Left Ventricular Mass Index Research Articles

Abstract P436: Pre-Diabetes With and Without Cardiac Dysfunction and the Risk of Heart Failure in Older Adults

Background: Whether pre-diabetes (pre-DM) is independently associated with the risk of heart failure (HF) in the elderly remains inconclusive. Objective: To examine the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in pre-DM and the prognostic differences of HF in pre-DM with and without cardiac dysfunction in a diverse elderly population. Methods: We included HF-free individuals with euglycemia (n=770) or pre-DM (n=2157) who underwent echocardiography at the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study Visit 5 (baseline). A composite cardiac dysfunction measure included ≥2 echocardiographic abnormalities (Left ventricular hypertrophy [LV mass index ≥115 g/m 2 in men or≥95 g/m 2 in women], left atrial enlargement [LA volume index ≥34 mL/m 2 ], diastolic dysfunction [E/e’ >13, E/A>2, or E-wave deceleration time >240 ms], and systolic dysfunction [ejection fraction<45%]) and high NT pro-BNP (>125 pg/mL in obese or >100 in non-obese). Our outcome was a new diagnosis of definite or probable acute decompensated HF. We assessed the prevalence of the composite cardiac dysfunction in pre-DM (fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL or HbA1c 5.7-6.4%) and the association between pre-DM and incident HF with and without cardiac dysfunction at baseline adjusting for age, sex, race, center, education, smoking, BMI, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, hypertensive medication, lipid-lowering medication, and eGFR (CKD-EPI) in the Cox regression models. Results: 9.5% of elderly individuals with pre-DM had cardiac dysfunction. In a median follow-up of 7 years, compared to euglycemia without cardiac abnormalities, we found a significant risk of HF in pre-DM with cardiac dysfunction (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.6-4.5) but not in pre-DM without cardiac dysfunction (0.8, 0.5-1.2). The finding was consistent in sex and race groups and sensitivity analyses excluding those with a history of hypertension or obesity. Conclusion: Pre-DM is associated with an increased risk of HF in elderly people, but the risk was only significant among those with cardiac dysfunction.

Abstract P536: The Association of Adipokines With Cardiac Structure and Function Among Older Adults Without Clinical Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern. While dysfunctional adipose tissue is a key driver of HF risk in the population, the role of altered adipokine production by adipose tissue in the development of cardiac dysfunction is unknown. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of ARIC Visit 5 (2011-13) participants free of coronary heart disease and HF. Using linear regression, we assessed the adjusted associations between the adipokines adiponectin, leptin, apelin, and resistin (per 1-SD) and echocardiographic parameters indicative of cardiac structure and function. Results: We included 3244 participants (mean age 75±5 years, 61% female, 16% Black, 31% with obesity). After adjusting for sociodemographic/lifestyle factors and eGFR, 1-SD higher adiponectin was associated with lower (worse) LV ejection fraction (LVEF), but a more negative (better) longitudinal strain (LS). Higher adiponectin was also associated with higher lateral and medial e’ and lower E/e’, reflecting better diastolic function. Conversely, higher leptin was associated with worse systolic and diastolic function, indicated by a less negative LS, lower lateral and medial e’, and higher E/e’. Higher leptin/adiponectin ratio was associated with better LVEF (β: 1.73, 95% CI: 0.04, 3.41), but worse LS (β: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.57), as well as uniformly worse diastolic function (lateral e’ [β: -2.39, 95% CI: -2.99, -1.79], medial e’ [β: -1.43, 95% CI: -1.86, -0.99], E/e’ [β: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.56, 3.67]). Adjustment for clinical variables and BMI attenuated some associations, but resulted in associations of adiponectin with greater LV mass index, and leptin with lower LV mass index. Apelin and resistin had weak associations with cardiac function. Conclusion: Adiponectin and leptin are differentially associated with systolic and diastolic function. Further investigation of the adipokines’ opposing roles in the development of cardiac dysfunction may help elucidate the effect of dysfunctional adipose tissue on myocardium.

Abstract P286: The Impact of Obesity Severity on Left Ventricular Mass Index in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic. Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients are obese at rates comparable to the general population. Obesity is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) which can be assessed by LV mass index [LVMI = LVM/Ht 2.7 (g/m 2.7 )]. Elevated LVMI is known to be associated with adverse cardiovascular events in non-CHD populations, however, there is a paucity of data on the relationship of obesity severity and the rate and extent of LVH in ACHD. Hypothesis: The rate and extent of LVH in a cohort of obese ACHD patients will increase as obesity class increases. Methods: We reviewed transthoracic echocardiogram data including LVMI, BMI, and blood pressure in obese, repaired, ACHD patients 18+ years of age from 2012-2020. Patients were grouped by sex and NIH/WHO obesity class and LVMI was analyzed. Outcome differences were assessed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05 = statistically significant). Results: We included 386 patients, 202 of whom were female, as seen in Table 1. There were no blood pressure differences between obesity classes (P = 0.18). LVMI was higher with increasing obesity class (42.4±13.5 g/ht 2.7 vs 43.6±12.7 g/ht 2.7 vs 48.9±13.2 g/ht 2.7 respectively, P = 0.004 for females and 45.9±12.8 g/ht 2.7 vs 48.9±13.8 g/ht 2.7 vs 55.3±16.8 g/ht 2.7 , P = 0.019 for males). For females, 36.4% of class I, 31.9% of class II, and 58.3% of class III met LVH criteria ≥ 47 g/ht 2.7 . For males, 29.9% of class I, 44.4% of class II, and 59.4% of class III met LVH criteria ≥ 51 g/ht 2.7 . Conclusion: Obesity severity correlates with progressive LVMI and LVH in ACHD patients. Elevated LVMI is most striking in patients with class III obesity. This highlights the potential negative impact of obesity in this population and additionally suggests that even in obese patients, prevention of progression to class III obesity may help prevent deleterious cardiac changes. Further research is needed regarding how this association impacts this high-risk population.

A nomogram for predicting the risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

BackgroundThis study purposed to design and establish a nomogram to predict the risk of having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. MethodThe clinical data of 1031 patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 618 patients were diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Patients were randomly divided into a training set (70%, n = 722) and a validation set (30%, n = 309). The prediction model of HFpEF was established by using clinical characteristic data parameters, and the risk of having HFpEF was predicted by using a nomogram. Single-factor analysis was used to select independent risk factors (P < 0.05), and then binary logistic regression was used to screen predictive variables (P < 0.05). The discrimination ability of the model was evaluated by the ROC curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC). In addition, the predictive ability of the established nomogram was evaluated using calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test (HL test), and the clinical net benefit was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsThe results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, hypertension, coronary heart disease, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum creatinine, E/e’ septal, relative wall thickness (RWT), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) were independent influencing factors for the risk of having HFpEF (P < 0.05). Based on the results of logistic regression analysis, a nomogram was established and calibration curves were made. The prediction model showed that the AUC of the training dataset was 0.876 (95%CI, 0.851–0.902), and 0.837 (95%CI, 0.791–0.883) in the validation set. According to the calibration curves and HL test, the nomogram shows good calibration, and DCA shows that our model is clinically useful. ConclusionA nomogram prediction model was constructed to predict the patient's risk of having HFpEF. This prediction model indicated that the combination of creatinine, E/e’, RWT, LVMI and PH may be valuable in the diagnosis of HFpEF.

ATRIAL FIBRILATION IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PATIENTS: PLATELETS CHARACTERISTICS AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY INDEXES

The aim: To reveal the connections between platelets morphological and biochemical characteristics and echocardiography (TTE) indexes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF).&#x0D; Materials and methods: 300 patients were divided into 3 groups: first (CAD) – 149 patients with CAD but without arrhythmias, second (CAD+AF) – 124 patients with CAD and AF paroxysm and control group – 27 patients without CAD and arrhythmias. TTE was done by ALOKA SSD-5000. Platelets count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelets distribution width (PDW) and platelet-to-leucocyte ratio (PLR) was obtained by common blood count. Platelets amino acids spectrum was detected by method of ion exchange liquid column chromatography.&#x0D; Results: II group patients had significantly lower PC (12.20%) and higher MPV (9.30%) and PLR (41.12%) then in I group, P&lt;0.05. II group patients had significantly higher levels of platelets isoleucine (10.73%), leucine (12.63%) and lower threonine (23.05%), serine (5.06%), glycine (32.21%), valine (30.83%) levels then in I group, P&lt;0.05. II group patients had significantly higher levels of left atrium diameter (10.03%), left atrium volume (15.40%) and left atrium volume index (11.48%) then in I group, P &lt;0.05. Left atrium volume and left atrium volume index were corelated with PC (r=-0.315 and r=-0.444 consequently), MPV (r=0.327 and r=0.331 consequently), PLR (r=0.313 and r=0.303 consequently) and platelets serine (r=-0.302 and r=-0.310 consequently), alanine (r=-0.306 and r=-0.355 consequently) and leucine (r=0.346 and r=0.311 consequently), P&lt;0.05. Left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index were corelated with MPV (r=0.308 and r=0.301 consequently), PLR (r=0.307 and r=0.305 consequently) and platelets arginine (r=0.366 and r=0.305 consequently), threonine (r=-0.474 and r=-0.383 consequently), serine (r=-0.387 and r=-0.361 consequently), alanine (r=-0.342 and r=-0.326 consequently), isoleucine (r=0.355 and r=0.328 consequently) and tyrosine (r=0.307 and r=0.321 consequently), P&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Conclusions: Left atrium size and left ventricular mass are connected with MPV, PLR and platelets amino acids content: serine, threonine, alanine, leucine, isoleucine and tyrosine levels.

Characterization of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity by diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging.

Anthracyclines are highly potent anti-cancer drugs, but their clinical use is limited by severe cardiotoxic side effects. The impact of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) on left ventricular (LV) microarchitecture and diffusion properties remains unknown. This study sought to characterize AIC by cardiovascular magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Mice were treated with Doxorubicin (DOX; n = 16) for induction of AIC or saline as corresponding control (n = 15). Cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography at the end of the study period. Whole hearts (n = 8 per group) were scanned ex vivo by high-resolution DTI at 7T. Results were correlated with histopathology and mass spectrometry imaging. Mice with AIC demonstrated systolic dysfunction (LVEF 52 ± 3% vs. 43 ± 6%, P < 0.001), impaired global longitudinal strain (-19.6 ± 2.0% vs. -16.6 ± 3.0%, P < 0.01), and cardiac atrophy (LV mass index [mg/mm], 4.3 ± 0.1 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2, P < 0.01). Regional sheetlet angles were significantly lower in AIC, whereas helix angle and relative helicity remained unchanged. In AIC, fractional anisotropy was increased (0.12 ± 0.01 vs. 0.14 ± 0.02, P < 0.05). DOX-treated mice displayed higher planar and less spherical anisotropy (CPlanar 0.07 ± 0.01 vs. 0.09 ± 0.01, P < 0.01; CSpherical 0.89 ± 0.01 vs. 0.87 ± 0.02, P < 0.05). CPlanar and CSpherical yielded good discriminatory power to distinguish between mice with and without AIC (c-index 0.91 and 0.84, respectively, P for both <0.05). AIC is associated with regional changes in sheetlet angle but no major abnormalities of global LV microarchitecture. The geometric shape of the diffusion tensor is altered in AIC. DTI may provide a new tool for myocardial characterization in patients with AIC, which warrants future clinical studies to evaluate its diagnostic utility.

Obesity-Related Hemodynamic Alterations in Patients with Cushing's Disease.

Background: Cushing's disease (CD) is associated with a specific form of metabolic syndrome that includes visceral obesity, which may affect cardiovascular hemodynamics by stimulating hypercortisolism-related metabolic activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and the hemodynamic profile of patients with CD. Methods: This prospective clinical study involved a hemodynamic status assessment of 54 patients newly diagnosed with CD with no significant comorbidities (mean age of 41 years). The assessments included impedance cardiography (ICG) to assess such parameters as stroke index (SI), cardiac index (CI), velocity index (VI), acceleration index (ACI), Heather index (HI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), and total arterial compliance index (TACI) as well as applanation tonometry to assess such parameters as central pulse pressure (CPP) and augmentation index (AI). These assessments were complemented by echocardiography to assess cardiac structure and function. Results: Compared with CD patients without obesity, individuals with CD and obesity (defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) exhibited significantly lower values of ICG parameters characterizing the pumping function of the heart (VI: 37.0 ± 9.5 vs. 47.2 ± 14.3 × 1*1000-1*s-1, p = 0.006; ACI: 58.7 ± 23.5 vs. 76.0 ± 23.5 × 1/100/s2, p = 0.005; HI: 11.1 ± 3.5 vs. 14.6 ± 5.5 × Ohm/s2, p = 0.01), whereas echocardiography in obese patients showed larger heart chamber sizes and a higher left ventricular mass index. No significant intergroup differences in blood pressure, heart rate, LVEF, GLS, TACI, CPP, or AI were noted. Conclusions: Hemodynamic changes associated with obesity already occur at an early stage of CD and manifest via significantly lower values of the ICG parameters illustrating the heart's function as a pump, despite the normal function of the left ventricle in echocardiography.

Myocardial analysis from routine 4D cardiac-CT to predict reverse remodeling and clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

PurposeOur study aimed to determine whether 4D cardiac computed tomography (4DCCT) based quantitative myocardial analysis may improve risk stratification and can predict reverse remodeling (RRM) and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated 4DCCT prior to TAVI were prospectively enrolled. 4DCCT-derived left- (LV) and right ventricular (RV), and left atrial (LA) dimensions, mass, ejection fraction (EF) and myocardial strain were evaluated to predict RRM and survival. RRM was defined by either relative increase in LVEF by 5% or relative decline in LV end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) by 5% assessed by transthoracic echocardiography prior TAVI, at discharge, and at 12-month follow-up compared to baseline prior to TAVI. ResultsAmong 608 patients included in this study (55 % males, age 81 ± 6.6 years), RRM was observed in 279 (54 %) of 519 patients at discharge and in 218 (48 %) of 453 patients at 12-month echocardiography. While no CCT based measurements predicted RRM at discharge, CCT based LV mass index and LVEF independently predicted RRM at 12-month (ORadj = 1.012; 95 %CI:1.001–1.024; p = 0.046 and ORadj = 0.969; 95 %CI:0.943–0.996; p = 0.024, respectively). The most pronounced changes in LVEF and LVEDD were observed in patients with impaired LV function at baseline. In multivariable analysis age (HRadj = 1.037; 95 %CI:1.005–1.070; p = 0.022) and CCT-based LVEF (HRadj = 0.972; 95 %CI:0.945–0.999; p = 0.048) and LAEF (HRadj = 0.982; 95 %CI:0.968–0.996; p = 0.011) independently predicted survival. ConclusionComprehensive myocardial functional information derived from routine 4DCCT in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI could predict reverse remodeling and clinical outcomes at 12-month following TAVI.

Echocardiographic findings following renal sympathetic denervation for treatment resistant hypertension, the ReShape CV-risk study

Objective The aim of this study was to describe and compare echocardiographic findings before renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) and 6 and 24 months after the procedure. Materials and methods Patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) were included in this non-randomised intervention study. RDN was performed by a single experienced operator using the Symplicity Catheter System. Echocardiographic measurements were performed at baseline, and after 6 and 24 months. Results The cohort consisted of 21 patients with TRH, with a mean systolic office blood pressure (BP) of 163 mmHg and mean diastolic BP 109 mmHg. Mixed model analysis showed no significant change in left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI) or left atrium volume index (LAVI) after the RDN procedure. Higher LVMI at baseline was significantly associated with greater reduction in LVMI (p < 0.001). Relative wall thickness (RWT) increased over time (0.48 mm after two years) regardless of change in BP. There was a small but significant reduction in LV end-diastolic (LVIDd) and end-systolic (LVIDs) diameters after RDN, with a mean reduction of 2.6 and 2.4 mm, respectively, after two years. Progression to concentric hypertrophy was observed only in in patients who did not achieve normal BP values, despite BP reduction after RDN. Conclusion There was no reduction of LV mass after RDN. We found a small statistically significant reduction in LVIDd and LVIDs, which together with increase in RWT can indicate progression towards concentric hypertrophy. BP reduction after RDN on its own does not reverse concentric remodelling if target BP is not achieved.

Sex-and age-related variations in myocardial tissue composition of the healthy heart: a native T1 mapping cohort study.

Cardiovascular diseases manifest differently in males and females, potentially influenced by inherent sex- and age-related differences in myocardial tissue composition. Such inherent differences are not well-established in the literature. With this study using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) native T1 mapping, we aim to determine the effect of sex and age on myocardial tissue composition in healthy individuals. CMR native T1 mapping was performed in 276 healthy individuals (55% male, age 8---84 years) on a 1.5 Tesla scanner using a MOLLI 5(3)3 acquisition scheme. Additionally, 30 healthy participants (47% male, age 24-68 years) underwent a 1-year follow-up CMR to assess the longitudinal changes of native T1. Mean native T1 values were 1000 ± 22 ms in males and 1022 ± 23 ms in females [mean difference (MD) = 22 ms, 95% confidence interval (CI) (17, 27)]. Female sex was associated with higher native T1 in multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, heart rate, left ventricular mass index, and blood T1 [β=10 ms, 95% CI (3.4, 15.8)]. There was no significant interaction between sex and age (P = 0.27). Further, age was not associated with native T1 [β=0.1 ms, 95% CI (-0.02, 0.2)], and native T1 did not change during a 1-year period [MD -4 ms, 95% CI (-11, 3)]. Female sex was associated with higher native T1; however, there was no association between age and native T1. Additionally, there was no evidence of an interaction between sex and age. Our findings indicate intrinsic sex-based disparities in myocardial tissue composition.

Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in the Assessment of Left-Ventricle Remodeling: Differences Implying Clinical Decision.

Introduction: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) are the most important modalities used in clinical practice to assess cardiac chambers. However, different imaging techniques may affect their results and conclusions. The aim of our study was to compare left-ventricle (LV) remodeling assessed using TTE and CMR in the context of various cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A total of 202 consecutive patients sent for an elective cardiovascular diagnosis were scheduled for a 2D TTE and CMR, performed within 2 weeks. The study group was divided and analyzed based on the clinical indications for CMR, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, native aortic valve regurgitation or paravalvular leak after aortic valve replacement, or cardiomyopathies. Results: The mean LV mass index (LVMi) values calculated using TTE were significantly larger (127.1 ± 44.5 g/m²) compared to the LVMi assessed using CMR (77.1 ± 26.2 g/m²; p < 0.001). The LV end-diastolic volumes assessed using TTE were underestimated for all the study patients (78.6 ± 43 mL vs. 100.5 ± 39 mL; p < 0.0001) and subgroups, but a statistical trend was observed in patients with cardiomyopathy. Those differences in single parameters led to differences in LV remodeling and the final treatment decision. CMR and TTE provided similar conclusions on LV systolic dysfunction in 68% of the patients. Conclusions: Our results showed that the greater the degree of LV remodeling and dysfunction, the greater the difference between the modalities. Therefore, CMR should be introduced into routine clinical practice, especially for patients undergoing LV remodeling, which may change clinical decisions in a considerable number of cases.

Condition of the cardiovascular system in Wistar rats with experimental renal dysfunction

The aim: to evaluate functional and structural changes in blood vessels and myocardium in Wistar rats at different stages of the formation of experimental kidney dysfunction.Materials and Methods. Four groups of animals were studied. The first two groups consisted of rats subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy (NE). The period after NE is 2 or 4 months. The third and fourth groups included sham-operated (SO) animals of a similar observation period. After the end of the experiment, blood pressure was measured in rats, the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated, a biochemical blood test, histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination of the myocardium were performed, and the contractile activity of the portal vein was recorded for a period of 2 months (in vitro).Results. 2 months after NE, an increase in blood pressure, LVMI, and a decrease in the autorhythmic contractile activity of the portal vein were detected in rats. At the histological level, thickening of cardiomyocytes and arterial vessel walls and the presence of perivascular fibrosis were noted. After 4 months, in rats with NE, the increase in blood pressure, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and perivascular fibrosis progressed. The thickness of cardiomyocytes was 14.1±3.11 μm, which was significantly greater than in the group with NE for 2 months (12.5±1.5 μm; p=0.008). At this period of observation, electron microscopic examination revealed deintegration of myofibrils, disruption of myofibril stacking and z-disk structure, and changes in the shape of mitochondria. 2 months after NE, an increase in the area of open capillaries was detected in rats (1902.8±202.9 μm²) compared to the corresponding LO animals (730.4±58.2 μm²; p=0.000). As renal dysfunction develops, the capillary area tends to increase (2139.1±396.5 μm²; p =0.120).Conclusion. In Wistar rats with renal dysfunction, changes were detected not only in the level of blood pressure, but also in the functional activity of the intravenous fluid, as well as in the structural components of the myocardium – cardiomyocytes, stroma and blood vessels. The increase in myocardial mass at the histological level was manifested by a significant increase in the thickness of cardiomyocytes, the volume of connective tissue, and the thickness of the wall of arterial vessels, reaching a maximum value at a longer period after NE.

Prediction of the Individual Aortic Stenosis Progression Rate and its Association With Clinical Outcomes

BackgroundThe progression rate of aortic stenosis differs between patients, complicating clinical follow-up and management. ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify predictors associated with the progression rate of aortic stenosis. MethodsIn this retrospective longitudinal single-center cohort study, all patients with moderate aortic stenosis who presented between December 2011 and December 2022 and had echocardiograms available were included. The individual aortic stenosis progression rate was calculated based on aortic valve area (AVA) from at least 2 echocardiograms performed at least 6 months apart. Baseline factors associated with the progression rate of AVA were determined using linear mixed-effects models, and the association of progression rate with clinical outcomes was evaluated using Cox regression. ResultsThe study included 540 patients (median age 69 years and 38% female) with 2,937 echocardiograms (median 5 per patient). Patients had a linear progression with a median AVA decrease of 0.09 cm2/y and a median peak jet velocity increase of 0.17 m/s/y. Rapid progression was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.26-2.48) and aortic valve replacement (HR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.55-4.64). Older age, greater left ventricular mass index, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease were associated with a faster decline of AVA. ConclusionsAVA decreases linearly in individual patients, and faster progression is independently associated with higher mortality. Routine clinical and echocardiographic variables accurately predict the individual progression rate and may aid clinicians in determining the optimal follow-up interval for patients with aortic stenosis.

Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index as a Marker of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Treated Hypertensives: Findings From the Pamela Study.

Findings regarding the association between Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) and cardiac hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD), such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) assessed by echocardiography, in elderly hypertensive patients are scanty. We sought to investigate this issue in the hypertensive fraction of the general population treated with anti-hypertensive drugs enrolled in the Pressioni Monitorate E Loro Associazioni (PAMELA) study. The study included 239 out of 562 participants who attended the second and third surveys of the PAMELA study performed after 10 and 25 years from the initial evaluation. Data collection included medical history, anthropometric parameters, office, home, ambulatory blood pressure (BP), blood examinations, echocardiography, and CAVI measurements. In the whole study sample (age 69 ± 9 years, 54% males), CAVI was positively correlated with age, office, home, ambulatory systolic BP, LV mass (LVM) index, and negatively associated with body mass index (BMI). In multivariate analysis, CAVI was associated with the LVM index (P < 0.05) independently of major confounders. The participants with LVH exhibited significantly higher CAVI (10.6 ± 2.8 vs. 9.2 ± 1.8 m/s P < 0.001), larger left atrial diameter, and lower LV ejection fraction values than their counterparts without it. The CAVI value of 9.4 m/s was the best cut-off for prediction of LVH in the whole sample. Our study provides new evidence of an independent association between CAVI and LVH in treated elderly hypertensive patients and suggests that the use of this metric of arterial stiffness could not only be used to evaluate vascular damage but also to stratify the risk of LVH.

Renal function and cardiovascular risk in overweight patients

Background. Currently, in most countries of the world, there is a tendency for an annual increase in the proportion of overweight people (OW). Studies performed in various age groups and devoted to the relationship of OW with the functional state of the kidneys show contradictory results.The aim: to study the functional state of the kidneys and the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular complications in OW, taking into account gender differences.Patients and Methods. A cross–sectional single-center study was conducted with the participation of 154 patients (73 men and 81 women) with body mass index (BMI) 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), whose average age was 53.9±12.6 years. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated in all patients, the functional state of the kidneys (according to serum creatinine and cystatin C) was studied, and an analysis of cardiovascular risk factors was carried out.Results. Analysis of excretory renal function by cystatin C showed that in most of the examined individuals, regardless of gender, there was a decrease in eGFR to CKD stages 2 and 3a. OW among men was statistically significantly more often associated with hypertriglyceridemia (32.8 %), tachycardia (38.3 %) and atherosclerotic lesion of the carotid arteries (24.6 %). In the subgroup of women with ischemic heart disease, the average age, the content of low-density lipoproteins, the double product index, the frequency of hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia and hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LVH), mainly of the eccentric type, were significantly higher, and the hemoglobin content and the number of red blood cells were significantly lower. Significant correlations of eGFR with concentrations of hemoglobin and C-reactive protein, as well as with the value of the left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI) were found in men with ischemic heart disease. Correlations of eGFR with the levels of systolic, mean, pulse and central blood pressure, index of functional changes, LDL-C, triglycerides, hemoglobin, fibrinogen, metabolic index, as well as LVMI were found in women with ischemic heart disease. The value of LVH in women was significantly associated with the level of central blood pressure, cystatin C, LDL, hemolobin, fibrinogen, metabolic index, and eGFR. In the general sample of patients with ischemic heart disease, the content of serum cystatin C was positively correlated with LVH and inversely with eGFR calculated by cystatin C. There was a weak negative relationship between the level of central arterial pressure and eGFR by cystatin C.Conclusion. Evaluation of excretory renal function, according to cystatin C and serum creatinine, in individuals with ISM has a higher diagnostic value than evaluation using methods based on the use of serum creatinine alone. In males, the presence of OW is associated with tachycardia, hypertriglyceridemia, a significant decrease in GFR and an increase in the frequency of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries. The following cardiovascular risk factors are associated in women with ischemic heart disease: old age, anemia, increased fibrinogen concentration, dyslipidemia, increased values of the double product index, metabolic index and index of functional changes, as well as hemodynamic and LVH parameters.

Prevalence and clinical significance of late gadolinium enhancement in children and adolescents with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death among the paediatric population. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of late gadolinium enhancement, as assessed by cardiac MRI, in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Ovid SP to identify relevant studies. Pooled estimates with a 95% confidence interval were calculated using the random-effects generic inverse variance model. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager v5.4 and R programming. Seventeen studies were included in this meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 778 patients. Late gadolinium enhancement was highly prevalent in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with a pooled prevalence of 51% (95% confidence interval, 40-62%). The estimated extent of focal fibrosis expressed as a percentage of left ventricular mass was 4.70% (95% confidence interval, 2.11-7.30%). The presence of late gadolinium enhancement was associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiac events (pooled odds ratio 3.49, 95% confidence interval 1.10-11.09). The left ventricular mass index of late gadolinium enhancement-positive group was higher than the negative group, with a standardised mean difference of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.42-1.41). This meta-analysis demonstrates that prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement in paediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is similar to that in the adult population. The presence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement are independent predictors of adverse cardiac events, underscoring their prognostic significance among the paediatric population.

Negative correlation between α-Klotho serum level with Left Ventricular Mass Index: a cross sectional study in chronic kidney disease patients in Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia

Negative correlation between α-Klotho serum level with Left Ventricular Mass Index: a cross sectional study in chronic kidney disease patients in Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia

Cardiac imaging correlates and predictors of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis.

New nonclinical parameters are needed to improve the current stroke risk stratification schemes for patients with atrial fibrillation. This study aimed to summarize data on potential cardiac imaging correlates and predictors of stroke or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to identify all published studies providing relevant data through 16 November 2022. Random effects meta-analysis method was used to pool estimates. We included 64 studies reporting data from a pooled population of 56 639 patients. Left atrial spontaneous echo-contrast [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-5.49], nonchicken wing left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.11-4.18), left atrial enlargement (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.45-3.08), and higher LAA orifice diameter (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18-2.05) were highly associated with stroke. Other parameters associated with stroke included higher left atrial sphericity (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29), higher left atrial volume (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04), higher left atrial volume index (aOR 1.014, 95% CI 1.004-1.023), lower left atrial reservoir strain [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.86, 95% CI 0.76-0.98], higher left ventricular mass index (aOR 1.010, 95% CI 1.005-1.015) and E / e' ratio (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07-1.16). There was no association between LAA volume (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 0.85-2.21) and stroke. These cardiac imaging parameters identified as potential predictors of thromboembolism may improve the accuracy of stroke risk stratification schemes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Further studies should evaluate the performance of holistic risk scores including clinical factors, biomarkers, and cardiac imaging.

IDF23-0282 A study on the effect of LV mass index adjustment of EF on the assessment of LV function and CV risk in diabetes

IDF23-0282 A study on the effect of LV mass index adjustment of EF on the assessment of LV function and CV risk in diabetes

The severity of chronic heart failure and the parameters of daily blood pressure profile in patients with coronary heart disease

Aim: Although the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension which are the most common causes of the development and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) is high, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) in patients with CHF is not mandatory to be performed. The growing number of evidence suggests that excessive decrease in BP which clearly reflects increased BP variability (BPV) affects the survival of patients with heart failure (HF). The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the parameters specific to CHF severity and features of daily BP profiles in patients with ischemic CHF and hypertension. Methods: Ninety patients with functional class II–IV of CHF and CHD (the main group) and 50 non-CHF patients with hypertension (the comparative group) were examined. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) [atrial end-systolic dimension (ESD), ventricular end-diastolic dimension (EDD), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)] and 24-hour ABPM (BPV parameters and proportions of hypotensive episodes) were performed. The relationships between the abovementioned parameters were evaluated using the univariate correlation analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression. Results: Higher functional class of CHF is found to be associated with a higher incidence of daytime systolic BP (SBP) decline and nighttime SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) variability while higher LVEF is related to the hypotensive episodes regardless of CHF. Conclusions: It appears that the larger trials involving CHF patients with reduced LVEF should be conducted to clarify the obtained results.