.79% (95% CI [0.18, 5.39];P = 0.036). In terms of health status, as assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and 6-minute walk distance, SGLT2 inhibitors led to a significant improvement in KCCQ clinical summary (KCCQ-CS) score (WMD = 1.7, 95% CI [1.67, 1.73], P < 0.00001), KCCQ overall summary (KCCQ-OS) score (WMD = 1.73, 95% CI [0.94, 2.52], P < 0.00001), and KCCQ total symptom (KCCQ-TS) score (WMD = 2.88, 95% CI [1.7, 4.06], P < 0.00001). Furthermore, the occurrence of KCCQ-CS and KCCQ-OS score increases ≥ 5 points had relative risks (RR) of 1.25 (95% CI [1.11, 1.42], P < 0.00001) and 1.15 (95% CI [1.09, 1.22], P < 0.00001), respectively. Overall, SGLT2 inhibitors increased the 6-minute walk distance by 23.98 m (95% CI [8.34, 39.62]; P = 0.003) compared to control/placebo from baseline.ConclusionsThe SGLT2 inhibitors treatment offers an effective strategy for improving NT-proBNP levels, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores and 6-minute walk distance in CHF with or without T2DM. These findings indicate that SGLT2i improve cardiac function and health status in CHF with or without T2DM, and provide valuable guidance for clinicians making treatment decisions for patients with CHF.

Efficacy of sacubitril / valsartan in the treatment of chronic heart failure: an updated review

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is currently a common disease and the search for new approaches to the treatment of various forms of CHF remains relevant. Sacubitril/valsartan is a member of a new class of angiotensin-neprilysin receptor inhibitors (ARNIs) that act on key neurohormonal mechanisms, including the RAAS and natriuretic peptides. Simultaneous inhibition of RAAS and neprilysin provides more effective neurohormonal modulation, preventing clinical deterioration in patients with CHF. New mechanisms of action of sacubitril/valsartan associated with the inhibition of several targets involved in cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, cardiac remodeling and apoptosis have been disclosed. Sacubitril/valsartan is recommended for CHF with low ejection fraction (EF) in addition to traditional therapy with ACE inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, and also has an independent effect. A number of studies have shown the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on heart remodeling, a decrease in the level of the NT-proBNP biomarker and an improvement in EF, and according to the PARADIGM-HF study, the drug significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality by 20% and hospitalizations for CHF by 21%, which found confirmation in three meta-analyses. The use of sacubitril/valsartan in CHF with preserved and intermediate EF showed a beneficial therapeutic effect and a decrease in the level of biomarkers, as well as a significant decrease in the frequency of hospitalizations due to CHF by 15–22%, but without a significant advantage in terms of the effect on mortality, which supported by several meta-analyses of studies. A number of large meta-analyses of studies of sacubitril/valsartan in CHF have shown reverse cardiac remodeling and a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation. Thus, the accumulated data substantiate and expand the possibilities of using sacu-bitril/valsartan in CHF.

Overview article: Impact of primary and secondary care collaboration on hospitalization for chronic heart failure: Two comparative studies

IntroductionIn the past decade, a legal framework was created in Germany that promotes intense collaboration at the interface between primary and secondary care. This overview article distinguishes between the effects of two complementary programs aimed at improving ambulatory care in Baden-Wuerttemberg: (1) general practitioner-centered care (GPCC), which strengthens the role of general practitioners, and (2) collaborative cardiology care (CCC), which coordinates primary and cardiology care. MethodsThe overview article presents two already published studies that assess the impact of the programs on hospitalizations in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) based on claims data from 2016. The hospitalization rate of patients enrolled in GPCC (N=75,096) and CCC (N=13,404) were compared with corresponding control groups (N=65,618 and N=8,776 respectively). ResultsThe hospitalization rate in GPCC was lower than in the control group (risk ratio 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, P=0.0024). GPCC patients with CHF that received specialist cardiology care as part of CCC had significantly lower hospitalization rates than those receiving standard cardiology care (risk ratio 0.92; 0.88–0.97, P=0.0014). DiscussionThis overwiew study shows that reforming medical care and compensation at the interface between general practice and specialist care can lead to fewer hospital admissions in patients with CHF. ConclusionOverall, this article underlines the importance of collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists for patients with CHF that are receiving ambulatory care.

Оценка технологии здравоохранения и значение дистанционного диэлектрического исследования в диагностикe и контроле лечения хронической сердечной недостаточности в Российской Федерации

As with any socially significant disease, in chronic heart failure (CHF), the control of diagnostic and treatment, including monitoring the condition of patients in order to maintain optimal therapy, is of decisive importance. The specificity of CHF is the high frequency of repeated hospitalizations for acute decompensation of heart failure (ADHF). One of the key aspects of monitoring the patient’s condition is the assessment of congestion - the identification and determination of the degree of it for the timely optimization of the treatment in order to prevent re-hospitalization. In this regard, of great interest is a new technology for non-invasive measurement of fluid in the lungs - Remote Dielectric Sensing (ReDS), implemented in a medical device under the ReDS Pro brand (manufacturer - Sensible Medical Innovations, Israel). ReDS technology is a quantitative non-invasive method for measuring the total volume of fluid in the lungs in patients with signs of volume overload, including those with CHF. The technology is based on the following principle: low-power electromagnetic radiation passes through the lung tissue from the emitter to the receiver, the assessment of changes in radio wave parameters provides an accurate measurement of the total volume of fluid in the tissue. The result of the examination is a quantitative indicator that reflects the percentage of total fluid in the total volume of the lung. The emergence of a new technology makes its assessment relevant for monitoring treatment and diagnostic measures for CHF in the Russian Federation at the inpatient and outpatient stages of medical care. The described study of health technology assessment was based on the developed model, which, taking into account the clinical advantages of ReDS technology, made it possible to analyze its “budget impact” both at the federal and regional levels from the standpoint of the inpatient or outpatient stages of medical care. The assessment of the economic and clinical feasibility of introducing ReDS tech- nology was carried out separately for the inpatient and outpatient stages (for the outpatient stage, the calculation was carried out both for a model that takes into account the costs of additional visits to patients for scheduled examinations, and without them) in conditions of achieving the technology availability indicator for at least 95% of the population. The results of the assessment showed that at a given level of implementation of ReDS technology at the inpatient level, the number of re-hospitalizations of patients with CHF in the Russian Federation will decrease from 375,703 to 252,208 per year (by 32.9%). The introduction of technologies at the outpatient level will reduce the number of readmissions from 375,703 to 82,782 per year (by 78.0%). This corresponds to a decrease in the annual cost of hospitalizations for CHF (both primary and recurrent) with the introduction of ReDS in hospitals from 24.93 billion rubles to 20.96 billion rubles (decrease by 15.9%); when implementing the method at the outpatient level from 24.93 billion rubles to 15.52 billion rubles (decrease by 37.8%), and taking into account the cost of additional visits to patients at the outpatient level from 24.93 billion rubles to 19.70 billion rubles (decrease by 21.0%). At the same time, one-time costs for the purchase of a ReDS medical device in outpatient and inpatient clinics amount to 12.06 billion rubles and 11.04 billion rubles respectively. The results of the “budget impact” analysis (taking into account the discount factor of 3.5%) of the introduction of ReDS technology at the outpatient level demonstrate that over 7 years it provides savings in the amount of 20,335,833,423 rubles (including costs for additional visits) up to 45,926,532,070 rubles (excluding the cost of additional visits), and at the inpatient level - 13,613,327,627 rubles. Evaluation of the introduction of ReDS technology into the Russian healthcare system at the federal level, both at the outpatient and inpatient stages of medical care, with a total need for a ReDS medical device in the range of 1129-1234 units, providing coverage of more than 95% of the population with this technology, showed its clinical and economic benefit, which is expressed in a decrease in the number of readmissions and net savings in the health care system already during the third year of using the ReDS technology.

Prognosis in patients with cardiorenal syndrome depending on the clinical form of atrial fibrillation

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common stable arrhythmia in the population. The interaction of AF and cardiorenal syndrome is poorly understood, despite the fact that the proportion of such patients with combined heart and kidney damage reaches 60% among people with chronic heart failure (CHF). Data on the long-term prognosis in patients with cardiorenal syndrome depending on the form of AF is not enough.Objective. To assess the prognosis in patients with cardiorenal syndrome depending on the clinical form of AF.Design and methods. 126 patients with verified cardiorenal syndrome and various forms of AF were included. An observational study was performed with the fixation of hospitalizations for CHF and other cardiovascular events, including deaths.Results. The rate of onset of the first end point is higher in patients with permanent AF (8.5 [3.0; 18.5] months and 15.0 [5.0; 24.0] months, p &lt; 0.001). Analysis of survival curves shows a worse prognosis in patients with permanent AF.Conclusion. In patients with cardiorenal syndrome in combination with AF, its clinical form has a significant impact on the long-term prognosis. Permanent AF, to a greater extent than paroxysmal/persistent AF, in conditions of cardiorenal syndrome is associated with faster and more frequent development of new cardiovascular events, including hospitalizations for decompensated CHF and deaths.

2023 Consensus of Taiwan Society of Cardiology on the Pharmacological Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure.

The prevalence of heart failure is increasing, causing a tremendous burden on health care systems around the world. Although mortality rate of heart failure has been significantly reduced by several effective agents in the past 3 decades, yet it remains high in observational studies. More recently, several new classes of drugs emerged with significant efficacy in reducing mortality and hospitalization in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). To integrate these effective therapies and prioritize them in the management of Asian patients, Taiwan Society of Cardiology has recently appointed a working group to formulate a consensus of pharmacological treatment in patients with chronic heart failure. Based on most updated information, this consensus provides rationales for prioritization, rapid sequencing, and in-hospital initiation of both foundational and additional therapies for patients with chronic heart failure.

Patients with chronic heart failure infrequently referred to an officed-based cardiologist or regularly followed by a general practitioner and an officed-based cardiologist : a descriptive, cross-sectional study (MIRROR-HF)

BackgroundFrench health authorities recommend implementing a strong coordination between general practitioners and office-based cardiologists for the care and management of patients with chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with chronic heart failure who were infrequently referred to an office-based cardiologist (either first time referral or last visit more than 12 months before study inclusion) by a general practitioner or other healthcare professional versus those who were regularly followed by a general practitioner and an office-based cardiologist (at least one visit to an office-based cardiologist in the last 12 months). MethodsThis was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study, conducted among office-based cardiologists in France during a single study visit. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results1460 patients were included in the study with 37.1% in the group infrequently referred to an office-based cardiologist and 62.9% in the regularly followed group. The patients who were infrequently referred to an office-based cardiologist had relatively less heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (29.2% versus 36.6%), less prior chronic heart failure hospitalization (15.9% versus 31.4%), and less atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart failure as comorbidities (40.2% versus 50.5% and 39.3% versus 50.1%, respectively) than patients who were regularly followed by an office-based cardiologist and a general practitioner. They also received less clinical exams (25.5% versus 97.4%) and pharmacological (89.3% versus 98.4%) and non-pharmacological (17.3% versus 27.1%) heart failure treatments before the study visit. ConclusionsThis study suggested that patients regularly followed by a general practitioner and an office-based cardiologist had globally a more severe chronic heart failure and a better medical monitoring and follow-up than other patients.

Influence of prosthesis – patient mismatch on long-term results in patients after aortic valve replacement with a biological prosthesis: retrospective single center study

Background. Despite numerous studies, ambiguity remains at present regarding the impact of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) on long-term outcomes after aortic valve (AV) replacement.&#x0D; Objective. This study evaluates the effect of PPM on long-term results in patients after AV replacement with a biological prosthesis.&#x0D; Material and methods. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 231 patients who underwent AV replacement with a biological prosthesis from 2010 to 2018 at the Penza Federal Center of Cardiovascular Surgery. Patients were implanted with the following biological prostheses: Medtronic Mosaic, Edwards PERIMOUNT, Biocor.&#x0D; Results. Moderate PPM was present in 131 patients (56%), and severe PPM in 1 patient (0.7%). The mean follow-up was 78.832 months. There were no significant differences in hospital mortality in patients with and without PPM, 4 (3%) and 3 (2,9%), respectively, p=0.9. In the long-term period, patients with PPM showed a slower regression of left ventricle (LV) mass and recovery of LV contractile function than patients without PPM, p=0.05. There was no significant difference in survival in the long-term follow-up period between patients with and without PPM long-term survival, 77.7% and 79%, respectively, p=0.6. Also, there were no significant differences in major adverse cardiac events and the freedom from adverse events was 90% and 91%; p=0.7. However, there was a tendency to more frequent hospitalization for chronic heart failure (CHF) exacerbation in the patient group with PPM than in those without PPM, 63.8% and 78%; HR 1.6; 95% CI 0.932.1, p=0.007. There was also a tendency for an increased biological valve structural degeneration in the group with PPM than in the group without PPM 76% and 87%, HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.43.1, p=0.01 According to the Cox regression, the overall postoperative mortality predictors were diabetes mellitus, vascular atherosclerosis HR 5; 95% CI 1.222, p=0.04 and HR 2.9; 95% CI 1.46.6, p=0.01 respectively. Predictors of the risk of hospitalization due to CHF exacerbation were previous myocardial infarction and PPM HR 0.4; 95% CI 0.20.9, p=0.04 and HR 1,5; 95% CI 0.92; p=0.005, respectively PPM HR 2; 95% CI 0.854.1, p=0.01.&#x0D; Conclusion. PPM is a common complication after AV replacement with a biological prosthesis. It is associated with a slower regression of LV mass, an increased risk of structural valve degeneration, and hospitalizations for exacerbated heart failure.

Early repolarization pattern on ECG predicts worse outcomes in patients hospitalized due to chronic heart failure decompensation

BackgroundTo improve the outcomes of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), it is important to identify reliable prognostic tools. Early repolarization pattern (ER) on 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a predictor of worse outcomes, which has been widely researched in the general population but not in the CHF population. ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence and prognostic value of ER and compare its prognostic significance with other non-invasive diagnostic methods for CHF outcomes and hospital readmissions. MethodsThe study included 301 patients (166 men and 135 women) hospitalized for CHF decompensation. CHF diagnosis was confirmed according to the current guidelines. The patients underwent standard tests and impedance cardiography (ICG) at enrollment and on the day of discharge. ResultsThirty-one confirmed ER cases (10.3%) were enrolled. During a median follow-up period of 18 months, 128 cardiac-related deaths were observed (42.5%), with 23 (74.2%) and 105 (38.9%) patients in the ER and non-ER groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The ER group had more readmissions than the non-ER group did at 6-months (2 [1, 2] vs. 1 [1, 2]; p=0.04) and 12-months (3 [2–4] vs. 2 [1–3]; p<0.001). ER on ECG (hazard ratio [HR] 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64–4.07; p<0.001), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels ≥425.5 pmoL/L (HR 5.1; 95% CI 3.33–7.83; p < 0.001), thoracic fluid content (TFC) ≥36.9 1/kΩ (HR 4.6; 95% CI 2.7–7.85, p < 0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% (HR 4.94; 95% CI 2.83–8.65; p < 0.001) were independently and significantly associated with cardiac death. ConclusionsThe combination of ER, LVEF ≤40%, NT-proBNP, or TFC provides an incremental prognostic value for cardiac-related death in patients with CHF.

Association of Liver and Renal Function Impairment with Major Cardiac Events in Heart Failure Patients

Aim: We aimed to show whether liver and renal function tests impairment have an effect on cardiovascular major adverse events (MACE) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). MateriaL and Method: 514 Patients with Ejection Fraction (EF) 40% were screened retrospectively. Biochemical and hemogram parameters of the patients at the first admission were recorded. GFRs were calculated with the MDRD formula. Patients were classified into four groups based on whether they had just a kidney injury, only a liver damage, both a kidney and liver injury, or neither a kidney and liver injury. Exitus, stroke, and hospitalization were taken as major cardiovascular adverse events, and whether they had a major cardiovascular adverse event within one year was recorded. Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of exitus. When the groups were compared, a difference was found between the groups in terms of stroke, hospitalization, and MACE rates (p=0.001; p= 0.017; p=0.004, respectively). Stroke rate (13.8%) in the only kidney injury group; hospitalization (24%) and MACE (38%) in the liver + kidney injury group were found. As a result of binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that creatinine and EF predicted hospitalization for CHF, stroke, and MACE. Conclusion: In heart failure patients, the rate of stroke was higher in the group with only kidney injury, and the rates of hospitalization and MACE were higher in the group with both liver and kidney injury. It was found that creatinine and EF predicted hospitalization, stroke, and MACE from CHF.

Lessons from the EMPEROR Preserved

In randomized clinical trials, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death and hospitalization for chronic heart failure (CHF), as well as renal outcomes, regardless of the presence of diabetes. Despite these findings in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF), retrospective subanalyses of patients with type 2 diabetes have suggested that many of preventable events have occurred in patients with a left ventricular (LV) EF (LVEF) greater [...]

Impact of air pollution with particulate particles on the risk of cardiovascular diseases (review)

This review analyzes the current understanding of the relationship between air pollutants and the development of general and cardiovascular mortality. Data from studies highlighting the effects of long- and short-term exposure to particulate matter on the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, arterial hypertension, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden death, pulmonary embolism, and atherosclerosis, as well as on hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality from these causes are summarized. Based on a review of studies published in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, the current paper outlines the putative pathophysiological mechanisms by which particulate matter exposure influences the cardiovascular system (CVS), primarily represented by oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and impaired hemostatic system. Attention is focused on the impact of short- and long-term exposure to particulate matter on the CVS. The consequences of short-term exposure include the development of myocardial infarction, an increase in the frequency of hospitalization for chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, an increase in mortality from stroke and the risk of sudden death, and the development of pulmonary embolism. Arterial hypertension, aggravation of coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, development of atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia, and increased risk of mortality from coronary heart disease can be considered the consequences of long-term exposure to particulate matter. Raising awareness regarding the impact of air pollutants on the CVS has been recognized as the leading approach toward reducing mortality from cardiovascular disease.

The Prognostic Value of Neuregulin-1β in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Aim To determine the neuregulin-1β concentration in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and the association of this biomarker with the functional status of patients, echocardiographic parameters of the structural and functional condition of the heart, and the risk of unfavorable outcome.Material and methods This observational, prospective study included 47 patients with HFpEF; 32 (68%) of them were females. Mean age was 70 [66-77] years, EF was 57 [56; 58] %. The group of healthy volunteers consisted of 40 people; 32 (55 %) of them were females; mean age was 56 [53-61] years. For all patients, the functional status was evaluated (6-min walk test, 6MWT); standard echocardiography (EchoCG) was performed; and concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and neuregulin-1β were measured. The follow-up period was two years. Cases of cardiovascular (CV) death and hospitalizations for decompensated chronic heart failure (CHF) were recorded.Results Median concentration of neuregulin-1β was 0.969 [0.348; 1.932] ng/ml in the HFpEF group, which was significantly higher than 0.379 [0.195; 0.861] ng/ml in the group of healthy volunteers (р=0.003). Significant correlations between the neuregulin-1β concentration and the distance walked in 6MWT or with EchoCG parameters of left ventricular diastolic function were not found. Mean observation time was 456 [244; 730] days. 21 outcomes were observed, including 2 CV deaths and 19 hospitalizations for CHF. Patients with high concentrations of neuregulin-1β (≥Me) had a greater frequency of hospitalizations for CHF (Log-rank, p=0.046) and a higher risk of this outcome (risk ratio, 1.30; 95 % confidence interval, 1.01-1.66; p=0.037).Conclusion Patients with HFpEF had increased concentrations of neuregulin-1β. High levels of neuregulin-1β were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for decompensated CHF.

Management of iron deficiency in chronic heart failure

Iron deficiency is frequent in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) with a prevalence of 50%, and its frequency varies depending on the study groups. The presence of iron deficiency limits erythropoiesis, leading to the development of anemia over time in patients with CHF, regardless of gender, race, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Observational studies demonstrate a higher prevalence of iron deficiency in women and in patients with higher NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class, decreased LVEF, increased brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), or increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Iron deficiency and anemia in patients with CHF are independently associated with a decreased exercise capacity, hospitalizations for CHF, an increase in overall mortality and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The clinical significance of iron deficiency requires the need to diagnose iron metabolism in all patients with CHF. Current guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of CHF indicate the need to determine the level of ferritin and saturation of transferrin in all patients with a suspected diagnosis of heart failure. The use of oral iron therapy in patients with CHF demonstrates its low efficacy in correcting this condition according to the clinical trials. At the same time the use of intravenous iron therapy is safe and improves symptoms, exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and iron deficiency, which has been shown both in international placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses. The use of iron carboxymaltose should improve CHF symptoms, exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with CHF and LVEF45%. Intravenous iron therapy has also been shown to reduce readmissions for CHF in patients with an LVEF50% who have recently been hospitalized for worsening CHF.

Mechanical support for the failing single ventricle after Fontan

Mechanical support for the failing single ventricle after Fontan

Burden of Chronic Heart Failure in Romania.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) affects millions of people across the world, with increasing trends in prevalence, putting ever increasing pressure on the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to assess the financial burden of CHF hospital care on the public healthcare sector in Romania by estimating the number of inpatient episodes and the associated costs. Additionally, societal costs associated with missed work and premature death of CHF patients were also estimated. The national claims database was analyzed to estimate the number of CHF patients. Cost data was extracted from a pool of nine public hospitals in Romania. In 2019, 375,037 CHF patient episodes were identified on specific wards at the national level. The average cost calculated for the selected nine hospitals was EUR 996. The calculated weighted national average cost per patient episode was EUR 1002, resulting in a total cost of EUR 376 million at the national level. The cost of workdays missed summed up to EUR 122 million, while the annual costs associated with the premature death of CHF patients was EUR 230 million. In conclusion, the prevalence of CHF in Romania is high, accounting for a large proportion of hospitalizations, which translates into large costs for the national payer.