Left Ventricle Diastolic Function Research Articles

Role of Circulating Biomarkers in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that has alarmingly increased in incidence in recent decades. One of the most serious complications of T2DM is diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), an often underrecognized yet severe condition that is a leading cause of mortality among diabetic patients. In the early stages of DCM, patients typically show no symptoms and maintain normal systolic and diastolic left ventricle function, making early detection challenging. Currently available clinical markers are often not specific enough to detect the early stage of DCM. Conventional biomarkers of cardiac mechanical stress and injury, such as natriuretic peptides (NPs) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), have shown limited predictive value for patients with T2DM. NPs have proven efficacy in detecting diastolic dysfunction in diabetic patients when used alongside 2D echocardiography, but their utility as biomarkers is limited to symptomatic individuals. While cTnI is a reliable indicator of general cardiac damage, it is not specific to cardiac injury caused by high glucose levels or T2DM. This underscores the need for research into biomarkers that can enable early diagnosis and management of DCM to reduce mortality rates. Promising novel biomarkers that showed good performance in detecting diastolic dysfunction or heart failure in diabetic patients include galectin-3, ST2, FGF-21, IGFBP-7, GDF-15, and TGF-β. This review summarizes the current understanding of DCM biomarkers, aiming to generate new ideas for the early recognition and treatment of DCM by exploring related pathophysiological mechanisms.

Effect of obesity and hypertension on left ventricular geometry and function among asymptomatic Indian adults.

Hypertension & obesity are important independent predictors of cardiovascular morbidity & mortality specifically left ventricular (LV) functions. With the Objectives to examine the effect of obesity & hypertension on echocardiographic parameters of geometry, systolic, and diastolic functions of left ventricle in asymptomatic adults the cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 individuals (60 male & 40 female). Their Blood Pressure & Body Mass Index was recorded following which they were divided into obese normotensives & non-obese hypertensive. Echocardiographic parameters indicating LV geometry and function were recorded. Data was statistically analysed with Unpaired t test considering p value <0.05 as significant. LV geometry and LV systolic function parameters were significantly altered in non-obese hypertensive. Parameters of LV diastolic functions were affected in obese normotensives. 54% of obese normotensives had LV diastolic dysfunction & 58% of non-obese hypertensive had LV diastolic dysfunction. 2% of obese non-hypertensive individuals had LV systolic dysfunction & 6% of non-obese hypertensive had LV diastolic dysfunction. Hypertension significantly affects LV geometry, LV systolic and diastolic function. Obesity affects LV geometry & diastolic functions of LV even in individuals with preserved systolic function.

Effect of a polyherbal Unani formulation on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients- a randomized single blind placebo controlled clinical trial.

Diastolic dysfunction represents an important pathophysiological intermediate between hypertension and heart failure. In the last two decades, the prevalence of heart failure patients having normal or near normal ejection fraction (EF) has increased to around 60 %. It thus poses a great morbidity and mortality risk to the population. In view of present scenario of high prevalence, lack of evidence-based therapy, and limited clinical trials, this study aimed to evaluate how a Unani formulation affects the improvement of the left ventricular diastolic function. This clinical trial was set up as a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 35 participants, with 18 individuals in the test group and 17 in the control group. Test group received 3.5 g of a polyherbal Unani formulation in capsule form along with 35 mL of an extract of Borago officinalis L. (Arq-e-Gaozaban), divided into two doses after meals. Meanwhile, the control group received a placebo in the same manner over an eight-week period. Follow-ups were conducted every 15days to assess both subjective and objective parameters in all participants. The test formulation shows significant improvement in dyspnea and diastolic function from baseline to the end of trial (p<0.05), slight improvement in palpitations (p>0.05) and highly significant improvement in easy fatigability (p=0.001) as compared to the control. The present study shows the effectiveness of the test drug in enhancing the diastolic function of left ventricle and alleviating other symptoms associated with ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, additional research with longer follow-up durations is necessary to clarify its efficacy and establish optimal treatment approaches for ventricular diastolic dysfunction in Unani medicine.

Association between physical activity and cardiovascular parameters in 7-year-old children: a Chinese cross-sectional study

IntroductionPhysical activity (PA) is believed to play an important part in many aspects during childhood and adolescence, especially cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic health. However, whether different levels of PA in daily life influence the structure or function of heart in school-aged children remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between PA and cardiovascular parameters in 7-year-old children.MethodsFollow-up data from the Shanghai Prenatal Cohort Study and the Shanghai Birth Cohort was analyzed. Perinatal information including both maternal and offspring datum was recorded. A refined questionnaire was used to evaluate the frequency and duration of children’s PA levels. Blood pressure, echocardiography, and anthropometry assessment were conducted during the follow-up of 7-year-old children.ResultsOverall, high PA level was associated with higher left ventricle posterior wall thickness in diastole (LVPWd, β coefficient: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.61), higher left ventricle mass index (LVMI, β = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.48), mitral E/a ratio (β = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.71) and slower heart rate (β = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.57, -0.07), compared to low PA level. Medium PA level was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP, β = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.35, -0.01). In subgroup analysis, increased relative wall thickness (RWT) was found in high PA level boys (β = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.67), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) showed a significant decrease in high PA level girls (β = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.06).ConclusionsThis study suggested non-athlete children having higher PA level were associated with thicker left ventricle (LV) walls and better LV diastolic function, as well as slower heart rate and DBP at the age of 7. Furthermore, disparity in the association between PA level with morphological heart patterns and blood pressure existed in different sex category.

Relationship of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction with quality of life in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Heart failure is a complex clinical manifestation due to diastolic dysfunction and systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV). Diastolic dysfunction of the LV plays an important role in worsening the quality of life (QoL) in heart failure patients. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the severity or grade of LV diastolic dysfunction and QoL in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Cardiac Center of H. Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, from January 2022 to December 2022. This study included inpatients and outpatients aged above 18 years who were diagnosed with HFrEF, identified by echocardiography with an ejection fraction of ≤40%. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and QoL was assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) 6-12 months after the severity of LV diastolic dysfunction was confirmed. The MLHFQ was classified into good and poor QoL. The severity of LV diastolic function was measured using the E/A ratio, mean E/e' ratio, tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TR Vmax), and left atrial volume index (LAVI), and was classified into grades I, II, and III. The relationships between the severity of diastolic dysfunction and other factors with QoL were measured using Chi-squared, Fisher's exact test, or Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. A total of 96 patients were included in the study, of which 56 (58.3%) patients had grade I, 12 (12.5%) had grade II, and 28 (29.2%) patients had grade III of LV diastolic dysfunction. There were 77 (80.2%) and 19 (19.8%) patients with good and poor QoL, respectively. This study revealed a significant relationship between the severity of LV diastolic dysfunction and QoL in HFrEF patients with p=0.040. In conclusion, the degree of LV diastolic dysfunction is related to the QoL of HFrEF patients and therefore better comprehensive management strategies should be considered in HFrEF cases to address the impact of LV diastolic dysfunction on QoL.

Diastolic function and dysfunction in athletes.

Cardiac remodelling is often most profound in male athletes and in athletes with the greatest volumes of endurance training and is characterized by chamber enlargement and a mild-to-modest hypertrophy. The diastolic filling of the left ventricle (LV) is a complex process including the early recoil of the contracted LV, the active relaxation of the myocardium, the compliance of the myocardium, the filling pressures, and heart rate. Echocardiography is the cornerstone for the clinical assessment of LV diastolic function. LV diastolic function is usually enhanced in elite endurance athletes characterized by improved early filling of the ventricle, while it is preserved or enhanced in other athletes associated with the type of training being performed. This allows for the high performance of any endurance athlete. Typical findings when using resting echocardiography for the assessment of LV diastolic function in endurance athletes include a dilated LV with normal or mildly reduced LV ejection fraction (EF), significantly enlarged left atrium (LA) beyond the commonly used cut-off of 34 mL/m2, and a significantly elevated E/A ratio. The early-diastolic mitral annular velocity and the E-wave peak velocity are usually normal. Importantly, interpretation of the echocardiographic indices of LV diastolic function should always consider the clinical context and other parameters of systolic and diastolic functions. In the absence of an underlying pathology, single measurements outside the expected range for similar athletes will often not represent the pathology.

Phosphodiesterase 9A inhibition improves aging-related increase in pulmonary vascular resistance in mice.

As individuals age, there is a gradual decline in cardiopulmonary function, often accompanied by cardiac pump dysfunction leading to increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Our study aims to investigate the changes in cardiac and pulmonary vascular function associated with aging. Additionally, we aim to explore the impact of phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) inhibition, which has shown promise in treating cardiometabolic diseases, on addressing left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and elevated PVR in aging individuals. Young (3 months old) and aged (32 months old) male C57BL/6 mice were used. Aged mice were treated with the selective PDE9A inhibitor PF04447943 (1 mg/kg/day) through intraperitoneal injections for 10 days. LV function was evaluated using cardiac ultrasound, and PVR was assessed in isolated, ventilated lungs perfused under a constant flow condition. Additionally, changes in PVR were measured in response to perfusion of the endothelium-dependent agonist bradykinin or to nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). PDE9A protein expression was measured by Western blots. Our results demonstrate the development of LV diastolic dysfunction and increased PVR in aged mice. The aged mice exhibited diminished decreases in PVR in response to both bradykinin and SNP compared to the young mice. Moreover, the lungs of aged mice showed an increase in PDE9A protein expression. Treatment of aged mice with PF04447943 had no significant effect on LV systolic or diastolic function. However, PF04447943 treatment normalized PVR and SNP-induced responses, though it did not affect the bradykinin response. These data demonstrate a development of LV diastolic dysfunction and increase in PVR in aged mice. We propose that inhibitors of PDE9A could represent a novel therapeutic approach to specifically prevent aging-related pulmonary dysfunction.

Left ventricle diastolic vortex ring characterization in ischemic cardiomyopathy: insight into atrio-ventricular interplay.

Diastolic vortex ring (VR) plays a key role in the blood-pumping function exerted by the left ventricle (LV), with altered VR structures being associated with LV dysfunction. Herein, we sought to characterize the VR diastolic alterations in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients with systo-diastolic LV dysfunction, as compared to healthy controls, in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of LV diastolic function. 4D Flow MRI data were acquired in ICM patients (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 15). The λ2 method was used to extract VRs during early and late diastolic filling. Geometrical VR features, e.g., circularity index (CI), orientation (α), and inclination with respect to the LV outflow tract (ß), were extracted. Kinetic energy (KE), rate of viscous energy loss ( ), vorticity (W), and volume (V) were computed for each VR; the ratios with the respective quantities computed for the entire LV were derived. At peak E-wave, the VR was less circular (p = 0.032), formed a smaller α with the LV long-axis (p = 0.003) and a greater ß (p = 0.002) in ICM patients as compared to controls. At peak A-wave, CI was significantly increased (p = 0.034), while α was significantly smaller (p = 0.016) and β was significantly increased (p = 0.036) in ICM as compared to controls. At both peak E-wave and peak A-wave, , WVR/WLV, and VVR/VLV significantly decreased in ICM patients vs. healthy controls. KEVR/VVR showed a significant decrease in ICM patients with respect to controls at peak E-wave, while VVR remained comparable between normal and pathologic conditions. In the analyzed ICM patients, the diastolic VRs showed alterations in terms of geometry and energetics. These derangements might be attributed to both structural and functional alterations affecting the infarcted wall region and the remote myocardium.

Left atrial strain in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and length of stay in pediatric intensive care unit.

The role of cardiac left ventricle (LV) dysfunction in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has gained increasing attention. The hernia allows abdominal mass to enter thorax and subsequently both dislocating and compressing the heart. The pressure on vessels and myocardium alters blood flow and may interfere with normal development of the LV. A dysfunctional LV is concerning and impacts the complex pathophysiology of CDH. Hence, assessing both the systolic and diastolic LV function in the newborn with CDH is important, and it may add value for medical treatment and prognostic factors as length of stay (LOS) in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). LV strain is considered an early marker of systolic dysfunction used in the pediatric population. Left atrial (LA) strain is an echocardiographic marker of LV diastolic dysfunction used in the adult population. When filling pressure of the LV increases, the strain of the atrial wall is decreased. We hypothesized that reduced LA strain and LV strain are correlated with the LOS in the PICU of newborns with CDH. This retrospective observational cohort study included data of 55 children born with CDH between 2018 and 2020 and treated at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Overall, 46 parents provided consent. Echocardiograms were performed in 35 children <72 h after birth. The LA reservoir strain (LASr), LV global longitudinal strain, LV dimensions, and direction of blood flow through the patent foramen ovale (PFO) were retrospectively assessed using the echocardiograms. Children with LASr <33% (n = 27) had longer stays in the PICU than children with LA strain ≥33% (n = 8) (mean: 20.8 vs. 8.6 days; p < 0.002). The LASr was correlated with the LOS in the PICU (correlation coefficient: -0.378; p = 0.025). The LV dimension was correlated with the LOS (correlation coefficient: -0.546; p = 0.01). However, LV strain was not correlated to LOS. Newborns with CDH and a lower LASr (<33%) had longer stays in the PICU than children with LASr ≥33%. LASr is a feasible echocardiographic marker of diastolic LV dysfunction in newborns with CDH and may indicate the severity of the condition.

Comparing Left Ventricular Structure and Functions in End-Stage Renal Disease Using Conventional Echocardiography and 2D Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are prone to various cardiovascular complications. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) is an innovative technique for early myocardial dysfunction detection, even with normal ejection fraction (EF). We aim to detect left ventricle (LV) dysfunction in regular hemodialysis patients using 2D STE compared to traditional echocardiography. The study comprised 30 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), subdivided according to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) into group 1 with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (n=19) and group 2 without LVH (n=11). Another 30 healthy control subjects were recruited as group 3. The EF, average systolic velocity (Sa), and 2D LV strain were taken as measures of LV systolic function. The indicators for diastolic function included the E/A ratio and E velocity/peak early diastolic velocity. Regarding the parameters of LV systolic and diastolic functions assessed by traditional echocardiography, we found no significant difference between groups 1 and 2. However, using 2D STE, we observed significant differences in the average Sa velocity (p=0.025), average LV strain (p=0.03), 2D global longitudinal strain (GLS) (p=0.03), E/Ea (p=0.003), and LV myocardial performance index (MPI) (p=0.006). Also, a significant positive correlation was found between LVMI and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p<0.01, r=0.63), EF measured by 2D (p=0.034, r=0.39), mitral E/A ratio (p=0.03, r=0.49), and mitral E/Ea (p<0.01, r=0.72). There was a significantly strong negative correlation between LVMI and 2D average LV strain (p=0.034, r=-0.39). We concluded that 2D STE is more sensitive than a conventional echo in detecting early LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction even in patients with normal EF.

Role of Fetal Cardiac ECHO and Fetal Cardiac MRI in Prediction of Post Natal Hemodynamic Maladaptation in Fetuses of Diabetic Mothers

Background: Maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a degree of glucose intolerance with recognition during pregnancy (pregestational or gestational, type 1 or type 2), and it is estimated to be 15% in pregnant females in 2019. The current study aimed to study the role of fetal echocardiography and fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in anticipation and diagnosis of hemodynamic maladaptation changes in fetuses of diabetic mothers as predictors for (closure of Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), persistent pulmonary hypertension and diastolic dysfunction) which were confirmed with post-natal echocardiographic and clinical assessment. Methods: This study was an observational follow-up study that included 80 pregnant diabetic females who were following in the specialized clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals during the period starting from August 2020 till December 2022. Results: Diabetes affected left ventricle (LV) diastolic function and global cardiac function but did not affect LV systolic function (p-value=0.000). Interventricular septum (IVS) thickness had a significant positive correlation with LV- Myocardial performance index (MPI) and indices of DM such as HbA1c. Diastolic dysfunction was the most affected cardiac parameter in infants of diabetic mothers (p-value=0.002). The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was the most significant predictor for IVS thickness in diabetic mothers' fetuses, especially with a long duration of DM (p-value=0.012). Conclusion: Fetal echocardiography in diabetic mothers is essential and the gold standard modality not only for diagnosing structural abnormalities but also for evaluating the cardiac function of the fetuses. Fetal cardiac MRI could be considered a complementary imaging modality that uses no ionizing radiation, good tissue contrast, and a larger field of view.

Changes in the cardiovascular profile in patients 3 and 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia: parameters of arterial stiffness, global longitudinal strain, and diastolic function of the left ventricle

Aim. To study changes in the brachial – ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle – brachial index (ABI), diastolic function, and global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (LV) 3 and 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia.Materials and methods. The dynamics of vascular age and LV global longitudinal strain was studied in 154 patients 3 and 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia (51 ± 12 years, 48% were women). The control group consisted of 55 sexand age-matched individuals.Results. During the follow-up, the average baPWV decreased (13.2 [11.8; 15.1] cm / sec vs. 13.0 [11.8; 14.1] cm/ s; p &lt; 0.001), and the frequency of its elevated values declined (45.4 vs. 35.1%; p = 0.008). The average ABI increased (1.09 [1.04; 1.14] vs. 1.11 [1.06; 1.17]; p = 0.012), but remained within the normal range. LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) (–19.6 ± 2.2 and –19.7 ± 2.5%; p = 0.854) and the frequency of reduced LV GLS (21.4 and 26.6%; p = 0.268) did not change significantly and did not differ from values in the control group. Global longitudinal strain in the LV basal inferoseptal segment improved (–19.2 ± 3.6% vs. –20.1 ± 4.0%; p = 0.032). The early diastolic mitral annular velocity decreased (8.4 ± 3.0 cm / s vs. 8.0 ± 2.5 cm / s; p = 0.023). The LV isovolumic relaxation time was greater than in the control group (101.8 ± 22.3 ms at the 1st visit vs. 92.9 ± 21.5 ms; p = 0.012; 105.9 ± 21.9 ms vs. 92.9 ± 21.5 ms at the 2nd visit; p &lt; 0.001). A positive correlation was found between baPWV (r = 0.209; p = 0.009) and ABI (r = 0.190; p = 0.021) and strain parameters of the LV basal segments 12 months after discharge.Conclusion. Patients with optimal visualization on echocardiography at 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia, compared to the results of the examination 3 months after the disease, had deteriorated parameters of LV diastolic function. LV GLS was within the grey zone and did not change significantly. An improvement in arterial stiffness was noted, associated with an improvement in the strain of basal LV segments.

Enhancing Cardiac Pacing Strategies: A Review of Conduction System Pacing Compared to Right and Biventricular Pacing and their influence on myocardial function.

Traditional right ventricular pacing has been linked to the deterioration of both left ventricular diastolic and systolic function. This worsening often culminates in elevated rates of hospitalization due to heart failure, an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, and increased morbidity. While biventricular pacing has demonstrated clinical and echocardiographic improvements in patients afflicted with heart failure and left bundle branch block, it has also encountered significant challenges, such as a notable portion of non-responders and procedural failures attributed to anatomical complexities. In recent time, the interest has shifted towards conduction system pacing, initially His bundle pacing and more recently left bundle branch area pacing, as promising alternatives to the established methods. In contrast to other approaches, conduction system pacing offers the advantage of fostering more physiological and harmonized ventricular activation by directly stimulating the His-Purkinje network. This direct pacing results in a more synchronized systolic and diastolic function of left ventricle compared to right ventricular pacing and biventricular pacing. Of particular note is conduction system pacing's capacity to yield shorter QRS, conserve left ventricular ejection fraction, and reduced rates of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation when compared to right ventricular pacing. The efficacy of conduction system pacing has also been found to have better clinical and echocardiographic improvement than biventricular pacing in patients requiring cardiac resynchronization. This review will delve into myocardial function in conduction system pacing compared to right ventricular pacing and biventricular pacing.

The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on cardiac function and structure in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

To conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) with regard to cardiac function and structure in people with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted a systematic search using the PubMed, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov online databases. The primary outcome of interest was changes in mitral inflow E-velocity to tissue Doppler e' velocity (E/e') ratio. Secondary outcomes included other indicators of cardiac reverse remodelling and functional capacity comprising changes in left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular global longitudinal strain, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early to atrial mitral inflow velocity ratio, left atrial volume (LAV), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and 6-min walk test (6MWT) results. A total of 15 trials involving 898 patients were included in this analysis. GLP-1RAs significantly improved E/e' ratio (mean difference [MD] = -0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.34, -0.13), LVM (MD = -3.86 g; 95% CI -7.60, -0.12), LAV (MD = -8.20 mL; 95% CI -12.37, -4.04), NT-proBNP level (standardized MD = -0.27; 95% CI -0.47, -0.06), and 6MWT result (MD = +22.31 m; 95% CI 1.64, 42.99). However, GLP-1RAs had no effect on LVEF (MD = +0.31%; 95% CI -1.02, 1.64). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, GLP-1RAs were found to have a positive impact on left ventricle diastolic function, hypertrophy, and exercise capacity, but had no effect on systolic function.

Реєстр PULSE-COR: взаємозв’язок між еластичністю лівого шлуночка та жорсткістю артерій у пацієнтів з есенціальною артеріальною гіпертензією

For a long time, the problem of the formation of diastolic dysfunction (DD) of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) remained insufficiently studied. It was demonstrated that the formation of LV DD is largely related to the increase in stiffness of this heart chamber. We decided to evaluate the extent to which increased LV stiffness, determined noninvasively by echocardiography, is associated with LV diastolic dysfunction and determine the relationship of this method with arterial stiffness indicators for which validated methods have been developed.Materials and methods. A one-center registry called PULSE-COR was established in 2011 and is still in operation. There were 779 AH participants in our sample. A distinct cohort of patients (n=283) with essential AH and no substantial comorbidities were found from the final analysis, which comprised 320 patients who had undergone all requisite diagnostic procedures. Our tool of choice for measuring carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was the SphygmoCor device (AtCor, Australia). We also used the VaSera 1500 device (Fukuda Denshi, Japan) to measure cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Vascular ultrasound and intima-media thickness measurement (IMT) were included in the ultrasound diagnosis. The ASE 2016 recommendations were followed for the evaluation of diastolic LV function, and the standardized ASE protocol was followed for echocardiography. A standardized formula was used to assess the ventriculo-arterial coupling (VAC) which also included LV end-systolic elastance (Ees) and arterial elastance (Ea) evaluation. We conducted Spearman correlation analysis to identify relationships.Results and discussion. Our cohort were patients with AH, 51 % males; the mean age was 53.6±2.0 years. Mean office blood pressure (BP) was 159.8±4.5 mm Hg for systolic (SBP), 97.9±2.6 mm Hg for diastolic (DBP), 62.0±3.5 mm Hg for pulse blood (PBP) BP, and 76.6±2.2 bits per minute was the mean heart rate (HR). Both the left and right CAVI (R=0.698; p=0.012 and R=0.683; p=0.014) showed a strong correlation with VAC. Both E/A and E/e showed a substantial correlation with ABI (R=0.716; p=0.006 and R=0.764; p=0.002, respectively). cfPWV was linked with nearly the same parameters (R=0.248; p=0.001 for correlation with IMT, R=0.382; p=0.01 for correlation with low-density lipoproteins). Ea was substantially associated with IMT (R=0.491; p=0.24), total cholesterol (R=0.499; p=0.07), and low-density lipoproteins (R=0.687; p=0.001). Ees was substantially correlated with end diastolic volume (R=0.644; p=0.001), blood lymphocytes (R=–0.678; p=0.001), E/A (R=0.159; p=0.007), and E/e’ (R=–0.130; p=0.029).Conclusions. We have found a substantial correlation between validated arterial stiffness measurements and non-invasive LV stiffness evaluation parameters (VAC). VAC also was associated with LV diastolic function parameters

Remifentanil improves left ventricular diastolic parameters in patients with impaired diastolic function: a prospective clinical study

BackgroundLeft ventricular diastolic dysfunction has a significant impact on perioperative morbidity and mortality, and its incidence is high in elderly individuals. Anesthetic agents may impair diastolic function, which may increase the incidence of perioperative complications. The aim of this prospective, clinical, phase 4 study was to investigate the effects of remifentanil on left ventricle (LV) diastolic function in patients with diastolic dysfunction. The study was performed on 30 spontaneously breathing subjects (aged 60–80 years) with diastolic dysfunction.MethodsThirty patients (aged 60–80 years) with diastolic dysfunction scheduled for surgery were recruited between November 2019 and March 2023. Left ventricle function was evaluated once the intravenous remifentanil infusion reached a target-controlled concentration of 2 ng/ml with transthoracic echocardiography. Analysis of systolic function focused on left ventricular ejection fraction and mean mitral annular S velocity (Sm), whereas diastolic function focused on changes in transmitral peak flow (E), E/A, mitral septal and lateral e’ waves, E/e’ ratios and left atrial volume index following remifentanil infusion.ResultsDiastolic function measures of LV (mitral E/e’, septal and lateral e’ waves) statistically significantly improved (E/e’ from 10.6 ± 2.9 cm.sn− 1 to 9.5 ± 2.2 cm.sn− 1; p = 0.006) following remifentanil infusion. Left atrial volume index decreased following remifentanil infusion without statistical significance (from 55 ± 14.4 ml.cm− 2 to 51.6 ± 13.3 ml.cm− 2; p = 0.1). Systolic function (ejection fraction and Sm) did not change following remifentanil infusion.ConclusionsRemifentanil improves left ventricular diastolic parameters in patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction. Our study suggests that remifentanil at a plasma concentration of 2 ng.ml− 1 might be used safely in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Cardiac MRI feature-tracking-derived torsion mechanics in systolic and diastolic dysfunction in systemic light-chain cardiac amyloidosis

To describe the myocardial torsion mechanics in cardiac amyloidosis (CA), and evaluate the correlations between left ventricle (LV) torsion mechanics and conventional parameters using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking (CMR-FT). One hundred and thirty-nine patients with light-chain CA (AL-CA) were divided into three groups: group 1 with preserved systolic function (LV ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥50%, n=55), group 2 with mildly reduced systolic function (40%≤LVEF <50%, n=51), and group 3 with reduced systolic function (LVEF <40%, n=33), and compared with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (n=26). All patients underwent cine imaging and late gadolinium-enhancement (LGE). Cine images were analysed offline using CMR-FT to estimate torsion parameters. Global torsion, base-mid torsion, and peak diastolic torsion rate (diasTR) were significantly impaired in patients with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for all), whereas mid-apex torsion and peak systolic torsion rate (sysTR) were preserved (p>0.05 for both) compared with healthy controls. In patients with mildly reduced systolic function, global torsion and base-mid torsion were lower compared to those with preserved systolic function (p<0.05 for both), while mid-apex torsion, sysTR, and diasTR were preserved (p>0.05 for all). In patients with reduced systolic function, only sysTR was significantly worse compared with mildly reduced systolic function (p<0.05). At multivariable analysis, right ventricle (RV) end-systolic volume RVESV index and NYHA class were independently related to global torsion, whereas LVEF was independently related to sysTR. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was independently related to diasTR. LV global torsion performed well (AUC 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61, 0.77) in discriminating transmural from non-transmural LGE in AL-CA patients. LV torsion mechanics derived by CMR-FT could help to monitor LV systolic and diastolic function in AL-CA patients and function as a new imaging marker for LV dysfunction and LGE transmurality.

Improvement in left ventricle geometry and function after kidney transplantation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), affecting both its geometry and function. Kidney transplantation in patients with stage 5 CKD may lead to improvements in LV remodeling and result in better cardiac function. The aim of the study was to determine changes and improvements in LV geometry and function after kidney transplantation in patients with stage 5 CKD. This was an observational study conducted by collecting secondary data from the Hospital's Kidney Transplantation Registry, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital spanning the years 2017 to 2020. The study employed a comparative design, contrasting the results before and after treatment (kidney transplantation). We compared transthoracic echocardiographic parameters for LV geometry and function before and after kidney transplantation. The evaluation timeframe after kidney transplantation was divided into &lt;12 and ³12 mo. A total of 27 patients qualified for inclusion in this study. In the &lt;12 mon (n=20) evaluation group, there was a reduction in proportion of LV hypertrophy from 70% to 45%. There was an increase in global LV systolic function (ejection fraction) from 60.1±10.95% to 67.85±6.48% (p=0.014), and a decrease in LV diastolic dysfunction from 45% to 15% (p=0.07). In the ³12 mon (n=11) evaluation group, there was a decrease in the proportion of LV hypertrophy from 81.8 to 54.5%, an increase in global LV systolic function (ejection fraction) from 57.73±13.07% to 69.36±6.12% (p=0.011), and a decreased LV diastolic dysfunction from 63.6% to 0% (p=0.016). In conclusion, significant changes in LV geometry and function are observed following kidney transplantation, indicating improvements in these parameters. There are improvements in LV systolic function started at &lt;12 mo and in LV diastolic function at ³12 mo after kidney transplantation.

Arterial Stiffness and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is prevalent and associated with a poor prognosis, imposing a significant burden on society. Arterial stiffness is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, affecting diagnosis, management, and prognosis. As a hallmark of vascular aging, arterial stiffness contributes to increased afterload on the left ventricle (LV), leading to diastolic dysfunction, a key feature of HFpEF. Elevated arterial stiffness is linked with common cardiovascular risk factors in HFpEF, such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity, exacerbating the progression of disease. Studies have demonstrated that patients with HFpEF exhibit significantly higher levels of arterial stiffness compared to those without HFpEF, highlighting the value of arterial stiffness measurements as both diagnostic and prognostic tools. Moreover, interventions aimed at reducing arterial stiffness, whether through pharmacological therapies or lifestyle modifications, have shown potential in improving LV diastolic function and patient outcomes. Despite these advancements, the precise mechanisms by which arterial stiffness contributes to HFpEF are still not fully understood, necessitating the need for further research.

Cardiac magnetic resonance hemodynamic force patterns in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and dilated cardiomyopathy as compared to healthy controls: an observational study

Abstract Background Intraventricular Pressure Gradients (IVPG) reflect the driving force behind blood motion in and out of the left ventricle (LV). IVPG can be computed non-invasively using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) cine imaging. It is unknown how IVPG components change as a consequence of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and in non-ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Aims We aimed to assess if LV dysfunction of an ischemic and non-ischemic origin translates into reduced IVPG. The IVPG values were compared to conventional CMR markers of LV systolic function, to evaluate potential future applications. Methods This analysis of prospectively included cohorts included patients with DCM (n=40), anterior (n=20) or inferior STEMI (n=19) with an LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 52%, and healthy control subjects (n=13). LV ejection fraction was measured on the short-axis cine images. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and IVPG were measured in the long-axis cine images, using feature tracking software. Contours were drawn manually and the mitral and aortic valve orifice areas were measured. The dimensionless IVPG were measured in the longitudinal direction, using feature tracking combined with valve orifice measurements. IVPG consisted of the A, B, C, and D-wave, see Figure 1. IVPG values were compared between controls and diseased cohorts by the Mann Whitney U test. Results LVEF and LV-GLS were significantly impaired in all diseased groups. DCM and anterior STEMI patients had lower overall IVPG (15.1 [IQR 12.6-17.9] vs 9.4 [IQR 7.8-13.4], p=0.001 for DCM and 11.1 [IQR 8.7-13.0], p=0.002 for anterior STEMI). DCM and anterior STEMI patients had a significantly reduced systolic ejection A-wave (21.8 [IQR 19.1-27.2] in controls vs. 13.5 [IQR 10.3-19.1] in DCM, p&amp;lt;0.001, and 16.9 [IQR 10.8-20.6] in anterior STEMI, p=0.004). Secondly, patients with DCM and inferior STEMI have significantly dampened E-wave decelerative C-waves (8.1 [IQR 6.5-12.3] in controls, vs. 3.7 [IQR 2.4-5.5], p&amp;lt;0.001 in DCM, and 6.4 [IQR 4.3-7.8], p=0.04 in inferior STEMI), due to impaired passive ventricular filling. Conclusions IVPG values are altered in patients with myocardial dysfunction due to anterior and inferior STEMI to a lesser extent than in DCM patients. Conventional measures for systolic function (i.e. LV-GLS and LV ejection fraction) were lower in all diseased groups as well. On the other hand, IVPG is a promising measure to quantify diastolic LV function on the ventricular level.