CV Mortality Research Articles

Early Levosimendan Administration Improved Weaning Success Rate in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock.

BackgroundVenoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been increasingly used in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. It is difficult to perform VA-ECMO weaning, which may cause circulatory failure and death. Levosimendan is an effective inotropic agent used to maintain cardiac output, has a long-lasting effect, and may have the potential benefit for VA-ECMO weaning. The study aimed to explore the relationship between the early use of levosimendan and the rate of VA-ECMO weaning failure in patients on VA-ECMO support for circulatory failure.MethodsAll patients who underwent VA-ECMO in our hospital for CS between January 2017 and December 2020 were recruited in this cohort study and divided into two groups: without and with levosimendan use. Levosimendan was used as an add-on to other inotropic agents as early as possible after VA-ECMO setting. The primary endpoint was VA-ECMO weaning success, which was defined as survival without events for 24 h after VA-ECMO withdrawl. The secondary outcomes were cardiovascular and all-cause mortality at the 30-day and 180-day follow-up periods post-VA-ECMO initialization.ResultsA total of 159 patients were recruited for our study; 113 patients were enrolled in the without levosimendan-use group and 46 patients were enrolled in the levosimendan-use group. In levosimendan-use group, the patients received levosimendan infusion within 24 h after VA-ECMO initialization. Similar hemodynamic parameters were noted between the two groups. Poorer left ventricular ejection fraction and a higher prevalence of intra-aortic balloon pumping were observed in the levosimendan group. An improved weaning rate (without vs. with: 48.7 vs. 82.6%; p < 0.001), lower in-hospital mortality rate (without vs. with: 68.1 vs. 43.5%; p = 0.007), and 180-day cardiovascular mortality (without vs. with: 75.3 vs. 43.2%; p < 0.001) were also noted. Patients administered with levosimendan also presented a lower rate of 30-day (without vs. with: 75.3 vs. 41.3%; p = 0.034) and 180-day (without vs. with: 77.0 vs. 43.2%; p < 0.001) all-cause mortality.ConclusionEarly levosimendan administration may contribute to increasing the success rate of VA-ECMO weaning and may help to decrease CV and all-cause mortality.

The 2020 ESC atrial fibrillation guidelines for atrial fibrillation catheter ablation, CABANA, and EAST.

Prior randomised clinical trials (RCTs) have suggested that rhythm control offers no benefit compared to accepting AF and instituting rate control in terms of all-cause mortality, CV mortality and sudden death; as a consequence, the ESC AF guidelines have recommended rhythm control for reducing AF-related symptoms and improving quality of life. The Early Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation for Stroke Prevention Trial (EAST-AFNET 4) evaluated whether a more up-to-date rhythm control management strategy provides a benefit in mortality or stroke rates while the Catheter Ablation vs Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (CABANA) trial evaluated whether catheter ablation was better than drug therapy in preventing a composite of death, disabling stroke, serious bleeding or cardiac arrest. This document critically reviews the recommendations of the 2020 ESC guidelines for the management of AF in the light of these two landmark trials, both of which have underlined the safety of contemporary rhythm control treatment. Considering the safety of the different strategies in modern AF treatment, a personalized approach taking into account the specific patient profile and preferences of the individual patient is needed.

Interactions Between Statins, Exercise, and Health: A Clinical Update

Interactions Between Statins, Exercise, and Health: A Clinical Update

Association of colchicine use for acute gout with clinical outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure.

BackgroundGout is a common comorbidity in heart failure (HF) patients and is frequently associated with acute exacerbations during treatment for decompensated HF. Although colchicine is often used to manage acute gout in HF patients, its impact on clinical outcomes when used during acute decompensated HF is unknown.MethodsThis was a single center, retrospective study of hospitalized patients treated for an acute HF exacerbation with and without acute gout flare between March 2011 and December 2020. We assessed clinical outcomes in patients treated with colchicine for a gout flare compared to those who did not experience a gout flare or receive colchicine. The primary outcome was in‐hospital all‐cause mortality.ResultsAmong 1047 patient encounters for acute HF during the study period, there were 237 encounters (22.7%) where the patient also received colchicine for acute gout during admission. In‐hospital all‐cause mortality was significantly reduced in the colchicine group compared with the control group (2.1% vs. 6.5%, p = .009). The colchicine group had increased length of stay (9.93 vs. 7.96 days, p < .001) but no significant difference in 30‐day readmissions (21.5% vs. 19.5%, p = .495). In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, inpatient colchicine use was associated with improved survival to discharge (hazards ratio [HR] 0.163, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.051−0.525, p = .002) and a reduced rate of in‐hospital CV mortality (HR 0.184, 95% CI 0.044−0.770, p = .021).ConclusionAmong patients with a HF exacerbation, treatment with colchicine for a gout flare was associated with significantly lower in‐hospital mortality compared with those not treated for acute gout.

Association of Light-Intensity Physical Activity With Mortality in the Older Population: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

BackgroundThere is a paucity of information about mortality related to light-intensity physical activity (LPA) in the older population. We examine the associations between physical activity and mortality, focusing on the effect of light-intensity physical activity and the dose-response relationship between physical activity and mortality.MethodsWe analyzed a total of 58,537 participants aged ≥ 65 years (mean age, 73.9 ± 5.8 years; male, 36.0%) in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database between 2009 and 2012. The Date of the end of follow-up was December 31, 2013. Individuals were divided into four categories according to physical activity intensity: totally sedentary (43.3%), LPA only (35.8%), LPA and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) (16.3%), MVPA only (4.5%). Physical activity was quantified using standardized self-reported questionnaires which composed of the duration and frequency of physical activity.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 39.6 ± 14.0 months, 5,651 (9.7%) deaths occurred. Compared with totally sedentary individuals, those in the LPA only, LPA and MVPA, and MVPA only groups showed 26% [hazard ratio (HR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.82], 27% (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63–0.84), and 34% (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.79) lower all-cause mortality risk, showing an inverse relationship between physical activity intensity and mortality risk. In contrast, the LPA only, LPA and MVPA, and MVPA only groups represented a stronger inverse association with CV mortality (LPA: HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62–0.92; LPA with MVPA: HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.55–0.999; MVPA, HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37–0.87). Among participants performing LPA alone, participants performing less than the recommended dose of physical activity had lower all-cause mortality than those with sedentary activity (1–249 MET-min/week: HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.67–0.82, 250–499 MET-min/week: HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.59–0.72).ConclusionPhysical activity, even low doses of LPA, was associated with reduced mortality risk in the elderly population. This study may motivate sedentary individuals to engage in any physical activity for mortality benefits.

IDF21-0453 Phase-3 active control trial to evaluate Safety and Efficacy of Repaglinide plus Voglibose combination in T2D patients

Background: Post-prandial hyperglycemia (PPHG) appears to be the rate limiting factor for achieving optimal glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes (T2D). In DECODA study, 2 h postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) was found to be superior to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in predicting premature CV mortality. Clinical use of Repaglinide and Voglibose combination in T2D offers post-prandial glucose regulation while modulating the first phase of insulin secretion that is often blunted in such cases.

Circulating Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 level independently predicts incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis black Africans patients

BackgroundCardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The aim of the present study was to determine whether Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) could be an independent predictor of CV events and all-cause mortality in black African haemodialysis patients.MethodsWe carried out a prospective cohort study of all consecutive hemodialysis (HD) patients between August 2016 and July 2020, admitted in six hemodialysis centers of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Independent determinants of plasma PCSK-9 measured by ELISA were sought using multiple linear regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier’s method described the incidence of CV events while competitive and proportional risk models looked for independent risk factors for death at the .05 significance level.ResultsOut of 207 HD patients, 91 (43.9%) died; 116 (56.1%) have survived. PCSK9 level was significantly higher in deceased patients compared to survivors: 28.0 (24.0–31.0) ng/l vs 9.6 (8.6–11.6) ng/ml (p < 0.001). Patients with plasma PCSK9 levels in tertile 3 had a higher incidence of CV events and mortality compared to patients with plasma PCSK9 levels in tertile 2 or tertile 1 (p < 0.001). Tertile 3 negatively influence survival rates (26.6%) compared to tertile 2 (54.7%) and tertile 1 (85.3%). Patients in tertile 3 and tertile 2 had a 4-fold higher risk of death than patients in tertile 1. After adjustment for all parameters, competitive risk analysis showed that mortality was 2 times higher in patients with stroke. Similarly, serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL or PCSK9 in tertile 3 were respectively associated with 2 or 6 times higher rates of deaths.ConclusionElevated plasma PCSK9 level is an independent major predictor of incident CV events and all-cause mortality in black African HD patients.

In CV disease, GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors reduce CV mortality.

Kanie T, Mizuno A, Takaoka Y, et al. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors for people with cardiovascular disease: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;10:CD013650. 34693515.

Diferencias de género en la titulación de fármacos de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida del ensayo ETIFIC

Introduction and objectivesOptimal medical therapy decreases mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Women have been underrepresented in clinical trials and not specifically evaluated. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of drug titration in women vs men. MethodsThis post hoc gender study of the ETIFIC multicenter randomized trial included hospitalized patients with new-onset HF with reduced ejection fraction and New York Heart Association II-III and no contraindications to beta-blockers. A structured 4-month titration process was implemented in HF clinics. The primary endpoint was the mean relative dose (% of target dose) of beta-blockers achieved by women vs men. Secondary endpoints included the mean relative doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, adverse events, and other clinical outcomes at 6 months. ResultsA total of 320 patients were included, 83 (25.93%) women and 237 (74.06%) men (76 vs 213 analyzed). The mean±standard deviation of the relative doses achieved by women vs men were as follows: beta-blockers 62.08%±30.72% vs 64.4%±32.77%, with a difference of−2.32% (95%CI,−10.58-5.94), P = .580; and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists 79.85%±27.72% vs 67.29%±31.43%, P =.003. No other differences in drug dosage were found. Multivariate analysis showed nonsignificant differences. CV mortality was 1 (1.20%) vs 3 (1.26%), P=1, and HF hospitalizations 0 (0.00%) vs 10 (4.22%), P=.125. ConclusionsIn a post hoc analysis from the HF-titration ETIFIC trial, we found nonsignificant gender differences in drug dosage, cardiovascular mortality, and HF hospitalizations.Trial registry number: NCT02546856.

Ventricular Dysfunction in Obese and Nonobese Rats with Metabolic Syndrome.

Obesity and dyslipidemias are both signs of metabolic syndrome, usually associated with ventricular arrhythmias. Here, we tried to identify cardiac electrical alteration and biomarkers in nonobese rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and these findings might lead to more lethal arrhythmias than obese animals. The MetS model was developed in Wistar rats with high-sucrose diet (20%), and after twenty-eight weeks were obtained two subgroups: obese (OMetS) and nonobese (NOMetS). The electrocardiogram was used to measure the ventricular arrhythmias and changes in the heart rate variability. Also, we measured ventricular hypertrophy and its relationship with electrical activity alterations of both ventricles, using micro-electrode and voltage clamp techniques. Also, we observed alterations in the contraction force of ventricles where a transducer was used to record mechanical and electrical papillary muscle, simultaneously. Despite both subgroups presenting long QT syndrome (0.66 ± 0.05 and 0.66 ± 0.07 ms with respect to the control 0.55 ± 0.1 ms), the changes in the heart rate variability were present only in OMetS, while the NOMetS subgroup presented changes in QT interval variability (NOMetS SD = 1.8, SD2 = 2.8; SD1/SD2 = 0.75). Also, the NOMetS revealed tachycardia (10%; p < 0.05) with changes in action potential duration (63% in the right papillary and 50% in the left papillary) in the ventricular papillary which are correlated with certain alterations in the potassium currents and the force of contraction. The OMetS showed an increase in action potential duration and the force of contraction in both ventricles, which are explained as bradycardia. Our results revealed lethal arrhythmias in both MetS subgroups, irrespectively of the presence of obesity. Consequently, the NOMetS showed mechanical-electrical alterations regarding ventricle hypertrophy that should be at the NOMetS, leading to an increase of CV mortality.

Uric acid and cardiovascular risk stratification in the acute coronary syndromes: a friend we should mind

Uric acid (UA) is the end product of purine metabolism. Whilst being primarily known as the leading risk factor for the onset of gout [ [1] Dalbeth N. Choi H.K. Joosten L.A.B. Khanna P.P. Matsuo H. Perez-Ruiz F. Stamp L.K. Gout. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019; 5 Crossref PubMed Scopus (114) Google Scholar ], UA has also been acknowledged as a significant CV risk factor [ [2] Virdis A. Masi S. Casiglia E. et al. Identification of the uric acid thresholds predicting an increased total and cardiovascular mortality over 20 years. Hypertension. 2020; 75: 302-308 Crossref PubMed Scopus (62) Google Scholar ]. However, international guidelines report as pathological threshold only the saturation point of UA (6.0 mg/dL in women and ≥7.0 mg/dL in men) [ [3] Li Q. Li X. Wang J. et al. Diagnosis and treatment for hyperuricemia and gout: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements. BMJ Open. 2019; 9 Crossref Scopus (44) Google Scholar ], yet failing to identify a specific CV prevention cut-off [ [4] Visseren F.L.J. Mach F. Smulders Y.M. et al. 2021 ESC guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice. Europe J Prev Cardiol. 2021; Crossref Google Scholar ]. This somewhat neglects UA predictive role in CV disease [ [5] Kaufman M. Guglin M. Uric acid in heart failure: a biomarker or therapeutic target?. Heart Fail Rev. 2013; 18: 177-186 Crossref PubMed Scopus (31) Google Scholar ]. In a large (n=22,714) Italian-population based observation cohort study, we have described how UA markedly impact all-cause and CV mortality starting from lower serum levels (respectively, 4.7 and 5.6 mg/dL) [ [2] Virdis A. Masi S. Casiglia E. et al. Identification of the uric acid thresholds predicting an increased total and cardiovascular mortality over 20 years. Hypertension. 2020; 75: 302-308 Crossref PubMed Scopus (62) Google Scholar ]. Several other observations have also found that UA enhances the CV mortality and morbidity risk stratification across the totality of the cardiometabolic spectrum using the same lower cut-offs [ [6] Pugliese N.R. Mengozzi A. Virdis A. et al. The importance of including uric acid in the definition of metabolic syndrome when assessing the mortality risk. Clin Res Cardiol. 2021; 110: 1073-1082 Crossref PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar , [7] Muiesan M.L. Salvetti M. Virdis A. et al. Serum uric acid, predicts heart failure in a large Italian cohort: search for a cut-off value the uric acid right for heart health study. J Hypertens. 2021; 39: 62-69 Crossref PubMed Scopus (12) Google Scholar ]. However, whilst in the current literature the relationship between UA in CV disease has been explored mainly in a chronic context (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease), little evidence is available to help us in defining whether the predictive power of UA holds true also for the acute setting, such as the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) [ [8] Maloberti A. Biolcati M. Ruzzenenti G. et al. The role of uric acid in acute and chronic coronary syndromes. J Clin Med. 2021; 10 Crossref Scopus (2) Google Scholar ].

3D Echo Characterization of Proportionate and Disproportionate Functional Mitral Regurgitation before and after Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair.

Background: The impact of percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVr) on long-term prognosis in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is still unclear. Recently, a new conceptual framework classifying FMR as proportionate (P-MR) and disproportionate (D-MR) was proposed, according to the effective regurgitant orifice area/left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EROA/LVEDV) ratio. The aim was to assess its possible influence on PMVr efficacy. Methods: A total of 56 patients were enrolled. MV annulus, LV volumes and function were assessed. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was also calculated. Patients were divided into two groups, according to the EROA/LVEDV ratio. Echocardiographic follow-up was performed after 6 months, and adverse events were collected after 12 months. Results: D-MR patients (n = 28, 50%) had a significantly more elliptical MV annulus (p = 0.048), lower tenting volume (p = 0.01), higher LV ejection fraction (LVEF: 32 ± 7 vs. 26 ± 5%, p = 0.003), lower LVEDV, LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) and mass (LVEDV/i: 80 ± 20 vs. 126 ± 27 mL, p = 0.001; LVESV/i: 60 ± 20 vs. 94 ± 23 mL, p < 0.001; LV mass: 249 ± 63 vs. 301 ± 69 gr, p = 0.035). GLS was more impaired in P-MR (p = 0.048). After 6 months, P-MR patients showed a higher rate of MR recurrence. After 12 months, the rate of CV death and rehospitalization due to HF was significantly higher in P-MR patients (46% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). P-MR status was strongly associated with CV death/rehospitalization (HR = 3.4, CI 95% = 1.3–8.6, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Patients with P-MR seem to have worse outcomes after PVMr than D-MR patients. Our study confirms the importance of the EROA/LVEDV ratio in defining different subsets of FMR based on the anatomical characteristic of MV and LV.

A New Look at Novel Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers: The Role of Atherogenic Lipoproteins and Innovative Antidiabetic Therapies.

The presence of residual cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is a current dilemma in clinical practice; indeed, despite optimal management and treatment, a considerable proportion of patients still undergo major CV events. Novel lipoprotein biomarkers are suggested as possible targets for improving the outcomes of patients at higher risk for CVD, and their impact on major CV events and mortality have previously been investigated. Innovative antidiabetic therapies have recently shown a significant reduction in atherogenic lipoproteins, beyond their effects on glucose parameters; it has also been suggested that such anti-atherogenic effect may represent a valuable mechanistic explanation for the cardiovascular benefit of, at least, some of the novel antidiabetic agents, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. This emphasizes the need for further research in the field in order to clearly assess the effects of innovative treatments on different novel biomarkers, including atherogenic lipoproteins, such as small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The current article discusses the clinical importance of novel lipid biomarkers for better management of patients in order to overcome residual cardiovascular risk.

The value of ventricular gradient for predicting pulmonary hypertension and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The ventricular gradient optimized for right ventricular pressure overload (VG-RVPO) is sensitive to early changes in right ventricular overload. The study aimed to assess the ability of the VG-RVPO to detect PHT and predict all-cause and cardiac mortality in HD patients. 265 selected HD patients were enrolled. Clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. Patients were divided into normal and abnormal VG-RVPO groups, and were followed-up for 3 years. Abnormal VG-RVPO patients were more likely to be at high or intermediate risk for PHT, were older, had longer HD vintage, higher prevalence of myocardial infarction, higher parathormone levels, shorter pulmonary flow acceleration time, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher values of left atrial volume index, left ventricular mass index, and peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity. Both all-cause and CV mortality were higher in abnormal VG-RVPO group. In multivariate Cox analysis, VG-RVPO remained an independent and strong predictor of all-cause and CV mortality. In HD patients, abnormal VG-RVPO not only predicts PHT, but also all-cause and CV mortality.

Comparison of geriatric nutritional risk index and creatinine index in short-term mortality prediction in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the predictive values of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Creatinine Index (CI) in the short-term mortality of maintenance hemodialysis patients and to determine their best cut-offs. A total of 169 adult hemodialysis patients were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional, and single-center study. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the month in which the patients were included in the study were obtained from their medical files and computer records. All-cause death was the primary outcome of the study during a 12-month follow-up after baseline GNRI and CI calculations. The mean age of the study population was 57 ± 16 years (49.7% were women, 15% were diabetic). During the one-year observation period, 19 (11.24%) of the cases died (8 CV deaths). The optimal cut-off value for GNRI was determined as 104.2 by ROC analysis [AUC = 0.682 ± 0.06, (95% CI, 0.549-0.815), p = 0.01]. The low GNRI group had a higher risk for all-cause and CV mortality compared to the higher GNRI group (p = 0.02 for both in log-rank test). The optimal sex-specific cut-off was 12.18 mg/kg/day for men [AUC = 0.723 ± 0.07, (95% CI, 0.574-0.875), p = 0.03] and was 12.08 mg/kg/day for females [AUC = 0.649 ± 0.13, (95% CI, 0.384- 0.914), p = 0.01]. Patients with lower sex-specific CI values had higher all-cause and CV mortality (p = 0.001 and p = 0.009 in log-rank test, respectively). In multivariate cox models, both GNRI [HR = 4.904 (% 95 CI, 1.77-13.56), p = 0.002] and sex-specific CI [HR = 5.1 (95% CI, 1.38-18.9), p = 0.01] predicted all-cause mortality. The association of GNRI with CV was lost [HR = 2.6 (CI 95%, 0.54-13.455), p = 0.22], but low CI had a very strong association with CV mortality [HR = 11.48 (CI 95%, 1.25 -104), p = 0.03]. In hemodialysis patients, GNRI and CI have similar powers in predicting all-cause short-term mortality. The association of CI with all-cause death depends on gender. On the other hand, sex-specific CI predicts CV mortality better than GNRI.

Dapagliflozin and Spironolactone Improved Clinical Symptoms and CV Outcomes in Patient with HF Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) in Hard-to-Reach Rural African Population: A Case Series

Objective: To observe the benefit of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and sodium-glucose co-transport 2 inhibitor (SGLT2 inhibitor) in heart failure preserved ejection (HFpEF) in rural Tanzania. Background and Result: The use of spironolactone and dapagliflozin was shown to be effective in improving the clinical outcome and reducing CV hospitalization rate and CV mortality in patients with heart failure preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). This is the case presentation of one patient with HFpEF with diastolic dysfunction grade 3, obesity grade 3, Type 2 Diabetes, and Atrial Fibrillation (permanent). In the case of a 76-year-old female after previous ineffective treatment, the initiation of Spironolactone and Dapagliflozin led to a rapid and marked improvement in the clinical conditions. Diastolic dysfunction was improved from stage III to stage I. Moreover, the initiation of spironolactone and dapagliflozin therapy avoided a referral for surgical intervention and interrupted a long series of hospitalizations for acute HF and prevented CV death. Conclusion: Based on our experience, we conclude that the treatment with spironolactone and dapagliflozin allows for better treatment optimization with a positive impact on the control of clinical outcomes and preventing CV death and CV hospitalization in HFpEF and related comorbidities in the African population, which is underrepresented in most of the trials.

Promena paradigme u lečenju hronične srčane insuficijencije po ESC vodiču 2021 - novi inovativni lekovi u fokusu

Medical, primarily drug therapy directed by the New ESC Guide or Guidelines for Patients with Heart Failure (HF) brings significant innovations and changes in the treatment paradigm, from the gradual introduction of drugs to the simultaneous introduction of 5 main classes of drugs. Treatment of heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) and symptoms of class II-New York Heart Association (NYHA) -dispnea at higher exertion and higher NYHA classes, now includes angiotensin receptor inhibitor neprilysin (ARNI) as a substitute for angiotenzin convertase enzyme inhibitor( ACEI). Another significant innovation is the addition of SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i = sodium-glucose channel cotransporter-2 inhibitors). SGLT2i: dapagliflozin or empagliflozin are now in the first line of therapy for heart failure, along with the introduction of beta-blockers (BB), ACEI or ARNI, mineralocorticotide receptor inhibitors (MRAs) and Henle's loop diuretics in fluid retention as recommended in Class I. Sacubitril-valsartan, a combined neprilysin and angiotensin inhibitor (ARNI), was introduced in the reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) and showed an additional reduction in CV mortality and hospitalization due to HFrEF compared to the ACE inhibitor enalapril. Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization due to HF in patients with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction &lt;40% (HFrEF), but empagliflozin has recently shown an effect in HFpEF with an ejection fraction of 65% of 40%.

Utility of Epicardial Fat Thickness in Subclinical Hypothyroid Children to Determine Existence of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Them.

Adult studies have shown the association of subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) with various cardiovascular dysfunction, which indicates SCH may be a potentially modifiable risk factor of CV disease and mortality. However, there is still controversy about the association of cardiovascular dysfunction in children with SCH. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is a reliable and sensitive marker of cardiovascular risk and has become an emerging modality to predict CV risks. To measure the EFT in children with subclinical hypothyroidism and compare with healthy children. To find its correlation with subclinical atherosclerosis. To compare EFT between TPO positive and TPO negative subclinical hypothyroid patients. Children of subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH >5 mIU/ml with normal FT3, FT4, and age and sex matched control were included as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical data was collected from all study subjects. Thyroid function tests including FT3, FT4 and TSH, TPO antibody, fasting insulin, hsCRP, Lp(a), USG neck for carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), USG brachial artery for flow mediated dilation (FMD) and echocardiography for epicardial fat thickness (EFT) were done in all patients. A total 42 number of SCH and 50 age and sex matched controls were recruited and screened for various parameters of subclinical atherosclerosis. EFT was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (6.27 mm vs 4.54 mm) with P value < 0.001. Brachial FMD was significantly lower in cases than the cohort (4.5% vs 8.93%, P < 0.001). Difference in CIMT was not significant amongst the cases and controls. EFT failed to correlate with the level of TSH though it had significant positive correlation with hsCRP. The patients who were TPO positive, had higher fasting insulin, HOMAIR, hsCRP, Lp(a) than those who were TPO negative. Results of this study show the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in children with SCH regardless of the aetiologies. The patients of Hashimoto thyroiditis had significantly high insulin resistance and inflammation than the SCH patients of other aetiologies.

Base mucronutrients and food groups consumption, associations with the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease development in people with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study

Aim. To study the relation between the consumption of the main macronutrients and food groups with the risk of fatal outcomes from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people with newly diagnosed diabetes and those who are informed about type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Material and methods. This prospective analysis included 681 people (284 men and 397 women) with T2DM at baseline HAPIEE (Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe) 2003 (05) – December 31, 2018 and averaged 14.7 ± 0.7 years. There were 207 incident CV mortality during follow-up period (107 men, 100 women). The questionnaire on the presence of T2DM included information on the awareness of individuals about the presence of T2DM (“Did the doctor tell you that you have T2DM?”). The actual nutrition data included information on the consumption of 147 foods. The hazard ratio was estimated using Cox regression. Results and discussion. In men who aware of T2DM, the risk of developing a fatal CV event decreases with an increase in the consumption of “all-season” fruits (HR 0.413; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.234-0.786) and increases with an increase in the consumption of chicken eggs (HR 1.907 95 % CI 1.051-3.437), and alcohol (HR 1.031; 95 % CI 1.001- 1.061). In men who are unaware of T2DM, with an increase in nut consumption, the risk of developing fatal CV events decreases (HR 0.821; 95 % CI 0.679-0.992) and increases with increasing consumption of dairy products (HR 1.105; 95 % CI 1.000-1.221). In women aware of T2DM, consumption of white bread increases the risk (HR 1.489; 95 % CI 1.105-2.004), on the contrary, consumption of black bread reduces the risk of an undesirable outcome (HR 0.575; 95 % CI 0.424-0.818). Conclusions. In men who aware of T2DM, the most significant risk factors were the poor all-season fruits intake and excessive chicken eggs consumption. In women with type 2 diabetes, an increase in white bread consumption is of importance to increasing the risk of an undesirable CV outcome, and an increase in black bread consumption counts for reducing the risk.

Effectiveness of ICD therapy in real clinical practice. The Olomouc ICD Registry.

Clinical parameters linked to a low benefit of ICD implantation and increased mortality risks are needed for an individualized assessment of potential benefits and risks of ICD implantation. Analysis of a prospective registry of all patients hospitalized from 2009 to 2019 in a single centre for a first implantation of any type of ICD. A total of 2,681 patients were included in the registry. Until the end of follow-up (38.4 ± 29.1 months), 682 (25.4%) patients died. The one-year mortality in all patients, the one-year CV mortality, the three-year mortality in all patients, and the three-year CV mortality were 7.8%, 5.7%, 20.6%, and 14.8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference when the subgroups were compared according to the type of cardiomyopathy. No significant difference was found between primary and secondary prevention and between the types of devices. Male gender, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, and atrial fibrillation were associated with a significantly increased mortality risk. In an analysis of a long-term follow-up of 2,681 ICD patients, we found no mortality difference between patients with ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and in the device type. A higher mortality risk was found in men, patients older than 75 years, diabetics, and those with atrial fibrillation.