Increase In Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Research Articles

Role of aortic valve replacement in moderate aortic stenosis: a 10-year outcomes study

ObjectivePatients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) exhibit high morbidity and mortality. Limited evidence exists on the role of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in this patient population. To investigate the benefit...

Aortic pulse wave analysis and functional capacity of heart transplantation candidates: a pilot study

We compared cardiovascular parameters obtained with the Mobil-O-Graph and functional capacity assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) before and after Heart Transplantation (HT) and also compared the cardiovascular parameters and the functional capacity of candidates for HT with a control group. Peripheral and central vascular pressures increased after surgery. Similar results were observed in cardiac output and pulse wave velocity. The significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) postoperatively was not followed by an increase in the functional capacity. 24 candidates for HT and 24 controls were also compared. Functional capacity was significantly lower in the HT candidates compared to controls. Stroke volume, systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure measured peripherally and centrally were lower in the HT candidates when compared to controls. Despite the significant increase in peripheral and central blood pressures after surgery, the patients were normotensive. The 143.85% increase in LVEF in the postoperative period was not able to positively affect functional capacity. Furthermore, the lower values of LVEF, systolic volume, central and peripheral arterial pressures in the candidates for HT are consistent with the characteristics signs of advanced heart failure, negatively impacting functional capacity, as observed by the lower DASI score.

A Comparison of the Association of Septal Scar Burden on Responses to LBBAP-CRT and BVP-CRT.

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is an alternative to biventricular pacing (BVP) for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, despite the presence of left bundle branch block, whether cardiac substrate may influence the effect between the 2 strategies is unclear. This study aims to assess the association of septal scar on reverse remodeling and clinical outcomes of LBBAP compared with BVP. We analyzed patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who had CRT indications undergoing preprocedure cardiac magnetic resonance examination. Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and echocardiographic response (ER,≥5% absolute LVEF increase) were assessed at 6months. The clinical outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, or major ventricular arrhythmia. There were 147 patients included (51 LBBAP and 96 BVP). Among patients with low septal scar burden (below median 5.7%, range: 0 to 5.3%), LVEF improvement was higher in the LBBAP than the BVP group (17.5% ± 10.9% vs 12.3% ± 11.8%; P=0.037), with more than 3-fold increased odds of ER (odds ratio: 4.35; P=0.033). In high sepal scar subgroups (≥5.7%, range: 5.7% to 65.9%), BVP trended towards higher LVEF improvement (9.2% ± 9.4% vs 6.4% ± 12.4%; P=0.085). Interaction between septal scar burden and pacing strategy was significant for ER (P=0.002) and LVEF improvement (P=0.011) after propensity score adjustment. During median follow-up of 33.7 (Q1-Q3: 19.8 to 42.1) months, the composite clinical outcome occurred in 34.7% (n=51) of patients. The high-burden subgroups had worse clinical outcomes independent of CRT method. Remodeling response to LBBAP and BVP among nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients is modified by septal scar burden. High septal scar burden was associated with poor clinical prognosis independent of CRT methods.

DIGITALIZATION OF THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM IN THE OPTIMIZATION OF THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC CORONARY SYNDROMES WITH THE USE OF RANOLAZINE

Aim – to evaluate the effectiveness of ranolazine in optimizing the treatment of acute and chronic coronary syndromes, using the capabilities of a differentiated electrocardiogram.Material and methods. 135 patients were involved in the study: 45 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 90 patients with stable angina pectoris (SA), functional class II-III. Depending on the treatment received, patients with STEMI were divided into group I, with inclusion in basic therapy of ranolazine (Pn), which consisted of 30 people, and control group II, which included 15 patients who received only basic therapy (K). People with SA were divided into three groups depending on the drugs included in the complex therapy (antiplatelet agents, statins and nitrates): group A - 30 patients additionally took lercanidipine and enalapril as part of the "polypill" drug (LE), group B - 30 people who received lercanidipine and enalapril as part of the "polypill" drug and ranolazine (LE+Rn), group V - 30 participants who took ramipril and ranolazine (Pm+Pn). The duration of treatment was 30 days. All patients were interviewed according to the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire with the EQ-VAS visual analog scale, carried out echocardiography and electrocardiogram (ECG) with digitalization of its indicators using the "Smart-ECG" medical software.Results. In patients with STEMI in group I (Rn) we noted increasing in quality of life (40.00 (30.00; 50.00), Δ +100.00%, p<0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (50.50 (44.50; 55.00) %, Δ +6.93% (р<0.001) and the ratio of maximal speed (MSR) in the ischemic zone (0.64 (0.55; 0.71), Δ +76.56%, p<0.001). The frequency of increasing of MSR in the ischemic zone was significantly higher when ranolazine was included in the basic treatment (OR=7.000; 95% CI: 1.167; 42.001, p=0.020). An increase in the quality of life and a decrease in MSR in lead V2 (marker lead to assess LV hypertrophy) were observed in all groups of SA (in all cases p<0.05). In group B (LE+Rn), the greatest increase in LVEF was recorded (57.00 (55.25; 60.75) %, Δ +8.77 %, p<0.001). An increase of MSR in the ischemic zone was observed in group B (LE+Pn) (1.02 (0.62; 1.18), Δ +17.65%, p<0.001) and in group V (Pm+Pn) (0.86 (0.57; 1.05), Δ +12.79%, p<0.001). Conclusions. The addition of ranolazine in the treatment of STEMI and SA contributed to the improvement of the quality of life, the optimization of the contractile capacity of the myocardium due to the increase of LVEF, the increase of MSR indicator of the differentiated ECG in the ischemic zone, which confirmed the reduction of the electrical instability of the ischemic myocardium.

The Impact of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose on Reverse Electrical Remodeling Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

The influence of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) on reverse electrical remodeling (RER) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) post-cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is unknown. This study examines the effect of iron replacement using intravenous FCM on RER in CRT-implanted HFrEF patients with iron deficiency anemia. We retrospectively analyzed 65 patients with successful CRT-defibrillator between March 2017 and January 2020, all with iron deficiency anemia at implantation. The cohort comprised 35 patients in the FCM group and 30 in the non-FCM group. Follow-up data were obtained from visits 6 months post-CRT implantation including baseline characteristics, echocardiographic left ventricular measurements, and electrocardiograms. Changes in intrinsic QRS duration (iQRS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to 6 months were assessed. The FCM group showed a greater reduction in iQRS duration compared to the non-FCM group (-10.4 ± 2.2 ms vs. -3 ± 2.9 ms, p < 0.0001). Additionally, at the 6-month follow-up, the increase in LVEF was higher in the FCM group than in the non-FCM group (+3.6 ± 1.6% vs. -0.1 ± 1.7%, p < 0.0001). Correlations were found between changes in ferritin levels and iQRS duration (r = -0.725, p < 0.0001) and LVEF (r = 0.712, p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that elevated ferritin independently influenced the increase in LVEF (p = 0.006, β = 0.554) and the decrease in iQRS (p < 0.001, β = -0.685). Intravenous iron treatment with FCM may reduce iQRS duration and improve LVEF and functional status in HFrEF patients with iron deficiency anemia following CRT.

Class 1C Antiarrhythmics for Premature Ventricular Complex Suppression in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

BackgroundPremature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common and associated with worse outcomes in patients with heart failure. Class 1C antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) effectively suppress PVCs, but guidelines currently restrict their use in structural heart disease. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of class 1C AADs in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). MethodsAll patients with NICM and an ICD treated with flecainide or propafenone at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania between 2014 and 2022 were identified. PVC burden, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and biventricular pacing percentage were compared before and during class 1C AAD treatment. Safety outcomes included sustained atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure admissions, and death. ResultsWe identified 34 patients, 23 receiving flecainide and 11 propafenone. Most patients (62%) had failed other AADs or catheter ablation (68%) prior to class 1C AAD initiation. PVC burden decreased from 20% ± 13% to 6% ± 7% (P < 0.001), LVEF increased from 33% ± 9% to 37% ± 10% (P = 0.01), and biventricular pacing percentage increased from 85% ± 9% to 93% ± 7% (P = 0.01). Sustained ventricular tachycardia (2 vs 9 patients) and admissions for decompensated heart failure (2 vs 3 patients) decreased compared with the 12 months prior to class 1C AAD initiation. ConclusionsClass 1C AADs effectively suppressed PVCs in patients with NICM and ICDs, leading to increases in LVEF and biventricular pacing percentage. In this limited sample, their use was safe. Larger studies are needed to confirm the safety of this approach.

Long-term efficacy of left bundle branch pacing and biventricular pacing in patients with heart failure complicated with left bundle branch block.

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) can physiologically correct complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB), and has become the best alternative to biventricular pacing (BiVP). To compare the efficacy of LBBP and BiVP in patients with heart failure (HF) complicated with CLBBB. This was a single-center retrospective study. Patients with HF complicated with CLBBB who underwent successful cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital from June 2018 to June 2023 were enrolled and divided into LBBP group and BiVP group according to the pacing method. The primary endpoints were the absolute increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and echocardiographic response rate. Secondary endpoints were all-cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization (HFH), NT-proBNP, paced QRS duration, pacing threshold, and procedural duration. A total of 120 patients were enrolled in this study, including 60 patients in LBBP group and 60 patients in BiVP group. The median follow-up time was 37 ± 19 months. Compared with BiVP group, LBBP group had a more significant increase in absolute LVEF (ΔLVEF) (14.8 ± 9.9% vs. 10.7 ± 9.0%, P = 0.02), a more significant reduction in LVEDD (56.9 ± 10.9 mm vs. 61.1 ± 10.8 mm, P = 0.03), and a higher echocardiographic super response rate (65% vs. 45%, P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality (1.7% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.11) and HFH (6.7% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.22). In terms of paced QRS duration (128.7 ± 14.1 ms vs. 137.5 ± 16.5 ms, P = 0.002), pacing threshold (0.72 ± 0.21 V/0.4 ms vs. 1.39 ± 0.51 V/0.4 ms, P < 0.001), procedural duration (134.1 ± 32.2 min vs. 147.7 ± 39.4 min, P = 0.04), the LBBP group was superior to the BiVP group. In nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients with HF combined with CLBBB and LVEF ≤ 35%, LBBP is better than BiVP.

Long-Term Outcomes of Aortic Stenosis Patients with Different Flow/Gradient Patterns Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Background: Few data exist on the comparative long-term outcomes of severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients with different flow-gradient patterns undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study sought to evaluate the impact of the pre-TAVI flow-gradient pattern on long-term clinical outcomes after TAVI and assess changes in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of different subtypes of AS patients following TAVI. Methods: Consecutive patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI in our institution were screened and prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into four subgroups according to pre-TAVI flow/gradient pattern: (i) low flow-low gradient (LF-LG): stroke volume indexed (SVi) ≤ 35 mL/m2 and mean gradient (MG) < 40 mmHg); (ii) normal flow-low gradient (NF-LG): SVi > 35 mL/m2 and MG < 40 mmHg; (iii) low flow-high gradient (LF-HG): Svi 35 mL/m2 and MG ≥ 40 mmHg and (iv) normal flow-high gradient (NF-HG): SVi > 35 mL/m2 and MG ≥ 40 mmHg. Transthoracic echocardiography was repeated at 1-year follow-up. Clinical follow-up was obtained at 12 months, and yearly thereafter until 5-year follow-up was complete for all patients. Results: A total of 272 patients with complete echocardiographic and clinical follow-up were included in our analysis. Their mean age was 80 ± 7 years and the majority of patients (N = 138, 50.8%) were women. 62 patients (22.8% of the study population) were distributed in the LF-LG group, 98 patients (36%) were LF-HG patients, 95 patients (34.9%) were NF-HG, and 17 patients (6.3%) were NF-LG. There was a greater prevalence of comorbidities among LF-LG AS patients. One-year all-cause mortality differed significantly between the four subgroups of AS patients (log-rank p: 0.022) and was more prevalent among LF-LG patients (25.8%) compared to LF-HG (11.3%), NF-HG (6.3%) and NF-LG patients (18.8%). At 5-year follow-up, global mortality remained persistently higher among LF-LG patients (64.5%) compared to LF-HG (47.9%), NF-HG (42.9%), and NF-LG patients (58.8%) (log-rank p: 0.029). At multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis, baseline SVi (HR: 0.951, 95% C.I.; 0.918-0.984), the presence of at least moderate tricuspid regurgitation at baseline (HR: 3.091, 95% C.I: 1.645-5.809) and at least moderate paravalvular leak (PVL) post-TAVI (HR: 1.456, 95% C.I.: 1.106-1.792) were significant independent predictors of late global mortality. LF-LG patients and LF-HG patients exhibited a significant increase in LVEF at 1-year follow-up. A lower LVEF (p < 0.001) and a lower Svi (p < 0.001) at baseline were associated with LVEF improvement at 1-year. Conclusions: Patients with LF-LG AS have acceptable 1-year outcomes with significant improvement in LVEF at 1-year follow-up, but exhibit exceedingly high 5-year mortality following TAVI. The presence of low transvalvular flow and at least moderate tricuspid regurgitation at baseline and significant paravalvular leak post-TAVI were associated with poorer long-term outcomes in the entire cohort of AS patients. The presence of a low LVEF or a low SVi predicts LVEF improvement at 1-year.

Long-term changes in cardiac remodelling in prevalent kidney graft recipients

BackgroundApproximately 15% of kidney transplant (KT) recipients develop de novo heart failure after KT. There are scarce data reporting the long-term changes in cardiac structure and function among KT recipients. Despite the improvement in renal function, transplant-related complications as well as immunosuppressive therapy could have an impact on cardiac remodelling during follow-up. We aimed to describe the long-term changes in echocardiographic parameters in prevalent KT recipients and identify the clinical and laboratory factors associated with these changes. MethodsA centralised blinded review of two echocardiographic examinations after KT (on average after 17 and 39 months post-KT respectively) was performed among 80 patients (age 50.4 ± 16.2, diabetes 13.8% pre-KT), followed by linear regression to identify clinico-biological factors related to echocardiographic changes. ResultsLeft atrial volume index (LAVI) increased significantly (34.2 ± 10.8 mL/m2vs. 37.6 ± 15.0 mL/m2, annualised delta 3.1 ± 11.4 mL/m2/year; p = 0.034) while left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased (62.1 ± 9.0% vs. 59.7 ± 9.9%, annualised delta −2.7 ± 13.6%/year; p = 0.04). Male sex (β = 8.112 ± 2.747; p < 0.01), pre-KT hypertension (β = 9.725 ± 4.156; p < 0.05), graft from expanded criteria donor (β = 3.791 ± 3.587; p < 0.05), and induction by anti-thymocyte globulin (β = 7.920 ± 2.974; p = 0.01) were associated with an increase in LAVI during follow-up. Higher haemoglobin (>12.9 g/dL) at the time of the first echocardiography (β = 6.029 ± 2.967; p < 0.05) and ACEi/ARB therapy (β = 8.306 ± 3.161; p < 0.05) were associated with an increase in LVEF during follow-up. ConclusionThis study confirms the existence of long-term cardiac remodelling after KT despite dialysis cessation, characterised by an increase in LAVI and a decrease in LVEF. A better management of anaemia and using ACEi/ARB therapy may prevent such remodelling.

Left ventricular recovery after total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting versus conventional coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

We compared total arterial revascularization (TAR) versus conventional revascularization (CR) in terms of left ventricular function recovery in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 162 consecutive patients with multivessel CAD and reduced LVEF who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting at our institution between January 2013 and July 2022. We assessed left ventricular function by transthoracic echocardiography at admission, before discharge, and at follow-up of 3, 6, and 12months, using LVEF, global longitudinal peak strain, end-diastolic volume index, and end-systolic volume index. We also evaluated mitral valve regurgitation and graft patency rate at 1 year. The TAR group had a significantly higher increase in LVEF and global longitudinal peak strain, and a significantly lower decrease in end-diastolic volume index and end-systolic volume index than the CR group at 6 and 12months after surgery. The TAR group also had a significantly lower degree of mitral valve regurgitation than the CR group at all-time points within 12months after surgery. The TAR group had a significantly higher graft patency rate than the CR group at 12months. There was no significant difference in hospital mortality or repeat revascularization between the groups. TAR was associated with better recovery of left ventricular function than CR in patients with multivessel CAD and reduced LVEF. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in this high-risk population.

Improved heart function and cardiac remodelling following sacubitril/valsartan in acute coronary syndrome with HF.

This study sought to assess the effect of treatment of sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) on improving cardiac function and reversing cardiac remodelling in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) complicated with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We enrolled 275 ACS patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction after PCI. The patients were divided into the routine and S/V groups according to the treatment drugs. The symptoms, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations, echocardiographic parameters [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), and left ventricular end-systolic volume index (LVESVI)], major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and adverse reactions were recorded at baseline and 6months after treatment when a clinical follow-up was performed. The S/V group was further divided into prespecified subgroups including unstable angina (UA) group, non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) group, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group according to the type of ACS. We analysed the changes in LVEF, LVMI, LVEDVI, LVESVI, and NT-proBNP in both groups and evaluated the correlation between the changes in the above variables (ΔLVEF, ΔLVMI, ΔLVEDVI, ΔLVESVI, and ΔNT-proBNP). Cox regression model was used to assess the independent risk factors of MACE. Prespecified subgroup analyses were also conducted. Compared with baseline, LVEF increased significantly (P<0.05), NT-proBNP, LVMI, and LVESVI decreased significantly in both groups after 6months (P<0.05), and LVEDVI decreased significantly in the S/V group (P=0.001). In the S/V group, ΔLVEF (t=-2.745, P=0.006), ΔNT-proBNP (P=0.009), ΔLVEDVI (t=4.203, P=0.001), and ΔLVESVI (t=3.907, P=0.001) were significantly improved than those in the routine group. In the S/V group, ΔLVEF was negatively correlated with ΔNT-proBNP (r=-0.244, P=0.004), ΔLVMI (r=-0.190, P=0.028), ΔLVEDVI (r=-0.173, P=0.045), and ΔLVESVI (r=-0.261, P=0.002). In Cox regression model analysis,ΔLVEF {hazard ratio [HR]=0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-0.95], P=0.003}, ΔLVEDVI [HR=1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.06), P=0.013], and ΔLVESVI [HR=1.04 (95% CI 1.01-1.08), P=0.026] were independent risk factors for MACE. Subgroup analysis showed that ΔLVEF (t=6.290, P=0.001), ΔLVEDVI (t=2.581, P=0.011), and ΔNT-proBNP (P=0.019) in the NSTEMI group were significantly improved than those in the UA group, ΔLVEDVI in the NSTEMI group was significantly better than that in the STEMI group (t=-3.365, P=0.001), and ΔLVEF in the STEMI group was significantly better than that in the UA group (t=-3.928, P=0.001). There was a significant difference in the survival probability without MACE among the three groups in the analysis of the Kaplan-Meier curve (P=0.042). The incidence of MACE in the UA group was significantly higher than that in the NSTEMI group (32.4% vs. 6.3%, P=0.004). The cardiac function is improved and cardiac remodelling is reversed significantly after treatment of S/V in ACS patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction after PCI, and the improvement is more obvious than the routine group. There is a significant negative correlation between the change in LVEF and the changes in NT-proBNP, LVMI, LVEDVI, and LVESVI. The increase of LVEF and the decrease of LVEDVI and LVESVI are protective factors to improve the prognosis. Patients with myocardial infarction and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction might benefit more from the initiation of S/V as first-line heart failure treatment after PCI.

Interaction between systemic iron parameters and left ventricular structure and function in the preserved ejection fraction population: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling and diastolic function in people with heart failure (HF) are correlated with iron status; however, the causality is uncertain. This Mendelian randomization (MR) study investigated the bidirectional causal relationship between systemic iron parameters and LV structure and function in a preserved ejection fraction population. Transferrin saturation (TSAT), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron and ferritin levels were extracted as instrumental variables for iron parameters from meta-analyses of public genome-wide association studies. Individuals without myocardial infarction history, HF, or LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% (n = 16,923) in the UK Biobank Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study constituted the outcome dataset. The dataset included LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume, LV mass (LVM), and LVM-to-end-diastolic volume ratio (LVMVR). We used a two-sample bidirectional MR study with inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analysis method and estimation methods using different algorithms to improve the robustness of the results. In the IVW analysis, one standard deviation (SD) increased in TSAT significantly correlated with decreased LVMVR (β = -0.1365; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.2092 to -0.0638; P = 0.0002) after Bonferroni adjustment. Conversely, no significant relationships were observed between other iron and LV parameters. After Bonferroni correction, reverse MR analysis showed that one SD increase in LVEF significantly correlated with decreased TSAT (β = -0.0699; 95% CI: -0.1087 to -0.0311; P = 0.0004). No heterogeneity or pleiotropic effects evidence was observed in the analysis. We demonstrated a causal relationship between TSAT and LV remodeling and function in a preserved ejection fraction population.

Early Famine Exposure Results in Left Ventricular Remodeled, Diastolic Dysfunction and Systolic Function Preserved in Adults

Introduction: Malnutrition during a critical window of development in a fetus or infant can result in abnormal cardiac remodeling and function. It is uncertain whether the contribution of these effects continues to impact the cardiac remodeling and function of adults over the course of several decades of growth. Our study examined the impact of early Chinese famine exposure on cardiac remodeling, left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, and LV systolic function in adults. Methods: Participants at high risk of cardiovascular disease from the China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project (PEACE MPP) were enrolled. The famine in China lasted from 1959 to 1962. A total of three groups were formed based on the participants’ birth dates: pre-famine group, famine exposure group, and post-famine group. Logistic regression and linear mixed models were used to explore the association between famine exposure and cardiac remodeling, LV diastolic function and LV systolic function in adults. Results: The study included 2,758 participants, the mean age was 57.05 years, 62.8% were female, 26.4% had LV hypertrophy (LVH), 59.6% had LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and 10.5% had reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS). Compared to post-famine exposure, participants had independently increased risk of LVH in the famine exposure group (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.60–2.56) and pre-famine exposure (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06–1.76). Compared to post-famine exposure, the risk of LVDD remarkably increased in the famine exposure group (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 2.49–3.71) and pre-famine exposure group (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.52–2.31). Famine exposure had no significant impact on GLS but was associated with a significant increase in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD). Significant interactions were observed between the effects of famine exposure and other clinical/sociodemographic variables (gender, systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥140 mm Hg or not, high school or above or not, and annual income <50,000 RMB or not) on these outcomes. Conclusion: Exposure to famine, particularly during fetal and infant stages, increases the risk of LVH and LVDD in adults. However, the LV systolic function remains preserved. These impacts are more pronounced in females, individuals with SBP ≥140 mm Hg, those with low income, or those with high educational status.

Predictors of Higher Frequency of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

Background and Objectives: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the effective therapeutic options in the treatment of systolic heart failure (HF) with persistent symptoms. This prospective study was designed to determine whether CRT with biventricular pacing would reduce the risk of development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and to identify predictors for AF occurrence. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 126 patients, with a mean age of 63.8 ± 9.1 years, who were eligible for CRT with biventricular pacing. Inclusion criteria were left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%, QRS duration ≥ 130 msec, and persistent HF symptoms of New York Heart Association (NYHA) II or III, despite optimal drug therapy. Patients were followed for a period of 24 months and were evaluated through clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examination at baseline (prior to CRT implantation), as well as at 6 and 24 months post-implantation. At the end of follow-up, patients were divided into clinical responders and non-responders based on the following criteria: decrease in NYHA class ≥ I, increase in LVEF ≥ 10%, and reduction in QRS duration ≥ 20 msec. Results: At follow-up, CRT was associated with a significant increase in LVEF (20.6 ± 6.9% pre-implantation, 32.9 ± 9.3% 24 months after implantation; p < 0.001), reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, and decrease in QRS duration (167.6 ± 14.3 msec pre-implantation, 131.7 ± 11.7 msec 24 months after implantation; p < 0.001), while left atrial (LA) diameter was slightly increased (p = 0.070). The frequency of AF occurrence increased after two years of follow-up (52.4% to 56.9%, p < 0.001). Significant predictors of AF occurrence in our study population were response to CRT-AF more frequent in non-responders (B = 8.134; p < 0.001), LA diameter-AF more frequent with larger LA diameter (B = 0.813; p < 0.001), and coronary sinus (CS) lead position-AF more frequent with posterolateral in comparison with lateral CS lead position (B = 5.159; p = 0.005). Conclusions: The results of our study provide new data on AF predictors in patients with HF subjected to CRT. There remains a permanent need for new predictors, which might help in patient selection and improvement in response rate.

Novel Pulse Waveform Index by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Cardiac Function: A Pilot Study

BackgroundA simple ambulatory measure of cardiac function could be helpful for monitoring heart failure patients. ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper was to determine whether a novel pulse waveform analysis using data obtained by our developed multisensor-ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device, the 'Sf/Am' ratio, is associated with echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). MethodsMultisensor-ABPM was conducted twice at baseline in 20 heart failure (HF) patients with HF-reduced LVEF or HF-preserved LVEF (median age 66 years, male 65%) and over a 6- to 12-month follow-up after patient-tailored treatment. We assessed the changes in the pulse waveform index Sf/Am and LVEF that occurred between the baseline and follow-up. The Sf/Am consists of the area of the ejection part in the square forward wave (Sf) and the amplitude of the measured wave (Am). We divided the patients into the recovered (n = 11) and not-recovered (n = 9) groups defined by a ≥10% increase in LVEF. ResultsAlthough the ambulatory BP levels and variabilities did not change in either group, the Sf/Am increased significantly in the recovered group (baseline 21.4 ± 4.5; follow-up, 25.6 ± 3.7, P = 0.004). The not-recovered group showed no difference between the baseline and follow-up. The follow-up/baseline Sf/Am ratio was significantly associated with the LVEF ratio (r = 0.469, P = 0.037). The Sf/Am was significantly correlated with the LVEF in overall measurements (n = 40, r = 0.491, P = 0.001). ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that a novel noninvasive pulse waveform index, the Sf/Am measured by multisensor-ABPM is associated with LVEF. The Sf/Am may be useful for estimating cardiac function.

Right sided approach for left bundle branch pacing using lumen-less lead: Technical considerations and follow-up outcome.

Left bundle branch pacing has gained significant momentum in the last few years. The procedure involves deploying the lead deep inside the interventricular septum through left subclavian vein. We aimed at analyzing the feasibility, efficacy and long-term outcome of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) using lumen-less lead through the right subclavian vein. This was a retrospective-institutional, single center observational study done in consecutive patients who underwent LBBP using 3830 selectsecuretm lead. Left subclavian venous access was the primary strategy for lead implantation. Patients requiring right sided approach due to venous obstruction or persistent left superior-vena-cava (PLSVC) for LBBP were included in the study. Right sided approach was successful in 16 out of 19 (84%) attempted patients. C315-His catheter was used in all patients without modifying its curvature. PLSVC(n = 7), left venous obstruction (n = 7), right sided device upgradation (n = 1) and left pocket infection (n = 1) were the reasons for right sided approach. Mean follow-up duration was 17 ± 12 months. LBBP resulted in reduction in QRS duration from 137.3 ± 37.8 ms to 122.3 ± 9.5 ms (p-.13) and increase in LV ejection fraction from 46.2 ± 16.3% to 54.4 ± 11.6% (p-.11). The mean fluoroscopy duration and radiation dose were significantly high in right sided approach (n = 16) as compared to left sided approach (n = 293). In patients requiring cardiac-resynchronization therapy (CRT), right sided LBBP resulted in reduction in QRS duration from 171.8 ± 18.5 to 125.5 ± 11.9 ms (p-.0001) and increase in LVEF from 29.1 ± 3.8 to 45.1 ± 11.9% (p-.005). Right sided LBBP is feasible, safe and effective in patients requiring pacing for symptomatic bradyarrhythmia and CRT. Further development in dedicated tools for right-sided approach would help in reducing the fluoroscopy-duration and radiation-dose.

Longitudinal modeling of cardiac function to identify trajectories with differential risk of heart failure

Abstract Background Impairments in left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function are common precursors of clinical heart failure (HF) and underlie HF risk. Little data exist regarding trajectories of cardiac function in mid- to late-life, when HF risk is greatest, and the extent to which such trajectories may differentially relate to risk of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Purpose To (1) identify multidimensional trajectories of cardiac function from mid- to late-life using serial echocardiographic data, (2) apply the resulting models to predict trajectory membership in a separate sample, and (3) determine associations between assigned trajectory and incident HFpEF and HFrEF. Methods We used a Bayesian nonparametric trajectory approach to jointly model longitudinal measures of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and E/A ratio among 747 participants in two longitudinal cohort studies (the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] study and Jackson Heart Study [JHS]) who underwent ≥2 echocardiograms in 2000-04 (mean age 65±5 years), 2011-2013 (age 75±5 years), and 2018-19 (age 81±5 years). Using the trajectories inferred from this modeling, we applied Bayes theorem to assign 4,419 ARIC-only participants to their most likely trajectory using single time-point measures of LVEF and E/A ratio acquired in 2011-2013 (age 75±5 years). These assignments were treated as a categorical variable in subsequent analysis. In ARIC-only participants, we used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and coronary heart disease to assess the relationship between assigned trajectory and incident HF. Results In the discovery set (n=747), we identified six trajectories of cardiac function based jointly on longitudinal changes in LVEF and E/A ratio (Figure 1). The pink (prevalence 50%) and light green (17%) trajectories showed increasing LVEF and decreasing E/A ratio with increasing age, while the red trajectory (22%) demonstrated a lack of increase in LVEF. The dark green trajectory (4%) demonstrated progressive LVEF decline, the orange trajectory (2%) steep LVEF decline and rise in E/A ratio, and the blue trajectory (4%) rising E/A ratio despite increasing in LVEF. Analysis of the ARIC-only participants (n=4,419) showed that trajectory membership was differentially associated with risk of incident HFpEF and HFrEF (Figure 2). Compared to the pink trajectory, membership in the orange trajectory was associated with incident HFpEF and HFrEF, the red and the dark green trajectory associated with HFrEF alone, and the blue trajectory with HFpEF alone. Conclusion(s) These results demonstrate the feasibility of identifying trajectories of cardiac function with multidimensional longitudinal data and may have implications for HF risk prediction.

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.

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.

Associated factors and clinical implications of dynamic changes in late gadolinium enhancement after acute myocarditis

Abstract Background Although follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is often performed after acute myocarditis (AM), the prognostic implications of dynamic changes in late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) are unknown. Purposes To determine the prognostic implications of dynamic LGE changes after acute AM. Methods In a two-centre study, 204 consecutive hemodynamically stable patients (mean age 35±16 years, 78.9% males) with a CMR-based diagnosis of AM were included and underwent repeat CMR 3-12 months after diagnosis. Quantitative LGE was expressed as percent of left ventricular (LV) myocardium. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at median 7.3[IQR:5.7-8.7] years. Results Compared to index CMR, there was an increase in LV ejection fraction (EF) (59% vs. 55%,p&amp;lt;0.001) and a decrease in LGE extent (7.6% vs. 12.0%,p&amp;lt;0.001) at follow-up (mean 5.7±2.6 months after index CMR). LGE persisted in 175 patients at follow-up (85.8%). LGE decreased by ≥50% from baseline in 94 patients (46%), by &amp;lt;50% in 86(42%) and increased in 24(12%). Female gender (OR[95%CI]=3.27[1.17-9.12],p=0.023), low baseline LVEF (OR[95%CI]=0.93[0.88-0.98] per %,p=0.010) and LGE involving both septal and lateral walls (OR[95%CI]=4.64[1.77-12.17],p=0.002) were independently associated with increased LGE. By multivariate Cox analysis, only acute heart failure at inclusion (HR[95%CI]=3.11[1.02-9.20],p=0.044), baseline LVEF (HR[95%CI]=0.95[0.89-0.99] per %,p=0.028), a &amp;lt;50% LGE decrease (HR[95%CI]=2.17[1.23-3.88],p=0.021) and an increase in LGE (HR[95%CI]=4.12[1.47-11.52],p=0.004) were significantly associated with MACE. Conclusion After AM, LGE persists at 6 months in the vast majority of patients but tends to decrease. A &amp;lt;50% decrease or an increase in LGE are associated with MACE, indicating that follow-up CMR is relevant for risk stratification.SUMMARY OF THE STUDY