End-diastolic Diameter Research Articles

Effects of moderate-intensity aerobic training on cardiac structure and function in type 2 mellitus diabetic rats: Based on echocardiography and speckle tracking

PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the cardiac function changes using Layer-specific Speckle-tracking echocardiography (LS-STE) induced by Moderate-intensity aerobic training (MIAT) in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. MethodsTwenty-six rats were divided into four groups: the Control group (Con), the Training control group (CT), the T2DM group (DM), and the T2DM training group (DT). The CT and DT groups underwent an 8 weeks MIAT. Cardiac structure and function were evaluated by echocardiography and LS-STE. ResultsCompared with the Con group, left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD), relation wall thickness (RWT), and left ventricular mass (LVM) were significantly higher, and the endo-, mid-, and epi-longitudinal strain (LS), global radial strain (GRS), and endo- and mid-circumferential strain (CS) were significantly lower in DM rats (all p < 0.05). The endo-, mid-, and epi-LS, GRS, endo- and mid-CS were increased in DT rats compared with DM rats (all p < 0.05). Compared with Con rats, CT rats had a significant increase in LVEDD and LVM (all p < 0.05), meanwhile myocardial strains had no significant differences (all p > 0.05). ConclusionLS-STE was a sensitive method to assess subclinical myocardial changes in T2DM rats. MIAT had the benefit of reversing cardiac systolic subclinical dysfunction in T2DM rats.

Deep learning of echocardiography distinguishes between presence and absence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can cause myocardial fibrosis, which can be a substrate for fatal ventricular arrhythmias and subsequent sudden cardiac death. Although late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) represents myocardial fibrosis and is associated with sudden cardiac death in patients with HCM, CMR is resource-intensive, can carry an economic burden, and is sometimes contraindicated. In this study for patients with HCM, we aimed to distinguish between patients with positive and negative LGE on CMR using deep learning of echocardiographic images.MethodsIn the cross-sectional study of patients with HCM, we enrolled patients who underwent both echocardiography and CMR. The outcome was positive LGE on CMR. Among the 323 samples, we randomly selected 273 samples (training set) and employed deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) of echocardiographic 5-chamber view to discriminate positive LGE on CMR. We also developed a reference model using clinical parameters with significant differences between patients with positive and negative LGE. In the remaining 50 samples (test set), we compared the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) between a combined model using the reference model plus the DCNN-derived probability and the reference model.ResultsAmong the 323 CMR studies, positive LGE was detected in 160 (50%). The reference model was constructed using the following 7 clinical parameters: family history of HCM, maximum left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, LV end-diastolic diameter, LV end-systolic volume, LV ejection fraction < 50%, left atrial diameter, and LV outflow tract pressure gradient at rest. The discriminant model combining the reference model with DCNN-derived probability significantly outperformed the reference model in the test set (AUC 0.86 [95% confidence interval 0.76–0.96] vs. 0.72 [0.57–0.86], P = 0.04). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the combined model were 0.84, 0.76, 0.78, and 0.83, respectively.ConclusionCompared to the reference model solely based on clinical parameters, our new model integrating the reference model and deep learning-based analysis of echocardiographic images demonstrated superiority in distinguishing LGE on CMR in patients with HCM. The novel deep learning-based method can be used as an assistive technology to facilitate the decision-making process of performing CMR with gadolinium enhancement.

Del Nido versus conventional blood cardioplegia in patients with combined aortic root surgery: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of Del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) and conventional blood cardioplegia (CBC) in combined aortic surgery. This retrospective study involved elective patients who underwent combined aortic root surgery between September 2017 and July 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: the DNC and the CBC group. The primary outcome was high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-MB levels at the 0, 1, 2, and three postoperative days. The secondary outcomes contained postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction, return to spontaneous rhythm after aortic de-clamping, postoperative myocardial infarction, new-onset atrial fibrillation, postoperative mechanical circulatory support, mechanical ventilation duration, intensive care unit stay, postoperative hospital stay, and the reduction of left ventricle end-diastolic diameter at 3months after surgery. 223 patients were included and divided into the CBC (n = 111) and the DNC group (n = 112). There was no statistical difference in patients' demographics and preoperative parameters between the two groups. No in-hospital mortality. The total cardioplegia volume [35.25 (30.30,43.65) ml/kg versus 21.43 (18.42,25.62) ml/kg, p < 0.001] and infusion times [2 (2,3) times versus 1 (1,2) times, p < 0.001] were less and the incidence of return to spontaneous rhythm after de-clamping was higher in the DNC group [59.5% versus 83%, p < 0.001]. Postoperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-MB levels were comparable between the two groups. DNC is related to a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay than CBC. The rate of return to spontaneous rhythm after aortic de-clamping seemed to decrease with the prolongation of aortic cross-clamping (ACC) duration, and there was no difference between the two groups when the time exceeded 120min. The safety and efficacy of using DNC were comparable to CBC in combined aortic surgery. The rate of return to spontaneous rhythm after aortic de-clamping seemed to decrease with the prolongation of ACC time. Further studies may be needed to fully elucidate the advantages of DNC in postoperative recovery and its long-term effects on patient outcomes.

Effect of sacubitril and valsartan combined with conventional therapy on patients with heart failure

Purpose: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of the combination of sacubitril and valsartan with conventional therapy in the treatment of patients with heart failure. Methods: This was a retrospective study comprising 100 heart failure patients randomized into study (n = 57) and control groups (n = 43). The study group received sacubitril/valsartan along with conventional drug therapy while control group received only conventional drugs, viz, irbesartan, metoprolol slow release, and furosemide tablets. Echocardiogram showing left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left anterior descending artery (LAD), Nterminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and homocysteine (HCY) of the two groups were compared before and after treatment. Multiple regression was used to analyze the correlation between re-hospitalization and sacubitril/valsartan intervention. Results: The study group showed significantly lower LVEF, LVESD, LVEDD, LAD, NT-proBNP, and homocysteine levels after treatment compared to control group (p &lt; 0.05). Re-hospitalization for abnormal cardiovascular events between the two groups was significantly different in the adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed that sacubitril/valsartan treatment was the independent variable (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Sacubitril/valsartan improves heart function, with reduced incidence of adverse effects without affecting renal function. Further studies are required to validate these findings by expanding sample size, strictly controlling data quality and strengthening follow-up.

Association between Visit-to-Visit Ultrafiltration Volume Variability, Vascular Biomarkers and Cardiovascular Parameters in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Background. Cardiovascular (CV) diseases are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We studied the effect of high visit-to-visit ultrafiltration (UF) variability on CV abnormalities in HD patients. Methods. Twenty-nine consecutive patients (age: 65.6 ± 10.4 years) were recruited. Samples for routine lab tests were drawn pre-HD for syndecan-1 (SDC-1) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) measurements pre-, mid- and post-HD. Applanation tonometry was performed pre-, mid- and post-HD. Visit-to-visit ultrafiltration volume variability (UVSD) was calculated as the standard deviation of the UF volume/dialysis session in the preceding 12 months. Echocardiography was performed post-HD. Results. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median of UVSD (500 mL). The average UF volume/HD was not different between the groups. Blood pressure (BP) values were similar. Pre-HD cfPWV (10.75 m/s) was lower in the high UVSD group (14.1 m/s, p = 0.03). In the high UVSD group, post-HD cfPWV (13.9 m/s) was higher than the pre-HD cfPWV (p &lt; 0.05). Pre-HD ET-1 was lower in the high UVSD group (8.6 ± 3.9 vs. 10.8 ± 2.7 pg/mL, p &lt; 0.05). Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were higher in the high UVSD group (55.7 ± 7.3 vs. 51.0 ± 5.4 mm and 449.9 ± 180.5 vs. 350.3 ± 85.9 g/m², p &lt; 0.005, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in the high UVSD group (53.5 vs. 60, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions. High UVSD was associated with increased left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction and decreased LVEF compared to low visit-to-visit UV variability despite similar UF volumes temporarily compensated by more elastic arteries. The observed abnormalities may increase CV risk.

Application effect of task-oriented multi-dimensional nursing intervention in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and concurrent hypertension

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the application effect of task-oriented multi-dimensional nursing interventionin patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) and concurrent hypertension. Methodology: The clinical data of 196 patients with CAD and concurrent hypertension in our hospital between January 2019 and January 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The patients receiving task-oriented multi-dimensional nursing were set as study group (n=98), while those given routine nursing as control group (n=98). The two groups were compared in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores, systolic blood pressure (SBP), treatment compliance and incidence rates of adverse events. Results: After intervention, study group showed lower HAMA and HAMD scores, SBP and LVEDD, but higher SF-36 scores and LVEF than control group (P&lt;0.05). The treatment compliance rate was higher in control group than that in study group (92.86% vs. 80.61%), while an opposite result was detected in the total incidence rate 5.10% vs. 13.27%, P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Multidimensional nursing benefits CAD patients with hypertension, improving emotions, compliance, and quality of life, reducing adverse events, and promoting recovery. Recommended for clinical use. Keywords: Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease; task-oriented theory; multi-dimensional nursing care; clinical nursing.

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and laboratory predictor of activity in children with ulcerative colitis: A single-centre study.

We aimed to detect subclinical cardiac impairment in children with ulcerative colitis (UC) and test the association between absolute monocytic count (AMC) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) with disease activity. A group of children with UC and a comparable group as healthy controls were included. All children underwent history-taking, clinical examination and blood testing for complete blood counts with white blood cell differentials, LMR and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Disease severity was assessed using the Paediatric UC Activity Index score. We used echocardiography for tissue Doppler, M-Mode, two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for left ventricular function assessment. Forty children were included, 20 with UC as cases, and 20 healthy controls. Disease activity was mild in 75% cases and moderate in 25% cases. Cases had significantly higher ESR than the control group (P < 0.001). Among cases, positive correlations were observed between monocytic, and platelet counts with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (r = 0.5, P = 0.02; r = 0.5, P = 0.03). Children with UC had significantly lower ejection fraction and impaired left ventricular systolic function compared to the control group (P < 0.001) assessed by 3D STE, yet this observation was not reached by the conventional method (P = 0.3). In children with UC, 3D STE could detect subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction that conventional echocardiography could not. AMC and LMR showed no significant difference between children with UC and controls.

Expression of HMGB1, TGF-β1, BIRC3, ADAM17, CDKN1A, and FTO in Relation to Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients Six Months after the First Myocardial Infarction: A Prospective Study.

Background: After myocardial infarction (MI), adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling may occur. This is followed by LV hypertrophy and eventually heart failure. The remodeling process is complex and goes through multiple phases. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of HMGB1, TGF-β1, BIRC3, ADAM17, CDKN1A, and FTO, each involved in a specific step of LV remodeling, in association with the change in the echocardiographic parameters of LV structure and function used to assess the LV remodeling process in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients six months after the first MI. The expression of selected genes was also determined in PBMCs of controls. Methods: The study group consisted of 99 MI patients, who were prospectively followed-up for 6 months, and 25 controls. Cardiac parameters, measured via conventional 2D echocardiography, were evaluated at two time points: 3-5 days and 6 months after MI. The mRNA expression six-months-post-MI was detected using TaqMan® technology (Applied Biosystems, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Results:HMGB1 mRNA was significantly higher in patients with adverse LV remodeling six-months-post-MI than in patients without adverse LV remodeling (p = 0.04). HMGB1 mRNA was significantly upregulated in patients with dilated LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (p = 0.03); dilated LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) (p = 0.03); severely dilated LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVi) (p = 0.006); impaired LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.01); and LV enlargement (p = 0.03). It was also significantly upregulated in PBMCs from patients compared to controls (p = 0.005). TGF-β1 and BIRC3 mRNA were significantly lower in patients compared to controls (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that HMGB1 is involved in adverse LV remodeling six-months-post-MI, even on the mRNA level. Further research and validation are needed.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Ischemic Versus Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: Patient-Level Meta-Analysis of 7 Randomized Clinical Trials

BackgroundData on whether cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) results in better clinical and echocardiographic outcomes in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) vs ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) are conflicting. ObjectivesThe authors conducted this meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials of CRT to determine the association between etiology of cardiomyopathy and clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. MethodsThe authors analyzed patient-level data using Bayesian Hierarchical Weibull survival regression modeling to determine the association between etiology of cardiomyopathy and time to all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization (HFH). Linear regression was used to assess the association between etiology of cardiomyopathy and echocardiographic measurements. ResultsOf 6,252 patients included, 4,717 (75%) were men, median age was 66 years (IQR: 58-73 years), 3,704 (59%) had ICM, and 3,778 (60%) received CRT. CRT increased the time to HFH or all-cause death (HR: 0.67; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.56-0.82; P < 0.001) with no difference by etiology of cardiomyopathy (HR ratio: 1.06 [95% CrI: 0.87-1.29]; P = 0.57). Likewise, CRT increased the time to all-cause death (HR: 0.71 [95% CrI: 0.55-0.93]; P = 0.019) with no difference by etiology of cardiomyopathy (HR ratio: 1.06 [95% CrI: 0.80-1.43]; P = 0.70). Echocardiographic data that were available for 2,430 (39%) patients showed that CRT improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and left ventricular end-systolic diameter were larger for patients with NICM. ConclusionsAlthough CRT led to greater increases in left ventricular ejection fraction and reductions in ventricular dimensions for patients with NICM compared with those with ICM, CRT significantly increased the time to HFH or all-cause death independently of the etiology of cardiomyopathy. Further studies on improving patient selection for CRT are needed.

Electrophysiologic characteristics and clinical correlation of right ventricular activation during left bundle branch area pacing (RV-LBBAP study)

BackgroundLeft bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) results in a right bundle branch (RBB) delay pattern because of preexcitation of the left bundle. The mechanism of right ventricular (RV) activation during LBBAP is largely unknown. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to analyze the electrophysiologic characteristics of RV activation by mapping the RBB during LBBAP and its clinical correlation. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent successful LBBAP were included. RBB block, RV paced rhythm, and suboptimal intracardiac electrograms were excluded. LBBAP was performed with continuous recording of His bundle (HB) and RBB electrograms. RV activation was classified into 3 types based on the intracardiac electrogram: type I, RBB mediated; type II, transseptal activation; and type III, fusion pattern. ResultsOverall, 86 patients (94% left bundle branch pacing [LBBP]; 6% left ventricular septal pacing) were included. The mean age was 59.6 ± 12.8 years. Nonselective to selective capture transition was noted in 85% (n = 73). In patients with baseline normal QRS (n = 47), during selective LBBP (S-LBBP; n = 39), the most common pattern was type I (n = 35 [87%]), whereas during nonselective LBBP (NS-LBBP; n = 44), type III pattern (n = 40 [91%]) was common. In patients with left bundle branch block (n = 39), type III pattern was common during both S-LBBP and NS-LBBP. Type I pattern was noted only in patients with retrograde HB activation during S-LBBP. Left ventricular septal pacing showed type II activation in both groups. Patients without retrograde HB activation had higher left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and prolonged HV interval compared with those with retrograde HB activation. ConclusionPhysiologic RBB-mediated (type I) activation of the right ventricle was the most common pattern observed during S-LBBP in patients with intact retrograde HB activation. Type III pattern was the most common pattern observed during NS-LBBP with fusion of multiple wavefronts from anterograde RBB activation, septal myocardial, and transverse interbundle connections.

Cardiomyopathy-Associated Chronic HeartFailure in Infants Aged

There have been few large-scale studies on the outcomes of cardiomyopathy-associated heart failure (HF) in infants aged <1 year. This study aimed to assess longitudinal echocardiographic outcomes of infants with HF secondary to cardiomyopathy who survived for >1 year. A prospective observational study following 327 infant patients up to 5 years in 2 large pediatric heart centers in Northern China between January 2010 and December 2018. A total of 236 (72.2%) patients had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HF with reduced ejection fraction group; LVEF <40%), 91 (27.8%) patients had midrange LVEF (HF with midrange ejection fraction group; LVEF ≥40% but <55%). LVEF improved significantly within the first year and remained stable in years 2 through 5 for both groups. The HF with midrange ejection fraction group had a higher rate of LVEF normalization (hazard ratio, 1.65; P<0.001). Baseline LVEF ≥40%, baseline left ventricular end-diastolic diameter Z score <7.8, the absence of left bundle-branch block, and the absence of β-blocker use were 4 independent favorable predictors for future LVEF normalization. A total of 62.4% of enrolled patients were diagnosed with left ventricular noncompaction. No significant difference in LVEF normalization was found among the different types of cardiomyopathy studied. A significant number of infants with cardiomyopathy who survived >1 year were found to improve with medical therapies during the first year of diagnosis. Poorer outcomes were associated with decreased LVEF and increased heart size at diagnosis baseline, the presence of left bundle-branch block and use of β blockers. The Northern Chinese pediatric population may have a high proportion of left ventricular noncompaction.

Effect of Optimal Heart Rate on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure Following Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The optimal therapeutic approach to facilitate reverse remodeling is desired in patients with systolic heart failure following acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The association between heart rate (HR) and reverse remodeling in this cohort has remained elusive.Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% who received echocardiography assessments following ACS were retrospectively included. Theoretically ideal HR was calculated using a previously established formula: 93 - 0.13 × (deceleration time [msec]). Impacts of HR on echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling during the 2-year observational period were compared between 2 groups stratified by the HR difference between theoretically ideal and actual values: optimal HR group (HR difference ≤ 10 bpm) versus sub-optimal HR group (HR difference > 10 bpm).A total of 27 patients (median 72 years old, 23 males) were included. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics including maximum serum creatinine kinase level and the dose of beta-blocker between the 2 groups. LV ejection fraction increased significantly only in the optimal HR group at follow-up (from 42% to 54%; P = 0.001). The optimal HR group exhibited a more pronounced decrease in LV end-diastolic diameter (from 57 to 52 mm) compared to the sub-optimal HR group (from 58 to 56 mm).Optimal HR, which was calculated using a previously proposed formula, was associated with more substantial post-infarct LV reverse remodeling. The implications of aggressive HR modulation targeting theoretically ideal HR among those with systolic heart failure following ACS are the focus of our investigation here.

The Effect of Combination Therapy of Saengmaek-san Decoction and Western Medicine on Heart Failure: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination therapy of Saengmaek-san decoction and Western medicine on heart failure.Methods: A search was conducted on June 22, 2024 using keywords such as “heart failure”, “saengmaeksan”, and “shengmaisan”. A meta-analysis was conducted according to the outcome measurements such as the total effective rate (TER), serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), echocardiography results (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), stroke volume (SV)), and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Data analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.4.1 software, and Cochrane’s risk of bias (ROB) was used to assess the quality of the papers.Results: A total of eight randomized control trials were selected. The treatment group combining Saengmaek-sann and Western medicine showed significant improvement effects in terms of TER, BNP, LVEF, LVESD, LVEDD, SV, and 6MWT compared to the control group using Western medicine alone [TER] RR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.13–1.34, p&lt;0.00001; [BNP] MD= -206.14, 95% CI : -257.49–-154.79, p&lt;0.00001; [LVEF] MD=6.40, 95% CI : 5.54–7.27, p&lt;0.00001; [LVEDD] MD=-6.55, 95% CI : -7.24–-5.85, p&lt;0.00001; [LVESD] MD=-3.07, 95% CI: -3.92–-2.22, p&lt;0.00001; [SV] MD=7.12, 95% CI : 5.73–8.50, p&lt;0.00001; [6MWT] MD=43.69, 95% CI : 31.55–55.84, p&lt;0.00001.Conclusion: This study suggests that the combination therapy of Saengmaek-san decoction and Western medicine is effective in treating heart failure. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the unknown or high risk of bias in the included trials.

Correlation of serum homocysteine and cystatin C levels with prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients

ObjectiveThis study investigated the relationship of serum homocysteine (Hcy) and cystatin C (Cys C) levels with the prognosis of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).MethodsA total of 178 patients with HFpEF who were admitted to our hospital between December 2019 and November 2020 were included. Patients were grouped based on their serum Hcy and Cys C levels: high Hcy level, normal Hcy level, high Cys C level, and normal Cys C level. Cardiac function, ventricular remodeling indices, and prognosis were compared among patients in these groups. Additionally, the predictive value of serum Hcy and Cys C levels for adverse cardiovascular events in HFpEF patients was analyzed.ResultsPatients’ mean age in the high Hcy level, normal Hcy level, high Cys C level, and normal Cys C level groups was 69.21 ± 4.17,67.74 ± 4.28,69.95 ± 4.98, and 67.06 ± 4.13 years old, respectively. The high Hcy level group exhibited a lower proportion of class II cardiac function according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and a higher proportion of class IV cardiac function than the normal Hcy level group, with statistically significant differences. Similarly, the high Cys C level group had a lower proportion of class II cardiac function and a higher proportion of class IV cardiac function compared with the normal Cys C level group, with statistically significant differences. Left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter (LVESD), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were significantly higher in both the high Hcy level and high Cys C level groups compared with the normal group, with statistically significant differences. The rates of all-cause mortality and class I endpoint events were significantly higher in the high Hcy level and high Cys C level groups than in the normal group. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis demonstrated that adverse cardiovascular events were significantly associated with cardiac function class, LVEDD, LVESD, LVMI, Hcy, and Cys C in patients with HFpEF. The area under the curve (AUC) values for Hcy and Cys C, determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were 0.778 (optimal critical value, 25.38) and 0.681 (optimal critical value, 1.56), respectively, for predicting adverse cardiovascular events. Both Hcy and Cys C serum levels were positively correlated with LVEDD, LVESD, LVMI, and NYHA classification.ConclusionSerum levels of Hcy and Cys C were closely associated with cardiac function, ventricular remodeling indices, and prognosis in patients with HFpEF. These levels may serve as valuable indices for assessing HFpEF patients’ health status and prognosis, providing important insights into their potential role as biomarkers for HFpEF management and prognosis.

The Effect of Trimetazidine Combined with Cardiac Rehabilitation on the Prognosis of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: To investigate the effects of Trimetazidine (TMZ) combined with Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) patients who underwent PCI, the effects of ventricular remodeling and quality of life at different times after PCI; to observe the changes in the expression of Nod-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells at different times after the onset of AMI and the effects of TMZ combined with CR therapy on it. Methods: The study population was selected from 89 AMI patients admitted to the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University from October 2018 to January 2020. All of them underwent PCI in emergency or within 2 days of admission, and they were all treated with double antibiotics, heparin and statins, and β-receptor antagonists or CCB or RAS system antagonists according to the patients' blood pressure and heart rate. The patients were divided into a control group and a rehabilitation group according to their willingness and adherence to rehabilitation. The control group consisted of 44 patients (n=44), who were treated only with the above treatments and no other treatments. The rehabilitation group consisted of 45 patients (n=45) who were treated with TMZ and CR in combination with the above treatments. In the rehabilitation group, the cardiac rehabilitation program was initiated as appropriate from day 2 after PCI, and trimetazidine hydrochloride treatment (35 mg bid po) was given on day 7 after PCI for a total of 1 year (52±2 weeks). Blood was collected in the morning of the 2nd day of admission for routine blood tests, cTnI, lipids, blood glucose, liver and kidney function, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Cardiac ultrasound was performed at weeks 1, 4, 12, and 52±2, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured. The Quality of Life Scale (SF-12) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were assessed at week 1 and week 52±2. Cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed at week 1 and week 52±2 of onset, and maximum kilogram oxygen uptake (peakVO2/kg), kilogram oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (VO2/kg@AT), and metabolic equivalents at anaerobic threshold (Mets@AT) were recorded. The expression of NLRP3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients at 24-36 hours of onset, week 1, week 4, week 12 and week 52±2 was detected. All the above data were analyzed by SPSS 24.0 software. Results: At 1 year of onset, LVEDd was less in the rehabilitation group than in the control group. At weeks 4 and 12 of onset, LVEF was higher in the rehabilitation group than in the control group. At 1 year after the onset of the disease, the quality of life and anxiety and depression status of the rehabilitation group were significantly improved, the SF-12 score was higher than that of the control group, and the GAD-7 score was lower than that of the control group. And the cardiopulmonary exercise experiment indexes of the two groups were compared, and the peakVO2/kg, VO2/kg@AT and Mets@AT of the rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those of the control group. During the 1-year follow-up, peripheral blood mononuclear cell NLRP3 levels tended to decrease in both groups and were at their highest values at 24-36 hours after onset. At weeks 4 and 12, peripheral blood mononuclear cell NLRP3 levels were significantly lower in the rehabilitation group than in the control group. Conclusion: TMZ combined with CR therapy showed significant improvement in ventricular remodeling, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in patients with AMI, and it was most effective and beneficial to patients at 1 year after PCI. TMZ combined with CR therapy significantly reduced peripheral blood mononuclear cell NLRP3 levels in AMI patients, and the effect was most pronounced at 3 months after PCI.

Ratio of pulmonary artery diameter to ascending aortic diameter and its association with right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation

BackgroundSeveral invasive hemodynamic parameters help predict right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. However, prediction using non-invasive parameters alone has not been established. The ratio of the diameters of the pulmonary artery (PAD) to those of the ascending aorta (AoD) may indicate past hemodynamic load and cardiac dysfunction. We aimed to investigate a predictive model for RVF after LVAD implantation using non-invasive parameters including PAD/AoD ratio. MethodsWe studied 141 patients who underwent primary LVAD implantation and 117 healthy individuals with computed tomography (CT) data. RVF was defined as the need for a subsequent right ventricular assist device or intravenous inotrope administration for more than 30 days after LVAD implantation. The PAD/AoD ratio was measured at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcation on the CT transaxial slices. ResultsRVF was observed in 29 patients. The correlation between PAD and AoD differed among healthy individuals, patients with and without RVF. Patients with RVF had higher total bilirubin and log brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, a lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd) index, and a higher PAD/AoD ratio than those without RVF. Decision tree analysis indicated that the subgroup with a high PAD/AoD ratio (≥1.09) and a small LVDd index (<35.4 mm/m2) showed the highest probability of RVF (100 %), while the subgroup with a low PAD/AoD ratio (<1.09) and low log BNP (<2.79) showed the lowest probability of RVF (1 %). ConclusionCombining non-invasive parameters with the PAD/AoD ratio can predict RVF with high accuracy.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Cardiac Remodeling after FET

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate if frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation leads to negative cardiac remodeling in dissection and non-dissection patients and to determine whether there are differences when FET is implanted as an aortic redo procedure or initially. Methods Between March 2013 and April 2022, 148 patients received FET without any concomitant procedures and therefore formed our cohort. One hundred and four were treated for dissecting and 44 for non-dissecting pathologies. Eighty-four received FET initially and 64 as an aortic redo procedure. Data were collected retrospectively using our center's dedicated aortic database as well as transthoracic echocardiographic reports of our cardiologists. Results In the first weeks after FET implantation, dissection and non-dissection patients show a significant increase of mild valvular insufficiencies—a significant decrease of ejection fraction is only seen in dissection patients but these changes do not stay significant during later follow-up. Patients who receive FET as an aortic redo procedure tend to have significantly larger left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameters and higher LV masses, however, in longitudinal analysis, there were no long-term negative effects in patients who received FET initially or as aortic redo. Conclusion In the first 2 years after implantation, FET has no echocardiographically measurable effect regarding negative cardiac remodeling in dissection and non-dissection patients, independent of the fact it is implanted initially or as an aortic redo procedure.

CICARE communication model and hierarchical responsibility nursing coordination in the application research of elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of implementing the CICARE communication model and hierarchical responsibility nursing coordination in managing chronic heart failure among elderly patients. From June 2021 to June 2023, 120 elderly patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure were admitted to our hospital. They were divided into 2 groups according to different treatment methods: the regular group and the observation group. Both groups of patients received nursing interventions for 3 months. Before and after the intervention, we assessed the levels of cardiac function indicators (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, and B-type natriuretic peptide levels) and exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test) in both groups of patients. The time to clinical symptom relief, self-efficacy, and quality of life scores were compared between the 2 groups of patients. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in cardiac function indicators between the 2 groups (P > .05). However, after the intervention, both groups exhibited improvements in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and B-type natriuretic peptide levels, with the observation group demonstrating greater reductions compared to the control group. Furthermore, both groups showed increased left ventricular ejection fraction levels, with the observation group experiencing a significantly higher improvement. Although exercise tolerance did not differ significantly between the groups before the intervention, post-intervention analysis revealed a greater increase in 6-minute walk test distance in the observation group compared to the control group (P < .05). The time to relief of breathlessness and edema did not significantly differ between the groups (P > .05). Similarly, there were no significant differences in self-efficacy and quality of life scores between the groups before the intervention (P > .05); however, post-intervention analysis showed higher self-efficacy scores in the observation group. Application of the CICARE communication model and hierarchical responsibility nursing coordination in elderly patients with chronic heart failure can effectively improve the patients' cardiac function levels and significantly enhance their exercise tolerance, self-efficacy, and quality of life.

The role of body composition in left ventricular remodeling, reverse remodeling, and clinical outcomes for heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction: more knowledge to the “obesity paradox”

BackgroundAlthough the “obesity paradox” is comprehensively elucidated in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the role of body composition in left ventricular (LV) remodeling, LV reverse remodeling (LVRR), and clinical outcomes is still unclear for HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF).MethodsOur study is a single-centre, prospective, and echocardiography-based study. Consecutive HFmrEF patients, defined as HF patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between 40 and 49%, between January 2016 to December 2021 were included. Echocardiography was re-examined at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up to assess the LVRR dynamically. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat-free mass, percent body fat (PBF), CUN-BAE index, and lean mass index (LMI) were adopted as anthropometric parameters in our study to assess body composition. The primary outcome was LVRR, defined as: (1) a reduction higher than 10% in LV end-diastolic diameter index (LVEDDI), or a LVEDDI < 33 mm/m2, (2) an absolute increase of LVEF higher than 10 points compared with baseline echocardiogram, or a follow-up LVEF ≥50%. The secondary outcome was a composite of re-hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death.ResultsA total of 240 HFmrEF patients were enrolled in our formal analysis. After 1-year follow-up based on echocardiography, 113 (47.1%) patients developed LVRR. Patients with LVRR had higher fat mass (21.7 kg vs. 19.3 kg, P = 0.034) and PBF (28.7% vs. 26.6%, P = 0.047) compared with those without. The negative correlation between anthropometric parameters and baseline LVEDDI was significant (all P < 0.05). HFmrEF patients with higher BMI, fat mass, PBF, CUN-BAE index, and LMI had more pronounced and persistent increase of LVEF and decline in LV mass index (LVMI). Univariable Cox regression analysis revealed that higher BMI (HR 1.042, 95% CI 1.002–1.083, P = 0.037) and fat mass (HR 1.019, 95% CI 1.002–1.036, P = 0.026) were each significantly associated with higher cumulative incidence of LVRR for HFmrEF patients, while this relationship vanished in the adjusted model. Mediation analysis indicated that the association between BMI and fat mass with LVRR was fully mediated by baseline LV dilation. Furthermore, higher fat mass (aHR 0.957, 95% CI 0.917–0.999, P = 0.049) and PBF (aHR 0.963, 95% CI 0.924–0.976, P = 0.043) was independently associated with lower risk of adverse clinical events.ConclusionsBody composition played an important role in the LVRR and clinical outcomes for HFmrEF. For HFmrEF patients, BMI and fat mass was positively associated with the cumulative incidence of LVRR, while higher fat mass and PBF predicted lower risk of adverse clinical events but not LMI.Graphical abstract

Effects of Indobufen Combined with Clopidogrel on Left Ventricular Function and Inflammatory Factors in Patients after PCI

Background: Percutaneous intracoronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred method for treating coronary heart disease. However, the insufficient coagulation function after the procedure may lead to poor vascular reperfusion, thereby affecting cardiac function. Indobufen and clopidogrel have antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects, but the impact of their combined use on left ventricular function and inflammatory factors in patients after PCI remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the influence of indobufen combined with clopidogrel on left ventricular function and inflammatory factors in patients after PCI. Methods: Medical records of 100 patients who underwent PCI surgery were selected for retrospective analysis. Their admission time ranged from January 2022 to June 2023. All research subjects who met the inclusion criteria were assigned to two groups according to different treatment methods with 57 cases in the control and 43 cases in the observation. The left ventricular function, inflammatory factors, coagulation function levels, and occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results: After going through treatment, the levels of left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control. The ejection fraction significantly increased in the observation group, and the difference between two groups was significant (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the observation was significantly lower than that of the control benefiting from treatment with a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05). The activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time levels of all patients significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05) with no difference between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). The complication rate in the control patients was 17.54% (10/57), and that in the observation patients was 9.30% (4/43). No significant difference existed between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: Indobufen combined with clopidogrel treatment for patients after PCI significantly improved left ventricular function, inhibited inflammatory response, enhanced coagulation function, and had high safety. These results can provide some basis for the treatment of patients after clinical PCI.