Heart Failure Hospitalization Research Articles

Inpatient versus outpatient diagnosis of heart failure across the spectrum of ejection fraction: a population cohort study

BackgroundEarly heart failure (HF) diagnosis is crucial to ensure that optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is administered to reduce morbidity and mortality. Limited access to echocardiography could lead to a...

Insights and Opportunities from Multimarker Evaluation of Heart Failure: Lessons from BIOSTAT-HF.

Heart failure is a complex and heterogenous disease state that affects millions worldwide. Over recent decades, advancements in medical therapy and device implementation have significantly transformed the landscape of heart failure outcomes, while improvements in imaging modalities and greater accessibility to genome sequencing have led to increasing recognition of distinct heart failure endotypes. There is rising evidence to suggest all patients do not benefit equally from intensification of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT). Efforts to personalize medical therapy to maximize benefits while minimizing side effects remains an ongoing challenge. We review key manuscripts from The BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT-CHF), a multicenter observational study conducted across Europe, which prospectively enrolled patients with acute or worsening heart failure. BIOSTAT-CHF was designed to characterize biological pathways associated with varied patient responses to GDMT for heart failure. Utilizing a diverse cohort of European patients, the authors were able to develop risk models to predict mortality and heart failure hospitalization from clinically available data plus standard and novel biomarkers. They also utilized modeling to refine characterization of heart failure subtypes and personalization of GDMT titration. In this review we highlight key insights from the BIOSTAT-CHF cohort and how they relate to: (1) prognosis and monitoring treatment response in heart failure, (2) personalization of heart failure treatment, and (3) elucidation of biological pathways and future directions for research. These insights summarize how BIOSTAT-CHF has contributed to a deeper understanding of heart failure, focusing on using biomarkers personalizing treatment approaches, with a goal of ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Rationale and design of the FAIR-HF2-DZHK05 trial: Ferric carboxymaltose assessment of morbidity and mortality in patients with iron deficiency and chronic heart failure.

While it is widely accepted that intravenous (IV) iron improves functional capacity, symptoms, and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) diagnosed with iron deficiency (ID), three recently published cardiovascular outcome trials (AFFIRM-AHF, IRONMAN and HEART-FID) of IV iron supplementation in HF failed to demonstrate a significant benefit on their respective primary endpoints. Dosing of IV iron after the initial correction of baseline ID-by design or as a result of trial circumstances-was relatively low (i.e. <500 mg/year). The primary objective of the FAIR-HF2 trial is to evaluate the treatment effect of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) compared with placebo in ambulatory patients with HFrEF using a higher dose of IV iron during follow-up (i.e. >1000 mg/year). The second objective of the study is to create prospective evidence for patients fulfilling the new definition of ID for patients with HF, i.e. for those with a transferrin saturation <20%. FAIR-HF2 is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that has recruited 1105 patients with chronic HF with a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤45% and concomitant ID, defined as serum ferritin <100 ng/ml or serum ferritin 100-299 ng/ml with a transferrin saturation <20%. Patients were consented and randomized to receive either IV FCM (treatment) or saline (placebo). During an estimated median follow-up of over 2 years, patients underwent a placebo-controlled repletion and maintenance phase, with an initial iron supplementation of up to 2000 mg, followed by 500 mg every 4 months unless stop criteria of haemoglobin >16 mg/dl or serum ferritin >800 ng/ml are met on repeat visits. The trial will evaluate three primary hypotheses: (i) time to first event of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF, (ii) the rate of total (first and recurrent) HF hospitalizations (both analysed in the full study population), and (iii) the time to first event of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF in patients with a transferrin saturation <20% at baseline. The familywise type I error rate across the three primary endpoint hypotheses will be controlled using the Hochberg procedure (alpha 0.05). The FAIR-HF2 will evaluate the efficacy of FCM in patients with HFrEF in improving cardiovascular outcomes by utilizing a more aggressive approach towards iron supplementation ensuring prevention of transitional ID after initial repletion targets have been met.

Tricuspid regurgitation and outcomes in mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

The association between periprocedural change in tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and outcomes in patients undergoing mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is unclear. This study aimed to examine the prognostic value of TR before and after M-TEER. Patients in the OCEAN-Mitral registry were divided into four groups according to baseline and post-procedure echocardiographic assessments: no TR/no TR (no TR), no TR/significant TR (new-onset TR), significant TR/no TR (normalized TR), and significant TR/significant TR (residual TR) (all represents before/after M-TEER). Tricuspid regurgitation ≥ moderate was defined as significant. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization. Tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient was also evaluated. The numbers of patients in each group were 2103 (no TR), 201 (new-onset TR), 504 (normalized TR), and 858 (residual TR). Baseline assessment for TR and TR pressure gradient was not associated with outcomes after M-TEER. In contrast, patients with new-onset TR had the highest adjusted risk for the primary outcome, followed by those with residual TR [compared with no TR as a reference, hazard ratio 1.83 (95% confidence interval: 1.39-2.40) for new-onset TR, 1.45 (1.23-1.72) for residual TR, and 0.82 (0.65-1.04) for normalized TR]. Similarly, from baseline to post-procedure, TR pressure gradient changes were associated with subsequent outcomes after M-TEER. New-onset and residual TR incidence was commonly associated with dilated tricuspid annulus diameter and atrial fibrillation. Post-procedural TR, but not baseline TR, was associated with outcomes after M-TEER. Careful TR assessment after the procedure would provide an optimal management for concomitant significant TR in patients undergoing M-TEER.

Near-universal prevalence of central adiposity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the PARAGON-HF trial.

An expansion of fat mass is an integral feature of patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). While body mass index (BMI) is the most common anthropometric measure, a measure of central adiposity-the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)-focuses on body fat content and distribution; is not distorted by bone or muscle mass, sex, or ethnicity; and may be particularly relevant in HFpEF. The PARAGON-HF trial randomized 4796 patients with heart failure and ejection fraction ≥45% to valsartan or sacubitril/valsartan. The current work characterizes the association of BMI and WHtR with clinical features, outcomes, and the response to neprilysin inhibition. About half (49%) of the participants were considered obese by BMI (≥30 kg/m2), but nearly every patient (96%) had central adiposity (WHtR ≥0.5). Among patients who were not obese (BMI <30 kg/m2), 860 (37%) had marked central adiposity (WHtR ≥0.6). Higher BMI and WHtR were both associated with higher risk of total heart failure hospitalizations, but as compared with BMI, WHtR was linearly associated with heart failure outcomes and identified a higher proportion of patients who had a particularly elevated risk (i.e., 30% or greater). An obesity-survival paradox (i.e., improved outcomes in those with greater adiposity) was apparent with BMI in unadjusted analyses, but it was not observed with WHtR. Although neprilysin inhibition appeared to have greater effects on heart failure outcomes in patients with higher BMI and WHtR, analyses of interaction with obesity metrics did not show significant heterogeneity across the range of values for adiposity. In PARAGON-HF, in contrast with BMI, nearly every patient with HFpEF had central adiposity (as assessed by WHtR), and the risks of adverse heart failure events were more robustly related to WHtR. These data challenge the current reliance on BMI as an appropriate metric of adiposity, and they suggest that-rather than obesity-related HFpEF being regarded as a select HFpEF subgroup-central adiposity is a ubiquitous feature of HFpEF.

Myocardial Inflammation in Cardiac Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Prevalence and Potential Prognostic Implications.

Despite previous histopathologic evidence for its presence, the role of myocardial inflammation in the development and progression of cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) remains insufficiently understood. Thus, this study sought to characterize the prevalence and potential prognostic implications of myocardial inflammation in ATTR-CA. A retrospective observational study including patients with ATTR-CA diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy was conducted. Myocardial inflammation was diagnosed through a review of routine endomyocardial biopsy reports. Baseline characteristics were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Pearson χ2 test. Clinical outcomes were monitored via follow-up visits or telephone calls. Primary outcomes were all-cause death and a composite end point of all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization. Kaplan-Meier analyses, as well as univariable and age- and sex-adjusted multivariable Cox regression analyses, were used to assess differences in overall and composite end point-free survival between patients with ATTR-CA with and without myocardial inflammation. A total of 103 patients with ATTR-CA (100 wild type; 3 variant) were enrolled. Median follow-up was 18.2 (8.0-31.1) months. Myocardial inflammation was prevalent in 32% (n=33/103) of patients with ATTR-CA. Among evaluable patients with myocardial inflammation, 96% (n=26/27) and 31% (n=9/29) had elevated CD68 (clusters of differentiation 68)-positive macrophage and CD3 (clusters of differentiation 3)-positive T-cell counts, respectively. Overall survival (P=0.017) and composite end point-free survival (P=0.014) were significantly impaired in patients with ATTR-CA with myocardial inflammation (n=33) compared with those without (n=70). Statistical significance for both associations was sustained after adjustment for age and sex, yielding adjusted hazard ratios of 4.72 (95% CI, 1.33-16.71; P=0.016) and 2.30 (95% CI, 1.04-5.11; P=0.041) for all-cause death and the composite end point, respectively. Our findings affirm previous evidence that myocardial inflammation is present in approximately one-third of all patients with ATTR-CA. Moreover, we provide first data indicating that myocardial inflammation may be associated with a higher risk of death and heart failure hospitalizations in ATTR-CA.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and outcomes in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) commonly leads to heart failure but has traditionally been an exclusion criterion in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i); therefore, the effects of these drugs in this population remain undocumented. In light of recent studies, this meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of SGLT2i on the prognosis of patients with ATTR-CM. A comprehensive search of Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to November 17, 2024. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out independently by two investigators. Associations of SGLT2i with outcomes were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses. A total of five studies (9766 participants, 4 propensity score-matched) were included. The use of SGLT2i was associated with significant reductions in all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) .54, 95% confidence interval (CI) .44-.66], cardiovascular mortality (HR .39, 95% CI .23-.65), major adverse cardiovascular events (HR .71, 95% CI .61-.83), and heart failure hospitalizations (HFHs) (HR .63, 95% CI .52-.77) compared to non-use. The odds of cardiac arrhythmias were significantly lower among SGLT2i users compared to non-users [odds ratio (OR) .73, 95% CI .65-.83]. Specifically, SGLT2i use was associated with significant reductions in the odds of atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR .75, 95% CI .62-.91), ventricular tachycardia (OR .72, 95% CI .59-.88), and sudden cardiac arrest (OR .71, 95% CI .50-.99). The use of SGLT2is may be associated with a more favourable prognosis in patients with ATTR-CM. Adequately powered, long-term RCTs are required to validate the available observational evidence.

Continuous risk monitoring and management of heart failure: Rationale and design of the ALLEVIATE-HF trial.

Early identification and management of worsening heart failure (HF) is necessary to prevent disease progression and hospitalizations. The ALLEVIATE-HF (Algorithm Using LINQ Sensors for Evaluation and Treatment of Heart Failure) trial is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicentre trial that aims to assess the safety and efficacy of using the Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) in patients with HF to continuously monitor and evaluate HF risk status and guide timely interventions. The ICM algorithm uses parameters derived from electrocardiogram (atrial fibrillation [AF], ventricular rate during AF, heart rate variability, and night heart rate), three-axis accelerometer (patient activity duration), and subcutaneous bioimpedance (fluid volume, respiration rate). The trial will enroll ~760 patients with New York Heart Association class II or III HF with recent hospitalization for HF or needing intravenous diuretics in the outpatient setting or elevated natriuretic peptide levels, who do not have an implanted cardiac implantable electronic device or haemodynamic monitor. Patients are randomized to an observation or an intervention arm, where the latter will receive an intervention pathway with remote nurses implementing individualized pro re nata (PRN or 'as needed') 4-day medication interventions for acute volume management upon high risk. After 13 months of randomized follow-up, all patients enter an unblinded prolonged follow-up phase with PRN interventions upon high risk. The primary hierarchical composite endpoint for the study includes cardiovascular death, HF events, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score, and 6-min walk test distance. ALLEVIATE-HF will evaluate how ICM-based HF management can impact the outcomes of patients with HF regardless of ejection fraction.

Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin Is Associated with Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery

Background: In the era of personalized medicine, tools for risk stratification after cardiovascular interventions are crucial to reduce mortality and morbidity, especially in the aging population. Biomarker-based approaches, in particular, have gained significant importance. Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) represents an easily assessable biomarker that mirrors cardiac function and fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prognostic potential of MR-proADM in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing elective cardiac bypass and/or valve surgery were prospectively enrolled between May 2013 and August 2018. The primary endpoint was the composite of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) or cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Results: In total, 500 patients (146 female [29.2%]; median age 69.8 years (IQR 60.6–75.5 years) were included. Individuals were stratified into risk categories based on their MR-proADM values (Low Risk ≤ 0.63 nmol/L, Intermediate Risk &gt; 0.63 and ≤0.84, High Risk &gt; 0.84). A significant increase in 5-year event rates for HHF/CV mortality in patients in the high-risk category (Low Risk 8.6% vs. High Risk 37.7%, p &lt; 0.001) was observed. MR-pro ADM showed an independent association with HHF/ CV mortality (adjusted HR of 3.43, 95% CI 1.83–6.42; p &lt; 0.001 comparing the High-Risk group to the Low-Risk group). Conclusions: MR-pro ADM was found to be a strong and independent predictor for HHF/CV mortality in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Considering a personalized diagnostic and prognostic work-up, a standardized preoperative evaluation of MR-proADM levels might help to identify patients at risk for major adverse events and early re-hospitalization.

Prognostic Value of CT-Derived Myocardial Extracellular Volume in Aortic Stenosis: A Meta-Analysis of All-Cause Mortality and Heart Failure Hospitalization

Abstract Aims Pre-existing myocardial fibrosis before aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a major cause of postoperative heart failure (HF). Evaluation of fibrosis by computed tomography extracellular volume (CT-ECV) may allow risk stratification for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) scheduled for transaortic AVR (TAVR) or surgical AVR (SAVR). We performed a meta-analysis to determine the prognostic value of CT-ECV for the prediction of adverse events in patients with severe AS scheduled for AVR. Methods and Results Electronic database searches of PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane advanced search, and EMBASE were performed. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the association between CT-ECV and prognosis in patients with severe AS who underwent AVR. The diagnostic performance of CT-ECV for predicting composite adverse events (all-cause death and hospitalization for HF) was assessed using a pooled odds ratio (OR). Data from 902 patients with severe AS were extracted from 6 studies, including 881 TAVR and 21 SAVR cases. The pooled OR of abnormal CT-ECV for predicting adverse events was 4.53 [95% CI: 3.13–6.57, (I2 = 10%, p for heterogeneity = 0.50)]. We performed an OR meta-analysis on five studies with only TAVR cases (n = 807). The pooled OR of abnormal CT-ECV for predicting adverse events in TAVR patients was 4.85 (95% CI: 3.26 - 7.21 [I² = 0%, p &amp;lt; 0.001]). Conclusions Considering the high prognostic ability and versatility of CT-ECV, it may be used to predict postoperative adverse events in patients with severe AS who underwent AVR.

Chronic Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease: Pharmacological Treatment and Cardiac Rehabilitation

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of acute and chronic heart failure. Patients with heart failure and ischemic heart disease need a tailored assessment to define the appropriate treatment, while a specific multidisciplinary management plan should be followed. Indeed, several factors should be assessed before starting treatment, such as heart failure symptoms and/or signs, angina, electrocardiographic features, right and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, serological abnormalities, cardiac structural and functional integrity, and pulmonary function. New scenarios and developments have emerged recently in this field, increasing our knowledge regarding pathophysiology, exercise, and pharmacology. Effective and appropriate management and treatment reduce the risk of death and hospitalization for heart failure. Herein, we provide an updated, state-of-the-art overview of pharmacological treatment and cardiac rehabilitation in patients with chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease. Furthermore, tailored and contemporary management in clinical practice will be proposed for this specific and fragile patient population.

A STRONG call for intensive oral heart failure therapy in acute heart failure patients.

Heart failure (HF), a chronic and progressive disease, is increasing in prevalence worldwide and is associated with increased hospitalizations and death. Despite notable improvements in medical therapy for HF, patients are still at risk of future negative outcomes. Current guidelines recommend four classes of medication for treating patients with HF, deemed guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). The use and adherence of these GDMTs serve as a major predictor of outcomes in those with chronic HF; however, implementation of therapy remains poor, despite substantial evidence of benefit. The acute hospitalization for HF and the subsequent vulnerable period serve as important milestones for adequate disease modification, and implementing a strategy for aggressive medical therapy can improve HF outcomes. Current guidelines also recommend that follow-up withmultidisciplinary chronic disease management specific to HF be provided to those living with heart failure, which is essential for improving readmissions and mortality. This follow-up, although important by itself, serves as an important avenue for disease modification through medication titration, and implementing such structured follow-up is essential for further population-wide improvements in HF mortality. In this context, the STRONG-HF trial investigators developed an implementation trial providing evidence for the rapid inpatient initiation and subsequent titration of HF GDMT, demonstrating the importance of implementation strategies in the care of HF patients. In this narrative review, we review the evidence base for treating patients with HF, highlight deficits in our current real-world experience, and provide support for trial evidence like STRONG-HF in the global fight to reduce the burden of HF.

Empagliflozin in diabetic cardiomyopathy: elucidating mechanisms, therapeutic potentials, and future directions.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a significant health burden, exacerbated by the global increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This condition contributes substantially to the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes, primarily through myocardial dysfunction independent of coronary artery disease. Current treatment strategies focus on managing symptoms rather than targeting the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, highlighting a critical need for specific therapeutic interventions. This review explores the multifaceted role of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, in addressing the complex etiology of DCM. We discuss the key mechanisms by which hyperglycemia contributes to cardiac dysfunction, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, and inflammation, and how empagliflozin mitigates these effects. Empagliflozin's effects on reducing hospitalization for heart failure and potentially lowering cardiovascular mortality mark it as a promising candidate for DCM management. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms through which empagliflozin operates, this review underscores its therapeutic potential and paves the way for future research into its broader applications in diabetic cardiac care. This synthesis aims to foster a deeper understanding of DCM and encourage the integration of empagliflozin into treatment paradigms, offering hope for improved outcomes in patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

Canagliflozin reduces oral loop diuretic intensification in patients with type 2 diabetes: A participant-level pooled analysis of the CANVAS and CREDENCE trials.

The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin reduces the risk of heart failure (HF) hospitalization or cardiovascular death and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression among patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk or with CKD. Patients with type 2 diabetes commonly have coexisting HF or CKD that require treatment with loop diuretics; however, the prognostic implications of oral loop diuretic intensification are not well characterized. In this participant-level pooled analysis of the CREDENCE and CANVAS trials (not including CANVAS-R), 1454/8731 (16.7%) patients were treated with loop diuretics at baseline. Over a median on-treatment follow-up of 2.2 years, 1264 patients (14.5%) required oral loop diuretic intensification, of whom 981 (77.6%) required initiation of oral loop diuretics and 283 (22.4%) required oral loop diuretic dose increase. Patients requiring oral loop diuretic intensification experienced rates of subsequent HF hospitalization, CKD progression and mortality that were 29.5-, 5.0-, and 3.5-fold higher, respectively, than those not requiring oral loop diuretic intensification. Treatment with canagliflozin reduced the need for oral loop diuretic intensification by 41% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-0.66) including both new diuretic initiation (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.57-0.74) and diuretic dose increase (HR 0.42; 95% CI 0.33-0.54). Inclusion of oral diuretic intensification in an expanded HF composite outcome inclusive of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization approximately double the number of events, with similar observed treatment effect (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.58-0.70). Among high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes, new oral loop diuretic intensification was frequent and portended adverse prognostic significance. Treatment with canagliflozin significantly reduced the need for loop diuretic intensification. CANVAS (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01032629; CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02065791.

Update on the Efficacy and Safety of Sodium–Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as vital medications for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Numerous studies have highlighted the cardioprotective and renal protective benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors. Consequently, it is essential to assess their efficacy and safety in patients with chronic diseases. Method: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on major cardiovascular and safety outcomes in patients with T2DM, heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for trials published between 30 September 2021 and 17 May 2023. The primary outcomes of interest included nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), cardiovascular death, and nonfatal stroke. The safety outcomes assessed were hypoglycemia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and acute kidney injury (AKI). Result: We identified 13 RCTs involving 90,413 participants. In patients with T2DM, SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of nonfatal MI by 12% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.98), HHF by 33% (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.62–0.74), and cardiac death by 15% (HR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80–1.13). However, they did not significantly reduce the risk of nonfatal stroke (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75–0.95). In patients with HF, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of HHF by 28% (HR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.66–0.77) and cardiac death by 12% (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.96). For patients with CKD, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of HHF by 35% (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.55–0.76) and cardiac death by 16% (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.96). Regarding safety outcomes, SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with T2DM, HF, or CKD, nor did they increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with HF or CKD, or the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with HF. However, they did increase the risk of UTIs by 8% (risk ratio [RR] = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16) in patients with T2DM and reduced the risk of AKI by 22% (RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.67–0.89) and 19% (RR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.97) in patients with T2DM and CKD, respectively. Conclusions: SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated a significant improvement in cardiovascular outcomes for patients with T2DM, HF, and CKD while also maintaining a favorable safety profile. These findings advocate for the broader application of SGLT2 inhibitors in the management of chronic diseases, particularly in reducing the incidence of nonfatal MI, HHF, and cardiac death. Further research is essential to optimize their use across diverse patient populations and stages of disease.

Safety and efficacy of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

PurposeCatheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) has shown promising results in reducing mortality and improving heart function. However, previous studies have been limited by a lack of control groups and significant heterogeneity in their methodologies.HypothesisCA for AF in HFPEF patients may not increase the complications and had similarly the rate of freedom from AF vs. patients without HFPEF, and it may reduce hospitalizations and mortality and improve heart function VS medical treatment.MethodsThree groups of AF patients were included in the study: 187 patients with HFPEF for their first CA (AFPHF-CA), 187 patients with HFPEF who were undergoing medical therapy (AFPHF-Med), and 196 patients without HFPEF for their first CA (AF-CA).ResultsAfter a mean (± SD) follow-up of 36 ± 3 months, 50.8% of patients in the AFPHF-CA group and 52.0% in the AF-CA group remained in sinus rhythm (P = 0.94), compared to only 12.5% in the AFPHF-Med group (P < 0.001). Age (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08, P = 0.016), duration of AF history (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02, P = 0.017), left atrial diameter (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.06–2.19, P = 0.024), and the type of atrial fibrillation (OR: 4.02, 95% CI: 1.28–12.62, P = 0.017) were consistent multivariable predictors for sinus rhythm maintenance in AFPHF. HF hospitalization was significantly lower in the AFPHF-CA group (0.38 (0,2)) than in the AFPHF-Med group (1.28(0,3), P < 0.001) during the follow-up. Stroke occurred in 18 of 187 (9.63%) patients in the AFPHF-CA group, significantly lower than the AFPHF-Med group, with approximately 31 of 187 (16.58%) (P < 0.01), but not statistically different from AF-CA, where approximately 17 of 196 (8.67%) experienced stroke (P = 0.65). Regarding mortality, death occurred in 12.8% of patients in the AFPHF-Med group, higher than 7.5% in the AFPHF-CA group and 6.6% in the AF-CA group (P = 0.49). Significant improvements in heart function were observed in the AFPHF-CA group compared to the AFPHF-Med group, including reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (P < 0.001), New York Heart Association classification (P < 0.001), left ventricular mass index (P < 0.001), and left atrial volume index (P < 0.001). HF hospitalization was significantly lower in the AFPHF-CA group compared to AFPHF-Med (P < 0.001).ConclusionCA for AF has showed significant benefits in patients with HFPEF compared to medical treatment alone. These benefits include improvements in heart function, reduced mortality, incidence of stroke, and hospitalizations. Importantly, CA in HFPEF patients showed comparable maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) and safety outcomes when compared to CA in individuals with normal heart function.

Association Between Cardiometabolic Comorbidity Burden and Outcomes in Heart Failure.

Cardiometabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are highly prevalent in heart failure (HF). We aimed to examine the association between severity of cardiometabolic comorbidities and hospitalization in patients with HF. In a retrospective electronic health record-based cohort of adults 18 with HF, we categorized individuals based on the number of severe cardiometabolic comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Severely uncontrolled comorbidities were defined as systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg, hemoglobin A1c ≥8%, and body mass index ≥35 kg/m2. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between cardiometabolic comorbidity burden and time to all-cause and HF hospitalization at 1 year, adjusting for age, sex, race or ethnicity, and insurance status, smoking, prior hospitalization, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Stratified analyses were conducted for HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. A total of 26 800 individuals with HF (mean age 7513.7, 46% women, 69% White) experienced 4284 (16%) hospitalizations over a 1-year period. Compared with individuals with absent comorbidities, those with 1 or 2 to 3 severely uncontrolled comorbidities had a significantly higher risk of all-cause hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23 [95% CI, 1.09-1.39] and HR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.35-1.83], respectively). We found similar associations for HF hospitalization. These associations were similar among individuals with HF with preserved ejection fraction compared with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Greater cardiometabolic comorbidity burden was associated with increased risk of all-cause hospitalization in HF. This reinforces the role for targeting severely uncontrolled cardiometabolic comorbidities to reduce morbidity in HF.

Clinical Utility of Systolic Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Atrial Fibrillation: Role of Prospective ECG-Triggered Cardiac CT.

The assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic function and quantification of LV ejection fraction (EF) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) can be difficult. We previously demonstrated that LV volume changes over the 100 ms of systole (LVEF100ms) can be used as a measure of LV systolic function. We sought to evaluate the applicability of LVEF100ms in AF patients. We screened AF patients who underwent prospective systolic ECG-triggered cardiac computed tomography (CT) from January 2015 to June 2023. The correlation between LVEF100ms and echocardiography-derived LVEF was assessed. Patients were categorized into three groups based on echocardiographic LVEF (≤40%, 40-55%, ≥55%), and LVEF100ms was compared among these groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were applied to determine the optimal LVEF100ms cut-off for predicting LVEF ≤40% and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, and stroke. Of the total 123 patients, 62 (50.4%) patients had LVEF ≥55%, 40 (32.5%) had LVEF 40-50%, and 21 (17.1%) had LVEF ≤40%. LVEF100ms correlated with echocardiography-derived LVEF (p <0.001) and differed significantly among groups (p <0.001). LVEF100ms ≤3.3% predicted LVEF ≤40% (AUC 0.809, sensitivity 87%, specificity 67%). Patients with LVEF100ms ≤3.3% had higher rate of MACE compared to those without (p = 0.030), and LVEF100ms ≤3.3% was an independent predictor of MACE. LVEF100ms can provide a useful indicator of LV dysfunction in AF patients undergoing prospective ECG-triggered cardiac CT.

Cardiovascular Reactivity to Mental Stress and Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

Acute psychological stress may induce physiological changes predisposing individuals to adverse health outcomes through hemodynamic and vascular effects. We studied the association between the aggregated stress-induced changes in hemodynamic and vascular function tests with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Individuals with stable coronary artery disease from 2 prospective cohort studies were studied. Hemodynamic reactivity, changes in endothelial function, and vasoconstriction during mental stress were evaluated using changes in rate-pressure product, brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation, and peripheral arterial tonometry, respectively. A cardiovascular reactivity risk score was calculated by allotting 0 to 3 points for each quartile of increasing abnormality for each of the 3 reactivity responses and summing the quartile points from the MIPS (Mental Stress Ischemia Prognosis Study) to yield a cardiovascular reactivity risk score ranging from 0 to 9. The outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and heart failure hospitalizations during follow-up. A total of 629 participants were included. After adjustment for demographic and traditional risk factors, a blunted hemodynamic response, a greater decrease in flow-mediated vasodilation, and a greater degree of peripheral vasoconstriction to mental stress were all independently associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes in both cohorts. By adding the cardiovascular reactivity risk score, the C-statistic increased significantly by 10% (P<0.001). Among individuals with stable coronary artery disease, a risk score derived from cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress was predictive of adverse cardiovascular outcomes beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Evaluating the Clinical and Procedural Outcomes of Coronary Angioplasty: Experience of the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakech, Morocco

The management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has evolved considerably since the introduction of transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 1977. This study analyzes acute coronary syndromes hospitalized in the cardiology department and who benefited from angioplasty as well as their outcome. This is a descriptive retrospective study, conducted over a three-year period from January 1, 2012 to December 1, 2014, with a total of 250 patients. In this study, angiographic success was obtained in the majority of cases, with satisfactory restoration of coronary flow. However, some per-procedural complications, such as rhythm disturbances (2.8%) and thromboembolic complications (1.4%), were observed. This study also revealed that 5% of patients experienced a recurrence of infarction within the first six months. Long-term results of primary angioplasty show improved survival and reduced hospitalizations for heart failure. Technological advances, including the use of drug-eluting stents, have significantly improved short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes, reducing complications such as restenosis and increasing overall survival. Patient education on secondary prevention measures, including appropriate lifestyle and regular monitoring, is crucial to reduce recurrences and improve patients’ quality of life in the long term.