Underwent Exercise Stress Echocardiography Research Articles

Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Long-Term Survivors of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) among long-survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair. Study designThis is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of CDH survivors who underwent exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) at Boston Children’s Hospital from January 2006 to June 2020. PH severity was assessed by echocardiogram at baseline and after exercise. Patients were categorized by right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) after exercise: Group 1 - no or mild PH; and Group 2 - moderate or severe PH (RVSP ≥ 60 mmHg or ≥ ½ systemic blood pressure). ResultsEighty-four patients with CDH underwent 173 ESE with median age 8.1 (4.8 – 19.1) years at first ESE. Sixty-four patients were classified as Group 1, 11 as Group 2, and 9 had indeterminate RVSP with ESE. Moderate to severe PH after exercise was found in 8 (10%) patients with no or mild PH at rest. Exercise-induced PH was associated with larger CDH defect size, patch repair, use of ECMO, supplemental oxygen at discharge, and higher WHO functional class. Higher VE/VCO2 slope, lower peak oxygen saturation, and lower percent predicted FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio were associated with Group 2 classification. ESE changed management in 9/11 Group 2 patients. PH was confirmed in all 5 Group 2 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization after ESE. ConclusionsAmong long-term CDH survivors, 10% had moderate-severe exercise-induced PH on ESE, indicating ongoing pulmonary vascular abnormalities. Further studies are needed to optimally define PH screening and treatment for patients with repaired CDH.

Exaggerated Systolic Blood Pressure Increase with Exercise and Myocardial Ischemia on Exercise Stress Echocardiography.

Central Illustration : Exaggerated Systolic Blood Pressure Increase with Exercise and Myocardial Ischemia on Exercise Stress Echocardiography ESBPRE: exaggerated systolic blood pressure response to exercise; HR: heart rate; SBP: systolic blood pressure. The association between exaggerated systolic blood pressure response to exercise (ESBPRE) and myocardial ischemia is controversial and little studied in patients with established or suspected chronic coronary syndrome. To verify the relationship between myocardial ischemia and ESBPRE in patients undergoing exercise stress echocardiography (ESE). This is a cross-sectional study with 14,367 patients undergoing ESE, from January 2000 to January 2022, divided into the following 2 groups: G1, composed of patients whose peak systolic pressure increased ≥ 90 mmHg (value corresponding to the 95th percentile of the study population), and G2, patients who did not demonstrate an exaggerated hypertensive response. The groups were compared using Student's t and chi-square tests. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Logistic regression was also performed to identify independent risk factors for myocardial ischemia, ESBPRE, complaints of typical chest pain prior to the exam, and angina during the test. Of the 14,367 patients, 1,500 (10.4%) developed ESBPRE, and 7,471 (52.0%) were female. The percentages of previous complaints of typical chest pain, angina during the test, and myocardial ischemia in patients with ESBPRE were 5.8%, 2.4% and 18.1%, compared to 7.4%, 3.9%, and 24.2%, in patients without ESBPRE, respectively (p = 0.021,p = 0.004, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, ESBPRE was independently associated with a lower probability of myocardial ischemia (odds ratio: 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.58 to 0.93; p = 0.009). Exaggerated increase in systolic blood pressure during ESE may be a marker for excluding myocardial ischemia.

Exercise Stress Echocardiography in Kawasaki Disease Patients with Coronary Aneurysms

The most significant sequelae of Kawasaki disease (KD) are coronary artery aneurysms, which can lead to risk of future myocardial ischemia. Exercise stress echocardiography allows for non-invasive assessment of myocardial dysfunction. We reviewed our single center experience with exercise stress echocardiography in patients with previous history of KD with coronary aneurysms. We reviewed the records of 53 KD patients who underwent exercise stress echocardiography from 2000 to 2020. Abnormal stress echocardiograms were defined as those showing no increase in biventricular systolic function post-exercise or regional wall motion abnormalities. Computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed for patients with abnormal stress echocardiograms. Clinical data were reviewed and correlated with stress echocardiogram results. Of the 53 patients, three (5.7%) had an abnormal exercise stress echocardiogram. All three patients were classified as AHA Risk Level 4 or 5 by coronary Z-score (internal dimension normalized for body surface area) and were confirmed to have coronary aneurysms, stenosis, or myocardial tissue perfusion defects on advanced cardiac imaging that could account for the results seen on stress echocardiogram. Exercise stress echocardiography detected signs of myocardial ischemia in a subset of high-risk patients with Kawasaki disease and coronary aneurysms and may be considered as a useful screening tool for this complex patient cohort.

Dynamic myocardial response to exercise in children with transposition of the great arteries post arterial switch operation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The arterial switch operation (ASO) has improved outcomes for patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) however the long-term impact on myocardial function and functional reserve during exercise remains poorly described. The aim of this study was to evaluate left (LV), and right ventricular (RV) myocardial response to exercise in children post ASO using semi-supine cycle ergometry stress echocardiography (SSCE). Methods This is a single-center cross-sectional study. Participants prospectively underwent exercise stress echocardiography using a semi-supine bicycle and a stepwise exercise protocol. Systolic (s’) and diastolic (e’) tissue Doppler velocities, as well as myocardial acceleration during isovolumic contraction (IVA) were measured at rest and during exercise at incremental heart rates (HR) in the basal segments of the RV lateral wall, IVS and LV lateral wall. Systolic and diastolic reserve were evaluated by plotting s’ and e’ against HR while contractile reserve was assessed by plotting IVA values against HR which represents the force-frequency relationship (FFR). Results A total of 40 patients with TGA and 29 controls were included. There were no differences between groups in age (14.6 ± 2.9 vs 14.3 ± 3.1 years, p= 0.75), sex (male= 30/40 vs 20/29 p= 0.58), and resting HR (67 ± 12 vs. 71 ± 12 bpm, p = 0.31). Peak HR was lower in the ASO group (142.2 ±12.4 vs 157 ± 12.3 bpm, p&amp;lt; 0.01). At rest, the ASO group showed lower s’ in the RV and IVS (RV s’: 5.7 ± 1.4 vs. 10.2 ± 2.1 cm/s, p &amp;lt;0.001; IVS s’: 4.2 ± 1.3 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8 cm/s, p&amp;lt; 0.001); lower IVA in the IVS and LV (IVS: 1.01 ± 0.37 vs. 1.23 ± 0.4 m/s2, p= 0.03; LV: 0.86 ± 0.32 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 m/s2, p =0.02), and reduced e’ in all segments. At peak exercise the ASO group showed reduced s’, e’, and IVA in all segments (table1). When plotted against HR, there was blunting of the s’ slope in RV and septal segments while the LV s’ slope was similar between groups. There were no differences in e’ slope when compared to controls (figure 1). The ASO group showed a blunted IVA response to HR in all measured segments compared to controls. Conclusion(s): Our data demonstrate patients post ASO have reduced RV and LV contractile reserve in response to exercise. The etiology and long-term implications of these abnormalities however remains to be described. Abstract Figure. Doppler velocities at baseline and peak Abstract Figure. Dynamic response to exercise

Impact of Chest Wall Conformation on the Outcome of Primary Mitral Regurgitation due to Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Background:The possible influence of chest wall conformation on cardiovascular (CV) outcome of patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP) has never been previously investigated.Methods:This retrospective study included all consecutive symptomatic patients with MVP and moderate MR who underwent exercise stress echocardiography at our institution between February 2014 and February 2021. Modified Haller Index (MHI; chest transverse diameter over the distance between sternum and spine) was noninvasively assessed. During the follow-up, we evaluated the occurrence of any of the following: (1) CV hospitalization, (2) mitral valve (MV) surgery, and (3) cardiac death or sudden death.Results:Four hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients (66.8 ± 11.5 years, 48.3% men) were retrospectively analyzed. Overall, MVP patients had concave-shaped chest wall (MHI = 2.55 ± 0.34) and were found with small cardiac chamber dimensions. During a mean follow-up time of 3.2 ± 1.7 years, no patients died, 55 patients were hospitalized due to CV events, and 20 patients underwent MV surgery. On multivariate Cox analysis, age (heart rate [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.06), diabetes mellitus (HR 3.26, 95% CI 2.04–5.20), peak exercise-E/e' ratio (HR 1.07, 95%CI 1.05–1.09), and peak exercise-effective regurgitant orifice area (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.83–3.51) were directly associated to outcome, whereas MHI (HR 0.15, 95%CI 0.07-0.33) and beta-blocker therapy (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.19–0.36) showed strong inverse correlation. An MHI ≥2.7 showed 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for predicting event-free survival (area under the curve = 0.98).Conclusions:Symptomatic patients with moderate MR due to MVP and MHI ≥2.7 have an excellent prognosis over a medium-term follow-up. Noninvasive chest wall shape assessment should be encouraged in clinical practice.

Abstract 8885: Exercise Capacity as a Prognostic Marker in Renal Transplant Cardiovascular Assessment

Introduction: Pharmacological stress testing is routinely performed for cardiovascular assessment in kidney transplant candidates due to perceived poor exercise capacity in such patients. Although exercise stress testing is feasible, the prognostic utility of exercise capacity in this patient population has not been investigated. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that exercise capacity predicts long term cardiovascular risk in kidney transplant candidates undergoing exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) for pre-transplant cardiovascular assessment. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 898 patients with stage 4/5 chronic kidney disease from 2013 to 2020 who performed symptom limited treadmill ESE. Exercise capacity was calculated as age and sex predicted metabolic equivalents (METs). The primary outcome was incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke. Cox proportional hazard multivariable modelling was performed to identify predictors of MACE, with transplantation treated as a time-varying covariate. Results: There were 106 MACE. During follow up, 525 (58%) received a kidney transplant. Achievement of predicted METs (hazard ratio (HR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.82, p=0.007) and transplantation (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30-0.91, p=0.02) were independently associated with less incident MACE. Patients who achieved predicted METs had similar rates of MACE irrespective of subsequent transplantation ( Figure 1 , HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.32-1.92, p=0.59). Patients who achieved predicted METs and were not transplanted had similar outcomes to those that did not achieve predicted METs and received a kidney transplant ( Figure 1 , HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.42-2.25, p=0.95). Conclusions: Exercise capacity is associated with reduced MACE in kidney transplant candidates. Achievement of predicted METs confers excellent prognosis independent of subsequent transplantation.

Long term prognostic utility of exercise capacity in renal transplant candidates

Abstract Background Pharmacological stress testing is commonly performed for cardiovascular risk stratification in potential renal transplant candidates due to a perceived inability for these patients to exercise. We have previously reported that exercise stress testing is feasible in renal transplant candidates but the prognostic utility of exercise capacity in this patient group is not known. Purpose This study prospectively evaluated the effect of exercise capacity on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and stroke, in renal transplant candidates undergoing exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) for pre-transplant cardiovascular assessment. Methods We evaluated 898 consecutive patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4/5 who underwent symptom-limited treadmill ESE over 5-year mean follow-up. Exercise capacity was measured by age and sex predicted metabolic equivalents (METs). The primary outcome was achievement of predicted METs with first MACE. Cox proportional hazard multivariable modelling was used to determine MACE predictors with transplantation treated as a time-varying covariate. We also performed secondary analysis using a 7 MET threshold. Results There were 106 MACE with an annual cumulative risk of 2.4%. During follow-up, 525 (58%) received transplantation. Achievement of predicted METs (48%) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29–0.82, p=0.007) and transplantation (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30–0.91, p=0.02) were independently associated with reduced MACE. Similar results were observed using a 7 MET threshold achieved by 734 (82%) patients. Patients achieving predicted METs had no difference in MACE regardless of subsequent transplantation (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.32–1.92, p=0.59). Patients who achieved predicted METs and did not receive transplantation had similar outcomes to those that did not achieve predicted METs and received transplantation (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.42–2.25, p=0.95). Conclusions Exercise capacity is associated with reduced long-term MACE in renal transplant candidates undergoing ESE for pre-transplant cardiovascular assessment. Achievement of age and sex predicted METs confers excellent prognosis independent of subsequent transplantation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Unilateral Lung Congestion During Exercise in a Patient With a Single Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

A 55-year-old man underwent exercise stress echocardiography for evaluation of left inferior pulmonary vein stenosis. During exercise, ultrasound B-lines developed in the left lung only. Unilateral pulmonary congestion did not lead to forward or backward failure. The patient was followed up conservatively. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)

Global longitudinal strain and left ventricle dyssynchrony changes during stress echocardiography in response to antihypertensive treatment optimization

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. The positive effect of blood pressure (BP) lowering medications on global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony even in patients with narrow QRS complexes at rest has been established at rest. The dynamic changes of GLS and dyssynchrony markers on exertion are still remain underinvestigated, especially in patients with hypertensive response to exercise (HRE). Purpose. The aim of the study was to define if any changes in GLS and dyssynchrony markers assessed during exercise stress echocardiography (SE) can occur after the optimization of antihypertensive treatment. Methods. 18 patients without coronary artery stenosis on coronary angiography, underwent exercise SE on treadmill. All patients had arterial hypertension and HRE, defined as elevation of systolic BP ≥190 mmHg in women and ≥210 mmHg in men or ≥180 mmHg from the second stage of standard Bruce protocol. After optimization of BP lowering medications (addition/dose correction of ACEI/ARB, CCB or diuretics) we repeated SE within 138.5 ± 85.1 days. GLS and dyssynchrony markers at rest and on exertion from both tests were subsequently analyzed with the QLab and 3D-Q Advanced software. Results. The target systolic BP at rest was reached in all 18 patients (145.8 ± 21.8 mmHg vs. 126.1 ± 14.5 mmHg, p = 0.03), moreover exercise BP on exercise decreased significantly (209.4 ± 15.4 mmHg vs. 170.8 ± 14.4 mmHg, p = 0.003). We observed improvement in tolerance to exertion (7.2 ± 2.4 METs vs. 8.7 ± 3.0 METs, p = 0.0004), 2D and 3D-ejection fraction increase (4.7 ± 2.2% vs. 8.8 ± 2.1%, p = 0.0002 and 3.9 ± 4.9% vs. 10.8 ± 8.5, p = 0.03) and significant reduction of wall motion score index (1.21 ± 0.24 vs. 1.03 ± 0.11, p = 0.001). The speckle tracking analysis revealed increase in GLS on exertion (-20.4 ± 3.5 vs. -23.78 ± 3.2, p = 0.001) and its increment (-0.28 ± 2.1 vs. 3.17 ± 1.89, p = 0.0006), while the level of rest GLS remained unchanged (-20.61 ± 2.9 vs. -20.61 ± 2.6, p = 0.9) (Fig. 1). The dyssynchrony marker STE-TIME SD-IMPOST (standard deviation of time from QRS onset to peak segmental longitudinal strain on exertion) has also diminished (47.3 ± 18.4 vs. 33.8 ± 12.2, p = 0.005). Conclusions. Stress-induced wall motion abnormalities and poor increase/decrease in GLS observed in patients with HRE even in absence of coronary artery stenosis can resolve or diminish after antihypertensive treatment optimization. Speckle tracking LV-dyssynchrony markers in patients with narrow QRS complexes can also decrease in response to BP-lowering medications. Abstract Figure 1.

Impact of left atrial strain mechanics on exercise intolerance and need for septal reduction therapy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

We sought to assess the relationship between left atrial (LA) strain mechanics and exercise intolerance, and to evaluate the prognostic impact of LA strain mechanics on clinical deterioration necessitating septal reduction therapy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Consecutive HCM patients who underwent exercise stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing on the same day between October 2015 and April 2019 were enrolled prospectively. LA strain mechanics were analysed using speckle tracking echocardiography. LA stiffness was calculated as the ratio of E/e' ratio to LA reservoir strain. The study cohort was divided into four groups based on the quartile of percent-predicted peak VO2, and exercise intolerance was defined as the lowest quartile (≤51%). Of 532 patients studied (mean age: 51 ± 15 years, 42% female), 138 patients demonstrated exercise intolerance. As exercise capacity worsened, LA strain mechanics worsened along a continuum (P < 0.001). LA contractile strain with a cut-off of -13.9% was optimal at identifying exercise intolerance. On multivariable analysis, worse LA contractile strain was an independent predictor for exercise intolerance (P = 0.002). Of patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, patients with LA stiffness worse than the median value (≥0.41) were significantly more likely to require septal reduction therapy than those with better LA stiffness (P = 0.026). Worse LA contractile strain was an independent predictor for exercise intolerance in HCM. Patients with worse LA stiffness had a higher probability of clinical deterioration necessitating septal reduction therapy.

Prognostic Value of Modified Haller Index in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease Referred for Exercise Stress Echocardiography.

Background:The influence of chest conformation on outcome of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) is actually unknown.Materials and Methods:This retrospective study included all consecutive patients who underwent exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) for suspected CAD at our institution between February 2011 and September 2019. Modified Haller index (MHI; chest transverse diameter over the distance between sternum and spine) was assessed in all patients. Obstructive CAD was diagnosed by ≥70% stenosis in any epicardial coronary artery. During the follow-up time, we evaluated the occurrence of any of the following: (1) cardiovascular (CV) hospitalizations and (2) cardiac death or sudden death.Results:A total of 1091 consecutive patients (62.4 ± 12.6 years, 57.2% of men) were included in the study. Patients with normal chest shape (MHI ≤2.5) and those with concave-shaped chest wall (MHI >2.5) were separately analyzed. A positive ESE was diagnosed in 171 patients of which 80.7% had an obstructive CAD (true positive), while 19.3 not (false positive [FP]). Majority of FP ESE (70.9%) derived from concave-shaped chest wall group. During follow-up time (2.5 ± 1.9 years), 9 patients died and 281 were hospitalized because of heart failure (163), acute coronary syndromes (39), and arrhythmias (79). At the multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (heart rate [HR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.03), MHI >2.5 (HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.26–0.56), diabetes mellitus (HR: 4.89, 95% CI: 3.78–6.32), horizontal ST depression ≥1 mm (HR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.98–4.15), peak exercise average E/e' ratio (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06–1.10), and peak exercise wall motion score index (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.36–2.35) were independently correlated with outcome.Conclusions:Patients with concave-shaped chest wall (MHI >2.5) have a significantly lower probability of CV events than those with normal chest shape (MHI ≤2.5) over a medium-term follow-up. A noninvasive chest shape assessment could identify subjects at lower risk of CV events.

Prognostic Value of Exercise Capacity in Renal Transplant Candidates

The prognostic influence of exercise capacity on cardiovascular outcomes in renal transplant candidates is not known. This study prospectively evaluated the effect of exercise capacity on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and stroke, in patients undergoing exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) for pre-transplant cardiovascular assessment.

Prognostic value of peak stress cardiac power in patients with normal ejection fraction undergoing exercise stress echocardiography.

Cardiac power is a measure of cardiac performance that incorporates both pressure and flow components. Prior studies have shown that cardiac power predicts outcomes in patients with reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). We sought to evaluate the prognostic significance of peak exercise cardiac power and power reserve in patients with normal EF. We performed a retrospective analysis in 24885 patients (age 59 ± 13 years, 45% females) with EF ≥50% and no significant valve disease or right ventricular dysfunction, undergoing exercise stress echocardiography between 2004 and 2018. Cardiac power and power reserve (developed power with stress) were normalized to LV mass and expressed in W/100 g of LV myocardium. Endpoints at follow-up were all-cause mortality and diagnosis of heart failure (HF). Patients in the higher quartiles of power/mass (rest, peak stress, and power reserve) were younger and had higher peak blood pressure and heart rate, lower LV mass, and lower prevalence of comorbidities. During follow-up [median 3.9 (0.6-8.3) years], 929 patients died. After adjusting for age, sex, metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved, ischaemia/infarction on stress test results, medication, and comorbidities, peak stress power/mass was independently associated with mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), highest vs. lowest quartile, 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4-0.6, P < 0.001] and HF at follow-up [adjusted HR, highest vs. lowest quartile, 0.4, 95% CI (0.3, 0.5), P < 0.001]. Power reserve showed similar results. The assessment of cardiac power during exercise stress echocardiography in patients with normal EF provides valuable prognostic information, in addition to stress test findings on inducible myocardial ischaemia and exercise capacity.

Abstract 13038: Utility of Left Atrial Strain Mechanics and Stiffness in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Llittle is known about the relationship between LA strain mechanics and exercise intolerance in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), or whether LA strain mechanics might serve as novel imaging markers in predicting the need for septal myectomy. Hypothesis: LA mechanical dysfunction would be associated with impaired exercise capacity and clinical deterioration necessitating septal myectomy in HCM. Methods: Consecutive patients with HCM who underwent exercise stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing between October 2015 and April 2019 were enrolled prospectively. LA structure parameters (maximum and minimum LA volume indices) and LA function parameters were measured. LA strain mechanics (reservoir, conduit and contractile strains) were analyzed by speckle tracking echocardiography. LA stiffness was calculated as the ratio of E/e’ to reservoir strain. Based on the quartile of percent-predicted peak VO 2 , the study cohort was divided into four groups. Exercise intolerance was defined as the lowest quartile of percent-predicted peak VO 2 (≤52%). Results: Of 536 HCM patients studied (mean age: 51 ± 15 years, 42% female), 212 (40%) demonstrated exercise intolerance. Receiver operating characteristics analysis demonstrated LA contractile strain, using a cut-off of 13.8%, to be optimal for predicting exercise intolerance (AUC: 0.68, p &lt;0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, impaired LA contractile strain was an independent predictor for exercise intolerance (p &lt;0.001). Among 258 patients who were followed up at our center, patients with LA stiffness worse than the median value (≥0.41) had significantly higher probability of requiring myectomy, compared with those with LA stiffness below the median (p = 0.02, Figure ). Conclusions: Impaired LA contractile strain was an independent predictor of exercise intolerance in HCM. Patients with worse LA stiffness were more likely to require septal myectomy.

Prognostic significance of exercise-induced diastolic dysfunction: A systematic review.

Recent guidelines recommend diastolic stress testing among patients with unexplained dyspnea. Previous studies have reported exercise related change in diastolic parameters as a prognostic marker for worse outcomes. However, the role of exercise-induced diastolic dysfunction (DD) in predicting adverse outcomes has not been fully established. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the prognostic significance of exercise-induced DD. PUBMED/EMBASE/SCOPUS databases were searched for studies reporting adverse outcomes in patients undergoing exercise echocardiography based on diastolic response during exercise. Exercise-induced DD was defined as an increase in E/e' or E/A ratio with stress. Outcomes of interest were cardiovascular mortality or hospitalizations. A total of 8 studies were identified, including 4,462 patients who underwent exercise stress echocardiography. The follow-up ranged from 13months to 5years. The major indication for stress testing was exertional dyspnea. All studies reported cardiac mortality and hospitalization in the composite outcome. Meta-analysis conducted using random-effects model showed that exercise-induced DD was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization (HR=1.32, P<.05). Significant heterogeneity was noted among the studies. Exercise-induced DD is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. Changes in echocardiographic parameters such as e' with exercise might be useful for risk stratification and identification of high-risk patients.

Prognostic impact of transcatheter mitral valve repair in patients with exercise-induced secondary mitral regurgitation.

Although exercise-induced secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) is known to have a poor prognosis, the therapeutic strategy towards this condition remains to be investigated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) using the MitraClip in patients with exercise-induced secondary MR. Of the 200 consecutive patients with secondary MR who underwent exercise stress echocardiography, 46 (23%) that presented with exercise-induced secondary MR [i.e. increase in effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) of ≥ 0.13 cm2] were enrolled in the present investigation. The composite endpoints of all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure were evaluated. Of the 46 patients included in the current cohort, 19 (41%) underwent TMVr and 27 (59%) were medically managed (control group). Although the TMVr group tended to present with a greater EROA at rest (0.26 ± 0.10 vs. 0.20 ± 0.08 cm2, P = 0.047), there were no differences in the EROA changes during exercise between the two groups (0.18 ± 0.10 vs. 0.18 ± 0.04 cm2, P = 0.940). While the TMVr group reported a higher event-free survival rate after the 13-month follow-up period (log-rank P = 0.017), the Cox proportional-hazard analysis suggested the TMVr to be associated with clinical outcomes (hazard ratio: 0.419, P = 0.044). As opposed to the medical management, TMVr treatment was associated with a lower risk of composite endpoints in patients with exercise-induced secondary MR. Exercise stress echocardiography is considered to have played an important role in decision-making for secondary MR.

1678 Impact of anemia in exercise stress echocardiography: effects on exercise capacity and stress testing safety

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None Background/Purpose: Anemia is a common condition in patients with cardiovascular disease. The effect of anemia in exercise stress testing has not been evaluated in a large cohort of patients. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing exercise stress echocardiography over a 10 year period who had blood hemoglobin assessed within 48 hours of stress testing. World Health Organization cutoffs were used in defining the degree of anemia. The effect of anemia on exercise capacity and stress testing safety outcomes was assessed. Results In 15,652 patients, 90.3% were non-anemic, 7.6% mildly anemic, 2.1% moderately anemic, and 0.1% severely anemic. The incidence of serious supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias and need to transfer to the hospital was low (0.1%) and did not correlate to anemia severity (p = 0.25). There was an increased incidence of non-sustained SVT or atrial fibrillation with moderate anemia and increased incidence of hypotension with stress testing with mild and moderate anemia. There was a significant reduction in duration of exercise (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and METS (p &amp;lt; 0.001) achieved with worsening anemia. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that exercise stress testing is safe in patients with mild and moderate anemia, albeit with reduced exercise capacity. Low numbers of severely anemic patients despite a large study population limit generalizability of these results in this group. Exercise Capacity Severe Anemia (N = 9) Moderate Anemia (N = 332) Mild Anemia (N = 1183) Non-anemic (N = 14128) P value Resting heart rate 81 ± 13 # 79 ± 14 # 72 ± 14 74 ± 13 &amp;lt;0.001* Peak heart rate 148 ± 22 139 ± 24 # 138 ± 23 # 147 ±22 &amp;lt;0.001* Exercise duration 5.3 ± 2.5 # 6.3 ± 2.1 # 7.2 ± 2.5 # 8.6 ± 2.7 &amp;lt;0.001* METS 6.3 ± 2.5 # 7.1 ± 2.2 # 8.0 ± 2.5 # 9.5 ± 2.7 &amp;lt;0.001* Safety Hypotension with stress 0 (0%) 31 (9.4%) # 94 (8.0%) # 437 (3.1%) &amp;lt;0.001* Mild supraventricular arrhythmia 1 (11.1%) 15 (4.5%) # 20 (1.7%) # 237 (2.3%) 0.04* Severe supraventricular arrhythmia 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 7 (0.1%) 0.99 Mild ventricular arrhythmia 0 (0%) 20 (6.0%) 74 (6.3%) 756 (5.4%) 0.94 Moderate ventricular arrhythmia 0 (0%) 3 (0.9%) 13 (1.1%) 182 (1.3%) 0.78 Severe ventricular arrhythmia 0 (0%) 1 (0.3%) 2 (0.2%) 1 (0.0%) 0.02 Transfer to hospital 0 (0%) 2 (0.6%) 1 (0.1%) 9 (0.1%) 0.29 Any severe arrhythmia or hospitalization 0 (0%) 2 (0.6%) 3 (0.3%) 17 (0.1%) 0.25 # Multi-comparison adjusted P-value &amp;lt;0.05 compared to non-anemic when group P &amp;lt; 0.05

3260Prognostic value of cardiac power reserve in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction undergoing exercise stress echocardiography

Abstract Background Cardiac power output-to-mass (CPOM) ratio is a measure of myocardial performance that incorporates both pressure and flow output, normalized to left ventricular (LV) mass generating that cardiac work. Prior small studies have shown that CPOM predicts outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and reduced LV ejection fraction (EF). We sought to evaluate the prognostic significance of peak exercise CPOM and power reserve (increase from rest to peak exercise) in patients with normal EF. Methods and results Retrospective study in 24,783 patients (age 59±13 years, 45% females) with EF≥50% and no significant valve disease or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, undergoing exercise stress echocardiography between 2004–2018. CPOM was calculated as previously described (0.222 x cardiac output x mean blood pressure / LV mass) and expressed in Watts/100g myocardium. Power reserve was calculated as difference in CPOM between peak stress and rest. All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. Patients were divided into quartiles of power reserve. Patients with higher power reserve were younger, had higher blood pressure and heart rate, lower LV mass, and lower prevalence of prior myocardial infarction. (Table). During follow-up (median (IQR) 3.9 (0.6–8.3) years), 931 (3.8%) patients died. Progressively lower power reserve was associated with increasing mortality (Figure A). Compared to patients with abnormal stress test, patients with the lowest power reserve but otherwise normal stress test had the same survival as those with infarction/cardiomyopathy or ischemia on stress test (Figure B). Resting CPOM had lower predictive value. After adjusting for age, sex, METs achieved, ischemia/infarction on stress test results, and diastolic function grade, both peak exercise CPOM and power reserve were independent predictors of mortality (p&lt;0.0001), incremental to conventional measures. Conclusion Cardiac power output and reserve measured during exercise stress echo provides independent prognostic information in patients with normal resting EF and no significant valve disease or RV dysfunction. The survival of patients with low power reserve but normal stress test was similar to patients with prior infarction/ cardiomyopathy or ischemia on stress test.

Physiological Responses to Exercise in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients.

Pediatric heart transplant (HTx) recipients have reduced exercise capacity typically two-thirds of predicted values, the mechanisms of which are not fully understood. We sought to assess the cardiorespiratory responses to progressive exercise in HTx relative to controls matched for age, sex, body size, and work rate. Fourteen HTx recipients and matched controls underwent exercise stress echocardiography on a semisupine cycle ergometer. Hemodynamics, left ventricular (LV) dimensions, and volumes were obtained and indexed to body surface area. Oxygen consumption (V˙O2) was measured, and arteriovenous oxygen difference was estimated using the Fick Principle. At rest, LV mass index (P = 0.03) and volumes (P < 0.001) were significantly smaller in HTx, whereas wall thickness (P < 0.01) and LV mass-to-volume ratio (P = 0.01) were greater. Differences in LV dimensions and stroke volume persisted throughout exercise, but the pattern of response was similar between groups as HR increased. As exercise progressed, heart rate and cardiac index increased to a lesser extent in HTx. Despite this, V˙O2 was similar (P = 0.82) at equivalent work rates as HTx had a greater change in arteriovenous oxygen difference (P < 0.01). When matched for work rate, HTx had similar metabolic responses to controls despite having smaller LV chambers and an attenuated increase in hemodynamic responses. These findings suggest that HTx may increase peripheral O2 extraction as a compensatory mechanism in response to reduced cardiovascular function.

An echocardiographic study of left ventricular torsion in patients with latent obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective To explore the changes of left ventricular torsion function in patients with latent obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM), and provide quantitative informations for clinical evaluation of cardiac function. Methods A total of 49 consecutive patients with HCM without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction at rest were enrolled.All subjects underwent exercise stress echocardiography. After exercise left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient(LVOT-PG)≥30 mmHg was positive for exercise stress test (latent obstruction), while LVOT-PG<30 mmHg was negative for exercise stress test (non-obstruction). An ultrasound system obtained two-dimensional ultrasound images of resting and moving peaks. The global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS) of the left ventricle 16 segments and left ventricular rotation, twist were analysis using off-line EchoPAC software. The differences of the above parameters were compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in GLS, GRS, GCS and Rotation-B between the two groups in resting and peak period of exercise (all P>0.05), GRS in both groups were significantly increased compared with that before exercise (all P 0.05). Conclusions Left ventricular torsion function is significantly changed in rest and after exercise in latent obstructive HCM patients, providing valuable quantitative information for clinical comprehensive evaluation of cardiac function. Key words: Echocardiography, stress; Latent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction; Cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic; Two-dimensional strain; Left ventricular twist