Decreased Risk Of Heart Failure Research Articles

Genetic susceptibility to chronic diseases leads to heart failure among Europeans: the influence of leukocyte telomere length.

Genetic susceptibility to various chronic diseases has been shown to influence heart failure (HF) risk. However, the underlying biological pathways, particularly the role of leukocyte telomere length (LTL), are largely unknown. We investigated the impact of genetic susceptibility to chronic diseases and various traits on HF risk, and whether LTL mediates or modifies the pathways. We conducted prospective cohort analyses on 404 883 European participants from the UK Biobank, including 9989 incident HF cases. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate associations between HF risk and 24 polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for various diseases or traits previously generated using a Bayesian approach. We assessed multiplicative interactions between the PRSs and LTL previously measured in the UK Biobank using quantitative PCR. Causal mediation analyses were conducted to estimate the proportion of the total effect of PRSs acting indirectly through LTL, an integrative marker of biological aging. We identified 9 PRSs associated with HF risk, including those for various cardiovascular diseases or traits, rheumatoid arthritis (P = 1.3E-04), and asthma (P = 1.8E-08). Additionally, longer LTL was strongly associated with decreased HF risk (P-trend = 1.7E-08). Notably, LTL strengthened the asthma-HF relationship significantly (P-interaction = 2.8E-03). However, LTL mediated only 1.13% (P < 0.001) of the total effect of the asthma PRS on HF risk. Our findings shed light onto the shared genetic susceptibility between HF risk, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other traits. Longer LTL strengthened the genetic effect of asthma in the pathway to HF. These results support consideration of LTL and PRSs in HF risk prediction.

Pre-diagnostic free androgen and estradiol levels influence heart failure risk in both women and men: A prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank.

Serum sex hormones have been linked to cardiovascular disease risk. However, their roles in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) in both men and women are unclear. We investigated the associations between free androgen, testosterone, and estradiol, and future risk of HF. This prospective cohort study evaluated UK Biobank participants free of prevalent cardiovascular disease and HF at baseline. Unitless free androgen, testosterone, and estradiol indices were generated using serum concentrations of total testosterone (nmol/L), estradiol (pmol/L), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG, nmol/L), and albumin (g/L) in blood collected at enrolment. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident HF in relation to quartiles (Q) of free androgen (FAI), testosterone (FTI), estradiol (FEI) indices, and potential confounders. There were 180 712 men (including 5585 HF cases with FAIand 571 HF cases with FEI), and 177 324 women (including 2858 HF cases with FAIand 314 HF cases with FEI) with complete data. Increased FAIwas associated with decreased HF risk in both men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.86, 95% CI 0.79-0.94, p-trendcontinuous < 0.0001) and post-menopausal women (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.95). Similar inverse associations were observed for FTIonly in men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.98). Higher FEIwas significantly associated with decreased HF risk among men (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.98), but was positively associated among pre-menopausal women (HRQ4 vs. Q1: 2.16, 95% CI 1.11-4.18). Sex hormones potentially influence HF pathogenesis and may offer pathways for interventions.

Abstract P111: Pre-Diagnostic Free Testosterone and Estradiol Influence Heart Failure Risk in Both Women and Men: A Prospective Cohort Study in the UK Biobank

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a highly fatal manifestation of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Free testosterone and 17β-estradiol have been linked to future risk of CVD. However, their roles in the pathogenesis of HF in both men and women are unclear. Hypothesis: We investigated the associations between free testosterone and 17β-estradiol (unbound to sex hormone binding globulin), and future risk of HF in the UK Biobank. Methods: Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of incident HF (first hospitalization) in relation to quartiles (Q) of free testosterone and 17β-estradiol, and potential confounders, while stratifying by sex and in women by menopausal status. Non-linear relationships were tested using cubic splines. Results: There were 180,712 men (5585 cases with free testosterone and 571 cases with 17β-estradiol), and 177,324 women (2858 cases with free testosterone and 314 with 17β-estradiol). Increased free testosterone was associated with decreased HF risk in both men (HR Q4 vs. Q1 =0.86, 95%CI: 0.79-0.94, p-trend continuous &lt;0.0001) and post-menopausal women (HR Q4 vs. Q1 =0.83, 95%CI: 0.73-0.95), with non-linear relationships. Additionally, 17β-estradiol was significantly associated with decreased HF risk among men (HR Q4 vs. Q1 =0.76, 95%CI: 0.59-0.98), but positively associated among pre-menopausal women (HR Q4 vs. Q1 =2.16, 95%CI: 1.11-4.18). Conclusions: In this large cohort free of CVD at baseline, we detected a significant protective association between free testosterone and new HF diagnosis among men. In women however, the association differed by menopausal status as increased free testosterone was associated with elevated risk of HF before menopause but not after menopause. Further, 17β-estradiol was associated to elevated HF risk among pre-menopausal women but not post-menopausal women and men. Our findings suggest that sex hormones influence the pathogenesis HF and may offer potential pathways for interventions.

Association of Dental Diseases and Oral Hygiene Care With the Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: ANationwide Cohort Study.

Background To evaluate the association of dental diseases and oral hygiene care with incidence of heart failure (HF) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods and Results This study included 173 927 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥40 years, who underwent Korean National Health Insurance Service health examinations in 2008 and were followed up until the end of 2017. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for HF were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. During a median follow-up of 9.3 years, 1.94% of participants developed HF. An increased number of missing teeth was associated with a higher risk of HF (P<0.001). HRs of HF increased among individuals with ≥15 missing teeth (HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.14-1.64]) compared with those without missing teeth. Decreased risk of HF was observed in individuals with ≥1 time/year of professional dental cleaning (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.87-0.99]) and in those with ≥2 times/d of toothbrushing (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82-0.98]) compared with those without these practices. While combined presence of missing teeth and periodontal disease (P=0.004) or dental caries (P=0.007) increased HF risk, combined oral hygiene care was associated with further HF risk reduction (P=0.024). Better oral hygiene care was associated with decreased HF risk, even as the number of missing teeth increased (P<0.001). Conclusions Among patients with type 2 diabetes, dental diseases and oral hygiene care are important determinants of HF development. Dental disease management and good oral care may prevent HF in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Reduces the Risk of Heart Failure in Hypertensive Patients: A Nationwide, Retrospective, Cohort Study.

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Patients with HTN are at higher risk for heart failure (HF). The currently available therapeutic approaches for HTN do not always optimally control blood pressure or are not suitable for hypertensive patients who have a higher number of comorbidities. This study aimed to determine whether Chinese herbal medicine (CMH)-based interventions could reduce the risk of HF in hypertensive patients.MethodsThis retrospective study randomly selected 2 million enrollees from the National Health Insurance Research Database and identified 507,608 patients who were newly diagnosed with HTN in 2000–2017. After 1:1 frequency-matching by age, sex, index year, income, urbanization, duration of HTN, comorbidities and antihypertensive medications, we selected 8,912 eligible patients in each group. During 16 years of follow-up, 380 CHM users and 426 CHM non-users developed HF, representing incidence rates of 6.29 and 7.43 per 1,000 person-years, respectively.ResultsCHM users had significantly lower HF risk compared with CHM non-users (adjusted HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.98). The markedly predominant effect was observed in those receiving CHM products for more than 180 days (adjusted HR = 0.65). The frequently prescribed formula, Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, and the single herbs Ge Gen, Huang Qi, Du Zhong, Huang Qin, and Chuan Xiong were significantly associated with lower risk of HF.ConclusionsThis population-based study revealed decreased HF risk in hypertensive patients with CHM use. These findings may provide a reference for HF prevention strategies and support the integration of CHM into clinical intervention programs that provide a favorable prognosis for hypertensive patients.

High fitness levels attenuate the increased risk of heart failure due to low socioeconomic status: A cohort study

High fitness levels attenuate the increased risk of heart failure due to low socioeconomic status: A cohort study

Abstract P276: Discordance Between Changes in NT-proBNP and Cardiac Function Following Bariatric Surgery

Background: The N-Terminal of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a potent biomarker for heart failure (HF), reflecting left ventricular dilation and stress. The association among obesity, HF, and NT-proBNP is complex, with paradoxically lower levels of NT-proBNP in obese individuals, despite their elevated HF risk. Furthermore, a few studies have reported decreased HF risk, but also increases in NT-proBNP, after weight loss via bariatric surgery. However, studies have not simultaneously evaluated changes in NT-proBNP and cardiac function after bariatric surgery. Hypothesis: There will be discordance between improvements in cardiac filling pressures (as reflected by E/e’) and increases in NT-proBNP with weight loss following bariatric surgery. Methods: We conducted a single-center analysis of participants in the BARI-Heart Study who underwent bariatric surgery and attended study visits 3-6 months and 2 weeks before surgery, and 6 and 12 months after surgery. We examined pre- and post-surgery changes in NT-proBNP and in echocardiographic measures of cardiac function. We also assessed the correlation between NT-pro-BNP and E/e’, at 2 weeks pre- and 6 months post-surgery. Results: Among 71 BARI-Heart participants (mean age 45 years, 74% female, 87% white, mean BMI 47.0 kg/m 2 ), there were no significant pre-surgery changes in BMI, NT-proBNP, or E/e’. By 6-12 months, there were marked reductions in BMI and significant increases in NT-proBNP, but decreases in E/e’ ( Figure ). Changes from surgery to the 6 month visit in NT-proBNP and E/e’ were associated (r=0.295; p=0.02). There was a tendency towards stronger correlations between NT-proBNP and E/e’ post- (r= 0.436; p&lt;0.001) versus pre-surgery (r = 0.209; p=0.09). Conclusions: Weight loss is associated with increases in NT-proBNP despite reduced LV filling pressures, suggesting a non-cardiac etiology underlying increases in NT-proBNP after weight loss. The interpretation of NT-proBNP for cardiac dysfunction may change with decreasing adiposity.

Modifiable Risk Factors for Incident Heart Failure in Atrial Fibrillation

ObjectivesThis study sought to identify modifiable risk factors and estimate the impact of risk factor modification on heart failure (HF) risk in women with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). BackgroundIncident HF is the most common nonfatal event in patients with AF, although strategies for HF prevention are lacking. MethodsWe assessed 34,736 participants in the Women’s Health Study who were free of prevalent cardiovascular disease at baseline. Cox models with time-varying assessment of risk factors after AF diagnosis were used to identify significant modifiable risk factors for incident HF. ResultsOver a median follow-up of 20.6 years, 1,495 women developed AF without prevalent HF. In multivariable models, new-onset AF was associated with an increased risk of HF (hazard ratio [HR]: 9.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.52 to 10.85). Once women with AF developed HF, all-cause (HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.37 to 2.45) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.70 to 4.85) increased. In time-updated, multivariable models accounting for changes in risk factors after AF diagnosis, systolic blood pressure >120 mm Hg, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, current tobacco use, and diabetes mellitus were each associated with incident HF. The combination of these 4 modifiable risk factors accounted for an estimated 62% (95% CI: 23% to 83%) of the population-attributable risk of HF. Compared with women with 3 or 4 risk factors, those who maintained or achieved optimal risk factor control had a progressive decreased risk of HF (HR for 2 risk factors: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.95; 1 risk factor: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.63; and 0 risk factors: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.29). ConclusionsIn women with new-onset AF, modifiable risk factors including obesity, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes accounted for the majority of the population risk of HF. Optimal levels of modifiable risk factors were associated with decreased HF risk. Prospective assessment of risk factor modification at the time of AF diagnosis may warrant future investigation.

Abstract 16992: Changes in Physical Activity and the Risk of Incident Heart Failure: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: Higher physical activity is associated with a lower risk of heart failure (HF). The effects of changes in physical activity levels over time on HF risk are largely uncharacterized. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that persistently recommended and increasing levels of physical activity over a 6-year period are associated with reduced HF risk. Methods: We evaluated 11,185 ARIC participants (mean age 60; 57% female, 23% black) free of CVD at Visit 3 (1993-95) with available physical activity data at Visit 1 (1987-89) and Visit 3. Exercise physical activity was assessed using a modified Baecke questionnaire and categorized according to AHA recommendations: recommended (≥150 min/wk of moderate + vigorous activity or ≥75 min/wk of vigorous activity); intermediate (1-149 min/wk of moderate + vigorous activity or 1-74 min/wk of vigorous activity); or poor (no moderate or vigorous activity). We created cross-categories of physical activity at Visit 1 and Visit 3. The primary outcome was incident HF occurring after Visit 3 through 12/31/12. We constructed Cox regression models to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% CIs for incident HF associated with each cross-category of physical activity at Visit 1 and Visit 3, adjusting for confounders. Results: Over a median of 18 years, there were 1,625 HF events. Compared to those with poor activity at both visits (reference), those with persistently recommended activity had the lowest HF risk (Table; HR 0.67 95% CI: 0.58-0.78). Additionally, at each level of baseline physical activity, increasing physical activity over time was associated with decreased HF risk: an increase from poor to recommended activity was linked to a 22% lower risk of HF. Conclusion: While maintaining recommended activity levels is associated with the lowest HF risk, initiating and increasing physical activity over time is also linked to risk reduction. Augmenting physical activity in middle age may be an important component of strategies to prevent HF.

DYSLIPIDEMIA TREATMENT AND HEART FAILURE RISK

Dyslipidemia is associated with increased heart failure (HF) risk. Lipid-modifying therapy is prescribed for primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Whether treatment-induced improvement in lipid profile in this setting is also associated with decreased HF risk is unclear. In 18,402 CHD

Increased Heart Failure Risk in Normal-Weight People With Metabolic Syndrome Compared With Metabolically Healthy Obese Individuals

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the metabolically healthy obese phenotype is associated with lower heart failure (HF) risk compared with normal-weight individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Obesity and MetS often coexist and are associated with increased HF risk. It is controversial whether obese individuals with normal insulin sensitivity have decreased HF risk. A total of 550 individuals without diabetes or baseline macrovascular complications were studied during a median follow-up of 6 years. Participants were classified by presence (n = 271) or absence (n = 279) of MetS and by body mass index (body mass index: <25 kg/m(2) = normal weight, n = 177; 25 to 29.9 kg/m(2) = overweight, n = 234; ≥ 30 kg/m(2) = obese, n = 139). MetS was diagnosed with the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Left ventricular functional capacity, myocardial structure, and performance were assessed echocardiographically. Body mass index was not associated with increased HF risk. The presence of MetS conferred a 2.5-fold higher HF risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68 to 3.40). Overweight and obese individuals without MetS had the lowest 6-year HF risk (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.35 to 1.33 [corrected] and HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.10 to 1.31, respectively) compared with normal-weight individuals with MetS (HR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.25 to 4.36, p < 0.001). From the individual components of MetS, impaired fasting glucose (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.10), high BP (HR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.03 to 5.43), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.29 to -2.77), and central obesity (HR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.05) were all associated with increased HF risk. Factors commonly associated with MetS such as insulin resistance and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and microalbuminuria) were also independently associated with HF incidence. In contrast to normal weight insulin-resistant individuals, metabolically healthy obese individuals show decreased HF risk in a 6-year follow-up study.