Function In Heart Failure Patients Research Articles

Effect of exercise training on endothelial function in heart failure patients: A systematic review meta-analysis

ObjectiveEndothelial dysfunction contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease and heart failure (HF) and is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is widely utilised to assess endothelial function and is improved with exercise training in heart failure patients. The aim of this meta-analysis is to quantify the effect of exercise training in patients with heart failure. BackgroundA large number of studies now exist that have examined endothelial function in patients with heart failure. We sought to add to the current literature by quantifying the effect of exercise training on endothelial function. MethodsWe conducted database searches (PubMed, EMBASE, PROQUEST and Cochrane Trials Register to June 2016) for exercise based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms exercise training, endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). ResultsThe 16 included studies provided a total of 529 participants, 293 in an intervention and 236 in controls groups. FMD was improved with exercise training in exercise vs. control, SMD of 1.08 (95%CI 0.70 to 1.46, p<0.00001). ConclusionOverall exercise training improved endothelial function, assessed via FMD, and endothelial progenitor cells in heart failure patients.

Exercise training in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Exercise training induces physical adaptations for heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction but less is known about those patients with preserved ejection fraction. This study's aims were to establish if exercise training produces changes in peak VO2 and related measures, quality of life, general health and diastolic function in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We conducted a MEDLINE search (1985 to September 1, 2015), for exercise based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms 'exercise training, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, heart failure with normal ejection fraction, peak VO2 and diastolic heart dysfunction'. Eight intervention studies were included providing a total of 174 exercising subjects and 143 control subjects, a total of 317 participants. Peak VO2 increased by a mean difference (MD) 2.08 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% C.I. 1.51 to 2.65, p&lt;0.00001) in exercise training versus sedentary control, equating to a 17% improvement from baseline. VE/VCO2 slope was not different between groups, MD -3.10 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% C.I. -7.47 to 1.27, p=0.16); maximum heart rate was significantly increased in exercise groups, MD 3.46 bpm (95% C.I. 2.41 to 4.51, p&lt;0.00001); 6 Minute Walk Distance (6MWT) MD 32.1m (95% C.I. 17.2 to 47.1, p&lt;0.0001); diastolic function; the ratio of early to late filling (E/A ratio) was improved after exercise training MD 0.07 (95% C.I. 0.02 to 0.12, p=0.006); as was filling pressure E/E' ratio MD -2.38 (95% C.I. -3.47 to -1.28, p&lt;0.0001); Deceleration time (DT) MD -13.2 msec (95% C.I. -19.8 to -6.5, p=0.0001); Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) MD -6.77 (95% C.I. -9.70 to -3.84, p&lt;0.00001); Short Form (36) Health Survey MD 11.38 (95% C.I. 5.28 to 17.48, p=0.0003). In 3222 patient-hours of training, not a single death was directly attributable to exercise. Exercise training appears to effect several health-related improvements in people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

116 - Using Ballistocardiography to Monitor Left Ventricular Function in Heart Failure Patients

116 - Using Ballistocardiography to Monitor Left Ventricular Function in Heart Failure Patients

The association between atrial fibrillation and cognitive function in patients with heart failure.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with cognitive impairment in heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to examine whether AF independently predicted cognitive function in HF patients after controlling for more demographic, medical and psychological characteristics, and whether the timing of AF onset in relation to HF diagnosis independently contributed to cognitive function in HF patients with AF. A total of 188 hospitalized HF patients (62.8% male, age 66.3±10.6 years) completed cognitive function assessment with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A history of AF, along with other medical characteristics, was ascertained through a review of participants' medical charts. The timing of AF onset in relation to HF diagnosis was categorized into AF occurring prior to HF diagnosis (i.e. prior AF) and AF developing after HF diagnosis (i.e. incident AF). Altogether 72 participants had a positive diagnostic history of AF. Specifically, 41 had prior AF, and 31 developed AF subsequently. In HF patients, AF was associated with poorer performance on cognitive function after controlling for more confounders (β=-0.112, ΔR2=0.010, p=0.046). Among HF patients with AF, incident AF independently predicted poorer cognitive function (β=-0.238, ΔR2=0.027, p=0.047). AF independently contributes to cognitive function in HF patients after adjusting for more confounding variables. The timing of AF onset in relation to HF diagnosis independently predicts cognitive function in HF patients with AF. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate possible mechanisms for the association between AF and cognitive function in HF populations.

The arterial baroreflex effectiveness index in risk stratification of chronic heart failure patients who are candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy

IntroductionBaroreflex function is an independent marker of prognosis in heart failure (HF). However, little is known about its relation to response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of this study is to assess arterial baroreflex function in HF patients who are candidates for CRT. MethodsThe study population consisted of 25 patients with indication for CRT, aged 65±10 years, NYHA functional class ≥III in 52%, QRS width 159±15 ms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 29±5%, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) 150±48 ml, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) 357±270 pg/ml, and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) 18.4±5.0 ml/kg/min. An orthostatic tilt test was performed to assess the baroreflex effectiveness index (BEI) by the sequence method. This group was compared with 15 age-matched healthy individuals. ResultsHF patients showed a significantly depressed BEI during tilt (31±12% vs. 49±18%, p=0.001). A lower BEI was associated with higher BNP (p=0.038), lower peak VO2 (p=0.048), and higher LVESV (p=0.031). By applying a cut-off value of 25% for BEI, two clusters of patients were identified: lower risk cluster (BEI >25%) QRS 153 ms, LVESV 129 ml, BNP 146 pg/ml, peak VO2 19.0 ml/kg/min; and higher risk cluster (IEB ≤25%) QRS 167 ms, LVESV 189 ml, BNP 590 pg/ml, peak VO2 16.2 ml/kg/min. ConclusionsCandidates for CRT show depressed arterial baroreflex function. Lower BEI was observed in high-risk HF patients. Baroreflex function correlated closely with other clinical HF parameters. Therefore, BEI may improve risk stratification in HF patients undergoing CRT.

The arterial baroreflex effectiveness index in risk stratification of chronic heart failure patients who are candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy

IntroductionBaroreflex function is an independent marker of prognosis in heart failure (HF). However, little is known about its relation to response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The aim of this study is to assess arterial baroreflex function in HF patients who are candidates for CRT. MethodsThe study population consisted of 25 patients with indication for CRT, aged 65±10 years, NYHA functional class ≥III in 52%, QRS width 159±15 ms, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 29±5%, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) 150±48 ml, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) 357±270 pg/ml, and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) 18.4±5.0 ml/kg/min. An orthostatic tilt test was performed to assess the baroreflex effectiveness index (BEI) by the sequence method. This group was compared with 15 age-matched healthy individuals. ResultsHF patients showed a significantly depressed BEI during tilt (31±12% vs. 49±18%, p=0.001). A lower BEI was associated with higher BNP (p=0.038), lower peak VO2 (p=0.048), and higher LVESV (p=0.031). By applying a cut-off value of 25% for BEI, two clusters of patients were identified: lower risk cluster (BEI >25%) QRS 153 ms, LVESV 129 ml, BNP 146 pg/ml, peak VO2 19.0 ml/kg/min; and higher risk cluster (IEB ≤25%) QRS 167 ms, LVESV 189 ml, BNP 590 pg/ml, peak VO2 16.2 ml/kg/min. ConclusionsCandidates for CRT show depressed arterial baroreflex function. Lower BEI was observed in high-risk HF patients. Baroreflex function correlated closely with other clinical HF parameters. Therefore, BEI may improve risk stratification in HF patients undergoing CRT.

The Impact of Acute Oral Tetrahydrobiopterin on Vascular Function in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction

BackgroundPassive leg movement (PLM) has been developed as a non‐invasive model for assessing nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated vascular function, and has recently been utilized to demonstrate vascular dysfunction in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients [1]. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and supplementation of BH4 should therefore promote increased NO bioavailability and improved vascular function in this cohort. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute oral BH4 administration would improve vascular function, as assessed by PLM, in HFrEF patients.Materials and methodsSix NYHA Class II–III HFrEF patients participated in this study (5 M, 1 F; age 59 ± 11 yrs; ht 173 ± 6 cm; wt 81 ± 17 kg; BMI 27 ± 4 kg/m2). In a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over design, the HFrEF patients ingested either BH4 (10mg/kg) or placebo 5 hours prior to arrival at the laboratory. Seated PLM was performed by a trained investigator moving the patient's knee joint from 180° to 90° and back continuously at a rate of 1 Hz for 2 minutes. Femoral artery diameter and blood velocity were measured with ultrasound Doppler (GE LogIQ 7), from which leg blood flow (LBF) was calculated. Arterial blood pressure was measured non‐invasively by finger photoplethysmography and used to estimate stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO), as well as to calculate leg vascular conductance (LVC). Heart rate was determined by standard 3‐lead ECG. All measurements were made for 1 minute before and 2 minutes following the onset of PLM. Leg vascular function was quantified as the area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) during the first 30 seconds of PLM for both LBF and LVC, and the peak change in LBF (ΔLBFpeak) and LVC (ΔLVCpeak).ResultsResting hemodynamic measurements did not differ between BH4 and placebo conditions. However, BH4 consumption improved LBF AUC (placebo: 13.8 ± 12.3 ml; BH4: 45.4 ± 13.5 ml, p&lt;0.05) and ΔLBFpeak (placebo: 136 ± 25 ml/min; BH4: 255 ± 57 ml/min, p&lt;0.05). Similarly, LVC AUC (placebo: 0.5 ± 0.3 ml/mmHg; BH4: 0.9 ± 0.3 ml/mmHg, p&lt;0.05, Figure 1A) and ΔLVCpeak (placebo: 1.7 ± 0.4 ml/min/mmHg; BH4: 2.8 ± 0.6 ml/min/mmHg, p=0.05, Figure 1B) were also greater following BH4. Peak changes in HR, SV, CO and MAP during PLM were not different between conditions.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the efficacy of acute, oral BH4 administration to significantly improve leg vascular function in Class II–III HFrEF patients, which may represent a new therapeutic strategy to combat peripheral vascular dysfunction in this patient population.Support or Funding InformationFunded in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH R01 HL118313, NIH PO1 HL091830) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA RR&amp;D I01RX000182, VA RR&amp;D I21 RX001433, VA RR&amp;D I21 RX001418, VA RR&amp;D I01RX001697)

Impact of CYP2D6 Genetic Variation on the Response of the Cardiovascular Patient to Carvedilol and Metoprolol.

Carvedilol and metoprolol are two of the most commonly prescribed β-blockers in cardiovascular medicine and primarily used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is the predominant metabolizing enzyme of these two drugs. Since the first description of a CYP2D6 sparteinedebrisoquine polymorphism in the mid-seventies, substantial genetic heterogeneity has been reported in the human CYP2D6 gene, with ~100 different polymorphisms identified to date. Some of these polymorphisms render the enzyme completely inactive while others do not modify its activity. Based on all the identified variants, four metabolizer phenotypes are nowadays used to characterize drug metabolism via CYP2D6 in humans: ultra-rapid metabolizer (UM); extensive metabolizer (EM); intermediate metabolizer (IM); and poor metabolizer (PM) phenotypes. As a consequence of these CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotypes, pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of carvedilol and metoprolol can range from therapeutically ineffective levels (in the UM patients) to excessive (overdose) and potentially toxic concentrations (in PM patients). This, in turn, can result in elevated risks for either treatment failure (in terms of blood pressure reduction of hypertensive patients and of improving survival and cardiovascular function of heart failure patients) or for adverse effects (e.g. hypotension and bradycardia). The present review will discuss the impact of these CYP2D6 genetic polymorphisms on the therapeutic responses of cardiovascular patients treated with either of these two β-blockers. In addition, the potential advantages and disadvantages of implementing CYP2D6 genetic testing in the clinic to guide/personalize therapy with these two drugs will be discussed.

Azilsartan, but not Candesartan Improves Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients with Hypertension and Heart Failure

Diastolic dysfunction is a major cause of heart failure (HF) with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, there is no clear strategy for treating diastolic dysfunction. Myocardial and vascular abnormalities may cause HFpEF, which indicates that correcting both abnormalities may specifically improve the severity of diastolic dysfunction. Candesartan primarily affects the myocardium, but azilsartan affects the myocardium and the aortic vasculature. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that azilsartan, but not candesartan, improves left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in patients with hypertension and HFpEF. Among patients with HF in our database, the patients who received azilsartan or candesartan were retrospectively screened. Fifteen patients treated with azilsartan were identified, and sex-matched patients who received candesartan were blindly selected. At baseline, there were no significant differences between the two groups in clinical findings, echocardiographic parameters, and plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels. At 3–6 months, blood pressure decreased to similar levels in both groups. However, the early LV filling velocity/early diastolic velocity (E/e′) ratio decreased in the azilsartan group (13.0 ± 4.2 vs. 10.9 ± 3.2, p = 0.03), but remained unchanged in the candesartan group (12.0 ± 3.6 vs. 12.5 ± 5.0, p = 0.58; for interaction, p = 0.04). Other echocardiographic parameters were unaltered by azilsartan or candesartan. Azilsartan improves diastolic function in HF patients with hypertension, and it may be the preferred option over other angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with HFpEF.

Thermoregulation without the set point: roles of TRP Channels

protein kinase II (CaMKII). Conversely, failing myocytes that harbor increased amount of truncated TrkB (with limited tyrosine kinase activity) and chronically activated CaMKII are almost insensitive to BDNF. Thus, BDNF/TrkB signaling provides a novel pathway by which the peripheral nervous system directly and tonically influences myocardial function, in parallel with β-adrenergic control. Our data provide a mechanistic basis to recent clinical observations showing that lower levels of circulating BDNF correlate with worsening of function in heart failure patients, particularly under exercise conditions. Moreover, they concur to explain why tyrosine kinase inhibitors, used especially to treat certain forms of breast cancer, can directly impair systolic and diastolic function. In essence, alterations in BDNF/TrkB signaling are likely new contributors to acute and chronic cardiac affections.

GW26-e4609 Trimetazidine Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling Via Suppression AKT Signaling Pathway

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is widely used in the therapy of myocardial ischemia. Recent studies suggest that additional TMZ treatment may be able to improve the systolic-diastolic function in heart failure patients. But the effects and underlying mechanisms of TMZ in cardiac remodeling are still unclear.

Accumulation of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Disrupts Cardiac Progenitor Cell Function and Reduces Survival

Transfer of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) improves cardiac function in heart failure patients. However, CPC function is reduced with age, limiting their regenerative potential. Aging is associated with numerous changes in cells including accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, but it is unknown how this impacts CPC function. Here, we demonstrate that acquisition of mtDNA mutations disrupts mitochondrial function, enhances mitophagy, and reduces the replicative and regenerative capacities of the CPCs. We show that activation of differentiation in CPCs is associated with expansion of the mitochondrial network and increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Interestingly, mutant CPCs are deficient in mitochondrial respiration and rely on glycolysis for energy. In response to differentiation, these cells fail to activate mitochondrial respiration. This inability to meet the increased energy demand leads to activation of cell death. These findings demonstrate the consequences of accumulating mtDNA mutations and the importance of mtDNA integrity in CPC homeostasis and regenerative potential.

Comparison of risk factors for acute worsening renal function in heart failure patients with and without preserved ejection fraction

ObjectiveWe compared the risk factors for acute worsening renal function (AWRF) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) versus those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). MethodsWe retrospectively studied 181 consecutive patients. AWRF was defined as a rise in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL from admission to day 3. Potential risk factors of AWRF were identified in univariate analyses; then logistic regression analysis with backward stepwise selection was performed. ResultsIn the present study of limited sample size, 46% had HFpEF (EF≥50%) and 54% had HFrEF (EF<50%). In the HFpEF group, history of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 32.46, 95% CI 2.39–440.12, P=0.009), the increased serum potassium value at admission (OR 4.61, 95% CI 1.14–18.73, P=0.032), and the pretreatment with calcium channel blocker (OR 8.52, 95% CI 1.21–60.09, P=0.032) were independent risk factors (defined as P<0.05 and OR>1.01) for AWRF. In contrast, diastolic blood pressure at admission (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13, P=0.004) was the sole independent risk factor for AWRF in the HFrEF group. ConclusionsHypertension was associated with AWRF in both HFpEF and HFrEF patients. A history of hypertension was more important than elevated blood pressure at admission as a risk factor for AWRF in HFpEF, whereas the reverse was observed for HFrEF. Among antihypertensive drugs, pretreatment with calcium channel blocker was an independent risk factor for AWRF in HFpEF, but not in HFrEF.

Thyroid Status, Cardiac Function, and Mortality in Patients With Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Previous studies claiming a relationship between thyroid dysfunction and poor prognosis of heart failure (HF) had a major limitation in that they included patients with different etiologies. With complete information of thyroid function profile from 458 consecutive patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, we tested the hypothesis that thyroid status can independently influence mortality in patients with HF. Design, Patients, and Outcome Measure: The original cohort consisted of 572 consecutive patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and 458 patients remained at the end of follow-up. All patients took thyroid function tests and other regular examinations in hospital. The risk of mortality was evaluated based on free T3, TSH, and the whole thyroid function profile, respectively. The most frequent thyroid dysfunction was subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 41), followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism (n = 35), low-T3 syndrome (n = 17), and hypothyroidism (n = 12). Logistic analysis showed log-TSH and free T3 as independent predictors of exacerbated cardiac function (New York Heart Association stages III-IV vs New York Heart Association stages I-II). During the follow-up (17 ± 8 mo), 111 cumulative deaths occurred. Hypothyroidism was the strongest predictor of mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 4.189; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.118-8.283)], followed by low-T3 syndrome (HR 3.147; 95% CI 1.558-6.355) and subclinical hypothyroidism (HR 2.869; 95% CI 1.817-4.532). Subclinical hyperthyroidism showed no significant impact. We found a clear association between thyroid dysfunction and increased risk of mortality in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with HF. These results suggest that monitoring thyroid function in HF patients is necessary, and further studies on the treatment of HF with thyroid dysfunction are needed.

Clinical outcomes and cardiovascular responses to exercise training in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Exercise training induces physical adaptations for heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction, but less is known about those patients with preserved ejection fraction. To establish whether exercise training produces changes in peak V̇o2 and related measures, quality of life, general health, and diastolic function in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. We conducted a MEDLINE search (1985 to October 10, 2014), for exercise-based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms "exercise training, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, heart failure with normal ejection fraction, peak V̇o₂, and diastolic heart dysfunction". Seven intervention studies were included providing a total of 144 exercising subjects and 114 control subjects, a total of 258 participants. Peak V̇o₂ increased by a mean difference (MD) 2.13 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54 to 2.71, P < 0.00001] in exercise training vs. sedentary control, equating to a 17% improvement from baseline. The corresponding data are provided for the following exercise test variables: V̇e/V̇co₂ slope, MD 0.85 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) (95% CI 0.05 to 1.65, P = 0.04); maximum heart rate, MD 5.60 beats per minute (95% CI 3.95 to 7.25, P < 0.00001); Six-Minute Walk Test, MD 32.1 m (95% CI 17.2 to 47.1, P < 0.0001); and indices of diastolic function: E/A ratio, MD 0.07 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.12, P = 0.005); E/E' ratio MD -2.31 (95% CI -3.44 to -1.19, P < 0.0001); deceleration time (DT), MD -13.2 ms (95% CI -19.8 to -6.5, P = 0.0001); and quality of life: Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, MD -6.50 (95% CI -9.47 to -3.53, P < 0.0001); and short form-36 health survey (physical dimension), MD 15.6 (95% CI 7.4 to 23.8, P = 0.0002). In 3,744 h patient-hours of training, not one death was directly attributable to exercise. Exercise training appears to effect several health-related improvements in people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

Effects of Qili-Qiangxin capsule on cardiac and pulmonary functions in heart failure patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease

Objective To investigate the effects of Qili-Qiangxin capsule on cardiac and pulmonary functions in heart failure patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease. Methods A total of 64 heart failure patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease were divided into two groups with the method of random sampling: a treatment group (33 patients) and a control group (31 patients). The patients in the control group received conventional treatment, those in the control group received Qili-Qiangxin capsule on this basis the treatment group for 7 days. The changes of the cardiac and pulmonary functions, and plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were compared between two groups. Results The total effective rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (90.90% vs. 77.42%; χ2=3.908, P<0.05). There were significant difference between two groups in left ventricular ejection fraction (50.73% ± 7.23% vs. 45.22% ± 6.36%; t=3.229, P=0.002), stroke volume (63.64 ± 8.38 ml vs. 56.73 ± 8.15 ml; t=3.341, P=0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (48.39 ±5.56 mm vs. 52.61 ± 6.95 mm; t=2.690, P=0.009), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (21.73 ± 5.78 mmHg vs. 27.26 ± 6.16 mmHg; t=3.705, P=0.001), plasma NT-proBNP level (535.73 ± 175.78 pg/ml vs. 831.26 ± 228.26 pg/ml; t=5.824, P=0.000), forced expiratory volume in first second (60.32% ± 5.56% vs. 48.61% ± 4.67%; t=9.093, P=0.000), percentage of forced expiratory volume in first second to forced vital capacity (66.73% ± 5.78% vs. 58.26% ± 5.34%; t=6.078, P=0.000), arterial oxygen saturation (96.73% ± 5.78% vs. 93.26% ± 5.26%; t=2.507, P=0.015), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (82.73 ± 16.78 mmHg vs. 67.26 ± 13.26 mmHg; t=4.075, P=0.000) arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (46.73 ± 8.78 mmHg vs. 54.26 ± 9.26 mmHg; t=3.339, P=0.00). Conclusion Qili-Qiangxin capsule can improve cardiac and pulmonary functions in heart failure patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease. Key words: Pulmonary heart disease; Heart failure; Treatment outcome; Qili-Qiangxin capsule

The Urea-to-Creatinine Ratio Is Predictive of Worsening Kidney Function in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients

BackgroundChanges in kidney function in heart failure patients convey important prognostic information. We investigated the association of the urea-to-creatinine (BUN/Cr) ratio, the fractional excretion of urea (FeUr), and the fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) and subsequent declines in kidney function in ambulatory heart failure patients. Methods and ResultsWe prospectively enrolled adult patients with ejection fraction <40% at a multidisciplinary heart failure clinic and measured serial measurements of laboratory values from September 2008 to July 2011. The study outcome was changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In 138 patients contributing 10,350 patient-hours of follow-up, we found that participants with a decline of >25% in eGFR had higher mean BUN/Cr ratio (0.110 ± 0.043 vs 0.086 ± 0.026; P = .02) and no difference in the FeNa (1.81 vs 1.43; P = .2) or FeUr (32.3 vs 37.2; P = .9) compared with those with no change. There was an association of BUN/Cr ratio with the rate of change of eGFR (coefficient −25.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] −10.99 to −40.35; P < .0001). The BUN/Cr ratio was an independent predictor of eGFR drop >25% (odds ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.07–1.32) and improved model discrimination (c-statistic increased from 0.624 to 0.693) and reclassification (net reclassification index 11.38% [P < .0001], integrated discrimination improvement 5.24% [P = .02]). ConclusionsThe BUN/Cr ratio is associated with worsening kidney function and adds incremental risk prediction information relative to traditional predictive measures in outpatients with heart failure at risk for worsening kidney disease.

Global and regional brain mean diffusivity changes in patients with heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) patients show gray and white matter changes in multiple brain sites, including autonomic and motor coordination areas. It is unclear whether the changes represent acute or chronic tissue pathology, a distinction necessary for understanding pathological processes that can be resolved with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based mean diffusivity (MD) procedures. We collected four DTI series from 16 HF (age 55.1 ± 7.8 years, 12 male) and 26 control (49.7 ± 10.8 years, 17 male) subjects with a 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. MD maps were realigned, averaged, normalized, and smoothed. Global and regional MD values from autonomic and motor coordination sites were calculated by using normalized MD maps and brain masks; group MD values and whole-brain smoothed MD maps were compared by analysis of covariance (covariates; age and gender). Global brain MD (HF vs. controls, units × 10(-6) mm(2) /sec, 1103.8 ± 76.6 vs. 1035.9 ± 69.4, P = 0.038) and regional autonomic and motor control site values (left insula, 1,085.4 ± 95.7 vs. 975.7 ± 65.4, P = 0.001; right insula, 1,050.2 ± 100.6 vs. 965.7 ± 58.4, P = 0.004; left hypothalamus, 1,419.6 ± 165.2 vs. 1,234.9 ± 136.3, P = 0.002; right hypothalamus, 1,446.5 ± 178.8 vs. 1,273.3 ± 136.9, P = 0.004; left cerebellar cortex, 889.1 ± 81.9 vs. 796.6 ± 46.8, P < 0.001; right cerebellar cortex, 797.8 ± 50.8 vs. 750.3 ± 27.5, P = 0.001; cerebellar deep nuclei, 1,236.1 ± 193.8 vs. 1,071.7 ± 107.1, P = 0.002) were significantly higher in HF vs. control subjects, indicating chronic tissue changes. Whole-brain comparisons showed increased MD values in HF subjects, including limbic, basal-ganglia, thalamic, solitary tract nucleus, frontal, and cerebellar regions. Brain injury occurs in autonomic and motor control areas, which may contribute to deficient function in HF patients. The chronic tissue changes likely result from processes that develop over a prolonged period.

Abstract 15264: Clinical Outcomes and Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise Training in Heart Failure Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Exercise training induces physical adaptations for heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction but less is known about those patients with preserved ejection fraction. Objectives: To establish if exercise training produces changes in peak VO 2 and related measures, quality of life, general health and diastolic function in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods: We conducted a MEDLINE search (1985 to March 2014), for exercise based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms ‘exercise training, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, heart failure with normal ejection fraction, peak VO 2 and diastolic heart dysfunction’. Seven intervention studies were included providing a total of 144 exercising subjects and 114 control subjects, a total of 258 participants. Results: Peak VO 2 increased by a mean difference (MD) 2.13 ml.kg -1 .min -1 (95% C.I. 1.54 to 2.71, p&lt;0.00001) in exercise training versus sedentary control, equating to a 17% improvement from baseline. The corresponding data for V E /VCO 2 slope MD 0.85 ml.kg -1 .min -1 (95% C.I. 0.05 to 1.65, p=0.04); maximum heart rate MD 5.60 bpm (95% C.I. 3.95 to 7.25, p&lt;0.00001); and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) MD 32.1m (95% C.I. 17.2 to 47.1, p&lt;0.0001); diastolic function; E/A ratio MD 0.07 (95% C.I. 0.02 to 0.12, p=0.005); E/E’ ratio MD -2.31 (95% C.I. -3.44 to -1.19, p&lt;0.0001); Deceleration time (D T ) MD -13.2 msec (95% C.I. -19.8 to -6.5, p=0.0001); Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) MD -6.50 (95% C.I. -9.47 to -3.53, p&lt;0.0001); Short Form (36) Health Survey MD 15.6 (95% C.I. 7.4 to 23.8, p=0.0002). In 3,744 hours patient-hours of training, not one death was directly attributable to exercise. Conclusions: Exercise training appears to effect several health-related improvements in people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

Effects of Adaptive Servo-ventilation on Renal Function in Heart Failure Patients Repeating Hospitalizations

Effects of Adaptive Servo-ventilation on Renal Function in Heart Failure Patients Repeating Hospitalizations