Improvement In Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Research Articles

Beyond biventricular pacing: Exploring the advantages of his-bundle pacing and left bundle branch pacing in heart failure-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis compares His-Purkinje system pacing (HPSP), a novel cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) technique that targets the intrinsic conduction system of the heart, with conventional biventricular pacing (BiVP) in heart failure (HF) patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and dyssynchrony. We searched multiple databases up to May 2023 and identified 18 studies (five randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies) involving 1291 patients. The outcome measures were QRS duration, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) change, HF hospitalization, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improvement. We used a random-effects model to calculate odds ratios (OR), and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We also assessed the methodological quality of the studies. The mean LVEF was 30.7% and the mean follow-up duration was 8.1 months. Among LBBP, HBP, and BiVP, HBP provided the shortest QRS duration [MD: -18.84ms, 95% CI: -28.74 to -8.94; p=0.0002], while LBBP showed the greatest improvement in LVEF [MD: 5.74, 95% CI: 2.74 to 7.46; p<0.0001], LVEDD [MD: -5.55mm, 95% CI: -7.51 to -3.59; p<0.00001], and NYHA functional class [MD: -0.58, 95% CI: -0.80 to --0.35; p<0.00001]. However, there was no significant difference in HF hospitalization between HPSP and BiVP. LBBP as modality of HPSP demonstrated superior outcomes in achieving electrical ventricular synchrony and systolic function, as well as alleviating HF symptoms, compared to other pacing techniques.

Prediction of left ventricular ejection fraction improvement in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy after coronary artery bypass grafting based on cardiac magnetic resonance.

To investigate the risk factors of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and to construct a model that predicts LVEF improvement. A retrospective analysis was performed on 106 ICM patients who received CABG and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2017 to June 2022. Patients were divided into two groups with improved LVEF and no improved LVEF based on the results of postoperative 6-month transthoracic echocardiography. To analyze the risk factors affecting the LVEF non-improvement after CABG and establish a prediction model. There was LVEF non-improvement in 30.2% (32/106) of patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the number of transmural scar segments and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) were independent risk factors in LVEF non-improvement after CABG [odds ratio (OR) =2.398, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.607-3.579, P<0.001; OR =1.036, 95% CI: 1.009-1.063, P=0.008]. The model is built and internally verified. ROC showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.866 (95% CI: 0.792-0.940), calibration curve showed that the probability predicted by the model matched well with the clinical results, and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the model had good clinical applicability. During the mean follow-up time of 1.5 years, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in the LVEF non-improvement group was higher (5.4% vs. 25.0%, P=0.009), and the NYHA grading was higher (P=0.016), when compared to the LVEF improvement group. The prediction model based on the number of transmural scar segments and LVESVI has good diagnostic efficacy. Our findings help to identify patients with improved LVEF and thus guide the selection of clinical treatment strategies.

Myocardial infarct size for predicting improvements in cardiac function in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy following coronary artery bypass grafting.

This study used late gadolinium enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) to assess myocardial infarct size, with the data being employed to predict whether patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) would experience improvements in left ventricular function at 6 months following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The data of patients with ICM with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% who underwent CABG were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative LGE-CMR imaging. Echocardiography results from 6 months post-CABG were used to assess improvements in LVEF, with improvement being defined as ΔLVEF ≥5%. The value of myocardial infarction segments and infarct size as predictors of improved cardiac function following CABG was analyzed. Of the included patients, 66.7% (52/78) exhibited improved cardiac function at 6 months post-CABG. LGE-CMR imaging data revealed that compared to improved group, the improved group had significantly more myocardial infarct segments [improved group: median 1.0, interquartile range (IQR) 0-3; nonimproved group: median 4.0, IQR 3.0-6.0; P<0.001] and significantly greater myocardial infarct size (improved group: 22.4%±8.2%; nonimproved group: 34.7%±5.9%; P<0.001). The area under the receive operating characteristic curve values for myocardial infarct size in predicting cardiac function improvement were significantly higher than those of myocardial infarct segments (0.88 vs. 0.81; P=0.041). The respective sensitivity and specificity values for using a myocardial infarct size cutoff of 26.4% in differentiating between these 2 patient groups were 92.3% and 71.2%, respectively. According to logistic regression analysis, myocardial infarct size was an independent predictor of nonimprovement in cardiac function [odds ratio (OR) =1.244; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.114-1.389; P<0.001]. A median 1.6-year follow-up interval (range, 0.5-4.1 years) revealed that the incidences of major adverse cerebrovascular events and cardiovascular events were significantly higher in the nonimproved group (5.8% vs. 26.9%; P<0.001), with these individuals having a higher New York Heart Association grading than patients with improved cardiac function (P=0.019). Myocardial infarct size can be measured to reliably predict improvements in cardiac function in patients with ICM following CABG. These results can guide clinicians in their efforts to identify those patients most likely to achieve positive outcomes following CABG.

Cardiovascular Rehabilitation With a WCD-Data From the CR3 Study (Cardiac Rehab Retrospective Review).

Patients at risk for sudden cardiac death may temporarily need a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has a class I recommendation in patients with cardiac disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of undergoing CR with a WCD. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with a WCD who completed a CR in Austria (2010-2020). Patients (n = 55, 60 ± 11 yr, 16% female) with a median baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 36 (30, 41)% at the start of CR showed a daily WCD wearing duration of 23.4 (22, 24) hr. There were 2848 (8 [1, 26]/patient) automatic alarms and 340 (3 [1, 7]/patient) manual alarms generated. No shocks were delivered by the WCD during the CR period. One patient had recurrent hemodynamically tolerated ventricular tachycardias that were controlled with antiarrhythmic drugs.No severe WCD-associated adverse events occurred during the CR stay of a median 28 (28, 28) d. The fabric garment and the device setting needed to be adjusted in two patients to diminish inappropriate automatic alarms. Left ventricular ejection fraction after CR increased significantly to 42 (30, 44)% ( P < .001). Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy was stopped due to LVEF restitution in 53% of patients. In 36% of patients an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted, 6% had LVEF improvement after coronary revascularization, one patient received a heart transplantation (2%), two patients discontinued WCD treatment at their own request (4%). Completing CR is feasible and safe for WCD patients and may contribute positively to the restitution of cardiac function.

In Situ Transesophageal Echocardiography During Electrical Cardioversion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation—Safety and Echocardiographic Findings

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can reliably detect left atrial (LA) and LA appendage (LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) before electrical cardioversion (ECV). However, evaluating cardiac and valve function pre-ECV can be challenging due to the increased and irregular heart rate. Additionally, post-ECV atrial stunning increases the risk of LAA thrombosis. Therefore, post-ECV TEE may allow for useful appendage, ventricular, and valve function assessment. However, the safety and usefulness of leaving the TEE probe in situ during ECV for post-ECV cardiac evaluation in clinical practice have not been previously evaluated. We analyzed 37 out of 86 consecutive patients who had the TEE probe left in situ, for clinical reasons, during ECV by a single operator between February 20, 2019, and January 3, 2023. We examined changes in left ventricular (LV) function, dynamic changes in valvular regurgitation, electromechanical coupling of the left atrium, and qualitative spontaneous echo contrast. We also assessed the presence of any complications related to the periprocedural TEE exam. The mean age of the patients was 74±9.65years, and 29 (78%) were male. The periprocedural TEE time ranged from 7 to 55minutes, with an average of 20.78minutes. Immediately after ECV and restoration of normal sinus rhythm, there was an improvement in LV ejection fraction (47%±11.9% vs 40%±15.8%; P=.035). There was also a reduction in baseline mitral regurgitation of greater than moderate degree. However, spontaneous echo contrast worsened in the LAA in 11 (31.4%) patients. Additionally, 1 patient developed a new LAA thrombus, and 24 patients (72%) had evidence of electromechanical coupling with Doppler evidence of LA contraction. Clinically significant degenerative aortic and mitral stenosis were identified in 8% and mild or greater aortic regurgitation in 8% of patients post-ECV. No procedural complications were observed. In situ TEE before, during, and after ECV is safe and provides useful clinical information regarding immediate cardiac changes after ECV, with diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Comparison of de novo implantation vs. upgrade cardiac resynchronisation therapy: a multicentre experience

Background The clinical safety and consequences of upgrade procedures compared with de novo cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) implantation in heart failure remain unclear. The present study aimed to assess clinical and procedural consequences of patients undergoing CRT upgrade as compared to de novo CRT implantations. Methods In this prospective cohort study, two subgroups were considered as the study population as (1) de novo group that CRT was considered on optimised medical treatment with heart failure of NYHA functional class from II to IV, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤35%, and QRS width of >130 ms and (2) upgrade group including the patients with previously implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with the indications for upgrading to CRT. The two groups were compared regarding the changes in clinical outcome and echocardiography parameters. Results The procedure was successful in 95.9% of patients who underwent CRT upgrade and 100% of those who underwent de novo CRT implantation. It showed a significant improvement in LVEF, severity of mitral regurgitation and NYHA functional classification, without any difference between the two study groups. Overall procedural related complications were reported in 10.8% and 3.8% (p = .093) and cardiac death in 5.4% and 2.5% (p = .360), respectively, with no overall difference in postoperative outcome between the two groups. Conclusions Upgrading to CRT is a safe and effective procedure regarding improvement of functional class, left ventricular function status and post-procedural outcome.

Catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter improves cardiac chamber size and function.

Cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter (AFL) is one of the most common atrial arrhythmias involving the right atrium (RA) for which radiofrequency catheter ablation has been widely used as a therapy of choice. However, there is limited data on the effect of this intervention on cardiac size and function. A retrospective study was conducted on 468 patients who underwent ablation for CTI dependent typical AFL at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. After excluding patients with congenital or rheumatic heart disease, heart transplant recipients, or those without baseline echocardiogram, a total of 130 patients were included in the analysis. Echocardiographic data were analyzed at baseline before ablation, and at early follow-up within 1-year postablation. Follow-up echocardiographic data was available for 55 patients. Of the 55 patients with CTI-AFL, the mean age was 64.2 ± 14.8 years old with 14.5% (n = 8) female. The average left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) significantly improved on follow-up echo (40.2 ± 16.9 to 50.4 ± 14.9%, p < .0001), of which 50% of patients had an improvement in LVEF of at least 10%. There was a significant reduction in left atrial volume index (82.74 ± 28.5 to 72.96 ± 28 mL/m2 , p = .008) and RA volume index (70.62 ± 25.6 to 64.15 ± 31 mL/m2 , p = .046), and a significant improvement in left atrial reservoir strain (13.04 ± 6.8 to 19.10 ± 7.7, p < .0001). Patients who underwent CTI dependent AFL ablation showed an improvement in cardiac size and function at follow-up evaluation. While long-term results are still unknown, these findings indicate that restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with typical AFL is associated with improvement in atrial size and left ventricular function.

Female gender is an independent predictor of clinical benefit from cardiac resynchronisation therapy - results from the BIOWOMEN study

Abstract Background Presently, only indirect evidence indicates that women may benefit more from CRT than men. Since some gender-specific baseline variables are related to CRT benefit, it is unclear whether gender by itself is predictive of CRT benefit after correction for all these differences. We aimed to examine the impact of gender-specific differences on CRT response. Methods The BIOWOMEN study is a prospective, multicenter, international study, that enrolled 206 women and 214 men with a standard indication for CRT. The change in left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 12 months follow-up after CRT was used as a primary endpoint to measure CRT benefit. The LVEF was quantified by a core lab blinded to gender and other patient characteristics. We used a median split to dichotomize continuous variables, if required. Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to identify baseline variables that are connected to an increase in LVEF. The latter model allows to estimate the change in LVEF that can be attributed to gender and other baseline variables. Results At baseline, women and men had similar LVEF, age and QRS duration, but there was a significant difference in the presence of left bundle branch block (88.3% vs. 79.9%, P=0.023). Women had less often ischemic heart disease (18.4% vs. 51.4%, P&amp;lt;0.001) and previous history of myocardial infarction (MI, 6.8% vs. 32.2%, P&amp;lt;0.001), but more severe heart failure symptoms (NYHA I/II/III 7%/51%/42% vs. 10%/63%/27%, P=0.019) and a shorter 6 minute walk test (345±117 vs. 409±148 m, P&amp;lt;0.001). In univariate analysis, women presented a significantly larger gain of 3.1 points in LVEF (+14.6±12.4% vs. +11.5±11.6%, P=0.004) compared to men. Additionally, the rate of CRT responders (defined as an improvement in LVEF &amp;gt;5%) was higher in women (82.0% vs. 70.6%, p=0.008). Other variables predictive of larger improvement in LVEF were LBBB (13.9±11.9% vs. 8.4±12.2%, P&amp;lt;0.001), NYHA I compared to NYHA II or III (I: 18.4±11.8%; II: 12.2±12.0%; III: 13.1±12.0%), no history of MI (14.0±11.6% vs. 8.9±13.0%, P&amp;lt;0.001), and an LVEF &amp;lt;32% at baseline (16.9±11.8% vs. 9.7±11.3%, P&amp;lt; 0.001). In multivariate analysis, female gender remained a significant predictor of a better improvement in LVEF (+2.6% absolute, P=0.036). Other significant predictors were LBBB (+5.2%, P&amp;lt;0.001), NYHA I (+6.9%, P&amp;lt;0.001 vs. NYHA II and +6.3%, P=0.004 vs. NYHA III), no history of MI (+4.1%, P=0.007), baseline LVEF &amp;lt;32% (+7.5%, P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Gender has an important impact on the relevant baseline clinical differences that determine CRT response. Whereas women more often have LBBB and no prior-MI, suggesting more benefit from CRT, the BIOWOMEN study shows for the first time that female gender itself is linked to a larger clinical benefit from CRT. These gender-based baseline parameters need to be considered in daily clinical practice when screening patients for CRT, with particular attention to females.

Personalized cardiac resynchronization therapy guided by real-time electrocardiographic imaging for non-left bundle branch block patients

Abstract Background Heart failure patients with non-left bundle branch block (non-LBBB) QRS pattern have limited response rate to biventricular pacing (BVP). Objective A personalized cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation approach guided by real-time electrocardiographic imaging (ECGi) was studied. Methods Twenty patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, QRS duration ≥120ms and non-LBBB (13 right bundle branch block and 7 intraventricular conduction delay) were recruited. During CRT implantation, right atrial, right ventricular, coronary sinus, His-bundle and/or Left-bundle leads were inserted. The total activation time (TAT) with different pacing combinations were measured real-time during implantation by ECGi. The configuration producing shortest TAT would be chosen. Clinical response was defined as ≥1 New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement. Echocardiographic response was defined as LV end systolic volume reduction ≥15% and/or LVEF improvement ≥10% at 6-months. Results After ECGi guided CRT implantation, LVEF improved from 26±6% to 34±11% (both p&amp;lt;0.01) and NYHA class improved from 3.0±0.5 to 2.0±0.6 (p&amp;lt;0.01). Both clinical and echocardiographic response rates were 70%. ECGi approach resulted in better acute electrical resynchronization over BVP as measured by TAT reduction (40% vs 14%, p&amp;lt;0.01). Percentage of TAT reduction was found to be a strong predicator for echocardiographic response (AUC for ROC curve 0.91, 95% CI 0.78 – 1.00). A strong positive correlation between percentage TAT reduction and percentage LVEF improvement (Pearson R 0.70, p=0.001) was found. Conclusions ECGi guided CRT implantation in non-LBBB patients generates superior acute electrical resynchronization compared with BVP and is associated with favorable clinical and echocardiographic outcomes.

Melanocortin 1 receptor deficiency protects against pathological cardiac hypertrophy

Abstract Background The melanocortin system, including adrenocorticotropic hormone, melanocyte-stimulating hormones and five melanocortin receptors (MC-R), regulates important physiological functions such as pigmentation and energy homeostasis. It has been also recently implicated in the regulation of pathological cardiac remodeling but the role of different MC-R subtypes in the heart remain unknown. Purpose Based on the abundant cardiac expression of MC1-R, we hypothesized that it is functionally active in the heart and regulates pathological cardiac remodeling. Methods Rat H9c2 cells were used to study the effects of the selective MC1-R agonist LD211 on intracellular signaling cascades, gene expression and cellular growth response by using Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR and 3H-leucine incorporation assay, respectively. Recessive yellow mice (Mc1re/e) were used as a model of global MC1-R deficiency. Inducible cardiomyocyte-specific MC1-R knockout mouse model (Mc1r-cKO) was engineered by intercrossing MC1-R floxed mice (Mc1rfl/fl) with tamoxifen-inducible Myh6-MerCreMer transgenic mice (Myh6-MCM). Mc1re/e and Mc1r-cKO mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC, 8 wks) or subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II, 4 wks) to induce pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac structure and function were measured by echocardiography and by histological examination of H&amp;E-stained heart sections. Results Treatment of H9c2 cells with LD211 increased MAP-kinase p-38 phosphorylation (+53 %, P=0.005 vs control), upregulated the expression of B-type natriuretic peptide (Nppb, +40 %, P=0.03 vs control) and increased 3H-leucine incorporation (+27 %, P=0.006 vs control). Mc1re/e mice showed reduction in ventricular weight (-29 mg, P=0.03) compared to WT mice after TAC operation, and reduced left ventricular (LV) expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (Nppa) and fibrosis-related genes (Ctgf and Mmp2). In terms of LV systolic performance, TAC-operated Mc1re/e mice showed tendency towards improved LV ejection fraction (EF, +6 %, P=0.06) compared to WT mice. To further investigate whether the phenotype of Mc1re/e mice is driven by deficient MC1-R signaling in cardiomyocytes, we characterized Mc1r-cKO mice, which recapitulated the phenotypic features of Mc1re/e mice. Specifically, TAC-operated Mc1r-cKO mice displayed reduced ventricular weight (-38 mg, P=0.007) and downregulation of LV expression of Nppa and fibrosis-related genes compared to Myh6-MCM mice. Likewise, in a model of Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy, Mc1r-cKO mice showed reduced ventricular weight (-10 mg, P=0.015) compared to Myh6-MCM mice, indicating that the protection against pathological cardiac hypertrophy was model-independent. Conclusion Our studies demonstrate that MC1-R activation promotes cardiomyocyte growth in vitro, while global and cardiomyocyte-specific MC1-R deficiency protects against pathological cardiac hypertrophy induced by TAC or Ang II infusion.

Left bundle branch block cardiomyopathy: an intriguing and defiant entity from diagnosis to treatment

Abstract Introduction and objectives Left bundle branch block cardiomyopathy (LBBB-CM) is an increasingly recognized entity, where electromechanical dyssynchrony seems to play a central role in left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) development. This is a challenging and scarcely studied topic, as causality dilemma between LBBB and LVD is still unsolved. Our aim is to increase current evidence on the subject by analyzing a population of idiopathic LBBB patients (pts) who developed, at some point, LVD not explained by other causes. Methods Retrospective study of LBBB adult pts screened from a large tertiary care hospital electrocardiographic database from 2011 to 2017. After careful evaluation, only possible LBBB-CM pts with serial follow-up (FU) echocardiographic and clinical data were included in the analysis. Results 53 pts were identified as possible LBBB-CMP. At baseline, 44% presented left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)&amp;gt;50%, while 56% had LVD. 51% were female and mean age at first-ever LBBB report was 59 years-old. All cohort presented echocardiographic mechanical desynchrony, and additional testing to exclude other causes of LVD (non-invasive ischemia testing in 78%; coronariography in 68%; cardiac magnetic resonance in 38%). Median FU time was 10 years. Worst-LVD was reported as severe in 49% of pts, moderate in 23% and mild in 28%. Median time-to-dysfunction in those with initial LVEF&amp;gt;50% was 8 years. 77% of pts presented heart-failure (HF) symptoms. 40% and 42% presented at least 1 CV event and CV hospitalization, respectively. Most events and/or hospitalizations were due to acute decompensated HF. 2 CV deaths were observed. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices were implanted in 47% of pts. All presented clinical improvement after implantation, and LVEF significantly increased (pre-CRT median LVEF of 24% vs 48% post-CRT; p&amp;lt;0.001). When comparing pts with vs without CRT (Figure 1), better LVEF improvements were achieved in CRT group (median LVEF improvement of 27% in CRT vs 11%; p&amp;lt;0.001). Repeating the latter analysis in pts who only presented at least moderate dysfunction, higher LVEF increase was also reported in CRT group (median LVEF improvement of 27% in CRT pts vs 14%; p=0.002), and significantly more CRT pts recovered LV function (50% CRT vs 14% non-CRT; p=0.028). Notably, no differences were found in rates of medical HF therapy between groups (p=1). Conclusion Our data shows LBBB-CM as a diagnosis of exclusion, where careful evaluation of other LVD etiologies should be performed and discarded. We highlight important morbidity rates in this population, namely HF hospitalizations, as well as the apparently critical role of CRT implantation in these pts. All our CRT pts responded excellently to the therapy. Thus, our study raises awareness to the emerging question of whether this entity can be reversed after LBBB correction with CRT and if early intervention would be desirable.Figure 1

Clinical efficacy of catheter ablation versus medical rate control among patients with atrial fibrillation across heart failure phenotypes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. It frequently co-exists with heart failure (HF) with complex dynamic interactions. Trials comparing rate and rhythm control strategies with the latter based on anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) failed to show benefit of one strategy over the other. Therefore, it is still unclear what constitutes an ideal AF management, especially in the context of HF. Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between catheter ablation and medical rate control among patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure Study Selection Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing catheter ablation and medical rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure were selected for review. Methods Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting clinical outcomes of catheter ablation versus medical rate control for AF in HF patients with &amp;gt; 6 months follow-up. Primary endpoint was change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Secondary endpoints were 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, quality of life (QoL), BNP levels, and number of adverse events. Results Five RCTs with 615 patients were included in the analysis. Patients in the catheter ablation had greater improvement in LVEF (WMD 7.38, 95%CI: p &amp;lt; 0.001), longer 6-min walk distance (WMD 17.41, CI 95%: p &amp;lt; 0.0001), lower Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) scores (WMD -6.21, CI 95%: p &amp;lt; 0.00001), and lower BNP levels (WMD -113.1 ng/L, CI 95%: p &amp;lt; 0.00001), compared with medical rate control. However, catheter ablation group had higher rates of adverse events mostly from procedural complications (RR 2.2, CI 95%: p = 0.005). Conclusion Catheter ablation is superior to medical rate control in terms of LVEF improvement, increase in functional status, reduction in biomarker, and better quality of life among patients with AF and HF.

The use of wearable cardioverter defibrillator among patients suffering from myocarditis: data from a multicenter registry

Abstract Background Data on the use of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) among patients suffering from myocarditis in a large cohort remains sparse. Subsequently several guidelines give a different recommendation regarding WCD indication in this cohort. Methods 1596 patients were included in a multicenter registry from ten European centers. Among this cohort 132 (8%) patients received a WCD due to myocarditis. The mean follow-up time of the whole cohort was 620.2±607.8 days. The presence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and/or WCD shocks during WCD use were evaluated. Results The mean age of patients was 52.5±16.3 years (75% males). 20% of patients suffered from atrial fibrillation, 17% diabetes mellitus, 40% were smoker and 38.9% suffered from arterial hypertension. The body-mass-index (BMI) of the cohort was 27.8±5.7 kg/m². The initial left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 33.4±14.6% and increased to 45.9±13.2% (p&amp;lt;0.05) over long-term follow-up. Patient were discharged on ACE-inhibitors (62.5%), ARNI (21.2%), aldosterone-antagonist (50%), beta-blockers (89.5%) and amiodarone (13.6%). An improvement of LVEF (LVEF&amp;gt;35%) was documented in 81.2% of patients. The BNP level was at baseline 7401±30584 pg/ml and decreased to 530±803 pg/ml (p&amp;lt;0.05) over long-term follow-up. The wear duration was 78.5±51.5 days and 34% of patients wore the WCD for longer than 90 days. The wear-hours per day were 21.1±4.8 hours. In 3.1% sustained ventricular tachycardia, 0.8% ventricular fibrillation and 9.1% non-sustained ventricular tachycardia were documented. Subsequently 3% of patients suffered from an appropriate WCD shock. The rate of inappropriate WCD shock was 0.8%. Patients suffering from WCD shock were at age 31, 31, 61, 24 and 51 years and suffered a former non-sustained ventricular tachycardia before receiving a WCD. Among these patients suffering from appropriate WCD shock only two patients showed an LVEF&amp;lt;35%. Among the myocarditis patients 48% suffered from a former ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation and therefore received a WCD. Conclusions Myocarditis patients can be effectively protected by WCD and may benefit from its’ use. WCD shock occurred also in patients with an LVEF &amp;gt;35%.

Effects of percutaneous coronary intervention on improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction among chronic coronary syndrome patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Abstract Background At present, the therapeutic effects in response to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) remain unclear. Methods Based on the Cardiorenal ImprovemeNt (CIN) cohort study (NCT04407936), we analyzed data of 468 hemodynamically-stable CCS patients with LVSD accepting guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) from January 2007 to December 2018. The primary outcome was the improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and long-term cardiac death. The association between PCI treatment combined with GDMT (PCI-GDMT) and LVEF improvement was evaluated by using propensity score matching (PSM) and logistics regression analysis. Results Of the 468 patients included in the study, 135 (28.8%) with GDMT alone and 333 (71.2%) cases were treated with PCI-GDMT. Patients undergoing PCI showed remarkably more vessel lesions but have better cardiac function. After fully adjusting for confounders, the LVEF among CCS patients with LVSD accepting PCI-GDMT were less likely to improve compared with GDMT alone [after PSM: risk adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.88, P = 0.02]. Also, PCI therapy may did not bring significant long-term outcome benefit [all-cause death: risk adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.00, 95% CI:0.62-1.62, P = 0.99; cardiac death: aHR 0.61, 95% CI:0.31-1.24, P = 0.17]. Conclusions Our cohort suggested that PCI treatment may not favor to the improvement of LVEF and not show significant differences in long-term outcome among hemodynamically-stable CCS patients with LVSD.Central Illustration

Dapagliflozin effect on functional mitral regurgitation and myocardial remodeling (DEFORM trial)

Abstract Background Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) has already been demonstrated to lead to various adverse outcomes. However, the therapeutic effect of current guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in FMR still remained limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor dapagliflozin in reducing the extent of mitral regurgitation and myocardial remodeling in FMR patients. Methods In this prospective, randomized, parallel controlled trial, we randomly assigned 104 patients with moderate or severe FMR in a 1:1 ratio to receive either dapagliflozin 10mg once daily or not in addition to GDMT for FMR and follow-up for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) of mitral regurgitation. Secondary outcomes included changes in regurgitant volume (RV), left atrial dimension (LAD), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESd), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDd), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and E/e’ ratio. Furthermore, we additionally compared the occurrence rate of hospitalization for heart failure or cardiac death between groups. Results Dapagliflozin was associated with a significant reduction in EROA of FMR (-0.074±0.099 vs -0.030±0.058 cm2for dapagliflozin vs. control, P=0.008). Dapagliflozin was also associated with significant reduction of RV (-9.08±15.27 vs. -2.98±9.28 ml for dapagliflozin vs. control, P=0.017), LAD (-2.45±4.44 vs. -0.36±3.08 mm for dapagliflozin vs. control, P=0.007) and E/e’ ratio (-5.88±7.41 vs -1.98±7.63 for dapagliflozin vs. control, P=0.011), and improvement in LVEF (6.57±10.10 vs. 1.92±9.57 for dapagliflozin vs. control, P=0.017). There were no significant differences in the changes of LVESd (P=0.662) and LVEDd (P=0.677) between groups. Hospitalization for heart failure occurred in 6 patients of dapagliflozin group (11.5%) and 10 patients of control group (19.2%) (log-rank test, P=0.257), and 1 patient in dapagliflozin group (1.9%) and 2 patients in control group (3.8%) had cardiac death during the 12-week follow-up (log-rank test, P=0.552). Conclusion Dapagliflozin could further reduce the extent of mitral regurgitation and improve myocardial remodeling in FMR patients based on the current GDMT. Our findings suggest that SGLT-2 inhibitors might be considered for GDMT of patients with moderate or severe FMR.

Characterization and prognostic impact of ischemic etiology in heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Abstract Introduction and objectives Ischemic heart disease is the cause of 50-60% of cases of heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HF-rEF). The impact of ischemic etiology on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement and prognosis remains unclear. Our main objective was to analyze the differential clinical profile between ischemic and non-ischemic etiology, as well as its medium-to-long term prognosis. Methods Prospective study of a cohort of patients with HF-rEF in real clinical practice. A comparative analysis was performed between patients with HF-rEF of non-ischemic etiology (Group 1) and ischemic etiology (Group 2). Clinical, analytical, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables were analyzed, and the medium-to-long term impact in terms of mortality and hospital readmissions for HF was evaluated. Results 409 patients were analyzed. 276 patients (67.5%) had non-ischemic etiology and 133 patients (32.5%) had ischemic etiology. Group 2 was older (65.8±13.3vs70.8±10.3;p&amp;lt;0.001), more men (68.1%vs86.5%;p&amp;lt;0.001), higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (62.3%vs76.7%;p = 0.004), diabetes mellitus (38.8%vs67.7%; p&amp;lt;0.001), dyslipemia (52.4%vs82.7%;p&amp;lt;0.001), chronic kidney disease (34.4%vs56.4%;p&amp;lt;0.001), anemia (24.3%vs47.4%;p&amp;lt;0.001) and vascular comorbidity (25.7%vs54.9%;p&amp;lt;0.001) and lower prevalence of atrial fibrillation (56.2%vs44.4%;p = 0.025). In Group 2 there was a lower proportion of de novo HF (60.1%vs45.1%;p = 0.004) with longer HF evolution time (24.4±48.8vs61.5±89.3; p&amp;lt;0.001), a lower proportion of patients improving LVEF at follow-up (51.6%vs21.1%;p&amp;lt;0.001) and a higher baseline NTproBNP concentration [4463(IQR 1976-10431)vs5746(IQR 2336.5-13789);p = 0.039]. Regarding baseline treatment, in Group 1 there was a higher prescription of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (78.3%vs63.9%;p = 0.002) and less ICD implantation (6.5vs14.3%;p = 0.01), with no differences in the rest of the treatment. With a mean follow-up of 60 months, Group 2 had a higher readmission rate (39%vs50.3%;p&amp;lt;0.01) and higher HF mortality (26.8%vs41%;p&amp;lt;0.01), with differences from early stages. Conclusions Patients with HF-rEF of ischemic etiology associate a greater number of comorbidities, a lower percentage of de novo HF, longer time of HF evolution, lower percentage of LVEF improvement and higher baseline NTproBNP.

Association between epicardial adipose tissue volume and follow-up echocardiographic outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background The epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) plays important physiological and pathological roles in the regulation of myocardial function. Among obese patients, the development of inflammatory EAT precipitates myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. Recent studies highlighted the possible divergent role of EAT in the pathophysiology of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the effect of EAT on left ventricular remodelling among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear. Purpose According to the previous our study, patients with ACS had a higher EAT volume. This study evaluated the association of the EAT volume with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) changes over time among patients with ACS. Method This prospective single-centre study selected 197 consecutive Japanese patients, who were hospitalised for ACS between June 2011 and November 2014. Among them, 143 (120 males, 23 females, mean age 64±12 years) patients underwent follow-up with serial echocardiograms. The EAT volume was measured using a multi-slice computed tomography in the hospital. Echocardiography was performed during their hospitalization and follow-up examinations for the next 3 (mean 3.2±1.8) years. They were divided into three groups according to the LVEF: HFrEF, heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and HFpEF. Results No correlation existed between the EAT volume at the onset of ACS and LVEF during the follow-up (r=0.033, p=0.695). The peak creatine phosphokinase at ACS onset exhibited the strongest correlation with chronic ejection fraction (r=-0.512, p&amp;lt;0.01). In the chronic phase, the patients with HFrEF had the highest EAT volume (HFrEF, 134±38 ml; HFmrEF, 102±35 ml; and HFpEF, 120±51 ml; p=0.042). However, there was no correlation between the EAT volume and LVEF changes during the follow-up (r=-0.058, p=0.518) (Figure 1). The change in LVEF was not statistically significant among the three groups (HFrEF -4.8±11 %, HFmrEF -1.2±10 % and HFpEF 0.1±9 %, p=0.156). Among patients with chronic HFmrEF and HFpEF, the EAT volume was positively correlated with the body mass index (r=0.373, p=0.029 and r=0.453, p&amp;lt;0.01, respectively). This correlation was not found in patients with chronic HFrEF (Figure 2). Conclusion There was no association between the EAT volume and improvements in LVEF after a follow-up period of 3 years among patients with ACS. Patients with chronic HFrEF had a significantly higher EAT volume despite having a non-obese body mass index. Non obese ACS patients with increased EAT may be prone to HFrEF in the chronic phase.Figure 1Figure 2

Cardiac resynchronosation and left ventricular ejection fraction improvement with single ventricular conduction pacing system lead

Abstract Background Conduction system pacing is a new modality to obtain physiologic pacing (PP) and normal to near normal cardiac synchrony; they often obtain shorter QRS durations and they could replace the need of Bi-V (CRT) implants if LVEF improves as much with less leads implanted. Methods From our cohort of 340 physiologic pacing attempts (2019-2023), we extracted all patients (pts) with available ultrasounds before and after implants, aiming to describe the variation of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) over time; all attempts, including failures were analyzed. Results A total of 146 pts completed follow-up LVEF evaluation. Pts were 36,8% females; median age was 79 +/- 8.5 years. Indications were: SSS 25%, AV block 41% (including 11 post TAVR), Pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy (PIMC) 27% and AV node ablation in 7%. Success to achieve cardiac resynchronisation (defined as a QRS shorter than 140ms and a LVAT shorter than 90ms, or 20% reduction in QRS width) was obtained in 82,6% of pts (higher success rate achieved with LBB-P: 88,4% vs 55,5% for His-P). Procedural time (pts in-out) was 88min (+/- 37min). Pts with a QRS larger than 150ms (CRT indication) were 49% of the cohort. Patients with a LVEF less than 50% accounted for 54,8% of the cohort. Mean QRS duration was 141,9ms (+/-36) pre-implant and 129,3ms (+/- 19) post implant. Mean LVEF was 43,6% (+/- 14) before implant and increased to 50,2% (+/-12) post implant for the entire cohort, in pts with CRT indication, variation persisted: mean LVEF improved from 33,2 to 43,8% and QRS duration from 172,9 to 136,8ms. Pts with less than 50% LVEF had a response rate of 75,5% (increase in LVEF from 4-41%), and 33% of patients increase their LEVF between 10-30% (deemed super responders), only one pt decrease 10% her LVEF (a His failure implant). Conclusion Cardiac resynchronisation is feasible with only one ventricular lead, potentially with longer duration of batteries and lesser costs. Response rate is similar to CRT historical controls but super responders are twice to three times higher than historical controls.

The prognostic impact of follow-up cardiac Metaiodobenzylguanidine imaging: relation to differential trajectories in left ventricular ejection fraction after acute decompensation

Abstract Background Cardiac metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging provides prognostic information in patients with heart failure (HF). Recently, the trajectory of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has been focused in patients with reduced LVEF admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We sought to prospectively investigate the prognostic value of the follow-up cardiac MIBG imaging in ADHF patients with reduced LVEF, in relation to LVEF trajectory. Methods We prospectively studied 145 ADHF patients with reduced LVEF&amp;lt;40%. The cardiac MIBG heart-to-mediastinum ratio (late HMR) was measured on the delayed image at the discharge and 6 months’ follow-up (6FUP). HF recovered LVEF (HFrecEF) was defined as those with a second measurement of LVEF at 6FUP of ≥ 40% with a 10-point increase from baseline LVEF, according to the previous report. Furthermore, in the present study, HFrecEF was classified into the two groups; patients with partial recovery of LVEF (≥40%, &amp;lt;50%) (HFparEF) and complete recovery of LVEF (≥50%) (HFcorEF). The endpoint was a cardiac event (CE) defined as a composite of cardiac death and unplanned hospitalization for worsening HF. Results At 6 months after the discharge, HFrecEF was observed in 97 (67%) of 145 study patients and the remaining 48 (33%) patients did not have HFrecEF (HFnorEF). In the subgroup of HFrecEF, 43 (30%) patients had HFparEF and 54 (37%) patients had HFcorEF. Late HMR at 6FUP in HFcorEF patients was significantly greater than those in HFparEF and HFnorEF patients, which was also observed at the discharge with non-significant difference. The change of late HMR significantly correlated with the improvement in LVEF (r=0.33, p&amp;lt;0.001). During a follow-up period of 4.3 ± 2.6 years, 28 patients in HFnorEF, 11 patients in HFparEF and 4 patients in HFcorEF had CEs, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that HFnorEF patients had a significantly higher risk of cardiac events than those with HFparEF and HFcorEF. (58.3% vs 25.6% vs 7.4% P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Patients with lower late HMR at 6FUP had a greater risk of CEs than those with higher late HR at 6FUP in HFrecEF, especially in HFparEF, which was not observed in HFnorEF subgroup. Conclusion The follow-up MIBG imaging after the discharge could provide the additional prognostic information in ADHF patients with recovered LV function.

Role of beta-3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism TRY64ARG in heart failure

Abstract Introduction The TRY64ARG polymorphism of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor has been associated with the onset and maintenance of hypertension, diabetes and obesity, its role in heart failure has not been studied. Objectives To examine the role of the TRY64ARG beta-3 adrenergic receptor in the improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with Heart Failure due to ischemic heart disease. Methods This study is a retrospective analysis based on a 5-year follow-up of patients with heart failure with decreased LVEF due to ischemic heart disease. Results We studied a sample of 338 patients with decreased LVEF collected from our Genetic database during the period of time from January 2012 to December 2016. In the scrutiny 26 patients did not have complete data for analysis, resulting in a final sample of 312 patients with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. The mean age was 58.9 years (SD 14), 72% of the population were men (n = 244), the frequency of hypertension was 168 (53.85%), diabetes 119 (38.14%), obesity (18.27%). The definition of LVEF improvement was defined as an incremental in more than 15%. There was no statistical difference in the medical treatment and revascularization methods. Patients with the TRY64ARG β3 adrenergic polymorphism present less improvement in the LVEF (42% vs 58%, p&amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions The expression of the TRY64ARG polymorphism of the beta-3 adrenergic receptor in patients with HF and low LVEF is related to a lack of incremental LVEF at 5 years.