Guideline-based Medical Therapy Research Articles

Abstract 17879: Assessing the Safety of an Early Repatriation Strategy for Uncomplicated ST-Elevation Myocardial Patients After Primary Percutaneous Intervention

Introduction: Repatriation of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is common in Canadian regional health care programs. However, the safety of early repatriation after PPCI in uncomplicated STEMI patients remains unknown. We aimed to compare the outcomes between uncomplicated STEMI patients repatriated early (transfer to home hospital ≤4hrs of PPCI completion) vs. those who remained at the PPCI-hospital until discharge. Methods: We performed a retrospective, cohort study examining consecutive, uncomplicated STEMI patients treated with PPCI between 2016-2018 in the Fraser Health Authority. Patients were designated as uncomplicated if there was no evidence of cardiogenic shock, prolonged cardiac arrest or congestive heart failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Outcomes of interest included discharge with guideline-based medical therapy (GBMT) and a composite of 1-year major cardiovascular events. Results: A total of 787 patients were included for analysis, with 62% (n=492) being repatriated early. Early repatriated patients were similar in age and baseline characteristics when compared with those discharged from the PPCI-based hospital. Interestingly, early repatriated patients were more likely to be discharged on GBMT (89% vs. 83%, p=0.015) In multivariate analysis, early repatriation was not associated with worsened 1-year cardiovascular outcomes (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.6782,1.6521, p=0.80). Independent predictors of 1-year major cardiovascular outcomes included hypertension (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.0918-2.8349, p=0.02) and discharge with GBMT (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.2831-0.8465, p=0.01). Amongst the subset of early repatriated patients, primary treatment by cardiologist vs internist did not result in differences in 1-year outcomes (10% vs. 8%, p=0.23) or discharge with GBM (87% vs. 83%, p=0.09). Conclusions: Early repatriation of uncomplicated STEMI patients after PPCI was associated with outcomes similar to those having ongoing care at the PPCI-based hospital. Therefore, early repatriation serves as a safe treatment strategy for regional STEMI programs and may be particularly relevant for PPCI centres with limited bed capacity.

Trends in Medical and Device Therapies Following Incident Heart Failure in Denmark during 1996-2019: A Nationwide Register-Based Follow-Up Study.

Introduction: Data on temporal trends in guideline-based medical and device therapies in real-world chronic heart failure (HF) patients are lacking. Methods: Register-based nationwide follow-ups of temporal trends in characteristics, guideline-recommended therapies, one-year all-cause mortality, and HF rehospitalizations in incident HF patients in Denmark during 1996-2019. Results: Among 291,720 incident HF patients, the age at the onset of HF was stable over time. While initially fairly equal, the sex distribution markedly changed over time with more incidents occurring in men overall. Hypertension and diabetes increased significantly over time, while other comorbidities remained stable. Between 1996 and 2019, significant increases in angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin II-receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) therapy (38.2% to 69.9%), beta-blocker therapy (15.5% to 70.6%), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy (11.8% to 34.5%) were seen. Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were introduced in the middle of the past decade, with minor increases but overall low uses: ARNI (2015: 0.1% vs. 2019: 3.9%) and SGLT2i (2012: <0.1% vs. 2019: 3.9%). Between 1999 and 2019, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) use increased significantly: 0.1% to 3-4%. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) use similarly increased between 2000 and 2019: 0.2% to 2.3%. Between 1996 and 2019, one-year all-cause mortality decreased significantly: 34.6% to 20.9%, as did HF rehospitalizations (6% to 1.3%). Conclusions: Among 291,720 incident HF patients in Denmark during 1996-2019, significant increases in the use of ACEi/ARB, beta-blockers, MRAs, and devices were seen, with concurrent significant decreases in the one-year all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization rates. The use of CRT, ARNI, and SGLT2i remained low, and MRAs were relatively underutilized, thereby representing future targets to potentially further improve HF prognoses.

Outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome according to COVID-19 vaccination status.

COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with reduced risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, several studies have reported cardiovascular complications following vaccination. We aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 vaccination status on the treatment and outcome of ACS patients. The study was based on the 2021 Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey. Patients were stratified into two groups according to COVID-19 vaccination status, vaccinated compared to unvaccinated. Patients who had received at least 2 vaccination doses up to 1 week prior to ACS hospitalization were considered vaccinated. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality. A total of 1261 patients with ACS were included, of whom 990 (78.5%) were vaccinated. Vaccinated patients were older and less frequently smokers. There were no significant differences in coronary reperfusion rates and treatment with guideline-based medical therapy during hospital stay and at discharge. The primary endpoint of 1-year all-cause mortality occurred in 38 (3.8%) and 14 (5.2%) patients in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups respectively (P = 0.42). 30-day MACE occurred in 94 (9.5%) in the vaccinated patients compared to 31 (11.5%) in the unvaccinated group (P = 0.39). These results remained similar following adjustment for confounders. There was no association between COVID-19 vaccination status and the outcomes of patients with ACS. Our findings provide support for the cardiovascular safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Evidence-Based Optimal Medical Therapy and Mortality in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background The secondary prevention with pharmacologic therapy is essential for preventing recurrent cardiovascular events in patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction. Guideline-based optimal medical therapy (OMT) for patients with acute myocardial infarction consists of antiplatelet therapy, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, β-blockers, and statins. We aimed to determine the prescription rate of OMT use at discharge and to evaluate the impact of OMT on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in the drug-eluting stent era using nationwide cohort data. Methods and Results Using the National Health Insurance claims data in South Korea, patients with acute myocardial infarction who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent between July 2013 and June 2017 were enrolled. A total of 35 972 patients were classified into the OMT and non-OMT groups according to the post-percutaneous coronary intervention discharge medication. The primary end point was all-cause death, and the 2 groups were compared using a propensity-score matching analysis. Fifty-seven percent of patients were prescribed OMT at discharge. During the follow-up period (median, 2.0 years [interquartile range, 1.1-3.2 years]), OMT was associated with a significant reduction in the all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.82 [95% CI, 0.76-0.90]; P<0.001) and composite outcome of death or coronary revascularization (aHR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.85-0.93]; P<0.001). Conclusions OMT was prescribed at suboptimal rates in South Korea. However, our nationwide cohort study showed that OMT has a benefit for long-term clinical outcomes on all-cause mortality and composite outcome of death or coronary revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention in the drug-eluting stent era.

Sustained usage of an app-based clinical-decision making aid for the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background Complexity of therapies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction represents a challenge for clinicians and may lead to poor uptake of these therapies. Purpose The goal of this project was to design an easy-to-use, point-of-care tool to risk stratify ASCVD patients and provide individualized guidance for clinicians to incorporate these agents. Methods Based on the REACH registry trial and predictive modeling (including 49,689 patients with ASCVD in 44 countries), we designed and implemented an app for secondary risk assessment. Using demographic and comorbidity profiles, this tool was used to calculate an individual's 20-month risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. It also provided graphical comparison to an age-matched control with optimized cardiovascular risk profile to illustrate the modifiable residual risk. The app then utilized the patient's risk profile to provide specific guidance for possible therapeutic interventions SGLT2-inhibitors, GLP1-agonists, PCSK9-inhibitors, Vascular-dose Rivaroxaban, and Icosapent Ethyl. Additionally, it identified individuals who qualified for cardiac rehabilitation or may benefit from smoking cessation interventions, including counselling or pharmacological therapies. We launched a pilot test of the “Residual Cardiovascular Risk: Assessment and Management Guide” app at a regional cardiac center. 240 referring physicians (including family doctors, emergency physicians, internists, and cardiologists) were invited by email or fax to utilize the app. Feedback was solicited from all users three months into the test period. Following this, no further marketing of the app was performed for all users. Usage data was recorded using Google Analytics over a 12-month period and analyzed in 4-month increments. Results From January to December 2021, our app was used to risk stratify 1576 patients. A total of 47 individual users utilized the app over this period. From January to April, the app was used on average 160 times monthly. From May to August, it was used 115 times monthly. From September to December, it was used 118 times monthly. Twenty-four physicians provided feedback; 100% affirmed the functionality, ease of use, and utility of the tool. The app was described as “useful for discussions with patients”, “helpful to optimize patients” and “similar to a mini-cardiology consult”. User suggestions resulted in further improvements to the app, including integration of reports into Electronic Medical Records. Conclusions The early success of this app demonstrates a need for simple, accessible, and individualized guidance for management of ASCVD patients to improve uptake of guideline-based medical therapies. This tool demonstrates sustained usage among clinicians, as well as subjective utility in aiding therapeutic decision making. Future clinical research will focus on the ability of this tool to impact physician prescribing patterns and clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Abstract 10049: Outcome of Telemedicine Compared With Traditional In-Person Follow-Up Visits in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes. Virtual Heart Study

Introduction: Telemedicine offers considerable opportunities to bring high-quality cardiovascular care. Its role in the ischemic-heart disease continuum in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has not been previously evaluated. Hypothesis: Virtual visits (VV) can be used as an alternative to in-person (IV) follow-up office visits in patients with ACS. Methods: 418 patients undergoing angiography for ACS (104 STEMI/314 NSTEMI) were randomized to follow-up via VV (n=208) using a free patient commercial platform or IV (n=210) between February and December 2020. Primary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1,6 and12 months and 1-year all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included 1-year adherence to guideline based-medical therapy including LDL-c &lt; 70 mg/dl, dual antiplatelet therapy, beta-blockers, ACE/ARB/ARNI, Aldosterone antagonists for patients with EF&lt;40%, participation in cardiac rehabilitation, cardiovascular-related hospitalization and all hospitalizations, and crossover between follow-up modalities. Follow-up was scheduled at 2,4,8,12 weeks after discharge and every 12 weeks afterward for one 1 year. Results: No significant difference was found in the demographics, procedural variables, baseline laboratories, ejection fraction, revascularization modalities, therapy at discharge, subjects lost-to-follow-up, missed, and rescheduled visits among study groups. MACE at 1-month [IV:1.9% Vs VV:1.4% (p =0.74)], 6-months [IV:6.7% Vs VV:5.8% (p =0.66)],12-months [IV:10.5% Vs VV: 10.6% (p =0.99)] and 1-year all-cause-mortality [IV:5.7% Vs VV: 6.7% (p =0.76)] was similar between groups. No significant difference was found between groups regarding all secondary endpoints including guideline-based medical therapy, participation in cardiac rehabilitation, CV-related death, and all hospitalization. The patients in the VV group had a higher incidence of crossover to IV visits at the end of the study [IV:5(2.4%)Vs VV:25(12%) (p &lt; 0.01)]. Conclusions: Telemedicine can be a valuable tool in the follow-up care in patients with ACS during the first year after index hospitalization, resulting in similar outcomes compared with traditional in-person follow-up visits.

Sustained usage of an app-based clinical-decision making aid for the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background Complexity of therapies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction represents a challenge for clinicians and may lead to poor uptake of these therapies. Purpose The goal of this project was to design an easy-to-use, point-of-care tool to risk stratify ASCVD patients and provide individualized guidance for clinicians to incorporate these agents. Methods Based on the REACH registry trial and predictive modeling (including 49,689 patients with ASCVD in 44 countries), we designed and implemented an app for secondary risk assessment. Using demographic and comorbidity profiles, this tool was used to calculate an individual's 20-month risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. It also provided graphical comparison to an age-matched control with optimized cardiovascular risk profile to illustrate the modifiable residual risk. The app then utilized the patient's risk profile to provide specific guidance for possible therapeutic interventions SGLT2-inhibitors, GLP1-agonists, PCSK9-inhibitors, Vascular-dose Rivaroxaban, and Icosapent Ethyl. Additionally, it identified individuals who qualified for cardiac rehabilitation or may benefit from smoking cessation interventions, including counselling or pharmacological therapies. We launched a pilot test of the “Residual Cardiovascular Risk: Assessment and Management Guide” app at a regional cardiac center. 240 referring physicians (including family doctors, emergency physicians, internists, and cardiologists) were invited by email or fax to utilize the app. Feedback was solicited from all users three months into the test period. Following this, no further marketing of the app was performed for all users. Usage data was recorded using Google Analytics over a 12-month period and analyzed in 4-month increments. Results From January to December 2021, our app was used to risk stratify 1576 patients. A total of 47 individual users utilized the app over this period. From January to April, the app was used on average 160 times monthly. From May to August, it was used 115 times monthly. From September to December, it was used 118 times monthly. Twenty-four physicians provided feedback; 100% affirmed the functionality, ease of use, and utility of the tool. The app was described as “useful for discussions with patients”, “helpful to optimize patients” and “similar to a mini-cardiology consult”. User suggestions resulted in further improvements to the app, including integration of reports into Electronic Medical Records. Conclusions The early success of this app demonstrates a need for simple, accessible, and individualized guidance for management of ASCVD patients to improve uptake of guideline-based medical therapies. This tool demonstrates sustained usage among clinicians, as well as subjective utility in aiding therapeutic decision making. Future clinical research will focus on the ability of this tool to impact physician prescribing patterns and clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of adaptive servo ventilation on central sleep apnea and sleep structure in systolic heart failure patients: polysomnography data from the SERVE-HF major sub study.

This SERVE-HF (Treatment of Predominant Central Sleep Apnea by Adaptive Servo Ventilation in Patients With Heart Failure) sub study analysis evaluated polysomnography (PSG) data in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and predominant central sleep apnea (CSA) randomised to guideline-based medical therapy, with or without adaptive servo ventilation (ASV). Patients underwent full overnight PSG at baseline and at 12 months. All PSG recordings were analysed by a core laboratory. Only data for patients with baseline and 3- or 12-month values were included. The sub study included 312 patients; the number with available PSG data differed for each variable (94-103 in the control group, 77-99 in the ASV group). After 12 months, baseline-adjusted respiratory measures were significantly better in the ASV group versus control. Although some between-group differences in sleep measures were seen at 12 months (e.g., better sleep efficiency in the ASV group), these were unlikely to be clinically significant. The number of periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) increased in the ASV group (p=0.039). At 12 months, the respiratory arousal index was significantly lower in the ASV versus control group (p < 0.001), whilst the PLMS-related arousal index was significantly higher in the ASV group (p=0.04 versus control). ASV attenuated the respiratory variables characterising sleep apnea in patients with HFrEF and predominant CSA in SERVE-HF. Sleep quality improvements during ASV therapy were small and unlikely to be clinically significant. The increase in PLMS and PLMS-related arousals during ASV warrants further investigation, particularly relating to their potential association with increased cardiovascular risk.

Outcomes of guideline-based medical therapy in patients with acute heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: Observations from the Gulf acute heart failure registry (Gulf CARE).

This study aimed to report on the use, predictors and outcomes of guideline-based medical therapy (GBMT) in patients with acute heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction of <40% (HFrEF), from seven countries in the Arabian Gulf.Patients with acute HFrEF (N = 2680), aged 18 years or older, and hospitalized February–November 2012 were recruited and data were collected post discharge at 3 months (n = 2477) and 1 year (n = 2418). The use and doses of GBMT were evaluated as per European, American and Canadian HF guidelines. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regression. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01467973).The majority of patients were on dual (39%) and triple (39%) GBMT modalities, 14% received one GBMT medication, while 7.2% were not on any GBMT medications. On admission, 80% of patients were on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers, 75% on b-blockers and 56% on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), with a small proportion of these patients were taking target doses (RAS blockers 13%, b-blockers 7.3%, MRAs 14%). Patients taking triple GBMT were younger (P < .001), less likely to have comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (P < .001) and CKD/dialysis (P < .001), less likely to receive in-hospital invasive treatments (P < .001), and more likely to be treated by a cardiologist (P < .001), than patients on a single medication. Patients taking triple GBMT showed significantly reduced all-cause mortality both at 3-months (P = .048), and at 12-months (P = .003), compared to patients taking no GBMT.Triple GBMT prescribing and dosing in patients with HFrEF were suboptimal in the Arabian Gulf. Further studies are required to investigate GBMT utilization and dosing in the outpatient setting.

Clinical characteristics and 30-day outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: Results from Indian College of Cardiology National Heart Failure Registry (ICCNHFR)

BackgroundAcute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a challenging medical emergency with high mortality and its prevalence is increasing in India. There is paucity of data on ADHF in the country. MethodsIndian College of Cardiology National Heart Failure Registry (ICCNHFR) is an on-going observational registry on ADHF contributed by 22 hospitals across India; and we present the in-hospital and 30-day outcomes of ADHF patients enrolled from August 2018 to July 2019. Major objective included capturing demographics, comorbid conditions, aetiology, prescription patterns and assessing clinical outcomes. ResultsOf 5269 patients (mean age: 61.90 ± 13.85 years) enrolled in this study, males were predominant (67.09%). Mean duration of hospitalization was 5.74 ± 4.74 days. Ischemic heart disease was the most common (75.44%) aetiology. Abnormal electrocardiogram readings were found in most patients (89.86%). LVEF of ˂40% was found in 68.29% of patients. In-hospital mortality rates were 6.98%. The 30-day cumulative mortality was 12.35% and 30-day rehospitalization rate was 7.98%. At discharge, all guideline-based medical therapy (GDMT) were prescribed only to 24.99% of patients and 23.72% adhered to the prescription until 30 days. Older age, high serum creatinine levels and poor LVEF contributed to high mortality and rehospitalization. ConclusionPatients with ADHF were younger and predominantly males. Usage of GDMT in ADHF patients was low (24.99%) and the in-hospital mortality was high. Older age, high serum creatinine levels, poor LVEF contributed for 30-day mortality and rehospitalization. This data on ADHF, could help in developing strategies to improve outcomes for HF patients in India.

The Effects of the ManageHF4Life Mobile App on Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe successful management of heart failure (HF) involves guideline-based medical therapy as well as self-management behavior. As a result, the management of HF is moving toward a proactive real-time technological model of assisting patients with monitoring and self-management.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of enhanced self-management via a mobile app intervention on health-related quality of life, self-management, and HF readmissions.MethodsA single-center randomized controlled trial was performed. Participants older than 45 years and admitted for acute decompensated HF or recently discharged in the past 4 weeks were included. The intervention group (“app group”) used a mobile app, and the intervention prompted daily self-monitoring and promoted self-management. The control group (“no-app group”) received usual care. The primary outcome was the change in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the Self-Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) questionnaire score and recurrent HF admissions.ResultsA total of 83 participants were enrolled and completed all baseline assessments. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups except for the prevalence of ischemic HF. The app group had a reduced MLHFQ at 6 weeks (mean 37.5, SD 3.5 vs mean 48.2, SD 3.7; P=.04) but not at 12 weeks (mean 44.2, SD 4 vs mean 45.9, SD 4; P=.78), compared to the no-app group. There was no effect of the app on the SCHFI at 6 or 12 weeks. The time to first HF readmission was not statistically different between the app group and the no-app group (app group 11/42, 26% vs no-app group 12/41, 29%; hazard ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.39-2.02; P=.78) over 12 weeks.ConclusionsThe adaptive mobile app intervention, which focused on promoting self-monitoring and self-management, improved the MLHFQ at 6 weeks but did not sustain its effects at 12 weeks. No effect was seen on HF self-management measured by self-report. Further research is needed to enhance engagement in the app for a longer period and to determine if the app can reduce HF readmissions in a larger study.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03149510; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03149510

SMARTPHONE APPLICATION TO RISK STRATIFY PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND FACILITATE PERSONALIZED GUIDELINE-DIRECTED MEDICAL THERAPY

SMARTPHONE APPLICATION TO RISK STRATIFY PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND FACILITATE PERSONALIZED GUIDELINE-DIRECTED MEDICAL THERAPY

Changes in Global Left Ventricular Myocardial Work Indices and Stunning Detection 3 Months After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Global left ventricular (LV) myocardial work (MW) indices (GLVMWI) are derived from speckle tracking echocardiographic strain data in combination with non-invasive blood pressure measurements. Changes in global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have not been explored. The aim of present study was to assess the evolution of GLVMWI in STEMI patients from baseline (index infarct) to 3 months' follow-up. Three-hundred and fifty patients (265 men; mean age 61 ± 10 years) with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and guideline-based medical therapy were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical variables, conventional echocardiographic measures and GLVMWI were recorded at baseline within 48 hours post-primary PCI and 3 months' follow-up. LV ejection fraction (from 54 ± 10% to 57 ± 10%, p < 0.001), GWI (from 1449 ± 451 mm Hg% to 1953 ± 492 mm Hg%, p < 0.001), GCW (from 1624 ± 519 mm Hg% to 2228 ± 563 mm Hg%, p < 0.001) and GWE (from 93% (interquartile range (IQR) 86%-95%) to 95% (IQR 91%-96%), p < 0.001) improved significantly at 3 months' follow-up with no significant difference in GWW (from 101 mm Hg% (IQR 63-155 mm Hg%) to 96 mm Hg% (IQR 64-155 mm Hg%); p=0.535). On multivariable linear regression analysis, lower values of troponin T at baseline, increase in systolic blood pressure and improvement in LV global longitudinal strain were independently associated with higher GWI and GCW at 3 months' follow-up. In conclusion, the evolution of GWI, GCW and GWE in STEMI patients may reflect myocardial stunning, whereas the stability in GWW may reflect permanent myocardial damage and the development of non-viable scar tissue.

Principal Morphomic and Functional Components of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to identify the key morphological and functional features in secondary mitral regurgitation (sMR) and their prognostic impact on outcome. BackgroundSecondary sMR in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction typically results from distortion of the underlying cardiac architecture. The morphological components which may account for the clinical impact of sMR have not been systematically assessed or correlated with clinical outcomes. MethodsMorphomic and functional network profiling were performed on a cohort of patients with stable heart failure optimized on guideline-based medical therapy. Principal component (PC) analysis and subsequent cluster analysis were used to condense the morphomic and functional data first into PCs with varimax rotation (PCVmax) and second into homogeneous clusters. Clusters and PCs were tested for their correlations with clinical outcomes. ResultsMorphomic and functional data from 383 patients were profiled and subsequently condensed into PCs. PCVmax 1 describes high loadings of left atrial morphological information, and PCVmax 2 describes high loadings of left ventricular (LV) topology. Based on these components, 4 homogeneous clusters were derived. sMR was most prominent in clusters 3 and 4, with the morphological difference being left ventricular size (median end-diastolic volume 188 mL [interquartile range: 160 mL-224 mL] vs 315 mL [264 mL-408 mL]; P < 0.001). Clusters were associated with mortality (P < 0.001), but sMR remained independently associated with mortality after adjusting for the clusters (adjusted HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.14–1.77; P < 0.01). The detrimental association of sMR with mortality was mainly driven by cluster 3 (HR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.32-3.60; P = 0.002), the “small LV cavity” phenotype. ConclusionsThese results challenge the current perceptions that sMR in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction results exclusively from global or local LV remodeling and are suggestive of a potential role of the left atrial component. The association of sMR with mortality cannot be purely attributed to cardiac morphology alone, supporting other complementary key aspects of mitral valve closure consistent with the force balance theory. Unsupervised clustering supports the association of sMR with mortality predominantly driven by the small LV cavity phenotype, as previously suggested by a conceptional framework and termed disproportionate sMR.

Impact of guideline-based medical therapy on malignant arrhythmias and mortality among heart failure patients implanted with a primary prevention ICD/CRTD

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background In contrast with the well-established impact of heart failure (HF) medical treatment reducing HF hospitalizations and improving survival, its impact on ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is based mainly on circumstantial evidence. Aim To evaluate prevalence of HF medical treatment and its impact on VA and overall survival among HF patients implanted with primary prevention ICD/CRTD. Methods Single center retrospective analysis of all HF patients implanted with ICD/CRTD as primary prevention. Patients" indication for implant according to guidelines was confirmed by a senior EP physician. Thereafter, the association of HF medications and dose (% guideline recommended target dose) of beta-blockers (BB), Angiotensin-antagonists (AgA), Mineralocorticoid-antagonsits (MRA), and Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs (AAD) with VA episodes and overall mortality was analyzed, based on patients" medical records and device clinic regular interrogations. Results 186 HF patients qualifying for primary prevention ICD/CRTD implant according to HF and device guidelines, were included. Their mean ± SD age 66.4 ± 12 years, 15.1% female, 79 (42.5%) implanted with an ICD and 107 (57.5%) with CRTD. During 3.8 [2.1;6.7] (median[IQR]) years; 52 (28%) had VA and 77 (41.4%) died. Treatment (medication, % of patients) included: BB (83%), AgA (87%), MRA (59%), and AAD (43.5%). Doses were 25[12.5;50]% of target for BB or AgA and 25[0;50]% of target for MRA. Treatment with &amp;gt;25% target dose of BB was associated with significantly reduced VA incidence. In a multivariable model including age, gender, diabetes, heart rate, and medication doses, increased BB dose was significantly and independently associated with reduced VA (HR 0.443 95%CI 0.222-0.885; p = 0.021). Kapkan-Myer analysis for survival without VA according to each medication group dose, supported reduced VA among patients receiving &amp;gt; median dose of BB (Figure 1). Multivariable model for overall mortality including age, gender, renal disease, VA, and medical treatment; VA was associated with increased mortality (HR 2.672; 95% CI 1.429-4.999; p = 0.002) while AgA treatment was significantly and independently associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.515; 95% CI 0.285-0.929; p = 0.028). Conclusions In this cohort of real-life HF patients discharged after primary prevention ICD/CRTD implant, most of the patients were prescribed with guideline-based HF medications albeit with low doses. Higher BB dose was associated with reduced VA, while treatment with AgA was associated with improved survival. Abstract Figure. Survival without VA according to HF medi

Comparison of global left ventricular myocardial work indices at baseline and after 3 months of st-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Global left ventricular myocardial work indices (GLVMWI) are derived from speckle tracking echocardiographic strain data in combination with non-invasive blood pressure recordings. Global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE) are derived from these measures. GLVMWI in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains unexplored and comparison between measures of GLVMWI at index event (baseline) and follow-up is unknown. Purpose To assess the evolution in GLVMWI in STEMI patients from baseline (index infarct) to 3 months' follow-up. Methods This retrospective study included 350 patients (265 men, mean age: 61±10 years) with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and optimal, guideline-based medical therapy. Clinical variables, echocardiographic measures and GLVMWI were recorded at baseline and 3 months follow-up. Results Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), GWI, GCW and GWE improved significantly at 3 months follow-up with no significant difference in GWW (Table). These findings suggest that the impaired values of GLVMWI at baseline are related to stunning after STEMI and they recover at 3 months follow-up without further deterioration in GWW, which probably reflects irreversible myocardial damage. Conclusions In STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and optimal guideline-based medical therapy, GLVMWI assessed by speckle tracking strain echocardiography are significantly improved at 3 months follow-up, without significant changes in GWW. GLVMWI therefore have the potential to identify reversible and irreversible components of post-infarct myocardial damage. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): European Society of Cardiology Research Grant

Updates in the Definition, Diagnostic Work Up, and Therapeutic Strategies for MINOCA

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is found in up to 6% of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. These patients represent a group with unique pathophysiology and treatment needs. This review summarizes recent advancement in the understanding of the causes and diagnostic work up of patients presenting with MINOCA. Historically the importance of MINOCA has been under-recognized, and the condition was considered a more benign form of acute coronary syndrome. More recently consensus documents from major cardiac societies have highlighted the unique aspects of MINOCA in terms of etiology, diagnosis, and management. Central to this is the understanding that MINOCA should be considered a working diagnosis and prompt detailed investigation into the underlying pathophysiological cause and, where available, the institution of guideline-based medical therapies. The diagnosis of MINOCA is increasingly being recognized as important both because it identifies a group of patients who differ clinically from those with obstructive coronary artery disease and because it necessitates further diagnostic work up. MINOCA is associated with excess morbidity and mortality, and there is a paucity of data to guide treatment strategies in this heterogeneous group of patients. Further work allows more accurate understanding of risks and optimal management in this population.

SAFEty and efficacy of autologous bone marrow – derived mononuclear stem cell therapy in patients with severe chronic ischemic Heart Failure – rationale and design

The main aim of this study is to explore the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow – derived mononuclear stem cell therapy in patients with severe chronic ischemic heart failure on short to medium-term (1-3 months). The SAFE-HF trial is a prospective, single center, two-arm, controlled trial with blind evaluation of endpoints. Target population will consist of patients with heart failure due to prior extensive myocardial infarction and left ventricle ejection fraction of less than 35% – namely the population with the highest risk of adverse events and the highest mortality. All patients will be treated with the state of the art reperfusion – primary percutaneous coronary intervention and also with guidelinebased optimal medical therapy. The stem cell injection will be performed 1 to 3 months after the acute event; evolution of stem cell treated patients will be compared with matched control–cases. Comprehensive assessment of outcomes will be done at 1 and 3 months follow-up; serum biomarkers, cardiac structural and physiological parameters, functional capacity and health-related quality of life will be evaluated. This pilot study possibly will serve as a foundation for designing future trials.

Updates in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis using emerging imaging modalities, management strategy, and prevention of recurrent spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and provide a more extensive review of the current data. SCAD generally affects women without conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Diagnosis and management of SCAD are challenging due to heterogeneity, undefined mechanisms, differing phenotypes, and a lack of strong clinical evidence. After reviewing the current evidence to date, we recommend conservative management, including cardiac rehabilitation for SCAD with low-risk features, while coronary revascularization should be considered in SCAD with high-risk features. Non-invasive imaging (e.g., coronary computed tomography angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, myocardial perfusion imaging) should be considered in diagnosing specific SCAD phenotypes. The standard guideline-based medical therapy for acute coronary syndrome, in the absence of contraindications, should be considered along with appropriate SCAD phenotypes. Discharge counseling and follow-up using emerging imaging modalities should be based on individuals' profiles and approached on a case by case basis.

The Vicious Circle of Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Diabetes: From Pathophysiology to Emerging Treatments.

Diabetes and heart failure (HF) are 2 deadly and strictly related epidemic disorders. The aim of this review is to present an updated discussion of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and treatment options for HF in diabetes. Relevant references published up to February 2020 were identified through searches in PubMed. Quality was graded using the Newcastle-Ottawa score in observational studies and the Cochrane Collaboration tool in randomized studies. Metabolic and neurohumoral derangements, oxidative stress, inflammation, micro- and macroangiopathy all contribute through complex molecular and cellular mechanisms to cardiac dysfunction in diabetes, which in turn, results as one the most frequent underlying conditions affecting up to 42% of patients with HF and causing a 34% increased risk of cardiovascular death. On top of traditional guideline-based HF medical and device therapies, equally effective in patients with and without diabetes, a new class of glucose-lowering agents acting through the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition showed impressive results in reducing HF outcomes in individuals with diabetes and represents an active area of investigation. Diabetes and HF are strictly linked in a bidirectional and deadly vicious circle difficult to break. Therefore, preventive strategies and a timely diagnosis are crucial to improve outcomes in such patients. SGLT2 inhibitors represent a major breakthrough with remarkably consistent findings. However, it is still not clear whether their benefits may be definitely extended to patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, to those without diabetes and in the acute setting.