Previous History Of Heart Failure Research Articles

Utility of the Age Shock Index in 27312 patients with an acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Introduction The Shock Index (SI), defined as the ratio of heart rate (HR) to systolic blood pressure (SBP), represents a bedside reflection of the integrated response from the cardiovascular and autonomic systems and has been reported to predict adverse prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Age Shock Index (ASI), the product of SI multiplied with age, could also be useful in this setting, but its prognostic value is yet to be determined in ACS patients. Methods Acute myocardial infarction patients included in a national registry between October 2010 and January 2022. Optimal shock index cutoff was determined according to ROC curve analysis. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their initial ASI. Baseline characteristics, management and outcomes were compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was in-hospital cardiovascular death. Results A total of 27312 patients were included with a mean age of 66±13 years, 72.3% male, 47.5% with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Based on ROC analysis, which showed AUC=0.80, the optimal ASI cutoff was 44 (with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 74%); 19997 patients (73.2%) had an ASI <44 and 26.8% had an ASI ≥44. The former group was older (mean age of 75±10.0 vs 63±13.0 years, p<0.001), and had more comorbidities: arterial hypertension (77.3% vs 66.3%, p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (39.8% vs 28.1%, p<0.001), peripheral artery disease (7.1% vs 4.4%, p<0.001) and previous history of heart failure (11.0% vs 4.3%, p<0.001). Patients with ASI ≥44 had higher Killip class at admission and worse left ventricular ejection fraction on discharge (46.0±13.0 vs 53.0±11.0, p<0.001). In a multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting for possible confounders, ASI ≥44 was an independent predictor of cardiovascular death (HR 3.09, 95% CI: 2.56–3.71, p<0.001). ASI was a significantly better predictor of cardiovascular death than Shock Index (AUCASI = 0,80 vs AUCSI = 0.72, p<0,0001), but not in comparison to GRACE score (AUCASI=0.80 vs AUCGRACE=0.85, p<0.001) and TIMI (score AUCASI=0.80 vs AUCGRACE=0.84, p<0.001). At one year, using a Kaplan Meyer survival analysis, mortality was higher in patients with ASI ≥44 (log rank p<0.001) Conclusion ASI can identify almost immediately ACS patients at high risk of cardiovascular death, and combined with its simple use, makes it a practical tool for early risk stratification in these patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Post-COVID-19 cardiovascular complications and their association with clinical characteristics, symptoms and comorbidities – the LATE-COVID study

Abstract Background Among many complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) there is a wide range of cardiovascular (CV) problems ranging from mild to severe ones. Even asymptomatic patients and those with mild course of COVID-19 may develop severe CV complications. Factors leading to such state have not been extensively studied so far. Purpose We aimed to assess which factors were linked to the severe complications of COVID-19. Methods We included 200 consecutive patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology and Adult Congenital Heart Diseases of the Polish Mother's Memorial Research Institute (PMMHRI) due to post-Covid cardiovascular complications. SARS-CoV2 infection was confirmed with real-life PCR testing. Laboratory tests, 24-hour ECG monitoring and echocardiography were performed in all patients from the investigated group. For the purposes of our study severe complications were defined as: myocarditis, a decrease of ejection fraction >10% from the pre-disease value, thromboembolic complications, angina pectoris requiring myocardial revascularization and the new onset of atrial fibrillation of supraventricular tachycardia. Some patients presented more than one of the above. Statistical analysis was performed using the software Statistica v.13 (TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). Data were presented as mean ±SD or median (25th-75th percentile) for continuous variables and as proportions for categorical variables. Comparisons between groups were performed using Student's t-test for independent variables and the Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test with Yates's correction, as appropriate. For all calculations p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Finally, we included 200 consecutive patients (aged 54±16 years, 76 males – 38%), hospitalized for COVID-19 complications after a median 3 (2–6) months following the acute phase of infection. On admission patients presented with dyspnea (23%), impairment of exercise tolerance (47%), chest pain (32%), increase in blood pressure (29%), palpitations (25%), weight loss (13%), brain fog (6%), general malaise (11%), headache (5%), limb pain (13%), swelling (14%). Severe complications of COVID-19 were diagnosed in 31 patients (16%).Taking into consideration symptoms, the presence of severe COVID-19 complications was significantly associated with dyspnoea and deterioration of exercise tolerance. In comparison to patients with mild complications, severe ones were linked to age (the older patients, the higher risk), previous history of heart failure and diabetes mellitus. We did not observe statistically significant differences in severity of complications depending on smoking status (Tables 1 and 2). Conclusions Previous history of heart failure and diabetes mellitus as well as symptoms (dyspnoea and deterioration of exercise tolerance) along with older age are related to more severe complications following COVID-19. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Survivors of Sudden Cardiac ArrestPresenting With Pulseless ElectricalActivity: Clinical Substrate, Triggers, Long-Term Prognosis.

The proportion of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) presenting as pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is rising, and survival remains low. The pathophysiology of PEA-SCA is poorly understood, and current clinical practice lacks specific options for the management of survivors. In this study, the authors sought to investigate clinical profile, triggers, and long-term prognosis in survivors of SCA presenting with PEA. The community-based Oregon SUDS (Sudden Unexpected Death Study) (since 2002) and Ventura PRESTO (Prediction of Sudden Death in Multi-ethnic Communities) (since 2015) studies prospectively ascertain all out-of-hospital SCAs of likely cardiac etiology. Lifetime clinical history and detailed evaluation of SCA events is available. We evaluated all SCA survivors with PEA as the presenting rhythm. The study population included 201 PEA-SCA survivors. Of these, 97 could be contacted for access to their clinical records. Among the latter, the mean age was 67 ± 17 years and 58 (60%) were male. After in-hospital examinations, 29 events (30%) were associated with acute myocardial infarction, and 5 (5%) had bradyarrhythmias. Among the remaining 63 patients (65%), specific triggers remained undetermined, although 31 (49%) had a previous history of heart failure. Of the 201 overall survivors, 91 (45%) were deceased after a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 4.0 years. Survivors under the age of 40 years had an excellent long-term prognosis. Survivors of PEA-SCA are a heterogeneous group with high prevalence of multiple comorbidities, especially heart failure. Surprisingly good long-term survival was observed in young individuals. Acute myocardial infarction as the precipitating event was common, but triggers remained undetermined in the majority. Provision of individualized care to PEA survivors requires a renewed investigative focus on PEA-SCA.

Predictors of Subsequent Heart Failure After Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) plays an important role in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, LAAO may interact unfavorably with left atrial (LA) compliance and reservoir function and thus increase the risk of heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of subsequent HF after successful LAAO. A total of 98 patients (mean age 70±9 years, 68% male) who had undergone LAAO were included. The primary endpoint was unexpected HF admission after LAAO. During a mean period of 36±26 months, 16 of the 98 patients (16%) experienced hospital HF admission. In multivariate analysis, higher E/e' (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.20, P=0.014), higher left ventricular mass index (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, P=0.023), history of HF (HR 4.78, 95% CI 1.55-14.7, P=0.006), and lower LA strain (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.93, P=0.003) were independently associated with hospital HF admission. Patients with LAAO had a significantly higher incidence of subsequent HF than the control group after propensity score matching (P=0.046). LAAO increases the occurrence of HF, and it is not uncommon after successful LAAO. A previous history of HF, left ventricular mass index, E/e', and abnormal LA strain are independently associated with the development of HF. These parameters should be considered before attempting LAAO.

Inflammation in acute coronary syndrome: prognostic significance

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background In patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) the acute phase reactant, C-reactive protein (CRP), might be significantly elevated. Several reports suggest that CRP may play a direct pathophysiological role on the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and CRP values correlate with infarct size when measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of CRP in patients presenting with an ACS. Methods Retrospective analysis of 635 consecutively admitted patients due to ACS in a single coronary intensive care unit. CRP levels were measured at admission. Clinical variables and therapeutic strategies were examined. The primary endpoint analysed during follow-up was all-cause mortality. Possible predictors for all-cause mortality were assessed by Cox regression models. When statistically significant values were found in univariate analysis, multivariate analysis was used to determine whether CRP was an independent predictor of outcome. Results In the studied sample, 75% were male. Median age was 69 [interquartile range (IQR) 57–78]. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) occurred in 39.6%, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in 44.9% and unstable angina in 15.5% of the patients. Median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48% (IQR 40–55%) and median CRP level at admission 0.7 mg/dL (IQR 0.5–1.9 mg/dL). Regarding important comorbidities and past medical history, 75.9% had hypertension (HTN), 34.0% diabetes, 20.3% chronic kidney disease (CKD), 68.6% dyslipidaemia and 17.3% heart failure (HF). The median follow-up was 34 months (IQR 22–72). In univariate analysis, CRP was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.06 per 1 mg/dL increase, 95% CI 1.04–1.08, p<0.001), as was gender, age, LVEF, STEMI and previous history of diabetes, HTN, CKD or HF. In multivariate analysis, CRP remained significantly associated with the primary endpoint (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.05, p=0.033), as did age, LVEF and previous history of HF. Conclusions In our study, CRP at admission was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality following an ACS. This finding indicates that inflammation associated with the acute event has a significant impact in the long-term prognosis. More evidence is needed to determine if treating inflammation (and when, in the course of the disease) could result in better outcomes.

Abstract 10426: Worse Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Prior or New Onset Heart Failure: Insights from 47,474 Patients in a Pooled Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) frequently complicates acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Despite known associated high rates of mortality, there are only limited data regarding recurrent ischemic events and re-hospitalization for HF (HHF) in those with HF and ACS. Methods: We used a pooled dataset of four randomized clinical ACS trials (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes [PLATO], Apixaban for Prevention of Acute Ischemic Events 2 [APPRAISE-2], Thrombin Receptor Antagonist for Clinical Event Reduction in Acute Coronary Syndrome [TRA-CER], and Targeted Platelet Inhibition to Clarify the Optimal Strategy to Medically Manage Acute Coronary Syndrome [TRILOGY ACS]). We assessed the association between HF status (history of HF, de novo HF, no HF) at presentation for ACS on death, future ischemic events, and HHF at one year following hospital discharge using Cox proportional hazards analysis and estimated cumulative event rates using cumulative incidence function. Results: Of 47,474 patients presenting with ACS, 11.1% showed evidence of acute HF, 55.0% of whom had no previous history of HF. Patients with prior/chronic HF were more likely to present with acute HF than those with no previous HF (40.3% vs 6.9%). Compared to those without HF, patients with prior and de novo HF were at a significantly increased risk at one year of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR (aHR) 2.10, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.80-2.45, and aHR 1.51, CI 1.18-1.93, respectively), MACE (aHR 1.50, CI 1.34-1.69, and aHR 1.40, CI 1.14-1.72), recurrent MI (aHR 1.58, CI 1.41-1.78, and aHR 1.40, CI 1.15-1.70), stroke (aHR 1.93, CI 1.67-2.32, and aHR 1.38, CI 1.09-1.75), and HHF (aHR 2.38, CI 2.09-2.71, and aHR 1.53, CI 1.24-1.88). Conclusion: Following an ACS event, both prior and de novo HF were found to be major predictors of death, recurrent ischemic events, and HHF by one year. These findings highlight the need for improved strategies to prevent and manage adverse outcomes in this high-risk population.

Predictive value of GRACE score combined with BNP and glycosylated hemoglobin for in-hospital cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Purpose To investigate the value of Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score combined with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in predicting in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of consecutive 675 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to June 2020, and finally, 319 patients treated with the percutaneous coronary intervenion (PCI) were enrolled. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization included cardiac death, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, recurrent ischemic chest pain and malignant arrhythmia. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value of MACE during hospitalization. Results Among 319 patients, during hospitalization, 26 patients (8.15%) experienced the MACE. Compared to that of non-MACE group, there were more patients with previous history of heart failure (P<0.001), lower in-admission systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P all<0.05), and higher heart rate, GRACE score, BNP, and HbA1c levels in the MACE group (P all<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that history of heart failure (OR: 1.498, 95% CI: 1.144–2.249), GRACE score (OR: 1.040, 95% CI: 1.017–1.063), BNP (OR: 1.019, 95% CI: 1.012–1.026) and HbA1C (OR: 1.199, 95% CI: 1.043–1.378) were independent risk factors for MACE in patients with ACS after PCI (P all<0.05). The AUC of GRACE score for predicting MACE in ACS patients after PCI was 0.758, while the AUC of BNP and HbA1C was 0.838 and 0.788, respectively. When GRACE score combined with BNP and HbA1c, the AUC was increased to 0.876, which was significantly higher than the GRACE score alone (Z=4.142, P<0.001). Conclusion In this study, we reported for the first time, GRACE score combined with BNP and HbA1c significantly improved the predictive value of in-hospital MACE in ACS patients after PCI compared with traditional GRACE score, which can help clinicians identify high risk patients to improve their prognosis in the clinical practice. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Young and middle-aged talents in the XPCC Science and Technology Project (2020CB012); Key Science and Technology Project of Shihezi (2019ZH09) ROC Curve

Long term outcomes of a coordinate care program in patients after myocardial infarction (KOS-MI)

Abstract Introduction Despite significant progress in treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), the annual mortality remains a challenge. Since 2017, The Coordinated Care in Myocardial Infarction Program (KOS-MI) has been introduced in Poland, which guarantees and coordinates patients to achieve complete revascularization, electrotherapy when necessary, cardiac rehabilitation and access to cardiologist for patients after MI. Purpose The aim of this study was to assess long term outcomes (3-year follow-up) of patients enrolled in KOS-MI. Methods This is a prospective multicenter registry of 1973 consecutive patients with myocardial infarction hospitalized in 4 centers of American Heart of Poland from 11.2017 to 11.2018. Patients which constituted a study group were enrolled in KOS-MI program at discharge. A control group consisted patients who received standard of care. Propensity score matching was utilized for patients baseline characteristic matching and results adjustment. Follow-up was obtained from the National Health Fund registry citizens. Combine endpoint of MACCE consisted of death, MI, stroke and repeated revascularization. Results In total 753 patients were enrolled in KOS program and 1173 constituted a control group. More than 90% of patients in both groups underwent PCI. Patients in KOS-MI were mostly men (70% vs. 65%; p<0,05), were younger (65 vs. 68; p<0,05), admitted with STEMI (44,8% vs. 37,5%; p<0,05) with previous history of heart failure (23% vs. 17%; p<0,05). Patients in the control group had more comorbidities: chronic kidney disease (9,8% vs. 4,4%; p<0,05), previous AMI (17,6% vs. 12,6%; p<0,05), prior PCI (15,7% vs. 11%; p<0,05) and atrial fibrillation (11,7% vs. 8,4%; p<0,05). They were more often admitted with NSTEMI (62,5% vs. 55,3%; p<0,05) and acute heart failure (4,7% vs. 2,7%; p<0,05). KOS patients had more often completed revascularization performed (50% vs. 33,4%; p<0,05). Following propensity score matching 576 pairs were matched, and patient baseline characteristic were well balanced in all variables. In long- term follow-up (mean 2,8±0,27 years) mortality was significantly lower in KOS group (9% vs. 16,3%; p<0,05) and MI similar (10,8% vs. 13,1%; p=0,14). MACCE was higher in the control group (43% vs. 30,2%; p<0,05). Prevalence of hospitalization for HF and repeated revascularization was higher in the control group (14,7% vs. 9,4%; p<0,05 and 27,9% vs. 21%; p<0,05, respectively). After adjustment MACCE remained significantly lower for KOS-MI, whereas there was tendency for lower mortality, hospitalization for HF and repeated revascularizations (Figure 1). Conclusions Combination and coordination of unrestricted rehabilitation, complete revascularization, electrotherapy and ambulatory cardiologist care in the KOS-MI program improves long term prognosis in patients after MI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Prognostic significance of N-Terminal Pro-BNP in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without previous history of heart failure

Abstract Introduction The objective of the present research was to evaluate the possible association between the N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and in-hospital mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia patients who did not have pre-existing heart failure (HF). Methods A total of 137 consecutive patients without pre-existing HF and hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled into the current research. The main outcome of the research was the in-hospital death. The independent parameters linked with the in-hospital death were determined by multivariable analysis. Results A total of 26 deaths with an in-hospital mortality rate of 18.9% was noted. Those who died were older with an increased frequency of co-morbidities such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, stroke and dementia. They had also increased white blood cell (WBC) counts and had elevated glucose, creatinine, troponin I, and NT-pro-BNP levels but had decreased levels of hemoglobin. By multivariable analysis; age, NT-pro-BNP, WBC, troponin I, and creatinine levels were independently linked with the in-hospital mortality. After ROC evaluation, the ideal value of the NT-pro-BNP to predict the in-hospital mortality was found as 260 ng/L reflecting a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 93% (AUC:0.86; 95% CI: 0.76–0.97). Conclusion The current research clearly shows that the NT-proBNP levels are independently linked with the in-hospital mortality rates in subjects with COVID-19 pneumonia and without HF. Thus, we believe that this biomarker can be used as a valuable prognostic parameter in such cases. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

STEMI around-the-clock: how off-hours admissions impact door-to-balloon time and the long-term prognosis of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Introduction The outcomes of reperfusion in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) are time-dependent, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be performed within 60 minutes from hospital admission in PCI centers – door-to-balloon time (D2B). The association between Off-Hours Admission (OHA) and long-term outcomes is controversial when considering contemporary organized STEMI networks. Purpose This study aims to analyze how OHA influences D2B and long-term mortality. Methods Retrospective study of consecutive STEMI patients (pts), admitted in a PCI-centre with a local Emergency Department, between 2010 and 2015. Pts submitted to rescue-PCI were excluded. OHA was defined as admission at night (8p.m. to 8a.m), weekends and nonworking holidays. Predictors of OHA and D2B were studied by logistic regression analysis. Demographic, clinical, angiographic and procedural variables were evaluated using stepwise Cox regression analysis to determine independent predictors of 5-year all-cause mortality (5yM). The cumulative incidence of 5yM stratified by hours of admission was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Of 901 pts, 472pts (52.4%) were admitted during off-hours. These pts were younger (61±13 vs 64±12, p=0.002) and had a lower median patient-delay time (128min vs 157min, p=0.014). Clinical severity at presentation, defined by systolic arterial pressure and Killip-Kimball (KK) class, did not differ between groups. OHA did not impact D2B (89 min vs 88 min, p=0.550), which was in turn influenced by age ≥75y (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.31–2.61, p<0.001). Mean clinical follow-up (FUP) was 68±37 months, with 75.1% of pts achieving a FUP >5 years. 5yM rate was 9.7%. After multivariate cox regression analysis, independent determinants of long-term mortality were age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08, p<0.001), previous history of heart failure (HR 6.76, 95% CI 1.32–34.72, p=0.022) and pulmonary disease (HR 3.79, 95% CI 1.16–12.33, p=0.027), presentation with KK ≥2 (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.32–6.01, p=0.007) and radial artery access in catheterization (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.83, p=0.014) – figure 1. Although there was an association between a higher D2B time and 5yM (87min vs 101min, p=0.024), neither OHA nor D2B were independent predictors of long-term mortality – figure 2. Conclusion OHA did not seem to influence D2B and long-term STEMI outcomes in our PCI-centre. 5yM was mostly influenced by patient characteristics and clinical severity at presentation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Predictors of long-term mortalityFigure 2. 5-year survival stratified by OHA

Age-stratified and blood-pressure-stratified effects of blood-pressure-lowering pharmacotherapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and death: an individual participant-level data meta-analysis

SummaryBackgroundThe effects of pharmacological blood-pressure-lowering on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals aged 70 years and older, particularly when blood pressure is not substantially increased, is uncertain. We compared the effects of blood-pressure-lowering treatment on the risk of major cardiovascular events in groups of patients stratified by age and blood pressure at baseline.MethodsWe did a meta-analysis using individual participant-level data from randomised controlled trials of pharmacological blood-pressure-lowering versus placebo or other classes of blood-pressure-lowering medications, or between more versus less intensive treatment strategies, which had at least 1000 persons-years of follow-up in each treatment group. Participants with previous history of heart failure were excluded. Data were obtained from the Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Triallists' Collaboration. We pooled the data and categorised participants into baseline age groups (<55 years, 55–64 years, 65–74 years, 75–84 years, and ≥85 years) and blood pressure categories (in 10 mm Hg increments from <120 mm Hg to ≥170 mm Hg systolic blood pressure and from <70 mm Hg to ≥110 mm Hg diastolic). We used a fixed effects one-stage approach and applied Cox proportional hazard models, stratified by trial, to analyse the data. The primary outcome was defined as either a composite of fatal or non-fatal stroke, fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction or ischaemic heart disease, or heart failure causing death or requiring hospital admission.FindingsWe included data from 358 707 participants from 51 randomised clinical trials. The age of participants at randomisation ranged from 21 years to 105 years (median 65 years [IQR 59–75]), with 42 960 (12·0%) participants younger than 55 years, 128 437 (35·8%) aged 55–64 years, 128 506 (35·8%) 65–74 years, 54 016 (15·1%) 75–84 years, and 4788 (1·3%) 85 years and older. The hazard ratios for the risk of major cardiovascular events per 5 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure for each age group were 0·82 (95% CI 0·76–0·88) in individuals younger than 55 years, 0·91 (0·88–0·95) in those aged 55–64 years, 0·91 (0·88–0·95) in those aged 65–74 years, 0·91 (0·87–0·96) in those aged 75–84 years, and 0·99 (0·87–1·12) in those aged 85 years and older (adjusted pinteraction=0·050). Similar patterns of proportional risk reductions were observed for a 3 mm Hg reduction in diastolic blood pressure. Absolute risk reductions for major cardiovascular events varied by age and were larger in older groups (adjusted pinteraction=0·024). We did not find evidence for any clinically meaningful heterogeneity of relative treatment effects across different baseline blood pressure categories in any age group.InterpretationPharmacological blood pressure reduction is effective into old age, with no evidence that relative risk reductions for prevention of major cardiovascular events vary by systolic or diastolic blood pressure levels at randomisation, down to less than 120/70 mm Hg. Pharmacological blood pressure reduction should, therefore, be considered an important treatment option regardless of age, with the removal of age-related blood-pressure thresholds from international guidelines.FundingBritish Heart Foundation, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford Martin School.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia in acute coronary syndromes the Portuguese experience

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes Background Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are frequent and are associated with high levels of comorbidities and complications. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is one of the most danger and stressful situations in ACS. Objective Evaluate predictors of ventricular tachycardia in ACS. Methods Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided in two groups: A – patients without VT, and B – patients that presented VT on the hospitalization. VT was defined as a register or more of the VT with at least 30 seconds. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of VT in ACS patients. Results 25361 in group A (98.6%) and 364 in group B (1.4%). Both groups were similar regarding gender, cardiovascular risk factors, except for dyslipidemia (61.7 vs 51.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) location. Group B was elderly (67 ± 14 vs 70 ± 14, p &amp;lt; 0.001), was admitted directly to the cat lab (10.6 vs 20.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), had less time since the onset of symptoms until the admission (383 ± 157 vs 349 ± 121, p = 0.003), but presented higher previous history of heart failure (5.9 vs 10.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (5.5 vs 8.4%, p = 0.015), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (4.4 vs 7.9%, p = 0.001) and dementia (1.7 vs 3.2%, p = 0.038). At admission presented higher levels of STEMI (42 vs 67%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), dyspnea (29 vs 18.1%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), syncope (1.3 vs 6.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), cardiac arrest (0.4 vs 4.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), Killip-Kimball classification &amp;gt; I (14.8 vs 40.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and atrial fibrillation at admission (AF) (7.1 vs 15.3%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Ivabradine (3.7 vs 7.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), aldosterone receptor antagonists (10.2 vs 24%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), diuretic (28 vs 57.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), amiodarone (5.6 vs 53.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), digoxin (1.4 vs 4.7%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) were more prevalent used in the admission. Group B exhibited higher multivessel disease (MVD) (51.5 vs 61.5%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), culprit as common coronary trunk (CT) (1.7 vs 4.2%, p = 0.024), hybrid revascularization (0.8 vs 2%, p = 0.032) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)&amp;lt;50% (38.7 vs 71%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). On the other hand, the used of beta block (81.4 vs 62.3%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (85.5 vs 74.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and calcium channel blockers (10.1 vs 24%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) since had a protect effect. Regarding reinfarction (0.9 vs 2.5%, p = 0.007), de novo heart failure (15.1 vs 50.3%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), atrioventricular block (2.2 vs 17%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), stroke (1.4 vs 4.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and death (3.4 vs 26.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), all were higher in Group B. Logistic regression revealed COPD (odds ratio (OR) 1.9, p = 0.010, confidence interval (CI) 1.17-3.10), STEMI (OR 2.73, p &amp;lt; 0.001, CI 2.00-3.73), AF (OR 2.30, p &amp;lt; 0.001, CI 1.52-3.49), MVD (OR 1.44, p = 0.012, CI 1.08-1.92), CT (OR 2.87, p = 0.003, CI 1.45-5.69) and LVEF &amp;lt; 50% (OR 3.44, p &amp;lt; 0.001, CI 2.52-4.71) as predictors of VT in ACS. Conclusions COPD, STEMI, AF, MVD, CT and LVEF &amp;lt; 50% were predictors of VT in ACS.

Impact of SGLT2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Heart failure (HF) impacts more than 6 million Americans with an annual mortality rate approaching 22%. Along with optimizing guideline-directed management and therapy (GDMT), the development of treatment options to improve mortality and morbidity in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is paramount. Cardiovascular outcome trials in patients with type 2 diabetes have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve both cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes and have consistently reduced hospitalizations for HF in patients with and without a previous history of HF. A precise mechanism by which SGLT2 inhibitors provide benefits for patients with HFrEF has not been identified, and it is probable that multiple pathways may best explain the outcomes seen in recent clinical trials. The mounting evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce HF-related hospitalizations in patients with type 2 diabetes led to the publication of two pivotal trials, the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA-HF) trial and the Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes with Empagliflozin in Heart Failure (EMPEROR-Reduced) trial. Data from these publications demonstrate significant benefit of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin on a variety of CV and HF quality of life end points in patients with HFrEF independent of the presence of type 2 diabetes. Now, widespread application of the clinical findings from the DAPA-HF and EMPEROR-Reduced trials must follow with SGLT2 inhibitors incorporated into GDMT for HFrEF regardless of the presence or absence of diabetes. In this review, we examine key literature surrounding the CV outcome data for SGLT2 inhibitors with a specific focus on patients with HFrEF.

Prognostic significance of N-Terminal Pro-BNP in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia without previous history of heart failure

Introduction: The objective of the present research was to evaluate the possible association between the N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and in-hospital mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia patients who did not have pre-existing heart failure (HF). Methods: A total of 137 consecutive patients without pre-existing HF and hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia were enrolled into the current research. The main outcome of the research was the in-hospital death. The independent parameters linked with the in-hospital death were determined by multivariable analysis. Results: A total of 26 deaths with an in-hospital mortality rate of 18.9% was noted. Those who died were older with an increased frequency of co-morbidities such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, stroke and dementia. They had also increased white blood cell (WBC) counts and had elevated glucose, creatinine, troponin I, and NT-pro-BNP levels but had decreased levels of hemoglobin. By multivariable analysis; age, NT-pro-BNP, WBC, troponin I, and creatinine levels were independently linked with the in-hospital mortality. After ROC evaluation, the ideal value of the NT-pro-BNP to predict the in-hospital mortality was found as 260 ng/L reflecting a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 93% (AUC:0.86; 95%CI:0.76-0.97). Conclusion: The current research clearly shows that the NT-proBNP levels are independently linked with the in-hospital mortality rates in subjects with COVID-19 pneumonia and without HF. Thus, we believe that this biomarker can be used as a valuable prognostic parameter in such cases.

Relative Importance of Heart Failure Events Compared to Stroke and Bleeding in AF Patients.

Introduction: Incident heart failure (HF), ischemic stroke and systemic embolism (IS/SE), and major bleeding related to anticoagulation therapy are still the most frequent events occurring in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to assess the 3-year incidence, predictors, and related mortality of IS/SE, major bleeding, and HF in a large cohort of AF outpatients. Methods and results: We studied 4973 outpatients with prevalent AF included in the CARDIONOR registry. The mean age was 72.9 ± 11.2 years, 24.1% had diabetes mellitus and 78.9% had anticoagulant therapy at baseline. The mean CHA2DS2Vasc score was 3.4 ± 1.7. After a median follow-up of 3.2 years (IQR: 2.8 to 3.5), incident HF, IS/SE and major bleeding occurred in 10.5%, 3.3% and 2.1% of patients, respectively. When analyzed as time-dependent variables, IS/SE, major bleeding and hospitalization for decompensated HF were all strongly associated with mortality. The independent predictors of incident HF were age, women, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease and a previous history of HF. A sensitivity analysis in patients without history of HF at inclusion revealed that incident HF remained the most frequent adverse event, occurring in 5.3% of patients, compared to IS/SE (1.7%) and major bleeding (2.5%). Conclusion: HF is a common residual cardiovascular adverse event occurring in AF outpatients and is associated with a very high mortality. Since modifiable risk factors are associated with incident HF, upstream intensive management of these risk factors would be of interest.

Sequential nephron blockade with combined diuretics improves diastolic function in patients with resistant hypertension.

AimsHypertension is a major contributor to cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Different therapeutics strategies have been proposed to control blood pressure (BP), but their independent impact on cardiac function remains undetermined. In patients with resistant hypertension, we compared the changes in cardiac parameters between two strategies based on sequential nephron blockade (NBD) with a combination of diuretics or sequential renin‐angiotensin system blockade (RASB).Methods and resultsAfter a 4‐week period where all patients received Irbesartan 300 mg/day + hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg/day + amlodipine 5 mg/day, 140 resistant hypertension patients (54.8 ± 11.1 years, 76% men, mean duration with hypertension: 13.1 ± 10.5 years, no previous history of heart failure or current symptoms of congestive heart failure) were randomized 1:1 to the NBD regimen or to the RASB regimen at week 0 (W0, baseline). Treatment intensity was increased at week 4, 8, or 10 if home BP was ≥135/85 mmHg, by sequentially adding 25 mg spironolactone, 20–40 mg furosemide, and 5 mg amiloride (NBD group) or 5–10 mg ramipril and 5–10 mg bisoprolol (RASB group). No other antihypertensive drug was allowed during the study. BP, BNP levels, and echocardiographic parameters were assessed at weeks 0 and 12.The baseline characteristics, laboratory parameters, and plasma hormones (BNP, renin, and aldosterone) and cardiac echocardiographic parameters did not significantly differ between the NBD and the RASB groups. Over 12 weeks, BNP levels significantly decreased in NBD but increased in RASB (mean [CI 95%] change in log‐transformed BNP levels: −43% [−67%; −23%] vs. +55% [46%; 62%] in NBD vs. RASB, respectively, P < 0.0001). Similarly, the proportion of patients presenting ≥2 echocardiographic criteria of diastolic dysfunction decreased between baseline and W12 from 31% to 3% in NBD but increased from 19% to 32% in RASB (P = 0.0048). As compared with RASB, NBD induced greater decrease in ambulatory systolic BP (P < 0.0001), pulse pressure (P < 0.0001), and systemic vascular resistance (P < 0.005). In multivariable linear regression analyses, NBD treatment was significantly associated with decreased BNP levels (adjusted ß: −46.41 ± 6.99, P < 0.0001) independent of age, gender, renal function, and changes in BPs or heart rate.ConclusionsIn patients with resistant hypertension, nephron blockade with a combination of diuretics significantly improves cardiac markers of diastolic dysfunction independently of BP lowering.

Prevalence, clinical profile and prognostic implications of interatrial block in patients admitted for heart failure

Introduction and objectivesTo describe the prevalence, clinical profile, and prognostic significance of interatrial block (IAB) in heart failure (HF) inpatients. MethodsWe included prospectively 557 hospitalized HF patients with sinus rhythm from nationwide registry. Partial IAB was defined as a P wave duration ≥120ms, and advanced IAB as a P wave duration ≥120ms with biphasic morphology in inferior electrocardiogram (ECG) leads. Clinical, blood test, and echocardiographic data were analyzed in a Cox regression to determine the impact of IAB at discharge on prognosis. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality or readmission for HF at 1-, 6-, and 12-month. ResultsNormal P wave, partial, and advanced IAB were identified in the discharge ECG in 336 (60.3%), 118 (21.1%), and 103 (18.5%) patients, respectively. The independent factors related to IAB at discharge were previous history of HF (OR, 1.78; 95%CI, 1.23–2.57), valvular HF etiology (OR, 1.88; 95%CI, 1.18–3.00), heart rate at admission (OR, 1.10 per 10 beats; 95%CI, 1.03–1.17) and left atrial diameter (OR, 1.24 per 5mm; 95%CI, 1.11–1.38). The incidence of 1-, 6-, and 12-month mortality/readmission for HF was 4.8%, 7.7%, and 33.0% in normal P wave, 1.7%, 7.6%, and 33.2% in partial IAB, and 3.9%, 9.7%, and 36.9% in advanced IAB. Multivariable analysis showed no significant effect of IAB in major acute cardiovascular events. ConclusionsIAB is found in 40% of patients in sinus rhythm discharged after a HF hospitalization. This ECG pattern at discharge does not imply a greater risk of readmission or death during the first year.

Predictors of incident heart failure in a cohort of patients with ischemic heart disease.

Introductionheart failure (HF) is a major complication following ischemic heart disease (IHD) and it adversely affects the outcome. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of HF in patients with IHD.Methodsthis is a 24-month longitudinal retrospective study of all consecutive patients diagnosed with IHD. Endpoints were incident HF and time to incident HF. Patients with a previous history of HF were excluded.Resultsa total of 306 patients with IHD were included in the analysis. The 6-month, 12-month and 18-month cumulative risk of developing incident HF were 18.8%, 28.4%, and 53.5% respectively. Increasing age, female gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), lower hemoglobin, and dilated left atrium were strong predictors of incident HF. Predictors of shorter time to incident HF were coexisting DM and hypertension, and the presence of dilated left atrium in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%. The strongest predictor of incident HF in patients with DM was a higher level of LDL cholesterol.Conclusionpatients with IHD have a higher risk of incident HF. Strong predictors of incident HF in these patients were increasing age, female gender, DM, lower hemoglobin and dilated left atrium. Such patients need close follow-up and more intensive treatment.

CT-IGFBP-4 as a novel prognostic biomarker in acute heart failure.

AimsInsulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐4 (IGFBP‐4) fragments have been shown to predict the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including segment‐elevation myocardial infarction, in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We evaluated the prognostic value of the carboxy‐terminal fragment of IGFBP‐4 (CT‐IGFBP‐4) for all‐cause mortality in emergency room patients with acute heart failure (AHF).Methods and resultsCT‐IGFBP‐4, N‐terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured at admission from the lithium‐heparin plasma of 156 patients with AHF. All‐cause mortality was recorded for 1 year. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox proportional hazard ratio analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the various clinical variables, CT‐IGFBP‐4, NT‐proBNP, CRP, and their combinations. During 1 year of follow‐up, 52 (33.3%) patients died. CT‐IGFBP‐4 only weakly correlated with NT‐proBNP (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.16, P = 0.044) and did not correlate with CRP (r = 0.08, P = 0.35), emphasizing the different nature of these biomarkers. The receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) of CT‐IGFBP‐4 for the prediction of all‐cause mortality (0.727) was significantly higher than that of NT‐proBNP (0.680, P = 0.045) and CRP (0.669, P = 0.016). The combination of CT‐IGFBP‐4, NT‐proBNP, and CRP predicted mortality significantly better (ROC AUC = 0.788) than any of the biomarkers alone (P < 0.01 for all). The addition of CT‐IGFBP‐4 to a clinical prediction model that included age, gender, systolic blood pressure, creatinine, and sodium levels, as well as the history of previous heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension significantly improved the mortality risk prediction (ROC AUC 0.774 vs. 0.699, P = 0.025). Cox hazard analysis indicated that elevated CT‐IGFBP‐4 was independently associated with 1 year mortality (hazard ratio 3.26, P = 0.0008) after adjustment for age, gender, history of previous heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, chronic kidney failure, history of diabetes, heart rate, haemoglobin, plasma sodium, NT‐proBNP, CRP, cystatin C, and elevated cardiac troponin I or T. Patients with increased levels of either two or three of the biomarkers CT‐IGFBP‐4, NT‐proBNP, and CRP had significantly higher mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio 10.04, P < 0.0001) than patients with increased levels of one or none of the biomarkers.ConclusionsCT‐IGFBP‐4 was independently associated with all‐cause mortality in patients with AHF. Compared with single biomarkers, the combination of CT‐IGFBP‐4, NT‐proBNP, and CRP improved the prediction of all‐cause mortality in patients with AHF.

COVID-19 and Heart Failure: The Big Challenge.

Patients with chronic heart failure (HF) are among the most vulnerable populations in the COVID era. HF patients infected with COVID-19 are at a significant risk of severe illness and death. They usually present with shortness of breath and radiologic signs of an acute decompensation, which can mask the manifestations of COVID-19. Delay in the diagnosis increases the risk of individual poor outcomes and jeopardizes healthcare workers if protective and isolation measures are not established promptly. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing health-care systems to modify the delivery of care to patients. Outpatient services are being done virtually, and elective procedures postponed. These may have an impact on the quality of life and survival of chronic HF patients. We present two cases of patients with the previous history of HF who developed an acute exacerbation secondary to COVID-19 infection. In this review, we focused on the main challenges physicians face when dealing with COVID-19 in chronic HF patients at the individual and system levels.