Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients Research Articles

In-Hospital Outcomes Of Heart Failure With Reduced And Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Population-Based Study

In-Hospital Outcomes Of Heart Failure With Reduced And Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Population-Based Study

Abstract 4118341: Outcomes of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients With Concurrent Opioid Use: Insights From the National Inpatient Sample

Background: Opioid use has increased significantly in the past few decades, impacting cardiac and non-cardiac patients. As heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) comprises half of all heart failure cases, understanding its management and effect on outcomes is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of chronic opioid therapy on HFpEF patients. Methods: Studying the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2020), we identified adult HFpEF patients using the appropriate ICD-10 codes -after excluding patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)- and compared outcomes between chronic opioid users and non-users. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for multiple patient and hospital confounders. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality while secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury/hemodialysis (AKI/HD), cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and total charges. Results: Among 1,557,344 HFpEF patients, 21,655 (1.4%) were on opioids chronically. Inpatient mortality was not significantly different between patients who were on opioids and those who were not. (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.01, 95% CI 0.85 - 1.2, p=0.89). There was a non-significant increased risk of cardiogenic shock (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 0.87 - 1.5, p=0.35) and cardiac arrest (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.8 - 1.36, p=0.74) in patients on chronic opioids. Chronic opioids were associated with increased risk of AKI/HD (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04 - 1.2, p=0.002) and mechanical ventilation (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16 - 1.43, p< 0.001). Opioid use was also associated with longer hospital stay (adjusted MD [aMD] 1.07 days, 95% CI 0.75 - 1.39, p<0.001) and a non-significant increase in total charges (aMD $2,593, 95% CI -$2,044 - $7,229, p=0.27). Conclusions: While chronic opioid use in hospitalized HFpEF patients did not significantly impact in-hospital mortality, it was associated with increased risk of other adverse events and longer hospital stay. Further research is needed to understand the impact of chronic opioid use on HFpEF patients.

Mortality effects of beta-blockers on myocardial infarction in patients without reduced ejection fraction or heart failure in the contemporary reperfusion era : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background The 2023 ESC and AHA/ACC guidelines note that contemporary data are heterogenous regarding the use of beta-blockers (BB) post-myocardial infarction (MI) in patients without reduced ejection fraction (EF) or heart failure (HF). Purpose We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to address the heterogeneity in existing literature around BB post-MI in patients without HF. Methods We searched 6 databases from Jan 1, 2000 to Jan 12, 2024 to identify modern randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or observational studies enrolling MI patients without reduced EF or history of HF who received BB at index MI, and comparing outcomes between BB users and non-users. Reduced EF was defined as EF ≤40%. The primary outcome was all-cause death. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were conducted to explore heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was conducted using the restricted maximum likelihood method. Results There were 22 studies, including 1 RCT, involving 281,631 patients enrolled between 1997 and 2020. BB did not confer a significant reduction in all-cause death in patients with a 1-year event-free period (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.06; I2 = 0%; Figure 1A), defined as no death, recurrent MI, or HF while on BB following index MI. In patients with a 3-year event-free period, a non-significant trend towards increased all-cause mortality was observed in BB users (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.40; I2 = 0%; Figure 1A). For patients without a stable period, meta-regression showed BB morality benefits were modified by study inclusion period (P = 0.01; R2 = 51%; Figure 1B), indicating a temporal trend of decreasing mortality benefits of BB over time. Of note, BB exhibited no mortality benefits in patients enrolled after 2010 (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.04; I2 = 0%; Figure 1C). Subgroup analysis showed BB led to a significantly lower all-cause death in patients with mildly-reduced EF (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.91; I2 = 0%; Figure 2A). No mortality benefit of BB was observed in patients with preserved EF (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.02; I2 = 66%; Figure 2A), however, with high statistical heterogeneity. Further exploration of this heterogeneity via meta-regression revealed a pronounced temporal trend of decreasing BB mortality benefits in patients with preserved EF (P <.0001; R2 = 100%; Figure 2B). The R2 value rising from 51% to 100% suggests that unexplained 49% heterogeneity is attributed to mildly-reduced EF patients. Similarly, BB's mortality benefit was not significant in patients enrolled after 2010 (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.09; I2 = 0%; Figure 2C). Conclusion In the contemporary reperfusion era, BB do not confer additional mortality benefits beyond a 1-year event-free period post-MI in patients without reduced EF. Moreover, given the temporal decreases in observed mortality benefits, especially in studies post-2010, BB may not remain an essential medication in post-MI care for patients with preserved EF in modern practice.Patients with/without a stable periodMildly-reduced and preserved EF patients

Correlation of serum homocysteine and cystatin C levels with prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients

ObjectiveThis study investigated the relationship of serum homocysteine (Hcy) and cystatin C (Cys C) levels with the prognosis of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).MethodsA total of 178 patients with HFpEF who were admitted to our hospital between December 2019 and November 2020 were included. Patients were grouped based on their serum Hcy and Cys C levels: high Hcy level, normal Hcy level, high Cys C level, and normal Cys C level. Cardiac function, ventricular remodeling indices, and prognosis were compared among patients in these groups. Additionally, the predictive value of serum Hcy and Cys C levels for adverse cardiovascular events in HFpEF patients was analyzed.ResultsPatients’ mean age in the high Hcy level, normal Hcy level, high Cys C level, and normal Cys C level groups was 69.21 ± 4.17,67.74 ± 4.28,69.95 ± 4.98, and 67.06 ± 4.13 years old, respectively. The high Hcy level group exhibited a lower proportion of class II cardiac function according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and a higher proportion of class IV cardiac function than the normal Hcy level group, with statistically significant differences. Similarly, the high Cys C level group had a lower proportion of class II cardiac function and a higher proportion of class IV cardiac function compared with the normal Cys C level group, with statistically significant differences. Left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter (LVESD), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were significantly higher in both the high Hcy level and high Cys C level groups compared with the normal group, with statistically significant differences. The rates of all-cause mortality and class I endpoint events were significantly higher in the high Hcy level and high Cys C level groups than in the normal group. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis demonstrated that adverse cardiovascular events were significantly associated with cardiac function class, LVEDD, LVESD, LVMI, Hcy, and Cys C in patients with HFpEF. The area under the curve (AUC) values for Hcy and Cys C, determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, were 0.778 (optimal critical value, 25.38) and 0.681 (optimal critical value, 1.56), respectively, for predicting adverse cardiovascular events. Both Hcy and Cys C serum levels were positively correlated with LVEDD, LVESD, LVMI, and NYHA classification.ConclusionSerum levels of Hcy and Cys C were closely associated with cardiac function, ventricular remodeling indices, and prognosis in patients with HFpEF. These levels may serve as valuable indices for assessing HFpEF patients’ health status and prognosis, providing important insights into their potential role as biomarkers for HFpEF management and prognosis.

Examination of the Suitability of Vericiguat in Non-Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients with Improved Ejection Fraction.

Background/Objectives: Vericiguat has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with reduced ejection fraction. While Vericiguat is considered one of the standard treatments for heart failure, it is unclear under which conditions Vericiguat would be most effective. With a focus on the prognosis and improved EF of heart failure, we aimed to investigate in which cases Vericiguat is suitable for use in addition to standard cardioprotective drugs. Methods: We prospectively compared echocardiograms taken before and after the administration of Vericiguat in 46 patients with non-dialysis and without heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (non-HFpEF) (left ventricle ejection fraction [LVEF] < 50%) who were able to continue Vericiguat in addition to other standard heart failure drugs (the "Fantastic Four") for more than 6 months at our hospital. Patients who showed an improvement of 10 points or more in LVEF were defined as improved EF+. Results: LVEF improved significantly from 38 [33-45]% at the time of administration to 46 [35-54.5]% at 6 months (p < 0.001). When comparing patients with and without improved EF, a significant difference was observed in the Hb (OR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.12-2.83, p = 0.028), early introduction (OR = 12.5, 95%CI = 1.58-149, p = 0.025), and initiation of Vericiguat after the administration of the Fantastic Four (OR = 9.79, 95%CI = 1.71-100.2, p = 0.022). Conclusions: In this study, the early administration of Vericiguat, haemoglobin value, and initiation of Vericiguat after the introduction of the Fantastic Four were identified as independent factors for eligibility in non-dialysis, non-HFpEF patients who were able to continue GDMT treatment for more than 6 months after adding Vericiguat.

Progression of Heart Failure in People with Type 2 Diabetes in Germany: An Analysis Using German Health Insurance Claims Data.

Background: Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) show high risk of heart failure (HF). Left ventricular ejection fraction is a major factor for disease progression. In Germany, no recent longitudinal data are available. Objectives: To (1) measure the proportion of individuals with T2D who acquire HF over 2 years and (2) categorize ejection fraction using routine data and an algorithm, and (3) understand progression of HF in 5-year follow-up. Methods: This descriptive, retrospective study used longitudinal data from German statutory health insurance claims. A model using coded data classified the patients with HF into ejection fraction (EF) categories. Individuals were selected during 2013, with an inclusion period from 2014 to 2015 and a follow-up from 2016 to 2020. Baseline characteristics included demographic data, disease stage, comorbidities, and risk factors. Follow-up criteria included major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), EF category, and mortality. Disease progression was visualized by Sankey plots. Results: Among the 173 195 individuals with T2D identified in 2013, 6725 (median age, 74 years) developed HF in 2014 or 2015. 34.4% of individuals had MACEs, and 42.9% died over 5 years. Myocardial infarction (42%) was the most common event, followed by stroke (32%) and hospitalization (28%). A total of 5282 (78.54%) patients were classified into preserved EF and 1443 (21.46%) into reduced EF. Survival after 5 years was 71% in HF for preserved EF patients, and 29% in the HF for those with reduced EF. Conclusion: Heart failure is relevant in individuals with diabetes. A high number of patients may likely not survive a 5-year period. Validation of the model with German data is highly desirable. New ways of close monitoring could help improve outcomes.

Verification of haemoglobin level to prevent worsening of prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients from the PURSUIT-HFpEF registry.

Anaemia has been reported as poor predictor in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of changes in haemoglobin (Hb) from discharge to 1year after discharge on the prognosis using a lower cut-off value of Hb than the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. First, 547 HFpEF cases were divided into two groups, Hb<11.0g/dL (n=218) and Hb≥11.0g/dL (n=329), according to Hb at discharge, and further were divided according to Hb 1year after discharge into Hb<11.0g/dL (G1, n=113), Hb≥11.0g/dL (G2, n=105), Hb<11.0g/dL (G3, n=66), and Hb≥11.0g/dL (G4, n=263), respectively. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was defined as composite of all-cause death and heart failure readmission after a visit 1year after discharge. The cut-off value of Hb was analysed by the receiver operating characteristics curve that predicts MACE. We examined the incidence rate of MACE between G4 and other subgroups and verified predictors of improving or worsening anaemia and covarying factors with change in Hb. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, MACE was significantly higher in G3 with worsening anaemia from Hb≥11.0g/dL to <11.0g/dL than G4 with persistently Hb≥11g/dL (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 3.14 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.76-5.60], P<0.001). MACE was not significantly different between G2 with improving anaemia from Hb<11.0g/dL to ≥ 11.0g/dL and G4 (adjusted HR: 1.37 [95% CI, 0.68-2.75], P=0.38). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of improving anaemia were male [odds ratio (OR): 0.45], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 10.3), prior heart failure hospitalization (OR: 0.38), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 1.04). Independent predictors of worsening anaemia were age (OR: 1.07), body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.86), clinical frailty scale score (OR: 1.29), Hb at discharge (OR: 0.63), and use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (OR: 2.76). In multivariate linear regression analysis, covarying factors with change in Hb were BMI (β=-0.098), serum albumin (β=0.411), and total cholesterol (β=0.179). Change in haemoglobin after discharge using a lower cut-off value than WHO criteria has prognostic impact in patients with HFpEF.

Fractal analysis of left ventricular trabeculae in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients with multivessel coronary artery disease

ObjectivesEndocardial trabeculae undergo varicose changes and hyperplasia in response to hemodynamic influences and are a variable phenotype reflecting changes in disease. Fractal analysis has been used to analyze the complexity of endocardial trabeculae in a variety of cardiomyopathies. The aim of this paper was to quantify the myocardial trabecular complexity through fractal analysis and to investigate its predictive value for the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsThe retrospective study population consisted of 97 patients with multivessel CAD, 39 of them were diagnosed with HFpEF, while 46 healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. Fractal dimension (FD) was obtained through fractal analysis of endocardial trabeculae on LV short-axis cine images. Logistic regression analyses were used to confirm the predictors and compare different prediction models.ResultsMean basal FD was significantly higher in patients with HFpEF than in patients without HFpEF or in the healthy group (median: 1.289; IQR: 0.078; p < 0.05). Mean basal FD was also a significant independent predictor in univariate and multivariate logistic regression (OR: 1.107 and 1.043, p < 0.05). Furthermore, adding FD to the prediction model improved the calibration and accuracy of the model (c-index: 0.806).ConclusionThe left ventricular FD obtained with fractal analysis can reflect the complexity of myocardial trabeculae and has an independent predictive value for the diagnosis of HFpEF in patients with multivessel CAD. Including FD into the diagnostic model can help improve the diagnosis.Critical relevance statementDifferences show in the complexity of endocardial trabeculae in multivessel coronary artery disease patients, and obtaining fractal dimensions (FD) by fractal analysis can help identify heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients.Key PointsThe complexity of myocardial trabeculae differs among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.Left ventricular fractal dimensions can reflect the complexity of the myocardial trabecular.Fractal dimensions have predictive value for the diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.Graphical

The impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes in heart failure with mid-range and preserved ejection fraction patients

BackgroundThe combined effect of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) on clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF) remains complex. ObjectiveIn this post hoc analysis of the TOPCAT trial, we aimed to evaluate the impact of AF on clinical outcomes in patients with HF stratified by LVEF range. MethodsA total of 3442 patients were included, stratified into 3 groups according to LVEF range—HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), LVEF of 45%–50% (n = 823); HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), LVEF of 51%–60% (n = 1682); and HF with normal ejection fraction (HFnEF), LVEF >60% (n = 937)—and subdivided according to the presence of AF at enrollment. Cox regression analysis was used to define independent associations between AF and clinical outcomes. ResultsAF was prevalent in 38.6% in HFmrEF, 34.6% in HFpEF, and 33.7% in HFnEF (P = .07). AF was associated with worse primary outcome in each subgroup and with HF hospitalizations and worse cardiovascular mortality in HFpEF and HFnEF. The hazard ratio for the primary outcome in those with AF compared with sinus rhythm (SR) was 1.11 (1.01–1.22; P = .03) in HFmrEF, 1.20 (1.11–1.29; P < .001) in HFpEF, and 1.16 (1.05–1.28; P = .004) in HFnEF. When LVEF was treated as a continuous variable, there was a linear negative association between LVEF and the effect of AF vs SR for the primary end point and HF hospitalizations and a linear positive association for cardiovascular mortality. ConclusionCompared with SR, AF was independently associated with worse outcomes across all LVEF ranges.

Long-term outcomes prediction in diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by cardiac MRI.

We aimed to explore imaging features including tissue characterization and myocardial deformation in diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)patients by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and investigate its prognostic value for adverse outcomes. Patients with HFpEF who underwent cardiac MRI between January 2010 and December 2016 were enrolled. Feature-tracking (FT) analysis and myocardial fibrosis were assessed by cardiac MRI. Cox proportional regression analysis was performed to determine the association between MRI variables and primary outcomes. Primary outcomes were all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization during the follow-up period. Of the 335 enrolled patients with HFpEF, 191 had diabetes mellitus (DM) (mean age: 58.7years ± 10.8; 137 men). During a median follow-up of 10.2years, 91 diabetic HFpEF and 56 non-diabetic HFpEF patients experienced primary outcomes. DM was a significant predictor of worse prognosis in HFpEF. In diabetic HFpEF, the addition of conventional imaging variables (left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volume index, extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) resulted in a significant increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (from 0.693 to 0.760, p < 0.05). After adjustment for multiple clinical and imaging variables, each 1% worsening in GLS was associated with a 9.8% increased risk of adverse events (p = 0.004). Diabetic HFpEF is characterized by more severely impaired strains and myocardial fibrosis, which is identified as a high-risk HFpEF phenotype. In diabetic HFpEF, comprehensive cardiac MRI provides incremental value in predicting prognosis. Particularly, MRI-FT measurement of GLS is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in diabetic HFpEF. Our findings suggested that MRI-derived variables, especially global longitudinal strain, played a crucial role in risk stratification and predicting worse prognosis in diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which could assist in identifying high-risk patients and guiding therapeutic decision-making. • Limited data are available on the cardiac MRI features of diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, including myocardial deformation and tissue characterization, as well as their incremental prognostic value. • Diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients was characterized by more impaired strains and myocardial fibrosis. Comprehensive MRI, including tissue characterization and global longitudinal strain, provided incremental value for risk prediction. • MRI served as a valuable tool for identifying high-risk patients and guiding clinical management in diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Effect of sacubitril valsartan on heart failure with mid-range or preserved ejection fraction in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: real-world experience in a single-center, prospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of sacubitril valsartan (SV) on heart failure (HF) hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in patients on hemodialysis with HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF; HFpEF).MethodsThis single-center, prospective study enrolled 155 stable hemodialysis patients with EF > 40% who were followed up for 12 months. Fifty-nine patients were treated with SV; the others were matched for EF (57.89 ± 9.35 vs. 58.00 ± 11.82, P = 0.9) at a ratio of 1:1 and included as controls. The target dosage of SV was 200 mg/day.ResultsTwenty-three (23/155; 14.84%) had HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF), while 132 (85.16%) had HFpEF. After SV treatment, the peak early diastolic transmitral flow velocity/peak early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity(E/e’) improved from 17.19 ± 8.74 to 12.80 ± 5.52 (P = 0.006), the left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter decreased from 53.14 ± 7.67 mm to 51.56 ± 7.44 mm (P = 0.03), and the LV mass index decreased from 165.7 ± 44.6 g/m2 to 154.8 ± 24.0 g/m2 (P = 0.02). LVEF (P = 0.08) and LV global longitudinal strain (P = 0.7) did not change significantly. The composite outcome of first and recurrent HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death showed no difference between group. However, the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative Workgroup (ADQI) HF class improved in 39 and 15 patients and worsened in 1 and 11 patients in the SV and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Age, diabetes mellitus, and pulmonary arterial pressure were independent risk factors for HF hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in patients with HFpEF.ConclusionsSV improved LV hypertrophy, diastolic function, and the ADQI class for HF; however, it failed to reduce the composite endpoints of HF hospitalization and cardiovascular disease-related mortality over 12 months of follow-up in patients on maintenance hemodialysis with EF of > 40%.

Machine Learning Analysis of Identifies Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolites Predictive of Adverse Outcomes In Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients

Machine Learning Analysis of Identifies Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolites Predictive of Adverse Outcomes In Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients

Increased Chamber Resting Tone Is a Key Determinant of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction.

Twitch-independent tension has been demonstrated in cardiomyocytes, but its role in heart failure (HF) is unclear. We aimed to address twitch-independent tension as a source of diastolic dysfunction by isolating the effects of chamber resting tone (RT) from impaired relaxation and stiffness. We invasively monitored pressure-volume data during cardiopulmonary exercise in 20 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 17 control subjects, and 35 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction. To measure RT, we developed a new method to fit continuous pressure-volume measurements, and first validated it in a computational model of loss of cMyBP-C (myosin binding protein-C). In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, RT (estimated marginal mean [95% CI]) was 3.4 (0.4-6.4) mm Hg, increasing to 18.5 (15.5-21.5) mm Hg with exercise (P<0.001). At peak exercise, RT was responsible for 64% (53%-76%) of end-diastolic pressure, whereas incomplete relaxation and stiffness accounted for the rest. RT correlated with the levels of NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; R=0.57; P=0.02) and with pulmonary wedge pressure but following different slopes at rest and during exercise (R2=0.49; P<0.001). In controls, RT was 0.0 mm Hg and 1.2 (0.3-2.8) mm Hg in HF with preserved ejection fraction patients and was also exacerbated by exercise. In silico, RT increased in parallel to the loss of cMyBP-C function and correlated with twitch-independent myofilament tension (R=0.997). Augmented RT is the major cause of LV diastolic chamber dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and HF with preserved ejection fraction. RT transients determine diastolic pressures, pulmonary pressures, and functional capacity to a greater extent than relaxation and stiffness abnormalities. These findings support antimyosin agents for treating HF.

Abstract 12503: Both Heart Failure With Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction Should Be Included in the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc Score: A Taiwanese Longitudinal Cohort

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF)-related thromboembolic stroke. The CHA2DS2-VASc score incorporates CHF but was developed when it primarily referred to patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). CHF now includes preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Therefore, the distinction between stroke risk of AF patients with HFpEF and HFrEF is important for improving risk assessment and management strategies for AF patients. Methods: In a longitudinal study utilizing the National Taiwan University Hospital Integrated Medical Database (iMED), 8358 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were followed from January 2010 to December 2020 (mean follow-up 3.76 years). Among these patients, 4654 (55.7%) had no history of CHF, 2374 (28.4%) had HFpEF, and 1330 (15.9%) had HFrEF. HFpEF was defined as patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 55% or higher. The study evaluated the risk of ischemic stroke using Cox models adjusted for all components of the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Results: Patients with HFpEF were older, more frequently female, and had a higher prevalence of previous stroke and hypertension. They also had a higher mean CHA2DS2-VASc score (4.08±1.502 vs. 3.83±1.571, p&lt;0.001) and a higher risk of stroke compared to HFrEF patients (30.1% vs 26.3%, p=0.014). After adjusting for other stroke risk factors with CHA2DS2-VASc score components, there was no significant difference in the risk of stroke between the HFpEF and HFrEF groups (p=0.799). Conclusion: Both HFpEF and HFrEF were associated with a higher risk of stroke. Thus, the criteria of "CHF" in the CHA2DS2-VASc score should include HFpEF as well.

Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Kidney Function Decline in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients

Aerobic Exercise Capacity and Kidney Function Decline in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients

Post-exercise left atrial conduit strain predicted hemodynamic change in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Left ventricle function directly impacts left atrial (LA) conduit function, and LA conduit strain is associated with exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) before and during exercise is the current gold standard for diagnosing HFpEF. Post-exercise ΔPCWP can lead to worse long-term outcomes. This study examined the correlation between LA strain and post-exercise ΔPCWP in patients with HFpEF. We enrolled 100 subjects, including 74 with HFpEF and 26 with non-cardiac dyspnea, from November 2017 to December 2020. Subjects underwent echocardiography, invasive cardiac catheterization, and expired gas analysis at rest and during exercise. Arterial blood pressure, right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and PCWP were recorded during cardiac catheterization. Cardiac output, stroke volume, pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary artery compliance, systemic vascular resistance, and LV stroke work were calculated using standard formulas. Exercise LA conduit strain significantly correlated with both post-exercise ΔPCWP (r = - 0.707, p < 0.001) and exercise PCWP (r = - 0.659; p < 0.001). Exercise LA conduit strain differentiated patients who did and did not meet the 2016 European Society of Cardiology HFpEF criteria with an area under the curve of 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.548-0.831) using a cutoff value of 14.25, with a sensitivity of 0.64 and a specificity of 0.68. Exercise LA conduit strain significantly correlates with post-exercise ΔPCWP and has a comparable power to identify patients with HFpEF. Additional studies are warranted to confirm the ability of LA conduit strain to predict long-term outcomes among patients with HFpEF. Exercise left atrial conduit strain was highly associated with the difference of post-exercise pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and may indicate increased mortality risk in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and also has comparable diagnostic ability. • Left atrial conduit strain is associated with exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. • Left atrial conduit strain during exercise can identify patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. • Exercise left atrial conduit strain significantly correlates with the difference of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure during and before exercise which might predict the long-term outcomes of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients.

Predicting Stroke in Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction Without Atrial Fibrillation.

The rate of stroke in patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction but without atrial fibrillation (AF), is uncertain as is whether it is possible to reliably predict the risk of stroke in these patients. We validated a previously developed simple risk model for stroke among patients enrolled in the I-Preserve trial (Irbesartan in Heart Failure With Preserved Systolic Function) and PARAGON-HF trial (Efficacy and Safety of LCZ696 Compared to Valsartan, on Morbidity and Mortality in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction). The risk model consisted of 3 variables: history of previous stroke, insulin-treated diabetes, and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level. Of the 8924 patients included in the pooled trial dataset, 5126 patients did not have AF at baseline. Among patients without AF, 190 (3.7%) experienced a stroke over a median follow-up of 3.6 years (rate 10.5 per 1000 patient-years). The risk for stroke increased with increasing risk score: second tertile hazard ratio, 1.78 (95% CI, 1.17-2.71); third tertile hazard ratio, 3.03 (95% CI, 2.06-4.47), with the first tertile as reference. For patients in the third tertile, the occurrence rate of stroke was 17.7 per 1000 patient-years, similar to that in patients with AF not receiving anticoagulation (20.7 per 1000 patient-years), and those with AF who were receiving anticoagulation (14.5 per 1000 patient-years). Model discrimination was good with a C index of 0.81 (0.68-0.91) and a simple score could be created from the model. A simple risk model can detect a subset of HF and preserved ejection fraction patients without AF who have a higher risk for stroke. The balance of risk-to-benefit in these individuals may justify the use of prophylactic anticoagulation, but this hypothesis needs to be prospectively evaluated. URL: https://www. gov; Unique identifiers: NCT00095238 and NCT01920711.

Rationale and Design of the SOTA-P-CARDIA Trial (ATRU-V): Sotagliflozin in HFpEF Patients Without Diabetes.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is now the most common form of heart failure (HF). This syndrome is associated with an elevated morbi-mortality, and effective therapies are urgently needed. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are the first pharmacological class that has demonstrated to reduce hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in large clinical trials in HFpEF. Furthermore, the dual SGLT 1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin has shown a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic HF patients, regardless of ejection fraction Sotagliflozin on Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Post Worsening Heart Failure (SOLOIST-WHF) Trial, and prevents the development of HF in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney diseaseSotagliflozin on Cardiovascular and Renal Events in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Moderate Renal Impairment Who Are at Cardiovascular Risk (SCORED) trial. The major objective of theSotagliflozin in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Patients(SOTA-P-CARDIA) trial (NCT05562063) is to investigate whether the observed cardiorenal benefits of sotagliflozin in HF patients with diabetes can be extended to a non-diabetic population. The SOTA-P-CARDIA is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study that will randomize non-diabetic patients with the universal definition of HFpEF (ejection fraction > 50% assessed the day of randomization). Qualifying patients will be randomized, in blocks of 4, to receive either sotagliflozin or placebo for a period of 6months. The primary outcome is changes in left ventricular mass by cardiac magnetic resonance from randomization to end of the study between the groups. Secondary end points include changes in peak VO2; myocardial mechanics, interstitial myocardial fibrosis, and volume of epicardial adipose tissue; distance in the 6-min walk test; and quality of life. Finally, the authors expect that this trial will help to clarify the potential benefits of the use of sotagliflozin in non-diabetic HFpEF patients.

Elevated level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

The relationship between the elevation of cardiac troponin and the increase of mortality and hospitalization rate in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is clear. This study investigated the association between the extent of elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and the prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients. A retrospective cohort study consecutively enrolled 470 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction from September 2014 to August 2017. According to the level of hs-cTnI, the patients were divided into the elevated level group (hs-cTnI >0.034 ng/mL in male and hs-cTnI >0.016 ng/mL in female) and the normal level group. All of the patients were followed up once every 6 months. Adverse cardiovascular events were cardiogenic death and heart failure hospitalization. The mean follow-up period was 36.2 ± 7.9 months. Cardiogenic mortality (18.6% [26/140] vs. 1.5% [5/330], P <0.001) and heart failure (HF) hospitalization rate (74.3% [104/140] vs. 43.6% [144/330], P <0.001) were significantly higher in the elevated level group. The Cox regression analysis showed that the elevated level of hs-cTnI was a predictor of cardiogenic death (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.578, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.995-10.386, P <0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR: 3.254, 95% CI: 2.698-3.923, P <0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that a sensitivity of 72.6% and specificity of 88.8% for correct prediction of adverse cardiovascular events when a level of hs-cTnI of 0.1305 ng/mL in male and a sensitivity of 70.6% and specificity of 90.2% when a level of hs-cTnI of 0.0755 ng/mL in female were used as the cut-off value. Significant elevation of hs-cTnI (≥0.1305 ng/mL in male and ≥0.0755 ng/mL in female) is an effective indicator of the increased risk of cardiogenic death and HF hospitalization in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients.

The potential of dynamic 99mTc-sestamibi cadmium zinc telluride-single-photon emission computed tomography camera assessing myocardial flow reserve in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is related to the pathophysiology, mortality, and morbidity of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). A novel single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) camera with cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors allows for the quantification of absolute myocardial blood flow and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the potential of CZT-SPECT assessing for CMD has never been evaluated in patients with HFpEF. The clinical records of 127 consecutive patients who underwent dynamic CZT-SPECT were retrospectively reviewed. Rest and stress scanning were started simultaneously with 3 and 9 MBq/kg of 99mTc-sestamibi administration, respectively. Dynamic CZT-SPECT imaging data were analysed using a net-retention model with commercially available software. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients. The MFR value was significantly lower in the HFpEF group (mean ± SEM = 2.00 ± 0.097) than that in the non-HFpEF group (mean ± SEM = 2.74 ± 0.14, P = 0.0004). A receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that if a cut-off value of 2.525 was applied, MFR could efficiently distinguish HFpEF from non-HFpEF. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction had a consistently low MFR, regardless of the diastolic dysfunction score. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients with MFR values lower than 2.075 had a significantly higher incidence of heart failure exacerbation. Myocardial flow reserve assessed by CZT-SPECT was significantly reduced in patients with HFpEF. A lower MFR was associated with a higher hospitalization rate in these patients. Myocardial flow reserve assessed by CZT-SPECT has the potential to predict future adverse events and stratify the severity of disease in patients with HFpEF.