Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an infiltrative cardiac disorder caused by deposition of wild type or mutated transthyretin. As ATTR-CM is associated with conduction disease, we sought to determine its prevalence in patients with idiopathic high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation.
Consecutive patients aged 70–85 years undergoing PPM implantation for idiopathic high-degree AV block between November 2019 and November 2021 were offered a 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) scan. Demographics, comorbidities, electrocardiographic and imaging data from the time of device implantation were retrospectively collected.
39 patients (79.5% male, mean (SD) age at device implantation 76.2 (2.9) years) had a DPD scan. 3/39 (7.7%, all male) had a result consistent with ATTR-CM (Perugini grade 2 or 3). Mean (SD) maximum wall thickness of those with a positive DPD scan was 19.0 mm (3.6 mm) vs 11.4 mm (2.7 mm) in those with a negative scan (p=0.06). All patients diagnosed with ATTR-CM had spinal canal stenosis and two had carpal tunnel syndrome.
ATTR-CM should be considered in older patients requiring permanent pacing for high-degree AV block, particularly in the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome or spinal canal stenosis.
A paucity of data exists on how transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) practice has evolved in Ireland. This study sought to analyse temporal trends in patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes at an Irish tertiary referral centre.
The prospective Mater TAVI database was divided into time tertiles based on when TAVI was performed: Group A, November 2008–April 2013; Group B, April 2013–September 2017; and Group C, September 2017–February 2022. Patient and procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared across groups.
A total of 1063 (Group A, 59; Group B, 268; and Group C:, 736) patients were treated with TAVI during the study period (mean age 81.1±7.4, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score 5.9±5.1).
Conscious sedation (Group A, 0%; Group B, 59.9%; and Group C, 90.2%, p<0.001) and femoral artery access (Group A, 76.3%; Group B, 90.7%; and Group C, 96.6%, p<0.001) were used more frequently over time. The median length of hospital stay reduced from 9 days (IQR 7, 18) in Group A to 2 days (IQR 2, 3) in Group C. In-hospital death was numerically higher in Group A compared with Group C (6.8% vs 1.9%, p=0.078). At 1-year follow-up, the rate of death and/or stroke was similar in Group A and Group C (20.3% vs 12.0%, adjusted HR 1.49, 95% CI (0.59 to 3.74)).
There was exponential growth in TAVI procedural volume during the study period. A minimalist approach to TAVI emerged, and this was associated with significantly shorter procedure duration and hospital stay. Clinical outcomes at 1-year follow-up did not change significantly over time.
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome which resembles acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at presentation. Differentiation requires coronary angiography, but where this does not occur immediately, cardiac biomarkers may provide additional utility. We performed a meta-analysis to compare troponin and natriuretic peptides (NPs) in TTS and ACS to determine if differences in biomarker profile can aid diagnosis.
We searched five literature databases for studies reporting NPs (Brain NP (BNP)/NT-pro-BNP) or troponin I/T in TTS and ACS, identifying 28 studies for troponin/NPs (5618 and 1145 patients, respectively).
Troponin was significantly lower in TTS than ACS (standardised mean difference (SMD) –0.86; 95% CI, –1.08 to –0.64; p<0.00001), with an absolute difference of 75 times the upper limit of normal (xULN) higher in ACS than TTS. Conversely, NPs were significantly higher in TTS (SMD 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.80; p<0.00001) and 5.8xULN greater absolutely. Area under the curve (AUC) for troponin in ACS versus TTS was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.70 to 0.93), and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.80 to 1.00) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction versus TTS. For NPs, AUC was 0.69 (95% CI, 0.48 to 0.89). Combination of troponin and NPs with logistic regression did not improve AUC. Recursive Partitioning and Regression Tree analysis calculated a troponin threshold ≥26xULN that identified 95% cases as ACS where and specificity for ACS were 85.71% and 53.57%, respectively, with 94.32% positive predictive value and 29.40% negative predictive value.
Troponin is lower and NPs higher in TTS versus ACS. Troponin had greater power than NPs at discriminating TTS and ACS, and with troponin ≥26xULN patients are far more likely to have ACS.
Anakinra, an anti IL-1 agent targeting IL-1 alfa and beta, is available for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis in cases with corticosteroid dependence and colchicine resistance after failure of conventional therapies. However, it is unclear if the combination with colchicine, a non-specific inhibitor of the inflammasome targeting the same inflammatory pathway of IL-1, could provide additional benefit to prevent further recurrences. The aim of the present observational study is to assess whether the addition of colchicine on top of anakinra could prolong the time to first recurrence and prevent recurrences better than anakinra alone.
International, all-comers, multicentre, retrospective observational cohort study analysing all consecutive patients treated with anakinra for corticosteroid-dependent and colchicine-resistant recurrent pericarditis. The efficacy endpoint was recurrence rate and the time to the first recurrence.
A total of 256 patients (mean age 45.0±15.4 years, 65.6% females, 80.9% with idiopathic/viral aetiology) were included. 64 (25.0%) were treated with anakinra as monotherapy while 192 (75.0%) with both anakinra and colchicine. After a follow-up of 12 months, 56 (21.9%) patients had recurrences. Patients treated with colchicine added to anakinra had a lower incidence of recurrences (respectively, 18.8% vs 31.3%; p=0.036) and a longer event-free survival (p=0.025). In multivariable analysis, colchicine use prevented recurrences (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.91; p=0.021).
The addition of colchicine on top of anakinra treatment could be helpful to reduce recurrences and prolong the recurrence-free survival.
The diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) in the presence of heart failure (HF) presents a clinical problem. While diagnostic algorithms using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin have been established for suspected MI, their accuracy in patients with HF remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of high-sensitivity troponin I (TnI) levels in identifying acute MI among patients with HF, focusing on baseline, absolute and relative TnI changes.
Data from 562 individuals admitted to the emergency department with suspected MI were retrospectively analysed. Two-point TnI and baseline brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test results were available. HF status was determined based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental criteria.
Among the 562 patients, 299 (53.2%) were confirmed having MI. Baseline TnI demonstrated predictive capability for MI in the overall population (area under the curve (AUC) 0.63), while TnI relative change exhibited superior performance (AUC 0.83). Baseline TnI accuracy varied significantly by group, notably decreasing in the third group (severe HF) (AUC 0.54) compared with the first and second groups (AUC 0.67 and AUC 0.71, respectively). TnI relative change demonstrated consistent accuracy across all groups, with AUCs of 0.79, 0.79 and 0.89 for the first, second and third groups, respectively, even after adjustment for age, sex and glomerular filtration rate.
Troponin relative change is a reliable predictor of MI, even in patients with acute HF. Baseline TnI accuracy is influenced by HF severity. It is essential to consider HF status and BNP levels when employing high-sensitivity cardiac troponin testing to rule out suspected MIs.
Although cardiac injury is a known complication of COVID-19 infection, there is no established tool to predict cardiac involvement and in-hospital mortality in this patient population.
To assess if left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) can detect cardiac involvement and be used as a risk-stratifying parameter for hospitalised patients with COVID-19.
In-hospital mortality.
We found a statistically significant association between LV-GLS and in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.09; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.19, p=0.050). Furthermore, right ventricular fractional area change was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (aOR=1.04; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.08, p=0.043). Troponin level had no statistically significant association with in-hospital mortality (aOR=3.43; 95% CI 0.78 to 15.03, p=0.101).
LV-GLS can be a useful parameter for cardiovascular risk assessment in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 infection.
To investigate the time to first childbirth and to compare the prevalence of assisted reproductive treatment (ART) in women with congenital heart disease (CHD) compared with women without CHD.
All women in the national register for CHD who had a registered first childbirth in the Swedish Pregnancy Register between 2014 and 2019 were identified. These individuals (cases) were matched by birth year and municipality to women without CHD (controls) in a 1:5 ratio. The time from the 18th birthday to the first childbirth and the prevalence of ART was compared between cases and controls.
830 first childbirths in cases were identified and compared with 4137 controls. Cases were slightly older at the time for first childbirth (28.9 vs 28.5 years, p=0.04) and ART was more common (6.1% vs 4.0%, p<0.01) compared with controls. There were no differences in ART when stratifying for the complexity of CHD. For all women, higher age was associated with ART treatment (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.28).
Women with and without CHD who gave birth to a first child did so at similar ages. ART was more common in women with CHD, but disease severity did not influence the need for ART. Age was an important risk factor for ART also in women with CHD and should be considered in consultations with these patients.
To describe the incidence of acute aortic dissection in a clearly defined population, to assess onset symptoms and admission biochemical marker levels and to analyse variables potentially associated to mortality.
Medical records and CT angiograms of all patients hospitalised for acute aortic dissection in the Stockholm County during the 5-year period 2012–2016 were reviewed. The patients were followed until date of death or until 31 December 2020. The annual incidence was determined. Associations between clinical and biochemical variables and 30-day mortality, respectively, were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models.
A total of 344 patients were included. The mean annual incidence of acute aortic dissection was 4.1 per 100 000. Median age was 67 years (range 24–91) and 34% (n=118) were women. Type A dissection was predominant; 220 patients (64%) had type A and 124 (36%) had type B. Painless dissection was more common in type A than in type B (18% vs 15%, p=0.003). Type A dissection patients also more commonly had elevated plasma troponin T (44% vs 21%, p<0.001) and thrombocytopenia (26% vs 15%, p=0.010) than type B dissection patients on admission. Overall, 30-day mortality was 28% in type A and 11% in type B (p<0.001). Both painless dissection (OR 4.30, 95% CI 1.80 to 10.28, p=0.001) and elevated troponin T (OR 3.78, 95% CI 2.01 to 7.12, p<0.001), respectively, were associated with increased 30-day mortality in all acute aortic dissection patients. Thrombocytopenia was associated with elevated 30-day mortality only in patients with type A (OR 3.09, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.21, p=0.002).
Nearly two-thirds of acute aortic dissection patients had type A. Levels of troponin T and platelets, respectively, paired with presence or absence of typical symptoms may become useful adjuncts in risk stratification of patients with acute aortic dissection.
The main objective of this study was to develop two-dimensional (2D) phase contrast (PC) methods to quantify the helicity and vorticity of blood flow in the aortic root.
This proof-of-concept study used four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiovascular MR (4D flow CMR) data of five healthy controls, five patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and five patients with aortic stenosis (AS). A PC through-plane generated by 4D flow data was treated as a 2D PC plane and compared with the original 4D flow. Visual assessment of flow vectors was used to assess helicity and vorticity. We quantified flow displacement (FD), systolic flow reversal ratio (sFRR) and rotational angle (RA) using 2D PC.
For visual vortex flow presence near the inner curvature of the ascending aortic root on 4D flow CMR, sFRR demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.955, p<0.001. A threshold of >8% for sFRR had a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 100% for visual vortex presence. In addition, the average late systolic FD, a marker of flow eccentricity, also demonstrated an AUC of 0.909, p<0.001 for visual vortex flow. Manual systolic rotational flow angle change (sRA) demonstrated excellent association with semiautomated sRA (r=0.99, 95% CI 0.9907 to 0.999, p<0.001). In reproducibility testing, average systolic FD (FDsavg) showed a minimal bias at 1.28% with a high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC=0.92). Similarly, sFRR had a minimal bias of 1.14% with an ICC of 0.96. sRA demonstrated an acceptable bias of 5.72°—and an ICC of 0.99.
2D PC flow imaging can possibly quantify blood flow helicity (RA) and vorticity (FRR). These imaging biomarkers of flow helicity and vorticity demonstrate high reproducibility for clinical adoption.
To illustrate expanded use cases for the WCD, four real-life clinical cases are presented where patients received the device slightly outside the established guidelines. These cases demonstrate the broader utility of WCDs in situations involving acute myocarditis, thyrotoxicosis, pre-excited atrial fibrillation and awaiting staging/prognosis of a lung tumour. The findings prompt expansion of the existing guidelines for WCD use to efficiently protect more patients whose risk of arrhythmic cardiac death is transient or uncertain. This could be achieved by establishing a European register of the patients who receive a WCD for further analysis.
]]>Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) permits both qualitative and quantitative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque and may be a suitable risk modifier in assessing patients at intermediate risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We sought to determine the association of plaque components with long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients, compared with conventional coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
100 intermediate-risk patients underwent double-blinded CCTA. Follow-up was conducted at 10 years and data were cross-referenced with the National Death Index. The primary outcome was MACE, which was a composite of death, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), revascularisation and stroke.
The median time from CCTA to follow-up was 9.5 years. 83 patients completed follow-up interview and mortality data were available on all 100 patients. MACE occurred in 17 (20.5%) patients, which included 2 (2%) deaths, 8 (10%) ACS, 3 (4%) strokes and 5 (6%) revascularisation procedures. 47 (57%) patients had mixed plaque, which was predictive of MACE (OR 4.68 (95% CI 1.19 to 18.5) p=0.028). The burden of non-calcified and mixed plaque, defined by non-calcified plaque segment stenosis score, was also a predictor of long-term MACE (OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.18 to 2.13) p=0.002). Neither calcified plaque (OR 3.92 (95% CI 0.80 to 19.3)) nor CAC score (OR 1.01 (95% CI 0.999 to 1.02)) was associated with long-term MACE.
The presence and burden of mixed plaque on CCTA is associated with an increased risk of long-term MACE among asymptomatic intermediate-risk patients and is a superior predictor to CAC score.
Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is implicated in half of all strokes and myocardial infarctions. One-third of the adults in Scotland have hypertension yet only a quarter of them have their blood pressure (BP) controlled to target (<140/90 mm Hg). Empowering patients to have a better understanding of their condition and becoming actively involved in the monitoring and management of hypertension may lead to improved patient satisfaction, improved BP control and health outcomes and reduction in the use of primary/secondary care hypertension clinics.
OPTIMA-BP is a randomised parallel group pilot study comparing the use of home BP monitoring accompanied by access to the web-based cardiovascular educational portal (Kvatchii) and home BP monitoring (HBPM) alone in 200 patients with hypertension attending the Glasgow Blood Pressure Clinic, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. Consented participants will be asked to complete surveys on lifestyle factors, medication adherence, quality of life and hypertension knowledge, understanding and home monitoring. The intervention group will be asked to complete a survey to help evaluate the Kvatchii portal. At 6 and 12 months, the surveys will be repeated via the CASTOR EDC. Both groups will input their HBPM results at 2-month intervals into a CASTOR-EDC survey. OPTIMA-BP will follow-up with participants over 12 months with the study running over 24 months. The primary outcome is HBPM systolic BP area under the curve between baseline and 6 months
OPTIMA-BP was approved by the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2 (22/NS/0095). Current protocol version 1.2 date 6 June 2023. Written informed consent will be provided by all study participants. Study findings will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international scientific meetings.
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05575453. Registered 12 October 2022.
Amiodarone is an established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) but might interfere with the metabolism of apixaban or warfarin. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the occurrence of major bleeding among patients with AF treated with amiodarone in combination with apixaban or warfarin.
Retrospective observational study using Swedish health registers. All patients with AF in the National Patient Register and the National Dispensed Drug Register with concomitant use of amiodarone and warfarin or apixaban between 1 June 2013 and 31 December 2018 were included. Propensity score matching was performed, and matched cohorts were compared using Cox proportional HRs. The primary outcome was major bleeding resulting in hospitalisation based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. Secondary outcomes included intracranial bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding and other bleeding. Exploratory outcomes included ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism and all-cause/cardiovascular (CV) mortality.
A total of 12 103 patients met the inclusion criteria and 8686 patients were included after propensity score matching. Rates of major bleeding were similar in the apixaban (4.3/100 patient-years) and warfarin cohort (4.5/100 patient-years) (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.39) during median follow-up of 4.4 months. Similar findings were observed for secondary outcomes including gastrointestinal bleeding and other bleeding, and exploratory outcomes including ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism and all-cause/CV mortality.
Among patients treated with amiodarone in combination with apixaban or warfarin, major bleeding and thromboembolic events were rare and with no significant difference between the treatment groups.
EUPAS43681.
The clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and concomitant active cancer remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to assess the midterm outcomes of TAVR in patients diagnosed with AS and active cancer.
Data from the OCEAN-TAVI, a prospective Japanese registry of TAVR procedures, was analysed to compare prognoses and clinical outcomes in patients with and without active cancer at the time of TAVR.
Of the 2336 patients who underwent TAVR from October 2013 to July 2017, 89 patients (3.8%) had active cancer, whereas 2247 did not. Among patients with active cancer, 49 had limited-stage cancer (stage 1 or 2). The prevalent cancers identified before TAVR were colon (21%), prostate (18%), lung (15%), liver (11%) and breast (9%). Although the periprocedural complications and 30-day mortality rates were comparable between the groups, the 3-year survival rate after TAVR was notably lower in patients with active cancer (64.7%) than in those without active cancer (74.7%; p=0.016). Nevertheless, the 3-year survival rate of patients with limited-stage cancer (stage 1 or 2) did not significantly differ from those without cancer (70.6% vs 74.7%, p=0.50).
The patients with active cancer exhibited significantly reduced midterm survival rates. However, no distinct disparity existed in those with limited-stage cancer (stage 1 or 2). Although TAVR is a viable treatment in patients with AS with active cancer, the type and stage of cancer and prognosis should be carefully weighed in the decision-making process.
Risk stratification based on Euroscore II (ESII) is used in some centres to assist decisions to perform transcatheter aortic valve implant (TAVI) procedures. ESII is a generic, non-TAVI-specific metric, and its performance fades for mortality at follow-up longer than 30 days. We investigated if a TAVI-specific predictive model could achieve improved predictive preinterventional accuracy of 1-year mortality compared with ESII.
In this prospective pilot study, 284 participants with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis who underwent TAVI were enrolled. Standard clinical metrics (American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), New York Heart Association and ESII) and patient-reported outcome measures (EuroQol-5 Dimension-Visual Analogue Scale, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS)) were assessed 1 day before TAVI. Using these data, we tested predictive models (logistic regression and decision tree algorithm (DTA)) with 1-year mortality as the dependent variable.
Logistic regression yielded the best prediction, with ASA and CFS as the strongest predictors of 1-year mortality. Our logistic regression model score showed significantly better prediction accuracy than ESII (area under the curve=0.659 vs 0.800; p=0.002). By translating our results to a DTA, cut-off score values regarding 1-year mortality risk emerged for low, intermediate and high risk. Treatment costs and length of stay (LoS) significantly increased in high-risk patients.
A novel TAVI-specific model predicts 1-year mortality, LoS and costs after TAVI using simple, established, transparent and inexpensive metrics before implantation. Based on this preliminary evidence, TAVI team members and patients can make informed decisions based on a few key metrics. Validation of this score in larger patient cohorts is needed.
The objective of this article is to evaluate near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a non-invasive technique to assess tissue oxygenation and mitochondrial function, as a diagnostic tool for statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS).
We verified SAMS in 39 statin-treated patients (23 women) using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over protocol. Subjects with suspected SAMS were randomised to simvastatin 20 mg/day or placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week no treatment period and then assigned to the alternative treatment, either simvastatin or placebo. Tissue oxygenation was measured before and after each statin or placebo treatment using NIRS during handgrip exercise at increasing intensities of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC).
44% (n=17) of patients were confirmed as having SAMS (11 women) because they reported discomfort only during simvastatin treatment. There were no significant differences in percent change in tissue oxygenation in placebo versus statin at all % MVCs in all subjects. The percent change in tissue oxygenation also did not differ significantly between confirmed and unconfirmed SAMS subjects on statin (–2.4% vs –2.4%, respectively) or placebo treatment (–1.1% vs –9%, respectively). The percent change in tissue oxygenation was reduced after placebo therapy in unconfirmed SAMS subjects (–10.2%) (p≤0.01) suggesting potential measurement variability.
NIRS in the forearm cannot differentiate between confirmed and unconfirmed SAMS, but further research is needed to assess the usability of NIRS as a diagnostic tool for SAMS.
High blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adequate treatment of high BP should reduce the risk of CVD, but this association has seldom been assessed in a general population setting.
Population-based prospective study conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland, with a follow-up between 2003 and 2021. Participants were categorised as normal BP, untreated high BP, treated and uncontrolled BP and treated and controlled BP. Total and CVD mortality as well as any CVD event were assessed.
5341 participants (65% normal, 17.4% untreated, 8.8% treated and uncontrolled and 8.8% treated and controlled) were included. After a median follow-up of 14 years (IQR: 11–15), 575 CVD events occurred. Relative to participants with normal BP, multivariable-adjusted HRs (and 95% CI) for total CVD were 1.38 (1.11 to 1.72) for untreated, 1.35 (1.04 to 1.76) for treated and uncontrolled and 1.50 (1.15 to 1.95) for treated and controlled. The corresponding HRs for CVD mortality (112 events) were 0.94 (0.52 to 1.70), 1.77 (1.00 to 3.12) and 2.52 (1.50 to 4.23), respectively. For total mortality (677 events), the HRs were 1.24 (1.01 to 1.52), 1.26 (0.99 to 1.60) and 1.27 (0.99 to 1.62), respectively. Sensitivity analysis using BP status during a 5-year period and categorising participants as always normal, always treated and uncontrolled, always treated and controlled and other led to similar findings.
Over a long follow-up period of 14 years, BP control was not associated with reduction of CVD events, CVD-related or total mortality. This finding should help define further studies on factors affecting CVD and mortality in people treated for hypertension in the general population.
To evaluate stress, depression and quality of life among community-dwelling patients with heart failure (HF) and evaluate their effect on perceived medication adherence in a socioeconomically challenged setting.
A cross-sectional design with self-administered questionnaire with data collected between October 2021 and September 2022.
Patients with confirmed diagnosis of HF were sought for data collection in the community and cardiology clinics through an electronic platform. Confirmation of cases was done through the ejection fraction, medication list and frequent symptoms of the patients. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the COVID-19 Stress Scale, the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire and the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale were used to evaluate depression, stress, quality of life and medication adherence, respectively. Univariate analysis was done to present the descriptive statistics, whereas bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to evaluate the relationship between the variables.
A total of 237 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 61.3±17.36 years, and the majority (57.8%) were male participants. Only 44.7% were on ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and 54.9% on beta-blockers. The mean scores for stress, depression, quality of life and medication adherence were 75.86 (SD=24.5), 14.03 (SD=5.7), 55.73 (SD=23.05) and 6.79 (SD=6.93), respectively, indicating high stress levels, depression, poor quality of life and medication adherence. Those with a history of hypertension and depression were significantly more adherent to their medications than those who were not. Multivariate analysis showed that anxiety, medical follow-up, quality of life and functionality class were predictors of medication adherence.
The study showed the population with HF in Lebanon to have psychological health problems with these variables acting as predictors for medication adherence. Sociodemographic characteristics also played a role on the outcome, which can be targeted when planning interventions to improve outcomes. Future studies should compare prescribed medication with consumed medication through longitudinal approaches and medical refilling techniques when possible.
To explore the lived experience of people with myocardial ischaemia with no obstructive arteries.
Qualitative study using semistructured interviews.
Telephone interviews with 17 participants living in the UK.
17 people (2 males, 15 females; aged 31–69 years) with a presumed or confirmed diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia with no obstructive arteries, recruited via social media and online patient-led support forums.
Five themes were generated. Theme 1 describes the wide range of experiences that participants described, particularly the frequency and intensity of symptoms, and the uncertainty and fear that symptoms commonly provoked. Theme 2 describes the major impact on social relationships, employment and other aspects of everyday life. Theme 3 illustrates challenging and traumatising experiences participants described around pathways to diagnosis and accessing medical support. Theme 4 highlights the lack of consensus and clarity that participants had been confronted with around treatment and management. Theme 5 describes coping and supportive strategies valued by participants.
This study provides insight into the challenges of living with myocardial ischaemia with no obstructive arteries. Findings highlight the significant psychological impact on people living with these conditions and the need for improvements in diagnosis, support and long-term management.
Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic value of RV free-wall longitudinal strain (RVfwLS), compared with other RV parameters in PH.
We searched for articles presenting the HR of two-dimensional RVfwLS in PH. HRs were standardised using the within-study SD. The ratio of HRs of a 1 SD change in RVfwLS versus systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP), systolic tricuspid annular velocities (s’-TV), RV fractional area change (FAC) or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was calculated for each study, after which we conducted a random model meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis regarding the type of outcome, aetiology of PH and software vendor was also performed.
Twenty articles totalling 2790 subjects were included. The pooled HR of a 1 SD decrease of RVfwLS was 1.80 (95% CI: 1.62 to 2.00, p<0.001), and there was a significant association with all-cause death (ACD) and composite endpoints (CEs). The ratio of HR analysis revealed that RVfwLS has a significant, strong association with ACD and CE per 1 SD change, compared with corresponding values of SPAP, s’-TV, RVFAC or TAPSE. RVfwLS was a significant prognostic factor regardless of the aetiology of PH. However, significant superiority of RVfwLS versus other parameters was not observed in group 1 PH.
The prognostic value of RVfwLS in patients with PH was confirmed, and RVfwLS is better than other RV parameters and SPAP. Further accumulation of evidence is needed to perform a detailed subgroup analysis for each type of PH.
UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000052679).
Assess safety and performance of novel quadripolar preshaped left ventricular (LV) leads: NAVIGO 4LV 2D (‘S shaped’) and NAVIGO 4LV ARC (‘U shaped’).
Patients indicated for cardiac resynchronisation therapy were enrolled in a multicentre, prospective, controlled study (NAVIGATOR, NCT03279484). Patients were implanted with either a NAVIGO 4LV 2D or ARC lead, and assessed at 10 weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months post-implant. Co-primary safety and performance endpoints were assessed at 10 weeks. Safety endpoint was the patients’ rate free from lead-related complications. Performance endpoint was the rate of patients with successful lead performance, defined as LV pacing threshold ≤2.5 V at 0.5 ms on at least one pacing vector, and the absence of phrenic nerve stimulation at the final programmed configuration. Lead-related complications and electrical parameters were monitored throughout study.
A NAVIGO 4LV lead was successfully implanted in 211 out of 217 patients (97.2%). The safety endpoint was met, with 100% and 96.1% of patients free from complications for NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC, respectively. The performance endpoint was met with 98.1% and 98.9% of patients with a successful lead performance for NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC, respectively. Over 12 months, the global complication-free rate for both leads was 97.1% (95% CI: 93.71% to 98.70%), with a mean pacing capture threshold of 1.23 V±0.73 V and a mean impedance of 951 ±300.1 .
A high implantation success rate and low complication rate was reported for the novel NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC leads, along with successful performance up to 12 months.
There is a paucity of data on the initiation patterns of anticoagulants among older atrial fibrillation patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD).
We used the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2010–2020) to conduct a retrospective cohort study to evaluate anticoagulant initiation patterns for older adults (≥65 years) with CKD (N=18 421) and without CKD (N=41 901), categorised by severity of CKD: stages 3a, 3b and 4, and initiation dose by respective direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC).
Over the study period, warfarin initiations sharply declined and were replaced by DOACs regardless of CKD status or stage. By 2020, patients with CKD were modestly more likely (8.8% difference) to initiate apixaban compared with those without CKD (58.8% vs 50.0%; p<0.01). Among patients with CKD, those with stages 3a and 3b CKD had higher apixaban initiations compared with stage 4 CKD (56.9% and 64.6% vs 52.9%, respectively; p<0.01). Conversely, patients with stage 4 CKD were over three times more likely to initiate warfarin (14.7%) compared with those with stage 3a (2.6%) and 3b (4.0%) CKD (p<0.01). Throughout the study period, there was a rise in the proportion of patients initiating the higher 10 mg daily dose for apixaban, with an increase of 20.6% (from 64.3% in 2013 to 84.9% in 2020; p value for trend <0.01) among patients without CKD, and 21.8% (53.1% to 74.9%; p<0.01), 24.4% (18.8% to 43.2%; p<0.01) and 18.5% (0.0% to 18.2%; p<0.01) among patients with stages 3a, 3b and 4 CKD, respectively.
Initiation of DOACs increased regardless of CKD status and stage, although with a reduced magnitude in severe CKD. Apixaban emerged as the preferred agent, with a secular trend towards the higher initiation dose in all subgroups. These findings illuminate evolving trends and priorities in anticoagulant preferences among patients with and without CKD.
Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have, to a substantial degree, replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKA) as treatments for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. However, evidence on the real-world causal effects of switching patients from VKA to DOAC is lacking. We aimed to assess the empirical incremental cost-effectiveness of switching patients to DOAC compared with maintaining VKA treatment.
The target trial approach was applied to the prospective observational Swiss-AF cohort, which enrolled 2415 AF patients from 2014 to 2017. Clinical data, healthcare resource utilisation and EQ-5D-based utilities representing quality of life were collected in yearly follow-ups. Health insurance claims were available for 1024 patients (42.4%). Overall survival, quality-of-life, costs from the Swiss statutory health insurance perspective and cost-effectiveness were estimated by emulating a target trial in which patients were randomly assigned to switch to DOAC or maintain VKA treatment.
228 patients switching from VKA to DOAC compared with 563 patients maintaining VKA treatment had no overall survival advantage over a 5-year observation period (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.45, 1.55). The estimated gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) was 0.003 over the 5-year period at an incremental costs of CHF 23 033 ( 20 940). The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was CHF 425 852 ( 387 138) per QALY gained.
Applying a causal inference method to real-world data, we could not demonstrate switching to DOACs to be cost-effective for AF patients with at least 1 year of VKA treatment. Our estimates align with results from a previous randomised trial.
Patients who experience in-hospital ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (iSTEMI) represent a uniquely high-risk cohort owing to delays in diagnosis, prolonged time to reperfusion and increased mortality. Quality initiatives aimed at improving the care of this vulnerable, yet understudied population are needed.
This study included consecutive patients with iSTEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 1 January 2011 and 15 July 2019 at a single, tertiary referral centre. A comprehensive iSTEMI protocol (CSP) was implemented on 15 July 2014, incorporating: (1) cardiology fellow activation of the catheterisation lab using standardised criteria, (2) nursing chest pain protocol, (3) improved electronic access to electrocardiographic studies, (4) checklist for initial triage and management, (5) 24/7/365 catheterisation lab readiness and (6) radial-first PCI approach. Key metrics and clinical outcomes were compared before and after CSP implementation.
Among 125 total subjects, the post-CSP cohort (n=81) was younger, had more males and were more likely to be hospitalised for cardiac-related reasons relative to the pre-CSP cohort (n=44) who were more likely hospitalised for operative-related aetiologies. After CSP adoption, median ECG-to-first-device-activation time decreased from 113 min to 64 min (p<0.001), goal ECG-to-first-device-activation time increased from 36% to 76% of patients (p<0.001), administration of guideline-directed medical therapy prior to PCI increased from 27.3% to 65.4% (p<0.001), trans-radial access increased from 16% to 70% (p<0.001) and rates of discharge home increased from 56.8% to 76.5% (p=0.04). Statistically insignificant numerical reductions were observed post-CSP in in-hospital mortality (18.2% vs 9.9%, p=0.30), 30-day mortality (15.9% vs 12.3%, p=0.78) and 1-year mortality (27.3% vs 21.0%, p=0.57).
The implementation of a CSP was associated with marked enhancements in key care metrics among patients with iSTEMI. Among a larger cohort, the use of a CSP yielded a significant reduction in ECG-to-first-device-activation time in a particularly vulnerable population at high risk of death.
To assess outcomes after cardiac surgery with biological valve replacement, valve repair or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in accordance with oral anticoagulant (OAC) treatment.
All patients in Sweden undergoing valvular intervention with AF were included. Associations between OAC exposure and cardiovascular (CV) events (composite of CV death, ischaemic stroke or systemic embolism) and major bleeding were investigated using Cox regression analysis. The analysis was separated in time periods of 0–3 and 3–12 months after discharge.
4730 patients were included in the first time period, 54.0% had received a surgical biological valve prosthesis, 23.8% valve repair and 22.2% TAVI. Exposure to warfarin (comparator) was 62.3%, to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) 10.0% and to no OAC 27.7%. NOAC exposure was associated with similar risk of the composite CV outcome and major bleeding from 0 to 3 months. No OAC was associated with increased risk of the composite CV outcome (HR 1.71; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.32) and similar risk of major bleeding. Further analysis of the bioprosthetic valve replacement subgroup indicated increased risk of CV death when exposed to NOAC (HR 2.58; 95% CI 1.15 to 5.78) and no OAC (HR 2.82; 95% CI 1.65 to 4.82) compared with warfarin from 0 to 3 months. No differences were seen between 3 and 12 months.
In this registry-based cohort study of patients with AF with severe valvular heart disease undergoing various valvular interventions, NOAC appears to be comparable with warfarin regarding efficacy and safety. Patients not receiving OAC had higher risk of CV events. NOAC was associated with increased CV death compared with warfarin in the surgical bioprosthetic valve replacement subgroup, illustrating the importance of being cautious when extrapolating data from one patient group to another. Further studies comparing NOAC and warfarin in the early postoperative phase are warranted, especially following surgical bioprosthetic valve replacement.
This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the short-term impact of ischaemic postconditioning (IPoC) on myocardial injury in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using surrogate cardiac biomarkers.
Eligible studies were identified using several article databases. Randomised controlled trials published between 1 January 2000 and 1 December 2021 comparing IPoC to standard of therapy in STEMI patients were included in the search. Outcomes included surrogates of myocardial injury, specifically peak troponin, creatine-kinase (CK) and CK myoglobin binding (CK-MB) enzyme levels.
11 articles involving 1273 patients reported on CK-MB and 8 studies involving 505 patients reported on CK. Few studies used troponin as an outcome, thus, a subanalysis of troponin dynamics was not performed. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated no significant effect of IPoC on peak CK-MB (effect size –0.41, 95% CI –1.15 to 0.34) or peak CK (effect size –0.42, 95% CI –1.20 to 0.36). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between a history of smoking and CK-MB in the IPoC group (p=0.038).
IPoC does not seem to protect against myocardial injury in STEMI, except possibly in smokers. These results resonate with some studies using imaging techniques to ascertain myocardial damage. More research using troponin and cardiac imaging should be pursued to better assess the effects of IPoC on cardiovascular outcomes in STEMI.
This study aimed to explore clinicians’ perspectives of ambulatory care in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD).
Semistructured interviews were carried out remotely (Zoom) with a range of physicians providing ambulatory care to patients with ACHD across the UK. The chronic care model, thrive and candidacy frameworks were used to design prompt guides and subsequently develop themes. A framework approach was used to code and analyse transcripts, which were managed in NVivo.
21 clinicians (43% females, 38% specialists) from 10/12 ACHD networks in the UK participated. Shared themes included the purpose of the clinic appointment, problems in the ‘hub-and-spoke’ care system, role of the general practitioner and ACHD specialist nurse, communication with patients, burden of ambulatory care and patient self-management. Reflecting on these themes, participants identified resources, what care and how and by it is delivered alongside the role of the patient as key areas for future research.
The present structure of ACHD ambulatory care is neither patient-centred nor equitable. The concerned clinicians raise the question whether increasing resource alone without changing structure will lead to better outcomes for patients.
In patients with distal bifurcation left main stem lesions requiring intervention, the European Bifurcation Club Left Main Coronary Stent Study trial found a non-significant difference in major adverse cardiac events (MACEs, composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and target lesion revascularisation) favouring the stepwise provisional strategy, compared with the systematic dual stenting.
To estimate the 1-year cost-effectiveness of stepwise provisional versus systematic dual stenting strategies.
Costs in France and the UK, and MACE were calculated in both groups to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Uncertainty was explored by probabilistic bootstrapping. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the healthcare provider with a time horizon of 1 year.
The cost difference between the two groups was –755 (5700 in the stepwise provisional group and 6455 in the systematic dual stenting group, p value<0.01) in France and –647 (6728 and 7375, respectively, p value=0.08) in the UK. The point estimates for the ICERs found that stepwise provisional strategy was cost saving and improved outcomes with a probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirming dominance with an 80% probability.
The stepwise provisional strategy at 1 year is dominant compared with the systematic dual stenting strategy on both economic and clinical outcomes.
Heart failure remains a key public health priority across the globe. The median age of people with heart failure admitted to hospital in the UK is 81 years old. Many such patients transcend the standard interventions that are well characterised and evidenced in guidelines, into holistic aspects surrounding frailty, rehabilitation and social care. Previous published competency frameworks in heart failure have focused on the value of doctors, nurses and pharmacists. We aimed to provide an expert consensus on the minimum heart failure-specific competencies necessary for multiple different healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and cardiac physiologists.
The document has been developed focussing on four main parts, (1) establishing a project working group of expert professionals, (2) a literature review of previously existing published curricula and competency frameworks, (3) consensus building, which included developing a structure to the framework with ongoing review of the contents to adapt and be inclusive for each specialty and (4) write up and dissemination to widen the impact of the project.
The final competency framework displays competencies across seven sections; knowledge (including subheadings on heart failure syndrome, diagnosis and clinical management); general skills; heart failure-specific skills; clinical autonomy; multidisciplinary team working; teaching and education; and research and development.
People with heart failure can be complex and have needs that require input from a broad range of specialties. This publication focuses on the vital impact of wider multidisciplinary groups and should help define the generic core heart failure-specific competencies needed to support future pipelines of professionals, who regularly interact with and deliver care for patients with heart failure.
The Heart Failure Association Pretest assessment, echocardiography and natriuretic peptide, functional testing and final aetiology (HFA-PEFF) score has been developed for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which is frequently associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to investigate whether preprocedural HFA-PEFF score could be used to predict clinical outcomes in patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation (CA).
Overall, 1679 patients with AF who underwent primary CA (71±10 years, 1218 males (72.5%), median follow-up duration 3.3 years) from July 2011 to December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. HFpEF was defined as an HFA-PEFF score ≥5. The primary study outcome was 5-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), which is a composite of all-cause death, hospitalisation for heart failure (HF) and hospitalisation for stroke.
The prevalence of HFpEF was 32.3%, but only 7.7% were diagnosed with HF at the time of CHADS2 scoring. Five-year MACCE occurred in 77 patients (4.6%). The cumulative 5-year incidence of MACCE was significantly higher in the HFpEF group than in the non-HFpEF group (11.2% vs 4.8% at 5 years, p<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, HFpEF by the HFA-PEFF score was associated with MACCE (adjusted HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.65, p=0.041).
Early detection of HFpEF using the HFA-PEFF score may have clinical applications in guiding therapeutic decision-making and improving prognosis by preventing HF and stroke in patients with AF undergoing CA.
Residual sequelae after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) affect clinical outcome. We investigated the prognostic impact of right ventricular (RV) dyssynchrony in adults with rTOF years after the surgical repair.
Patients from the Swiss Adult Congenital HEart disease Registry were included. NT-proBNP levels, echocardiography, exercise testing and MRI data were collected. An offline strain analysis to quantify RV-ventricular and interventricular dyssynchrony was performed. The standard deviation of the time-to-peak shortening (TTP) of six RV segments defined the RV Dyssynchrony Index (RVDI). Maximal difference of TTP between RV and left ventricular segments defined the interventricular shortening delay (IVSD). Predictors of a composite adverse event (arrhythmias, hospitalisation for heart failure and death) were identified by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Their median values were used to create a risk score.
Out of 285 included patients (mean age 34±14 years), 33 patients (12%) experienced an adverse event during a mean follow-up of 48±21 months. No correlation was found between RVDI, IVSD and clinical events. NT-proBNP, right atrial area and peak heart rate were independent predictors of outcomes. After 4 years-follow-up, no adverse events occurred in patients at low risk (score=0 points), while an adverse event occurred in 62% of patients at high risk (score=3 points, p<0.001).
In our cohort of adults with rTOF, surrogates of RV dyssynchrony did not correlate with outcomes. A multimodality approach was effective in predicting the risk for adverse events.
Three recent randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that pulmonary vein isolation as an initial rhythm control strategy with cryoablation reduces atrial arrhythmia recurrence in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) compared with antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of first-line cryoablation compared with first-line AADs for treating symptomatic PAF in an English National Health Service (NHS) setting.
Individual patient-level data from 703 participants with PAF enrolled into Cryo-FIRST (Catheter Cryoablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drug as First-Line Therapy of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation), STOP AF First (Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation in an Antiarrhythmic Drug Naive Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation) and EARLY-AF (Early Aggressive Invasive Intervention for Atrial Fibrillation) were used to derive the parameters applied in the cost-effectiveness model (CEM). The CEM comprised a hybrid decision tree and Markov structure. The decision tree had a 1-year time horizon and was used to inform the initial health state allocation in the first cycle of the Markov model (40-year time horizon; 3-month cycle length). Health benefits were expressed in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Costs and benefits were discounted at 3.5% per year. Model outcomes were generated using probabilistic sensitivity analysis.
The results estimated that cryoablation would yield more QALYs (+0.17) and higher costs (+£641) per patient over a lifetime than AADs. This produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £3783 per QALY gained. Independent of initial treatment, individuals were expected to receive ~1.2 ablations over a lifetime. There was a 45% relative reduction in time spent in AF health states for those initially treated with cryoablation.
AF rhythm control with first-line cryoablation is cost effective compared with first-line AADs in an English NHS setting.
Heart failure (HF) remains a major public health problem with a high mortality and morbidity worldwide. Currently, there is no optimal revascularisation strategy for patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy despite suggestions that coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) may be superior to medical therapy in improving survival. However, CABG may be associated with substantial risk in HF subjects. We therefore aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the early initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in haemodynamically stabilised patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) after early CABG.
This was an open-label study in which ~80 patients after CABG were randomised either to the early or late initiation of the sacubitril-valsartan. The study included patients >40 years with left ventricular ejection fraction <45% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV at the early stage after CABG. Patients underwent intervention, the starting dose of sacubitril/valsartan (24/26 mg or 49/51 mg two times per day). The follow-up took place every 4 weeks except the first visit, which took place in 2 weeks after initiation. The primary endpoint assessed the key safety outcomes, the secondary endpoints were: the quality of life measured, the N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) changes and 6 min walk test (6MWT).
In total, 83 patients were screened and 77 patients were enrolled. The majority of patients (84.4%) were in the NYHA class III at randomisation. The number of patients who discontinued the study was low in both groups (2.5%, 5.2%), and renal function, hyperkalaemia and symptomatic hypotension rarely seen in both groups did not differ significantly. The improvement in quality of life and distance at the 6MWT in both groups was significant (p<0.001). The NT-proBNP concentration decreased in both groups, the significant reduction was in the early group (p<0.001) versus the postdischarge group.
The early initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in patients after CABG with HFrEF is safe and effective. Adverse events and permanent discontinuation were low. The NT-proBNP concentration reduced significantly with the early in-hospital initiation.
Open science is a movement and set of practices to conduct research more transparently. Implementing open science will significantly improve public access and supports equity. It also has the potential to foster innovation and reduce duplication through data and materials sharing. Here, we survey an international group of researchers publishing in cardiovascular journals regarding their perceptions and practices related to open science.
We identified the top 100 ‘Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine’ subject category journals from the SCImago journal ranking platform. This is a publicly available portal that draws from Scopus. We then extracted the corresponding author’s name and email from all articles published in these journals between 1 March 2021 and 1 March 2022. Participants were sent a purpose-built survey about open science. The survey contained primarily multiple choice and scale-based questions for which we report count data and percentages. For the few text-based responses we conducted thematic content analysis.
198 participants responded to our survey. Participants had a mean response of 6.8 (N=197, SD=1.8) on a 9-point scale with endpoints, not at all familiar (1) and extremely familiar (9), when indicating how familiar they were with open science. When asked about where they obtained open science training, most participants indicated this was done on the job self-initiated while conducting research (n=103, 52%), or that they had no formal training with respect to open science (n=72, 36%). More than half of the participants indicated they would benefit from practical support from their institution on how to perform open science practices (N=106, 54%). A diversity of barriers to each of the open science practices presented to participants were acknowledged. Participants indicated that funding was the most essential incentive to adopt open science.
It is clear that policy alone will not lead to the effective implementation of open science. This survey serves as a baseline for the cardiovascular research community’s open science performance and perception and can be used to inform future interventions and monitoring.
In the COVERT-MI randomised placebo-controlled trial, oral administration of high-dose colchicine at the time of reperfusion and for 5 days in acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction did not reduce infarct size but was associated with a significant increase in left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in comparison to placebo. We aimed to assess the 1-year clinical outcomes of the study population.
This study is a follow-up analysis of the COVERT-MI study on prespecified secondary clinical endpoints at 1 year. The primary endpoint of this study was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including all-cause death, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure events, ischaemic strokes, sustained ventricular arrhythmias and acute kidney injury at 1-year follow-up. The quality of life (QOL) and the drug therapy prescription were also assessed.
At 1 year, 192 patients (101 patients in the colchicine group, 91 in the placebo group) were followed up. Seventy-six (39.6%) MACEs were reported in the study population. There was no significant difference regarding the number of MACEs between groups: 36 (35.6%) in the colchicine group and 40 (44.1%) in the placebo group (p=0.3). There were no differences in the occurrence of ischaemic strokes between the colchicine group and the control group (3 (3%) vs 2 (2.2%), respectively, p=0.99). There was a trend towards fewer heart failure events in the colchicine group compared with the placebo group (12 (11.9%) vs 18 (19.8%), p=0.20). There was no significant difference in QOL scores at 1 year (75.8±15.7 vs 72.7±16.2 respectively, p=0.18).
There was no significant difference between the colchicine and placebo groups at 1 year regarding MACEs, especially concerning deaths or ischaemic strokes. No excess of ischaemic adverse events was observed despite the initial increase in LVT in the colchicine group.
Conflicting results have been reported regarding the association between fluoroquinolones (FQs) and the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). In particular, it has not become clear whether OHCA in FQ users is related to the inherent comorbidities or whether there is a direct pro-arrhythmic effect of FQs. Therefore, we studied the relation between FQs and OHCA in the general population.
Through Danish nationwide registries, we conducted a nested case–control study with OHCA cases of presumed cardiac causes and age/sex/OHCA date-matched non-OHCA controls from the general population. Conditional logistic regression models with adjustments for well-known risk factors of OHCA were employed to estimate the OR with 95% CI of OHCA comparing FQs with amoxicillin.
The study population consisted of 46 578 OHCA cases (mean: 71 years (SD: 14.40), 68.8% men) and 232 890 matched controls. FQ was used by 276 cases and 328 controls and conferred no increase in the odds of OHCA compared with amoxicillin use after controlling for the relevant confounders (OR: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.71 to 1.16)). The OR of OHCA associated with FQ use did not vary significantly by age (OR≤65: 0.96 (95% CI: 0.53 to 1.74), OR>65: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.67 to 1.16), p value interaction=0.7818), sex (ORmen: 0.96 (95% CI: 0.70 to 1.31), ORwomen: 0.80 (95% CI: 0.53 to 1.20), p value interaction=0.9698) and pre-existing cardiovascular disease (ORabsent: 1.02 (95% CI: 0.57 to 1.82), ORpresent: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.75 to 1.28), p value interaction=0.3884), including heart failure (ORabsent: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.72 to 1.22), ORpresent: 1.11 (95% CI: 0.61 to 2.02), p value interaction=0.7083) and ischaemic heart disease (ORabsent: 0.85 (95% CI: 0.64 to 1.12), ORpresent: 1.38 (95% CI: 0.86 to 2.21), p value interaction=0.6230).
Our findings do not support an association between FQ exposure and OHCA in the general population. This lack of association was consistent in men and women, in all age categories, and in the presence or absence of cardiovascular disease.
The primary care for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) includes the administration of nitroglycerin (GTN). This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of GTN before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS and clinical outcomes.
Nine-hundred and forty-seven patients who underwent PCI for ACS were examined and classified into two groups: those who were treated with GTN before PCI (GTN group) and those who were not (non-GTN group). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which consist of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke and rehospitalisation for heart failure at 1 year, was compared between the two groups.
This study identified 289 patients with ACS who used GTN preceding PCI. Pre-PCI systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the GTN group than in the non-GTN group (median (IQR); 132.0 (110.0–143.5) mm Hg vs 134.0 (112.0–157.0) mm Hg, respectively, p=0.03). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that GTN use preceding PCI showed an independent association with the incidence of MACE (HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.09–2.28; p=0.016). Overall, the incidence of MACE 1 year after PCI for ACS was significantly higher in the GTN group than in the non-GTN group (log-rank test, p=0.024); however, this trend was consistently found in elderly patients aged ≥75 years (p=0.002) but not in non-elderly patients aged <75 years (p=0.773).
GTN use preceding PCI for ACS is associated with lower blood pressure and adverse clinical outcomes in elderly patients.
A quarter of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) were asymptomatic, and only a third of them survived at the end of 4 years. Only a select subset of these patients was recommended for aortic valve replacement (AVR) by the current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. We intended to study the effect of early AVR (eAVR) in this subset of asymptomatic patients with preserved left ventricle function.
We searched PubMed and Embase for randomised and observational studies comparing the effect of eAVR versus conservative therapy in patients with severe, asymptomatic AS and normal left ventricular function. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were composite major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (study defined), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, cardiac death, sudden death, the development of symptoms, heart failure hospitalisations and major bleeding. We used GRADEPro to assess the certainty of the evidence. In the randomised controlled trial (RCT) only analysis, we found no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the early aortic intervention group versus the conservative arm (CA) (incidence rate ratio, IRR (CI): 0.5 (0.2 to 1.1), I2=31%, p=0.09). However, in the overall cohort, we found mortality benefit for eAVR over CA (IRR (CI): 0.4 (0.3 to 0.7), I2=84%, p<0.01). There were significantly lower MACE, cardiac death, sudden death, development of symptoms and heart failure hospitalisations in the eAVR group. We noticed no difference in MI, stroke and major bleeding.
We conclude that there is no reduction in all-cause mortality in the eAVR arm in patients with asymptomatic AS with preserved ejection fraction. However, eAVR reduces heart failure related hospitalisations and death or heart failure hospitalisations.
CRD42022306132.
Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is traditionally guided by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) under general anaesthesia, which prolongs procedure duration and increases costs and risks. A transnasal echocardiography with a microTEE-probe (microTNE) is tolerated under conscious sedation and offers an effective alternative to TEE. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility, safety and time expenditure of PFO closure using conventional TEE versus microTNE guidance.
Consecutive patients assigned for PFO losure in Helsinki University Hospital from 2003 to 2021 were included in the study (n=336). TEE with general anaesthesia was used until November 2018 (n=167) while microTNE-guided PFO closure (n=169) under conscious sedation was the principal method thereafter. Patients were followed for 3 months after PFO closure.
The microTNE-route success rate was 97.2% vs TEE 100% (p=0.06) and procedure success rate was 97.7% with microTNE and 96.0% with TEE-guidance (p=0.54). The procedure time was significantly shorter with microTNE 21±7 min than with TEE 30±13 min (p<0.001). At the beginning of microTNE era, nasal bleeding complication was quite frequent; however, overall complication rates were equal between the groups. However, C reactive protein (CRP) increase was significantly milder with microTNE than TEE 1.0±2.9 vs 3.0±4.0 mg/L (p<0.001). An increase in CRP was independently associated with procedure type (p=0.004) and time (p=0.003).
MicroTNE is a feasible and safe alternative for PFO closure guidance. MicroTNE under conscious sedation shortens procedure duration and induces a milder inflammatory reaction than conventional TEE under general anaesthesia.
There have been relatively few studies detailing the real-world effectiveness and safety of accelerated diagnostic protocols (ADP), using high sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn).
To analyse the safety and effectiveness of early emergency department (ED) discharge following implementation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/3-hour ADP for suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
We prospectively studied 2 cohorts of consecutive suspected ACS presentations to ED before (n=1642) and after (n=1376, 2 centres) implementation of the ESC 0/3-hour ADP incorporating limit of detection rule out. Safety was defined by MACE (major adverse cardiac events) inclusive of type 1 myocardial infarction (MI) in patients discharged from ED, and clinical effectiveness by percentage ED discharge. Continuous variables and categorical data were evaluated by independent t-test and 2 test, respectively. Time-to-event data were analysed as survival data and converted to Kaplan-Meier curves for interpretation.
In the preimplementation period, there was a higher prevalence of MI. Discharge from ED increased by >100% (from 27.1% to 56.5% of the cohort) with no safety signal (MACE rate 4/444 (0.9%) vs 4/769 (0.52%), p=0.430 for the 2011 and 2018 cohort, respectively). This correlated with a marked reduction in length of stay overall but a more modest reduction for those discharged from ED (6 hours 10 min vs 5 hours 25 min, p<0.001) for the 2011 and 2018 cohort, respectively. There were improvements in presentation to blood draw (163–90 min, p<0.001). Time from presentation to first ECG actually increased (16.2 vs 31.2 min, p<0.001). Analysis of hs-cTn values and ECGs revealed a maximum ED discharge rate of 69%, by applying the 0/3-hour protocol, implying potential for increasing safe ED discharge.
Implementation of an ADP with hs-cTn is safe and effective for early rule-out and discharge of suspected ACS but require considerable resources and education to optimise maximal patient flow.
This study describes the differences in treatment and clinical outcomes in patients aged ≥75 years compared with those aged ≤74 years presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and undergoing invasive management.
A large-scale cohort study of patients with ST-elevation/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI)/unstable angina underwent coronary angiography (January 2015–December 2019). Patients were classified as older (≥75 years) and younger (≤74 years). Regression analysis was used to yield adjusted risks of mortality for older versus younger patients (adjusted for history of heart failure, hypercholesterolaemia, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischaemic heart disease, presence of ST-elevation MI on presenting ECG, female sex and cardiogenic shock at presentation).
In total, 11 763 patients were diagnosed with ACS, of which 39% were aged ≥75 years. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in fewer older patients than younger patients (81.2% vs 86.2%, p<0.001). At discharge, older patients were prescribed less secondary-prevention medications than younger patients. Median follow-up was 4.57 years. Older patients had a greater risk of in-hospital mortality than younger patients (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.12, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.78, p<0.001). Older patients diagnosed with ST-elevation MI had greater adjusted odds of dying in-hospital (aOR 2.47, 95% CI 1.79 to 3.41, p<0.001). Older age was not an independent prognostic factor of mortality at 1 year (adjusted HR (aHR) 0.95, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.09, p=0.460) and at longer term (aHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.10, p=0.684).
Older patients are discharged with less secondary prevention. Patients aged ≥75 years are more likely to die in-hospital than younger patients.
Sex differences in atrial fibrillation (AF) are observed in terms of comorbidities, symptoms, therapies received, AF progression and cardiovascular complications.
We assessed the differences in prevalence and the determinants of AF progression, as well as the clinical characteristics and quality of life (QoL), between women and men with paroxysmal AF included in the RACE V (Reappraisal of Atrial Fibrillation: Interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodeling, and Vascular Destabilisation in the Progression of AF) study. At baseline, extensive phenotyping was done. To assess AF progression, implantable loop recorder (ILR) monitoring was used throughout follow-up. AF progression was defined as (1) progression to persistent or permanent AF or (2) progression of paroxysmal AF (>3% burden increase).
417 patients were included, 179 (43%) of whom were women. Women were older (median 67 years vs 63 years, p<0.001), less often had coronary artery disease (n=11 (6%) vs n=36 (16%), p=0.003), had more obesity (n=57 (32%) vs n=50 (21%), p=0.013), had less epicardial and pericardial fat (median 144 (interquartile range [IQR] 94–191) mL vs 199 (IQR 146–248) mL, p<0.001; and median 89 (ICQ 61–121) mL vs 105 (IQR 83–133) mL, p<0.001, respectively) and had more impaired left atrial function. The median follow-up was 2.2 (1.6–2.8) years. 51 of 417 patients (5.5% per year) showed AF progression (15/179 (8.4%) women and 36/238 (15.1%) men, p=0.032). Multivariable analysis showed tissue factor pathway inhibitor, N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and PR interval being associated with AF progression in women and factor XIIa:C1 esterase, NT-proBNP and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 in men. QoL was not different between sexes.
Despite older age, the incidence of AF progression was lower in women. Parameters associated with AF progression varied in part between sexes, suggesting different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Blood pressure (BP) is a crucial factor in cardiovascular health and can affect cardiac imaging assessments. However, standard outpatient cardiovascular MR (CMR) imaging procedures do not typically include BP measurements prior to image acquisition. This study proposes that brachial systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) can be modelled using patient characteristics and CMR data.
In this multicentre study, 57 patients from the PREFER-CMR registry and 163 patients from other registries were used as the derivation cohort. All subjects had their brachial SBP and DBP measured using a sphygmomanometer. Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied to predict brachial BP. The model was subsequently validated in a cohort of 169 healthy individuals.
Age and left ventricular ejection fraction were associated with SBP. Aortic forward flow, body surface area and left ventricular mass index were associated with DBP. When applied to the validation cohort, the correlation coefficient between CMR-derived SBP and brachial SBP was (r=0.16, 95% CI 0.011 to 0.305, p=0.03), and CMR-derived DBP and brachial DBP was (r=0.27, 95% CI 0.122 to 0.403, p=0.0004). The area under the curve (AUC) for CMR-derived SBP to predict SBP>120 mmHg was 0.59, p=0.038. Moreover, CMR-derived DBP to predict DBP>80 mmHg had an AUC of 0.64, p=0.002.
CMR-derived SBP and DBP models can estimate brachial SBP and DBP. Such models may allow efficient prospective collection, as well as retrospective estimation of BP, which should be incorporated into assessments due to its critical effect on load-dependent parameters.
There is conflicting evidence whether aerobic exercise training (AET) reduces pulse wave velocity (PWV) in adults with and without long-term conditions (LTCs).
To explore whether PWV improves with AET in adults with and without LTC, to quantify the magnitude of any effect and understand the influence of the exercise prescription.
CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were among the databases searched.
We included studies with a PWV measurement before and after supervised AET of at least 3 weeks duration. Exclusion criteria included resistance exercise and alternative measures of arterial stiffness.
Controlled trials were included in a random effects meta-analysis to explore the effect of AET on PWV. Uncontrolled studies were included in a secondary meta-analysis and meta-regression exploring the effect of patient and programme factors on change in PWV. The relevant risk of bias tool was used for each study design.
79 studies (n=3729) were included: 35 controlled studies (21 randomised control trials (RCT) (n=1240) and 12 non-RCT (n=463)) and 44 uncontrolled (n=2026). In the controlled meta- analysis, PWV was significantly reduced following AET (mean (SD) 11 (7) weeks) in adults with and without LTC (mean difference –0.63; 95% CI –0.82 to –0.44; p<0.0001). PWV was similarly reduced between adults with and without LTC (p<0.001). Age, but not specific programme factors, was inversely associated with a reduction in PWV –0.010 (–0.020 to –0.010) m/s, p<0.001.
Short-term AET similarly reduces PWV in adults with and without LTC. Whether this effect is sustained and the clinical implications require further investigation.
Targeted temperature management (TTM) is a recommended therapy for postcardiac arrest patients. Hyperthermia worsened the patient outcome, and overcooling increased the incidence of complications; therefore, a high-quality TTM is required. The target temperature tended to be modified worldwide after the TTM trial in 2013. Our institute modified the target temperature to 35°C in 2017. This study aimed to compare the conventional and modified protocols, assess the relationship between target temperature deviation and patient outcomes, and identify the factors influencing temperature deviation.
This single-centre, retrospective, observational study included adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who underwent TTM between April 2013 and October 2019. We compared the conventional and modified protocol groups to evaluate the difference in the background characteristics and details on TTM. Subsequently, we assessed the relationship of deviation (>±0.5°C, >37°C, or<33°C) rates from the target temperature with mortality and neurological outcomes. We assessed the factors that influenced the deviation from the target temperature.
Temperature deviation was frequently observed in the conventional protocol group (p=0.012), and the modified protocol group required higher doses of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) during TTM (p=0.016). Other background data, completion of protocol, incidence of complications, mortality and rate of favourable neurological outcomes were not significantly different. The performance rate of TTM was significantly higher in the modified group than in the conventional protocol group (p<0.001). Temperature deviation did not have an impact on the outcomes. Age, sex, body surface area, NMBA doses and type of cooling device were the factors influencing temperature deviation.
A target temperature of 35°C might be acceptable and easily attainable if shivering of the patients was well controlled using NMBAs. Temperature deviation did not have an impact on outcomes. The identified factors influencing deviation from target temperature might be useful for ensuring a high-quality TTM.
Use of the mechanically expandable transcatheter aortic valve (MEV) has been recently linked to increased risks of valve dysfunction and cardiovascular mortality. The risk of developing conduction disturbance with the MEV valve is well known, and the negative prognostic impact of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation is another consideration.
This study aimed to compare the mid-term survival of patients with MEV and self-expandable valves (SEV), and to examine survival of both groups according to the presence or absence of PPI.
This single-centre, retrospective, observational study examined data from MEV and SEV groups comprising 92 and 373 patients, respectively. The mean clinical follow-up was 2.5±1.7 years. Mortality information was obtained from the National Institutes of Health Information and Statistics.
Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The log-rank test showed higher cardiovascular mortality in the MEV group (p=0.042; the relative risk (RR) 1.594 (95% CI 1.013 to 2.508)). The Cox proportional hazards model identified MEV implantation as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. The rate of PPI was twice as high in the MEV vs SEV group (33.7% vs 16.1%; p<0.001). We compared the survival of both groups according to the presence or absence of PPI and found higher mortality in the MEV group without PPI versus the SEV group without PPI (p=0.007; RR 2.156 (95% CI 1.213 to 3.831)). Survival did not differ in the groups with PPI.
A higher mid-term cardiovascular mortality rate was observed with MEV versus SEV implants. Comparing both groups according to the presence or absence of PPI, we observed a higher mortality risk in patients with MEV without PPI than in SEV without PPI. In contrast, mortality did not differ between the groups when PPI was implanted.
To determine the magnitude of any excess risk of mortality and hospitalisation due to COVID-19 infection in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the UK healthcare system.
Matched case–control study within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink study of anonymised general practice records in the National Health Service in England. Patients with CHD were stratified for disease severity according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Presence of a positive COVID-19 test, hospitalisation with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and COVID-19-related mortality were compared in case and control groups.
86 441 patients with CHD and 335 839 controls were studied. Of patients with a positive COVID-19 test, patients with CHD were more likely than controls to be hospitalised (22.4% vs 14.5%; OR=1.77 (95% CI 1.60 to 1.96); p=2.11e–28) and suffer COVID-19-related death (6.1% vs 3.8%; OR=1.60 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.89); p=7.00e–08). The excess risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation and death rose with increasing physiological severity of CHD (presence of pulmonary vascular disease and/or cyanosis), rather than anatomical complexity.
In this study of the COVID-19 pandemic experience, using population health records in over 86000 patients with CHD in England, patients with CHD with COVID-19 were at around 50–75% higher risk of hospitalisation and mortality compared with matched controls with COVID-19. We provide the first primary care-derived estimates for COVID-19 hospitalisation and case-fatality rates in patients with CHD. Some factors predictive of worse COVID-19 outcome in general populations (such as non-white ethnic group), and other CHD-specific comorbidities (such as pulmonary hypertension), influenced outcomes among patients with CHD.
(1) Develop a programme theory of why, for whom and in what contexts integrated palliative care (PC) and heart failure (HF) services work/do not work; (2) use the programme theory to co-produce with stakeholders, intervention strategies to inform best practice and future research.
A systematic review of all published articles and grey literature using a realist logic of analysis. The search strategy combined terms significant to the review questions: HF, PC and end of life. Documents were included if they were in English and provided data relevant to integration of PC and HF services. Searches were conducted in November 2021 in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, AMED, HMIC and CINAHL. Further relevant documents were identified via monthly alerts (up until April 2023) and the project stakeholder group (patient/carers, content experts and multidisciplinary practitioners).
130 documents were included (86 research, 22 literature reviews, 22 grey literature). The programme theory identified intervention strategies most likely to support integration of PC and HF services. These included protected time for evidence-based PC and HF education from undergraduate/postgraduate level and continuing professional practice; choice of educational setting (eg, online, face-to-face or hybrid); increased awareness and seeing benefits of PC for HF management; conveying the emotive and intellectual need for integrating PC and HF via credible champions; and prioritising PC and HF guidelines in practice.
The review findings outline the required steps to take to increase the likelihood that all key players have the capacity, opportunity and motivation to integrate PC into HF management.
CRD42021240185.
Guidelines for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at high thromboembolic risk recommend oral anticoagulants (OACs) for preventing stroke and systemic embolism (SE). The reasons for guideline non-adherence are still unclear.
The aim is to identify clinical, demographic and non-patient characteristics associated with withholding OAC in patients with AF at high stroke risk.
Patients in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-AF, newly diagnosed with AF between March 2010 and August 2016, and with CHA2DS2-VASc Score≥2 (excluding sex), were grouped by OAC treatment at enrolment. Factors associated with OAC non-use were analysed by multivariable logistic regression.
Of 40 416 eligible patients, 12 126 (30.0%) did not receive OACs at baseline. Globally, OAC prescription increased over time, from 60.4% in 2010–2011 to 74.7% in 2015–2016. Country of enrolment was the major predictor for OAC withholding (2–df=2576). Clinical predictors of OAC non-use included type of AF (2–df=404), history of bleeding (2–df=263) and vascular disease (2–df=99). OACs were used most frequently around the age of 75 years and decreasingly with younger as well as older age beyond 75 years (2–df=148). Non-cardiologists (2–df=201) and emergency room physicians (2–df=14) were less likely to prescribe OACs. OAC prescription correlated positively with country health expenditure.
Approximately one out of three AF patients did not receive OAC, while eligible according to the guidelines. Country of enrolment was the major determinant of anticoagulation strategy, while higher country health expenditure was associated with lower likelihood of withholding anticoagulation.
Cardiovascular multimorbidity (CVM) is the co-occurrence of multiple cardiovascular disease subtypes (CVDs) in one person. Because common patterns and incidence of CVM are not well-described, particularly in women, we conducted a descriptive study of CVM in the Million Women Study, a large population-based cohort of women.
UK women aged 50–64 years were followed up using hospital admissions and mortality records for an average of 19 years. CVM was defined as having ≥2 of 19 selected CVDs. The age-specific cumulative incidence of CVM between age 60 and 80 years was estimated. The numbers and proportions of individual, pairs and other combinations of CVDs that comprised incident CVM were calculated. For each individual CVD subtype, age-standardised proportions of the counts of other co-occurring CVDs were estimated.
The age-specific likelihood of having CVM nearly doubled every 5 years between age 60 and 80 years. Among 1.2 million women without CVD at study baseline, 16% (n=196 651) had incident CVM by the end of follow-up. Around half of all women with CVM had a diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease (n=102 536) or atrial fibrillation (n=96 022), almost a third had heart failure (n=72 186) and a fifth had stroke (n=40 442). The pair of CVDs with the highest age-adjusted incidence was ischaemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation (18.95 per 10 000 person-years). Over 60% of individuals with any given CVD subtype also had other CVDs, after age standardisation.
CVM is common. The majority of women with any specific CVD subtype eventually develop at least one other. Clinical and public health guidelines for CVD management should acknowledge this high likelihood of CVM.
This study aimed to determine the status of training of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) cardiologists in Europe.
A questionnaire was sent to ACHD cardiologists from 34 European countries.
Representatives from 31 of 34 countries (91%) responded. ACHD cardiology was recognised by the respective ministry of Health in two countries (7%) as a subspecialty. Two countries (7%) have formally recognised ACHD training programmes, 15 (48%) have informal (neither accredited nor certified) training and 14 (45%) have very limited or no programme. Twenty-five countries (81%) described training ACHD doctors ‘on the job’. The median number of ACHD centres per country was 4 (range 0–28), median number of ACHD surgical centres was 3 (0–26) and the median number of ACHD training centres was 2 (range 0–28). An established exit examination in ACHD was conducted in only one country (3%) and formal certification provided by two countries (7%). ACHD cardiologist number versus gross domestic product Pearson correlation coefficient=0.789 (p<0.001).
Formal or accredited training in ACHD is rare among European countries. Many countries have very limited or no training and resort to ‘train people on the job’. Few countries provide either an exit examination or certification. Efforts to harmonise training and establish standards in exit examination and certification may improve training and consequently promote the alignment of high-quality patient care.
Cabrol shunt has been introduced for surgical repair of type A aortic dissection (TAAD) without robust evidence supporting its routine preventive use.
Adult patients with TAAD from China 5A study were included if surgically repaired between 2016 and 2022. Primary outcome was operative mortality according to Society of Thoracic Surgeons criterion. Overall, we compared clinical outcomes in patients with and without Cabrol shunt, and subgroup analysis were further examined between Cabrol shunt and outcome among patients with or without root replacement.
3283 patients were finally identified for analysis, with median age of 51 (IQR 41–59) years, 2389 men, and 2201 treated with Cabrol shunt technique. Cabrol shunt-treated patients were more severely ill before surgery than those without Cabrol shunt. Overall, the rate of operative mortality was 6.6% (146/2201 in Cabrol shunt group and 71/1082 in non-Cabrol shunt group), with no association between Cabrol shunt and operative mortality (OR 1.012 (95% CI 0.754 to 1.357); p=0.938). Stratified by root replacement, Cabrol shunt was associated with similar risk of operative mortality either in patients without root replacement (OR 1.054 (0.747 to 1.487); p=0.764) or in patients with root replacement (OR 1.194 (0.563 to 2.536); p=0.644) (P interaction=0.765). Results were similar in multiple sensitivity analysis.
Cabrol shunt was not associated with either a greatly lowered or an increased risk of operative mortality, regardless of aortic root replacement. Our study did not support the use of Cabrol shunt as a routine preventive strategy in the treatment of TAAD.
Heart failure (HF) is associated with high levels of resource use and mortality, but prior UK studies have not compared outcomes by HF subtype (HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)) in large patient populations. This study investigated healthcare resource utilisation and mortality in patients with HF in England, overall and by HF subtype.
This non-interventional cohort study linked data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database to Hospital Episode Statistics inpatient and UK Office for National Statistics mortality data. Patients with a recorded HF diagnosis (new (incident) or existing (prevalent)) based on clinical codes or measures of ejection fraction between 2015 and 2019 were included.
Of 383 896 patients identified with HF, 100 224 patients (26%) had a recorded subtype: 68 780 patients with HFrEF (69%) and 31 444 patients (31%) with HFpEF. In total, 918 553 person-years (PY) were included (median follow-up: 2.1 years): 625 619 PY (68%) for unknown HF subtype, 204 862 PY (22%) for HFrEF and 88 017 PY (10%) for HFpEF. Overall, 11% of patients experienced ≥1 HF hospitalisation. After age and sex adjustment, hospitalisations for HF (HHF; including recurrent hospitalisations) and HF-related general practitioner consultations occurred at rates of approximately 80/1000 and 124/1000 PY, respectively, and were highest for patients with HFrEF and unknown subtype. Overall, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates were 132/1000 and 49/1000 PY, respectively. Patients with unknown subtype had the highest 1-year and 5-year mortality (20% and 48%), followed by HFrEF (8% and 35%) and HFpEF (6% and 25%).
HF is associated with high levels of healthcare resource use, mortality, HHF and comorbidities. Ensuring that patients receive early and appropriate guideline-directed therapies to manage HF and associated comorbidities is likely to improve patient care and reduce the burden of HF on the English healthcare system.
Cardiogenic shock (CS) complicates 5%–15% of cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with inpatient mortality greater than 40%. The implementation of standardised protocols may improve clinical outcomes in patients with AMI-CS.
The Durango model is a prospective single-centre registry designed to enable early identification of patients with STEMI-CS to facilitate primary reperfusion therapy with a shock team management algorithm in a rural level II heart attack centre. This prospective registry includes all patients >18 years of age presenting with STEMI with or without CS beginning on 1 February 2023. The primary outcome measures are adherence to model-based documentation of SCAI shock Classification prehospital and in the ED with appropriate STEMI shock alert for AMI and stages C, D, E shock; use of mechanical circulatory support Pre-PCI and door to support time <90 min.
This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board with a waiver of informed consent. The findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-review open access journal on completion of the study.
The Durango model will demonstrate that the implementation of a STEMI shock team can be feasible in a rural medical centre through comprehensive education of a diverse group providers with different levels of experience, continuous model/device proficiency training and performance feedback.
Heart failure (HF) is a growing clinical and economic burden for patients and health systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to avoidance and delay in care, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality among many patients with HF. The increasing burden of HF during the COVID-19 pandemic led us to evaluate the quality and safety of the Hospital at Home (HAH) for patients presenting to their community providers or emergency department (ED) with symptoms of acute on chronic HF (CHF) requiring admission.
A non-randomised prospective case–controlled of patients enrolled in the HAH versus admission to the hospital (usual care, UC). Primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), adverse events, discharge disposition and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission rates, 30-day ED usage and ED dwell time.
Sixty patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the study. Of the 60 patients, 40 were in the HAH and 20 were in the UC group. Primary outcomes demonstrated that HAH patients had slightly longer LOS (6.3 days vs 4.7 days); however, fewer adverse events (12.5% vs 35%) compared with the UC group. Those enrolled in the HAH programme were less likely to be discharged with postacute services (skilled nursing facility or home health). HAH was associated with increased patient satisfaction compared with Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) score in North Carolina. Secondary outcomes of 30-day readmission and ED usage were similar between HAH and UC.
The HAH pilot programme was shown to be a safe and effective alternative to hospitalisation for the appropriately selected patient presenting with acute on CHF.
Cryoballoon ablation, especially Arctic Front Advance Pro (AFA-Pro) (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA), has been widely recognised as a standard approach to atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, Boston Scientific has released a novel cryoballoon system (POLARx). Despite comparable acute clinical outcomes of these two cryoballoons, the recent study reported a higher complication rate, especially for phrenic nerve palsy, with POLARx. However, their impact on biological tissue remains unclear.
The purpose of our study is to evaluate temperature change of biological tissue during cryoablation of each cryoballoon using a porcine experimental model.
A tissue-based pulmonary vein model was constructed from porcine myocardial tissue and placed on a stage designed to simulate pulmonary vein anatomy and venous flow. Controlled cryoablations of AFA-Pro and POLARx were performed in this model to evaluate the tissue temperature. A temperature sensor was set behind the muscle and cryoballoon ablation was performed after confirming the occlusion of pulmonary vein with cryoballoon.
The mean tissue nadir temperature during cryoablation with AFA-Pro was –41.5°C±4.9°C, while the mean tissue nadir temperature during cryoablation with POLARx was –58.4°C±5.9°C (p<0.001). The mean balloon nadir temperature during cryoablation with AFA-Pro was –54.6°C±2.6°C and the mean balloon nadir temperature during cryoablation with POLARx was –64.7°C±3.8°C (p<0.001).
POLARx could freeze the biological tissue more strongly than AFA-Pro.
Sepsis is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events in a magnitude comparable to other major cardiovascular risk factors. Sepsis is one of the most common reasons for intensive care admission and survivors often have significant functional limitations following discharge. However, it is not clear to what extent chronic cardiovascular dysfunction might mediate these functional impairments, or how we might screen and manage these patients at risk of chronic cardiovascular disease. We conducted a scoping review to map existing evidence and identify research gaps relating to cardiovascular dysfunction following sepsis.
We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases using a concept, context, population (CoCoPop) framework. Studies examining cardiovascular outcomes or symptoms following an episode of sepsis in adults were included. Data were mapped based on the population assessed, cardiovascular outcomes examined, inclusion of objective measures of cardiac dysfunction such as biomarkers or cardiovascular imaging, or whether cardiovascular symptoms or patient-reported functional outcomes measures were recorded.
We identified 11 210 articles of which 70 were eligible for full text review and 28 were included in final analysis. Across our dataset, a wide range of incident cardiovascular outcomes were reported in the literature including incidence of congestive heart failure (13/28), arrhythmia (6/28), myocardial infarction (24/28) or cardiovascular death or all-cause mortality (20/28). Only 39% (11/28) of articles reported objective measures of cardiovascular function and only one article related cardiovascular function to functional impairment via patient-reported outcome measures.
There are significant gaps in our understanding of cardiac dysfunction following sepsis . While the research highlights the strong association of sepsis with a variety of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, further prospective work is required to understand the mechanisms that mediate this phenomenon and how we can best identify and manage patients at risk.
Prognostic impact of lung ultrasound-derived B-lines (LUS-BL) in heart failure with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF) patients remains elusive. We evaluated the correlation between LUS-BL and prognosis in HFmrEF patients.
This is a subgroup analysis based on our previously published retrospective study with 1691 HFmrEF patients. This subgroup analysis involved 574 patients with LUS-BL results at admission. After discharge, patients underwent clinical follow-up for a minimum of 1 year through telephone, clinical visits or community visits. The primary endpoint was defined as cardiovascular (CV) event, including CV-related mortality or HF hospitalisation at 90 days and 1 year after discharge.
CV event at 90 days was significantly increased with higher LUS-BL number (0, 1–2, 3–9 and ≥10: 20%, 14%, 18% and 33%, p=0.008), while CV event rate at 1 year was similar among groups (45% vs 45% vs 42% vs 50%, p=0.573). Older age, hypertension (HR=2.06, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.25), higher right ventricular diameter (>23 mm, HR=2.008, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.94), increased ratio of early transmitral flow velocity to early mitral annular velocity (>24, HR=1.79, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.26) and higher LUS-BL number (>11, HR=1.510, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.26) were identified as independent determinants associated with increased risk of CV event at 90 days after discharge. The Harrell’s C-Statistic analysis, based on the Cox regression models, demonstrated a significant improvement in the predictive ability of the model that incorporated both clinical and echocardiographic risk factors along with LUS-BL (areas under the curve (AUC)=0.72) compared with the model comprising only clinical risk factors and LUS-BL (AUC=0.69, p=0.036), or to the model with echocardiographic risk factors and LUS-BL (AUC=0.68, p=0.025).
In HFmrEF patients with ischaemic heart disease, admission LUS-BL>11 is independently associated with an increased risk of CV event at 90 days following discharge.
This study aimed to investigate the association between heart failure (HF) severity measured based on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and future bleeding events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
The Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk presents a bleeding risk assessment for antithrombotic therapy in patients after PCI. HF is a risk factor for bleeding in Japanese patients.
Using an electronic medical record-based database with seven tertiary hospitals in Japan, this retrospective study included 7160 patients who underwent PCI between April 2014 and March 2020 and who completed a 3-year follow-up and were divided into three groups: no HF, HF with high BNP level and HF with low BNP level. The primary outcome was bleeding events according to the Global Use of Streptokinase and t-PA for Occluded Coronary Arteries classification of moderate and severe bleeding. The secondary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Furthermore, thrombogenicity was measured using the Total Thrombus-Formation Analysis System (T-TAS) in 536 consecutive patients undergoing PCI between August 2013 and March 2017 at Kumamoto University Hospital.
Multivariate Cox regression showed that HF with high BNP level was significantly associated with bleeding events, MACE and all-cause death. In the T-TAS measurement, the thrombogenicity was lower in patients with HF with high BNP levels than in those without HF and with HF with low BNP levels.
HF with high BNP level is associated with future bleeding events, suggesting that bleeding risk might differ depending on HF severity.
The first expert consensus documents on management of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) were published in 2018. Worldwide quality of care, as measured by adherence to these recommendations, has not been systematically reviewed. We aim to review the proportion of patients with SCAD receiving consensus recommendations globally, regionally and, determine differences in practice before and after 2018.
A systematic review was performed by searching four main databases (Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, CINAHL) from their inception to 16 June 2022. Studies were selected if they included patients with SCAD and reported at least one of the consensus document recommendations. 53 studies, n=8456 patients (mean 50.1 years, 90.6% female) were included. On random effects meta-analysis, 92.1% (95% CI 89.3 to 94.8) received at least one antiplatelet, 78.0% (CI 73.5 to 82.4) received beta-blockers, 58.7% (CI 52.3 to 65.1) received ACE inhibitors or aldosterone receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs), 54.4% (CI 45.4 to 63.5) were screened for fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), and 70.2% (CI 60.8 to 79.5) were referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Except for cardiac rehabilitation referral and use of ACEIs/ARBs, there was significant heterogeneity in all other quality-of-care parameters, across geographical regions. No significant difference was observed in adherence to recommendations in studies published before and after 2018, except for lower cardiac rehabilitation referrals after 2018 (test of heterogeneity, p=0.012).
There are significant variations globally in the management of patients with SCAD, particularly in FMD screening. Raising awareness about consensus recommendations and further prospective evidence about their effect on outcomes may help improve the quality of care for these patients.
In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), specific ECG abnormalities are observed. Therefore, ECG is a valuable screening tool. Although several studies have reported on estimating the risk of developing fatal arrhythmias from ECG findings, the use of ECG to identify the severity of heart failure (HF) by applying deep learning (DL) methods has not been established.
We assessed whether data-driven machine-learning methods could effectively identify the severity of HF in patients with HCM. A residual neural network-based model was developed using 12-lead ECG data from 218 patients with HCM and 245 patients with non-HCM, categorised them into two (mild-to-moderate and severe) or three (mild, moderate and severe) severities of HF. These severities were defined according to the New York Heart Association functional class and levels of the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide. In addition, the patients were divided into groups according to Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)-12. A transfer learning method was applied to resolve the issue of the low number of target samples. The model was trained in advance using PTB-XL, which is an open ECG dataset.
The model trained with our dataset achieved a weighted average F1 score of 0.745 and precision of 0.750 for the mild-to-moderate class samples. Similar results were obtained for grouping based on KCCQ-12. Through data analyses using the Guided Gradient Weighted-Class Activation Map and Integrated Gradients, QRS waves were intensively highlighted among true-positive mild-to-moderate class cases, while the highlighted part was highly variable among true-positive severe class cases.
We developed a model for classifying HF severity in patients with HCM using a deep neural network algorithm with 12-lead ECG data. Our findings suggest that applications of this DL algorithm for using 12-lead ECG data may be useful to classify the HF status in patients with HCM.
The risk factor-weighted and coronary artery calcium score-weighted clinical likelihood (RF-CL and CACS-CL, respectively) models improve discrimination of patients with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, external validation is warranted.
Compared to the 2019 European Society of Cardiology pretest probability (ESC-PTP) model, the aims were (1) to validate the RF-CL and CACS-CL models for identification of obstructive CAD and revascularisation, and (2) to investigate prognosis by CL thresholds.
Stable de novo chest pain patients (n=1585) undergoing coronary CT angiography (CTA) were investigated. Obstructive CAD was defined as >70% diameter stenosis in a major epicardial vessel on CTA. Decision of revascularisation within 120 days was based on onsite judgement. The endpoint was non-fatal myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death. The ESC-PTP was calculated based on age, sex and symptom typicality, the RF-CL additionally included number of risk factors, and the CACS-CL incorporated CACS to the RF-CL.
Obstructive CAD was present in 386/1585 (24.4%) patients, and 91/1585 (5.7%) patients underwent revascularisation. Both the RF-CL and CACS-CL classified more patients to very-low CL (<5%) of obstructive CAD compared with the ESC-PTP model (41.4% and 52.2% vs 19.2%, p<0.001). In very-low CL patients, obstructive CAD and revascularisation prevalences (≤6% and <1%) remained similar combined with low event risk during 5.0 years follow-up.
In an external validation cohort, the novel RF-CL and CACS-CL models improve categorisation to a very-low CL group with preserved prevalences of obstructive CAD, revascularisation and favourable prognosis.
Vasospastic angina (VSA) is a complex coronary vasomotor disorder associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death. Despite considerable advances in understanding VSA pathophysiology, the interplay between genetic and environmental factors remains elusive. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the familial VSA risk among first-degree relatives of affected individuals.
A population-based multigenerational cohort study was conducted, including full-sibling pairs born to Swedish parents between 1932 and 2018. Register-based diagnoses were ascertained through linkage to the Swedish Multigeneration Register and National Patient Register. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and adjusted HRs were calculated for relatives of individuals with VSA compared with relatives of individuals without VSA.
The total study population included 5 764 770 individuals. Overall, 3461 (0.06%) individuals (median age at disease onset 59 years, IQR: 63–76) were diagnosed with VSA. Of these, 2236 (64.61%) were women. The incidence rate of VSA for individuals with an affected sibling was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.42) per 1000 person-years compared with 0.04 (95% CI: 0.04 to 0.04) per 1000 person-years for those without an affected sibling, yielding an IRR of 7.58 (95% CI: 5.71 to 10.07). The risk of VSA for siblings with an affected sibling was significantly increased in the fully adjusted model (HR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.73 to 3.79). No increased risk of VSA was observed in spouses of affected individuals (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.19 to 2.09).
In this nationwide family study, we identified high familial risk for VSA independent of shared environmental risk factors. Our findings indicate that VSA tends to cluster in families, emphasising the need to explore genetic and non-genetic factors that may contribute.
This study evaluated the feasibility of His bundle pacing (HBP) in consecutive, unselected patients with advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) over a medium-term follow-up period, comparing procedural characteristics between nodal and infranodal sites of the conduction block.
Seventy-five consecutive patients with second-degree or third-degree AVB in which HBP was attempted were prospectively included in this study. The clinical and procedural-related characteristics of the patients were recorded at baseline and over a mid-term follow-up.
72% of the patients had normal QRS duration at baseline. Intracardiac electrograms revealed nodal AVB in 46 patients (61.3%). The permanent HBP procedural success was significantly higher in nodal AVB (84.8%) vs infranodal AVB (31%). There was no statistical difference between paced QRS duration, impedance, pacing and sensing thresholds and fluoroscopy time in the two groups. Infranodal block, baseline QRS duration, left bundle branch block morphology and ejection fraction were significantly associated with HBP procedural failure. The patients were followed for a period of 627.71±160.93 days. There were no significant differences in parameters at follow-up. An increase of >1 V in the His bundle (HB) capture threshold was encountered in one patient with infranodal AVB (11.1 %) and in four patients with nodal AVB (10.25%).
Permanent HBP is a feasible pacing technique in nodal AVB with a high success rate and stable thresholds in the medium term. Most infranodal blocks are located within the HB, so there is still the possibility to capture the conduction system, although with lower success rates.
The association between a combined anaemia and renal failure index and 1-year prognosis of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unexplored. We aimed to investigate a simple risk score in patients undergoing TAVI.
A total of 469 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI between 2015 and 2021 were enrolled. After excluding patients undergoing dialysis, the remaining 458 patients were classified according to three tertiles of the serum haemoglobin-to-creatinine (Hgb/Cr) ratio 1 day before TAVI. The primary clinical outcome measure was all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI.
In the first, second and third tertiles, the 1-year cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was 16.9% versus 7.2% versus 2.0%, respectively (p<0.01), and that of heart failure hospitalisation was 10.7% versus 3.4% versus 0.7%, respectively (p<0.01). The indexes of the area under the curve of the Hgb/Cr ratio for all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI were both 0.73. Cut-off values were 10.1 for all-cause mortality 1 year after TAVI (OR, 4.78; 95% CI 2.43 to 9.74; p<0.01) and 10.4 for heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI (OR, 5.3; 95% CI 2.21 to 14.1; p<0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the Hgb/Cr ratio was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI.
Hgb/Cr ratio calculation 1 day before TAVI may help predict midterm all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing TAVI.
4143 (The Institutional Review Board of Kurashiki Central Hospital)
Literature supports associations between common respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and risk of cardiovascular diseases, yet the importance of RTIs for cardiovascular risk management remains less understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the causal effects of RTIs on occurrence of cardiovascular diseases in the general population.
MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched up to 4 November 2022. Eligible were all aetiological studies evaluating risk of cardiovascular outcomes after exposure to common RTIs within any follow-up duration. Evidence was pooled using random-effects models if data allowed. The ROBINS-E and GRADE approaches were used to rate risk of bias and certainty of evidence, respectively. All assessments were performed in duplicate.
We included 34 studies (65 678 650 individuals). Most studies had a high risk of bias. COVID-19 likely increases relative risk (RR (95% CI)) of myocardial infarction (3.3 (1.0 to 11.0)), stroke (3.5 (1.2 to 10)), pulmonary embolism (24.6 (13.5 to 44.9)) and deep venous thrombosis (7.8 (4.3 to 14.4)) within 30 days after infection (GRADE: moderate) and about twofold within 1 year (GRADE: low to moderate). Other RTIs also likely increase the RR of myocardial infarction (2.9 (95% CI 1.8 to 4.9)) and stroke (2.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.4)) within 30 days (GRADE: moderate), and to a lesser extent with longer follow-up.
RTIs likely increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases about 1.5–5 fold within 1 month after infection. RTIs may, therefore, have clinical relevance as target for cardiovascular risk management, especially in high-risk populations.
CRD42023416277.
Prehospital rule-out of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) in low-risk patient with a point-of-care troponin measurement reduces healthcare costs with similar safety to standard transfer to the hospital. Risk stratification is performed identical for men and women, despite important differences in clinical presentation, risk factors and age between men and women with NSTE-ACS. Our aim was to compare safety and healthcare costs between men and women in prehospital identified low-risk patients with suspected NSTE-ACS.
In the Acute Rule-out of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome in the (pre)hospital setting by HEART (History, ECG, Age, Risk factors and Troponin) score assessment and a single poInt of CAre troponin randomised trial, the HEAR (History, ECG, Age and Risk factors) score was assessed by ambulance paramedics in suspected NSTE-ACS patients. Low-risk patients (HEAR score ≤3) were included. In this substudy, men and women were compared. Primary endpoint was 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE), secondary endpoints were 30-day healthcare costs and the scores for the HEAR score components.
A total of 863 patients were included, of which 495 (57.4%) were women. Follow-up was completed in all patients. In the total population, MACE occurred in 6.8% of the men and 1.6% of the women (risk ratio (RR) 4.2 (95% CI 1.9 to 9.2, p<0.001)). In patients with ruled-out ACS (97% of the total population), MACE occurred in 1.4% of the men and in 0.2% of the women (RR 7.0 (95% CI 2.0 to 14.2, p<0.001). Mean healthcare costs were 504.55 (95% CI 242.22 to 766.87, p<0.001) higher in men, mainly related to MACE.
In a prehospital population of low-risk suspected NSTE-ACS patients, 30-day incidence of MACE and MACE-related healthcare costs were significantly higher in men than in women.
Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) or decreased health-related quality of life (HQL) have been reported after cardiac surgery. A previous investigation showed beneficial effects of postoperative cognitive training on POCD and HQL 3 months after heart surgery. Here, we present the 12-month follow-up results.
This bicentric, 1:1 randomised and treatment-as-usual controlled trial included elderly patients scheduled for elective heart valve surgery. The training consisted of paper-and-pencil-based exercises practising multiple cognitive functions for 36 min/day 6 days/week over a period of 3 weeks. Neuropsychological tests and questionnaires assessing HQL (36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)) and cognitive failures in daily living (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire) were performed presurgery and 12 months after training.
Twelve months post training, the training group (n=30) showed improvements in HQL compared with the control group (n=28), especially in role limitations due to physical health (U=–2.447, p=0.015, 2=0.109), role limitations due to emotional problems (U=–2.245, p=0.025, 2=0.092), pain (U=–1.979, p=0.049, 2=0.068), average of all SF-36 factors (U=–3.237, p<0.001, 2=0.181), health change from the past year to the present time (U=–2.091, p=0.037, 2=0.075), physical component summary (U=–2.803, p=0.005, 2=0.138), and mental component summary (U=–2.350, p=0.018, 2=0.095). Furthermore, the training group (n=19) showed an improvement compared with the control group (n=27) in visual recognition memory (U=–2.137, p=0.034, 2=0.099). POCD frequency was 22% (n=6) in the control group and 11% (n=2) in the training group (²(1) =1.06, p=0.440; OR=2.43, 95% CI 0.43 to 13.61).
In conclusion, postoperative cognitive training shows enhancing effects on HQL in cardiac surgery patients after 12 months.
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a prevalent valve disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to apply machine learning (ML) to assess risk stratification in patients with ≥moderate TR.
Patients with ≥moderate TR on echocardiogram between January 2005 and December 2016 were retrospectively included. We used 70% of data to train ML-based survival models including 27 clinical and echocardiographic features to predict mortality over a 3-year period on an independent test set (30%). To account for differences in baseline comorbidities, prediction was performed in groups stratified by increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Permutation feature importance was calculated using the best-performing model separately in these groups.
Of 13 312 patients, mean age 72 ± 13 years and 7406 (55%) women, 7409 (56%) had moderate, 2646 (20%) had moderate–severe and 3257 (24%) had severe TR. The overall performance for 1-year mortality by 3 ML models was good, c-statistic 0.74–0.75. Interestingly, performance varied between CCI groups, (c-statistic = 0.774 in lowest CCI group and 0.661 in highest CCI group). The performance decreased over 3-year follow-up (average c-index 0.78). Furthermore, the top 10 features contributing to these predictions varied slightly with the CCI group, the top features included heart rate, right ventricular systolic pressure, blood pressure, diuretic use and age.
Machine learning of common clinical and echocardiographic features can evaluate mortality risk in patients with TR. Further refinement of models and validation in prospective studies are needed before incorporation into the clinical practice.
Although there are studies examining each one separately, there are no data in the literature comparing the magnitudes of the iatrogenic, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-induced, microvascular dysfunction (Type-4 CMD) and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in the setting of ischaemia in non-obstructed coronary arteries (INOCA) (Type-1 CMD).
We aimed to compare the characteristics of Type-1 and Type-4 CMD subtypes using coronary haemodynamic (resistance and flow-related parameters), thermodynamic (wave energy-related parameters) and hyperemic ECG changes.
Coronary flow reserve (CFR) value of <2.5 was defined as CMD in both groups. Wire-based multimodal perfusion markers were comparatively analysed in 35 patients (21 INOCA/CMD and 14 CCS/PCI) enrolled in NCT05471739 study.
Both groups had comparably blunted CFR values per definition (2.03±0.22 vs 2.11±0.37; p: 0.518) and similar hyperemic ST shift in intracoronary ECG (0.16±0.09 vs 0.18±0.07 mV; p: 0.537). While the Type-1 CMD was characterised with impaired hyperemic blood flow acceleration (46.52+12.83 vs 68.20+28.63 cm/s; p: 0.017) and attenuated diastolic microvascular decompression wave magnitudes (p=0.042) with higher hyperemic microvascular resistance (p<0.001), Type-4 CMD had blunted CFR mainly due to higher baseline flow velocity due to post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (33.6±13.7 vs 22.24±5.3 cm/s; p=0.003).
The perturbations in the microvascular milieu seen in CMD in INOCA setting (Type-1 CMD) seem to be more prominent than that of seen following elective PCI (Type-4 CMD), although resulting reversible ischaemia is equally severe in the downstream myocardium.
This study aimed to assess the incidence of early cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) and the characteristics of left and right heart deformations during anthracycline chemotherapy.
We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 351 chemotherapy-naïve women with breast cancer and cardiovascular risk factors who were scheduled to receive anthracycline. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and right ventricular and left atrial longitudinal strains were evaluated using echocardiography at baseline, before every subsequent cycles and at 3 weeks after the final anthracycline dose. CTRCD was defined as a new LVEF reduction by
Eighteen (5.1%) patients had evidence of asymptomatic CTRCD during anthracycline treatment, and 50% developed CTRCD before completing the chemotherapy regimen. In the CTRCD group, while LV-GLS decrease significantly after the first dose of anthracycline, the reduction of right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain and left atrial reservoir strain were observed after the second dose. Other strain indices could not be used to identify early CTRCD.
Cardiotoxicity appeared soon after the initiation of anthracycline chemotherapy. Among the left-heart and right-heart mechanics, LV-GLS remains the best deformation indicator for detecting early CTRCD.
This study aimed to evaluate the use and dose of loop diuretics (LDs) across the entire ejection fraction (EF) spectrum in a large, ‘real-world’ cohort of chronic heart failure (HF) patients.
A total of 10 366 patients with chronic HF from 34 Dutch outpatient HF clinics were analysed regarding diuretic use and diuretic dose. Data regarding daily diuretic dose were stratified by furosemide dose equivalent (FDE)>80 mg or ≤80 mg. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between diuretic dose and clinical features.
In this cohort, 8512 (82.1%) patients used diuretics, of which 8179 (96.1%) used LDs. LD use was highest among HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) patients (81.1%) followed by HF with mild-reduced EF (76.1%) and HF with preserved ejection fraction EF (73.8%, p<0.001). Among all LDs users, the median FDE was 40 mg (IQR: 40–80). The results of the multivariable analysis showed that New York Heart Association classes III and IV and diabetes mellitus were one of the strongest determinants of an FDE >80 mg, across all HF categories. Renal impairment was associated with a higher FDE across the entire EF spectrum.
In this large registry of real-world HF patients, LD use was highest among HFrEF patients. Advanced symptoms, diabetes mellitus and worse renal function were significantly associated with a higher diuretic dose regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction.
We sought to examine a 1-year incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients with SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) in comparison to those with non-COVID-19 acute upper respiratory infection (AURI).
Patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 (in any setting) between April 2020 and June 2021 were identified in Optum Clinformatics. Two comparator cohorts were constructed: an ‘AURI pandemic’ cohort (AURI diagnosis between April 2020 and June 2021) and an ‘AURI prepandemic’ cohort (AURI diagnosis between January 2018 and December 2018). One-year incidence of AF was compared among: COVID-19 versus AURI pandemic cohort; COVID-19 versus AURI prepandemic cohort; and AURI pandemic versus AURI prepandemic cohort. For each comparison, we applied a matching weights technique to balance covariates. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of incident AF among the matched cohorts.
When comparing the matched COVID-19 (n=102 227) cohort with the AURI pandemic (n=102 101) cohort, higher incidence of AF was observed among the COVID-19 cohort (2.2% vs 1.2%; p<0.001; OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.72 to 1.95). Similar findings were observed for the COVID-19 (n=169 687) versus AURI prepandemic (n=169 486) comparison (2.7% vs 1.6%; p<0.001; OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.63 to 1.78). When comparing the AURI pandemic (n=1 26 392) versus AURI prepandemic (n=1 26 394) cohort, no significant differences in incident AF were observed (1.1% vs 1.2%; p=0.133; OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.01).
Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were found to be at a higher risk of incident AF as compared with those with AURI. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of AF may potentially mitigate the burden of AF conferred by COVID-19.
We evaluated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admission and quality of care for acute coronary syndrome.
Data for all patients admitted to hospital care for acute coronary syndromes in Slovenia (nationwide cohort) between 2014 and 2021 were obtained by merging the national hospital database, national medicines reimbursement database and population mortality registry using unique identifying numbers. Using interrupted time series analysis, we assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admission rates and quality of care (in-hospital and 30-day mortality, reperfusion and secondary preventive medication uptake). Data were fitted to segmented regression models with March 2020 as the breakpoint. Data on 21 001 patients were included (7057 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 7649 non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 6295 unstable angina). Hospital admissions for STEMI remained stable (92 patients; +1 patient per month, p=0.783), whereas the pandemic was associated with a significant reduction in NSTEMI (81 patients; –21 patients per month, p=0.015) and unstable angina admissions (47 patients; –28 patients per month, p=0.025). In patients with STEMI, the pandemic did not affect reperfusion rates (0.29%, (95% CI) –1.5% to 2.1%, p=0.755) or in-hospital mortality (0.1%, (95% CI) –0.9% to 1.1%, p=0.815), but was associated with a significant negative trend for secondary preventive medication uptake (–0.12%, (95% CI) –0.23% to –0.01%, p=0.034).
In Slovenia, hospital admissions for STEMI remained stable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but NSTEMI and unstable angina admissions dropped significantly. While mortality and reperfusion rates were not affected, the pandemic was associated with a continual negative time trend for the uptake of secondary preventive medication.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has a dismal prognosis with overall survival around 10%. Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding the prevalence and significance of comorbidities in OHCA, as well as the underlying causes. Previously, 80% of sudden cardiac arrest have been attributed to coronary artery disease. We studied comorbidities and discharge diagnoses in OHCA in all of Sweden.
We used the Swedish Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, merged with the Inpatient Registry and Outpatient Registry to identify patients with OHCA from 2010 to 2020 and to collect all their comorbidities as well as discharge diagnoses (among those admitted to hospital). Patient characteristics were described using means, medians and SD. Survival curves were performed among hospitalised patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as well as heart failure.
A total of 54 484 patients with OHCA were included, of whom 35 894 (66%) were men. The most common comorbidities prior to OHCA were hypertension (43.6%), heart failure (23.6%), chronic ischaemic heart disease (23.6%) and atrial fibrillation (22.0%). Previous AMI was prevalent in 14.8% of men and 10.9% of women. Among women, 18.0% had type 2 diabetes, compared with 19.6% of the men. Among hospitalised patients, 30% were diagnosed with AMI, 27% with hypertension, 20% with ischaemic heart disease and 18% with heart failure as discharge diagnoses.
In summary, we find evidence that nowadays a minority of cardiac arrests are due to coronary artery disease and AMIs and its complications. Only 30% of all cases of OHCA admitted to hospital were diagnosed with AMI. Coronary artery disease is now likely in the minority with regard to causes of OHCA.
COVID-19 can cause severe illness and multiorgan dysfunction. Acute myocardial damage has been detected in a significant portion of patients with COVID-19; therefore, several studies have reported that electrocardiographic findings could be used to evaluate the severalty of COVID-19. However, performing standard ECG for each patient hospitalised with COVID-19 can increase the level of exposure to COVID-19 among medical staff. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of continuous electrocardiographic monitor findings in patients with COVID-19.
Among 1612 consecutive patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospital between August 2021 and May 2022, we identified 96 (76±4 years) patients who underwent electrocardiographic monitor during hospitalisation. All electrocardiographic monitors were analysed by two independent cardiologists blinded to the clinical data of the patients. The endpoint was defined as the occurrence of all-cause mortality related to COVID-19. The event data were retrospectively gathered from the patients’ medical records. A multivariate Cox model was used to assess whether these electrocardiographic monitor findings and clinical data were associated with in-hospital mortality.
During a mean hospitalisation period of 22.8±3.2 days, in-hospital mortality occurred in 17 (18%) patients. Atrial fibrillation (HR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.39 to 11.21) and lung disease complications (HR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.06 to 7.98) were significant prognostic factors for death in multivariate analysis. Compared with the non-complicated lung disease and non-atrial fibrillation group, the risk of mortality was significantly higher in the lung disease complication and atrial fibrillation group in the multivariate Cox proportional model (HR: 8.37, 95% CI: 1.69 to 41.30, p=0.009).
The simple method of ECG monitor could adequately detect atrial fibrillation. This study demonstrated that atrial fibrillation complicated with lung disease, could have potential prognostic value among patients with COVID-19.
Clopidogrel is a P2Y12 inhibitor that has become a mainstay treatment following percutaneous intervention with drug-eluting stent placement to decrease restenosis and its potential complications, including sudden cardiac death and ischaemic strokes in patients with significant vascular disease.
As a prodrug, the metabolism and efficacy of clopidogrel are contingent on the presence of wild-type CYP450 (CYP2C19) alleles. Genetic polymorphisms and variants are well known to impair its ability to prevent major adverse cardiovascular events in these patients, with inadequate response rates as high as 30% in previous publications. Patterns of allelic frequencies are expected to exhibit similarities between individuals of the same ancestry, ethnic group or geographic region. Accordingly, we seek to further elucidate worldwide prevalence rates for genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2C19-dependent metabolism of clopidogrel and review the potential of personalised CYP2C19 genotyping in clinical practice to mitigate this high treatment resistance and its associated burden on patients.
Our findings support the consideration of genotyping before initiation of therapy to guide adequate dosage or substitutions of other P2Y12 inhibitors to promote personalised, precision medicine and to prevent adverse events when these therapies may inevitably fail in patients with variants of the CYP450 (CYP2C19) system.
Electrode patch position may not be critical for success when cardioverting atrial fibrillation (AF), but the relevance of applied electrical energy is unclarified. Our objective was to perform a meta-analysis of randomised trials to examine the dose–response relation between energy level and cardioversion success by electrode position in elective cardioversion.
We searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Scopus Citations. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials using biphasic shock waves and self-adhesive patches, and publication date from 2000 to 2023. We used random-effects dose-response models to meta-analyse the relation between energy level and cardioversion success by anterolateral and anteroposterior position. Random-effects models estimated pooled risk ratios (RR) for cardioversion success after the first and the final shocks between the two electrode positions.
We included five randomised controlled trials (N=1078). After the first low-energy shock, the electrode position was not significantly associated with the likelihood of successful cardioversion (pooled RR anterolateral vs anteroposterior placement 1.28, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.76, with considerable heterogeneity). After a high-energy final shock, there was no evidence of an association between the electrode position and the cumulative chance of cardioversion success (pooled RR anterolateral vs anteroposterior 1.05, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.14). Regardless of electrode position, cardioversion success was significantly less likely with shock energy levels < 200J compared with 200J.
Evidence from contemporary randomised trials suggests that higher level of electrical energy is associated with higher conversion rate when cardioverting AF with a biphasic shockwave. Positioning of electrodes can be based on convenience.
The advent of conversational artificial intelligence (AI) systems employing large language models such as ChatGPT has sparked public, professional and academic debates on the capabilities of such technologies. This mixed-methods study sets out to review and systematically explore the capabilities of ChatGPT to adequately provide health advice to patients when prompted regarding four topics from the field of cardiovascular diseases.
As of 30 May 2023, 528 items on PubMed contained the term ChatGPT in their title and/or abstract, with 258 being classified as journal articles and included in our thematic state-of-the-art review. For the experimental part, we systematically developed and assessed 123 prompts across the four topics based on three classes of users and two languages. Medical and communications experts scored ChatGPT’s responses according to the 4Cs of language model evaluation proposed in this article: correct, concise, comprehensive and comprehensible.
The articles reviewed were fairly evenly distributed across discussing how ChatGPT could be used for medical publishing, in clinical practice and for education of medical personnel and/or patients. Quantitatively and qualitatively assessing the capability of ChatGPT on the 123 prompts demonstrated that, while the responses generally received above-average scores, they occupy a spectrum from the concise and correct via the absurd to what only can be described as hazardously incorrect and incomplete. Prompts formulated at higher levels of health literacy generally yielded higher-quality answers. Counterintuitively, responses in a lower-resource language were often of higher quality.
The results emphasise the relationship between prompt and response quality and hint at potentially concerning futures in personalised medicine. The widespread use of large language models for health advice might amplify existing health inequalities and will increase the pressure on healthcare systems by providing easy access to many seemingly likely differential diagnoses and recommendations for seeing a doctor for even harmless ailments.
Currently, there is no head-to-head comparison of novel pharmacological treatments for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A network meta-analysis aimed to compare effects of both conventional and alternative drug combinations on time to develop primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalisation (PCO).
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from Medline, Scopus up to June 2021. The RCTs were included if comparing any single or combination of drugs, that is, ACE inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), ivabradine (IVA), angiotensin receptor blocker/neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), soluble guanylyl cyclase and omecamtiv mecarbil and reporting PCO. Data were extracted from Kaplan-Meier curves, individual patient data were generated. A mixed-effect Weibull regression was applied. Median time to PCO, HRs with 95% CI were estimated accordingly. Our findings suggested that ACEI+BB+MRA+SGLT2i, BB+MRA+ARNI, and ACEI+BB+MRA+IVA had lower probability of PCOs than the conventional triple therapy (ACEI+BB+MRA).
Median time to PCOs of ACEI+BB+MRA was 57.7 months whereas median times to those new combinations were longer than 57.7 months. In addition, the three new regimens had a significantly lower PCO risks than ACEI+BB+MRA, with the HRs (95% CI) of 0.51 (0.43 to 0.61), 0.55 (0.46 to 0.65) and 0.56 (0.47 to 0.67), accordingly.
This study suggested that SGLT2i, ARNI and IVA in addition to ACEI+BB+MRA may be better in prolonging time to develop PCO in HFrEF patients.
Systemic inflammation is increasingly being recognised as a possible mechanism for acute arterial thrombotic events, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Despite this, there is conflicting data on the risk of ACS in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We performed a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the risk of ACS in patients with IBD.
PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science were searched up to 27 October 2022. Multivariable-adjusted or propensity matched studies with a non-IBD control cohort were included. HRs were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted in order to explore sources of heterogeneity.
Twelve retrospective cohort studies were included (225 248 IBD patients). Patients with IBD were associated with an increased risk of ACS in both adjusted (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.41) and unadjusted analyses (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.92). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (i2=88, p=0.002 and i2=98%, p=0.002, respectively). Subgroup analysis of age revealed a greater association of ACS in IBD patients <40 years of age (relative HR 1.50; 95 CI 1.15 to 1.96).
Patients with IBD demonstrated an independently increased risk of ACS. Prospective studies are required to explore the relationship with disease activity and duration, concomitant medication use and angiographic characteristics and outcomes.
CRD42022367846.
Peak oxygen pulse (O2pulse=oxygen consumption/heart rate) is calculated by the product of stroke volume (SV) and oxygen extraction. It has been shown to be reduced in patients with a Fontan circulation. However, in the Fontan population, it may be a poor marker of SV. We propose that the slope of the O2 pulse curve may be more reflective of SV during exercise.
We analysed cardiopulmonary exercise test data in 22 subjects with a Fontan circulation (cohort A) and examined the association between peak SV during exercise (aortic flow measured on exercise cardiac MRI), and O2 pulse parameters (absolute O2 pulse and O2 pulse slopes up to anaerobic threshold (AT) and peak exercise). In a separate Fontan cohort (cohort B, n=131), associations between clinical characteristics and O2 pulse kinetics were examined.
In cohort A, peak aortic flow was moderately and significantly associated with O2pulseslopePEAK (r=0.47, p=0.02). However, neither absolute O2pulseAT nor O2pulsePEAK was significantly associated with peak aortic flow. In cohort B, O2pulseslopePEAK and O2pulseslopeAT were not significantly associated with clinical parameters, apart from a weak association with forced vital capacity.
The slope of the O2 pulse curve to peak exercise may be more reflective of peak SV in the Fontan population than a single peak O2 pulse value.
The aim of this study was to create a new Vall d’Hebron Risk Score-II (VH-RS-II) for non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and/or cardiac death (CD), excluding patients with coronary revascularisation (CR) during the follow-up.
We analysed 5215 consecutive patients underwent gated single photon emission CT (SPECT); 2960 patients (age 64.2±11, male 58.1%) had no previous MI and/or CR, and 2255 patients (age 63.3±11, male 81.9%) had previous MI and/or CR. During a follow-up of 4.3±2.6 years, the cardiac event (MI and CD) was evaluated. This study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of our institution (number form trial register, PR(AG)168.2012). To obtain the predictor model, multivariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. RS-VH-II was validated with 679 patients.
In patients without previous MI and/or CR, age (HR: 1.01; p<0.001), diabetes (HR: 2.1, p=0.001), metabolic equivalent (METs) (HR: 0.89, p=0.038), ST segment depression (HR: 1.4, p=0.011), ejection fraction (EF) (HR: 0.97, p<0.001) and summed stress score (HR: 1.2, p<0.001) were the independent predictors of CE (C-statistic: 0.8). In patients with previous MI and/or CR, age (HR: 1.06, p<0.001), male (HR: 1.9, p=0.047), smoker (HR: 1.5, p=0.047), METs (HR: 0.8, p<0.001), ST segment depression (HR: 1.4, p=0.002), EF (HR: 0.96; p<0.001) and summed difference score (HR: 1.03, p=0.06) were the independent predictors of CE (C-statistic:0.8).
The VH-RS-II obtained from different clinical exercise and gated SPECT variables allow the risk stratification for MI and CD in patients with or without previous MI and/or CR in due form.
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is frequently seen in association with arterial hypertension and indicates poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LVH and associated factors in a multiethnic population from Mauritius.
Population-based health surveys were performed in 2009 and 2015 and included in total 8961 individuals aged 35–75 years with recorded 12-lead ECG. LVH was defined according to three criteria: Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell voltage and Cornell product. Data were collected about health and lifestyle behaviour. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured. Fasting levels of blood lipids and glucose were determined, oral glucose tolerance test was performed in people without glucose-lowering medications.
The age-standardised prevalence of LVH was 9% (n=875) according to any of the three ECG criteria. Individuals with LVH were older, more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, known cardiovascular disease (CVD) and elevated levels of cholesterol and creatinine. Further, they were more likely to be of African descent (Creole) and have lower educational level. In a multivariable model, Creole (OR (95% CI)) (1.56 (1.33 to 1.83)), low educational level (1.49 (1.28 to 1.75)), hypertension (3.01 (2.55 to 3.56)), known CVD (1.42 (1.11 to 1.83)) and elevated creatinine (1.08 (1.03 to 1.14)) remained associated with LVH. Individuals with non-treated or uncontrolled hypertension had a higher risk for LVH (3.09 (95% CI 2.57 to 3.71) and 4.07 (95% CI 3.29 to 5.05), respectively), than individuals with well controlled hypertension or normotension.
LVH occurs more frequently in individuals with hypertension, as well as in individuals with African ancestry and/or low education level.
Animal data suggest that exercise during chemotherapy is cardioprotective, but clinical evidence to support this is limited. This study evaluated the effect of exercise during chemotherapy for breast cancer on long-term cardiovascular toxicity.
This is a follow-up study of two previously performed randomised trials in patients with breast cancer allocated to exercise during chemotherapy or non-exercise controls. Cardiac imaging parameters, including T1 mapping (native T1, extracellular volume fraction (ECV)), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS), cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity levels, were acquired 8.5 years post-treatment.
In total, 185 breast cancer survivors were included (mean age 58.9±7.8 years), of whom 99% and 18% were treated with anthracyclines and trastuzumab, respectively. ECV and Native T1 were 25.3%±2.5% and 1026±51 ms in the control group, and 24.6%±2.8% and 1007±44 ms in the exercise group, respectively. LVEF was borderline normal in both groups, with an LVEF<50% prevalence of 22.5% (n=40/178) in all participants. Compared with control, native T1 was statistically significantly lower in the exercise group (β=–20.16, 95% CI –35.35 to –4.97). We found no effect of exercise on ECV (β=–0.69, 95% CI –1.62 to 0.25), LVEF (β=–1.36, 95% CI –3.45 to 0.73) or GLS (β=0.31, 95% CI –0.76 to 1.37). Higher self-reported physical activity levels during chemotherapy were significantly associated with better native T1 and ECV.
In long-term breast cancer survivors, exercise and being more physically active during chemotherapy were associated with better structural but not functional cardiac parameters. The high prevalence of cardiac dysfunction calls for additional research on cardioprotective measures, including alternative exercise regimens.
NTR7247.
In Nepal, one-fourth of the adult population has hypertension. Despite provision of comprehensive hypertension services through the primary healthcare system, huge gaps in treatment and control of hypertension exist. Our study explored the individual, interpersonal, health system and community-level barriers and facilitators affecting hypertension management in urban Nepal.
We used a qualitative methodology informed by Kaufman’s socioecological model, conducting focus group discussions with hypertension patients and their family members. In-depth interviews with hypertension patients, healthcare providers and municipal officials were also conducted.
We found that inadequate knowledge about hypertension and harmful cultural beliefs hindered effective treatment of hypertension. Interrupted medical supply and distrust in primary healthcare providers affected the poor’s access to hypertension services. Poor communication between family members and gender norms affected adaptation of treatment measures. This study emphasised the role of family members in supporting patients in adhering to treatment measures and rebuilding community trust in primary healthcare providers for better access to hypertension services. The findings guided the development of a manual to be used by community health workers during home visits to support patients to control high blood pressure.
The study highlights the importance of integrating various aspects of care to overcome the multiple barriers to hypertension management in urban settings in low-resource countries. Participatory home visits have the potential to empower individuals and families to develop and implement feasible and acceptable actions for home management of hypertension through improved adherence to antihypertensive medication, and behaviour change.
Studies have found statin treatment to be associated with improved 1-year survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), suggesting pleiotropic effects of statins on preventing perioperative complications. Statin treatment is not associated with postoperative cardiovascular complications or mortality; however, other postoperative complications have not been investigated.
To explore whether preoperative statin treatment is associated with a lower short-term risk of mortality, readmission and major postoperative complications in older patients undergoing TAVI.
A retrospective cohort study including patients aged 65 years and older who had undergone a comprehensive geriatric assessment prior to TAVI between January 2014 and January 2021. The primary outcomes were 90-day mortality, 90-day readmissions and major postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with adjustment for potential confounders, namely age, gender, comorbidity, body mass index, smoking, diminished renal function, alcohol use and falls .
This study included 584 patients, of whom 324 (55.5%) were treated with a statin. In the statin treated group, 15 (4.6%) patients died within 90 days of TAVI compared with 10 (3.8%) patients in the non statin group (adjusted OR 1.17; 95% CI 0.51 to 2.70). The number of 90-day readmissions was 39 (12.0%) and 34 (13.1%) (adjusted OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.54 to 1.52), respectively. In the statin treated group, 115 (35.5%) patients experienced a major complication compared with 98 (37.7%) in the non-statin group (adjusted OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.67 to 1.37).
Preoperative statin treatment is not associated with improved short-term outcomes after TAVI. A randomised controlled trial with different statin doses may be warranted to investigate whether initiating statin treatment before TAVI improves both postoperative outcomes and long-term survival.
To investigate the association between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in individuals with ischaemic heart disease (IHD).
Medline(R), Embase, APA PsycINFO and CINAHL (EBSCO) from inception to 3 April 2023 were searched. Studies reporting association of HRQoL, using a generic or cardiac-specific tool, with MACCE or components of MACCE for individuals with IHD were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to assess the quality of the studies. Descriptive synthesis, evidence mapping and random-effects meta-analysis were performed stratified by HRQoL measures and effect estimates. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I2 statistic.
Fifty-one articles were included with a total of 134 740 participants from 53 countries. Meta-analysis of 23 studies found that the risk of MACCE increased with lower baseline HeartQoL score (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.93) and Short Form Survey (SF-12) physical component score (PCS) (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.51). Risk of all-cause mortality increased with a lower HeartQoL (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.01), EuroQol 5-dimension (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.22), SF-36 PCS (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.41), SF-36 mental component score (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.30).
This study found an inverse association between baseline values or change in HRQoL and MACCE or components of MACCE in individuals with IHD, albeit with between-study heterogeneity. Standardisation and routine assessment of HRQoL in clinical practice may help risk stratify individuals with IHD for tailored interventions.
CRD42021234638.
To determine the diagnostic yield of a ‘high’ N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with suspected heart failure (HF) referred from primary to secondary care.
In this retrospective study, cardiac diagnoses were quantified in consecutive patients with an NT-proBNP>400 ng/L referred from primary care centres to a specialist HF service.
Among 654 consecutive patients (age: 78.5±9.72 years; 45.9% men; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 55.4±12.5% (mean±SD)), the primary diagnoses were: valvular disease (39.4%), HF (29.2%; 13.3% with LVEF<40%) and atrial fibrillation (AF; 17.3%). In terms of primary or secondary diagnoses, 68% of patients had valve disease, 46.9% had AF and 29.2% had HF. A cardiac diagnosis was made in 85.9%. In multivariable analyses, NT-proBNP predicted HF with LVEF<40% (OR: 10.2, 95% CI: 5.63 to 18.3) and HF with any LVEF (OR: 6.13, 95% CI: 3.79 to 9.93). In canonical linear discriminant analyses, NT-proBNP correctly identified 54.5% of patients with HF. The remainder were misclassified as valvular disease, AF or no cardiac diagnosis.
Among patients with an NT-proBNP>400 ng/L referred through a primary care HF pathway, most patients had valve disease or AF rather than HF. NT-proBNP cannot discriminate among HF, valve disease and AF. On this basis, NT-proBNP may be best employed in detecting cardiac disease in general rather than HF per se.
To assess gender, ethnicity, and deprivation-based differences in provision of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in England for adults with aortic stenosis (AS).
We retrospectively identified adults with AS from the English Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) between April 2016 and March 2019 and those who subsequently had an AVR. We separately used HES-linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) to identify people with AVR and evaluate the timeliness of their procedure (CPRD-AVR cohort). ORs for AVR in people with an AS diagnosis were estimated using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, region and comorbidity. AVR was considered timely if performed electively and without evidence of cardiac decompensation before AVR.
183 591 adults with AS were identified in HES; of these, 31 436 underwent AVR. The CPRD-AVR cohort comprised 10 069 adults. Women had lower odds of receiving AVR compared with men (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.66); as did people of black (OR 0.70; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.82) or South Asian (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.82) compared with people of white ethnicities. People in the most deprived areas were less likely to receive AVR than the least deprived areas (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.86). Timely AVR occurred in 65% of those of white ethnicities compared with 55% of both those of black and South Asian ethnicities. 77% of the least deprived had a timely procedure compared with 58% of the most deprived; there was no gender difference.
In this large, national dataset, female gender, black or South Asian ethnicities and high deprivation were associated with significantly reduced odds of receiving AVR in England. A lower proportion of people of minority ethnicities or high deprivation had a timely procedure. Public health initiatives may be required to increase clinician and public awareness of unconscious biases towards minority and vulnerable populations to ensure timely AVR for everyone.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a fivefold increased risk of stroke. Oral anticoagulation reduces the risk of stroke, but AF is elusive. A machine learning algorithm (Future Innovations in Novel Detection of Atrial Fibrillation (FIND-AF)) developed to predict incident AF within 6 months using data in primary care electronic health records (EHRs) could be used to guide AF screening. The objectives of the FIND-AF pilot study are to determine yields of AF during ECG monitoring across AF risk estimates and establish rates of recruitment and protocol adherence in a remote AF screening pathway.
The FIND-AF Pilot is an interventional, non-randomised, single-arm, open-label study that will recruit 1955 participants aged 30 years or older, without a history of AF and eligible for oral anticoagulation, identified as higher risk and lower risk by the FIND-AF risk score from their primary care EHRs, to a period of remote ECG monitoring with a Zenicor-ECG device. The primary outcome is AF diagnosis during ECG monitoring, and secondary outcomes include recruitment rates, withdrawal rates, adherence to ECG monitoring and prescription of oral anticoagulation to participants diagnosed with AF during ECG monitoring.
The study has ethical approval (the North West—Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee reference 23/NW/0180). Findings will be announced at relevant conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals in line with the Funder’s open access policy.
Heart failure (HF), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly coexist. We studied characteristics, prognosis and healthcare utilisation of individuals with two of these conditions.
We performed a retrospective, population-based linked electronic health records study from 1998 to 2020 in England to identify individuals diagnosed with two of: HF, T2D or CKD. We described cohort characteristics at time of second diagnosis and estimated risk of developing the third condition and mortality using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. We also estimated rates of healthcare utilisation in primary care and hospital settings in follow-up.
We identified cohorts of 64 226 with CKD and HF, 82 431 with CKD and T2D, and 13 872 with HF and T2D. Compared with CKD and T2D, those with CKD and HF and HF and T2D had more severe risk factor profile. At 5 years, incidence of the third condition and all-cause mortality occurred in 37% (95% CI: 35.9%, 38.1%%) and 31.3% (30.4%, 32.3%) in HF+T2D, 8.7% (8.4%, 9.0%) and 51.6% (51.1%, 52.1%) in HF+CKD, and 6.8% (6.6%, 7.0%) and 17.9% (17.6%, 18.2%) in CKD+T2D, respectively. In each of the three multimorbid groups, the order of the first two diagnoses was also associated with prognosis. In multivariable analyses, we identified risk factors for developing the third condition and mortality, such as age, sex, medical history and the order of disease diagnosis. Inpatient and outpatient healthcare utilisation rates were highest in CKD and HF, and lowest in CKD and T2D.
HF, CKD and T2D carry significant mortality and healthcare burden in combination. Compared with other disease pairs, individuals with CKD and HF had the most severe risk factor profile, prognosis and healthcare utilisation. Service planning, policy and prevention must take into account and monitor data across conditions.
Computer-assisted interpretation of single-lead ECG is the preliminary method for clinicians to flag and further evaluate an arrhythmia of clinical importance for acutely ill patients. Critical scrutiny of novel detection algorithms is lacking, particularly in external real-world data sets. This study’s objective was to evaluate a hybrid machine learning model’s ability to classify eight arrhythmias from a single-lead ECG signal from acutely ill patients.
This cross-sectional external retrospective evaluation of a previously trained hybrid machine learning model against an ECG reading team in the setting of home hospital care (acute care delivered at home substituting for traditional hospital care) draws from patients admitted at two hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts, USA between 12 June 2017 and 23 November 2019. We calculated classifier statistics for each arrhythmia, all arrhythmias and strips where the model identified normal sinus rhythm.
The model analysed 2 680 162 min of single-lead ECG data from 423 patients and identified 691 478 arrhythmias. Patients had a mean age of 70 years (SD, 18), 60% were female and 45% were white. For any arrhythmia, the model had a sensitivity of 98%, a specificity of 100%, an accuracy of 98%, a positive predictive value of 100%, a negative predictive value of 93% and an F1 Score of 99%. Performance was best for pause (F1 Score, 99%) and worst for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (F1 Score, 92%). The model’s false positive rate for any arrhythmia was 0.2%, ranging from 0.4% for pause to 7.2% for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The false negative rate for any arrhythmia was 1.9%.
A hybrid machine learning model was effective at classifying common cardiac arrhythmias from a single-lead ECG in real-world data.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the continuing management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the population. Socioeconomic status (SES) is a major determinant of health. Whether the COVID-19 pandemic increased, the SES gap in CVD risk factors is unknown.
To compare the management of CVD risk factors and the SES gap before and during the pandemic.
Cross-sectional study conducted between 2018 and 2021 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes were compared between the periods before (N=2416, 45.2% men, 65.3±9.8 years) and during (N=776, 44.5% men, 63.9±9.1 years) the COVID-19 pandemic. SES was defined by education and categorised as low (compulsory or apprenticeship), middle (high school) and high (university).
After multivariable analysis, the prevalence of hypertension increased, and awareness decreased during the pandemic: OR and (95% CI) 1.26 (1.04 to 1.53) and 0.70 (0.53 to 0.94), respectively. For dyslipidaemia, prevalence decreased during the pandemic 0.82 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.98); awareness did not change. For diabetes, prevalence did not change but awareness increased 5.76 (95% CI 1.23 to 27.04). No differences were found before and during the pandemic regarding treatment and control for all CVD risk factors. Relative to high SES, a decrease in hypertension awareness among middle SES categories was observed during the pandemic (OR and 95% CI 1.11 (0.73 to 1.69) before and 0.45 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.85) during, p for interaction<0.05), while no other changes were found.
Prevalence and management of CVD risk factors changed little during the pandemic. The SES gap did not increase except for hypertension awareness.
Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are increasingly pursuing pregnancy, highlighting the need for data on late cardiovascular events (more than 6 months after delivery). We aimed to determine the incidence of late cardiovascular events in postpartum patients with CHD and evaluate the accuracy of the existing risk scores in predicting these events.
We identified patients with CHD who delivered between 2008 and 2020 at a tertiary centre and had follow-up data for greater than 6 months post partum. Late cardiovascular events were defined as heart failure, arrhythmia, thromboembolic events, endocarditis, urgent cardiovascular interventions or death. Survival analysis and Cox proportional model were used to estimate the incidence of late cardiovascular events and determine the hazard ratio of factors associated with these events.
Of 117 patients, 19% had 36 late cardiovascular events over a median follow-up of 3.8 years. Annual incidence of any late cardiovascular event was 5.7%. Hazards of late cardiovascular events were significantly higher among those with higher Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy Study (CARPREG) II and Zwangerschap bij Aangeboren HARtAfwijking-Pregnancy in Women With Congenital Heart Disease (ZAHARA) risk scores and among patients with prepregnancy New York Heart Association class≥II. C-statistic to predict the late cardiovascular events was highest for ZAHARA (0.7823), followed by CARPREG II (0.6902) and prepregnancy New York Heart Association class≥ II (0.6677).
Currently available risk tools designed for prognostication during the peripartum period can also be used to determine risks of late maternal cardiovascular events among those with CHD. These findings provide important new information for counselling and risk modification.
Drug therapy to reduce the regurgitation fraction (RF) of high-grade aortic regurgitation (AR) by increasing heart rate (HR) is generally recommended. However, chronic HR reduction in HFREF patients can significantly improve aortic compliance and thereby potentially decrease RF. To clarify these contrasts, we examined the influence of HR, aortic compliance and stroke volume (SV) on RF in an ex vivo porcine model of severe AR.
Experiments were performed on porcine ascending aorta with aortic valves (n=12). Compliance was varied by inserting a Dacron graft close to the aortic valve. Both tube systems were connected to a left heart simulator varying HR and SV. AR was accomplished by punching a 0.3 cm2 hole in one aortic cusp. Flow, RF, SV and aortic pressure were measured, aortic compliance with transoesophageal ultrasound probes.
Compliance of the aorta was significantly reduced after Dacron graft insertion (0.55%±0.21%/mm Hg vs 0.01%±0.007%/mm Hg, p<0.001, respectively). With increasing HR, RF was significantly reduced in each steady state of the native aorta (HR 40 bpm: 88%±7% vs HR 120 bpm: 42%±10%; p<0.001), but Dacron tube did not affect RF (HR 40 bpm: 87%±8%; p=0.79; HR 120 bpm: 42%±3%; p=0.86). Increasing SV also reduced RF independent of the stiff Dacron graft.
Aortic compliance did not affect AR in the ex vivo porcine model of AR. RF was significantly reduced with increasing HR and SV. These results affirm that HR lowering and negative inotropic drugs should be avoided to treat severe AR.
Inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter may be a surrogate for volume status in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The utility of IVC diameter measurement is under studied. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between IVC diameter, clinical variables and ADHF rehospitalisations.
Retrospective chart review of 200 patients admitted for ADHF from 2018 to 2019 with transthoracic echocardiogram during index hospitalisation. Charts were assessed for ADHF rehospitalisation within 1 year.
The median age was 64, 30.5% were female, and average left ventricular ejection fraction was 41%±20%. IVC diameter correlated to pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure (R=0.347, p<0.001) and body surface area (BSA) (R=0.424 p<0.001). IVC diameter corrected for BSA correlated to PA pressure (R=0.287, p<0.001) and log N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (R=0.247, p≤0.01). Patients rehospitalised within 1 year had significantly greater mean IVC diameter compared with those not rehospitalised (p<0.001) while there was no difference in mean net weight lost during index hospitalisation or mean log NT-proBNP. Patients with IVC diameter greater than 2.07 cm had significantly increased ADHF rehospitalisation (85.6% vs 49.3%, log rank p<0.001) with HR 2.44 (95% CI 1.85 to 3.23, p<0.001). In multivariable Cox regression only IVC diameter (p<0.001), presence of tricuspid regurgitation (p=0.02) and NYHA class III/IV (p<0.001) independently predicted ADHF rehospitalisation within 1 year.
IVC diameter is predictive of rehospitalisation in patients with ADHF and may identify patients in need of greater monitoring and diuresis.
Severe aortic stenosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The existing treatment pathway for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) traditionally relies on tertiary Heart Valve Centre workup. However, this has been associated with delays to treatment, in breach of British Cardiovascular Intervention Society targets. A novel pathway with emphasis on comprehensive patient workup at a local centre, alongside close collaboration with a Heart Valve Centre, may help reduce the time to TAVI.
The centre performing local workup implemented a novel TAVI referral pathway. Data were collected retrospectively for all outpatients referred for consideration of TAVI to a Heart Valve Centre from November 2020 to November 2021. The main outcome of time to TAVI was calculated as the time from Heart Valve Centre referral to TAVI, or alternative intervention, expressed in days. For the centre performing local workup, referral was defined as the date of multidisciplinary team discussion. For this centre, a total pathway time from echocardiographic diagnosis to TAVI was also evaluated. A secondary outcome of the proportion of referrals proceeding to TAVI at the Heart Valve Centre was analysed.
Mean±SD time from referral to TAVI was significantly lower at the centre performing local workup, when compared with centres with traditional referral pathways (32.4±64 to 126±257 days, p<0.00001). The total pathway time from echocardiographic diagnosis to TAVI for the centre performing local workup was 89.9±67.6 days, which was also significantly shorter than referral to TAVI time from all other centres (p<0.003). Centres without local workup had a significantly lower percentage of patients accepted for TAVI (49.5% vs 97.8%, p<0.00001).
A novel TAVI pathway with emphasis on local workup within a non-surgical centre significantly reduced both the time to TAVI and rejection rates from a Heart Valve Centre. If adopted across the other centres, this approach may help improve access to TAVI.
A substantial proportion of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) have tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This study aimed to identify the impact of functional TR on clinical outcomes and predictors of progression in a large population of patients with RHD.
A total of 645 patients with RHD were enrolled, mean age of 47±12 years, 85% female. Functional TR was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. TR progression was defined either as worsening of TR degree from baseline to the last follow-up echocardiogram or severe TR at baseline that required surgery or died. Incidence of TR progression was estimated accounting for competing risks.
Functional TR was absent in 3.4%, mild in 83.7%, moderate in 8.5% and severe in 4.3%. Moderate and severe functional TR was associated with adverse outcome (HR 1.91 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.2) for moderate, and 2.30 (95% CI 1.28 to 4.13) for severe TR, after adjustment for other prognostic variables. Event-free survival rate at 3-year follow-up was 91%, 72% and 62% in patients with no or mild, moderate and severe TR, respectively. During mean follow-up of 4.1 years, TR progression occurred in 83 patients (13%) with an overall incidence of 3.7 events (95% CI 2.9 to 4.5) per 100 patient-years. In the Cox model, age (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.17), New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.30), right atrial area (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.10) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.84) were predictors of TR progression. By considering competing risk, the effect of RV dysfunction on TR progression risk was attenuated.
In patients with RHD, functional TR was frequent and associated with adverse outcomes. TR may progress over time, mainly related to right-sided cardiac chambers remodelling.
Advances in management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have led to an increasing population of adults with CHD, many of whom require non-cardiac procedures. The objectives of this study were to describe the characteristics of these patients, their distribution among different hospital categories and the characteristics determining this distribution, and mortality rates following noncardiac procedures.
We retrospectively analysed 27 state inpatient databases. Encounters with CHD and non-cardiac procedures were included. The location of care was classified into two categories: hospitals with and without cardiac surgical programmes. Variables included were demographics, comorbidity index, mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore predictors for care in different locations.
The cohort consisted of 12 944 encounters in 1206 hospitals. Most patients were cared for in hospitals with a cardiac surgical programme (78.1%). Patients presenting to hospitals with a cardiac surgical programme presented with higher comorbidity index (6 (IQR: 0–19) vs 2 (IQR: –3–14), p<0.001) than patients presenting to hospitals without a cardiac surgical programme. Mortality was higher in hospitals with cardiac surgical programmes compared with hospitals without cardiac surgical programmes (4.0% vs 2.3%, p<0.001). Factors associated with provision of care at a hospital with a cardiac surgical programme were comorbidity index (>7: OR 2.01 (95% CI 1.83 to 2.21), p<0.001; 2–7: OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.41 to 1.79), p<0.001) and age (18–44 years: OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.62), p<0.001; 45–64 years: OR 1.21 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.34), p<0.001).
Adults with CHD undergoing non-cardiac procedures are mainly cared for in hospitals with a cardiac surgical programme and have greater comorbidities and higher mortality than those in centres without cardiac surgical programmes. Risk stratification and locoregional accessibility need further assessment to fully understand admission patterns.
The independent and causal cardiovascular disease risk factor lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is elevated in >1.5 billion individuals worldwide, but studies have prioritised European populations.
Here, we examined how ancestrally diverse studies could clarify Lp(a)’s genetic architecture, inform efforts examining application of Lp(a) polygenic risk scores (PRS), enable causal inference and identify unexpected Lp(a) phenotypic effects using data from African (n=25 208), East Asian (n=2895), European (n=362 558), South Asian (n=8192) and Hispanic/Latino (n=8946) populations.
Fourteen genome-wide significant loci with numerous population specific signals of large effect were identified that enabled construction of Lp(a) PRS of moderate (R2=15% in East Asians) to high (R2=50% in Europeans) accuracy. For all populations, PRS showed promise as a ‘rule out’ for elevated Lp(a) because certainty of assignment to the low-risk threshold was high (88.0%–99.9%) across PRS thresholds (80th–99th percentile). Causal effects of increased Lp(a) with increased glycated haemoglobin were estimated for Europeans (p value =1.4x10–6), although inverse effects in Africans and East Asians suggested the potential for heterogeneous causal effects. Finally, Hispanic/Latinos were the only population in which known associations with coronary atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease were identified in external testing of Lp(a) PRS phenotypic effects.
Our results emphasise the merits of prioritising ancestral diversity when addressing Lp(a) evidence gaps.
To create and validate a simple scoring system for predicting 30-day mortality in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) at their moment of admission.
2407 consecutive patients presenting to Harefield Hospital with measured arterial blood gases, from January 2011 to December 2020, were studied to build the training set. 30-day mortality in this group was 17.2%. A scoring algorithm that was built using binary logistic regression of variables available on admission was then converted to an additive risk score. The resultant scoring system is the BE-ALIVE score, which incorporates the following factors:
Base Excess (1 point for <–2 mmol/L), Age (<65 years: 0 points, 65–74: 1 point, 75–84: 2 points, ≥85: 3 points), Lactate (<2 mmol/L: 0 points, 2–4.9: 1 point, 5–9.9: 3 points, ≥10: 6 points), Intubated (2 points), Left Ventricular function (mildly impaired or better: –1 point, moderately impaired: 1 point, severely impaired: 3 points) and External/out of hospital cardiac arrest 2 points).
The scoring system was validated using a testing set of 515 patients presenting to Harefield Hospital in 2021. The validation metrics were excellent with a c-statistic of 0.9, Brier’s score 0.06 vs a naïve classifier of 0.15, Spiegelhalter’s z-statistic probability of 0.267 and a calibration slope of 1.08.
The BE-ALIVE score is a simple and accurate scoring system to predict 30-day mortality in patients presenting with ACS. Appreciating this mortality risk can allow prompt involvement of appropriate care such as the shock team.
Consensus guidelines support the use of implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with either non-ischaemic or ischaemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. However, evidence from trials for efficacy specifically for patients with LVEF near 35% is weak. Past trials are underpowered for this population and future trials are unlikely to be performed.
Patients with lowest LVEF between 30% and 35% without an ICD prior to the lowest-LVEF echo (defined as ‘time zero’) were identified by querying echocardiography data from 28 November 2001 to 9 July 2020 at the Massachusetts General Hospital linked to ICD treatment status. To assess the association between ICD and mortality, propensity score matching followed by Cox proportional hazards models considering treatment status as a time-dependent covariate was used. A secondary analysis was performed for LVEF 36%–40%.
Initially, 526 440 echocardiograms representing 266 601 unique patients were identified. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 6109 patients remained for the analytical cohort. In bivariate unadjusted comparisons, patients who received ICDs were substantially more often male (79.8% vs 65.4%, p<0.0001), more often white (87.5% vs 83.7%, p<0.046) and more often had a history of ventricular tachycardia (74.5% vs 19.1%, p<0.0001) and myocardial infarction (56.1% vs 38.2%, p<0.0001). In the propensity matched sample, after accounting for time-dependence, there was no association between ICD and mortality (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.15, p=0.482).
ICD therapy was not associated with reduced mortality near the conventional LVEF threshold of 35%. Although this treatment design cannot definitively demonstrate lack of efficacy, our results are concordant with available prior trial data. A definitive, well-powered trial is needed to answer the important clinical question of primary prevention ICD efficacy between LVEF 30% and 35%.
Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) has recently been accepted as a common complication associated with increased mortality. However, little is known about the treatment of MINS. The aim of this study was to investigate an association between antiplatelet therapy and long-term mortality after MINS.
From 2010 to 2019, patients with MINS, defined as having a peak high-sensitivity troponin I higher than 40 ng/L within 30 days after non-cardiac surgery, were screened at a tertiary centre. Patients were excluded if they had a history of coronary revascularisation before or during index hospitalisation. Clinical outcomes at 1 year were compared between patients with and without antiplatelet therapy at hospital discharge. The primary outcome was death, and the secondary outcome was major bleeding.
Of the 3818 eligible patients with MINS, 940 (24.6%) received antiplatelet therapy at hospital discharge. Patients with antiplatelet therapy had a significantly lower mortality at 1 year than those without antiplatelet therapy (7.5% vs 15.9%, adjusted HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.79, p<0.001). A risk of major bleeding at 1 year was not significantly different between the patients with and without antiplatelet therapy (6.6% vs 7.6%, adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.17, p=0.324). In propensity score-matched analysis of 886 pairs, patients with antiplatelet therapy had a significantly lower risk of 1-year mortality (adjusted HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.73, p<0.001) than those without antiplatelet therapy.
In patients with MINS, antiplatelet therapy at discharge was associated with decreased 1-year mortality.
Insights on the differences in clinical outcomes, quality of life (QoL) and health resource utilisation (HRU) with different levels of care available to post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) populations in rural and urban settings are limited.
The long-Term rIsk, clinical manaGement, and healthcare Resource utilisation of stable coronary artery dISease (TIGRIS), a prospective, observational registry, enrolled 8452 patients aged ≥50 years 1–3 years post-AMI from June 2013 to November 2014 from 24 countries in Asia Pacific/Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Differences in QoL (measured using the EuroQol Research Foundation instrument) and HRU between patients in rural and urban settings were evaluated in this post hoc analysis. The incidence of clinical endpoints (cardiovascular (CV) death, AMI, unstable angina with urgent revascularisation and stroke; bleeding; and all-cause mortality) was analysed. Data were collected at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months.
There were fewer hospitalisations and visits to general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists in the rural versus urban populations (adjusted event rate ratio (ERR)=0.90 (95% CI, 0.82 to 1.00, p=0.04); ERR=0.84 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.92, p<0.001); ERR=0.86 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.92, p<0.001), respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed between rural and urban populations in all-cause death, AMI, unstable angina with urgent revascularisation, CV death, stroke, major bleeding events and health-related QoL. The adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.15) for the composite of CV death, AMI and stroke.
Living in rural areas was associated with fewer GP/cardiologist visits and hospitalisations; no significant differences in clinical outcomes and QoL were observed.
Tocilizumab improves myocardial salvage index (MSI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but its mechanisms of action are unclear. Here, we explored how cytokines were affected by tocilizumab and their correlations with neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin T, MSI and infarct size.
STEMI patients were randomised to receive a single dose of 280 mg tocilizumab (n=101) or placebo (n=98) before percutaneous coronary intervention. Blood samples were collected before infusion of tocilizumab or placebo at baseline, during follow-up at 24–36, 72–168 hours, 3 and 6 months. 27 cytokines were analysed using a multiplex cytokine assay. Cardiac MRI was performed during hospitalisation and 6 months.
Repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant (p<0.001) between-group difference in changes for IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra due to an increase in the tocilizumab group during hospitalisation. IL-6 and IL-8 correlated to neutrophils in the placebo group (r=0.73, 0.68, respectively), which was attenuated in the tocilizumab group (r=0.28, 0.27, respectively). A similar pattern was seen for MSI and IL-6 and IL-8 in the placebo group (r=–0.29, –0.25, respectively) in patients presenting ≤3 hours from symptom onset, which was attenuated in the tocilizumab group (r=–0.09,–0.14, respectively).
Tocilizumab increases IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra in STEMI. IL-6 and IL-8 show correlations to neutrophils/CRP and markers of cardiac injury in the placebo group that was attenuated in the tocilizumab group. This may suggest a beneficial effect of tocilizumab on the ischaemia-reperfusion injury in STEMI patients.
To determine baseline characteristics predictive of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery in patients diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and presumed non-ischaemic aetiology.
We prospectively recruited patients who were diagnosed with HFrEF (LVEF ≤40%) on echocardiography and subsequently underwent cardiac MRI. Patients were excluded if they had a known history of coronary artery disease (>70% on invasive coronary angiography), myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation or anginal symptoms. At cardiac MRI assessment, patients were categorised as either ongoing HFrEF or heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF, LVEF >40% with ≥10% of absolute improvement). Clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables that were associated with LVEF recovery. Optimal cut-offs in QRISK3 score and baseline LVEF for prediction of LVEF recovery were identified through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
A total of 407 patients were diagnosed with HFrEF, and 139 (34%) attained HFimpEF at cardiac MRI assessment (median 63 days, IQR 41–119 days). Mean age of the patients was 63±12 years, and 260 (63.9%) were male. At multivariate logistic regression, both QRISK3 score (HR 0.978; 95% CI 0.963 to 0.993, p=0.004) and baseline LVEF (HR 1.044; 95% CI 1.015 to 1.073, p=0.002) were independent predictors of HFimpEF. Among patients with baseline LVEF ≤25%, only 22 (21.8%) recovered. In patients with baseline LVEF 25–40%, QRISK3 score >18% was associated with lack of recovery (HR 2.75; 95% CI 1.70 to 4.48, p<0.001). Additionally, QRISK3 score was associated with the presence of ischaemic late gadolinium enhancement (HR 1.035; 95% CI 1.018 to 1.053, p<0.001).
The QRISK3 score helps identify patients with HFrEF with undiagnosed vascular disease. Patients with either a very low baseline LVEF or a high QRISK3 score have less chance of left ventricular recovery and should be prioritised for early cardiac MRI and close monitoring.
Systemic low-grade inflammation is a fundamental pathophysiological mechanism of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). The efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy in HFpEF is largely understudied. The aim of the study is to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of colchicine in HFpEF by looking at inflammatory biomarkers: high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2).
This is a single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled, open-label, blinded-endpoint crossover clinical trial of stable but symptomatic patients with HFpEF. Patients will be randomised to either colchicine treatment 0.5 mg two times per day or usual care for 12 weeks followed by a 2-week washout period and crossover to 12 weeks of treatment with the alternate therapy. The primary objective is to investigate if administration of colchicine compared with usual care reduces inflammation in patients with HFpEF measured by primary endpoint sST2 and co-primary endpoint hsCRP at baseline and 12-week follow-up. Secondary objective is to determine if treatment with colchicine influences N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, left ventricular diastolic function and remodelling, right ventricular systolic function and left atrial volumetric characteristics. We are aiming to enrol a total of 40 participants. This trial will answer the question if colchicine treatment reduces systemic low-grade inflammation and influences left ventricular diastolic function and remodelling with patients with HFpEF.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Sechenov University (reference: 03-22).
Two interlinked surveys were organised by the British Heart Foundation Data Science Centre, which aimed to establish national priorities for cardiovascular imaging research.
First a single time point public survey explored their views of cardiovascular imaging research. Subsequently, a three-phase modified Delphi prioritisation exercise was performed by researchers and healthcare professionals. Research questions were submitted by a diverse range of stakeholders to the question ‘What are the most important research questions that cardiovascular imaging should be used to address?’. Of these, 100 research questions were prioritised based on their positive impact for patients. The 32 highest rated questions were further prioritised based on three domains: positive impact for patients, potential to reduce inequalities in healthcare and ability to be implemented into UK healthcare practice in a timely manner.
The public survey was completed by 354 individuals, with the highest rated areas relating to improving treatment, quality of life and diagnosis. In the second survey, 506 research questions were submitted by diverse stakeholders. Prioritisation was performed by 90 researchers or healthcare professionals in the first round and 64 in the second round. The highest rated questions were ‘How do we ensure patients have equal access to cardiovascular imaging when it is needed?’ and ‘How can we use cardiovascular imaging to avoid invasive procedures’. There was general agreement between healthcare professionals and researchers regarding priorities for the positive impact for patients and least agreement for their ability to be implemented into UK healthcare practice in a timely manner. There was broad overlap between the prioritised research questions and the results of the public survey.
We have identified priorities for cardiovascular imaging research, incorporating the views of diverse stakeholders. These priorities will be useful for researchers, funders and other organisations planning future research.
To characterise cardiac remodelling, exercise capacity and fibroinflammatory biomarkers in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) with and without diabetes, and assess the impact of diabetes on outcomes.
Patients with moderate or severe AS with and without diabetes underwent echocardiography, stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiopulmonary exercise testing and plasma biomarker analysis. Primary endpoint for survival analysis was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, hospitalisation with heart failure, syncope or arrhythmia. Secondary endpoint was all-cause death.
Diabetes (n=56) and non-diabetes groups (n=198) were well matched for age, sex, ethnicity, blood pressure and severity of AS. The diabetes group had higher body mass index, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher rates of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and symptoms of AS. Biventricular volumes and systolic function were similar, but the diabetes group had higher extracellular volume fraction (25.9%±3.1% vs 24.8%±2.4%, p=0.020), lower myocardial perfusion reserve (2.02±0.75 vs 2.34±0.68, p=0.046) and lower percentage predicted peak oxygen consumption (68%±21% vs 77%±17%, p=0.002) compared with the non-diabetes group. Higher levels of renin (log10renin: 3.27±0.59 vs 2.82±0.69 pg/mL, p<0.001) were found in diabetes. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed diabetes was not associated with cardiovascular outcomes, but was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.00; p=0.037).
In patients with moderate-to-severe AS, diabetes is associated with reduced exercise capacity, increased diffuse myocardial fibrosis and microvascular dysfunction, but not cardiovascular events despite a small increase in mortality.
Methods: This prospective observational study collected VC data on: demographics, comorbidity, frailty, referral indication, the impact of VC on clinical care and the GP response to the question ‘what would you have done without the VC service’. We compared patient characteristics to a control population of patients attending the HF unit (HFU) (n=118).
Reults: Between 2015 and 2021, 1681 VC cases were discussed. The majority of cases were discussed from remote areas (75%). Rediscussion cases increased from 0% to 34%. VC patients were older (76.2 (±11.3) vs 73.1 (±12.5) years, p<0.05), more frail (CSF=3.8 (±1.7) vs 3 (±1.6), p<0.01) and multimorbid (number of comorbidities=7.1 (±3.4) vs 3.8 (±1.9), p<0.001) compared with patients attending the HFU. Without the VC, 93% of cases would have been referred to face-to-face hospital services. Instead, VC resulted in only 9% of cases being referred to hospital services. The remainder of cases were managed by the VC service, in a shared GP-specialist approach. GP use of natriuretic peptide (NP) increased from 0% in 2015–2016 to 63% in 2021 and use of TTE increased from 0% in 2015–2016 to 69% by 2021.
Conclusions: The VC service provides a platform for case discussion in particular for older, frailer patients and reduces onward hospital referrals. This may facilitate early diagnosis and management of suspected HF in the current era of long outpatient waiting times. The quality of community HF assessment improved as indicated by increased use of NP/TTE by GPs.
]]>Administrative data are frequently used to study cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Little is known about the validity of case-finding definitions (CFDs, eg, disease classification codes/algorithms) designed to identify HDP in administrative databases.
A systematic review of the literature. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and grey literature sources for eligible studies. Two independent reviewers screened articles for eligibility and extracted data. Quality of reporting was assessed using checklists; risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool, adapted for administrative studies. Findings were summarised descriptively.
Twenty-six studies were included; most (62%) validated CFDs for a variety of maternal and/or neonatal outcomes. Six studies (24%) reported reference standard definitions for all HDP definitions validated; seven reported all 2x2 table values for ≥1 CFD or they were calculable. Most CFDs (n=83; 58%) identified HDP with high specificity (ie, ≥98%); however, sensitivity varied widely (3%–100%). CFDs validated for any maternal hypertensive disorder had the highest median sensitivity (91%, range: 15%–97%). Quality of reporting was generally poor, and all studies were at unclear or high risk of bias on ≥1 QUADAS-2 domain.
Even validated CFDs are subject to bias. Researchers should choose the CFD(s) that best align with their research objective, while considering the relative importance of high sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and/or positive predictive value, and important characteristics of the validation studies from which they were derived (eg, study prevalence of HDP, spectrum of disease studied, methodological rigour, quality of reporting and risk of bias). Higher quality validation studies on this topic are urgently needed.
CRD42021239113.
Assessment of frailty prior to aortic valve intervention is recommended in European and North American valvular heart disease guidelines. However, there is a lack of consensus on how it is best measured. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a well-validated measure of frailty that is relatively quick to calculate. This meta-analysis sought to examine whether the CFS predicts mortality and morbidity following either transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).
Nine electronic databases were searched systematically for data on clinical outcomes post-TAVI/SAVR, where patients had undergone preoperative frailty assessment using the CFS. The primary endpoint was 12-month mortality. TAVI and SAVR data were assessed and reported separately. For each individual study, the incidence of adverse outcomes was extracted according to a CFS score of 5–9 (ie, frail) versus 1–4 (ie, non-frail), with meta-analysis performed using a random effects model.
Of 2612 records screened, nine were included in the review (five TAVI, three SAVR and one which included both interventions). Among 4923 TAVI patients, meta-analysis showed 12-month mortality rates of 19.1% for the frail cohort versus 9.8% for the non-frail cohort (RR 2.53 (1.63 to 3.95), p<0.001, I2=83%). For the smaller cohort of SAVR patients (n=454), mortality rates were 20.3% versus 3.9% for the frail and non-frail cohorts, respectively (RR 5.08 (2.31 to 11.15), p<0.001, I2=5%).
Frailty, as determined by the CFS, was associated with an increased mortality risk in the 12 months following either TAVI or SAVR. These data would support its use in the preoperative assessment of elderly patients undergoing aortic valve interventions.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in individuals with heart failure (HF). Individuals with HF and AF may have a reduced functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) which leads to hospital admission and burden on clinical services. Evidence supported the effect of exercise training in individuals with HF. However, there is no existing data on the effectiveness of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in individuals with coexisting HF and AF.
To explore the effect of CR in individuals with HF and AF compared with those with HF and no-coexisting AF.
Using CR database, individuals with HF and AF were identified and propensity matched to those with no coexisting AF. The change in incremental shuttle walking test, Heart Disease Quality of Life questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scores were compared between groups pre-CR and post-CR.
149 individuals were propensity matched from each group. The mean±SD age of the matched sample was 73.4±8 years, body mass index 29±5.5 kg/m2, left ventricular ejection fraction 35.2±9.8% and 56% were male.
A statistically significant improvements in exercise capacity, heart disease QoL, anxiety and depression scores were observed within each group. There were no significant differences between groups for any of these outcome measures.
Individuals with HF and AF gain a similar improvement in exercise capacity and health related QoL outcomes as individuals with no coexisting AF following CR. The presence of AF did not compromise the effectiveness of CR.
Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac condition and data regarding pregnancy outcomes in this patient group are scarce. We evaluated the maternal and perinatal risks of pregnancy in 81 women with Ebstein’s anomaly.
The Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease is a prospective global registry of pregnancies in women with structural cardiac disease. Pregnancy outcomes in women with Ebstein’s anomaly were examined. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) defined as maternal mortality, heart failure, arrhythmia, thromboembolic event or endocarditis. Secondary endpoints were obstetric and perinatal outcomes and the influence of pregnancy on tricuspid valve regurgitation as well as right atrial and ventricular dimensions.
In the 81 women with Ebstein’s anomaly (mean age 29.7±6.1 years, 46.9% nulliparous), MACE occurred in 8 (9.9%) pregnancies, mostly heart failure (n=6). There were no maternal deaths. Prepregnancy signs of heart failure were predictive for MACE. Almost half of the women were delivered by caesarean section (45.7%) and preterm delivery occurred in 24.7%. Neonatal mortality was 2.5% and 4.9% of the infants had congenital heart disease. In the subgroup in which prepregnancy and postpregnancy data were available, there was no difference in tricuspid valve regurgitation grade or right atrial and ventricular dimensions before and after pregnancy.
Most women with Ebstein’s anomaly tolerate pregnancy well, but women with prepregnancy signs of heart failure are at higher risk for MACE during pregnancy and should be counselled accordingly.
This study aims to leverage natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning clustering analyses to (1) identify co-occurring symptoms of patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and (2) describe clinical and sociodemographic correlates of symptom clusters.
We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective analysis using electronic health records data. Adults who underwent AF ablation between 2010 and 2020 were included. Demographic, comorbidity and medication information was extracted using structured queries. Ten AF symptoms were extracted from unstructured clinical notes (n=13 416) using a validated NLP pipeline (F-score=0.81). We used the unsupervised machine learning approach known as Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering to characterise and identify subgroups of patients representing different clusters. Fisher’s exact tests were used to investigate subgroup differences based on age, gender, race and heart failure (HF) status.
A total of 1293 patients were included in our analysis (mean age 65.5 years, 35.2% female, 58% white). The most frequently documented symptoms were dyspnoea (64%), oedema (62%) and palpitations (57%). We identified six symptom clusters: generally symptomatic, dyspnoea and oedema, chest pain, anxiety, fatigue and palpitations, and asymptomatic (reference). The asymptomatic cluster had a significantly higher prevalence of male, white and comorbid HF patients.
We applied NLP and machine learning to a large dataset to identify symptom clusters, which may signify latent biological underpinnings of symptom experiences and generate implications for clinical care. AF patients’ symptom experiences vary widely. Given prior work showing that AF symptoms predict adverse outcomes, future work should investigate associations between symptom clusters and postablation outcomes.
Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain at high risk for recurrent ischaemic and bleeding events during follow-up. Our study aimed to quantify and compare the impact of these adverse events on quality of life (QoL).
Data from patients with ACS prospectively enrolled in the FORCE-ACS registry between January 2015 and December 2019 were used for this study. The primary ischaemic and bleeding events of interest were hospital readmission for ACS and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2 or 3 bleeding during 12 months follow-up. QoL was measured using the EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and the 12-item Short Form Survey version 2 derived Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Health Component Summary (MCS) scores at 12 months follow-up.
In total, 3339 patients (mean age 66.8 years, 27.9% women) were included. During follow-up, ischaemic events occurred in 202 patients (6.0%) and bleeding events in 565 patients (16.9%). After adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, ischaemic events remained independently associated with lower QoL regardless of metric used. Bleeding was also independently associated with lower EQ-5D VAS and PCS scores, but not with a lower MCS score. The QoL decrement associated with ischaemic events was numerically larger than the decrement associated with bleeding.
Ischaemic and bleeding events remain prevalent and are independently associated with lower QoL at 12 months follow-up in patients previously admitted for ACS. The incidence and impact of these adverse events should be considered when balancing individual ischaemic and bleeding risks.
The incidence of arrhythmia in heart failure with non-reduced ejection fraction (HFnon-rEF) in patients who have a history of hospitalisation is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness of an implantable loop recorder (ILR) for arrhythmia detection including atrial fibrillation (AF) in HFnon-rEF patients after discharge.
This is a multicentre single arm study to evaluate the usefulness of ILR for detecting arrhythmia. The eligible patients are HFnon-rEF patients (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%) aged ≥20 years with a history of hospitalisation. The ILR will be implanted for qualified patients, and ECGs will be monitored and recorded for 1 year to check for arrhythmias. The primary endpoint is new-onset 6 min or more persistent AF detected by ILR. Secondary endpoints are 30 s or more persistent supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia, 3 s or more persistent pause, bradycardia with 40 beats per minutes or lower heart rate, AF burden, all-cause death, cardiovascular death, hospital readmission due to exacerbation of HF, acute coronary syndrome, ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, non-pharmacological therapy such as pacemaker implantation and ablation.
This study is expected to provide valuable findings regarding arrhythmia in HFnon-rEF patients, and elucidate a potential new therapeutic approach for HFnon-rEF.
This trial has been registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) (Trial Registration: jRCTs052210060).
The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the magnitude of the changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) relaxometry techniques soon after the completion of anthracycline therapy. Anthracyclines are associated with myocardial functional and morphological changes. LVEF is currently used to identify the functional changes. Anthracyclines can also cause myocardial inflammation and oedema. This can be assessed using CMR relaxometry techniques; T1 and T2 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction.
Three databases were systematically searched for studies evaluating CMR relaxometry parameter at baseline and 1±1 months after anthracycline completion (the last search date 17 March 2023). CMR parameters pre and post anthracycline-based chemotherapy were abstracted. A random effects model was used to pool mean difference (MD) in LVEF and ECV. Standardised mean difference (SMD) was also calculated for T1 and T2 mapping due to the variations in techniques, normal ranges and for the comparison among the parameters.
A total of 296 patients were included from 10 studies. 84% were female with a mean age of 54.9 years. Statistically significant alterations were observed in LVEF (MD –3.38% (95% CI –5.13%, –1.62%)) and ECV (1.92% (1.30%, 2.53%)). The pooled SMDs were also significant in LVEF, T1, T2 and ECV with –0.61 (–0.91, –0.30), 0.53 (0.16, 0.90), 0.59 (0.22, 0.96) and 0.74 (0.41, 1.06), respectively.
Our meta-analysis demonstrated small but significant alterations in CMR relaxometry parameters soon after anthracycline therapy, where ECV was superior to LVEF and T1 or T2 mapping. However, these short-term MDs were below the minimal detectable differences.
CRD42020196296.
Cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related illness has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and hospital admission. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 3–5 days per week of moderate to vigorous exercise. Despite this, only 38% of those eligible complete rehabilitation programmes. Parkrun organises free, weekly, timed, 5 km running or walking events. The aim of this study was to investigate whether parkrun can support self-managed cardiac rehabilitation.
We undertook a secondary analysis of a survey of UK parkrunners, comparing responses of those reporting no health conditions (n=53 967) with those with one or more CVD-related conditions (n=404). Thematic analysis was used to analyse 53 open-ended text comments from the latter.
Four hundred and four respondents (0.7% of the total) reported CVD-related conditions with the largest proportions among those walking the event (24% of male participants and 5% of female participants). For those doing <3 days per week of physical activity at registration, 47% increased activity to ≥3 days per week. Among those with CVD-related conditions, participation in parkrun led to perceived improvements in fitness (81% of participants), physical health (80% or participants) and happiness (74% of participants). Two thirds reported improvements to their ability to manage their condition(s) and half to their lifestyle choices. Analysis of 53 open-text comments revealed that those with CVD-related conditions used parkrun to monitor their condition and were motivated by encouragement from the parkrun community. Enjoyment and fun were important for engagement, although some individuals were dispirited by poor performance due to their conditions.
Individuals with CVD-related conditions used parkrun to self-manage their rehabilitation; this applied to those attending parkrun following disease onset as well as those engaged with parkrun prior to their condition. Parkrun, or events with similar characteristics, could support self-managed cardiac rehabilitation.
We developed an artificial intelligence decision support algorithm (AI-DSA) that uses routine echocardiographic measurements to identify severe aortic stenosis (AS) phenotypes associated with high mortality.
631 824 individuals with 1.08 million echocardiograms were randomly spilt into two groups. Data from 442 276 individuals (70%) entered a Mixture Density Network (MDN) model to train an AI-DSA to predict an aortic valve area <1 cm2, excluding all left ventricular outflow tract velocity or dimension measurements and then using the remainder of echocardiographic measurement data. The optimal probability threshold for severe AS detection was identified at the f1 score probability of 0.235. An automated feature also ensured detection of guideline-defined severe AS. The AI-DSA’s performance was independently evaluated in 184 301 (30%) individuals.
The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for the AI-DSA to detect severe AS was 0.986 (95% CI 0.985 to 0.987) with 4622/88 199 (5.2%) individuals (79.0±11.9 years, 52.4% women) categorised as ‘high-probability’ severe AS. Of these, 3566 (77.2%) met guideline-defined severe AS. Compared with the AI-derived low-probability AS group (19.2% mortality), the age-adjusted and sex-adjusted OR for actual 5-year mortality was 2.41 (95% CI 2.13 to 2.73) in the high probability AS group (67.9% mortality)—5-year mortality being slightly higher in those with guideline-defined severe AS (69.1% vs 64.4%; age-adjusted and sex-adjusted OR 1.26 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.53), p=0.021).
An AI-DSA can identify the echocardiographic measurement characteristics of AS associated with poor survival (with not all cases guideline defined). Deployment of this tool in routine clinical practice could improve expedited identification of severe AS cases and more timely referral for therapy.
Current guideline recommend functional imaging for myocardial ischaemia if coronary CT angiography (CTA) has shown coronary artery disease (CAD) of uncertain functional significance. However, diagnostic accuracy of selective myocardial perfusion imaging after coronary CTA is currently unclear. The Danish study of Non-Invasive testing in Coronary Artery Disease 3 trial is designed to evaluate head to head the diagnostic accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) using the tracers 82Rubidium (82Rb-PET) compared with oxygen-15 labelled water PET (15O-water-PET) in patients with symptoms of obstructive CAD and a coronary CT scan with suspected obstructive CAD.
This prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study will include approximately 1000 symptomatic patients without previous CAD. Patients are included after referral to coronary CTA. All patients undergo a structured interview and blood is sampled for genetic and proteomic analysis and a coronary CTA. Patients with possible obstructive CAD at coronary CTA are examined with both 82Rb-PET, 15O-water-PET and invasive coronary angiography with three-vessel fractional flow reserve and thermodilution measurements of coronary flow reserve. After enrolment, patients are followed with Seattle Angina Questionnaires and follow-up PET scans in patients with an initially abnormal PET scan and for cardiovascular events in 10 years.
Ethical approval was obtained from Danish regional committee on health research ethics. Written informed consent will be provided by all study participants. Results of this study will be disseminated via articles in international peer-reviewed journal.
We aimed to assess the incremental prognostic value of N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) for risk stratification in mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) patients.
We included 556 (73±12 years, 37% women) consecutive patients with at least a moderate aortic stenosis (AS) or aortic regurgitation (AR) lesion with a concomitant AS or AR of any severity in whom Nt-proBNP was measured and expressed as its ratio (measured Nt-proBNP divided by the upper limit of normal Nt-proBNP for age and sex). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.
Baseline median Nt-proBNP ratio was 3.8 (IQR: 1.5–11.3), and the median follow-up was 5.6 years (4.8–6.1). Early aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed within 3 months in 423 (76%) patients, while 133 (24%) remained initially under medical treatment. In comprehensive multivariable analyses, Nt-proBNP ratio was significantly associated with excess mortality (continuous variable: HR (95% CI): 1.24 (1.04 to 1.47), p=0.02; Nt-proBNP ratio ≥3: 2.41 (1.33 to 4.39), p=0.004). The independent prognostic value was also observed in patients with severe or non-severe AS/AR, and those treated by early-AVR (all p<0.04). Nt-proBNP ratio as continuous and dichotomic (≥3) variables showed incremental prognostic value (all net reclassification index >0.42, all p≤0.008). After early-AVR, Nt-proBNP ratio ≥3 was associated with higher 30-day mortality (9 (4%) vs 1 (0.5%), p=0.02).
In this series of MAVD patients, Nt-proBNP ratio was a powerful predictor of early and long-term mortality, even in patients with both non-severe AS/AR. Moreover, early-AVR may be an option for patients with Nt-proBNP ratio ≥3. Further randomised studies are needed to validate this last point.
Cardiac involvement is a main determinant of mortality in light chain (AL) amyloidosis but data on survival of patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis proven by endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) are sparse.
This study analysed clinical, laboratory, electrocardiography and echocardiographic parameters for their prognostic value in the assessment of patients with AL amyloidosis and cardiac involvement. Patients with AL amyloidosis who had their first visit to the amyloidosis centre at the University Hospital Heidelberg between 2006 and 2017 (n=1628) were filtered for cardiac involvement proven by EMB. In the final cohort, mortality-associated markers were analysed by univariate and multivariable Cox regression. Cut-off values for each parameter were calculated using the survival time.
One-hundred and seventy-four patients could be identified. Median overall survival time was 1.5 years and median follow-up time was 5.2 years. At the end of the investigation period, 115 patients had died. In multivariable analysis, New York Heart Association-functional class >II (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.50; p=0.019), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (HR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22; p=0.007), left ventricular end-systolic volume (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03; p=0.001), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (HR 0.98; 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99; p=0.027), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (HR 1.57; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.11; p=0.003) and difference in free light chains (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.62; p=0.017) were independently predictive.
Among all patients with AL amyloidosis those with cardiac involvement represent a high-risk population with limited therapy options. Therefore, accurate risk stratification is necessary to identify cardiac amyloidosis patients with favourable prognosis. Incorporation of modern imaging techniques into existing or newly developed scoring systems is a promising option that might enable the implementation of risk-adapted therapeutic strategies.
COVID-19 has caused significant worldwide morbidity and mortality. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is likely to increase vulnerability and understanding the predictors of adverse outcomes is key to optimising care.
Ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on people with CHD and define risk factors for adverse outcomes.
Multicentre UK study undertaken 1 March 2020–30 June 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected on CHD diagnoses, clinical presentation and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression with multiple imputation was performed to explore predictors of death and hospitalisation.
There were 405 reported cases (127 paediatric/278 adult). In children (age <16 years), there were 5 (3.9%) deaths. Adjusted ORs (AORs) for hospitalisation in children were significantly lower with each ascending year of age (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.96 (p<0.01)). In adults, there were 24 (8.6%) deaths (19 with comorbidities) and 74 (26.6%) hospital admissions. AORs for death in adults were significantly increased with each year of age (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.10 (p<0.01)) and with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; OR 5.99, 95% CI 1.34 to 26.91 (p=0.02)). AORs for hospitalisation in adults were significantly higher with each additional year of age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.05 (p=0.04)), additional comorbidities (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.31 to 7.97 (p=0.01)) and genetic disease (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.04 to 7.94 (p=0.04)).
Children were at low risk of death and hospitalisation secondary to COVID-19 even with severe CHD, but hospital admission rates were higher in younger children, independent of comorbidity. In adults, higher likelihood of death was associated with increasing age and PAH, and of hospitalisation with age, comorbidities and genetic disease. An individualised approach, based on age and comorbidities, should be taken to COVID-19 management in patients with CHD.
Precise and reliable echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is needed for clinical decision-making. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) models have been developed to estimate LVEF accurately. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an AI model could estimate an expert read of LVEF and reduce the interinstitutional variability of level 1 readers with the AI-LVEF displayed on the echocardiographic screen.
This prospective, multicentre echocardiographic study was conducted by five cardiologists of level 1 echocardiographic skill (minimum level of competency to interpret images) from different hospitals. Protocol 1: Visual LVEFs for the 48 cases were measured without input from the AI-LVEF. Protocol 2: the 48 cases were again shown to all readers with inclusion of AI-LVEF data. To assess the concordance and accuracy with or without AI-LVEF, each visual LVEF measurement was compared with an average of the estimates by five expert readers as a reference.
A good correlation was found between AI-LVEF and reference LVEF (r=0.90, p<0.001) from the expert readers. For the classification LVEF, the area under the curve was 0.95 on heart failure with preserved EF and 0.96 on heart failure reduced EF. For the precision, the SD was reduced from 6.1±2.3 to 2.5±0.9 (p<0.001) with AI-LVEF. For the accuracy, the root-mean squared error was improved from 7.5±3.1 to 5.6±3.2 (p=0.004) with AI-LVEF.
AI can assist with the interpretation of systolic function on an echocardiogram for level 1 readers from different institutions.
Deferral of non-emergency cardiac procedures is associated with increased early emergency cardiovascular hospitalisation. This study aimed to identify predictors of worse clinical outcome after deferral of non-emergency cardiovascular interventions.
This observational case-control study included consecutive patients whose non-emergency cardiac intervention has been postponed during COVID-19-related lockdown between 19 March and 30 April 2020 (n=193). Cox regression was performed to identify predictors of the combined 1-year end point emergency cardiovascular hospitalisation and death. All patients undergoing non-emergency interventions in the corresponding time period 2019 served as control group (n=216).
The combined end point of death and emergency cardiovascular hospitalisation occurred in 70 (36.3%) of 193 patients with a postponed cardiovascular intervention. The planned intervention was deferred by a median of 23 (19–36) days. Arterial hypertension (HR 2.27; 95% CI 1.00 to 5.12; p=0.049), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.49; p=0.041) as well as severe valvular heart disease (HR 3.08; 95% CI 1.68 to 5.64; p<0.001) were independent predictors of death or emergency hospitalisation. Kaplan-Maier estimators of the combined end point were 31% in patients with arterial hypertension, 56% in patients with severe valvular heart disease and 77% with both risk factors (HR 12.4, 95% CI 3.8 to 40.7; p<0.001) and only 9% in patients without these risk factors (log rank p<0.001). N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) cut-point of ≥1109 pg/mL best predicts the occurrence of primary end point event in deferred patients (area under the curve 0.71; p<0.001; sensitivity 63.8%, specificity 69.4%).
Our results suggest that patients with either arterial hypertension, chronic kidney or severe valvular heart disease are at very high risk for emergency hospitalisation and increased mortality in case of postponed cardiac interventions even in supposed stable clinical status. Risk seems to be even higher in patients suffering from a combination of these conditions. If the ongoing or future pandemics force hospitals again to postpone cardiac interventions, the biomarker NT-proBNP is an applicable parameter for outpatient monitoring to identify those at risk for adverse cardiovascular events.
This study aimed to examine the association between exercise workload, resting heart rate (RHR), maximum heart rate and the risk of developing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
The study included all participants from the UK Biobank who had undergone submaximal exercise stress testing. Patients with a history of STEMI were excluded. The allowed exercise load for each participant was calculated based on clinical characteristics and risk categories. We studied the participants who exercised to reach 50% or 35% of their expected maximum exercise tolerance. STEMI was adjudicated by the UK Biobank. We used Cox regression analysis to study how exercise tolerance and RHR were related to the risk of STEMI.
A total of 66 949 participants were studied, of whom 274 developed STEMI during a median follow-up of 7.7 years. After adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow and diabetes, we noted a significant association between RHR and the risk of STEMI (p=0.015). The HR for STEMI in the highest RHR quartile (>90 beats/min) compared with that in the lowest quartile was 2.92 (95% CI 1.26 to 6.77). Neither the maximum achieved exercise load nor the ratio of the maximum heart rate to the maximum load was significantly associated with the risk of STEMI. However, a non-significant but stepwise inverse association was noted between the maximum load and the risk of STEMI.
RHR is an independent predictor of future STEMI. An RHR of >90 beats/min is associated with an almost threefold increase in the risk of STEMI.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a condition that occurs in the presence of comorbidities. With the accumulation of comorbidities (multimorbidity), some combinations may more often occur together than others. Information on the impact of clustering of these on incident AF is sparse. We aimed to investigate clustering of cardiovascular and renal comorbidities and study the association between comorbidity clusters and incident AF.
We used the community-based Prevention of Renal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort in which 8592 individuals participated. Latent class analysis was performed to assess clustering of 10 cardiovascular and renal comorbidities.
We excluded individuals with prior AF or missing ECG data, leaving 8265 individuals for analysis (mean age 48.9±12.6 years, 50.2% women). During 9.2±2.1 years of follow-up, 251 individuals (3.0%) developed AF. A model with three clusters was the optimal model, with one cluster being young (44.5±10.8 years) and healthy, carrying a low (1.0%) risk of incident AF; one cluster being older (63.0±8.4 years) and multimorbid, carrying a high (16.2%) risk of incident AF and a third middle-aged (57.0±11.3 years), obese and hypertensive cluster carrying an intermediate risk (5.9%) of incident AF. While the prevalence of the comorbidities differed between classes, no clear combination(s) of comorbidities was observed within the classes.
We identified three clusters of comorbidities in individuals in the community-based PREVEND cohort. The three clusters contained different amount of comorbidities carrying different risks of incident AF. However, there were no differences between the clusters regarding specific combination(s) of comorbidities.
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by enzyme deficiency, leading to glycosphingolipid accumulation. Cardiac accumulation triggers local tissue injury, electrical instability and arrhythmia. Bradyarrhythmia and atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence are reported in up to 16% and 13%, respectively.
We conducted a systematic review evaluating AF burden and bradycardia requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and report any predictive risk factors identified.
We conducted a literature search on studies in adults with FD published from inception to July 2019. Study outcomes included AF or bradycardia requiring therapy. Databases included Embase, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane. The Risk of Bias Agreement tool for Non-Randomised Studies (RoBANS) was utilised to assess bias across key areas.
11 studies were included, eight providing data on AF incidence or PPM implantation. Weighted estimate of event rates for AF were 12.2% and 10% for PPM. Age was associated with AF (OR 1.05–1.20 per 1-year increase in age) and a risk factor for PPM implantation (composite OR 1.03). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was associated with AF and PPM implantation.
Evidence supporting AF and bradycardia requiring pacemaker implantation is limited to single-centre studies. Incidence is variable and choice of diagnostic modality plays a role in detection rate. Predictors for AF (age, LVH and atrial dilatation) and PPM (age, LVH and PR/QRS interval) were identified but strength of association was low. Incidence of AF and PPM implantation in FD are variably reported with arrhythmia burden likely much higher than previously thought.
CRD42019132045.
Risk-guided atrial fibrillation (AF) screening may be an opportunity to prevent adverse events in addition to stroke. We compared events rates for new diagnoses of cardio-renal-metabolic diseases and death in individuals identified at higher versus lower-predicted AF risk.
From the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink-GOLD dataset, 2 January 1998–30 November 2018, we identified individuals aged ≥30 years without known AF. The risk of AF was estimated using the FIND-AF (Future Innovations in Novel Detection of Atrial Fibrillation) risk score. We calculated cumulative incidence rates and fit Fine and Gray’s models at 1, 5 and 10 years for nine diseases and death adjusting for competing risks.
Of 416 228 individuals in the cohort, 82 942 were identified as higher risk for AF. Higher-predicted risk, compared with lower-predicted risk, was associated with incident chronic kidney disease (cumulative incidence per 1000 persons at 10 years 245.2; HR 6.85, 95% CI 6.70 to 7.00; median time to event 5.44 years), heart failure (124.7; 12.54, 12.08 to 13.01; 4.06), diabetes mellitus (123.3; 2.05, 2.00 to 2.10; 3.45), stroke/transient ischaemic attack (118.9; 8.07, 7.80 to 8.34; 4.27), myocardial infarction (69.6; 5.02, 4.82 to 5.22; 4.32), peripheral vascular disease (44.6; 6.62, 6.28 to 6.98; 4.28), valvular heart disease (37.8; 6.49, 6.14 to 6.85; 4.54), aortic stenosis (18.7; 9.98, 9.16 to 10.87; 4.41) and death from any cause (273.9; 10.45, 10.23 to 10.68; 4.75). The higher-risk group constituted 74% of deaths from cardiovascular or cerebrovascular causes (8582 of 11 676).
Individuals identified for risk-guided AF screening are at risk of new diseases across the cardio-renal-metabolic spectrum and death, and may benefit from interventions beyond ECG monitoring.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasing in prevalence globally and share common risk factors.
Our aim was to characterise real-world evidence on direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) prescribing for people with AF and CKD, in terms of adherence, persistence and renal dose titration.
PubMed, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched from inception to June 2022. Our search terms included a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords including ‘atrial fibrillation’, ‘chronic kidney disease’, ‘adherence’, ‘persistence’, ‘direct oral anticoagulants’ and ‘dosing’. Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken by two reviewers independently. Meta-analyses for pooled estimates were performed using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. Age, sex, diabetes, hypertension and heart failure were chosen as variables of interest.
From 19 studies, a total of 252 117 patients were included with CKD and AF. Meta-analysis was only possible in seven studies with 128 406 patients, five on DOAC dose titration and two on adherence. There were insufficient studies on persistence. Our meta-analysis of dosing showed that 68% of patients with CKD and AF had correct dosing. There was no evidence to show any association between correct DOAC dosing and variables of interest. Overall, 67% of patients were DOAC adherent.
Adherence and correct dosing of DOACs were suboptimal compared with other medications in the pooled studies with respect to CKD and AF. Thus, further research is required as the lack of generalisation of findings is a rate-limiting factor for improved DOAC management in AF and CKD.
CRD;42022344491.
Anxiety and pain associated with cardiac procedures can lead to worse outcomes and poor satisfaction. Virtual reality (VR) can offer an innovative approach to a more informative experience that may enhance procedural understanding and reduce anxiety. It may also provide a more enjoyable experience by controlling procedure-related pain and improving satisfaction. Previous studies have shown benefits of VR-related therapies in improving anxiety related to cardiac rehabilitation and different surgical procedures. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of VR technology in comparison to the standard of care in reducing anxiety and pain related to cardiac procedures.
This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is structured according to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis-Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be used to search the online databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on VR, cardiac procedures, anxiety, and pain. Risk of bias will be analysed using revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs. Effect estimates will be reported as standardised mean differences with a 95% CI. Random effect model will be used to generate effect estimates if heterogeneity is significant (I2>60%), otherwise fixed effect model will be used. A p value of <0.05 will be taken as statistically significant. Publication bias will be reported using Egger’s regression test. Statistical analysis will be performed using Stata SE V.17.0 and RevMan5.
There will be no direct involvement of the patient or the public in the conception, design, data collection, and analysis of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated via journal articles.
CRD 42023395395.
Patients who experience acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at risk of recurrent AMI. Contemporary data on recurrent AMI and its association with return emergency department (ED) visits for chest pain are needed.
This Swedish retrospective cohort study linked patient-level data from six participating hospitals to four national registers to construct the Stockholm Area Chest Pain Cohort (SACPC). The AMI cohort included SACPC participants visiting the ED for chest pain diagnosed with AMI and discharged alive (first primary diagnosis of AMI during the study period not necessarily the patient’s first AMI). The rate and timing of recurrent AMI events, return ED visits for chest pain and all-cause mortality were determined during the year following index AMI discharge.
Among 1 37 706 patients presenting to the ED with chest pain as principal complaint from 2011 to 2016, 5.5% (7579/137 706) were hospitalised with AMI. In total, 98.5% (7467/7579) of patients were discharged alive. In the year following index AMI discharge, 5.8% (432/7467) of AMI patients experienced ≥1 recurrent AMI event. Return ED visits for chest pain occurred in 27.0% (2017/7467) of index AMI survivors. During a return ED visit, recurrent AMI was diagnosed in 13.6% (274/2017) of patients. One-year all-cause mortality was 3.1% in the AMI cohort and 11.6% in the recurrent AMI cohort.
In this AMI population, 3 in 10 AMI survivors returned to the ED for chest pain in the year following AMI discharge. Furthermore, over 10% of patients with return ED visits were diagnosed with recurrent AMI during that visit. This study confirms the high residual ischaemic risk and associated mortality among AMI survivors.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a growing healthcare challenge, mainly driven by acute hospitalisations. Virtual wards could be the way forward to manage acute AF patients through remote monitoring, especially with the rise in global access to digital telecommunication and the growing acceptance of telemedicine post-COVID-19.
An AF virtual ward was implemented as a proof-of-concept care model. Patients presenting acutely with AF or atrial flutter and rapid ventricular response to the hospital were onboarded to the virtual ward and managed at home through remote ECG-monitoring and ‘virtual’ ward rounds, after being given access to a single-lead ECG device, a blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter with instructions to record daily ECGs, blood pressure, oxygen saturations and to complete an online AF symptom questionnaire. Data were uploaded to a digital platform for daily review by the clinical team. Primary outcomes included admission avoidance, readmission avoidance and patient satisfaction. Safety outcomes included unplanned discharge from the virtual ward, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality.
There were 50 admissions to the virtual ward between January and August 2022. Twenty-four of them avoided initial hospital admission as patients were directly enrolled to the virtual ward from outpatient settings. A further 25 readmissions were appropriately prevented during virtual surveillance. Patient satisfaction questionnaires yielded 100% positive responses among participants. There were three unplanned discharges from the virtual ward requiring hospitalisation. Mean heart rate on admission to the virtual ward and discharge was 122±26 and 82±27 bpm respectively. A rhythm control strategy was pursued in 82% (n=41) and 20% (n=10) required 3 or more remote pharmacological interventions.
This is a first real-world experience of an AF virtual ward that heralds a potential means for reducing AF hospitalisations and the associated financial burden, without compromising on patients’ care or safety.
Current multimodal risk assessment for pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been redefined with a simplified assessment for follow-up in the new European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) guidelines. Follow-up risk assessment parameters include WHO functional class, 6 min walk test and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Although these parameters have prognostic implications assessment reflect data relating to specific time points.
Patients diagnosed with PH received an implantable loop recorder (ILR) to monitor daytime and night-time heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and daily physical activity. Associations between the ILR measurements and established risk parameters were analysed using correlations, linear mixed models as well as logistical mixed models for addressing the ESC/ERS risk-score.
41 patients (median age: 56 years, range: 44–61.5 years) were included. Continuous monitoring had a median duration of 755 days (range: 343–1138 days), totalling 96 patient-years. In the linear mixed models, HRV and physical activity indexed by daytime HR (PAiHR) were significantly associated with the ERS/ERC risk parameters. In a logistical mixed model, HRV revealed a significant difference between 1-year mortality (<5% vs >5%) (p=0.027) with an OR of 0.82 for being in the group with 1-year mortality >5% for every increase by one HRV unit.
Risk assessment in PH can be refined with continuous monitoring of HRV and PAiHR. These markers were associated with the ESC/ERC parameters. Our study with continuous risk stratification in PH demonstrated that a lower HRV predict worse prognosis.
As thoracic aortic disease (TAD) is generally asymptomatic, biomarkers are needed to provide insight into early progression. We aimed to examine the association between circulating blood biomarkers and the maximal thoracic aortic diameter (TADmax).
In this cross-sectional study, consecutive adult patients with a thoracic aortic diameter ≥40 mm and/or genetically proven hereditary TAD (HTAD) visiting our specialised outpatient clinic between 2017 and 2020 were prospectively included. Venous blood sampling and CT angiography and/or transthoracic echocardiography of the aorta were performed. Linear regression analyses were performed and estimates were presented as mean difference in TADmax in mm per doubling of standardised biomarker level.
In total, 158 patients were included (median age 61 (50.3–68.8) years, 37.3% female). HTAD diagnosis was confirmed in 36 of 158 (22.7%) patients. TADmax was 43.9±5.2 mm in men vs 41.9±5.1 in women (p=0.030). In unadjusted analysis, significant associations with TADmax were found for interleukin-6 (1.15 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.96), p=0.006), growth differentiation factor-15 (1.01 (95% CI 0.18 to 1.84), p=0.018), microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) (–0.88 (95% CI –1.71 to 0.05), p=0.039) and triiodothyronine (T3) (–2.00 (95%CI –3.01 to 0.99), p<0.001). The association of MFAP4 with TADmax was stronger in women (p for interaction=0.020) and for homocysteine, an inverse association with TADmax was observed when compared with men (p for interaction=0.008). When adjusted for age, sex, hyperlipidaemia and HTAD, total cholesterol (1.10 (95% CI 0.27 to 1.93), p=0.010) and T3 (–1.20 (95% CI –2.14 to 0.25), p=0.014) were significantly associated with TADmax.
Circulating biomarkers indicative of inflammation, lipid metabolism and thyroid function might be associated with TAD severity. Possible distinct biomarker patterns for men and women warrant further investigation.
Extensive cross-sectional evidence has demonstrated an association between psychological distress (PD) and hypertension. However, evidence on the temporal relationship is limited, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. The role of health risk behaviours including smoking and alcohol consumption in this relationship is also largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PD and later development of hypertension, and how this association may have been influenced by health risk behaviours, among adults in east Zimbabwe.
The analysis included 742 adults (aged 15–54 years) recruited by the Manicaland general population cohort study, who did not have hypertension at baseline in 2012–2013, and who were followed until 2018-2019. In 2012–2013, PD was measured using the Shona Symptom Questionnaire, a screening tool validated for use in Shona-speaking countries including Zimbabwe (cut-off point: 7). Smoking, alcohol consumption and use of drugs (health risk behaviours) were also self-reported. In 2018-2019, participants reported if they had diagnosed with hypertension by a doctor or nurse. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between PD and hypertension.
In 2012, 10.4% of the participants had PD. The odds of new reports of hypertension were 2.04 times greater (95% CI 1.16 to 3.59) among those with PD at baseline, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health risk behaviour variables. Female gender (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 6.89, 95% CI 2.71 to 17.53), older age (AOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.42), and greater wealth (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.24 more wealthy, 2.88, 95% CI 1.24 to 6.67 most wealthy) were significant risk factors for hypertension. The AOR for the relationship between PD and hypertension did not differ substantially between models with and without health risk behaviours.
PD was associated with an increased risk of later reports of hypertension in the Manicaland cohort. Integrating mental health and hypertension services within primary healthcare may reduce the dual burden of these non-communicable diseases.
Since inception CT coronary angiography (CTCA) has required facilitating beta blockers (BB). However, CT technology has improved rapidly as has radiographer and reporter expertise. Using these factors, we instituted a radiographer led cardiac CT service (RLCCTS), without routine BB, which we studied for quality control (QC).
RLCCTS started October 2021 using a wide detector array CT system, with 20 min slots. QC study was registered with the clinical audit team, University Hospitals Plymouth, CA_2020-21-118. Uniform reporting was agreed including indication, BB administration, demographics, dose length product (DLP) and the coronary artery disease—reporting and data system (CAD-RADS) score. Uncertain CAD-RADS meant a non-diagnostic scan (NDS). Six months of data were collected; stable chest pain (SCP) patients, who have national CTCA QC comparators, were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Of 1475 patients, 447 were not SCP patients—known CAD (157); valves (286); removed (4, data incomplete) leaving 1028 SCP patients CTCA for analysis. Demographics—mean age 63 years, body mass index 29, 50.4% women. BB therapy—four patients (two recalls). Overall, 36/1024 or 3.5% were NDS; median DLP 173mGyxcm; mean heart rate (HR) 70 bpm, 99/1024 or 9.7% HR >90 bpm (45% not sinus rhythm).
Quality for RLCCTS was judged by NDS rate and DLP. National QC comparators suggest 4% NDS rate; median DLP for SCPP CTCA 209 mGyxcm. RLCCTS compares favourably. With modern cardiac CT, experienced radiographers and reporters, ‘drugless’ RLCCTS can deliver 20 min slot CTCA with satisfactory QC indicators.
Correction of mitral regurgitation (MR) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains controversial. There is conflicting evidence regarding the clinical impact of residual MR, and studies have not examined whether MR aetiology or right heart function impacts the likelihood of residual MR.
This is a retrospective single-centre study of 155 consecutive patients with LVAD implantation from January 2011 to March 2020. Exclusion criteria were no MR pre-LVAD (n=8), inaccessible echocardiography (n=9), duplicate records (n=10) and concomitant mitral valve repair (n=1). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA V.16 and SPSS V.24.
Carpentier IIIb MR aetiology was associated with more severe MR pre-LVAD (severe 18/27 (67%) vs non-severe 32/91 (35%), p=0.004) and a higher likelihood of residual MR (8/11 (72%) vs 30/74 (41%), p=0.045). Of 95 patients with significant MR pre-LVAD, 15 (16%) had persistent significant MR, which was associated with higher mortality (p=0.006), post-LVAD right ventricle (RV) dilatation (10/15 (67%) vs 28/80 (35%), p=0.022) and RV dysfunction (14/15 (93%) vs 35/80 (44%), p<0.001). Aside from ischaemic aetiology, other pre-LVAD parameters that were associated with significant residual MR included left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) (6.9 cm (5.7–7.2) vs 5.9 cm (5.5–6.5), p=0.043), left atrial volume index (LAVi) (78 mL/m2 (56–88) vs 57 mL/m2 (47–77), p=0.021), posterior leaflet displacement (2.5 cm (2.3–2.9) vs 2.3 cm (1.9–2.7), p=0.042) and basal right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) (5.1±0.8 cm vs 4.5±0.8 cm, p=0.010).
LVAD therapy improves MR and tricuspid regurgitation severity in the majority, but 14% have persistent significant residual MR, associated with right ventricular dysfunction and higher long-term mortality. This may be predicted pre-LVAD by greater LVESD, RVEDD and LAVi and by ischaemic aetiology.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is common and results in significant increases in hospital stay and financial encumbrance.
Determine and use the predictors of postoperative AF (POAF) following CABG to develop a new predictive screening tool.
A retrospective case–control study evaluated 388 patients (98 developed POAF and 290 remained in sinus rhythm) who undertook CABG surgery at Townsville University Hospital between 2016 and 2017. The demographic profile, risk factors for AF including hypertension, age≥75 years, transient ischaemic attack or stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HATCH) score, electrocardiography features and perioperative factors were determined.
Patients who developed POAF were significantly older. On univariate analysis HATCH score, aortic regurgitation, increased p-wave duration and amplitude in lead II and terminal p-wave amplitude in lead V1 were associated with POAF; as were increased cardiopulmonary bypass time (103.5±33.9 vs 90.6±26.4 min, p=0.001) and increased cross clamp time. On multivariate analysis age (p=0.038), p-wave duration ≥100 ms (p=0.005), HATCH score (p=0.049) and CBP Time ≥100 min (p=0.001) were associated with POAF. Receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that with a cut-off of ≥2 for HATCH score, POAF could be predicted with a sensitivity of 72.8% and a specificity of 34.7%. Adding p-wave duration in lead II >100 ms and cardiopulmonary bypass time >100 min to the HATCH score increased the sensitivity to 83.7% with a specificity of 33.1%. This was termed the HATCH-PC score.
Patients with HATCH scores ≥2, and those with p-wave duration >100 ms, or cardiopulmonary bypass time >100 min were at greater risk of developing POAF following CABG.
Obesity is a globally well-established risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases; however, some studies have witnessed survival benefits among obese patients and this phenomenon is termed ‘the obesity paradox’. Our aim was to evaluate the existence of an obesity paradox in patients with ‘ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STE-ACS)’ in our population.
In this observational study, we included patients presenting with STE-ACS undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Body mass index (BMI) ‘(weight (kg)/height (m)2) was calculated and patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 were categorised as obese. All the patients were observed during their hospital stay for postprocedure in-hospital morbidity (pump failure, contrast-induced nephropathy, major bleeding, cerebrovascular accident/stroke, access site complications or stent thrombosis) and mortality.
A total of 1099 patients were included, out of which 78% (857) were men, and mean age was 54.66±10.9 years. The mean BMI was 27.48±4.93 kg/m2 and 23.2% (255) were categorised as obese. The in-hospital morbidity rate was 13.4% (113/844) vs 8.6% (22/255); p=0.042 and in-hospital mortality rate was 1.9% (16/844) vs 4.7% (12/255); p=0.013 for non-obese and obese patients, respectively. On multivariable analysis, obesity showed paradoxical protective effect with adjusted OR of 0.59 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.96, p=0.033) for postprocedure in-hospital morbidity. However, obesity was found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality with an adjusted OR of 3.13 (95% CI 1.37 to 7.15, p=0.007).
In conclusion, we have found evidence of the obesity paradox in in-hospital morbidity, but not in mortality, after primary PCI of patients with ST-ACS in our population.
Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) commonly coexists with significant mitral regurgitation (MR), but its prevalence and prognostic importance have not been well characterised. In a large cohort of adults with moderate or greater MR, we aimed to describe the prevalence and severity of PHT and assess its influence on outcomes.
In this retrospective study, we analysed the National Echocardiography Database of Australia (data from 2000 to 2019). Adults with an estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (eRVSP), left ventricular ejection fraction >50% and with moderate or greater MR were included (n=9683). These subjects were then categorised according to their eRVSP. The relationship between PHT severity and mortality outcomes was evaluated (median follow-up of 3.2 years, IQR 1.3–6.2 years).
Subjects were aged 76±12 years, and 62.6% (6038) were women. Overall, 959 (9.9%) had no PHT, and 2952 (30.5%), 3167 (32.7%), 1588 (16.4%) and 1017 (10.5%) patients had borderline, mild, moderate and severe PHT, respectively. A ‘typical left heart disease’ phenotype was identified with worsening PHT, showing rising E:e', right and left atrial sizes increasing progressively, from no PHT to severe PHT (p<0.0001, for all). With increasing PHT severity, 1- and 5-year actuarial mortality increased from 8.5% and 33.0% to 39.7% and 79.8%, respectively (p<0.0001). Similarly, adjusted survival analysis showed the risk of long-term mortality progressively increased with higher eRVSP levels (adjusted HR 1.20–2.86, borderline to severe PHT, p<0.0001 for all). A mortality inflection was apparent at an eRVSP level >34.00 mm Hg (HR 1.27, CI 1.00–1.36).
In this large study, we report on the importance of PHT in patients with MR. Mortality increases as PHT becomes more severe from an eRVSP of 34 mm Hg onwards.
Antithrombotic therapy is essential for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) because of the high risk of thrombosis, whereas a combination of antiplatelets and anticoagulants is associated with a high risk of bleeding. We sought to develop and validate a machine-learning-based model to predict future adverse events.
Data from 2215 patients with AF and stable CAD enrolled in the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischaemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease trial were randomly assigned to the development and validation cohorts. Using the random survival forest (RSF) and Cox regression models, risk scores were developed for net adverse clinical events (NACE) defined as all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke or major bleeding.
Using variables selected by the Boruta algorithm, RSF and Cox models demonstrated acceptable discrimination and calibration in the validation cohort. Using the variables weighted by HR (age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, alcohol consumption, creatinine clearance, heart failure, diabetes, antiplatelet use and AF type), an integer-based risk score for NACE was developed and classified patients into three risk groups: low (0–4 points), intermediate (5–8) and high (≥9). In both cohorts, the integer-based risk score performed well, with acceptable discrimination (area under the curve 0.70 and 0.66, respectively) and calibration (p>0.40 for both). Decision curve analysis showed the superior net benefits of the risk score.
This risk score can predict the risk of NACE in patients with AF and stable CAD.
UMIN000016612, NCT02642419.
To evaluate whether transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement (TAVR or SAVR) affects clinical and haemodynamic outcomes in symptomatic patients with moderately-severe aortic stenosis (AS).
Echocardiographic evidence of severe AS for enrolment in the Evolut Low Risk trial was based on site-reported measurements. For this post hoc analysis, core laboratory measurements identified patients with symptomatic moderately-severe AS (1.0<aortic valve area (AVA)<1.5 cm2, 3.0<peak velocity<4.0 m/s and 20≤mean gradient (MG) <40 mm Hg). Clinical outcomes were reported through 2 years.
Moderately-severe AS was identified in 113 out of 1414 patients (8%). Baseline AVA was 1.1±0.1 cm2, peak velocity 3.7±0.2 m/s, MG 32.7±4.8 mm Hg and aortic valve calcium volume 588 (364, 815) mm3. Valve haemodynamics improved following TAVR (AVA 2.5±0.7 cm2, peak velocity 1.9±0.5 m/s and MG 8.4±4.8 mm Hg; p<0.001 for all) and SAVR (AVA 2.0±0.6 cm2, peak velocity 2.1±0.4 m/s and MG 10.0±3.4 mm Hg; p<0.001 for all). At 24 months, the rates of death or disabling stroke were similar (TAVR 7.7% vs SAVR 6.5%; p=0.82). Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score assessing quality of life improved from baseline to 30 days after TAVR (67.0±20.6 to 89.3±13.4; p<0.001) and SAVR (67.5±19.6 to 78.3±22.3; p=0.001).
In symptomatic patients with moderately-severe AS, AVR appears to be beneficial. Determination of the clinical and haemodynamic profile of patients who can benefit from earlier isolated AVR needs further investigation in randomised clinical trials.
Postmarketing observational studies report that a substantial percentage of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receive a reduced non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) dose without a clear indication. Recently, increasing evidence has become available to explore the clinical consequences of such off-label reduced dosing (OLRD). This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyse observational studies that report clinical outcomes associated with OLRD of NOACs compared with on-label non-reduced dosing (OLNRD) of NOACs in patients with AF.
We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting clinical outcomes in AF patients with OLRD of an NOAC compared with AF patients with OLNRD of an NOAC. Using random effects meta-analyses, we estimated the risk of stroke/thromboembolism, bleeding and all-cause mortality.
We included 19 studies with a total of 170 394 NOAC users. In these studies, the percentage of OLRD among patients with an indication for an on-label non-reduced NOAC dose ranged between 9% and 53%. 7 of these 19 studies met the predefined criteria for meta-analysis (n=80 725 patients). The pooled HR associated with OLRD of NOACs was 1.04 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.29; 95% prediction interval (PI) 0.60 to 1.79) for stroke/thromboembolism, 1.10 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.29; 95% PI 0.81 to 1.50) for bleeding and 1.22 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.84; 95% PI 0.55 to 2.70) for all-cause mortality.
This meta-analysis shows no statistically significant increased risk of stroke/thromboembolism, nor a decreased bleeding risk, nor a difference in risk of all-cause mortality in patients with OLRD of NOACs. Future research may focus on differences between NOACs.
There is a substantial incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) not receiving anticoagulation. The reasons for not receiving anticoagulation are generally attributed to clinician’s choice, however, a proportion of AF patients refuse anticoagulation. The aim of our study was to investigate factors associated with patient refusal of anticoagulation and the clinical outcomes in these patients.
Our study population comprised patients in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD-AF) registry with CHA2DS2-VASc≥2. A logistic regression was developed with predictors of patient anticoagulation refusal identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator methodology. Patient demographics, medical and cardiovascular history, lifestyle factors, vital signs (body mass index, pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure), type of AF and care setting at diagnosis were considered as potential predictors. We also investigated 2-year outcomes of non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding and all-cause mortality in patients who refused versus patients who received and patients who did not receive anticoagulation for other reasons.
Out of 43 154 AF patients, who were at high risk of stroke, 13 283 (30.8%) did not receive anticoagulation at baseline. The reason for not receiving anticoagulation was unavailable for 38.7% (5146/13 283); of the patients with a known reason for not receiving anticoagulation, 12.5% (1014/8137) refused anticoagulation. Diagnosis in primary care/general practitioner, Asian ethnicity and presence of vascular disease were strongly associated with a higher risk of patient refusal of anticoagulation. Patient refusal of anticoagulation was associated with a higher risk of non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.16 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.76)) but lower all-cause mortality (aHR 0.59 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.80)) compared with patients who received anticoagulation. The GARFIELD-AF mortality score corroborated this result.
The data suggest patient refusal of anticoagulation is a missed opportunity to prevent AF-related stroke. Further research is required to understand the patient profile and mortality outcome of patients who refuse anticoagulation.
To explore the ethnic differences in patients undergoing aortic valve (AV) intervention for severe aortic stenosis (AS) in Leicestershire, UK.
Retrospective cohort study of all surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) at a single tertiary centre between April 2017 and March 2022, using local registry data.
Of the 1231 SAVR and 815 TAVI performed, 6.5% and 3.7% were in ethnic minority patients, respectively. Based on the 2011 Census data for those with a Leicestershire postcode, crude cumulative rate of SAVR (n=489) was 0.64 per 1000 population overall and 0.69, 0.46 and 0.36 in White, Asian and Black populations, respectively; and 0.50 per 1000 population overall for TAVI (n=383), with 0.59, 0.16 and 0.06 for White, Asian and Black populations, respectively. Asians undergoing SAVR and TAVI were 5 and 3 years younger, respectively, than white patients with more comorbidities and a worse functional status.
The age-adjusted cumulative rates for SAVR were 0.62 vs 0.72 per 1000 population for White and Asian patients and 0.51 vs 0.39 for TAVI. Asians were less likely to undergo SAVR and TAVI than White patients, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.66 (0.50–0.87) and 0.27 (0.18–0.43), respectively, but the age-adjusted RR was not statistically significant.
The crude rates of AV interventions are lower in Asian patients compared with the White population in Leicestershire, although age-adjusted rates were not statistically different. Further research to determine the sociodemographic differences in prevalence, incidence, mechanisms and treatment of AS across the UK is required.
Patients with stress-related disorders and anxiety are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is scarcely investigated. We aimed to establish whether long-term stress (post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder) or anxiety is associated with OHCA in the general population.
We conducted a nested case–control study in a nationwide cohort of individuals between 1 June 2001 and 31 December 2015 in Denmark. Cases were OHCA patients with presumed cardiac causes. Each case was matched by age, sex and date of OHCA with 10 non-OHCA controls from the general population. HRs for OHCA were derived from Cox models after controlling for common OHCA risk factors. Stratified analyses were performed according to sex, age and pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
We included 35 195 OHCAs and 351 950 matched controls (median age 72 years; 66.8% male). Long-term stress conditions were diagnosed in 324 (0.92%) OHCA cases and 1577 (0.45%) non-OHCA controls, and were associated with higher rate of OHCA (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.64). Anxiety was diagnosed in 299 (0.85%) OHCA cases and 1298 (0.37%) controls, and was associated with increased rate of OHCA (HR 1.56, 95% CI1.37 to 1.79). We found no interaction with sex, age or history of cardiovascular diseases.
Patients with stress-related disorders or anxiety have an increased rate of OHCA. This association applies equally to men and women and is independent from the presence of cardiovascular disease. Awareness of the higher risks of OHCA in patients with stress-related disorders and anxiety is important when treating these patients.
Structural changes caused by spinal curvature may impact the organs within the thoracic cage, including the heart. Cardiac abnormalities in patients with idiopathic scoliosis are often studied post-corrective surgery or secondary to diseases. To investigate cardiac structure, function and outcomes in participants with scoliosis, phenotype and imaging data of the UK Biobank (UKB) adult population cohort were analysed.
Hospital episode statistics of 502 324 adults were analysed to identify participants with scoliosis. Summary 2D cardiac phenotypes from 39 559 cardiac MRI (CMR) scans were analysed alongside a 3D surface-to-surface (S2S) analysis.
A total of 4095 (0.8%, 1 in 120) UKB participants were identified to have all-cause scoliosis. These participants had an increased lifetime risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (HR=1.45, p<0.001), driven by heart failure (HR=1.58, p<0.001) and atrial fibrillation (HR=1.54, p<0.001). Increased radial and decreased longitudinal peak diastolic strain rates were identified in participants with scoliosis (+0.29, Padj <0.05; –0.25, Padj <0.05; respectively). Cardiac compression of the top and bottom of the heart and decompression of the sides was observed through S2S analysis. Additionally, associations between scoliosis and older age, female sex, heart failure, valve disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and decreased enrolment for CMR were identified.
The spinal curvature observed in participants with scoliosis alters the movement of the heart. The association with increased MACE may have clinical implications for whether to undertake surgical correction. This work identifies, in an adult population, evidence for altered cardiac function and an increased lifetime risk of MACE in participants with scoliosis.
Guidelines for suspected cardiac chest pain have used historical risk stratification tools, advocating invasive coronary angiography (ICA) first-line in those at highest risk. We aimed to determine whether different strategies to manage suspected stable angina affected medium-term cardiovascular event rates and patient-reported quality of life (QoL) measures.
CE-MARC 2, a three-arm parallel group trial, randomised patients with suspected stable cardiac chest pain and a Duke Clinical pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease between 10% and 90%. Patients were randomised to either first-line cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) CG95 (2010) guidelines-directed care. For the three arms, 1-year and 3-year first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rates and QoL assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, Short Form 12 (V.12) Questionnaire and EuroQol-5 Dimension Questionnaire were recorded.
1202 patients were randomised to CMR (n=481), SPECT (n=481) and NICE (n=240). Forty-two patients (18 CMR, 18 SPECT, 6 NICE) experienced one or more MACEs. The percentage rates (95% CIs) of MACE in the CMR, SPECT and NICE groups at 3 years were 3.7% (2.4%, 5.8%), 3.7% (2.4%, 5.8%) and 2.1% (0.9%, 4.8%), respectively. QoL scores did not significantly differ across domains.
Despite a fourfold increase in referrals for ICA, the NICE CG95 (2010) guidelines risk-stratified care strategy did not significantly reduce 3-year MACE or improve QoL, as compared with functional imaging with CMR or SPECT.
ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT01664858).
The training of interventional cardiologists (ICs), non-interventional cardiologists (NICs) and cardiac surgeons (CSs) differs, and this may be reflected in their interpretation of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and management plan. Availability of systematic coronary physiology might result in more homogeneous interpretation and management strategy compared with ICA alone.
150 coronary angiograms from patients with stable chest pain were presented independently to three NICs, three ICs and three CSs. By consensus, each group graded (1) coronary disease severity and (2) management plan, using options: (a) optimal medical therapy alone, (b) percutaneous coronary intervention, (c) coronary artery bypass graft or (d) more investigation required. Each group was then provided with fractional flow reserve (FFR) from all major vessels and asked to repeat the analysis.
There was only ‘fair’ level of agreement of management plan among ICs, NICs and CSs (kappa 0.351, 95% CI 0.295–0.408, p<0.001) based on ICA alone (complete agreement in 35% of cases), which almost doubled to ‘good’ level (kappa 0.635, 95% CI 0.572–0.697, p<0.001) when comprehensive FFR was available (complete agreement in 66% of cases). Overall, the consensus management plan changed in 36.7%, 52% and 37.3% of cases for ICs, NICs and CSs, respectively, when FFR data were available.
Compared with ICA alone, the availability of systematic FFR of all major coronary arteries produced a significantly more concordant interpretation and more homogeneous management plan among IC, NIC and CS specialists. Comprehensive physiological assessment may be of value in routine care for Heart Team decision-making.
The healthcare sector is essential to human health and well-being, yet its significant carbon footprint contributes to climate change-related threats to health.
To review systematically published studies on environmental impacts, including carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions, of contemporary cardiovascular healthcare of all types, from prevention through to treatment.
We followed the methods of systematic review and synthesis. We conducted searches in Medline, EMBASE and Scopus for primary studies and systematic reviews measuring environmental impacts of any type of cardiovascular healthcare published in 2011 and onwards. Studies were screened, selected and data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Studies were too heterogeneous for pooling in meta-analysis and were narratively synthesised with insights derived from content analysis.
A total of 12 studies estimating environmental impacts, including carbon emissions (8 studies), of cardiac imaging, pacemaker monitoring, pharmaceutical prescribing and in-hospital care including cardiac surgery were found. Of these, three studies used the gold-standard method of Life Cycle Assessment. One of these found the environmental impact of echocardiography was 1%–20% that of cardiac MR (CMR) imaging and Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) scanning. Many opportunities to reduce environmental impacts were identified: carbon emissions can be reduced by choosing echocardiography as the first cardiac test before considering CT or CMR, remote monitoring of pacemaker devices and teleconsultations when clinically appropriate to do so. Several interventions may be effective for reducing waste, including rinsing bypass circuitry after cardiac surgery. Cobenefits included reduced costs, health benefits such as cell salvage blood available for perfusion, and social benefits such as reduced time away from work for patients and carers. Content analysis revealed concern about the environmental impact of cardiovascular healthcare, particularly carbon emissions and a desire for change.
Cardiac imaging, pharmaceutical prescribing and in-hospital care including cardiac surgery have significant environmental impacts, including CO2e emissions which contribute to climate-related threats to human health. Importantly, many opportunities to effectively reduce environmental impacts exist within cardiac care, and can provide economic, health and social cobenefits.
Despite numerous echocardiographic screening studies of children in high incidence acute rheumatic fever (ARF)/rheumatic heart disease (RHD) communities, little is known about the prevalence of RHD in adults in these populations.
We sought to determine the prevalence of RHD in an urban area of South Auckland, New Zealand, where previous studies had shown the prevalence of RHD in children to be around 2%.
A cross-sectional screening study was conducted between 2014 and 2016. Echocardiography clinics were conducted at an urban Pacific-led primary healthcare clinic in New Zealand. Eligible persons aged 16–40 years were recruited according to a stratified randomised approach. Echocardiograms were performed with a standardised image acquisition protocol and reported by cardiologists.
There were 465 individuals who underwent echocardiograms. The overall prevalence of RHD (define and borderline) was 56 per 1000 (95% CI 36 to 78 per 1000). Definite RHD was found in 10 individuals (4 of whom were already under cardiology review at a hospital clinic) with a prevalence of 22 per 1000 (95% CI 9 to 36 per 1000). Non-rheumatic cardiac abnormalities were found in 29 individuals.
There is a high burden of both rheumatic and non-rheumatic cardiac abnormalities in this population. Rates described in New Zealand are as high as lower-middle-income countries in Africa. Addressing knowledge gaps regarding the natural history of RHD detected by echocardiography in adults is a priority issue for the international RHD community.
Randomised controlled trials comparing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) were performed in highly selected populations and data regarding long-term secondary complications beyond mortality are scarce. This study used data from Ontario, Canada to compare mid-term and long-term clinical outcomes in a representative real-world cohort of patients who underwent TAVR and SAVR from 2007 to 2016.
A novel overlap weighting propensity score method was used to match patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR. Primary outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality either in-hospital or at 1, 3 and 5 years postdischarge. Secondary outcomes included adverse outcomes and readmission. Long-term primary and secondary outcomes were compared using a weighted competing risks subdistribution proportional hazards model.
The study included 9355 SAVR and 2641 TAVR patients. All-cause mortality at 1 year (HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.43), 3 years (HR 1.45; 95% CI 1.28 to 1.64) and 5 years (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.33 to 1.65) was significantly higher among patients underwent TAVR compared with SAVR, with both cardiovascular mortality at 3 and 5 years and non-cardiovascular mortality at 1, 3 and 5 years significantly higher for TAVR. Hazards of myocardial infarction and readmission for angina at 1, 3 and 5 years were significantly greater for TAVR.
In this overlap weighted cohort, both cardiac and non-cardiac mortality rates were increased in TAVR patients. Residual or unmeasured confounding may have contributed to these findings. More studies are needed to identify factors predictive of long-term outcomes in real-world cohorts.
Postoperative pericardial effusion (PPE) occurs frequently after cardiac surgery, potentially leading to life-threatening cardiac tamponade. Specific treatment guidelines are currently lacking, possibly leading to variations in clinical practice. Our goal was to assess clinical PPE management and evaluate variation between centres and clinicians.
A nationwide survey was sent to all interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons in the Netherlands, regarding their preferred diagnostic and treatment modality of PPE. Clinical preferences were explored utilising four patient scenarios, each with a high/low echocardiographic and clinical suspicion of cardiac tamponade. Scenarios were also stratified by three PPE sizes (<1 cm, 1–2 cm, >2 cm).
In total, 46/140 interventional cardiologists and 48/120 cardiothoracic surgeons responded (27/31 contacted centres). Cardiologists favoured routine postoperative echocardiography in all patients (44%), whereas cardiothoracic surgeons preferred routine imaging after specific procedures, especially mitral (85%) and tricuspid (79%) valve surgery. Overall, pericardiocentesis (83%) was preferred over surgical evacuation (17%). Regarding all patient scenarios, cardiothoracic surgeons significantly preferred evacuation compared with cardiologists (51% vs 37%, p<0.001). This was also observed with cardiologists employed in surgical centres compared with non-surgical centres (43% vs 31%, p=0.02). Inter-rater analysis varied from poor to near-excellent ( 0.22–0.67), suggesting varying PPE treatment preferences within one centre.
There is significant variation in the preferred management of PPE between hospitals and clinicians, even within the same centre, possibly due to the lack of specific guidelines. Therefore, robust results of a systematic approach to PPE diagnosis and treatment are needed to formulate evidence-based recommendations and optimise patient outcome.
Homelessness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), beyond impact of socioeconomic status. CVD is preventable and treatable, though barriers to interventions exist for people experiencing homelessness. Those with lived experience of homelessness and health professionals with relevant expertise can help to understand and address these barriers.
To understand, and make recommendations to improve, CVD care in homeless populations through lived and professional expertise.
Four focus groups were conducted in March–July 2019. Three groups included people currently or previously experiencing homelessness, each attended by a cardiologist (AB), a health services researcher (PB) and an ‘expert by experience’ (SB) who coordinated participants. One group included multidisciplinary health and social care professionals in and around London to explore solutions.
The three groups included 16 men and 9 women, aged 20–60 years, of whom 24 were homeless and currently living in hostels, and 1 rough sleeper. At least 14 discussed sleeping rough at some point.
Participants were aware of CVD risks and relevance of healthy habits but identified barriers to prevention and health access, starting with disorientation affecting planning and self-care, lack of facilities for food, hygiene and exercise, and experiences of discrimination.
CVD care for those experiencing homelessness should account for fundamental problems of the environment, be codesigned with service users and cover key principles: flexibility, public and staff education, integration of support and advocacy for health service rights.
Patients with cancer are at increased bleeding risk, and anticoagulants increase this risk even more. Yet, validated bleeding risk models for prediction of bleeding risk in patients with cancer are lacking. The aim of this study is to predict bleeding risk in anticoagulated patients with cancer.
We performed a study using the routine healthcare database of the Julius General Practitioners’ Network. Five bleeding risk models were selected for external validation. Patients with a new cancer episode during anticoagulant treatment or those initiating anticoagulation during active cancer were included. The outcome was the composite of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding. Next, we internally validated an updated bleeding risk model accounting for the competing risk of death.
The validation cohort consisted of 1304 patients with cancer, mean age 74.0±10.9 years, 52.2% males. In total 215 (16.5%) patients developed a first major or CRNM bleeding during a mean follow-up of 1.5 years (incidence rate; 11.0 per 100 person-years (95% CI 9.6 to 12.5)). The c-statistics of all selected bleeding risk models were low, around 0.56. Internal validation of an updated model accounting for death as competing risk showed a slightly improved c-statistic of 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.70). On updating, only age and a history of bleeding appeared to contribute to the prediction of bleeding risk.
Existing bleeding risk models cannot accurately differentiate bleeding risk between patients. Future studies may use our updated model as a starting point for further development of bleeding risk models in patients with cancer.
The incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) is increasing, as is the insertion of prosthetic heart valves. We aimed to examine nationwide temporal trends in the incidence of IE in patients with a prosthetic heart valve in Denmark from 1999 to 2018.
Using the Danish nationwide registries, we identified patients who underwent heart valve implantation (for other reasons than IE) between 1999 and 2018. Crude incidence rates of IE per 1000 person-years (PY) were computed in 2-year intervals. IE incidences were compared using sex-adjusted and age-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) using Poisson regression across calendar periods (1999–2003, 2004–2008, 2009–2013, and 2014–2018).
We identified 26 604 patients with first-time prosthetic valve implantation (median age 71.7 years (IQR 62.7–78.0), 63% males). The median follow-up time was 5.4 years (IQR 2.4–9.6). Patients in the time period 2014–2018 were older (median age of 73.9 years (66.2:80.3)), and with a higher burden of comorbidities compared with the time period 1999–2003 (median age of 67.9 years (58.3:74.5)) at the time of implantation. A total of 1442 (5.4%) patients developed IE. The lowest IE incidence rate was 5.4/1000 PY (95% CI 3.9 to 7.4) in 2001–2002, and the highest incidence rate was 10.0/1000 PY (95% CI 8.8 to 11.1) in 2017–2018 with an unadjusted increase during the study period (p=0.003). We found an adjusted IRR of 1.04 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.06) (p<0.0007) per two calendar-years increments. Age-adjusted IRR for men were 1.04 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.07) (p=0.002) per two calendar years increment, and for women 1.03 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.07) (p=0.12), with p=0.32 for interaction.
In Denmark, the incidence of IE increased during the last 20 years in patients with prosthetic heart valves.
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are an understudied population at high risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); little is known about contextual factors contributing to CVDs in AI/ANs. This study examined the association of Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) factors and social determinants of health (SDH) with CVD outcomes in a nationally representative sample of AI/ANs.
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 8497 AI/ANs using 2017 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data. Individual LS7 factors were summarised as ideal and poor levels. Coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke were defined as CVD outcomes. Healthcare access measures represented SDH. Logistic regression analyses examined associations of LS7 factors and SDH with CVD outcomes. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) quantified individual contributions of LS7 factors to CVD outcomes.
N=1,297 (15%) participants with CVD outcomes were identified. Smoking, physical inactivity, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia were LS7 factors associated with CVD outcomes. Hypertension was the largest contributor to CVD (aPAF 42%; 95% CI 37% to 51%), followed by hyperlipidaemia (aPAF 27%; 95% CI 17% to 36%) and diabetes (aPAF 18%; 95% CI 7% to 23%). Compared with individuals with poor LS7 levels, participants with ideal levels showed 80% lower odds of CVD outcomes (aOR 0.20; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.25). Access to health insurance (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.89) and a regular care provider (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.76) were associated with CVD outcomes.
Effective interventions are needed to address SDH and attain ideal LS7 factors to improve cardiovascular health among AI/ANs.
Cardiac surgery may cause temporarily impaired ventricular performance and myocardial injury. We aim to characterise the response to perioperative injury for patients undergoing repair or pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) for tetralogy of Fallot (ToF).
We enrolled children undergoing ToF repair or PVR from four tertiary centres in a prospective observational study. Assessment—including blood sampling and speckle tracking echocardiography—occurred before surgery (T1), at the first follow-up (T2) and 1 year after the procedures (T3). Ninety-two serum biomarkers were expressed as principal components to reduce multiple statistical testing. RNA Sequencing was performed on right ventricular (RV) outflow tract samples.
We included 45 patients with ToF repair aged 4.3 (3.4 – 6.5) months and 16 patients with PVR aged 10.4 (7.8 – 12.7) years. Ventricular function following ToF repair showed a fall-and-rise pattern for left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) (–18±4 to –13±4 to –20±2, p < 0.001 for each comparison) and RV GLS (–19±5 to –14±4 to 20±4, p < 0.002 for each comparison). This pattern was not seen for patients undergoing PVR. Serum biomarkers were expressed as three principal components. These phenotypes are related to: (1) surgery type, (2) uncorrected ToF and (3) early postoperative status. Principal component 3 scores were increased at T2. This increase was higher for ToF repair than PVR. The transcriptomes of RV outflow tract tissue are related to patients’ sex, rather than ToF-related phenotypes in a subset of the study population.
The response to perioperative injury following ToF repair and PVR is characterised by specific functional and immunological responses. However, we did not identify factors relating to (dis)advantageous recovery from perioperative injury.
Netherlands Trial Register: NL5129.
The purpose of this British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) research priority setting project (PSP) was to identify a top 10 list of priority research questions for cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation (CVPR).
The PSP was facilitated by the BACPR clinical study group (CSG), which integrates as part of the British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Collaborative. Following a literature review to identify unanswered research questions, modified Delphi methods were used to engage CVPR-informed expert stakeholders, patients, partners and conference delegates in ranking the relevance of research questions during three rounds of an anonymous e-survey. In the first survey, unanswered questions from the literature review were ranked and respondents proposed additional questions. In the second survey, these new questions were ranked. Prioritised questions from surveys 1 and 2 were incorporated in a third/final e-survey used to identify the top 10 list.
From 459 responses across the global CVPR community, a final top 10 list of questions were distilled from an overall bank of 76 (61 from the current evidence base and a further 15 from respondents). These were grouped across five broad categories: access and remote delivery, exercise and physical activity, optimising programme outcomes, psychosocial health and impact of the pandemic.
This PSP used a modified Delphi methodology to engage the international CVPR community to generate a top 10 list of research priorities within the field. These prioritised questions will directly inform future national and international CVPR research supported by the BACPR CSG.
A coordinated team-based approach that encourages ownership of the programme by team members is critical. A designated proctor/mentor is also recommended. The organisation of structured training and simulation, as well as planning the initial cases are important steps to consider.
]]>COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in hospital admissions and intervention for other diseases in many countries. We aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalisations, management and mortality in Switzerland.
Swiss hospital discharge and mortality data for period 2017–2020. CVD hospitalisations, CVD interventions and CVD mortality were assessed before (2017–2019) and during (2020) the pandemic. Expected numbers of admissions, interventions and deaths for 2020 were computed using simple linear regression model.
Compared with 2017–2019, 2020 was characterised by a reduction of CVD admissions in age groups 65–84 and ≥85 by approximately 3700 and 1700 cases, respectively, and by an increase in the percentage of admissions with a Charlson index >8. The total number of CVD-related deaths decreased from 21 042 in 2017 to 19 901 in 2019, and increased to 20 511 in 2020, with an estimated excess of 1139 deaths. This increase was due to out-of-hospital deaths (+1342), while the number of in-hospital deaths decreased from 5030 in 2019 to 4796 in 2020, which concerned mostly subjects aged ≥85 years. The total number of admissions with cardiovascular interventions increased from 55 181 in 2017 to 57 864 in 2019, and decreased in 2020, with an estimated reduction of 4414 admissions; percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was the exception, as the number and percentage of emergency admissions with PTCA increased. The preventive measures applied against COVID-19 inverted the seasonal pattern of CVD admissions, the highest number of admissions being found in summer and the lowest in winter.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in CVD hospital admissions, planned CVD interventions, an increase in total and out-of-hospital CVD deaths and a change in seasonal patterns.
There is an unmet clinical need for asymptomatic patient management; no pharmacotherapies are proven to slow progression and intervention timing varies. Novel approaches are developing to address this through: (1) screening with circulating biomarkers; (2) development of drugs to slow disease progression and (3) early valve intervention guided by medical imaging. Existing biomarkers (troponin and brain natriuretic peptide) are non-specific, but cost-effective predictors of ventricular dysfunction. In addition, their integration with cardiovascular MRI can provide accurate risk stratification, aiding aortic valve replacement decision making. Currently, invasive intervention is the only treatment for AS. In comparison, the development of lipoprotein(a) lowering therapies could provide an alternative; slowing progression of CAS, preventing left ventricular dysfunction and reducing reliance on surgical intervention.
The landscape of AS management is rapidly evolving. This review outlines current understanding of the pathophysiology of AS, its management and future perspectives for the condition’s assessment and treatment.
]]>Hypertension is a silent killer that causes serious health issues in all parts of the world. It is risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease. Self-monitoring practice has been identified as an important component of hypertension management. Hence, this study aimed to assess blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring practice and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up in South Wollo Zone public hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia.
Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June 2022 to 30 June 2022, among 336 adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at selected South Wollo Zone public hospitals. Data were collected by using self-administered pretested structured questionnaires; the collected data were entered into Epi-data V.4.6 and then exported to SPSS V.25 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used to describe the study participants. Tables and texts were used for data presentation. Binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between the independent and dependent variables. Adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was estimated to identify the factors associated with BP self-monitoring and the level of significance was declared at p<0.05.
The proportion (95% CI) of BP self-monitoring practice among hypertensive patients in South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals was 8.93% (95% CI 6.3% to 12.5%). In the multivariable analysis, urban residence (AOR 3.97, 95% CI (1.11 to 14.20)), comorbidity (AOR 4.80, 95% CI (1.23 to 18.69)), regular healthcare professional visit (AOR 4.64, 95% CI (1.02 to 21.14)), advice on the type of devices used for BP self-monitoring (AOR 5.26, 95% CI (1.49 to 18.58)) and knowledge on hypertension self-care (AOR 13.13, 95% CI (4.21 to 40.99)) were positively associated with BP self-monitoring practice.
The proportion of BP self-monitoring practice was low. Living in urban areas, comorbidity, regular healthcare professional visits, advice on the type of devices used for BP self-monitoring, and knowledge of hypertension self-care were positively associated with BP self-monitoring practice.
To identify factors that independently predict the risk of rehospitalisation and death after acute heart failure (AHF) hospital discharge in a real-world setting, considering death without rehospitalisation as a competing event.
Single-centre, retrospective, observational study enrolling 394 patients discharged from an index AHF hospitalisation. Overall survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. For the risk of rehospitalisation, survival analysis considering competing risks was performed: rehospitalisation was the event of interest, and death without rehospitalisation was the competing event.
During the first year after discharge, 131 (33.3%) patients were rehospitalised for AHF and 67 (17.0%) died without being readmitted; the remaining 196 patients (49.7%) lived without further hospitalisations. The 1-year overall survival estimate was 0.71 (SE=0.02). After adjusting for gender, age and left ventricle ejection fraction, the results showed that the risk of death was higher in patients with dementia, higher levels of plasma creatinine (PCr), lower levels of platelet distribution width (PDW) and at Q4 of red cell distribution width (RDW). Multivariable models showed that the risk of rehospitalisation was increased in patients with atrial fibrillation, higher PCr or taking beta-blockers at discharge. Furthermore, the risk of death without AHF rehospitalisation was higher in males, those aged ≥80 years, patients with dementia or RDW at Q4 on admission (compared with Q1). Taking beta-blockers at discharge and having a higher PDW on admission reduced the risk of death without rehospitalisation.
When assessing rehospitalisation as a study endpoint, death without rehospitalisation should be considered a competing event in the analyses. Data from this study reveal that patients with atrial fibrillation, renal dysfunction or taking beta-blockers are more likely to be rehospitalised for AHF, while older men with dementia or high RDW are more prone to die without hospital readmission.
Women’s pregnancy history is associated with incident risk of coronary artery disease with some evidence also suggesting a relevance for prognosis following treatment.
To study the associations between maternal history of preterm delivery, a history of small for gestational age infant, parity and age at first delivery with clinical restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
In this prospective cohort study, we included 6027 women
During 15 981 segment-years of follow-up, 343 (3.7%) events of clinical restenosis occurred. We found no strong evidence of associations between the studied aspects of pregnancy history and clinical restenosis following PCI. For example, the restenosis HR for a history of preterm delivery in the fully adjusted model was 1.09 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.55) and the TLR HR was 1.18 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.52).
Risk of restenosis following treatment with PCI did not differ by the studied aspects of pregnancy history, including preterm delivery, in young and middle-aged women. Larger studies are needed to obtain more precise estimates.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the uptake of digital health interventions for the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, there is a need to evaluate these interventions.
We examined the impact of an evidence-based, digital CR programme on medical, lifestyle and psychosocial outcomes. Delivered by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, the core components of this 12-week programme included lifestyle modification, medical risk factor management, psychosocial and behavioural change support. To support self-management, patients were provided with a Fitbit, a home blood pressure (BP) monitor and an interactive workbook. Patients received access to a bespoke web-based platform and were invited to attend weekly, online group-based supervised exercise sessions and educational workshops. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, end of programme and at 6-month follow-up.
Over a 3-month period, 105 patients (88% with coronary heart disease) were referred with 74% (n=77) attending initial assessment. Of these, 97% (n=75) enrolled in the programme, with 85% (n=64) completing the programme, 86% (n=55) of completers attended 6-month follow-up. Comparing baseline to end of programme, we observed significant improvements in the proportion of patients meeting guideline-recommended targets for physical activity (+68%, p<0.001), BP (+44%, p<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+27%, p<0.001). There were significant reductions in mean weight (–2.6 kg, p<0.001). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet score improved from 5.2 to 7.3 (p<0.001). Anxiety and depression levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression score) both reduced by more than 50% (p<0.001). The majority of these improvements were sustained at 6-month follow-up.
Outcomes from this study suggest that interdisciplinary digital CR programmes can be successfully implemented and help patients achieve guideline recommended lifestyle, medical and therapeutic targets.
Several studies have demonstrated that combining left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional class is insufficient for predicting risk of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shock in primary prevention candidates. Hence, our aim was to assess the relationship between N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) along with appropriate ICD shock and all-cause mortality in order to improve the stratification process of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) being considered for primary preventive ICD therapy.
A systematic literature search from several databases was conducted up until 9 June 2022. Studies were eligible if they investigated the relationship of NT-pro BNP with all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock.
This meta-analysis comprised nine studies with a total of 5117 participants. Our study revealed that high levels of NT-pro BNP were associated with all-cause mortality (HR=2.12 (95% CI=1.53 to 2.93); p<0.001, I2=78.1%, p<0.001 for heterogeneity) and appropriate ICD shock (HR=1.71 (95% CI=1.18 to 2.49); p<0.001, I2=43.4%, p=0.102 for heterogeneity). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock increased by approximately 3% and 5%, respectively per 100 pg/mL increment pursuant to concentration–response model (Pnon-linearity <0.001). The curves became steeper after NT-pro BNP reached its inflection point (3000 pg/mL).
A positive concentration-dependent association between elevated NT-pro BNP levels along with the risk of all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock was found in patients with HFrEF with ICD.
CRD42022339285.
To present phenotypic characteristics and biomarkers of a family with the rare mutation Thr410Ala of the α-galactosidase A gene (T410A/GLA) causing Fabry disease (FD).
In a woman in her 60s with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, T410A/GLA was found in screening for variants in 59 cardiomyopathy-related genes. Her son in his 40s, two granddaughters and two great grandsons carried T410A/GLA. The son had a history of hypertension and paroxysmal AF but no microalbuminuria or classic symptoms or signs of FD. Baseline α-galactosidase A enzyme (α-Gal A) activity varied from 0% to 26.5%. Cardiac MRI showed mild Fabry cardiomyopathy (FC). During 11 years of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), FC progressed and he suffered sudden cardiac death in his 50s. The great grandsons with T410A/GLA had no active α-Gal A, high lyso-Gb3 levels and normal cardiac imaging. They suffered from neuropathic pain and gastrointestinal symptoms and were started with ERT at the age under 10. Granddaughters with T410A/GLA had α-Gal A activities of 8–18 and 10% of normal. The older granddaughter in her 30s was diagnosed with incipient FC. Plasma lyso-Gb3 analogues were elevated, markedly in the elder male with FC and moderately in the elder granddaughter. In young males with classic phenotype, plasma lyso-Gb3 analogues were only slightly elevated.
The T410A/GLA mutation caused late-onset FD with progressive cardiomyopathy in elder male, and classic FD in young males of the same family. Varying levels of α-Gal A and lyso-Gb3 analogues reflected variable phenotype of FD in the family.
Worldwide, an estimated 10 million adults annually experience significant myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery. Our aim is to assess whether preoperative and postoperative serum B-type natriuretic peptides levels (BNP) could be used as a predictor of postoperative complications in hypertensive and diabetic patients post non-cardiac surgery.
Prospective observational study.
Single tertiary-care centre in northern India.
This study included 260 adult participants with known hypertension and diabetes who were planned for elective non-cardiac surgery.
A preoperative BNP level (baseline BNP) was measured within 24 hours of surgery and another postoperative BNP level was measured within 24 hours of surgery.
The primary outcome was the change in BNP levels (delta BNP) between the postoperative and the preoperative BNP levels (baseline BNP) with respect to the baseline BNP and the development of postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery.
The study established a correlation between delta BNP and baseline BNP (Pearson’s correlation coefficient=0.60; p=0.01). Our study found an increased serum BNP both in the preoperative period and the postoperative period in the patient group that developed complications, respectively (152.02 pg/mL±106.56 vs 44.90 pg/mL±44.22; t=4.120; p≤0.001); (313.99 pg/mL±121.29 vs 83.95 pg/mL±70.19; t=7.73; p≤0.001).
We found that an increased serum baseline and postoperative BNP is potentially important predictor for the development of postoperative complications. Serum BNP has the potential to emerge as a cost-effective test for risk-stratification for postoperative complications in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. It has promising prognostic advantages including modification of surgical procedures, deferral of surgery and the ability to tailor therapy postoperatively.
Interventional closure of the left atrial appendage (LAAC) has been established as an alternative treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and an elevated risk of stroke. The WATCHMAN FLX (WM FLX) as the newest WATCHMAN LAAC device differs in several technical characteristics from its precursor, the WATCHMAN V.2.5 (WM V.2.5).
The data presented here are derived from a retrospective single-centre study. All patients in which an LAAC was performed between February 2017 and March 2021 with either a WM V.2.5 or WM FLX device were included.
169 patients were included in this study, of whom 95 had been treated with WM V.2.5 and 74 with WM FLX, respectively. Directly after implantation, only minor differences regarding membrane thickness and connector protrusion were noted, whereas no relevant differences were found regarding device sizing, device compression or peridevice leakage, respectively. However, at 3-month follow-up, device compression was significantly reduced in WM FLX indicating a continued device expansion which was paralleled by a reduced number of peridevice leakage in comparison to WM V.2.5. Additionally, the combined clinical endpoint of death, stroke/transistoric ischaemic attack, tamponade, device embolisation, device-related thrombosis or peridevice leakage was reduced in WM FLX.
LAAC using the WM FLX device results in a continued device expansion over the first 3 months based on differences in radial force in comparison to WM V.2.5. This is accompanied by a reduction in adverse clinical endpoints.
The lifelong risks of cardiovascular disease following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are well described. Awareness of these risks and associated health-seeking behaviours among affected individuals remains unclear. We aimed to assess participants’ knowledge of their cardiovascular disease risk and relevant health-seeking behaviours following a pregnancy affected by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.
We undertook a single-site, cross-sectional cohort study. The target population included individuals who birthed at a large tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia, between 2016 and 2020, and were diagnosed with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. Participants completed a survey assessing pregnancy details, medical comorbidities, knowledge of future risks and health-seeking behaviours post-pregnancy.
1526 individuals met inclusion criteria and 438 (28.6%) completed the survey. Of these, 62.6% (n=237) were unaware of their increased risk of cardiovascular disease following a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Participants who reported awareness of their increased risk were more likely to have annual blood pressure monitoring (54.6% vs 38.1%, p<0.01), and at least one assessment of blood cholesterol (p<0.01), blood glucose (p=0.03) and renal function (p=0.01). Participants who were aware were more likely to be taking antihypertensive medication (24.5% vs 6.6%, p<0.01) since pregnancy, compared with those who were unaware. There were no differences between groups in diet, exercise or smoking habits.
Among our study cohort, risk awareness was associated with increased health-seeking behaviours. Participants who were aware of their increased risk of cardiovascular disease were more likely to have regular cardiovascular risk factor assessments. They were also more likely to be taking antihypertensive medication.
As only a small proportion of patients with chest pain suffers from myocardial infarction (MI), safe rule-out of MI is of immense importance. Recently an ultrasensitive microphone performing diastolic heart sound analysis (CADScorSystem) for rule-out of coronary artery disease (CAD) has emerged. In this explorational study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the CADScorSystem for diagnosis of MI in the setting of a large emergency department.
Patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected MI were included. Acoustic heart sound analysis was performed in all patients and automated CAD-score values were calculated via a device-embedded algorithm, which also requires inclusion of three clinical variables: age, sex and presence of hypertension. Patients additionally received serial high-sensitive troponin T measurement measurements to assess the final diagnosis according to third Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction applying the European Society of Cardiology 0 hour/3 hours algorithm. Diagnostic parameters for MI, considering different CAD-score cut-offs, were computed.
Of 167 patients, CAD-scores were available in 61.1%. A total of eight patients were diagnosed with MI. At a cut-off value of <20, CAD-score had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 90.7 (78.4–96.3). The corresponding positive predictive value (PPV) was 6.8 (2.7–16.2). For the adjusted CAD-score (age, sex, hypertension), at a cut-off value of <20, NPV was 90.0 (59.6–99.5) with a PPV of 10.8 (5.3–20.6).
In this explorative analysis, a transcutaneous ultrasensitive microphone for heart sound analysis resulted in a high NPV analogous to the findings in rule-out of stable CAD in elective patients yet inferior to serial high-sensitivity cardiac troponin measurements and does not seem feasible for application in an emergency setting for rule-out of MI.
We investigated the associations of healthcare worker status with multisystem illness trajectory in hospitalised post-COVID-19 individuals.
One hundred and sixty-eight patients were evaluated 28–60 days after the last episode of hospital care. Thirty-six (21%) were healthcare workers. Compared with non-healthcare workers, healthcare workers were of similar age (51.3 (8.7) years vs 55.0 (12.4) years; p=0.09) more often women (26 (72%) vs 48 (38%); p<0.01) and had lower 10-year cardiovascular risk (%) (8.1 (7.9) vs 15.0 (11.5); p<0.01) and Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium in-hospital mortality risk (7.3 (10.2) vs 12.7 (9.8); p<0.01). Healthcare worker status associated with less acute inflammation (peak C reactive protein 48 mg/L (IQR: 14–165) vs 112 mg/L (52–181)), milder illness reflected by WHO clinical severity score distribution (p=0.04) and shorter duration of admission (4 days (IQR: 2–6) vs 6 days (3–12)).
In adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, healthcare worker status associated with a binary classification (probable/very likely vs not present/unlikely) of adjudicated myocarditis (OR: 2.99; 95% CI (1.01 to 8.89) by 28–60 days postdischarge).
After a mean (SD, range) duration of follow-up after hospital discharge of 450 (88) days (range 290, 627 days), fewer healthcare workers died or were rehospitalised (1 (3%) vs 22 (17%); p=0.038) and secondary care referrals for post-COVID-19 syndrome were common (42%) and similar to non-healthcare workers (38%; p=0.934).
Healthcare worker status was independently associated with the likelihood of adjudicated myocarditis, despite better antecedent health. Two in five healthcare workers had a secondary care referral for post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Long COVID is associated with multiple symptoms and impairment in multiple organs. Cross-sectional studies have reported cardiac impairment to varying degrees by varying methodologies. Using cardiac MR (CMR), we investigated a 12-month trajectory of abnormalities in Long COVID.
To investigate cardiac abnormalities 1-year post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
534 individuals with Long COVID underwent CMR (T1/T2 mapping, cardiac mass, volumes, function and strain) and multiorgan MRI at 6 months (IQR 4.3–7.3) since first post-COVID-19 symptoms. 330 were rescanned at 12.6 (IQR 11.4–14.2) months if abnormal baseline findings were reported. Symptoms, questionnaires and blood samples were collected at both time points. CMR abnormalities were defined as ≥1 of low left or right ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), high left or right ventricular end diastolic volume, low 3D left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), or elevated native T1 in ≥3 cardiac segments. Significant change over time was reported by comparison with 92 healthy controls.
Technical success of multiorgan and CMR assessment in non-acute settings was 99.1% and 99.6% at baseline, and 98.3% and 98.8% at follow-up. Of individuals with Long COVID, 102/534 (19%) had CMR abnormalities at baseline; 71/102 had complete paired data at 12 months. Of those, 58% presented with ongoing CMR abnormalities at 12 months. High sensitivity cardiac troponin I and B-type natriuretic peptide were not predictive of CMR findings, symptoms or clinical outcomes. At baseline, low LVEF was associated with persistent CMR abnormality, abnormal GLS associated with low quality of life and abnormal T1 in at least three segments was associated with better clinical outcomes at 12 months.
CMR abnormalities (left entricular or right ventricular dysfunction/dilatation and/or abnormal T1mapping), occurred in one in five individuals with Long COVID at 6 months, persisting in over half of those at 12 months. Cardiac-related blood biomarkers could not identify CMR abnormalities in Long COVID.
Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is characterised by left atrial and consequent mitral annular dilatation causing mitral regurgitation. AFMR is likely to become more common with population ageing, alongside increases in atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; conditions causing atrial dilatation. Here, we aim to define the prevalence and characterise the patient and survival characteristics of AFMR in the National Echocardiographic Database of Australia (NEDA).
14 004 adults with moderate or severe FMR were identified from NEDA. AFMR or ventricular FMR (VFMR) was classified by LA size, LV size and LVEF. AFMR was found in 40% (n=5562) and VFMR in 60% (n=8442). Compared with VFMR, the AFMR subgroup were significantly older (mean age 78±11 years), with a higher proportion of females and of AF. Participants were followed up for a median of 65 months (IQR 36–116 months). After adjustment for age, sex, AF, and pulmonary hypertension, the prognosis for VFMR was significantly worse than for AFMR (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.47 to 1.68 for all-cause and 1.73, 95% CI 1.60 to 1.88, p<0.001 for both). After further adjustment for LVEF, mortality rates were similar in VFMR and AFMR patients (HR 0.93, p=NS), though advancing age and pulmonary hypertension remained independently associated with prognosis.
AFMR is a common cause of significant functional MR that predominantly affects elderly female patients with AF. Advancing age and pulmonary hypertension independently associated with survival in FMR. Prognosis was better in AFMR compared with VFMR; however, this difference was accounted for by LV systolic impairment and not by MR severity.
High-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in pregnant patients is increasing. Management of this complex population is not well studied, and little guidance is available regarding labour and delivery planning for optimal outcomes.
We aimed to describe the process for and outcomes of our centre’s experience with the main operating room (OR) caesarean deliveries for patients with high-risk CVD, including procedural and postpartum considerations.
We performed a retrospective evaluation of pregnant patients with high-risk CVD who delivered in the main OR at a large academic centre between January 2010 and March 2021. Patients were classified by CVD type: adult congenital heart disease, cardiac arrest, connective tissue disease with aortopathy, ischaemic cardiomyopathy, non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy or valve disease. We examined demographic, anaesthetic and procedure-related variables and in-hospital maternal and fetal outcomes. Multidisciplinary delivery planning was evaluated before and after formalising a cardio-obstetrics programme.
Of 25 deliveries, connective tissue disease (n=9, 36%) was the most common CVD type, followed by non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (n=5, 20%). Scheduled deliveries that went as initially planned occurred for six patients (24%). Fourteen (56%) were unscheduled and urgent or emergent. Patients in modified WHO Class IV frequently underwent unscheduled, urgent deliveries (64%). Most deliveries were safely achieved with neuraxial regional anaesthesia (80%) and haemodynamic monitoring via arterial lines (88%). Postdelivery intensive care unit stays were common (n=18, 72%), but none required mechanical circulatory support. There were no in-hospital maternal or perinatal deaths; 60-day readmission rate was 16%. Some delivery planning was achieved for most patients (n=21, 84%); more planning was evident after establishing a cardio-obstetrics programme. Outcomes did not differ significantly by CVD group or delivery era.
Our experience suggests that short-term outcomes of pregnant patients with high-risk CVD undergoing main OR delivery are favourable. Multidisciplinary planning may support the success of these complex cases.
Sarcoidosis is over-represented among victims of cardiac arrest. We aimed to establish whether sarcoidosis is associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the general population.
Methods
We conducted a nested case–control study in a nationwide cohort of individuals between 1 June 2001 and 31 December 2015 in Denmark. OHCA cases from presumed cardiac causes were matched 1:10 by sex and age on OHCA date with non-OHCA controls from the general population. The association between sarcoidosis and OHCA was assessed using Cox regression by calculating HR and 95% CIs. Models were adjusted for cardiovascular disease. Finally, stratified analyses were performed according to sex, heart failure and ischaemic heart disease.
We identified 35 195 OHCA cases and 351 950 matched controls without OHCA (median age 72 years and 66.8% male). Patients with sarcoidosis had higher rate of OHCA compared with the general population after adjustments for common OHCA risk factors (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.92). This increased OHCA rate occurred in women (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.12) but not in men (HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.72; p value interaction=0.033), and was larger in patients with than without heart failure (HRheart failure: 2.59, 95% CI 1.42 to 4.73; HRno heart failure: 1.33, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.74; p value interaction: 0.007). The HR associated with sarcoidosis did not vary by the presence of ischaemic heart disease.
Patients with sarcoidosis have a higher OHCA rate than the general population. This increased OHCA rate occurred in women but not in men, and was larger in patients with than without heart failure.
Ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) was developed to promote CVH as a key component of primordial prevention. Mobile short message service (SMS) is useful for improving health behaviours. We aim to test the effectiveness of SMS intervention in women to improve CVH.
In a single-blinded, randomised, controlled study, 620 women, aged 35–70 years, without cardiovascular disease, were enrolled in SMS intervention versus no SMS. CVH metrics by self-report, and biochemical laboratory, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were collected during home visits at baseline and 9 months. Women were categorised as having poor (0–2), intermediate (3–4) or ideal (5–7) CVH according to the number of ideal CVH metrics. Participants were randomised 1:1 to SMS intervention versus control. SMS was sent every 5–6 days for 9 months. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of women with ideal CVH between SMS and control groups at 9 months. Rates of intermediate CVH, poor CVH and each of the seven ideal CV health metrics at 9 months were key secondary endpoints.
At 9 months, there was no significant difference between groups for the primary outcome (16.3% at baseline and 13.3% at 9 months, and 10.1% and 11.1%, in SMS and control groups, respectively, adjusted RR 1.0; 95% CI 0.6 to 1.6). Similarly, there were no significant differences between groups for the key secondary endpoints. SMS had an acceptance rate of 94.9%.
Behavioural SMS intervention did not improve rates of ideal CVH in women, despite being feasible and well received.
6377.
The onset of new conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still a relevant adverse event. The main objective of this registry was to identify modifiable procedural risk factors for an improved outcome (lower rate of PPI) after TAVI in patients at high risk of PPI.
Patients from four European centres receiving a balloon-expandable TAVI (Edwards SAPIEN 3/3 Ultra) and considered at high risk of PPI (pre-existing conduction disturbance, heavily calcified left ventricular outflow tract or short membranous septum) were prospectively enrolled into registry.
A total of 300 patients were included: 42 (14.0%) required PPI after TAVI and 258 (86.0%) did not. Patients with PPI had a longer intensive care unit plus intermediate care stay (65.7 vs 16.3 hours, p<0.001), general ward care stay (6.9 vs 5.3 days, p=0.004) and later discharge (8.6 vs 5.0 days, p<0.001). Of the baseline variables, only pre-existing right bundle branch block at baseline (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.5 to 18.1) was significantly associated with PPI in the multivariable analysis. Among procedure-related variables, oversizing had the highest impact on the rate of PPI: higher than manufacturer-recommended sizing, mean area oversizing as well as the use of the 29 mm valve (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4 to 8.5, p=0.008) all were significantly associated with PPI. Rates were higher with the SAPIEN 3 (16.1%) vs SAPIEN 3 Ultra (8.5%), although not statistically significant but potentially associated with valve sizing. Implantation depth and postdelivery balloon dilatation also tended to affect PPI rates but without a statistical significance.
Valve oversizing is a strong procedure-related risk factor for PPI following TAVI. The clinical impact of the valve type (SAPIEN 3), implantation depth, and postdelivery balloon dilatation did not reach significance and may reflect already refined procedures in the participating centres, giving attention to these avoidable risk factors.
ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represents a cardiac emergency. Time to diagnosis, identification of culprit lesion, and intervention are important. Inferior STEMI represents a dilemma for cardiologists. The territory can be supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA) or the left circumflex coronary artery (LCx). Diagnostic algorithms have been proposed to predict the culprit artery.
We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort analysis of all patients admitted to our hospital from 2008 to 2020 with a diagnosis of inferior STEMI. We examined the diagnostic 12 lead ECG for quantification of ST elevation in leads II and III and compared this to culprit lesion found on angiography.
There were 304 patients identified with STEMI in our database; 105 were found to have an inferior myocardial infarction by ECG criteria. Ninety-nine were included in our study with either RCA or LCx culprit lesions on angiography (82 males, 17 females). The average age of these patients was 64.9 years old. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for ST elevation in lead II exceeding lead III predicting LCx culprit lesion was 0.32 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.57), 0.94 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.98), 0.55 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.78), 0.85 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.89), respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for ST elevation in lead III exceeding lead II predicting RCA culprit lesion was 0.94 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.98), 0.32 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.57), 0.85 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.89), 0.55 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.78), respectively.
In inferior STEMI, comparison of ST elevation in leads II and III can reliably predict culprit lesion artery and guide intervention.
Culprit artery localisation, inferior stemi, ECG.
HIV and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the two main causes of death in Kenya with hypertension as CVD’s leading risk factor and HIV infection a risk factor for hypertension. We qualitatively evaluated the feasibility of integrated HIV and hypertension screening at Kenyatta National Hospital.
We conducted two focus group discussions (FGDs) in November 2020 (female FGD: n=7; male FGD: n=8) to elicit facilitators, barriers and viability of integrated diagnosis and management of both conditions at HIV testing service (HTS) facilities. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and were not pair matched. All participants had received HTS. All female clients had confirmed hypertension, while male relatives had been contacted for HIV and hypertension screening through a modified assisted partner services model—where a trained healthcare provider supports notification. Transcripts were coded independently, and the codebook was developed and revised through consensus discussion. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.
Main barriers to diagnosis and management included limited public awareness of hypertension risk factors and on improved treatment outcomes for those on lifelong HIV treatment, high cost of hypertension care despite free HIV care and healthcare system challenges especially medication stockouts. Strong support systems at family and healthcare levels facilitated care and treatment for both conditions. Participants recommended improved public awareness through individual-level communication and mass media campaigns, decentralised screening services for both HIV and hypertension, and either free or subsidised hypertension care services delivered alongside HIV treatment services. Most felt that an integrated HIV and hypertension service model was viable and would improve healthcare outcomes.
Patient-centred care models combining HIV and hypertension services hold promise for integrated service delivery.
Postprocedural ischaemic and bleeding risks after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remain a major concern. Nevertheless, no reliable risk models incorporating both possibilities are currently available. We aimed to assess the accuracy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-derived models and the performance of a recalibrated model that included variables more applicable to TAVR.
This study included 26 869 patients who had been enrolled in a national registry. Ischaemic events were defined as myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischaemic attack or peripheral embolism at 1 year. Bleeding events were defined as any bleeding based on the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 consensus document at 1 year. Patterns of Non-adherence to Anti-Platelet Regimen in Stented Patients (PARIS) and Coronary Revascularisation Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto (CREDO-Kyoto) integer scoring systems were tested. The models were recalibrated by applying new variables using the Fine and Gray method.
The 1-year cumulative incidences for ischaemic and bleeding events were 2.7% and 3.1%. Patients with high PARIS and CREDO-Kyoto risk scores had higher incidences of both ischaemic (3.3% vs 2.4% vs 2.4%, p<0.001 and 2.8% vs 2.0% vs 0.8%, p<0.001) and bleeding events (3.3% vs 2.5% vs 0.8%, p<0.001 and 3.7% vs 3.0% vs 2.4%, p<0.001) when compared with intermediate and low-risk patients. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curves for these models were 0.53, 0.58, 0.56 and 0.55, respectively. After the models were recalibrated to incorporate variables more applicable to TAVR, the performance of ischaemic and bleeding models modestly improved (0.58 and 0.61, respectively).
The PCI-derived models demonstrated modest accuracy but was inadequate for risk stratification of TAVR patients at 1-year follow-up.
3395.
Accurate prediction of heart failure (HF) patients at high risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a potentially valuable tool to inform shared decision making. No validated prediction model for AF in HF is currently available. The objective was to develop clinical prediction models for 1-year risk of AF.
Using the Danish Heart Failure Registry, we conducted a nationwide registry-based cohort study of all incident HF patients diagnosed from 2008 to 2018 and without history of AF. Administrative data sources provided the predictors. We used a cause-specific Cox regression model framework to predict 1-year risk of AF. Internal validity was examined using temporal validation.
The population included 27 947 HF patients (mean age 69 years; 34% female). Clinical experts preselected sex, age at HF, NewYork Heart Association (NYHA) class, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and myocardial infarction. Among patients aged 70 years at HF, the predicted 1-year risk was 9.3% (95% CI 7.1% to 11.8%) for males and 6.4% (95% CI 4.9% to 8.3%) for females given all risk factors and NYHA III/IV, and 7.5% (95% CI 6.7% to 8.4%) and 5.1% (95% CI 4.5% to 5.8%), respectively, given absence of risk factors and NYHA class I. The area under the curve was 65.7% (95% CI 63.9% to 67.5%) and Brier score 7.0% (95% CI 5.2% to 8.9%).
We developed a prediction model for the 1-year risk of AF. Application of the model in routine clinical settings is necessary to determine the possibility of predicting AF risk among patients with HF more accurately and if so, to quantify the clinical effects of implementing the model in practice.
Coronary artery vasospasm is an abnormal spasm of coronary arteries that cause transient or complete occlusion without exertion. It causes stable angina to ACS. However, this can be prevented by calcium channel blockers (CCBs) which suppress Ca2+ influx into the vascular muscle cells. Nevertheless, several CCBs adverse effects are harmful for these patients. Selecting the right CCBs would give the best clinical practice.
The studies were obtained from four major medical databases by various keywords. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented as adult >18 years, observational study, English language and drug of interest. Duplicates were eliminated, and the remaining studies were reviewed. Final full-texts assessment was conducted independently by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Revised Cochrane.
The search found 1378 articles. However, six studies were selected after implementing the study criteria. Diltiazem was found to decrease angina and increase quality of life until 12th week of treatment; however, some adverse effects include atrioventricular block and recurrent angina up till 4th week were found. Meanwhile, nifedipine was found to decrease vasospastic angina (VSA) by the fourth and eighth weeks of treatment. Nevertheless, it caused excessive drop in BP and increase heart rate by eighth week. In addition, slow-release preparation of both CCBs were found to increase efficacy and compliance. Lastly amlodipine was also found to decrease VSA by 17%±140% and 33% after 6 weeks, but further studies needed.
Diltiazem, nifedipine and amlodipine are potent in decreasing VSA, however, tailoring specific CCBs adverse reactions to patient condition and the drug preparation would be substantially beneficial for the outcome.
To evaluate bare-metal Optimus and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered Optimus-CVS balloon-expandable, cobalt–chromium, hybrid cell–designed stents in congenital heart disease (CHD) interventions.
Retrospective multicentre review of patients with CHD receiving Optimus stents. Stent mechanical behaviour, clinical indications and outcomes were assessed.
183 stents (49.2% XXL/15-ZIG, 33.3% XL/12-ZIG, 17.5% L/9-ZIG) were implanted (98.9% success rate, 2.3% serious procedural complication rate) in 170 patients (57.6% men, 64.1% adults), median age 23.6 years (IQR, 15.2–39.2) and weight 63.5 kg (IQR, 47–75.7). Indications were right ventricular outflow tract stand-alone stenting or before revalvulation (62.4%), aortic coarctation treatment (15.3%), Fontan-circuit fenestration closure (12.4%) and miscellaneous (10%). 86/170 (50.6%) patients had PTFE-covered stenting (50% prophylactic). In 86/170 (50.6%) patients with stenotic lesions, median percentage of achieved stent expansion was 93.4% (IQR, 85.5%–97.7%), median gradient decreased from 28 mm Hg (IQR, 19–41) to 5 mm Hg (IQR, 1–9) (p<0.001), median vessel diameters increased from 13 mm (IQR, 7.9–17) to 18.9 mm (IQR, 15.2–22) (p<0.001) and percentage of vessel expansion was 45.2% (IQR, 19.8%–91.3%). In 30/36 (83.3%) patients with graft, median dilation of 2 mm (IQR, 2–5) above nominal diameter was achieved. Median stent shortening was 10.9% (IQR, 6.1–15.1) and was associated only with expansion diameter (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.93). No clinically relevant fracture, stent embolisation or dysfunction occurred on a median follow-up of 9 (IQR, 4–14) months.
Optimus stents are effective tools for transcatheter treatment of simple and complex CHD. Optimus stents’ reliable mechanical behaviour and particular covering design can promote widespread use.
Athlete’s heart is a condition of exercise-induced cardiac remodelling. Adult male endurance athletes more often remodel beyond reference values. The impact of sex on remodelling through adolescence remains unclear. Paediatric reference values do not account for patient sex or exercise history. We aimed to study the effect of sex on cardiac remodelling throughout adolescence.
We recruited 76 male (M) and female (F) 12-year-old cross-country skiers in a longitudinal cohort study. Echocardiography was performed and analysed according to guidelines at age 12 (48 M, 28 F), 15 (34 M, 14 F) and 18 (23 M, 11 F). Repeated echocardiographic measurements were analysed by linear mixed model regression.
Males displayed greater indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volumes (LV EDVi) from age 12 (M 81±7 vs F 76±7, mL/m², p≤0.01), and progressed further until follow-up at age 18 (M 2.3±9.7 vs F –3.9±4.5 mL/m², p≤0.01). LV EDVi remained above adult upper reference values in both groups. Males increased LV Mass Index from age 12 to 18 (M 33±27 vs F 4±19, g/m², p≤0.01). Males displayed LV mass above paediatric reference values at ages 15 and 18. A subset of males (35%) and females (25%) displayed wall thickness above paediatric reference values at age 12. Cardiac function was normal. There was no sex difference in exercise hours.
Sex-related differences in athlete’s heart were evident from age 12, and progressed throughout adolescence. Remodelling beyond reference values was more frequent than previously reported, particularly affecting males. Age, sex and exercise history may assist clinicians in distinguishing exercise-induced remodelling from pathology in adolescents.
Angiographic parameters can facilitate the risk stratification of coronary lesions but remain insufficient in the prediction of future myocardial infarction (MI).
We compared the ability of humans, angiographic parameters and deep learning (DL) to predict the lesion that would be responsible for a future MI in a population of patients with non-significant CAD at baseline.
We retrospectively included patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for MI, in whom a previous angiogram had been performed within 5 years. The ability of human visual assessment, diameter stenosis, area stenosis, quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and DL to predict the future culprit lesion (FCL) was compared.
In total, 746 cropped ICA images of FCL and non-culprit lesions (NCL) were analysed. Predictive models for each modality were developed in a training set before validation in a test set. DL exhibited the best predictive performance with an area under the curve of 0.81, compared with diameter stenosis (0.62, p=0.04), area stenosis (0.58, p=0.05) and QFR (0.67, p=0.13). DL exhibited a significant net reclassification improvement (NRI) compared with area stenosis (0.75, p=0.03) and QFR (0.95, p=0.01), and a positive nonsignificant NRI when compared with diameter stenosis. Among all models, DL demonstrated the highest accuracy (0.78) followed by QFR (0.70) and area stenosis (0.68). Predictions based on human visual assessment and diameter stenosis had the lowest accuracy (0.58).
In this feasibility study, DL outperformed human visual assessment and established angiographic parameters in the prediction of FCLs. Larger studies are now required to confirm this finding.
To assess the prognostic value of absolute and sex-specific, age-specific and race/ethnicity-specific (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, MESA) percentiles of coronary artery calcification in symptomatic women and men.
The study population consisted of 4985 symptomatic patients (2793 women, 56%) visiting a diagnostic outpatient cardiology clinic between 2009 and 2018 who were referred for cardiac CT to determine Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CACS). Regular care data were used and these data were linked to the databases of Statistics Netherlands for all-cause mortality data. Kaplan-Meier curves, multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and concordance statistics were used to evaluate the prognostic value of CACS and MESA percentiles. Women were older compared with men (60 vs 59 years).
Median CACS was 0 (IQR: 0–54) in women and 42 (IQR: 0–54) in men. After a median follow-up of 4.4 years (IQR: 3.1–6.3), 116 (2.3%; 53 women and 63 men) patients died. MESA percentiles did not perform better compared with absolute CACS (C-statistic 0.65, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.73, vs 0.66, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.74, in women and 0.59, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.67, vs 0.62, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.69, in men, for the percentiles and absolute CACS, respectively).
In symptomatic individuals absolute CACS predicts mortality with a moderately good performance. MESA percentiles did not perform better compared with absolute CACS, thus there is no need to use them. Including degree of stenosis in the model might slightly improve mortality risk prediction in women, but not in men.
This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether using platelet function testing (PFT) in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) to personalise antiplatelet therapy including a P2Y12 antagonist offers any clinical benefits to indicate incorporation into routine practice.
A search was conducted on five databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 1 January 2000 and 17 July 2022, which included an ADP-specific platelet function assays and P2Y12 antagonists as part of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and have reported the efficacy and/or safety outcomes. The reported event frequencies were used to calculate the risk ratios (RRs) with a 95% CI. The 2 heterogeneity statistical test and sensitivity analysis were used for heterogeneity assessment.
Five RCTs with 7691 patients were included in the analysis. No significant risk reduction was seen in major adverse cardiovascular events (RR=0.95, p=0.42), individual cardiac events (cardiovascular death: RR=0.76, p=0.26; myocardial infarction: RR=0.96, p=0.74; stent thrombosis: RR=0.92, p=0.83; stroke: RR=0.91, p=0.72; target vessel revascularisation: RR=1.06, p=0.47) and overall clinical outcome (RR=0.90, p=0.22). There was also no difference in the rate of bleeding between PFT-guided and standard therapies (major bleeding: RR=0.97, p=0.78, minor bleeding: RR=0.89, p=0.19 and any bleeding: RR=1.04, p=0.33).
Compared with standard DAPT with P2Y12 antagonists, using PFT to adjust antiplatelet therapy does not improve clinical outcomes. Therefore, the positions of key guidelines on routine testing in ACS should remain unchanged. In addition, the study highlights the need for well-designed and powered RCTs and standardised testing methodologies to provide reliable findings and definitive conclusions.
We investigated the incremental advantage in terms of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) reduction in patients affected by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treated with sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) versus patients treated with S/V only.
Consecutive adult patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40% who were followed in our outpatient clinic from January 2016 to December 2019 and treated with S/V were analysed.
Out of eligible 147 patients, 99 were treated with S/V+MRA at baseline and 48 patients were treated with S/V. Patients treated with S/V+MRA were significantly younger (61.5 vs 67.8 years, p=0.006), had better basal renal function (serum creatinine 1.2 vs 1.4 mg/dL, p=0.006) and lower LVEF (30.9% vs 33.1%, p=0.039). At follow-up at 8–16 months, 84 out of 99 patients continued to be on S/V+MRA, and 39 out of 48 patients continued to be on S/V. Between these two groups, at follow-up, LVEF did not vary significantly, NT-proBNP was not significantly different (–215.7 vs –165.9 pg/mL, p=0.93) and neither was the rate of hospitalisation for heart failure (9.5% vs 12.8%, p=0.58). Using general linear models, both age and basal NT-proBNP influenced significantly NT-proBNP (respectively, p=0.002; p=0.005), while treatment with S/V+MRA versus S/V only did not significantly influence NT-proBNP (p=0.462).
Even with the limitations of a small retrospective study, our results generate the hypothesis that MRA might not provide any additional value in patients with HFrEF treated with S/V. Larger studies are needed to test if MRA should remain a standard treatment in patients with HFrEF treated with S/V.
The primary aim was to gain insight into the growth of the aortic root in children and young adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Furthermore, we aimed to identify a clinical profile of patients with MFS who require an aortic root replacement at a young age with specific interest in age, sex, height and fibrillin-1 (FBN1) genotype.
Aortic root dimensions of 97 patients with MFS between 0 year and 20 years and 30 controls were serially assessed with echocardiography. Trends were analysed using a linear mixed-effect model. Additionally, including only patients with MFS, we allowed trends to differ by sex, aortic root replacement and type of FBN1 mutation.
Average aortic root dilatation in patients with MFS became more pronounced after the age of 8 years. In the MFS cohort, male patients had a significantly greater aortic root diameter than female patients, which was in close relationship with patient height. There was no difference in aortic root growth between children with dominant negative (DN) or haploinsufficient FBN1 mutations. However, DN-FBN1 variants resulting in loss of cysteine content were associated with a more severe phenotype. Eleven children needed an aortic root replacement. Compared with patients with MFS without aortic root surgery, these children had a significantly larger aortic root diameter from an early age.
This study provides clinically useful longitudinal growth charts on aortic root growth in children and young adults with MFS. Children requiring prophylactic aortic root replacement during childhood can be identified at a young age. Our growth charts can help clinicians in decision making with regard to follow-up and prophylactic therapy. Loss of cysteine content in the FBN1 protein was associated with larger aortic root dimensions.
Percutaneous coronary interventions require an arterial approach and administration of antithrombotic drugs. This may lead to bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to test whether "The Secret" – a pagan prayer – is effective in reducing post-interventional bleeding.
Randomised controlled trial.
Monocentric, tertiary care centre.
From January to July 2022, 200 patients (aged >18 years) undergoing elective coronary angiography were included in the study.
The intervention group received "The Secret" in addition to the normal procedure. The control group was treated according to standard practice.
The primary outcome was the rate of in-hospital bleeding according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) consensus definition.
The rate of bleeding was similar in both groups ("The Secret" group vs control group) with 16% versus 14% (p=0.69) of BARC 1, 12% versus 13% (p=0.81) of BARC 2, and 0% versus 0% of BARC 3 and 5 (p=1.00). Most (76%) of the participants believed that "The Secret" would be efficient in preventing bleeding.
This study demonstrates no effect on bleeding after percutaneous coronary procedures. A large majority of our study population believe that "The Secret" can have a positive effect on their hospital care.
There is a paucity of data on cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We aimed at describing global and segmental myocardial strain patterns and a potential association with the presence of focal myocardial scarring in DCM patients by CMR-FT.
Thirty-nine patients with DCM and reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (mean 21±8%) underwent CMR including standard cine steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). We measured global LV longitudinal as well as global and segmental circumferential and radial strain. The presence of focal myocardial fibrosis was assessed on LGE images.
Nineteen patients had focal myocardial fibrosis on LGE images with the highest prevalence in the basal septal segments II and III, which were affected in 12 (63%) and 13 (68%) patients. Furthermore, there was a significantly lower average short-axis LV radial strain (LVSAX-RS) in these segments (4.89 (–1.55 to 11.34) %) compared with the average of the other myocardial segments (21.20 (17.36 to 25.05)%; p<0.001) after adjusting for LGE and left-bundle branch block (LBBB). In general, LV segments with LGE had lower model-based mean LVSAX-RS values (17.65 (10.37 to 24.93) %) compared with those without LGE (19.40 (15.43 to 23.37) %), but this effect was not significant after adjusting for the presence of LBBB (p=0.630).
Our findings revealed a coincidence of impaired radial strain and focal myocardial fibrosis in the basal septal LV myocardial segments of patients with DCM. Regardless of this pattern, we did not find a general, significant effect of myocardial fibrosis on strain in our cohort. Future studies are required to assess the potential prognostic implications of myocardial strain patterns in addition to the assessment of myocardial fibrosis in patients with DCM.
Isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of preoperative imaging and haemodynamic data derived from echocardiography (ECHO), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and right heart catheterisation (RHC) with postoperative outcomes following TVS.
In a retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent isolated TVS at our institution between 2012 and 2020 were screened and followed up to 1 year. We only included those who had all three tests before surgery: ECHO, CMR and RHC. Patients with congenital heart disease, infective endocarditis and those who underwent concomitant valve or pericardial surgery were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality and congestive heart failure at 1 year. Time-to-event analyses at 1 year and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed.
A total of 60 patients were included (mean age of 60±14 years, 63% women), of whom 67% underwent TV repair. The primary outcome occurred in 16 patients (27%) with a 1-year mortality of 7%. It was associated with ECHO-derived right ventricular (RV) free wall strain and RHC-derived RV systolic and diastolic as well as mean pulmonary pressures. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, only RV systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly associated with the primary outcome at 1 year (HRs=5.9 and 3.4, respectively, p<0.05).
Baseline invasive haemodynamic assessment could have a strong association with clinical outcomes and help risk-stratify patients undergoing isolated TVS.
Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) often have multiple comorbidities, such as anaemia and chronic inflammatory disorders. We sought to investigate the association between preoperative and postoperative haematological parameters and clinical outcomes in TAVI patients at mid-term follow-up.
In the present study, consecutive patients (N=908) who underwent TAVI at the Cleveland Clinic between 2017 and 2019 with available complete blood counts were studied. Data were collected on preoperative and postoperative anaemia and elevations in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Survival analysis was used to study the association of haematologic parameters with all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).
We found that preoperative anaemia and elevated NLR were significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR=1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.0) and 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1 to 1.6), respectively) and MACCE (aHR=1.9 (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.8) and 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4), respectively). While an elevated preoperative PLR was not associated with increased mortality risk, it had a significant association with MACCE risk (aHR: 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4)). Further, postoperative anaemia, elevated NLR and PLR were associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and MACCE.
Pathological alterations in haematological parameters were associated with higher risks of post-TAVI mortality and MACCE at mid-term follow-up. Our findings advocate for further incorporating haematological parameters in the preoperative evaluation of TAVI candidates.
The postdischarge prognostic implication of periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) remains scarcely studied.
The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic value of periprocedural myocardial injury, defined by increased high-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) levels according to updated guidelines, after CTO PCI.
Between September 2011 and April 2020, 726 patients undergoing CTO PCI at 2 Belgian referral centres were prospectively included and divided into 4 groups based on postprocedural hs-TnT levels (unelevated; ≥5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN); ≥35 times the ULN; ≥70 times the ULN). Postprocedural hs-TnT levels were subsequently related to patient and procedural characteristics, 1-year major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; excluding in-hospital MACCE) as well as 1-year mortality.
At 1 year follow-up (FU), elevated hs-TnT≥5 times and ≥35 times the ULN were associated with higher MACCE rates (p=0.001; p=0.007, respectively). In addition, they also resulted in a higher 1-year mortality rate (p=0.009;p=0.021, respectively). Patients with increased hs-TnT≥5 times the ULN (35% of patients) more frequently had signs of more advanced atherosclerotic disease (previous CABG p<0.001; stroke p≤0.001 and peripheral vascular disease p<0.001) and had higher procedural complexity (Japanese CTO Score p=<0.001, stent length>48 mm p<0.001, procedure time p<0.001). Antegrade wire escalation did not result in lower event rate of postdischarge MACCE compared with the other CTO crossing techniques combined (p=0.158).
Periprocedural myocardial injury was associated with a significantly higher rate of MACCE and all-cause mortality after 12 months of FU.
The aim of this study was to investigate a real-world heart failure (HF) cohort regarding (1) prevalence of known diabetes mellitus (DM), undiagnosed DM and pre-diabetes, (2) if hf treatment differs depending on glycaemic status and (3) if treatment of DM differs depending on HF phenotype.
All patients who had received a diagnosis of HF at Umeå University Hospital between 2010 and 2019 were identified and data were extracted from patient files according to a prespecified protocol containing parameters for clinical characteristics, including echocardiogram results, comorbidities, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values. Patients’ HF phenotype was determined using the latest available echocardiogram. The number of patients with previous DM diagnosis was assessed. Patients without a previous diagnosis of DM were classified as non-DM, pre-diabetes or probable DM according to FPG and HbA1c levels using WHO criteria.
In total, 2326 patients (59% male, mean age 76±13 years) with HF and at least one echocardiogram were assessed. Of these, 617 (27%) patients had a previous diagnosis of DM. Of the 1709 patients without a previous diagnosis of DM, 1092 (67%) patients had either an FPG or HbA1c recorded, of which 441 (41%) met criteria for pre-diabetes and 97 (9%) met criteria for probable diabetes, corresponding to 19% and 4% of the entire cohort, respectively. Patients with HF and diabetes were more often treated with diuretics and beta blockers compared with non-DM patients (64% vs 42%, p<0.001 and 88% vs 83%, p<0.001, respectively). There was no difference in DM treatment between HF phenotypes.
DM and pre-diabetes are common in this HF population with 50% of patients having either known DM, probable DM or pre-diabetes. Patients with HF and DM are more often treated with common HF medications. HF phenotype did not affect choice of DM therapy.
Strain artefacts are known to hamper the correct interpretation of segmental strain and strain-rate (S/SR). Defining the normal ranges of myocardial segmental deformation is important in clinical studies and routine echocardiographic practice. In order to define artefact-free normal ranges for segmental longitudinal S/SR parameters, we investigated the extent to which different types of artefacts and their segmental localisation in the three different myocardial layers created a bias in the results of echocardiographic strain measurements.
The study included echocardiograms from men and women aged 40–69 years from two population-based studies, namely the Know Your Heart study (Russia) and the Tromsø Study (Norway). Of the 2207 individuals from these studies, 840 had normal results, defined as the absence of hypertension or indicators of any cardiovascular disease. Two-dimensional (2D) global and segmental S/SR of the three myocardial layers were analysed using speckle tracking echocardiography. Artefacts were assessed with two different methods: visual identification of image-artefacts and a novel conceptual approach of ‘curve-artefacts’ or unphysiological strain-curve formation.
Segmental strain values were found to have significantly reduced in the presence of strain-curve artefacts (14.9%±5.8% towards –20.7%±4.9%), and increased with the foreshortening of the 2D image. However, the individual global strain values were not substantially altered by discarding segmental artefacts. Reduction due to artefacts was observed in all segments, layers, systolic and diastolic strain, and SR. Thus, we presented normal ranges for basal-septal, basal, medial and apical segment groups after excluding artefacts.
Strain-curve artefacts introduce systematic errors, resulting in reduced segmental S/SR values. In terms of artefact-robust global longitudinal strain, the detection of curve-artefacts is crucial for the correct interpretation of segmental S/SR patterns. Intersegmental S/SR gradients and artefacts need to be considered for the correct definition of normalcy and pathology.
The reduction in circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is the primary aim of lipid-lowering therapies as a method of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Inclisiran is a new and potent lipid-lowering drug that is shown to be effective in reducing LDL-c in randomised controlled trials, however, real-world data of its use are not yet known. We sought to analyse the early effects of this drug in a tertiary centre lipid and cardiovascular risk clinic.
We performed a retrospective analysis of the first 80 patients who received a single dose of inclisiran at our lipid clinic between 1 December 2021 and 1 September 2022. Data were collected using electronic healthcare records. Baseline blood tests were taken prior to start of treatment and were repeated at 2 months follow-up. Data on adverse events were also recorded.
At 2 months after treatment initiation, mean baseline LDL-c fell from 3.5±1.1 mmol/L by 48.6% to 1.8±1.0 mmol/L and total cholesterol from 5.7±1.3 mmol/L by 33.3% to 3.8±1.1 mmol/L (both p<0.0001). Mean high-density lipoprotein-c rose by 7.7% to 1.4±0.4 mmol/L (p=0.02) and median triglycerides fell by 31.3% to 1.1 mmol/L (IQR 0.9–2) (p=0.001). Adverse events (injection site reaction, fatigue and headache) were recorded in three patients and all had self-resolved by time of follow-up.
Inclisiran use in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines led to significant lowering of LDL-c at 2 months, with efficacy similar to that reported in trials with good tolerability.
To bring together patients, parents, charities and clinicians in a Priority Setting Partnership to establish national clinical priorities for research in children and adults with congenital heart disease.
The established James Lind Alliance methodology was used to identify and prioritise research on the management of congenital heart disease, focusing on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. An initial open survey was used to gather potential uncertainties which were filtered, categorised, converted into summary questions and checked against current evidence. In a second survey, respondents identified the unanswered questions most important to them. At two final workshops, patients, parents, charities and healthcare professionals agreed the top 10 lists of priorities for child/antenatal and adult congenital heart disease research.
524 respondents submitted 1373 individual questions, from which 313 out of scope or duplicate questions were removed. The remaining 1060 questions were distilled into summary questions and checked against existing literature, with only three questions deemed entirely answered and removed. 250 respondents completed the child/antenatal survey (56 uncertainties) and 252 completed the adult survey (47 uncertainties). The questions ranked the highest by clinicians and non-clinicians were taken forward to consensus workshops, where two sets of top 10 research priorities were agreed.
Through an established and equitable process, we determined national clinical priorities for congenital heart disease research. These will be taken forward by specific working groups, a national patient and public involvement group, and through the establishment of a UK and Ireland network for collaborative, multicentre clinical trials in congenital heart disease.
Cancer treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor signalling pathway (VSP) inhibitors frequently causes hypertension. Although previous reports suggested that the antihypertensive drug renin–angiotensin system inhibitor (RASI) may have a positive synergistic effect with VSP inhibitors, the actual impact on clinical outcomes is unknown.
The study aims to clarify whether RASIs exhibit clinical benefits for patients with cancer with hypertension.
From the Longevity Improvement and Fair Evidence Study database, comprising Japanese claims data between 2016 and 2020, we reviewed 2380 patients treated with VSP inhibitors who received antihypertensive treatment during cancer therapy. The patients were classified into two groups: with-RASI (n=883) and without-RASI (n=1497). In addition, 1803 of these patients treated for hypertension with RASI-only (n=707) or calcium channel blocker-only (n=1096) were also reviewed. The time-to-treatment failure (TTF), the interval from initiation of chemotherapy to its discontinuation, was applied as the primary endpoint.
The median TTFs were 167 (60–382) days in the with-RASI group and 161 (63–377) days in the without-RASI group (p=0.587). All models, including Cox proportional hazard models and multiple propensity score models, did not reveal the superiority of with-RASI treatment. In the propensity score matching model, the HR for treatment with-RASI compared with that for without-RASI was 0.96 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.06, p=0.386). In addition, the TTFs of RASI-only were not superior to calcium channel blocker-only (p=0.584).
RASIs for hypertension do not benefit clinical outcomes during cancer therapy with VSP inhibitors. In addition, RASIs and calcium channel blockers have comparable clinical efficacy as first-line antihypertensive.
Our aim was to derive, based on the SWEDEHEART registry, and validate, using the Western Denmark Heart registry, a patient-oriented risk score, the SweDen score, which could calculate the risk of 1-year mortality following a myocardial infarction (MI).
The factors included in the SweDen score were age, sex, smoking, diabetes, heart failure and statin use. These were chosen a priori by the SWEDEHEART steering group based on the premise that the factors were information known by the patients themselves. The score was evaluated using various statistical methods such as time-dependent receiver operating characteristics curves of the linear predictor, area under the curve metrics, Kaplan-Meier survivor curves and the calibration slope.
The area under the curve values were 0.81 in the derivation data and 0.76 in the validation data. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed similar patient profiles across datasets. The calibration slope was 1.03 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.08) in the validation data using the linear predictor from the derivation data.
The SweDen risk score is a novel tool created for patient use. The risk score calculator will be available online and presents mortality risk on a colour scale to simplify interpretation and to avoid exact life span expectancies. It provides a validated patient-oriented risk score predicting the risk of death within 1 year after suffering an MI, which visualises the benefit of statin use and smoking cessation in a simple way.
There are significant sex differences in the prevalence and severity of cardiac calcifying processes. Women harbour more severe mitral annular calcification (MAC), while men exhibit worse aortic valve (AVC) and coronary artery (CAC) calcification. To better understand these differences, we investigated the correlates of cardiac calcification according to sex.
We conducted a cross-sectional study of 406 patients with ≥mild aortic stenosis (AS) defined by an aortic valve area ≤1.5 cm2, a peak aortic jet velocity >2.0 m/s, or a mean transvalvular gradient >15 mm Hg. Doppler-echocardiography and non-contrast multidetector CT were performed concomitantly to assess AS and cardiac calcifications.
Mean age was 71±11 years and 33% were women. The AS haemodynamics were not significantly different between sexes (all p>0.50), with a mean indexed aortic valve area of 0.59±0.21 cm2/m2, peak aortic jet velocity of 2.78 (2.37–3.68) m/s, and mean gradient of 17.9 (12.8–31.3) mm Hg for the whole cohort. Compared with men, women harboured lower AVC (480 (222–1191) vs 1003 (484–2329) Agatston unit, AU; p<0.0001) and CAC (366 (50–914) vs 618 (167–1357) AU; p=0.007), but more severe MAC (60 (1–887) vs 48 (0–351) AU; p=0.08) and ascending aorta calcification (227 (43–863) vs 142 (7–493) AU; p=0.03). After comprehensive adjustment, sex remained an independent predictor of each cardiac calcification subtype (all p<0.02) except for the ascending aorta (p=0.32). In multivariable analysis, certain variables, like age or bicuspid aortic valve, were associated with the calcification scores in both sexes. Sex-specific predictors of calcification burden were absence of angiotensin receptor blockers (β=–0.26; p=0.007) and renal impairment (β=0.26; p=0.003) for AVC, and bisphosphonates (β=0.20; p=0.05) for CAC in women; coronary artery disease (β=0.25; p=0.001) for AVC, and angiotensin receptor blockers (β=0.19; p=0.02) and calcium/vitamin D (β=0.15; p=0.02) for MAC in men.
In AS, factors associated with cardiac valvular and arterial calcification differ between sexes, suggesting an important contributory role of sex in the pathophysiology of these calcifying processes.
Screening programmes using echocardiography offer opportunity for intervention through identification and treatment of early (latent) rheumatic heart disease (RHD). We aimed to compare two methods for classifying progression or regression of latent RHD: serial review method and blinded, side-by-side review.
A four-member expert panel reviewed 799 enrolment (in 2018) and completion (in 2020) echocardiograms from the GOAL Trial of latent RHD in Uganda to make consensus determination of normal, borderline RHD or definite RHD. Serial interpretations (enrolment and completion echocardiograms read at two different time points, 2 years apart, not beside one another) were compared with blinded side-by-side comparisons (enrolment and completion echocardiograms displayed beside one another in random order on same screen) to determine outcomes according to prespecified definitions of disease progression (worsening), regression (improving) or no change. We calculated inter-rater agreement using Cohen’s kappa.
There were 799 pairs of echocardiogram assessments included. A higher number, 54 vs 38 (6.8% vs 4.5%), were deemed as progression by serial interpretation compared with side-by-side comparison. There was good inter-rater agreement between the serial interpretation and side-by-side comparison methods (kappa 0.89). Disagreement was most often a result of the difference in classification between borderline RHD and mild definite RHD. Most discrepancies between interpretation methods (46 of 47, 98%) resulted from differences in valvular morphological evaluation, with valves judged to be morphologically similar between enrolment and final echocardiograms when compared side by side but classified differently on serial interpretation.
There was good agreement between the methods of serial and side-by-side interpretation of echocardiograms for change over time, using the World Heart Federation criteria. Side-by-side interpretation has higher specificity for change, with fewer differences in the interpretation of valvular morphology, as compared with serial interpretation.
Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is now the standard of care, but whether the demonstrated benefits of RM translate into improvements in heart failure (HF) management is controversial. This systematic review addresses the role of RM in patients with HF with a CIED.
A systematic search of the literature for randomised clinical trials in patients with HF and a CIED assessing efficacy/effectiveness of RM was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase. Meta-analysis was performed on the effects of RM of CIEDs in patients with HF on mortality and readmissions. Effects on implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) therapy, healthcare costs and clinic presentations were also assessed.
607 articles were identified and refined to 10 studies with a total of 6579 patients. Implementation of RM was not uniform with substantial variation in methodology across the studies. There was no reduction in mortality or hospital readmission rates, while ICD therapy findings were inconsistent. There was a reduction in patient-associated healthcare costs and reduction in healthcare presentations.
RM for patients with CIEDs and HF was not uniformly performed. As currently implemented, RM does not provide a benefit on overall mortality or the key metric of HF readmission. It does provide a reduction in healthcare costs and healthcare presentations.
CRD42019129270.
Cardiovascular risk estimation is an essential step to reduce the onset of adverse cardiovascular events. For this purpose, the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk chart method was used in Europe. In 2021, the SCORE2 algorithm was released, bringing changes in the calculation methodology. This study assessed and compared the level of cardiovascular risk in a population aged 40–65 years using the SCORE and SCORE2 methodologies.
This cross-sectional study included a total of 85 802 patients in Hungary. Cardiovascular risk levels were determined using the SCORE and SCORE2 risk estimation methods.
Using SCORE, 97.7% of men aged 40–50 years were classified as low–moderate risk, which decreased to 32.4% using SCORE2. Using SCORE, 100% of women aged 40–50 years were classified as low–moderate risk, compared with 75.6% using SCORE2. Using SCORE, 36.8% of men aged 50–65 years were classified as high risk and 14.8% as very high risk, and 5.4% of women aged 50–65 years were classified as high risk and 0.5% as very high risk. In this age group, using SCORE2, 50% of men were classified as high risk and 25.8% as very high risk, and 38.8% of women were classified as high risk and 11.9% as very high risk.
When the SCORE2 method was used instead of SCORE 43.91% of the whole population were classified with a higher level of risk, which represents a radical increase in the number of patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk.
The role of hyperuricaemia as a prognostic maker has been established in chronic heart failure (HF) but limited information on the association between plasma uric acid (UA) levels and central haemodynamic measurements is available.
A retrospective study on patients with advanced HF referred for right heart catherisation. Regression analyses were constructed to investigate the association between UA and haemodynamic variables. Cox models were created to investigate if UA was a significant predictor of adverse outcome where log1.1(UA) was used to estimate the effect on outcome associated with a 10% increase in UA levels.
A total of 228 patients were included (77% males, age 49±12 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 17%±8%). Median UA was 0.48 (0.39–0.61) mmol/L. UA level was associated to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and cardiac index (CI) in univariable (both p<0.001) and multivariable regression analysis (p<0.004 and p=0.025 for PCWP and CI). When constructing multivariable Cox models including PCWP, CI, central venous pressure, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), use of loop diuretics and LVEF, log1.1(UA) independently predicted the combined endpoint (left ventricular assist device, total artificial heart implantation, heart transplantation or all-cause mortality) (hazard ratio (HR): 1.10 (1.03–1.17), p=0.004) as well as all-cause mortality (HR: 1.15 (1.06–1.25), p=0.001).
Elevated UA is associated with greater haemodynamic impairment in advanced HF. In adjusted Cox models (age, eGFR, LVEF and haemodynamics), UA predicts the combined endpoint and all-cause mortality in long-term follow-up.
Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have prothrombotic changes compared with healthy individuals. Regular exercise reduces cardiovascular mortality in patients with stable CAD. However, the underlying mechanism for the beneficial effect is unknown. We investigated whether regular exercise would inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombin generation and increase fibrinolysis in patients with CAD.
Patients with CAD were randomised 1:1 to a supervised high-intensity exercise training programme or standard care for 12 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks. Platelet aggregation was evaluated with the Multiplate Analyser, thrombin generation using the calibrated automated thrombogram and fibrinolysis employing a clot lysis assay.
A total of 169 stable patients with CAD were randomised, and 142 patients (67±9 years, 83% males) completed the study; 64 in the exercise group and 78 in the standard care group. All but one patients received single antiplatelet therapy. From baseline to 12 weeks postintervention (), no significant between-group differences were found in adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation (–15 aggregation units (AU), AUxmin, 95% CI –70 to 40 in the exercise group and –26 AUxmin, 95% CI –77 to 26 in the standard care group, p=0.44); endogenous thrombin potential (medians: –5%, 95% CI –12 to 3 in the exercise group and –6%, 95% CI –13 to 1 in the standard care group, p=0.26); nor in 50% clot lysis time (medians: –9%, 95% CI –23 to 7 in the exercise group and –17%, 95% CI –29 to –3 in the standard care group, p=0.60).
Twelve weeks of high-intensity whole-body endurance exercise did not affect platelet aggregation, thrombin generation or fibrinolysis in patients with stable CAD.
We hypothesised that patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) who remain with discordantly graded aortic valve stenosis (DGAS) after adjustment for pressure recovery in the aortic root represents a subgroup of patients with increased cardiovascular risk.
Data from 1353 patients with asymptomatic mild–moderate AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction enrolled in the Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in AS study was used. DGAS was identified as combined pressure adjusted valve area (energy loss) <1.0 cm² and mean aortic gradient<40 mm Hg (DGASEL). Outcome was assessed in Cox regression analysis and reported as HR and 95% CI.
DGASEL was found in 196 (14.5%) patients at baseline, and was associated with older age, female sex, smaller aortic annulus diameter, lower heart rate, more extensive valve calcification and low flow (all p<0.05). In Cox regression analysis, DGASEL was associated with higher rate of heart failure (HF) hospitalisation (HR 3.31 (95% CI 1.54 to 7.09)), cardiovascular death (HR 2.63 (95% CI 1.34 to 5.17)) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.73 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.87)) independent of confounders including low flow and aortic valve calcification (all p<0.05).
Patients with asymptomatic AS who remain with discordant grading after adjustment for pressure recovery have increased risk for HF and death.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a worldwide healthcare challenge owing to population ageing. In this study, we assessed the current trends in the incidence and prevalence of AF for the first time in an unselected, nationwide population.
In the Finnish Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation study, we gathered comprehensive data including all primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare visits and drug reimbursement from national healthcare registers to identify all patients with incident AF between 2004 and 2018 in Finland. Incident AF was defined as new-onset AF occurring after 2007. Time trends for the incidence and prevalence of AF were calculated and stratified by sex and age.
A total of 411 387 patients with AF diagnosis were documented in Finland during 2004–2018. In 2018, the incidence and prevalence of AF in the total Finnish population were 469/100 000 and 4.1%, respectively. The incidence of new-onset AF in the adult population (≥20 years) increased from 471/100 000 in 2007 to 604/100 000 in 2018, but the age-adjusted incidence remained stable. The prevalence of AF increased in the adult population from 2.5% to 5.2%, and was higher in men than in women (5.9% vs 4.6%, p<0.001). The incidence and prevalence of AF increased with age and were 3194/100 000 and 23.4% in patients older than 75 years.
Based on comprehensive nationwide data including primary care, we observed an increasing incidence and prevalence of AF over time. This increase was strongly age-dependent with the age-standardised incidence remaining stable during 2007–2018.
To describe medical management in aortic dissection (AD) and to analyse the possible associations between antihypertensive, antithrombotic, anticoagulant and statin agents, respectively, and long-term survival.
From Swedish medical registers, all patients diagnosed with AD in 2006–2015 were identified. Filled prescriptions prior to admission and within 1 year from discharge in patients discharged and alive at 30 days were registered. Associations between pharmacological treatment and long-term survival were analysed using Cox proportional hazards models.
Of 3951 patients hospitalised with acute AD, 3046 (77%) were discharged and alive at 30 days. In hospitalised patients, mean age was 66 years (SD 13), and 36% (n=1098) were women. Within 1 year from discharge, 96% (n=2939) had at least one antihypertensive drug. Beta blocker was the most commonly used drug type (90%, n=2741). Statin treatment (47%, n=1418) was associated with higher long-term survival; HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.87, p<0.001). The positive association between statins and long-term survival remained, in subgroup analysis, in medically managed patients (HR 0.72 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.86, p<0.001)), but not in patients undergoing surgical repair (HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.14, p=0.230)). Beta blockers were associated with favourable long-term survival in surgically managed patients (HR 0.58 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.97, p=0.038)) but not in medically managed patients (HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.12, p=0.057)). Neither antiplatelet therapy nor anticoagulants were associated with long-term survival.
Statin treatment was associated with favourable long-term outcome in medically managed AD patients, whereas treatment with beta blocker was associated with higher survival only in surgically managed AD patients. Statin use as well as optimal antihypertensive therapy in the chronic stage of the disease need to be further analysed, preferably in randomised controlled trials.
Endurance sport practice is associated with a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), which increases the risk of stroke in the general population. However, stroke risk in endurance athletes with AF is sparsely investigated. Most studies have been limited by design and are largely restricted to younger and middle-aged populations. Thus, we aimed to investigate AF and stroke risk in older athletes exposed to prolonged endurance training.
During a 10-year period, 505 male athletes aged ≥65 years frequently participating in a long-distance ski race were compared with 1867 men of the same age from the general population. The main exposure was endurance sport practice with self-reported AF and stroke as outcomes. Stroke risk was further examined by joint modelling of AF and endurance practice. Statistical analysis was conducted with a modified Poisson model.
Athletes (median age: 68, range: 65–90) participated in a long-distance ski race over a median of 14 years (range: 1–53). Prevalence (28.5% vs 17.8%) and adjusted risk of AF (risk ratio (RR): 1.88, 95% CI: 1.49 to 2.37) were higher in athletes compared with non-athletes, whereas the prevalence (5.4% vs 9.7%) and risk of stroke were lower (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.95). Compared with athletes without AF, risk of stroke was twofold in athletes (RR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.08 to 5.24) and nearly fourfold in non-athletes (RR: 3.87, 95% CI: 1.98 to 7.57) with AF.
Although older male endurance athletes experienced an increased risk of AF, the long-term risk of stroke was substantially reduced compared with non-athletes.
Exercise parameters are not routinely incorporated in decision making for cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). Submaximal exercise parameters better reflect daily functional capacity of heart failure patients than parameters measured at maximal exertion, and may therefore better predict response to CRT. We compared various exercise parameters, and sought to establish which best predict CRT response.
In 31 patients with chronic heart failure (61% male; age 68±7 years), submaximal and maximal cycling testing was performed before and 3 months after CRT. Submaximal oxygen onset (VO2 onset) and recovery kinetics (VO2 recovery), peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) where measured. Response was defined as ≥15% relative reduction in end-systolic volume.
After controlling for age, New York Heart Association and VO2 peak, fast submaximal VO2 kinetics were significantly associated with response to CRT, measured either during onset or recovery of submaximal exercise (area under the curve, AUC=0.719 for both; p<0.05). By contrast, VO2 peak (AUC=0.632; p=0.199) and OUES (AUC=0.577; p=0.469) were not associated with response. Among patients with fast onset and recovery kinetics, below 60 s, a significantly higher percentage of responders was observed (91% and 92% vs 43% and 40%, respectively).
Impaired VO2 kinetics may serve as an objective marker of submaximal exercise capacity that is age-independently associated with non-response following CRT, whereas maximal exercise parameters are not. Assessment of VO2 kinetics is feasible and easy to perform, but larger studies should confirm their clinical utility.
Cardiac rehabilitation has proven beneficial in cardiovascular patients and is strongly recommended for secondary prevention after a coronary event. However, overall utilisation of cardiac rehabilitation is often low. The addition of novel methods of rehabilitation may increase overall compliance with cardiac rehabilitation. The use of virtual reality (VR) has been adopted in a variety of therapeutic ways such as physical rehabilitation in neurological diseases, rehabilitation for various psychiatric illnesses and postcancer rehabilitation in breast cancer survivors. In our meta-analysis, we wish to assess whether the addition of VR (fully immersive or non-immersive) leads to an improvement in anxiety and functional capacity compared with standard cardiac rehabilitation at any phase of the rehabilitation process.
This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was structured according to the published Preferred Reporting for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis—Protocol guidelines. We will devise a search strategy to use online databases to search for the randomised controlled trials. Inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria will be defined. The articles will be reviewed by two independent reviewers and any conflict will be adjudicated through discussion. The bias in the selected studies will be assessed using Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). The outcome of interest will be anxiety and functional capacity. Effect estimates will be reported as standardised mean difference with 95% CI. Fixed effect model will be used if I2 <60%, otherwise random effect model will be used to estimate the effect size.
There will be no direct involvement of the patient or the public in the conception, design, data collection and analysis of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated via journal articles. In accordance with the guidelines, our systematic review protocol is prospectively registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 07 August 2022.
CRD 42022342736.
Between 25% and 30% of patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) are readmitted within 90 days after discharge, mostly due to persistent congestion on discharge. However, as the optimal evaluation of decongestion is not clearly defined, it is necessary to implement new tools to identify subclinical congestion to guide treatment.
To evaluate if inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (CAVAL US)-guided therapy for AHF patients reduces subclinical congestion at discharge.
CAVAL US-AHF is a single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate if an IVC and lung ultrasound-guided healthcare strategy is superior to standard care to reduce subclinical congestion at discharge. Fifty-eight patients with AHF will be randomised using a block randomisation programme that will assign to either lung and IVC ultrasound-guided decongestion therapy (‘intervention group’) or clinical-guided decongestion therapy (‘control group’), using a quantitative protocol and will be classified in three groups according to the level of congestion observed: none or mild, moderate or severe. The treating physicians will know the result of the test and the subsequent adjustment of treatment in response to those findings guided by a customised therapeutic algorithm. The primary endpoint is the presence of more than five B-lines and/or an increase in the diameter of the IVC, with and without collapsibility. The secondary endpoints are the composite of readmission for HF, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days, variation of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at discharge, length of hospital stay and diuretic dose at 90 days. Analyses will be conducted as between-group by intention to treat.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and registered in the PRIISA.BA platform of the Ministry of Health of the City of Buenos Aires.
The possibility of hypercoagulability during the perioperative period of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been noted; however, there is still a controversy regarding the appropriate perioperative antithrombotic therapy. The study investigated coagulation and platelet functions during the TAVI perioperative period using thromboelastography (TEG) 6s platelet mapping.
A prospective observational study was conducted on 25 patients undergoing TAVI. TEG platelet mapping was performed at three time points: on admission to the operating room (before heparinisation), on postoperative day (POD) 1 and on POD 3. Perioperative changes observed included: maximum clot strength (MAHKH), clot strength without platelet function (MAActF), time to initiation of clots formation by coagulation factors (RHKH) and platelet function (Gp). Gp is activated by thrombin, and not affected by antiplatelet agents. It is calculated as [(5000xMAHKH)/(100 – MAHKH)] – [(5000xMAActF)/(100 – MAActF)]. Finally, MAADP/AA and GADP/AA, which reflect clot strength and platelet aggregation mediated by ADP/thromboxane A2 receptors, respectively, were also examined using the same method as for Gp.
MAHKH continued to decrease until POD 3, indicating antithrombotic change after TAVI. Gp continuously decreased for 3 days after TAVI, while MAActF increased significantly on POD 3. Furthermore, RHKH shortened on POD 1 and POD 3, suggesting increased coagulation capacity after TAVI. Finally, GADP in clopidogrel-naive patients was reduced for 3 days after TAVI, while GAA in aspirin-naive patients showed no significant change perioperatively.
In this study involving TEG platelet mapping, coagulation capacity increased while platelet function decreased, resulting in antithrombotic change for 3 days after TAVI. The ADP receptor system may be implicated in the decreased platelet function. These results may be useful for considering optimal perioperative antithrombotic therapy in TAVI.
The diagnostic and therapeutic arsenal for heart failure with preserved ejection (HFpEF) has expanded. With novel therapies (eg, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors) and firmer recommendations to optimise non-cardiac comorbidities, it is unclear if outpatient HFpEF models can adequately deliver this. We; therefore, evaluated the efficacy of an existing dedicated HFpEF clinic to find innovative ways to design a more comprehensive model tailored to the modern era of HFpEF.
A single-centre retrospective analysis of 202 HFpEF outpatients was performed over 12 months before the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline characteristics, clinic activities (eg, medication changes, lifestyle modifications, management of comorbidities) and follow-up arrangements were compared between a HFpEF and general cardiology clinic to assess their impact on mortality and morbidity at 6 and 12 months.
Between the two clinic groups, the sample population was evenly matched with a typical HFpEF profile (mean age 79±9.6 years, 55% female and a high prevalence of cardiometabolic comorbidities). While follow-up practices were similar, the HFpEF clinic delivered significantly more interventions on lifestyle changes, blood pressure and heart rate control (p<0.0001) compared with the general clinic. Despite this, no significant differences in all-cause hospitalisation and mortality were observed. This may be attributed to the fact that clinic activities were primarily cardiology-focused. Importantly, non-cardiovascular admissions accounted for >60% of hospitalisation, including causes of recurrent admissions.
This study suggests that existing general and emerging dedicated HFpEF clinics may not be adequate in addressing the multifaceted aspects of HFpEF as clinic activities concentrated primarily on cardiological measures. Although the small cohort and short follow-up period are important limitations, this study reminds clinicians that HFpEF patients are more at risk of non-cardiac than HF-related events. We have therefore proposed a pragmatic framework that can comprehensively deliver the modern guideline-directed recommendations and management of non-cardiac comorbidities through a multidisciplinary approach.
Determining heart failure (HF) phenotypes in routine electronic health records (EHR) is challenging. We aimed to develop and validate EHR algorithms for identification of specific HF phenotypes, using Read codes in combination with selected patient characteristics.
We used The Healthcare Improvement Network (THIN). The study population included a random sample of individuals with HF diagnostic codes (HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and non-specific HF) selected from all participants registered in the THIN database between 1 January 2015 and 30 September 2017. Confirmed diagnoses were determined in a randomly selected subgroup of 500 patients via GP questionnaires including a review of all available cardiovascular investigations. Confirmed diagnoses of HFrEF and HFpEF were based on four criteria. Based on these data, we calculated a positive predictive value (PPV) of predefined algorithms which consisted of a combination of Read codes and additional information such as echocardiogram results and HF medication records.
The final cohort from which we drew the 500 patient random sample consisted of 10 275 patients. Response rate to the questionnaire was 77.2%. A small proportion (18%) of the overall HF patient population were coded with specific HF phenotype Read codes. For HFrEF, algorithms achieving over 80% PPV included definite, possible or non-specific HF HFrEF codes when combined with at least two of the drugs used to treat HFrEF. Only in non-specific HF coding did the use of three drugs (rather than two) contribute to an improvement of the PPV for HFrEF. HFpEF was only accurately defined with specific codes. In the absence of specific coding for HFpEF, the PPV was consistently below 50%.
Prescription for HF medication can reliably be used to find HFrEF patients in the UK, even in the absence of a specific Read code for HFrEF. Algorithms using non-specific coding could not reliably find HFpEF patients.
Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were designed to reduce the rate of late adverse events observed in conventional drug-eluting stents (DES) by dissolving once they have restored lasting patency.
Compare the safety and efficacy of BVS versus DES in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease across a complete range of randomised controlled trial (RCT) follow-up intervals.
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from inception through 5 January 2022 for RCTs comparing the clinical outcomes of BVS versus DES. The primary safety outcome was stent/scaffold thrombosis (ST), and the primary efficacy outcome was target lesion failure (TLF: composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI) and ischaemia-driven target lesion revascularisation (ID-TLR)). Secondary outcomes were patient-oriented composite endpoint (combining all-death, all-MI and all-revascularisation), its individual components and those of TLF. Studies were appraised using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan V.5.4.
11 919 patients were randomised to receive either BVS (n=6438) or DES (n=5481) across 17 trials (differing follow-up intervals from 3 months to 5 years). BVS demonstrated increased risk of ST across all timepoints (peaking at 2 years with risk ratio (RR): 3.47; 95% CI 1.80 to 6.70; p=0.0002). Similarly, they showed increased risk of TLF (peaking at 3 years, RR: 1.35; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.70; p=0.01) resulting from high rates of TVMI and ID-TLR. Though improvements were observed after device dissolution (5-year follow-up), these were non-significant. All other outcomes were statistically equivalent. Applicability to all BVS is limited by 91% of the BVS group receiving Abbott’s Absorb.
This meta-analysis demonstrates that current BVS are inferior to contemporary DES throughout the first 5 years at minimum.
Prospective systematic review and meta-analysis including meta-regression using MEDLINE and EMBASE to November 2020. We included ‘all-comer’ PCI cohorts including large PCI registries and randomised controlled trials and excluding registries or trials limited to PCI in high-risk populations such as chronic total occlusion PCI or cohorts treated only with atheroablative devices. Regression analysis and corresponding correlation coefficients were performed comparing perforation incidence, mortality rate, tamponade rate and the rate of Ellis III perforations against the midpoint (year) of data collection to determine if a significant temporal relationship was present.
3997 studies were screened for inclusion. 67 studies met eligibility criteria with a total of 5 568 191 PCIs included over a 38-year period (1982–2020). The overall pooled incidence of perforation was 0.39% (95% CI 0.34% to 0.45%) and remained similar throughout the study period. Around 1 in 5 coronary perforations led to tamponade (21.1%). Ellis III perforations are increasing in frequency and account for 43% of all perforations. Perforation mortality has trended lower over the years (7.5%; 95% CI 6.7% to 8.4%). Perforation risk factors derived using meta-regression were female sex, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and previous coronary bypass grafting. Coronary perforation was most frequently caused by distal wire exit (37%) followed by balloon dilation catheters (28%). Covered stents were used to treat 25% of perforations, with emergency cardiac surgery needed in 17%.
Coronary perforation complicates approximately 1 in 250 PCIs. Ellis III perforations are increasing in incidence although it is unclear whether this is due to reporting bias. Despite this, the overall perforation mortality rate (7.5%) has trended lower in recent years. Limitations of our findings include bias that may be introduced through analysis of multidesign studies and registries without pre-specified standardised perforation reporting CMore research into coronary perforation management including the optimal use of covered stents seems warranted.
CRD42020207881.
The use of the procedure has been on the rise, and the news coverage has been dominated by an uncritical acceptance of the benefit of this procedure, which probably have contributed to the increasing number of procedures.
This commentary is a presentation and critical appraisal of the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage closure as stroke prophylaxis.
We illustrate that LAAO is supported by limited randomised data risk of serious complications, which we do not believe supports the current widespread use.
]]>Echocardiography is the cornerstone of heart failure (HF) diagnosis, but expertise is limited. Non-experts using handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs) challenge the clinical yield. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is used for assessment and grading of HF. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) reflects LV long-axis shortening. Automatic tools for quantification of EF (autoEF) and MAPSE (autoMAPSE) are available on HUDs. We aimed to explore the importance of user experience and image quality for autoEF and autoMAPSE on HUDs, and how image quality influences the feasibility, agreement and reliability in patients with suspected HF.
General practitioners, registered cardiac nurses and cardiologists represented the novice, intermediate and expert users, respectively, in this diagnostic accuracy study. 2543 images were evaluated by an external, blinded cardiologist by a five-parameter, prespecified score (four-chamber view, LV alignment, apical mispositioning, mitral annular assessment and number of visible endocardial segments) graded 0–6.
Feasibility was higher with increasing image quality. In all recordings, irrespective of user, the average image quality score and the five prespecified scores were associated with the feasibility of autoEF and autoMAPSE (all p<0.001). Image quality was more important for the feasibility of autoMAPSE than autoEF. Image quality was not important for the agreement of autoEF (R2 2%) and autoMAPSE (R2 7%). Combining all user groups, the reliability was lower with larger within-patient variability in image quality of the repeated recordings (p≤0.005). Similar associations were not found in user group specific analyses (p≥0.16). Patients’ characteristics were only weakly associated with image quality score (R2≤4%).
Image quality was important for feasibility but does not explain the low agreement with reference or the modest within-patient reliability of automatic decision-support software on HUDs for all user groups in patients with suspected HF.
A novel artificial intelligence-based phenotyping approach to stratify patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been proposed, based on echocardiographic and haemodynamic data. This study aimed to analyse the recovery of extra-aortic valve cardiac damage in accordance with this novel stratification system following TAVR.
The proposed phenotyping approach was previously established employing data from 366 patients with severe AS from a bicentric registry. For this consecutive study, echocardiographic follow-up data, obtained on day 147±75.1 after TAVR, were available from 247 patients (67.5%).
Correction of severe AS by TAVR significantly reduced the proportion of patients suffering from concurrent severe mitral regurgitation (from 9.29% to 3.64%, p value: 0.0015). Moreover, pulmonary artery pressures were ameliorated (estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure: from 47.2±15.8 to 43.3±15.1 mm Hg, p value: 0.0079). However, right heart dysfunction as well as the proportion of patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation remained unchanged. Clusters with persistent right heart dysfunction ultimately displayed 2-year survival rates of 69.2% (95% CI 56.6% to 84.7%) and 74.6% (95% CI 65.9% to 84.4%), which were significantly lower compared with clusters with little or no persistent cardiopulmonary impairment (88.3% (95% CI 83.3% to 93.5%) and 85.5% (95% CI 77.1% to 94.8%)).
This phenotyping approach preprocedurally identifies patients with severe AS, who will not recover from extra-aortic valve cardiac damage following TAVR and whose survival is therefore significantly reduced. Importantly, not the degree of pulmonary hypertension at initial presentation, but the irreversibility of right heart dysfunction determines prognosis.
We provide succinct, evidence-based and/or consensus-based best practice guidance for the cardiac care of children living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) as well as recommendations for screening and management of female carriers of mutations in the DMD-gene.
Initiated by an expert working group of UK-based cardiologists, neuromuscular clinicians and DMD-patient representatives, draft guidelines were created based on published evidence, current practice and expert opinion. After wider consultation with UK-cardiologists, consensus was reached on these best-practice recommendations for cardiac care in DMD.
The resulting recommendations are presented in the form of a succinct care pathway flow chart with brief justification. The guidance signposts evidence on which they are based and acknowledges where there have been differences in opinion. Guidelines for cardiac care of patients with more advanced cardiac dystrophinopathy at any age have also been considered, based on the previous published work of Quinlivan et al and are presented here in a similar format. The recommendations have been endorsed by the British Cardiovascular Society.
These guidelines provide succinct, reasoned recommendations for all those managing paediatric patients with early or advanced stages of cardiomyopathy as well as females with cardiac dystrophinopathy. The hope is that this will result in more uniform delivery of high standards of care for children with cardiac dystrophinopathy, so improving heart health into adulthood through timely earlier interventions across the UK.
Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) experience anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life (QoL).
This mixed-methods systematic review evaluates whether ICD support groups have a beneficial effect on mental well-being.
Literature searches were carried out in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Eligible studies investigated patient-led support groups for ICD patients aged 18 years or older, using any quantitative or qualitative design. The Mixed-Methods Assessment Tool was used to assess quality. Meta-analysis of measures of mental well-being was conducted. Thematic synthesis was used to generate analytic themes from the qualitative data. The data were integrated and presented using the Pillar Integration Process.
Ten studies were included in this review. All studies bar one were non-randomised or had a qualitative design and patients had self-selected to attend a support group. Five contributed to the quantitative data synthesis and seven to the qualitative synthesis. Meta-analysis of anxiety and QoL measures showed no significant impact of support groups on mental well-being, but qualitative data showed that patients perceived benefit from attendance through sharing experiences and acceptance of life with an ICD.
ICD support group attendance improved the patients’ perceived well-being. Attendees value the opportunity to share their experiences which helps to accept their new life with an ICD. Future research could consider outcomes such as patient acceptance and the role of healthcare professionals at support groups.
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an important genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD). With the development of Lp(a)-lowering therapies, this study sought to characterise patterns of Lp(a) levels in a global ASCVD population and identify racial, ethnic, regional and gender differences.
A multicentre cross-sectional epidemiological study to estimate the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in patients with a history of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke or peripheral artery disease conducted at 949 sites in 48 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, South Africa and Australia between April 2019 and July 2021. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Lp(a) levels were measured either as mass (mg/dL) or molar concentration (nmol/L).
Of 48 135 enrolled patients, 13.9% had prior measurements of Lp(a). Mean age was 62.6 (SD 10.1) years and 25.9% were female. Median Lp(a) was 18.0 mg/dL (IQR 7.9–57.1) or 42.0 nmol/L (IQR 15.0–155.4). Median LDL-C was 77 mg/dL (IQR 58.4–101.0). Lp(a) in women was higher, 22.8 (IQR 9.0–73.0) mg/dL, than in men, 17.0 (IQR 7.1–52.2) mg/dL, p<0.001. Black patients had Lp(a) levels approximately threefold higher than white, Hispanic or Asian patients. Younger patients also had higher levels. 27.9% of patients had Lp(a) levels >50 mg/dL, 20.7% had levels >70 mg/dL, 12.9% were >90 mg/dL and 26.0% of patients exceeded 150 nmol/L.
Globally, Lp(a) is measured in a small minority of patients with ASCVD and is highest in black, younger and female patients. More than 25% of patients had levels exceeding the established threshold for increased cardiovascular risk, approximately 50 mg/dL or 125 nmol/L.
This study aims to develop PADjadjaran Mortality in Acute coronary syndrome (PADMA) Score to predict in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients based on clinical examination only. Additionally, we also compared the predictive value of the PADMA Score with the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), Canada Acute Coronary Syndrome (C-ACS), and The Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ProACS) risk scores.
This retrospective cohort study included all ACS patients aged≥18 years who were admitted to Dr. Hasan Sadikin Central General Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022. Patients’ demographic, comorbidities and clinical presentation data were collected and analysed using multivariate logistic regression to create two models of scoring system (probability and cut-off model) to predict in-hospital all-cause mortality. The area under the curve (AUC) among PADMA, GRACE, C-ACS and ProACS risk scores was compared using the fisher Z test.
Multivariate regression analysis of 1359 patients showed that older age, history of cerebrovascular disease, tachycardia, high Shock Index and Killip class III and IV were independent mortality predictors and included in the PADMA Score. PADMA Score ranged from 0 to 20, with a score≥5 that can predict all-cause mortality with 82.78% sensitivity and 72.35% specificity. The difference in AUC between PADMA and GRACE scores was insignificant (p=0.126). Moreover, the AUC of the PADMA Score was significantly higher compared with the C-ACS (p=0.002) and ProACS risk scores (p<0.001).
PADMA Score is a simple scoring system to predict in-hospital mortality in ACS patients. PADMA Score≥5 showed an accurate discriminative capability to predict in-hospital mortality, comparable with the GRACE Score and superior to C-ACS and ProACS scores.
Renal impairment post-percutaneous coronary intervention (post-PCI) is a well-described adverse effect following the administration of contrast media. Within a large cohort of registry patients, we aimed to explore the incidence, predictors and clinical outcomes of renal impairment post-PCI.
The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry is an Australian state-based clinical quality registry focusing on collecting data from all PCI capable centres. Data from 36 970 consecutive PCI cases performed between 2014 and 2018 were analysed. Patients were separated into three groups based on post-procedure creatinine levels (new renal impairment (NRI), defined as an absolute rise in serum creatinine>44.2 µmol/L or>25% of baseline creatinine; new renal impairment requiring dialysis (NDR), defined as worsening renal failure that necessitated a new requirement for renal dialysis; no NRI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the impact of NRI and NDR on clinical outcomes.
3.1% (n=1134) of patients developed NRI, with an additional 0.6% (n=225) requiring dialysis. 96.3% (n=35 611) of patients did not develop NRI. Those who developed renal impairment were more comorbid, with higher rates of diabetes (22% vs 38% vs 38%, p<0.001), peripheral vascular disease (3.4% vs 8.2% vs 11%, p<0.001), chronic kidney disease (19% vs 49.7% vs 54.2%) and severe left ventricular dysfunction (5% vs 22% vs 40%, p<0.001). Multivariable analysis found that when compared with the no NRI group, those in the combined NRI/NDR group were at a greater risk of 30-day mortality (OR 4.77; 95% CI 3.89 to 5.86, p<0.001) and 30-day major adverse cardiac events (OR 3.72; 95% CI 3.15 to 4.39, p<0.001).
NRI post-PCI remains a common occurrence, especially among comorbid patients, and is associated with a significantly increased morbidity and mortality risk.
There is a paucity of real-world data assessing the association of operator volumes and mortality specific to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).
Demographic, clinical and outcome data for all patients undergoing PPCI in Leeds General Infirmary, UK, between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011, and 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, were obtained prospectively. Operator volumes were analysed according to annual operator PPCI volume (low volume: 1–54 PPCI per year; intermediate volume: 55–109 PPCI per year; high volume: ≥110 PPCI per year). Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were undertaken to investigate 30-day and 12-month all-cause mortality, adjusting for confounding factors.
During this period, 4056 patients underwent PPCI, 3703 (91.3%) of whom were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. PPCI by low-volume operators was associated with significantly higher adjusted 30-day mortality (HR 1.48 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.08); p=0.02) compared with PPCI performed by high-volume operators, with no significant difference in adjusted 12-month mortality (HR 1.26 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.65); p=0.09). Comparisons between low-volume and intermediate-volume operators, and between intermediate and high-volume operators, showed no significant differences in 30-day and 12-month mortality.
Low operator volume is independently associated with higher probability of 30-day mortality compared with high operator volume, suggesting a volume–outcome relationship in PPCI at a threshold higher than current recommendations.
The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the various modalities available for extended ECG monitoring in the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) following a cryptogenic stroke.
MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from January 2011 to November 2021. All randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies including the use of extended ECG monitoring >24 hours with a minimum duration of AF of 30 s in patients with either cryptogenic strokes or transient ischaemic attacks were included. A random-effects model was used to pool effect estimates of AF detection rates from different ECG modalities.
3924 studies were identified, of which 47 were included reporting on a pooled population of 6448 patients with cryptogenic stroke. The pooled AF rate for implantable loop recorders (ILRs) increased from 4.9% (3.0%–7.9%) at 1 month to 38.4% (20.4%–60.2%) at 36 months. Mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT) had a significantly higher pooled AF detection rate of 12.8% (8.9%–17.9%) versus 4.9% (3.0%–7.9%) for ILR at 1 month (p<0.0001). Predictors for AF detection include duration of monitoring (p<0.0001) and age (p<0.0001) for ILRs, but only age for MCOTs (p<0.020).
MCOT has a higher rate of detection at 1 month and is less invasive. Beyond 1 month, compliance becomes a significant limitation for MCOT. MCOT may be a reasonable alternative AF screening tool for patients with cryptogenic stroke if ILR is not available.
CRD42022297782.
The usefulness of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) using several home blood pressure (BP) monitors has been reported. We evaluated the accuracy of a high-resolution system (HiRS) for AF prediction and its usefulness when installed in home BP monitors.
In patients with paroxysmal, persistent or permanent AF, ECG recording and BP measurements were performed simultaneously. The relationship between ECG rhythm diagnosis and pulse irregularity recognition, using a home BP monitor with HiRS, was investigated. The severity of a pulse disturbance during BP measurement was displayed as an irregular pulse rhythm symbol (IPRS) in three instances. The IPRS was not displayed if the pulse was regular, turned on if there was a weak variation in the pulse, and blinked if there was a strong variation in the pulse.
One hundred and seven patients (44 paroxysmal AF, 63 persistent or permanent AF) were enrolled, and a total of 333 recordings were analysed. The rhythms recorded by each ECG were 73 sinus regular rhythms, 35 extrasystoles, 222 AFs and 3 atrial flutters. Sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of any arrhythmia by the IPRS display of the BP monitor were 95.8% (95% CI 92.6% to 97.6%) and 96.8% (95% CI 92.6% to 100%), respectively. In addition, sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of AF were 100% (95% CI 97.5% to 100%) and 74.8% (95% CI 65.6% to 82.5%), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of AF by the IPRS blinking display were 88.3% (95% CI 83.3% to 92.2%) and 94.6% (95% CI 88.6% to 98.0%%), respectively. IPRS exhibited lighting or blinking during AF occurrence; however, during sinus rhythm, IPRS was not displayed in 72 out of 73 recordings.
The IPRS device predicted AF with precision and may be particularly useful for predicting an arrhythmia attack in patients with paroxysmal AF.
To investigate the association of the heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischaemic stroke.
We estimated the risk of AF and ischaemic stroke associated with QTc duration (ms) by Cox regression in study participants from the cohort of 60-year-old men and women from Stockholm (60YO) (n=4232). Univariate and multivariate adjusted risk estimates were expressed as HR and 95% CI. Main results were validated in elderly patients with AF, included in the Carebbean-e study, where an ECG in sinus rhythm (SR) (ECG-SR) recorded before the ECG diagnostic for (ECG-AF) was available (n=803). We estimated the correlation between the time interval (years) between the ECG-SR and ECG-AF with the QTc duration, by the Spearman correlation coefficient (rho).
In the 60YO, the highest QTc duration quartile (>427 ms) associated with the AF risk (n=435) with a multivariable adjusted HR of 1.68 and 95% CI (1.26 to 2.24). No association was observed with ischaemic stroke. In the Carebbean-e study, no significant association was observed between the QTc duration measured on the ECG-SR and risk of ischaemic stroke during follow-up. QTc duration showed an inverse correlation (rho: –0.26, p<0.0001) with the time interval intercurred between ECG-SR and ECG-AF.
The association of QTc duration with AF risk might depend on the time interval between the QTc measurement and the clinical diagnosis of AF. No association was observed between QTc duration and ischaemic stroke.
Examine the association between arrhythmias and adverse maternal outcomes in women with structurally normal hearts.
This was a case–control study of women admitted in labour to one of eight hospitals of Northwell Health from January 2015 to June 2021. After excluding women with structurally abnormal hearts, we identified women with an arrhythmic event and randomly subsampled the rest of the cohort to create a control group of 1025 patients. Multivariate analysis was performed to examine the association between arrhythmias and the incidence of caesarean section (CS), preterm labour (PTL), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit and longer length of stay (LOS).
Of 1 41 769 women admitted in labour with a structurally normal heart, 137 had at least one arrhythmic event (0.097%). Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) and frequent premature ventricular complexes or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VA) were present in 65 (0.046%), 22 (0.016%) and 46 (0.032%) women, respectively. Arrhythmia was previously diagnosed in 58.0% SVT cases but only in 9.7% AF and 8.1% VA cases. After adjusting for age, parity and comorbidities, the presence of any arrhythmia was an independent predictor of CS (OR 1.7 95% CI 1.2 to 2.5), PTL (OR 1.8, CI 1.1 to 3.0) and LOS (mean ratio 1.6, CI 1.4 to 1.8). This association was driven by presence of SVT and AF, whereas VAs were not associated with adverse outcomes.
Arrhythmias, specifically SVT and AF, during labour in women with structurally normal heart are independently associated with adverse obstetrical outcomes.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a highly prevalent arrhythmia with significant burden on morbidity and mortality. The impact of AF in the revascularised population remains incompletely described. Given the high prevalence of AF in the revascularised population, we sought to evaluate the incidence and prognosis in patients with pre-existing and new-onset AF following revascularisation.
We used the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Revascularisation Registry to identify patients who underwent revascularisation between August 2015 and March 2020, who were prospectively followed for an average of one year. We conducted a retrospective cohort study analysing the association between AF and clinical outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularisation and cerebrovascular accidents. Moreover, secondary outcomes include the individual components of MACE and bleeding.
A total of 6704 patients underwent revascularisation and completed 1-year clinical follow-up. Median time to follow-up was 12.8 (IQR 11.2–15.9) months. One-year MACE occurred in 166 (21.8%) and 683 (11.5%) patients in AF and non-AF groups, respectively (adjusted HR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.29 to 2.01; p<0.0001). AF was independently predictive of 1-year mortality, myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularisation, cerebrovascular accident and bleeding. Within 1 year, 299 (4.5%) episodes of new-onset AF was observed. New-onset AF following revascularisation was also associated with 1-year MACE, mortality, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident and unplanned revascularisation.
Preprocedural and new-onset AF following revascularisation remains highly predictive 1-year MACE. AF should be considered in addition to traditional risk factors for adverse outcomes following revascularisation.
The burden of valvular heart disease (VHD) has increased significantly among ageing populations, yet remains poorly understood in the present-day context of percutaneous and surgical interventions.
To define the incidence, clinical correlates and associated mortality of VHD in the UK Biobank cohort.
We interrogated data collected in the UK Biobank between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2020. VHD incidence was determined using International Classification of Disease-10 codes for aortic stenosis (AS), aortic regurgitation (AR), mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation (MR) and mitral valve prolapse. We calculated HRs for incident VHD and all-cause mortality. Clinical correlates of VHD included demographics, coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Surgical and percutaneous interventions for mitral and aortic VHD were considered time-dependent variables.
Among 486 187 participants, the incidence of any VHD was 16 per 10 000 person-years, with highest rates for MR (8.2), AS (7.2) and AR (5.0). Age, heart failure, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation were significantly associated with all types of VHD. In our adjusted model, aortic and mitral VHD had an increased risk of all-cause death compared with no VHD (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.44 to 1.82, p<0.001 and HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.44, p=0.002 for aortic and mitral VHD, respectively).
VHD continues to constitute a significant public health burden, with MR and AS being the most common. Age and cardiac comorbidities remain strong risk factors for VHD. In the modern era of percutaneous and surgical interventions, mortality associated with VHD remains high.
To describe the use of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), to evaluate changes in renal function over time and predictors of rapid decline, and to describe time in therapeutic range (TTR) and predictors of poor TTR among patients on warfarin.
Using data from AuriculA, the Swedish oral anticoagulation registry, patients with AF on warfarin or DOAC were identified between 2013 and 2018 (N=6567). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated and categorised into normal (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild CKD (60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2), moderate CKD (30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2), severe CKD (15–29 mL/min/1.73 m2) and end-stage CKD (<15 mL/min/1.73 m2)/dialysis. TTR was estimated using international normalised ratio (INR) measurements. Predictors of eGFR decline over time and of poor TTR were estimated using regression analysis. Between 2013 and 2018, use of DOAC increased from 9.2% to 89.3%, with a corresponding decline in warfarin. A similar trend was observed in patients with mild to moderate CKD, while DOAC over warfarin increased slower among patients with severe to end-stage CKD/dialysis. In patients treated with warfarin, the median TTR was 77.1%. Worse TTR was observed among patients with severe CKD (70.0%) and end-stage CKD/dialysis (67.5%). A gradual annual decline in eGFR was observed (–1.1 mL/min/1.73 m2), with a more rapid decline among patients with older age, female sex, diabetes mellitus and/or heart failure.
In patients with AF, use of DOAC has steadily increased across different CKD stages, but not in patients with severe to end-stage CKD/dialysis despite these patients having poor INR control. Patients with AF have a gradual decline in renal function, with a more rapid decline among a subgroup of patients.
To examine sex differences in prevalence, volume and distribution of vascular brain lesions on MRI among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
In this cross-sectional analysis, we included 1743 patients with AF (27% women) from the multicentre Swiss Atrial Fibrillation study (SWISS-AF) with available baseline brain MRI. We compared presence and total volume of large non-cortical or cortical infarcts (LNCCIs), small non-cortical infarcts, microbleeds (MB) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH, Fazekas score ≥2 for moderate or severe degree) between men and women with multivariable logistic regression. We generated voxel-based probability maps to assess the anatomical distribution of lesions.
We found no strong evidence for an association of female sex with the prevalence of all ischaemic infarcts (LNCCI and SNCI combined; adjusted OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.09, p=0.22), MB (adjusted OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.21, p=0.52) and moderate or severe WMH (adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.48, p=0.27). However, total WMH volume was 17% larger among women than men (multivariable adjusted multiplicative effect 1.17, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.35; p=0.04). Lesion probability maps showed a right hemispheric preponderance of ischaemic infarcts in both men and women, while WMH were distributed symmetrically.
Women had higher white matter disease burden than men, while volume and prevalence of other lesions did not differ. Our findings highlight the importance of controlling risk factors for cerebral small vessel disease in patients with AF, especially among women.
This prospective pharmacodynamic nutraceutical study assessed the effect of a 1-week trial of 30 g/day of 65% cocoa (dark chocolate) (Theobroma cacao L.) consumption intervention on platelet reactivity.
Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) (n=20) who were on maintenance dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin (ASA) 81 mg/day and clopidogrel 75 mg/day were recruited. Platelet function was evaluated with the VerifyNow P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) and aspirin reaction unit (ARU) assays (Werfen, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA) and assessed prior to initiation of and after a 1-week trial of 30 g/day of 65% cocoa consumption intervention. Results were compared with a paired t-test.
Cocoa augmented the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel, demonstrated by a reduction of 11.9% (95% CI 5.7% to 18.0%, p value 0.001), significantly decreasing the PRU by 26.85 (95% CI 12.22 to 41.48, p value 0.001). The inhibitory effect of ASA was not impacted by cocoa, reflected by a non-significant reduction in ARU of 17.65 (95% CI 21.00 to 56.3, p value 0.351). No patients experienced any serious adverse events.
Cocoa augmented the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel but not ASA. This nutraceutical study could be potentially informative and applicable for patients with stable CAD. Further long-term studies are required to confirm these exploratory findings.
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication affecting approximately one-third of patients after cardiac surgery and valvular interventions. This umbrella review systematically appraises the epidemiological credibility of published meta-analyses of both observational and randomised controlled trials (RCT) to assess the risk and protective factors of POAF.
Three databases were searched up to June 2021. According to established criteria, evidence of association was rated as convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak or not significant concerning observational studies and as high, moderate, low or very low regarding RCTs.
We identified 47 studies (reporting 61 associations), 13 referring to observational studies and 34 to RCTs. Only the transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) approach was associated with the prevention of POAF and was supported by convincing evidence from meta-analyses of observational data. Two other associations provided highly suggestive evidence, including preoperative hypertension and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Three associations between protective factors and POAF presented a high level of evidence in meta-analyses, including RCTs. These associations included atrial and biatrial pacing and performing a posterior pericardiotomy. Nineteen associations were supported by moderate evidence, including use of drugs such as amiodarone, b-blockers, glucocorticoids and statins and the performance of TAVR compared with surgical aortic valve replacement.
Our study provides evidence confirming the protective role of amiodarone, b-blockers, atrial pacing and posterior pericardiotomy against POAF as well as highlights the risk of untreated hypertension. Further research is needed to assess the potential role of statins, glucocorticoids and colchicine in the prevention of POAF.
CRD42021268268.
To examine risk factors for cardiac-related postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) in community-dwelling adults after acute COVID-19 infection.
We performed a cross-sectional analysis among adults who tested positive for COVID-19. Outcomes were self-reported cardiac-related PASC. We conducted stepwise multivariable logistic regression to assess association between the risk factors (existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), pre-existing conditions, days since positive test, COVID-19 hospitalisation, age, sex, education, income) and cardiac-related PASC.
In a sample of 442 persons, mean (SD) age was 45.4 (16.2) years, 71% were women, 13% were black, 46% had pre-existing conditions, 23% had cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and 4% had CVD. Prevalence of cardiac PASC was 43% and newly diagnosed cardiac conditions were 27%. The odds for cardiac-related PASC were higher among persons with underlying pre-existing conditions (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.00, 95% CI: 1.28 to 3.10) and among those who were hospitalised (aOR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.58 to 5.83).
More than a third of persons with COVID-19 reported cardiac-related PASC symptoms. Underlying CVD, pre-existing diseases, age and COVID-19 hospitalisation are possible risk factors for cardiac-related PASC symptoms. COVID-19 may exacerbate CV risk factors and increase risk of complications.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but are largely underused. We evaluated the frequency, motives, predictors and outcomes of MRA discontinuation in a real-world heart failure population.
This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study where medical record-based data were collected on patients with HFrEF between 2010 and 2018. In the final analysis, 572 patients were included that comprised the continued MRA group (n=275) and the discontinued MRA group (n=297). Patients that discontinued MRA were older, had a higher comorbidity index and a lower index estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Predictors of MRA discontinuations were increased S-potassium, lower eGFR, lower systolic blood pressure, higher frequency of comorbidities and a higher left ventricular ejection fraction. The most common reason for MRA discontinuation was renal dysfunction (n=97, 33%) with 59% of these having an eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2, and elevated S-potassium (n=71, 24%) with 32% of these having an S-potassium >5.5 mmol/L. Discontinuation of MRA increased the adjusted risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.05; p=0.019).
Half of all patients with HFrEF initiated on MRA discontinued the treatment. A substantial number of patients discontinued MRA without meeting the guideline-recommended levels of eGFR and S-potassium where mild to moderate hyperkalaemia seems to be the most decisive predictor. Further, MRA discontinuation was associated with increased adjusted risk of all-cause mortality.
Shift work is associated with myocardial infarction and stroke. We studied if shift work is also associated with incident atrial fibrillation (AF) and if this association differs, depending on sex and age.
We studied 22 339 participants (age 37.0±9.8 years, 49% women) with paid work from the third (1986–1987), fourth (1994–1995), fifth (2001) and sixth (2007–2008) surveys of the population-based Tromsø Study, Norway. Participants were followed up for ECG-confirmed AF through 2016. Shift work was assessed by questionnaire at each survey. We used unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models to study the association of shift work with 10-year incident AF and incident AF during extensive follow-up up to 31 years. Interactions with sex and age were tested in the multivariable model.
Shift work was reported by 21% of participants at the first attended survey. There was an interaction between shift work and age for 10-year incident AF (p=0.069). When adjusted for AF risk factors, shift work was significantly associated with 10-year incident AF in participants <40 years (HR 2.90, 95% CI 1.12 to 7.49) but not≥40 years of age (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.51). Shift work was not associated with incident AF during extensive follow-up (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.20). There was no interaction between shift work and sex.
Shift work was associated with 10-year incident AF in individuals <40 years but not ≥40 years of age. Shift work was not associated with incident AF during extensive follow-up up to 31 years, and there were no sex differences.
Adjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab improves the postoperative life expectancy of women with early-stage breast cancer. Although trastuzumab is reportedly cardiotoxic, quantification based on real-world evidence is lacking. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyse trastuzumab cardiotoxicity using a nationwide claim-based database.
In this retrospective study, we used data from a nationwide claims database (Japan Medical Data Center, Tokyo, Japan) under the universal healthcare system. Women with breast cancer who underwent initial surgery were included. Patients with recurrent or advanced-stage breast cancer, with a history of heart failure, receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or a preoperative history of less than 6 months were excluded. Propensity score (PS) was calculated using logistic regression based on age, cardiovascular risk factors, radiotherapy and concomitant anthracyclines (AC).
We identified 12 060 eligible patients (mean age 50.8±8.56 years) between January 2010 and December 2019. After 1:2 PS matching (trastuzumab users, TZ, n=1005; non-users, NT, n=2010), Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that the rate of heart failure development within 18 months postoperative was significantly higher in the TZ group than in the NT group (adjusted HR 2.28, 95% CI 1.38 to 3.77). Baseline cardiac evaluation in the combined AC/TZ cases was 27.2% preoperative, 66.0% pre-AC and 86.6% pre-TZ, respectively.
Trastuzumab cardiotoxicity remained relevant in the claim-based analysis adjusted for AC effects. Further collaborative studies in cardio-oncology with real-world data are warranted to improve the rate of baseline cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with cancer scheduled for cardiotoxic cancer treatment.
Area-level socioeconomic factors are known to associate with chances to survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA survival). However, the relationship between individual-level socioeconomic factors and OHCA survival in men and women is less established. This study investigated the association between individual-level income and OHCA survival in men and women, as well as its contribution to outcome variability and mediation by resuscitation characteristics.
A cross-sectional cohort study using data from a Dutch community-based OHCA registry was performed. We included 5395 patients aged≥25 years with OHCA from a presumed cardiac cause. Household income, derived from Statistics Netherlands, was stratified into quartiles. The association between survival to hospital discharge and household income was analysed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and resuscitation characteristics.
Overall women had lower household income than men (median 18 567 vs 21 015), and less favourable resuscitation characteristics. Increasing household income was associated with increased OHCA survival in both men and women in a linear manner (Q4 vs Q1: OR 1.63 95% CI (1.24 to 2.16) in men, and 2.54 (1.43 to 4.48) in women). Only initial rhythm significantly changed the ORs for OHCA survival with>10% in both men and women. Household income explained 3.8% in men and 4.3% in women of the observed variance in OHCA survival.
Both in men and women, higher individual-level household income was associated with a 1.2-fold to 2.5-fold increased OHCA survival to hospital discharge, but explained only little of outcome variability. A shockable initial rhythm was the most important resuscitation parameter mediating this association. Our results do not support the need for immediate targeted interventions on actionable prehospital resuscitation care characteristics.
To estimate the incidence and HRs for bleeding for different dual antiplatelet therapies (DAPT) in a real-world population with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in England.
A retrospective, population-based cohort study emulating a target randomised controlled trial (tRCT).
Linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES).
Primary and secondary care.
Patients ≥18 years old with ACS undergoing emergency PCI.
Aspirin and clopidogrel (AC, reference) versus aspirin and prasugrel (AP) or aspirin and ticagrelor (AT); AP evaluated only in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Primary: any bleeding up to 12 months after the index event (HES- or CPRD- recorded). Secondary: HES-recorded bleeding, CPRD-recorded bleeding, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, mortality from bleeding, myocardial infarction, stroke, additional coronary intervention and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).
In ACS, the rates of any bleeding for AC and AT were 89 per 1000 person years and 134 per 1000 person years, respectively. In STEMI, rates for AC, AP and AT were 93 per 1000 person years, 138 per 1000 person years and 143 per 100 person years, respectively. In ACS, compared with AC, AT increased the hazard of any bleeding (HR: 1.47, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.82) but did not reduce MACCE (HR: 1.06, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.27). In STEMI, compared with AC, AP and AT increased the hazard of any bleeding (HR: 1.77, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.59 and HR: 1.50, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.05, respectively) but did not reduce MACCE (HR: 1.10, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.51 and HR: 1.21, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.51, respectively). Non-adherence to the prescribed DAPT regimen was 28% in AC (29% in STEMI only), 31% in AP (STEMI only) and 33% in AT (32% in STEMI only).
In a real-world population with ACS, DAPT with ticagrelor or prasugrel are associated with increased bleeding compared with DAPT with clopidogrel.
We sought to investigate whether it is possible to obtain individualised left anterior oblique (LAO) by preprocedural electrocardiographic parameters and, if so, whether these parameters can help to improve the success rate of right ventricular (RV) lead implantation into the interventricular septum.
In this observational study, we assessed the relationship between preoperative electrocardiographic parameters and the angle of the interventricular septum obtained using thoracic CT. The participants were divided into two groups: a retrospective derivation cohort to derive the optimal formula for the individual septum axis, and a prospective internal validation cohort to which we applied the optimal formula and implanted using the new method.
In the retrospective derivation cohort (n=39), the mean angle of individualised LAO assessed by thoracic CT was 53.1°±8.9°, and the preoperative ECG QRS axis was strongly correlated with the interventricular septum axis (R2=0.490). LAO projection derived from the preoperative ECG QRS axis confirmed that the RV lead was placed in the interventricular septum during the pacemaker procedure in the prospective internal validation group (n=30). The success rate for placing the RV lead into the interventricular septum was significantly improved in the internal validation cohort (93% vs 64%, p<0.05). In addition, the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level decreased significantly after surgery in the interventricular septal indwelling group.
Individualised LAO angle derived from the preoperative ECG QRS axis is a new useful and simple method for RV lead implantation into the interventricular septum.
UMIN000045741.
Cardiac diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to be beneficial in reducing morbidity, mortality and rehospitalisation rates. Recently, more emphasis is given to home-based telemonitored cardiac rehabilitation due to the recent pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. We plan to perform this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the differences in functional capacity (FC) (measured in peak oxygen uptake (PVO2)) and health-related quality of life (hr-QoL) between telecardiac rehabilitation and both centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR) and usual care (UC) separately. It will showcase the feasibility of using telemonitored cardiac rehabilitation as an alternative to CBCR considering the ease of performance, safety and limiting unnecessary contact.
This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was structured according to the published Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis–Protocol guidelines. We will devise a search strategy to use online databases to search for the randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Inclusion criteria will include adult population (18 years or older) suffering from at least one cardiac disease referred for cardiac rehabilitation comparing telecardiac rehabilitation with both CBCR and UC. Exclusion criteria will be RCTs in non-English language, hybrid studies, cross-over trials, observational studies and case series. The outcome of interest will be FC measured in PVO2 and hr-QoL. The articles will be reviewed by two independent reviewers and a third reviewer will be available to adjudicate any conflicts. The bias in the selected studies will be assessed using Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials. The overall bias of the studies will be assessed. The selected articles will be reviewed and the data will be collected on Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for analysis. These data will include number of subjects in the intervention arm and the comparator arm (which will either be CBCR or UC), measures of FC and hr-QoL and SD. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be considered based on heterogeneity among the study effect estimates and the number of available studies for each outcome. Results of the pooled estimates will be reported as standardised mean difference (and 95% CI) with fixed-effect model, if heterogeneity is not significant (I2 <50%). Otherwise, random-effects model will be used for I2 >50%. The data of the subjects who completed the rehabilitation programme of the study period will be used to calculate the effect estimates (per-protocol effect). Publication bias in the meta-analysis will be assessed using Egger’s test and funnel plot. The strength of body of evidence of the outcomes will be assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method. Data analysis will be performed using Stata SE V.15.0 (College Station, Texas, USA).
There will be no direct involvement of the patient or the public in the conception, design, data collection, and analysis of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated via journal articles.
CRD42021245461.
Patients with severe atherosclerosis have been found to exhibit considerable changes in blood pressure (BP) between arms. The objective of our study was to investigate the predictive value of interarm blood pressure difference (IABPD) for coronary artery disease (CAD) severity.
It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Chattogram from May 2020 to November 2020. The study conveniently selected 110 individuals who visited the department for a coronary angiography during the study period. The BP of both arms were synchronously measured 1–2 days before the coronary angiography and IABPD were calculated. After coronary angiography, two blinded interventional cardiologists visually estimated the amount of coronary artery obstruction and determined the Gensini score.
Among the participants, more than three-fourths of the patients were above 50 years of age (64.66%), and the majority were male (86.67%). 14.7% of participants had no occlusion in their coronary artery, 38.0% of participants had insignificant occlusion, 26.7% participants had mild occlusion, 10.3% participants had moderate occlusion, 3.3% participants had significant occlusion and 6.0% participants had total occlusion. Corrected pulse IABPD (cIABPDpulse) showed the greatest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.73) for predicting a high Gensini score (>median). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between corrected systolic IABPD (cIABPDsys) and the Gensini score (B=0.057, p<0.001).
The differences in BP between the arms were found to be having a strong positive correlation with CAD severity.
While greater body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), the impact of BMI on outcomes in newly diagnosed AF is unclear. We examine the influence of BMI on outcomes and whether this is modified by sex and evaluate the effect of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with high BMI.
GARFIELD-AF is a prospective registry of 52 057 newly diagnosed AF patients. The study population comprised 40 482 participants: 703 underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), 13 095 normal (BMI=18.5–24.9 kg/m2), 15 043 overweight (BMI=25.0–29.9 kg/m2), 7560 obese (BMI=30.0–34.9 kg/m2) and 4081 extremely obese (BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2). Restricted cubic splines quantified the association of BMI with outcomes. Comparative effectiveness of NOACs and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) by BMI was performed using propensity score overlap-weighted Cox models.
The median age of participants was 71.0 years (Q1; Q3 62.0; 78.0), and 55.6% were male. Those with high BMI were younger, more often had vascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. Within 2-year follow-up, a U-shaped relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality was observed, with BMI of ~30 kg/m2 associated with the lowest risk. The association with new/worsening heart failure was similar. Only low BMI was associated with major bleeding and no association emerged for non-haemorrhagic stroke. BMI was similarly associated with outcomes in men and women. BMI did not impact the lower rate of all-cause mortality of NOACs compared with VKAs.
In the GARFIELD-AF registry, underweight and extremely obese AF patients have increased risk of mortality and new/worsening heart failure compared with normal or obese patients.
The evaluation of long-term inflammatory response and function in postoperative patients with aortic valve replacement (AVR) deserves special analysis because it is important to try to prevent reoperation and improve durability and functionality of the prostheses. It is our objective
In this study, we included a cohort of patients with aortic valve damage treated by AVR with mechanical prosthesis, bio prosthesis and we included a control group.
We found that IL-4 and osteopontin levels were higher in patients with mechanical vs biological prostheses (p=0.01 and p=0.04, respectively), osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels were decreased (p=0.01), women had lower levels of ET-1 and IL-6, (p=0.02) (p=0.04), respectively. Patients older than 60 years had decreased levels of IL-1ß p<0.001) and a higher concentration of IL-4 p<0.05). IL-1ß, OPG and TNFα were higher in patients with less than 5 years of evolution vs more than 10 years (p=0.004, p=0.02 and p=0.03, respectively). Factors such as age, gender, prosthetic and elevated IL-1B and ET-1 levels are associated with valve dysfunction prosthetic. These results indicate that the inflammatory involvement present prior to valve replacement may be perpetuated by various factors in the long term.
The findings provide us with the opportunity to effectively treat patients with AVR in the postoperative period, which could prolong the functionality of the bio prostheses.
Many studies suggest that infective endocarditis (IE) in people who inject drugs is predominantly right sided, while other studies suggest left sided disease; few have differentiated by class of drug used. We hypothesised that based on differing physiological mechanisms, opioids but not stimulants would be associated with right sided IE.
A retrospective case series of 290 adult (age ≥18) patients with self-reported recent injection drug use, admitted for a first episode of IE to one of three hospitals in London Ontario between April 2007 and March 2018, stratified patients by drug class used (opioid, stimulant or both), and by site of endocarditis. Other outcomes captured included demographics, causative organisms, cardiac and non-cardiac complications, referral to addiction services, medical versus surgical management, and survival.
Of those who injected only opioids, 47/71 (69%) developed right-sided IE, 17/71 (25%) developed left-sided IE and 4/71 (6%) had bilateral IE. Of those who injected only stimulants, 11/24 (46%) developed right-sided IE, 11/24 (46%) developed left-sided IE and 2/24 (8%) had bilateral IE. Relative to opioid-only users, stimulant-only users were 1.75 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.93; p=0.031) times more likely to have a left or bilateral IE versus right IE.
While injection use of opioids is associated with a strong predisposition to right-sided IE, stimulants differ in producing a balanced ratio of right and left-sided disease. As the epidemic of crystal methamphetamine injection continues unabated, the rate of left-sided disease, with its attendant higher morbidity and mortality, may also grow.
Recurrent tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequently observed after cardiac surgery; however, the correct approach remains controversial. We developed an algorithm for action on the tricuspid valve (TV) and conducted a 1-year follow-up study. The aim was to assess the efficacy of the algorithm to minimise residual TR after TV surgery. The hypothesis was that the TR rate at 1 year would be reduced by selecting the surgical approach in accordance with a set of preoperative clinical and echocardiographic variables.
A prospective, observational, single-centre study was performed in 76 consecutive patients with TV involvement. A protocol was designed for their inclusion, and data on their clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were gathered at 3 months and 1-year postsurgery. The treatment of patients depended on the degree of TR. Surgery was performed in all patients with severe or moderate-to-severe TR and in those with mild or moderate TR alongside the presence of certain clinical or echocardiographic factors. They underwent annuloplasty or extended valve repair when the TV was distorted. If repair techniques were not feasible, a prosthesis was implanted. Residual TR rates were compared with published reports, and predictors of early/late mortality and residual TR were evaluated.
TR was functional in 69.9% of patients. Rigid ring annuloplasty was performed in 35.7% of patients, De Vega annuloplasty in 27.1%, extended repair in 11.4% and prosthetic replacement in 25.7%. TR was moderate or worse in 8.19% of patients (severe in 3.27%) at 1 year postintervention. No clinical, surgical or epidemiological variables were significantly associated with residual TR persistence, although annulus diameter showed a close-to-significant association. Total mortality was 12.85% for all causes and 10% for cardiovascular causes. In multivariate analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction was related to both early and late mortality.
Severe residual TR was significantly less frequent than reported in other series, being observed in less than 4% of patients at 1-year postsurgery.
Heart failure (HF) is associated with comorbidities which independently influence treatment response and outcomes. This retrospective observational study (January 2020–June 2021) analysed the impact of monthly HF multispecialty multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to address management of HF comorbidities and thereby on provision, cost of care and HF outcomes.
Patients acted as their own controls, with outcomes compared for equal periods (for each patient) pre (HF MDT) versus post-MDT (multispecialty) meeting. The multispecialty MDT comprised HF cardiologists (primary, secondary, tertiary care), HF nurses, nephrologist, endocrinologist, palliative care, chest physician, pharmacist, clinical pharmacologist and geriatrician. Outcome measures were (1) all-cause hospitalisations, (2) outpatient clinic attendances and (3) cost.
334 patients (mean age 72.5±11 years) were discussed virtually through MDT meetings and follow-up duration was 13.9±4 months. Mean age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index was 7.6±2.1 and Rockwood Frailty Score 5.5±1.6. Multispecialty interventions included optimising diabetes therapy (haemoglobin A1c-HbA1c pre-MDT 68±11 mmol/mol vs post-MDT 61±9 mmol/mol; p<0.001), deprescribing to reduce anticholinergic burden (pre-MDT 1.85±0.4 vs 1.5±0.3 post-MDT; p<0.001), initiation of renin–angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with advanced chronic kidney disease (9% pre vs 71% post-MDT; p<0.001). Other interventions included potassium binders, treatment of anaemia, falls assessment, management of chest conditions, day-case ascitic, pleural drains and palliative support. Total cost of funding monthly multispecialty meetings was £32 400 and resultant 64 clinic appointments cost £9600. The post-MDT study period was associated with reduction in 481 clinic appointments (cost saving £72150) and reduced all-cause hospitalisations (pre-MDT 1.1±0.4 vs 0.6±0.1 post-MDT; p<0.001), reduction of 1586 hospital bed-days and cost savings of £634 400. Total cost saving to the healthcare system was £664 550.
HF multispecialty virtual MDT model provides integrated, holistic care across all healthcare tiers for management of HF and associated comorbidities. This approach is associated with reduced clinic attendances and all-cause hospitalisations, leading to significant cost savings.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has shown to be useful for preoperative risk stratification in various types of intra-abdominal and thoracic surgery. However, data about the predictive value of CPET for cardiovascular outcome after gastric or oesophageal cancer surgery are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of CPET parameters for the prediction of cardiovascular complications in patients with this type of surgery.
This is a prospective single-centre interventional cohort study including 200 consecutive patients who underwent elective surgery for oesophageal and/or gastric cancer. Symptom-limited CPET was performed preoperatively to evaluate the potential of various test-derived parameters including anaerobic threshold (AT) to predict cardiovascular complications within 30 days after surgery.
200 patients (mean age 68±14.2 years) met inclusion and exclusion criteria: oesophageal surgery 54 pts, gastric surgery 132 pts and combined oesophageal/gastric surgery 14 pts. 41/200 pts (20.5%) experienced cardiovascular complications during and within 30 days after surgery including 4 non-fatal myocardial infarctions (2%), 1 stroke (0.5%); 6 dead from cardiovascular causes (3%) and less serious complications in 30 patients (15%) including angina attacks and antiarrhythmic therapy for ventricular arrhythmias or for atrial fibrillation/flutter. Results from preoperative CPET indicate that an AT level below 11 mL/kg/min was highly predictive for any cardiovascular complication (p=0.02, OR 6.33, 95% CI 1.78 to 22.47). An AT level <9.5 had the best predictive accuracy for major perioperative cardiac complications (sensitivity 93%, specificity 68%, positive predicative value 75%, negative predicative value 98.8%).
CPET is a useful perioperative risk assessment tool for patients undergoing surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancer, which carries a particularly high risk for cardiovascular complications. An AT <9.5 mL/kg/min turned out to be the most reliable predictor for major cardiovascular complications.
Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is being evaluated as a possible alternative to exercise training to improve functional capacity in severely deconditioned patients with heart failure (HF). However, there is insufficient data on delayed effects of EMS starting early after decompensation. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a short inpatient EMS intervention in severely deconditioned patients with HF on functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) over a follow-up period of 1 month.
This is a prospective randomised sham-controlled pilot study. 45 patients hospitalised for decompensated systolic HF (58% men, mean age 66.4±10.2 years) were randomised to EMS (n=22) or sham stimulation (n=23) of lower limbs starting within 3 days after admission. The intervention included 7–10 sessions lasting from 30 to 90 min. The 6-minute walking test distance (6-MWTD), Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) were evaluated at baseline, discharge and after 1 month.
All patients completed the programme with good EMS tolerance. 37 patients were included in the final analysis. At discharge, 6-MWTD improved from 206,1±61,3 to 299.5±91 m, DASI from 12.1±5.6 to 18.3±7.2 and MLHFQ from 55.6±8.5 to 34.2±9 with EMS compared with smaller improvements in the sham group (p<0.05 for all). One month after discharge, improvements in the EMS group remained significant for MLHFQ (p=0.004) and DASI (p=0.042) and statistically non-significant for 6-MWTD compared with the sham group.
Short-term in-hospital EMS leads to improvements in functional capacity and QoL in selected patients early after HF decompensation that are retained over 1 month after discharge and therefore may serve as initial intervention to improve physical capacity or as a bridge to further conventional exercise training. Larger studies are required to evaluate individual responses to an early initiation of EMS in decompensated HF as well as long-term effects.
To examine workforce attachment among patients with congenital long QT syndrome (cLQTS) following diagnosis and identify factors associated with workforce attachment.
In this nationwide cohort study, all patients diagnosed with cLQTS in Denmark between 1996 and 2016 aged 18–60 years at diagnosis were identified using nationwide registries. Patients attached to the workforce at diagnosis were included. Attachment to the workforce 1 year after cLQTS diagnosis was examined and compared with a background population matched 1:4 on age, sex and employment status. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with 1-year workforce detachment among patients with cLQTS. 298 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Six months after cLQTS diagnosis, 90.9% of patients with cLQTS were attached to the workforce compared with 95.0% in the background population (p=0.006 for difference). One year after diagnosis, 93.3% of patients with cLQTS were attached to the workforce compared with 93.8% in the background population (p=0.26). Among patients with cLQTS, a severe cLQTS disease manifestation was associated with workforce detachment 1 year after diagnosis (compared with asymptomatic patients; aborted cardiac arrest OR 20.4 (95% CI, 1.7 to 249.9); ventricular tachycardia/syncope OR 10.9 (95% CI, 1.1 to 110.5)). No other associated factors were identified.
More than 90% of patients with cLQTS remained attached to the workforce 1 year after diagnosis, which was similar to a matched background population. Patients with a severe cLQTS disease manifestation were less likely to be attached to the workforce 1 year after diagnosis.
This study evaluates predictors of conduction abnormalities (CA) following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV).
TAVI is associated with CA that commonly necessitate a permanent pacemaker. Predictors of CA are well established among patients with tricuspid aortic valves but not in those with BAV.
This is a single-centre, retrospective, observational study of patients with BAV treated with TAVI. Pre-TAVI ECG and CT scans and procedural characteristics were evaluated in 58 patients with BAV. CA were defined as a composite of high-degree atrioventricular block, new left bundle branch block with a QRS >150 ms or PR >240 ms and right bundle branch block with new PR prolongation or change in axis. Predictors of CA were identified using regression analysis and optimum cut-off values determined using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
CA occurred in 35% of patients. Bioprosthesis implantation depth, the difference between membranous septum (MS) length and implantation depth (MSID) and device landing zone (DLZ) calcification adjacent to the MS were identified as univariate predictors of CA. The optimum cut-off for MSID was 1.25 mm. Using this cut-off, low MSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS predicted CA, adjusted OR 8.79, 95% CI 1.88 to 41.00; p=0.01. Eccentricity of the aortic valve annulus, type of BAV and valve calcium quantity and distribution did not predict CA.
In BAV patients undergoing TAVI, short MSID and DLZ calcification adjacent to MS are associated with an increased risk of CA.