Presence Of Heart Failure Research Articles

Pulmonary hypertension in patients on chronic hemodialysis

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common condition in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. High arteriovenous fistula (AVF) flow is one of known etiological factors, but the association of AVF flow within the acceptable range and PH has not been tested. Moreover, the prevalence of PH differed among various studies. Purpose The aims of this study were: 1. to describe the prevalence of PH in the Czech hemodialysis population; 2. to analyze the relation between dialysis fistula flow and PH; 3. to reveal other etiology of PH in a cross-sectional non-invasive trial. Methods We analyzed index visits of the cohort CZecking HF-CKD study (ISRCTN 18275480). Thus, this is a cross-sectional analysis based on detailed echocardiography with cardiac output (CO) calculation, evaluation of the central venous pressure (CVP) and AVF flow, bio-impedance and basic laboratory tests. All these measurements were done within an hour. The presence of PH was based on the peak systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PASP) estimation above 35 mmHg. Results We analyzed data of 162 patients. They were 73,2 ± 12,6 years old, dialysis vintage 30 ± 69 months. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 35 % of analyzed patients. Among these patients, mild PH was present in 35 %, moderate in 53 % and severe in 12 %. There was no significant impact of AVF/AVG flow on the presence of PH or PASP value (Table 1.). However patients with PH had higher prevalence of heart failure (HF), which was present in 86 % of patients with PH and only in 46 % without PH (p<0.00001), see Figure 1. This and other differences presented in Table 1. document significant contribution of postcapillary PH. Patients with PH were also more overhydrated when considered by CVP, by overhydration measurement using bioelectrical impedance analysis and had higher N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) (Table 1.). There was a positive correlation between systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and PASP (R=0,333, p= .001). Conclusions PH is present in approximately one third of the dialysis patients. The presence of heart failure and changes of left heart chambers show for the postcapillary etiology of PH. Neither the prevalence nor the severity of PH were significantly related to arteriovenous access flow.

Phenotype groups in atrial cardiomyopathy and their prognosis

Abstract Background Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) includes patients with heterogenous demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Defining phenotype groups with similar clinical characteristics is important for the effective treatment of these patients, and for their prognosis and prevention of ACM. Purpose To conduct a cluster analysis that could help us in phenotyping ACM and exploring the clinical complexity of this entity. Methods We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis based on Ward’s Method using 10 clinical binary variables (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, coronary artery disease, sinus node dysfunction or atrio-ventricular block, implanted pacemaker, and ischemic stroke), identifying the optimal number of clusters. We investigated differences in demographic, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters, and treatment between defined clusters, and assessed the impact of these factors on prognosis. Results Of 724 evaluated consecutive patients with dilated left atrium only 200 met the criteria for advanced atrial cardiomyopathy, defined as severely dilated left atrium with volume index (LAVI) ≥ 48 ml/m2, preserved left ventricular systolic function - ejection fraction ≥ 50%, without an overt valvular or ventricular disease, and were included in the analysis. Mean age of the studied population was 73.91 ± 9.74 years, 58 % of them were women. We identified 4 clusters: cluster 1 (n = 73, 36%) were younger overweight patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF); cluster 2 (n = 56, 28%) - old patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and low body mass index (BMI); cluster 3 (n = 34, 17%)- diabetic patients with obesity and CHF; and cluster 4 (n = 37, 19%) old patients with tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome, implanted pacemakers, and long -standing AF. Over a mean follow up of 20.6 months cluster 2 had the highest mortality rate (28.6%), followed by cluster 3 (20.6%), compared to the lower mortality rate of cluster 1 and 4 (11% and 10.8%, respectively, p=0.047). The presence of heart failure (HR 4.4, CI 1.5 ÷12.7, p=0.006), cancer (HR 3.3, CI 1.6 ÷ 6.9, p=0.002) and greater than moderate tricuspid regurgitation (HR 5.4, CI 2.6 ÷ 11.3, p<0.001) were predictors of poor outcome. Conclusion In patients with advanced atrial cardiomyopathy, four main clusters were identified, differentiated by distinct comorbidities. Both clinical and echocardiographic parameters were found to be associated with an increased risk of mortality.Phenotype clusters of ACMKaplan-Meier curves of clusters

Improvement of left atrial function after ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is associated with the presence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) often coexist and left atrial (LA) function was impaired in both AF and HFpEF. However, It remains unclear if HFpEF is linked to LA function improvement in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pxAF) patients post-ablation. Purpose To investigate whether the improvement of LA function after ablation in patients with pxAF combined with HFpEF is better than that in patients without HFpEF. Methods 147 patients with pxAF were enrolled and HFpEF was ascertained based on the H2FPEF score. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at baseline and 3 months after ablation. Left atrial volume index (LAVI), left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) and left atrial peak reservoir strain (LA RS) were measured. Improvement of left atrial function is defined as the difference in the above 3 indicators at baseline and 3 months after ablation. The change of the above atrial functional parameters was compared between patients with high-probability of HFpEF [hp-HFpEF] and medium/low-probability of HFpEF [lp-HFpEF]) in univariate and multivariate analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using independent samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and ANCOVA. Results 147 patients were included (30 hp-HFpEF, 117 lp-HFpEF, mean age 62.6 years, 63.3% men, mean BMI 25.54kg/㎡, mean disease course 28.2 months, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score 1.97). In the univariate analysis, the following factors were significantly different between hp-HFpEF and lp-HFpEF, including BMI (26.95±3.71 vs. 25.18±3.00, p=0.007), CHA2DS2-VASc score (3[3-4] vs. 2[1-2], p＜0.001), LA function at baseline including LAVI (41.59±11.38 vs. 32.57[27.68-41.10], p=0.003), LAEF (45.97±10.26 vs. 57.23±9.08, p＜0.001), LA RS (26.43±10.68 vs. 34.43±10.60, p＜0.001), and difference at baseline and 3 months after ablation in LA function including LAVI (4.92±1.08 vs. 3.33±1.18, p＜0.001), LAEF (13.41±9.71 vs. 2.98±9.69, p＜0.001), LA RS (23.61±10.23 vs. 7.29±6.91, p＜0.001), and in left ventricular (LV) TTE indicators including E/e’ (3.10±2.30 vs. -0.32±2.68, p＜0.001), LV ejection fraction (10.5[7.0-16.5] vs. 2.0[-5.0-6.0], p＜0.001), LV global longitudinal strain (14.94±4.27 vs. 5.15[2.63-8.30], p＜0.001) and LV mass (17.79±28.67 vs 1.50[-8.75-17.00], p=0.006). After adjusted for BMI, CHA2DS2-VASc score, LA function at baseline and difference at baseline and 3 months after ablation in LV TTE indicators, the improvement of LA function 3 months after ablation in patients with hp-HFpEF is better than that in patients with lp-HFpEF: LAVI significantly decreased (4.24±0.21 vs. 3.46± 0.09, p＜0.001), LAEF significantly increased (12.90±2.13 vs. 3.09±0.86, p＜0.001) and LA RS significantly increased (21.44±1.81 vs. 8.02±0.76, p＜0.001) in hp-HFpEF compared with lp-HFpEF. Conclusion Patients with pxAF with hp-HFpEF showed better improvement in LA function after ablation than those with Ip-HFpEF.

The Role of International Normalized Ratio (INR) in Heart Failure Patient With Sepsis: Hidden in Plain Sight

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms and signs caused by a structural and/or functional impairment of the heart. Sepsis in heart failure may cause significant mortality and morbidity rates. Clinically, the presence of heart dysfunction in heart failure worsens outcomes in unstable hemodynamic conditions, for instance, in cases of sepsis, particularly in patients with HFrEF. This research aims to survey the blend of heart failure and sepsis and current updates regarding using the International Normalized Ratio (INR) to detect sepsis. Information was collected from various sources, and updated literature was compiled into a review article. The presence of heart failure with sepsis is associated with horrible clinical results. If fluid alone is insufficient to restore perfusion, the fundamental structure of sepsis includes strong fluid recovery followed by vasopressor association (and possibly inotropic support). In any case, in patients with heart failure, high-portion fluid boluses and vasoactive experts might deteriorate the condition. Heart failure and sepsis can overlap and lead to hemodynamic disturbances and challenging treatment. Meanwhile, aggressive fluid resuscitation is necessary for sepsis; conventional heart failure management requires reducing fluid intake. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is one of the coagulation parameters that may help determine sepsis in patients with heart failure, thus improving appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Assessment of the Level of NT-proBNP in Patients with Arterial Hypertension Aged 80 Years and Older, Depending on the Presence of Heart Failure and Senile Asthenia Syndrome

Objectives. To evaluate the informativeness of the N-terminal brain-promoting natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for the diagnosis of chronic heart failure (CHF), depending on the presence of senile asthenia syndrome (SSA) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) 80 years and older.Materials and Methods. 320 patients with hypertension, depending on the presence of CHF and SSA, were divided into groups: group 1A — patients with hypertension, SSA and CHF (n=84), group 1B — patients with hypertension, SSA without CHF (n=77), group 2A — patients with hypertension, CHF without SSA (n=84), group 2B — patients with hypertension without CHF and without SSA (n=75). The CSA was identified by the questionnaire “Age is not a hindrance”. The level of NT-proBNP was determined in blood serum by enzyme immunoassay. ROC analysis was used to determine the threshold value of markers.Results. In patients with hypertension and SSA without CHF, the concentration of NT-proBNP in the blood is 2.3 times higher (p=0.003) compared with patients with hypertension without SSA and without CHF, which indicates the effect of SSA on the level of NT-proBNP. In patients with hypertension and CHF without SSA, the level of NT-proBNP is 4.3 times higher compared with patients with hypertension without SSA and without CHF (p<0.001), in whom the concentration of NT-proBNP was noted below the threshold level (106.2 pg/ml). In patients with hypertension and SSA and CHF, the highest concentrations of NT-proBNP were recorded, which are 2.9 times (p<0.001) higher than in “fragile” patients with hypertension without CHF and 1.5 times higher than in “strong” patients with hypertension and CHF (p<0.001). A new threshold level of NT-proBNP has been calculated for the diagnosis of CHF in patients with hypertension and SSA aged 80 years and older — 365.9 pg/ml.Conclusion. For the diagnosis of CHF in patients with hypertension 80 years and older without CSA, the NT-proBNP marker is informative, since, according to the data obtained, its level did not depend on the age of the patients. When using NT-proBNP to detect CHF in patients with hypertension and SSA 80 years and older, the calculated threshold marker level (365.9 pg/ml) should be used, since in these patients the concentration of NT-proBNP is increased, regardless of the presence of CHF.

Gene expression networks in endothelial cells from failing human hearts.

Chronic heart failure is associated with adverse remodeling of the heart that is typically characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. This requires the formation of new capillaries to maintain oxygen supply. Insufficient angiogenesis promotes the transition from compensated hypertrophy into heart failure. The aim of this study was to identify angiogenesis-related gene networks and corresponding regulatory hubs in endothelial cells from failing human hearts. We isolated left ventricular endothelial cells from patients with advanced heart failure undergoing left ventricular assist device surgery (n = 15) and healthy organ donors (n = 2) and performed RNA sequencing. Subgroup analysis revealed no impact of comorbidities on gene expression. In a weighted gene coexpression network analysis, we found 26 gene clusters, of which 9 clusters showed a significant positive or negative correlation with the presence of heart failure. We identified the transcription factors CASZ1 (castor zinc finger 1), ZNF523 (zinc finger protein 523), and NFE2L1 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1) as hub genes of a cluster related to angiogenesis. Knockdown of CASZ1, ZNF523, or NFE2L1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells led to a downregulation of genes from the respective cluster, including CD34 and platelet-derived growth factor-β, confirming their regulatory function. In conclusion, we assessed gene networks in endothelial cells and identified transcription factors CASZ1, ZNF532, and NFE2L1 as potential regulators of angiogenesis in failing human hearts. Our study provides insights into the transcriptional regulation of angiogenesis beyond the classical vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Gene coexpression network analysis defined 26 gene clusters expressed in endothelial cells from failing human hearts. Transcription factors CASZ1, ZNF523, and NFE2L1 were identified as hub genes of a cluster related to angiogenesis. Knockdown of CASZ1, ZNF523, or NFE2L1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells led to a downregulation of genes from the respective cluster, confirming their regulatory function. This provides insights into the transcriptional regulation of angiogenesis in heart failure beyond classical signaling pathways.

Abstract P334: Association Between Arthritis and Heart Failure Among People with Hypertension in United States

Background: Hypertension is well known for its association with cardiovascular events and arthritis. However, epidemiological data on the direct relationship between heart failure and arthritis in hypertensive patients is limited. This study examines the hypothesis that arthritis increases the risk of heart failure among patients with hypertension. Additionally, the effect of gender on these outcomes was assessed. Method: In our study, we analyzed data from 6,789 adults with hypertension aged 18 to 80 years, sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2017-2018. Arthritis was defined based on participants’ self-reported diagnosis by a doctor. We utilized logistic regression to explore the relationship between arthritis and the presence of heart failure across three different models. The first model included heart failure alone, the second model included age, gender, education, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and drinking, and the third model additionally included coronary artery disease and stroke. Result: The prevalence of heart failure among individuals with both arthritis and hypertension stands at 6.0%. Investigation into gender reveals a notable prevalence in males at 8.2% compared to 4.5% in females [Fig 1]. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between the two conditions across the entire population, with correlation coefficients of 2.38 (95% CI: 1.68-3.37), 1.61 (95% CI: 1.11-2.34), and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.01-2.25) for the three models, respectively. Specifically, in males, there was a notably increased association in the first and second models, with correlation coefficients of 2.77 (95% CI: 1.76-4.35) and 1.69 (95% CI: 1.05-2.74), respectively. Conversely, among females, a significant association was observed only in the first model, with a correlation coefficient of 2.24 (95% CI: 1.29-3.89) [Fig 2]. Conclusion: A robust positive correlation between arthritis and heart failure was observed in hypertensive U.S. patients. Gender was found to be a factor influencing this relationship, with males having a higher risk and prevalence of heart failure compared to the overall population.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of the left atrial myopathy evaluation in cardiac amyloidosis using echocardiography.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an under-recognized cause of heart failure. Left atrial (LA) myopathy contributes to a worse prognosis in heart failure and is a feature of transthyretin (ATTR) and light-chain (AL) CA. LA mechanical dispersion (LA-MD) is a novel marker of intra-atrial dyssynchrony implicated in LA myopathy and the future development of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to determine the characteristics and prognostic value of LA myopathy in ATTR and AL cardiomyopathy through a comprehensive LA echocardiographic evaluation. ATTR (n=86) and AL (n=86) CA patients were compared with hypertensive heart disease (HHT) patients (n=58). Transthoracic echocardiographic measurements including LA strain and LA-MD were obtained with patient follow-up for mortality. ATTR and AL patients had a median follow-up of 66months, with 26 mortality events. Left ventricular (LV) mass, diastolic function (average-e' and E/e'), LV global longitudinal strain, and LA volume and function (LA function index and strain) were more impaired in ATTR versus AL; these echocardiographic parameters were more impaired in both amyloid groups compared to HHT patients (P<0.05). LA-MD was increased in ATTR versus AL [median 72.2 (inter-quartile range 55-88.9) vs. 54 (43.5-64.2), respectively, P<0.001]. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, presence of AF, LV mass, global and basal strain, and E/e' demonstrated that LA-MD was an independent determinant of ATTR CA (P=0.014). On multivariable analysis, LA reservoir strain was independently associated with the presence of heart failure in the CA group (P<0.001). LA minimum volume (cut-off ≥18mL/m2) was a determinant of mortality in AL CA [Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) 1.042 (1.003-1.082), P=0.034 and Kaplan-Meier analysis, P=0.016]. Characterizing LA myopathy has significant diagnostic and prognostic utility in CA. ATTR patients have increased atrial dyssynchrony, which may have implications for AF development. LA reservoir strain was associated with heart failure in CA, whilst LA minimum volume was a predictor of mortality in AL CA.

Risk factors and multi-pathogen infections in kidney transplant recipients with omicron variant pneumonia: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundKidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at an elevated risk of progressing to severe infections upon contracting COVID-19. We conducted a study on risk factors and multi-pathogen infections in KTRs with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.MethodsKTRs were subjected to a thorough etiological evaluation. Whenever feasible, they were also provided with bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage to enable metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), ideally within a 48-hour window post-admission. We performed a retrospective analysis for pathogens and risk factors of KTRs with the COVID-19 virus variant Omicron.ResultsWe included thirty patients in our study, with sixteen exhibiting single infection of COVID-19 and fourteen experiencing co-infections, predominantly with Pneumocystis jirovecii. Notably, patients with severe cases demonstrated significantly elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 compared to those with moderate cases (P < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals whose conditions progressed had markedly higher baseline serum creatinine levels than those without such progression (P < 0.05). The presence of heart failure, acute exacerbation of renal dysfunction, and a history of opportunistic infections were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of deterioration and hospital admission due to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In subsequent follow-up analysis, the all-cause rehospitalization rate was observed to be 21.4%, with Pneumocystis jirovecii infection accounting for half of these cases.ConclusionAmong KTRs, a significant coinfection rate of 47% was observed, with Pneumocystis jirovecii emerging as the predominant pathogen in these cases. The development of heart failure, acute exacerbation of chronic renal dysfunction, and a prior history of opportunistic infections have been identified as potential risk factors that may contribute to clinical deterioration in KTRs. Additionally, Pneumocystis jirovecii infection has been established as a critical factor influencing the rate of all-cause rehospitalization within this patient population.

Predictors of low-voltage areas in the left atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Low-voltage areas (LVA) in the left atrium (LA) electroanatomical map are potent predictors of the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Clinical factors predicting the presence of LVA have moderate accuracy. The aim of the study was to find clinical and echocardiographic factors predicting the presence of LVA in patients undergoing AF ablation. Methods Consecutive unselected patients undergoing AF ablation were included in the retrospective analysis. All patients underwent transthoracic (including LA strains) and transesophageal echocardiography, pulmonary vein isolation and LA electroanatomical mapping using multipolar catheter. LVA were defined as an area greater than 2cm2 with a voltage below 0.5mV (or 0.3mV when measured during AF). Results A total of 432 patients were included in the analysis, 107 (24.8%) had LVA. The mean age of the study population was 62.8 years, 185 patients had nonparoxysmal AF (42.8%). In the univariate logistic regression analysis numerous clinical parameters (age, female sex, presence of heart failure, diabetes, coronary artery disease, AF during examination), echocardiographic parameters (LA reservoir strain - LASr, LA emptying fraction, LA volume index, E/e’, LA appendage velocity - LAAV) and mean LA pressure (measured invasively) were significant predictors of the presence of LVA. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis age (HR 1.11 per 1 year increase, p&amp;lt;0.001), LASr (HR 0.89 per 1% increase, p=0.014) and LAAV (HR 0.93 per 1cm/s increase, p&amp;lt;0.001) were significant predictors of the presence of LVA. In receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis LASr and LAAV were potent predictors of LVA in patients tested on sinus rhythm (AUC 0.86 and 0.87 respectively), while they had moderate predictive value in patients tested on AF (LASr AUC 0.67, LAAV AUC 0.77). Conclusions Age, LASr, and LAAV were significant predictors of LVA in patients undergoing AF ablation. The predictive value of LASr and LAAV was better in patients examined during sinus rhythm than in patients examined during AF.

A report of fifty cases with incidental diagnosis of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva

IntroductionAnomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva (R-ACAOS) is a relatively rare condition that can potentially lead to devastating outcomes. The current study aims to investigate the cardiac-related disorders among patients with incidental R-ACAOS diagnosis through computed tomography angiography (CTA). MethodsThe current cross-sectional study has been conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with R-ACAOS who underwent CTA. Based on CTA, the patients' were categorized as R-ACAOS with interarterial course and non-interarterial course. The demographic and medical characteristics, any history of cardiac intervention and New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification at the time of diagnosis were recruited. Patients were revisited to assess cardiac-associated variables, including symptoms, the presence of heart failure and current NYHA function class. ResultsThe variables including the history of cardiac intervention (P-value<0.001), the presence of heart failure (P-value = 0.010) and NYHA function class at the time of diagnosis (P-value = 0.006) were remarkably higher among those with interarterial course of R-ACAOS; while, the other variables including chest pain at rest (P-value = 0.55) or on exertion (P-value = 0.12), current NYHA function class, current cardiac-associated symptoms except for dyspnea at rest (P-value = 0.012), mortality and coronary calium score did not differ (P-value>0.05). coronary interventions led to significantly improved NYHA function class (P-value<0.05). ConclusionBased on the findings of the current study, R-ACAOS with interarterial course leads to significantly higher rates of atherosclerotic-related symptoms and events compared with the other types of RCA anomalies. Moreover, coronary interventions led to significantly improved NYHA functional class regardless of R-ACAOS category.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a population-based cohort study.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) have a direct cardiac effect that is likely to be independent of its glucose lowering renal effect. Previous research has shown that SGLT2-is mitigate heart failure and prevent arrhythmic cardiac death. Our objective is to determine whether SGLT-2is reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison to other second-to third-line antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetes. We conducted a population-based, new-user active comparator cohort study using data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We identified a cohort of patients initiating a new antidiabetic drug class between January 2013 and September 2020. This cohort included patients initiating their first ever non-insulin antidiabetic drug, as well as those who switched to or added-on an antidiabetic drug class not previously used in their treatment history. Individuals with a diagnosis of AF or atrial flutter at any time before cohort entry were excluded. Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of AF comparing SGLT-2-is with other second-line to third-line antidiabetic drugs. Stratified analyses were performed according to sex, diabetes duration (<5 or≥5 years), body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, and presence of heart failure.The cohort comprised 142447 patients. SGLT-2is were associated with a statistically significant reduced hazard of AF compared to other second-line to third-line antidiabetic drugs (adjusted HR: 0.77 [95% CI: 0.68-0.88]). This reduced risk was present in both sexes but was more prominently among women (adjusted HRwomen: 0.60 [95% CI: 0.45-0.79]; HRmen: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.73-0.98]; P-value interaction: 0.012). There was no evidence for effect modification when stratifying on duration of diabetes, BMI, HbA1c, or presence of heart failure. SGLT-2is were associated with a reduced risk of AF in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to other second-line to third-line antidiabetic drugs. This reduced risk occurs in both sexes but more prominently among women.

Inspiratory muscle endurance is similarly reduced in the early and late stages of chronic Chagas heart disease.

Inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) appears to be reduced in subjects with chronic Chagas heart disease (CHD), especially in the presence of heart failure (HF). However, only one study about IMS and inspiratory muscle endurance (IME) in those with CHD without heart failure is available. This study aimed to compare IMS and IME in subjects with CHD in the presence and absence of HF. This is a cross-sectional study in which 30 CHD adult patients were divided into CHD-CC group (initial phase of CHD, without HF; n = 15) and CHD-HF group (advanced phase of CHD, with HF; n = 15). We assessed IMS by maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and IME by incremental (Pthmax) and constant load (TLim) tests. Reduced IMS and IME were considered by predicted MIP values <70% and Pthmax/MIP <75%, respectively. Inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) was more frequent in CHD-HF than in CHD-CC (46.7% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.05), and both groups had high frequencies of reduced IME (93.3% CHD-CC vs. 100.0% CHD-HF; p = 0.95). Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis using HF as a dependent variable showed that HF was associated with an increased chance of IMW compared with the CHD-CC group (OR = 7.47; p = 0.03; 95% CI 1.20-46.19). This study suggests that, in patients with CHD, HF is associated with IMW, and that reduction of IME is already present in the initial phase, similar to the advanced phase with HF.

The burden of psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder among adults with congenital heart disease: PTSD in ACHD

BackgroundPsychological trauma, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mental health conditions are common in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). There is a gap in the literature examining PTSD in ACHD using the current DSM-5 criteria, while assessing patient characteristics and experiences with trauma-focused treatment. MethodsSurveys were offered to outpatients over a six-month enrollment period to be completed via QR code on their personal smart phone. Patient-reported items include a detailed medical and psychosocial history, the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey, and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). ResultsOf 158 patients (77% moderate or complex heart disease) who provided complete data, a provisional diagnosis of PTSD was found in 48 patients (30%), using a PCL-5 cutoff score of ≥ 31. A positive PTSD screen was associated with younger age, non-white race, presence of heart failure, lower New York Heart Association Functional Class, lower linear Quality of Life score, lower OSSS-3 score, an insecure caregiver relationship, period of unemployment, emergency department visits, medication nonadherence, and coexisting mental health disorders. Complexity of heart disease and number of surgical and/or catheter-based interventions was not associated with PTSD, although having undergone no cardiac surgeries until adulthood (≥ 18 years old) was associated with a lower prevalence of PTSD. Those who screened positive for PTSD were more likely to report multiple traumatic events, including noncardiac traumatic events. Only 14/48 patients (29%) reported a known diagnosis of PTSD, although 44 patients (92%) reported having ever seen a mental health provider. Eighteen patients (38%) reported currently having a mental health provider. Thirty patients (62%) had heard of at least one evidence-based trauma-informed therapy, and 14 (29%) had tried at least one. ConclusionsUsing the DSM-5 criteria, we observed a high prevalence of potential PTSD in ACHD associated with several novel cardiac and psychosocial patient factors. Future longitudinal studies will be necessary to establish causality. Few individuals with ACHD have been formally diagnosed with PTSD or have experience with evidence-based trauma-informed therapies.

Diagnostic accuracy of baseline troponin and troponin change for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction complicated with heart failure

BackgroundThe diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) in the presence of heart failure (HF) presents a clinical problem. While diagnostic algorithms using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin have been established for suspected MI,...

Prognostic impact of prior cardiopathy in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia

From the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, the presence of previous cardiopathy was thought to be related with a worse prognosis of the disease. We aimed to analyse that theoretical adverse impact in a large cohort of patients. We selected 1065 patients admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia between March and June 2020, divided in three groups according to (1) absence of cardiopathy, (2) presence of valvular heart disease or ischemic heart disease, or (3) presence of heart failure. We analysed the differences between groups regarding the need for admission in intensive care unit for mechanical ventilation or mortality during admission, or mortality during admission or in the next 6 months. The factors that were associated with a worse prognosis both in acute phase and in the next 6 months were age, male gender, obesity and oncologic disease. The presence of previous cardiopathy did not have an adverse prognostic impact neither initially nor in the short term, in our study. We did not obtain significative association of the presence of cardiopathy with a worse medical evolution, neither in acute phase nor in the short term, of patients admitted for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Incidence and predictors of sudden cardiac arrest in cardiac amyloidosis: a 5-year retrospective analysis

Abstract Background Despite recent advances in treatment, cardiac amyloidosis (CA) portends a poor outcome. Clinical manifestations of CA are variable and often nonspecific, which makes the diagnosis challenging. Failure to recognize early cardiac involvement may result in devastating complications such as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Electrocardiography (ECG) is a widely available and affordable modality that can aid with risk stratification. Purpose We aimed to study patient demographics and identify clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) predictors of SCA in patients with CA. Methods We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database between 2016–2020 to identify hospitalizations for CA who were then subcategorized based on SCA, using the ICD-10 diagnosis code. The primary outcome was to assess clinical and ECG predictors of SCA. Both groups were compared for association using the chi-square test, following which multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of SCA. In addition, we performed a temporal trends analysis of CA hospitalizations and SCA during this study period. Results A total of 103,620 weighted hospitalizations for CA were identified of which 1935(1.9%) suffered a SCA. Baseline characteristics and comorbidities were largely equivalent except for a history of heart failure which was significantly higher in the SCA group(63.3% vs 46.8%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Interestingly, traditional cardiac risk factors like smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity did not correlate with increased risk of SCA. African American (AA) race had a higher incidence of SCA(30.2% vs 23.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). A multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of SCA and account for potential clinical as well as demographic confounders. Higher rates of SCA were observed in male sex, age &amp;lt; 40 years, and AA race as outlined in figure 1. The presence of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and tachyarrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation were associated with significantly higher odds of SCA. In addition, right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block, first-degree AV block, complete heart block and fascicular blocks were independently predictive of higher rates of SCA. As expected, the rates of ICD implantation were higher in the SCA group (7.2% vs 0.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001. There is an increasing trend in hospitalizations for cardiac amyloidosis from 2017 to 2020 as highlighted in figure 2. Conclusion Among patients with cardiac amyloidosis, young age, AA race, ECG evidence of AV nodal dysfunction, distal conduction disease, and tachyarrhythmias is associated with an elevated risk of SCA. These findings could improve risk stratification, prompt further targeted evaluation with advanced imaging modalities and help in early identification of amyloid patients with cardiac involvement.Figure 1Figure 2

Symptoms vs. pathology and outcomes in patients with reduced ejection fraction

Abstract Background After acute myocardial infarction (AMI), patients have similar mortality regardless of whether AMI is silent or not. Less is known about whether outcomes after left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) varies by absence or presence of heart failure (HF) symptoms (Stage B and C HF, respectively). Methods In Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD), patients with EF ≤35% were randomized to enalapril or placebo. We compared 4-year mortality in 2569 patients with HF symptoms (Stage C HF) enrolled in SOLVD-Treatment trial with that in 4228 patients without symptoms (Stage B) in SOLVD-Prevention trial, adjusting for 24 baseline characteristics including age, sex, race, EF, symptoms (as indexed by NYHA class). Results Patients in SOVLD-Treatment had a higher risk of death (HR, 2.63; 95% CI, 2.37–2.90; p&amp;lt;0.001), which remained significant after adjustment for 23 covariates except NYHA (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.16–1.60; p&amp;lt;0.001; Figure, left panel). However, when NYHA was added to the model, the significant was lost (adjusted HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97–1.36; p = 0.117; Figure, right panel). Conclusion These findings suggest that unlike in patients with AMI, in patients with reduced EF, those with HF symptoms have higher mortality, even after adjustment for other covariates.

Abstract 14820: Is Mitral Annular Disjunction Associated With Atrial Fibrillation?

Introduction: Mitral annular disjunction has been associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. However, its association with atrial fibrillation (AF) in mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is unknown. Hypothesis: Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is associated with atrial fibrillation in patients with MVP. Methods: We studied all patients aged 18 - 90 years with MVP on echocardiography between 2016-19 at our institution. Echocardiograms were reviewed for ventricular size and function and mitral valve pathology. Comorbidities, including atrial fibrillation, were identified on chart review. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association of mitral morphologic factors and clinical characteristics with AF in MVP. Results: AF was present in 135 (21.2%) of a total 637 MVP patients. AF was present in 5.3% (11/209) under age 60 years, 19.8% (50/253) age 60-75 years, and 43.3% (74/175) over age 75 years. MAD was present in 15.6% (21/135) with AF and 14.7% (74/502) without AF (p=0.79). On multivariate analysis, atrial fibrillation was associated with increased age (OR [95% CI], 1.93 [1.59-2.36] per 10 years, p&lt;0.0001) and heart failure (OR 2.70 [1.62-4.51], p=0.0001), although not moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (OR 1.20 [0.75-1.92], p=0.45). Conclusion: Atrial fibrillation is highly prevalent in mitral valve prolapse and independently associated with older age and presence of heart failure. Mitral annular disjunction is not a risk factor for atrial fibrillation in mitral valve prolapse.

Abstract 18921: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the Presence of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction is Associated With Low Arousal Threshold and Increased Sleep Fragmentation

Introduction: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is often accompanied by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The effects of HFpEF on OSA pathophysiology remain relatively unexplored. Pulmonary congestion and sympathetic nervous activity (SNA) may drive ventilatory control instability (high loop gain [LG]). Elevated SNA also theoretically predisposes sleep to easier interruption by breathing events of OSA, reflected by low arousal threshold (ArTH). Hypothesis: In comparison to patients with OSA alone, patients with both OSA and HFpEF have higher LG and lower ArTH. Methods: We reviewed records to include patients with 1) transthoracic echocardiography with EF&gt;40% and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by decreased age-adjusted e’ and/or left atrial volume index &gt;28 mL/m 2 ; 2) OSA by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI3A) ≥15 events/hour; and 3) raw polysomnography (PSG) data available for advanced signal analysis. LG and ArTH were estimated by Phenotyping Using Polysomnography (PUP), a MATLAB algorithm that quantifies pathophysiologic mechanisms of OSA using PSG data. Values in HFpEF+OSA patients were compared to values from research volunteers with OSA alone. Results: The HFpEF+OSA group included 21 patients. The OSA alone group included 43 research volunteers. LG was lower for HFpEF+OSA (0.63±18) compared to OSA alone (0.69±18), but the difference was not statistically significant. ArTH was significantly lower for HFpEF+OSA (117.0±15.9 %eupnea) compared to OSA alone (152.8±54.8 %eupnea, p = &lt;0.001) and remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. ArTH was correlated with sleep efficiency (R = 0.43, p = &lt;0.001) and negatively correlated with wake after sleep onset (R = -0.35, p =0.005). Conclusions: HFpEF is associated with low arousal threshold, which may contribute to sleep fragmentation. Our data did not confirm the hypothesis of greater breathing instability in patients with HFpEF and OSA compared to OSA alone.