Chronic Systolic Heart Failure Research Articles

Transcatheter transfemoral aortic valve replacement in a patient with acromegaly and severe left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy. Case report

Main causes of secondary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Heart damage in patients with the acromegaly is mediated both by the direct action of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1, and increased deposition of collagen and lymphomononuclear cells in the myocardium, which leads to architectural changes, disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance, severe left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, diastolic and systolic left ventricular dysfunction and chronic heart failure. This article presents the world's first described observation demonstrating the possibility of successful transfemoral aortic valve repair to a comorbid patient with severe aortic stenosis according to the potential risks caused by the active form of the acromegaly.

Transition from asymptomatic to symptomatic systolic chronic heart failure: rationale and design of TransitionCHF.

Chronic systolic heart failure (CHF) is a major health burden. A relevant number of patients shows asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVSD) before symptomatic CHF or becomes asymptomatic after initiating heart failure therapy. Clinical course, prognosis, and response to pharmacological and device-based treatment are largely unknown in these two distinct groups of patients. Current pharmacological and interventional therapies do neither properly address the underlying pathophysiology nor prevent malignant loss of function. New therapeutic paradigms are needed to stop the progression from asymptomatic to symptomatic heart failure. Key questions are what causes progression of clinically asymptomatic New York Heart Association (NYHA) I heart failure to overt heart failure (>NYHA I) in some but not all patients and the underlying reasons for this transition. This requires the identification of disease mechanisms and biomarkers that predict outcome in well-defined cohorts for innovative preclinical and clinical trials. TransitionCHF is a prospective, multicentre, longitudinal pathophysiological evaluation cohort study in patients with asymptomatic systolic dysfunction NYHA I and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%. The cohort comprises both incidental findings and patients who had become asymptomatic after a previous symptomatic event. TransitionCHF has recruited 1000 patients with ALVSD caused by various aetiologies in 20 university heart failure clinics across Germany. Both patients with and without comorbidities at study entry will be recruited. Patients will be systematically investigated and followed up annually over the course of the study. The primary composite endpoint is time to hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular death. The secondary endpoints assess time to all-cause mortality, to cardiovascular mortality, to heart failure mortality, to all-cause hospitalization, to heart failure hospitalization, and to recurrent heart failure hospitalizations, as well as time to assist device implantation/transplantation. Additional investigations focusing on biomarkers, comorbidities, gender aspects, nutrition, and functional parameters including quality of life will be performed. TransitionCHF will provide a more thorough pathophysiological understanding of the progression of asymptomatic systolic dysfunction into symptomatic heart failure that will help develop therapies tailored to prevent progressive heart failure.

Impact of congestive heart failure on patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion for adult spine deformity.

With the increasing amount of elective spine fusion patients presenting with cardiac disease and congestive heart failure, it is becoming difficult to assess when it is safe to proceed with surgery. Assessing the severity of heart failure (HF) through ejection fraction may provide insight into patients' short- and long-term risks. The purpose of this study was to assess the severity of HF on perioperative outcomes of spine fusion surgery patients. This was a retrospective cohort study of the PearlDiver database. We enrolled 670,526 patients undergoing spine fusion surgery. Thirty-day and 90-day complication rates, discharge destination, length of stay (LOS), physician reimbursement, and hospital costs. Patients undergoing elective spine fusion surgery were isolated and stratified by preoperative HF with preserved ejection fraction (P-EF) or reduced ejection fraction (R-EF) (International Classification of Diseases-9: 428.32 [chronic diastolic HF] and 428.22 [chronic systolic HF]). Means comparison tests (Chi-squared and independent samples t-tests, as appropriate) compared differences in demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, procedural characteristics, LOS, 30-day and 90-day complication outcomes, and total hospital charges between those diagnosed with P-EF and those not R-EF. Binary logistic regression assessed the odds of complication associated with HF, controlling for levels fused (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval]). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Totally 670,526 elective spine fusion patients were included. Four thousand and seventy-seven were diagnosed with P-EF and 2758 R-EF. Overall, P-EF patients presented with higher rates of morbid obesity, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension (all P < 0.001). In relation to No-HF, P-EF patients had higher rates of 30-day major complications including pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarctions (MI), sepsis, and death (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, P-EF was associated significantly with increased odds of pneumonia (OR: 2.07 [1.64-2.56], P < 0.001) and sepsis (OR: 2.09 [1.62-2.66], P < 0.001). Relative to No-HF, R-EF was associated with significantly higher odds of MI (OR: 3.66 [2.34-5.47]), CVA (OR: 2.70 [1.67-4.15]), and pneumonia (OR: 1.85 [1.40-2.40]) (all P < 0.001) postoperative within 30 days. Adjusting for prior history of MI, CAD, and the presence of a pacemaker R-EF was a significant predictor of an MI 30 days postoperatively (OR: 2.2 [1.14-4.32], P = 0.021). Further adjusting for history of CABG or stent placement, R-EF was associated with higher odds of CVA (OR: 2.11 [1.09-4.19], P = 0.028) and MI (OR: 2.27 [1.20-4.43], P = 0.013). When evaluating the severity of HF before spine surgery, R-EF was associated with a higher risk of major complications, especially the occurrence of a myocardial infarction 30 days postoperatively. During preoperative risk assessment, congestive HF should be considered thoroughly when thinking of postoperative outcomes with emphasis on R-EF.

Echocardiographic derived pulmonary artery wedge pressure is associated with mortality, heart hospitalizations, and functional capacity in chronic systolic heart failure: insights from the HF-ACTION trial.

Heart Failure (HF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Identification of patients at risk for adverse events could lead to improved outcomes. Few studies address the association of echocardiographic-derived PAWP with exercise capacity, readmissions, and mortality in HF. HF-ACTION enrolled 2331 outpatients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who were randomized to aerobic exercise training versus usual care. All patients underwent baseline echocardiography. Echocardiographic-derived PAWP (ePAWP) was assessed using the Nagueh formula. We evaluated the relationship between ePAWP to clinical outcomes. Among the 2331 patients in the HF-ACTION trial, 2125 patients consented and completed follow-up with available data. 807 of these patients had complete echocardiographic data that allowed the calculation of ePAWP. Of this cohort, mean age (SD) was 58years (12.7), and 255 (31.6%) were female. The median ePAWP was 14.06mmHg. ePAWP was significantly associated with cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, coefficient 0.016, CI 1.002-1.030, p = 0.022) and all-cause death or HF hospitalization (HR 1.01, coefficient 0.010, CI 1.001-1.020, p = 0.04). Increased ePAWP was also associated with decreased exercise capacity leading to lower peak VO2 (p = < 0.001), high Ve/VCO2 slope (p = < 0.001), lower exercise duration (p = < 0.001), oxygen uptake efficiency (p = < 0.001), and shorter 6-MWT distance (p = < 0.001). Among HFrEF patients, echocardiographic-derived PAWP was associated with increased mortality, reduced functional capacity and heart failure hospitalization. ePAWP may be a viable noninvasive marker to risk stratify HFrEF patients.

Extracellular sodium regulates fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) formation

The bone-derived hormone fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) has recently received much attention due to its association with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease progression. Extracellular sodium concentration ([Na+]) plays a significant role in bone metabolism. Hyponatremia (lower serum [Na+]) has recently been shown to be independently associated with FGF23 levels in patients with chronic systolic heart failure. However, nothing is known about the direct impact of [Na+] on FGF23 production. Here, we show that an elevated [Na+] (+20 mM) suppressed FGF23 formation, whereas low [Na+] (-20 mM) increased FGF23 synthesis in the osteoblast-like cell lines UMR-106 and MC3T3-E1. Similar bidirectional changes in FGF23 abundance were observed when osmolality was altered by mannitol but not by urea, suggesting a role of tonicity in FGF23 formation. Moreover, these changes in FGF23 were inversely proportional to the expression of NFAT5 (nuclear factor of activated T cells-5), a transcription factor responsible for tonicity-mediated cellular adaptations. Furthermore arginine vasopressin (AVP), which is often responsible for hyponatremia, did not affect FGF23 production. Next, we performed a comprehensive and unbiased RNA-seq analysis of UMR-106 cells exposed to low vs. high [Na+], which revealed several novel genes involved in cellular adaptation to altered tonicity. Additional analysis of cells with Crisp-Cas9 mediated NFAT5 deletion indicated that NFAT5 controls numerous genes associated with FGF23 synthesis, thereby confirming its role in [Na+]-mediated FGF23 regulation. In line with these in vitro observations, we found that hyponatremia patients have higher FGF23 levels. Our results suggest that [Na+] is a critical regulator of FGF23 synthesis.

Revisiting Pulmonary Hypertension in the Era of Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support – Literature Review and Case-Based Discussion

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by persistently increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. New defining criteria for the different hemodynamic types of pulmonary hypertension (PH) that occur with left heart disease have been proposed by the task force on PH. After consideration of the changes in the general definition of PH in left heart disease, the proposed hemodynamic definition was: (1) isolated postcapillary PH: pulmonary artery wedge pressure >15 mm Hg and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) >20 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) <3 Woods units (WU); and (2) combined post- and precapillary PH: pulmonary artery wedge pressure >15 mm Hg, mPAP >20 mm Hg, and PVR ≥3 WU. Secondary PH is initially reversible, but eventually, it can become fixed because of the remodeling process of the pulmonary vascular system. Limitations in defining both the time for and amount of reversibility lack clarity. We discuss a case of PH as a framework to better understand these key principles in addressing patients' candidacy for heart or heart-lung transplantation. We performed a literature search for all available contemporary data with the following terms: "pulmonary hypertension," "reversal," "Impella 5.5," "temporary mechanical support," and "LVAD" using the National Library of Medicine - PubMed and PubMed Central between 2019 and 2023. A total of 14 published papers were found with these search. From these, 3 addressed the issue of PH and reversibility in the setting of LHD after durable LVAD placement. No papers were found using Impella 5.5 and PH during this timeframe. Given the paucity of data in the field regarding temporary mechanical circulatory support and pulmonary hypertension, we present a case-based discussion to guide the reader in understanding the potential impact of this method in patients with WHO Class 2 Pulmonary hypertension. A 49-year-old woman with a medical history of acute on chronic biventricular systolic and diastolic heart failure, American College of Cardiology stage D, Stevenson profile C, New York Heart Association class IV (ejection fraction 18%) secondary to nonischemic cardiomyopathy after cardiac resynchronization therapy, pulmonary hypertension, bilateral deep vein thrombosis, and segmental pulmonary embolism presented for heart transplant evaluation. Her cardiac output and central hemodynamics were measured, and she was found to have a pulmonary artery (PA) pressure of 78/38 with a mean PA pressure of 51, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) 30, transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG) 21, thermodilution cardiac output (CO) 3.35 L/min, and cardiac input (CI) 1.75 L/min/m2. Her PVR was 6.2 WU. Provocative pharmacologic testing for reversibility of PH was performed using sodium nitroprusside, which resulted in a blood pressure of 83/57 (92), heart rate 92/min, and PA pressure of 71/31, with a mean PA pressure of 44 PCWP 22, TPG 22, CO 4.8 L/min, and CI of 2.48 L/min/m2 with a PVR of 4.5 WU. Following this, the patient underwent Impella 5.5 placement through the right axillary artery to optimize afterload reduction and improve end-organ perfusion. Post-Impella hemodynamics on milrinone 0.5 mcg/kg/min demonstrated the following: blood pressure 90/66 (74), heart rate 53/min, and PA pressure of 56/29, with a mean PA pressure of 38, PCWP 24, TPG 14, CO 6 L/min, and CI of 2.9 L/min/m2 with a PVR of 2.3 WU. Left ventricular assist device support with Impella 5.5 is associated with a reduction in mPAP and PVR over weeks to months and thus plays a crucial role as a bridge to transplant. Our case and this review highlights the characteristics of PH resulting from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and discusses the important clinical issues related to the treatment of these patients. We have shown that left ventricular assist device therapy with Impella 5.5 can effectively reduce left-sided filling pressures and lead to PH improvement. We demonstrate the potential benefits of Impella 5.5 in the management of patients with WHO 2 PH and cardiogenic shock with impaired hemodynamics.

Abstract 13746: Mental Health and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation in Black Patients at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death

Introduction: Black patients with guideline indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have lower rates of implantation compared to White patients. The Educational Videos to Address Racial Disparities in ICD Therapy Via Innovative Designs (VIVID) trial enrolled self-identified Black individuals with chronic systolic heart failure and studied the impact of a video-based decision-support tool on decisional quality and ICD implantation. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that depressive symptoms are associated with greater decisional conflict and lower rates of ICD implantation among study participants. Methods: Participants were administered the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) depression screen; and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, from which we derived the Mental Component Summary-12 (MCS-12). A decisional conflict scale (DCS) adapted from the Ottawa framework for shared decision-making was used to assess decisional conflict associated with the decision for ICD implantation. An analysis of covariance was used to assess differences in DCS scores. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between mental health scores and ICD implantation at 90 days. Results: Among 306 included participants, 60 (19.6%) reported depressed mood and 142 (46.4%) reported anhedonia. Participants with the lowest MCS-12 scores (poorer mental health) had greater decisional conflict regarding ICD assent compared to those with the highest MCS-12 scores (adjusted mean difference in DCS score = 3.05 [95% CI: 0.32, 5.78]). By 90-day follow-up, 204 participants (66.6%) underwent ICD implantation. There was no significant association between either PHQ-2 score or MCS-12 score and ICD implantation. Conclusions: Depressed mood and anhedonia were prevalent among Black patients considering primary prevention ICD. Poorer mental health did not impact the likelihood of ICD implantation in this population.

FRI502 Myxedema Coma With An Unusual Pattern Of Thyroid Function Tests Due To Amiodarone-induced Hypothyroidism

Abstract Disclosure: S. Nguyen: None. B. Force: None. R. Schneider Aguirre: None. Introduction: Myxedema coma is an endocrine emergency characterized by severe hypothyroidism resulting in altered mental status or coma, hypothermia, cardiovascular compromise, pulmonary edema or pleural effusions, and/or gastrointestinal hypomotility, classically in the context of an elevated TSH and low thyroxine levels. Amiodarone use is associated with alteration of thyroid function tests and could cloud the laboratory presentation of myxedema coma. Here we present a case of myxedema coma in a patient with amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism with an elevated free T4 (FT4) and low total T3 (TT3). Clinical Case: A 64-year-old female with a history of chronic systolic heart failure, persistent atrial flutter treated with amiodarone, cerebrovascular accident, hypertension, chronic kidney disease stage 4, but not hypothyroidism, presented with constipation, confusion and lethargy worsening over 3 days. On initial evaluation, she was minimally responsive, hypothermic to 95.6 °F and bradycardic to low 50s. She was intubated for airway protection and vasopressors were started due to concern for cardiogenic shock. Exam was notable for coarse facial features, edema and cold extremities. A bedside echocardiogram showed reduced cardiac function from baseline. Her TSH was 40.65 uIU/mL (RR, 0.45-5.33 uIU/mL), FT4 1.79 ng/dL (RR 0.64-1.42 ng/dL), total T4 14.30 mcg/dL (RR 6.09-12.23 mcg/dL), TT3 70 ng/dL (RR 87-178 70 ng/dL). Sodium was 135 mmol/L (RR 136-145 mmol/L), serum glucose was 42 mg/dL, (RR 70-110 mg/dL), and eGFR was 18 mL/min/1.73 m2 (baseline eGFR 28 mL/min/1.73 m2). Evaluations for myocardial infarction and infectious etiology were initiated and ultimately negative. While elevated FT4 is not characteristic of myxedema coma, the overall constellation of stupor, constipation, bradycardia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, decreased eGFR and decreased cardiac function, in the setting of an elevated TSH and low TT3, made the diagnosis of myxedema coma extremely likely. The patient was started on levothyroxine 200 mcg IV daily and hydrocortisone 100 mg IV every 8 hours. After 16-20 hours on this regimen, the patient was weaned off sedation and vasopressors, extubated, and recovered baseline mental status. Hydrocortisone was stopped and on day 3 of hospitalization, she was transitioned to oral levothyroxine 88 mcg daily. Due to premature ventricular contractions her dose was decreased to 50 mcg orally daily five days after her initial presentation to the hospital. During this time, the TSH decreased to 3.59 uIU/mL and the FT4 rose to 2.83 ng/dL. Conclusion: We conclude that in patients treated with amiodarone, myxedema coma can still occur even if T4 levels are normal or elevated, likely due to decreased T4 to T3 conversion. In these cases, elevated TSH and a clinical picture consistent with severe hypothyroidism are more reliable indicators if the (free) T4 levels are unexpectedly elevated. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

P69 SHORT–TERM EFFECT OF DAPAGLIFLOZIN ON LEFT VENTRICULAR LONGITUDINAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE WITH REDUCED LEFT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION

Abstract Background It is known that sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been shown to confer important clinical benefits in patients with congestive heart failure (HF). Several evidences show SGLT2 influence the longitudinal systolic function of the left ventricle after medium and long term follow–up (FUP) in patients with HF. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how dapagliflozin can modify the global longitudinal strain (GLS) in a population of patients with systolic congestive heart failure (HFrEF) evaluating possible correlations with the basal functional capacity. Methods Clinical and echocardiographic data were retrospectively analyzed in 60 HFrEF patients treated with dapagliflozin, within a dedicated outpatient HF clinic. Pre–treatment data were correlated with to clinical and instrumental FUP date that was generally performed after two months of treatment. The clinical and instrumental data consisted of the NYHA functional class, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the GLS. Results There was no significant change between baseline and FUP date on LVEF (25.2 ± 9.9% vs 25.6 ± 9.6% p.s.), while GLS showed significant improvement (13.1 ± 3.7% vs 14.3 ± 3.1% p &amp;lt; 0.03). GLS improvement in HFrEF patients with more impaired functional class (NYHA III/IV) was more significant from 10.9 ± 3.4% to 13.1 ± 2.2% (p &amp;lt; 0.01), compared to that in HFeEF patients with less compromised functional class (NYHA I–II) from 13.6 ± 2.4% to 14.1 ± 2.1% (p 0.07). Conclusions Dapagliflozin was associated with short term improvement in longitudinal left ventricular myocardial function in patients with chronic congestive systolic heart failure. This improvement is more evident in patients who start from a more impaired functional capacity than in clinically more stable patients.

PO-02-024 ANCHOR BALLOON TECHNIQUE AS A RESCUE STRATEGY FOR CHALLENGING CORONARY SINUS CANNULATION: A CASE SERIES

Cardiovascular resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves outcomes in patients with chronic systolic heart failure and interventricular dyssynchrony. However difficult coronary sinus (CS) access due to tortuosity, stenosis or steep angulation can pose challenges to successful left ventricular (LV) lead implantation. Many such cases require surgical epicardial LV lead placement which is more invasive and associated with higher incidence of complications. Despite the use of interventional tools and techniques, such as use of delivery sheaths of varied sizes, Amplatz support wire, vein selectors and snaring, some cases require more advanced techniques such as anchor balloon as a rescue strategy to ensure successful LV lead placement. We describe a case series of 8 patients where anchor balloon technique was used to cannulate the CS due to inability to cannulate the CS despite using interventional techniques From 2017 to 2020, 8 patients were identified who required the anchor balloon technique for CS cannulation. Clinical information, imaging methods, LV lead implantation techniques, and complications were obtained by retrospective chart review. Stepwise description of using anchor balloon technique for CS cannulation is described in figure 1. The basic principle is to change the angle of approach and create a more supportive rail using compliant coronary balloons over which the sheath is advanced. Coronary balloons offer several advantages, they have a low profile, can track over wire, have a hydrophilic coating and can advance easily into CS. In our cohort of patients, anchor balloon technique was used to successfully cannulate the CS in all 8 patients where the other techniques had failed. In the group, 3 were denovo implants, 3 were upgrades to a prior implant and 2 were redo procedures where other operators had tried to implant the CS lead without success. 2 patients had prior history of open-heart surgery. The details of the patient population in each group are delineated in Table 1. Potential complications from using anchor balloons include vein rupture and laceration leading to pericardial effusion, but these were not seen in our study despite most patients with no prior history of open-heart surgery. Anchor balloon technique when added to the basic interventional CRT tools contributes to successful LV lead implantation in patients with challenging CS anatomy without any significant additional risk.Tabled 1Baseline CharacteristicsPatient IDAge (years)SexPrior open heart surgeryType of implant177MYesRedo271MYesUpgrade346FNoUpgrade471FNoDenovo561MNoDenovo653FNoDenovo757MNoUpgrade857FNoRedo Open table in a new tab

Does the Type of Chronic Heart Failure Impact In-Hospital Outcomes for Aortic Valve Replacement Procedures?

This study assessed in-hospital outcomes of patients with chronic systolic, diastolic, or mixed heart failure (HF) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify patients with aortic stenosis and chronic HF who underwent TAVR or SAVR between 2012 and 2015. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine outcome risk. A cohort of 9,879 patients with systolic (27.2%), diastolic (52.2%), and mixed (20.6%) chronic HF were included. No statistically significant differences in hospital mortality were noted. Overall, patients with diastolic HF had the shortest hospital stays and lowest costs. Compared with patients with diastolic HF, the risk of acute myocardial infarction (TAVR odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.20-3.19; P = .008; SAVR OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.98-1.95; P = .067) and cardiogenic shock (TAVR OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.43-3.23; P < .001; SAVR OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.42-2.53; P ≤ .001) was higher in patients with systolic HF, whereas the risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (TAVR OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.76; P < .001; SAVR OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84; P = .004) was lower following aortic valve procedures. In TAVR, the risk of acute deep vein thrombosis and kidney injury was higher, although not statistically significant, in patients with systolic HF than in those with diastolic HF. These outcomes suggest that chronic HF types do not incur statistically significant hospital mortality risk in patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR.

Patients with Rapid Atrial Fibrillation in Congestive Heart Failure with Bilateral Pleural Effusion Complication: Case Report and Literature Review

Highlights: In the setting of AF in patient with AHF, conventional treatment strategies do not convert the rhythm into sinus rhythm. Newly emerged therapies such as catheter ablation, or atrioventricular node ablation with biventricular pacing might be more beneficial rather than the conventional rhythm and rate control strategies Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of arrhythmia. The prevalence of AF in patients with systolic left ventricular dysfunction and CHF is around 35% in the patient population with NYHA II-IV. In this case, we will discuss a case report of a patient with AF with complications of CHF and Bilateral Pleural Effusion. Case Summary. A female patient, 62 years old, came to the emergency room of dr. Soegiri Hospital with complaints of sudden shortness of breath since morning. There were crackles in the right lung field during the auscultation and the chest x-ray shows cardiomegaly with a CTR&gt; 50% with bilateral effusion and atelectasis. On the electrocardiogram examination performed at the ICCU, an irregular rhythm was obtained with an HR of 100x/minute, with p waves that cannot be distinguished, normal QRS waves, and T waves that cannot be assessed. The patient was diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) with rapid atrial fibrillation (AF) accompanied by complications of bilateral pleural effusion with a differential diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with pneumonia and acute lung edema (ALO). Discussion. Patients with AF and CHF have a poorer prognosis than patients with a single diagnosis of AF or CHF alone. A rhythm control strategy consisting of antiarrhythmic drugs and electrical cardioversion in stable patients with AF and CHF adds no benefit to a heart rate control strategy.

Magnetic resonance imaging of organ iron before and after correction of iron deficiency in patients with heart failure.

Intravenous iron therapy (IVIT) is known to improve functional status in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The exact mechanism is not completely understood. We correlated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of T2* iron signal in various organs to systemic iron and exercise capacity (EC) in CHF before and after IVIT. We prospectively analysed 24 patients with systolic CHF for T2* MRI pattern of the left ventricle (LV), small and large intestines, spleen, liver, skeletal muscle, and brain for iron. In 12 patients with iron deficiency (ID), we restored iron deficit by IVIT using ferric carboxymaltose. The effects after 3months were analysed by spiroergometry and MRI. Patients with vs. without ID showed lower blood ferritin, haemoglobin (76±63 vs. 196±82μg/L and 12.3±1.1 vs. 14.2±1.1g/dL, all P<0.002), and in trend a lower transferrin saturation (TSAT) (19.1 [13.1; 28.2] vs. 25.1 [21.3; 29.1] %, P=0.05). Spleen and liver iron was lower as expressed by higher T2* value (71.8 [66.4; 93.1] vs. 36.9 [32.9; 51.7] ms, P<0.002 and 33.5±5.9 vs. 28.8±3.9ms, and P<0.03). There was a strong trend for a lower cardiac septal iron content in ID (40.6 [33.0; 57.3] vs. 33.7 [31.3; 40.2] ms, P=0.07). After IVIT, ferritin, TSAT, and haemoglobin increased (54 [30; 104] vs. 235 [185; 339] μg/L, 19.1 [13.1; 28.2] vs. 25.0 [21.0; 33.7] %, 12.3±1.1 vs. 13.3±1.3g/L, all P<0.04). Peak VO2 improved (18.2±4.2 vs. 20.9±3.8mL/min/kg-1 , P=0.05). Higher peak VO2 at anaerobic threshold was associated with higher blood ferritin, reflecting higher metabolic exercise capacity after therapy (r=0.9, P=0.0009). Increase in EC was associated with haemoglobin increase (r=0.7, P=0.034). LV iron increased by 25.4% (48.5 [36.2; 64.8] vs. 36.2 [32.9; 41.9] ms, P<0.04). Spleen and liver iron increased by 46.4 and 18.2%, respectively (71.8 [66.4; 93.1] vs. 38.5 [22.4; 76.9] ms, P<0.04 and 33.5±5.9 vs. 27.4±8.6ms, P<0.007). Iron in skeletal muscle, brain, intestine, and bone marrow remained unchanged (29.6 [28.6; 31.2] vs. 30.4 [29.7; 30.7] ms, P=0.7, 81.0±6.3 vs. 82.9±9.9ms, P=0.6, 34.3±21.4 vs. 25.3±14.1ms, P=0.2, 9.4 [7.5; 21.8] vs. 10.3 [6.7; 15.7] ms, P=0.5 and 9.8±1.5 vs. 13.7±8.9ms, P=0.1). CHF patients with ID showed lower spleen, liver, and in trend lower cardiac septal iron. After IVIT, iron signal of the left ventricle as well as spleen and liver increased. Improvement in EC was associated with increase in haemoglobin after IVIT. In ID, liver, spleen, and brain but not heart iron were associated with markers of systemic ID.

Microbiota‐related metabolites fueling the understanding of ischemic heart disease

Microbiota‐related metabolites fueling the understanding of ischemic heart disease

Effect of low-level laser physiotherapy on left ventricular function among patients with chronic systolic heart failure

BackgroundLow-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a promising noninvasive physiotherapeutic approach that has been demonstrated to improve cardiac performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of low-level laser therapy on cardiac functions and clinical status in patients with chronic left ventricular systolic heart failure who were not candidates for cardiac revascularization or resynchronization. A case series of 27 patients received a course of low-level laser physiotherapy, the clinical outcomes, echocardiographic parameters, and serum nitric oxide levels were evaluated before and after LLLT.ResultsOf the total patients enrolled in the study, 21 (or 77.8%) were male, with a mean age of 57.7 ± 6.89 years. NYHA classification significantly improved after low-level laser therapy, 15 patients were in class III,12 were in class IV, and no one was in class II before laser therapy while after laser therapy; 25 patients shifted to class II, two patients were in class III with P < 0.001, Six-minute walk distance test was performed, and the results showed that the mean of 6MWT was less than 200 m (148.556 ± 39.092) before the study but increased to more than 300 after laser therapy (385.074 ± 61.740), left ventricular ejection fraction before laser therapy was 26 ± 7.5 while after laser therapy it became 30 ± 8.6 but diastolic function did not change after low-level laser therapy, the mean peak TR pressure was 40.0 ± 9.0 mmHg and 33.0 ± 7.0 before and after laser therapy respectively P < 0.001. A significant change was observed in NO level from 4.1 ± 1.4 IU/ml before laser therapy to 5.2 ± 1.7 IU/ml after laser therapy P < 0.001.ConclusionsLow-level laser therapy may add benefits to improve symptoms, clinical condition, and quality of life in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, further studies are necessary to evaluate the changes in cardiac functions at a longer follow-up duration.

Assessing Correlation Between Thoracic Impedance and Remotely Monitored Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Chronic Systolic Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) readmission continues to be a major health problem. Monitoring pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and thoracic impedance (TI) are the two modalities utilized for early identification of decompensation in HF patients. We aimed to assess the correlation between these two modalities in patients who simultaneously had both the devices. Patients with history of New York Heart Association class III systolic HF with a pre-implanted intracardiac defibrillator (ICD) capable of monitoring TI and pre-implanted CardioMEMs™ remote HF monitoring device were included. Hemodynamic data including TI and PAPs were measured at baseline and then weekly. Weekly percentage change was then calculated as: Weekly percentage change = (week 2 - week1)/week 1 × 100. Variability between the methods was expressed by Bland-Altman analysis. Significance was determined as a P-value < 0.05. Nine patients met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant correlation between the assessed weekly percentage changes in pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PAdP) and TI measurements (r = -0.180, P = 0.065). Using Bland-Altman analytic methods, both methods had no significant difference in agreement (0.011±0.094%, P = 0.215). With the linear regression model applied for Bland-Altman analysis, the two methods appeared to have proportional bias without agreement (unstandardized beta-coefficient of 1.91, t 22.9, P ≤ 0.001). Our study demonstrated that variations exist between measurement of PAdP and TI; however, there is no significant correlation between weekly variations between them.

Enzalutamide induced non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. A case report and review of literature on anti-androgen therapy-related cardiovascular events

Prostate cancer has a very high prevalence among elder men, and this could potentially increase as longevity in many parts of the world is increasing. Early stages of prostate cancer can have surgical options, but the more advanced stages require some form of anti-androgen therapy. There are novel anti-androgen agents that were recently approved. Cardiovascular toxicity has been reported with some of these drugs. This is a novel report of likely cardiovascular toxicity due to Enzalutamide, which typically has a safer cardiovascular profile than Abiraterone.We describe a 72-year-old male with repeated recurrence of prostate cancer with metastasis. The second time it recurred was within 2 years of the 1st recurrence and was treated with Enzalutamide.However, within 2 weeks he developed systolic congestive heart failure that improved with stopping the drug and medical optimization.Literature review shows that Abiraterone has more cardiovascular side effects than Enzalutamide which more commonly causes hypertension. The timeline in our case suggests Enzalutamide causing congestive heart failure which is a novel finding. This finding warrants further research regarding the safety profile of novel anti-androgen therapy. This includes risk stratification for potential cardiovascular adverse events and risk/benefit analysis prior to initiating therapy. Data on cumulative dose accumulation and risks can also be an area of future research.

β-blocker dose, heart rate reduction, and death in patients with heart f ailure: a systematic review

Background: In individuals with systolic chronic Heart failure (HF), β-blockers enhance cardiac function and increase survival. The precise processes driving these advantages are unclear, though. It is uncertain if there is a direct link between clinical results with these medications and heart rate (HR) decrease. According to recommendations, β-blockers should be administered to individuals with HF at effective dosages in clinical studies. It is unknown if the advantages of β-blockade are dose-related, even though the disadvantages are. Aim: To investigate the survival benefits of β-blockade in HF and its association with the level of HR reduction or the β-blocker dose. Methods: This is an updated systematic review of studies discussing the survival benefits of β-blockade in HF and its association with the level of HR reduction or the β-blocker dose between 2020 and 2022. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were used to explore studies regarding our subject. The keywords included &amp;quot;β-blocker Dose, Heart Rate Reduction, Death, Patients, and Heart Failure,&amp;quot; and were used in various combinations. The inclusion criteria were original studies that reported the survival benefits of β-blockade in HF and its association with the level of HR reduction or the β-blocker dose and full-text articles. Results: Though 240 articles were obtained, only 8 of them met the inclusion criteria. The studies included more than 120,348 patients: 4 prospective studies, 1 case series, 1 multicenter, a randomized clinical trial, and 2 observational cohort studies. Conclusion: Oral β-blocker therapy was independently associated with a lower risk of poor in-hospital outcomes in sore throat speech therapy (ST)-elevation myocardial infarction patients with Killip class II or III HF. In individuals with chronic or acute coronary syndrome, an HR of 70 bpm was related to poorer clinical indicators and prognosis. β-blocker therapy was independently associated with a lower risk of all-cause death. In HF patients with reduced ejection fraction with advanced chronic kidney disease, using β-blockers was linked to decreased morbidity and death rates. Moreover, HF patients who receive medical treatment with βb can reverse exercise oscillatory ventilation.

Prevalence and clinical course of patients with chronic heart failure secondary to chronic Chagas heart disease associated with obstructive coronary artery disease.

The prevalence and the outcomes of patients with chronic Chagas heart disease with obstructive coronary artery disease (CCHD-CAD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) with precordial chest pain are unsettled. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical course of patients with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD. Patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and systolic CHF were included; those with precordial chest pain and at least two risk factors for CAD underwent coronary arteriogram. In total 262 patients were included in the investigation; 234 (89%) had CHF secondary to CCHD alone, and 28 (11%) with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD, as observed at coronary arteriogram. The survival probability of patients with CHF secondary to CCHD alone at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 mo was 79%, 64%, 54%, 44% and 33%, respectively, whereas survival probability for patients with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 mo was 96%, 80%, 71%, 66% and 57%, respectively (p=0.04). In patients with CCHD with CHF, the prevalence of CAD of 11% is not neglectable in those with precordial chest pain. The outcome for patients with precordial chest pain with CHF secondary to CCHD-CAD is better than that observed in patients with CHF secondary to CCHD alone.

VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION AS PRESENTATION FOR TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY

VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION AS PRESENTATION FOR TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY