2016 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: The Task Force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)Developed with the special contribution of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC

Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibition, Worsening Renal Function, and Outcome in Heart Failure Patients With Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Meta-Analysis of Published Study Data

BACKGROUND

Renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors significantly improve outcome in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF), irrespective of the occurrence of worsening renal function (WRF). However, in HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), RAAS inhibitors have not been shown to improve outcome but are still frequently prescribed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Random effect meta-analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between RAAS inhibitor therapy, WRF in both HF phenotypes, and mortality. Studies were selected based on literature search in MEDLNE and included randomized, placebo controlled trials of RAAS inhibitors in chronic HF. The primary outcome consisted of the interaction analysis for the association between RAAS inhibition-induced WRF, HF phenotype and outcome. A total of 8 studies (6 HFREF and 2 HFPEF, including 28 961 patients) were included in our analysis. WRF was more frequent in the RAAS inhibitor group, compared with the placebo group, in both HFREF and HFPEF. In HFREF, WRF induced by RAAS inhibitor therapy was associated with a less increased relative risk of mortality (relative risk, 1.19 (1.08-1.31); P<0.001), compared with WRF induced by placebo (relative risk, 1.48 (1.35-1.62); P<0.001; P for interaction 0.005). In contrast, WRF induced by RAAS inhibitor therapy was strongly associated with worse outcomes in HFPEF (relative risk, 1.78 (1.43-2.21); P<0.001), whereas placebo-induced WRF was not (relative risk, 1.25 (0.88-1.77); P=0.21; P for interaction 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

RAAS inhibitors induce renal dysfunction in both HFREF and HFPEF. However, in contrast to patients with HFREF where mortality increase with WRF is small, HFPEF patients with RAAS inhibitor-induced WRF have an increased mortality risk, without experiencing improved outcome with RAAS inhibition.

Short-Term Administration of Serelaxin Produces Predominantly Vascular Benefits in the Angiotensin II/L-NAME Chronic Heart Failure Model

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Temporary administration of recombinant relaxin-2 (serelaxin) in patients hospitalized with HF was associated with improved mortality 6 months after discharge.

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The specific effects of serelaxin on vascular and myocardial structure and function in HF have not been studied.

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In mice subjected to continuous 28-day heart failure stimulus of AngII and L-NAME, serelaxin was administered for 3 days (days 7 to 9), and both the acute effects during serelaxin infusion and the delayed effects after termination of serelaxin on cardiovascular structure and function were studied.

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Temporary serelaxin improved vascular fibrosis and myocardial capillary density and reduced resistance vessel constriction to potassium chloride during administration. These effects unexpectedly persisted 19 days after discontinuation of serelaxin, despite continued exposure to AngII/L-NAME. Serelaxin did not alter cardiac hypertrophy, geometry, or dysfunction at either time point.

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These findings support that serelaxin predominantly affects vascular structure and function in the setting of HF.

In patients hospitalized with acute heart failure, temporary serelaxin infusion reduced 6-month mortality through unknown mechanisms. This study therefore explored the cardiovascular effects of temporary serelaxin administration in mice subjected to the angiotensin II (AngII)/L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) heart failure model, both during serelaxin infusion and 19 days post–serelaxin infusion. Serelaxin administration did not alter AngII/L-NAME-induced cardiac hypertrophy, geometry, or dysfunction. However, serelaxin-treated mice had reduced perivascular left ventricular fibrosis and preserved left ventricular capillary density at both time points. Furthermore, resistance vessels from serelaxin-treated mice displayed decreased potassium chloride–induced constriction and reduced aortic fibrosis. These findings suggest that serelaxin improves outcomes in patients through vascular-protective effects.

Targets for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is responsible for half of all HF cases and will be the most common form of HF within the next 5 years. Previous studies of pharmacological agents in HFPEF have proved neutral or negative, in part due to phenotypic heterogeneity and complex underlying mechanisms. This review summarizes the key molecular and cellular pathways characterized in HFPEF as well as current and future therapies that target these mechanisms.

Effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on symptoms and signs in chronic heart failure: A feasibility study

Aims:

Despite treatment recommended by guidelines, many patients with chronic heart failure remain symptomatic. Evidence is accumulating that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have beneficial psychological and physiological effects. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of MBI on symptoms and signs in patients with chronic heart failure in outpatient clinical settings.

Methods:

A prospective feasibility study. Fifty stable but symptomatic patients with chronic heart failure, despite optimized guideline-recommended treatment, were enrolled at baseline. In total, 40 participants (median age 76 years; New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification II−III) adhered to the study. Most patients (n=17) were randomized into MBI, a structured eight-week mindfulness-based educational and training programme, or controls with usual care (n=16). Primary outcome was self-reported fatigue on the Fatigue severity scale. Secondary outcomes were self-reported sleep quality, unsteadiness/dizziness, NYHA functional classification, walking distance in the six-minute walk test, and heart and respiratory rates. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to analyse median sum changes from baseline to follow-up (week 10±1).

Results:

Compared with usual care (zero change), MBI significantly reduced the self-reported impact of fatigue (effect size −8.0; p=0.0165), symptoms of unsteadiness/dizziness (p=0.0390) and breathlessness/tiredness related to physical functioning (NYHA class) (p=0.0087). No adverse effects were found.

Conclusions:

In stable but symptomatic outpatients with chronic heart failure, MBI alleviated self-reported symptoms in addition to conventional treatment. The sample size is small and further studies are needed, but findings support the role of MBI as a feasible complementary option, both clinically and as home-based treatment, which might contribute to reduction of the symptom burden in patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure.

Primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is to evaluate the role of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

SETTING

A meta-analysis of RCTs performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for relevant articles.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5 RCTs with 2573 patients with NICM were included.

INTERVENTION

Primary prevention ICD, compared with medical therapy alone.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

All-cause mortality (primary outcome) and sudden cardiac death (SCD, secondary outcome).

DATA ANALYSIS

Summary estimate HR were constructed using the random-effect DerSimonian and Laird's model. Multiple study-level subgroup analyses were performed, and interaction was tested using random-effect analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with medical therapy alone, ICD placement was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.93; p<0.001; I2=0%) at a mean follow-up of 4.2 years. The risk of SCD was also lower with ICD placement (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.73; p=0.001; I2=0%) compared with control. On subgroup analyses, there was a suggestion of possible effect modification by age, in which benefit was observed in age group <60 years (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.89), but not with age ≥60 years (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.65 to 1.03) (Pinteraction=0.058), but not with other study-level variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with medical therapy alone, primary prevention ICD therapy in patients with NICM is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality, especially in younger patients. Future dedicated studies are needed to investigate the role of primary prevention ICD in the elderly population.

PROSPEROREGISTRATIONNUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42016052010.

Trimetazidine therapy for diabetic mouse hearts subjected to ex vivo acute heart failure

Acute heart failure (AHF) is the most common primary diagnosis for hospitalized heart diseases in Africa. As increased fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) during heart failure triggers detrimental effects on the myocardium, we hypothesized that trimetazidine (TMZ) (partial FAO inhibitor) offers cardioprotection under normal and obese-related diabetic conditions. Hearts were isolated from 12-14-week-old obese male and female diabetic (db/db) mice versus lean non-diabetic littermates (db/+) controls. The Langendorff retrograde isolated heart perfusion system was employed to establish an ex vivo AHF model: a) Stabilization phase-Krebs Henseleit buffer (10 mM glucose) at 100 mmHg (25 min); b) Critical Acute Heart Failure (CAHF) phase-(1.2 mM palmitic acid, 2.5 mM glucose) at 20 mmHg (25 min); and c) Recovery Acute Heart Failure phase (RAHF)-(1.2 mM palmitic acid, 10 mM glucose) at 100 mmHg (25 min). Treated groups received 5 μM TMZ in the perfusate during either the CAHF or RAHF stage for the full duration of each respective phase. Both lean and obese males benefited from TMZ treatment administered during the RAHF phase. Sex differences were observed only in lean groups where the phases of the estrous cycle influenced therapy; only the lean follicular female group responded to TMZ treatment during the CAHF phase. Lean luteal females rather displayed an inherent cardioprotection (without treatments) that was lost with obesity. However, TMZ treatment initiated during RAHF was beneficial for obese luteal females. TMZ treatment triggered significant recovery for male and obese female hearts when administered during RAHF. There were no differences between lean and obese male hearts, while lean females displayed a functional recovery advantage over lean males. Thus TMZ emerges as a worthy therapeutic target to consider for AHF treatment in normal and obese-diabetic individuals (for both sexes), but only when administered during the recovery phase and not during the very acute stages.

Targeting Endothelial Function to Treat Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: The Promise of Exercise Training

Although the burden of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasing, there is no therapy available that improves prognosis. Clinical trials using beta blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, cardiac-targeting drugs that reduce mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), have had disappointing results in HFpEF patients. A new “whole-systems” approach has been proposed for designing future HFpEF therapies, moving focus from the cardiomyocyte to the endothelium. Indeed, dysfunction of endothelial cells throughout the entire cardiovascular system is suggested as a central mechanism in HFpEF pathophysiology. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF. We discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction and the extent, presence, and prognostic importance of clinical endothelial dysfunction in different vascular beds. We also consider implications towards exercise training, a promising therapy targeting system-wide endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF.

Validation of Noninvasive Measurement of Cardiac Output Using Inert Gas Rebreathing in a Cohort of Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Cardiac output (CO) is a key indicator of cardiac function in patients with heart failure. No completely accurate method is available for measuring CO in all patients. The objective of this study was to validate CO measurement using the inert gas rebreathing (IGR) method against other noninvasive and invasive methods of CO quantification in a cohort of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study included 97 patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (age 42±15.5 years; 64 patients (65.9%) had idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and 21 patients (21.6%) had ischemic heart disease). Median left ventricle ejection fraction was 24% (10%-36%). Patients with atrial fibrillation were excluded. CO was measured using 4 methods (IGR, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac catheterization, and echocardiography) and indexed to body surface area (cardiac index [CI]). All studies were performed within 48 hours. Median CI measured by IGR was 1.75, by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was 1.82, by cardiac catheterization was 1.65, and by echo was 1.7 L·min^-1·m^-2. There were significant modest linear correlations between IGR-derived CI and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived CI (r=0.7; P<0.001), as well as cardiac catheterization-derived CI (r=0.6; P<0.001). Using Bland-Altman analysis, the agreement between the IGR method and the other methods was as good as the agreement between any 2 other methods with each other.

CONCLUSIONS

The IGR method is a simple, accurate, and reproducible noninvasive method for quantification of CO in patients with advanced heart failure. The prognostic value of this simple measurement needs to be studied prospectively.

Wave intensity of aortic root pressure as diagnostic marker of left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Background

Systolic left ventricular function strongly influences the blood pressure waveform. Therefore, pressure-derived parameters might potentially be used as non-invasive, diagnostic markers of left ventricular impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of pressure-based parameters in combination with electrocardiography (ECG) for the detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction defined as severely reduced ejection fraction (EF).

Methods and results

Two populations, each comprising patients with reduced EF and pressure-matched controls, were included for the main analysis (51/102 patients) and model testing (44/88 patients). Central pressure was derived from radial readings and used to compute blood flow. Subsequently, pulse wave analysis and wave intensity analysis were performed and the ratio of the two peaks of forward intensity (SDR) was calculated as a novel index of ventricular function. SDR was significantly decreased in the reduced EF group (2.5 vs. 4.4, P<0.001), as was central pulse pressure, augmentation index and ejection duration (ED), while the QRS-duration was prolonged. SDR and ED were independent predictors of ventricular impairment and when combined with QRS in a simple decision tree, a reduced EF could be detected with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 80%. The independent power of ED, SDR and QRS to predict reduced EF was furthermore confirmed in the test population.

Conclusion

The detection or indication of reduced ejection fraction from pressure-derived parameters seems feasible. These parameters could help to improve the quality of cardiovascular risk stratification or might be used in screening strategies in the general population.

Anemia at Hospital Admission and Its Relation to Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure (from the Polish Cohort of 2 European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Registries)

Anemia is a commonly observed co-morbidity in heart failure (HF). The aim of the study was to assess prevalence, risk factors for, and effect of anemia on short- and long-term outcomes in HF. The study included 1,394 Caucasian patients hospitalized for HF, with known hemoglobin concentration on hospital admission, participating in 2 HF registries of the European Society of Cardiology (Pilot and Long-Term). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration of <13 g/dl for men and <12 g/dl for women. Primary end points were (1) all-cause death at 1 year and (2) a composite of all-cause death and rehospitalization for HF at 1 year. Secondary end points included inter alia death during index hospitalization. In addition, we investigated the effect of changes in hemoglobin concentration during hospitalization on prognosis. Anemia occurred in 33% of patients. Predictors of anemia included older age, diabetes, greater New York Heart Association class at hospital admission and kidney disease. During 1-year follow-up, 21% of anemic and 13% of nonanemic patients died (p <0.0001). Combined primary end point occurred in 45% of anemic and in 33% of nonanemic patients (p <0.0001). Anemia was strongly predictive of all the prespecified clinical end points in univariate analyses but not in multivariate analyses. Changes in hemoglobin concentration during hospitalization had no effect on 1-year outcomes. In conclusion, anemia was present in 1/3 of patients with HF. Mild-to-moderate anemia seems more a marker of older age, worse clinical condition, and a higher co-morbidity burden, rather than an independent risk factor in HF.

One-Year Outcomes After Transcatheter Insertion of an Interatrial Shunt Device for the Management of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background—

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has a complex pathophysiology and remains a therapeutic challenge. Elevated left atrial pressure, particularly during exercise, is a key contributor to morbidity and mortality. Preliminary analyses have demonstrated that a novel interatrial septal shunt device that allows shunting to reduce the left atrial pressure provides clinical and hemodynamic benefit at 6 months. Given the chronicity of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, evidence of longer-term benefit is required.

Methods and Results—

Patients (n=64) with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%, New York Heart Association class II–IV, elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (≥15 mm Hg at rest or ≥25 mm Hg during supine bicycle exercise) participated in the open-label study of the interatrial septal shunt device. One year after interatrial septal shunt device implantation, there were sustained improvements in New York Heart Association class (P<0.001), quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure score, P<0.001), and 6-minute walk distance (P<0.01). Echocardiography showed a small, stable reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (P<0.001), with a concomitant small stable increase in the right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (P<0.001). Invasive hemodynamic studies performed in a subset of patients demonstrated a sustained reduction in the workload corrected exercise pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (P<0.01). Survival at 1 year was 95%, and there was no evidence of device-related complications.

Conclusions—

These results provide evidence of safety and sustained clinical benefit in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients 1 year after interatrial septal shunt device implantation. Randomized, blinded studies are underway to confirm these observations.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01913613.

Biomarker Profiles of Acute Heart Failure Patients With a Mid-Range Ejection Fraction

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the authors used biomarker profiles to characterize differences between patients with acute heart failure with a midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and compare them with patients with a reduced (heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF]) and preserved (heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]) ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on biomarker profiles in acute HFmrEF.

METHODS

A panel of 37 biomarkers from different pathophysiological domains (e.g., myocardial stretch, inflammation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, hematopoiesis) were measured at admission and after 24 h in 843 acute heart failure patients from the PROTECT trial. HFpEF was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥50% (n = 108), HFrEF as LVEF of <40% (n = 607), and HFmrEF as LVEF of 40% to 49% (n = 128).

RESULTS

Hemoglobin and brain natriuretic peptide levels (300 pg/ml [HFpEF]; 397 pg/ml [HFmrEF]; 521 pg/ml [HFrEF]; p_trend <0.001) showed an upward trend with decreasing LVEF. Network analysis showed that in HFrEF interactions between biomarkers were mostly related to cardiac stretch, whereas in HFpEF, biomarker interactions were mostly related to inflammation. In HFmrEF, biomarker interactions were both related to inflammation and cardiac stretch. In HFpEF and HFmrEF (but not in HFrEF), remodeling markers at admission and changes in levels of inflammatory markers across the first 24 h were predictive for all-cause mortality and rehospitalization at 60 days (p_interaction <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Biomarker profiles in patients with acute HFrEF were mainly related to cardiac stretch and in HFpEF related to inflammation. Patients with HFmrEF showed an intermediate biomarker profile with biomarker interactions between both cardiac stretch and inflammation markers. (PROTECT-1: A Study of the Selective A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonist KW-3902 for Patients Hospitalized With Acute HF and Volume Overload to Assess Treatment Effect on Congestion and Renal Function; NCT00328692).

Understanding heart failure; explaining telehealth - a hermeneutic systematic review

BACKGROUND

Enthusiasts for telehealth extol its potential for supporting heart failure management. But randomised trials have been slow to recruit and produced conflicting findings; real-world roll-out has been slow. We sought to inform policy by making sense of a complex literature on heart failure and its remote management.

METHODS

Through database searching and citation tracking, we identified 7 systematic reviews of systematic reviews, 32 systematic reviews (including 17 meta-analyses and 8 qualitative reviews); six mega-trials and over 60 additional relevant empirical studies and commentaries. We synthesised these using Boell's hermeneutic methodology for systematic review, which emphasises the quest for understanding.

RESULTS

Heart failure is a complex and serious condition with frequent co-morbidity and diverse manifestations including severe tiredness. Patients are often frightened, bewildered, socially isolated and variably able to self-manage. Remote monitoring technologies are many and varied; they create new forms of knowledge and new possibilities for care but require fundamental changes to clinical roles and service models and place substantial burdens on patients, carers and staff. The policy innovation of remote biomarker monitoring enabling timely adjustment of medication, mediated by "activated" patients, is based on a modernist vision of efficient, rational, technology-mediated and guideline-driven ("cold") care. It contrasts with relationship-based ("warm") care valued by some clinicians and by patients who are older, sicker and less technically savvy. Limited uptake of telehealth can be analysed in terms of key tensions: between tidy, "textbook" heart failure and the reality of multiple comorbidities; between basic and intensive telehealth; between activated, well-supported patients and vulnerable, unsupported ones; between "cold" and "warm" telehealth; and between fixed and agile care programmes.

CONCLUSION

The limited adoption of telehealth for heart failure has complex clinical, professional and institutional causes, which are unlikely to be elucidated by adding more randomised trials of technology-on versus technology-off to an already-crowded literature. An alternative approach is proposed, based on naturalistic study designs, application of social and organisational theory, and co-design of new service models based on socio-technical principles. Conventional systematic reviews (whose goal is synthesising data) can be usefully supplemented by hermeneutic reviews (whose goal is deepening understanding).

Pulmonary hemodynamics and effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition in heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background

Previous studies suggested that phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have a beneficial effect in patients with heart failure (HF), although the results were inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of PDE5i in HF patients, and investigated the relationship between PDE5i effects and pulmonary hemodynamics.

Method

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared PDE5i with placebo in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). PDE5i effects were interpolated according to baseline pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) or according to changes in PAP after PDE5i treatment.

Results

Thirteen RCTs enrolling 898 HF patients, and two sub-analysis studies with different study outcomes, were included in the meta-analysis. Among patients with HFrEF, PDE5i improved peak VO₂ (mean difference [MD], 3.76 mL/min/kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.27 to 4.25; P < 0.00001), VE/VCO₂ slope (MD, −6.04; 95% CI, −7.45 to −4.64; P < 0.00001), LVEF (MD, 4.30%; 95% CI, 2.18 to 6.42; P < 0.0001), and pulmonary vascular resistance (MD, −80.74 dyn·sec/cm⁵; 95% CI, −110.69 to −50.79; P < 0.00001). The effects of PDE5i in patients with HFpEF were heterogeneous. Meta-regression analyses indicated that the beneficial effect of PDE5i was related to the baseline PAP as well as the extent of PDE5i-mediated PAP decrease.

Conclusion

PDE5i improved pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with HFrEF, but not in HFpEF. The relationship between the benefits by PDE5i with the baseline PAP and the changes in PAP indicates the therapeutic potential of PDE5i in HF according to pulmonary hemodynamics.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-017-0576-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Differential regulation of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) isoforms in human heart failure and atrial fibrillation

Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is a key regulator of important cardiac signaling pathways. Dysregulation of PP1 has been heavily implicated in cardiac dysfunctions. Accordingly, pharmacological targeting of PP1 activity is considered for therapeutic intervention in human cardiomyopathies. Recent evidence from animal models implicated previously unrecognized, isoform-specific activities of PP1 in the healthy and diseased heart. Therefore, this study examined the expression of the distinct PP1 isoforms PP1α, β, and γ in human heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) and addressed the consequences of β-adrenoceptor blocker (beta-blocker) therapy for HF patients with reduced ejection fraction on PP1 isoform expression. Using western blot analysis, we found greater abundance of PP1 isoforms α and γ but unaltered PP1β levels in left ventricular myocardial tissues from HF patients as compared to non-failing controls. However, expression of all three PP1 isoforms was higher in atrial appendages from patients with AF compared to patients with sinus rhythm. Moreover, we found that in human failing ventricles, beta-blocker therapy was associated with lower PP1α abundance and activity, as indicated by higher phosphorylation of the PP1α-specific substrate eIF2α. Greater eIF2α phosphorylation is a known repressor of protein translation, and accordingly, we found lower levels of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker Grp78 in the very same samples. We propose that isoform-specific targeting of PP1α activity may be a novel and innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of human cardiac diseases by reducing ER stress conditions.

Future drug discovery in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system intervention

INTRODUCTION

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASIs), including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin AT1 receptor blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), are the cornerstone for the treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Areas covered: The authors searched MEDLINE, PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify eligible full-text English language papers. Herein, the authors discuss AT2-receptor agonists and ACE2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas-receptor axis modulators, direct renin inhibitors, brain aminopeptidase A inhibitors, biased AT1R blockers, chymase inhibitors, multitargeted drugs, vaccines and aldosterone receptor antagonists as well as aldosterone synthase inhibitors. Expert opinion: Preclinical studies have demonstrated that activation of the protective axis of the RAAS represents a novel therapeutic strategy for treating cardiovascular and renal diseases, but there are no clinical trials supporting our expectations. Non-steroidal MRAs might become the third-generation of MRAs for the treatment of heart failure, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. The main challenge for these new drugs is that conventional RAASIs are safe, effective and cheap generics. Thus, the future of new RAASIs will be directed by economical/strategic reasons.

Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin and ST2 in heart failure: Contributions to diagnosis and prognosis

Heart failure has a high prevalence in developed countries. It is a frequent cause of hospital admission and has an important impact on morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Biomarkers have been widely studied in heart failure, as they improve diagnosis and prognostic assessment. Natriuretic peptides are already a part of daily clinical practice but several other biomarkers are being studied. This review focuses on mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and ST2. Neither of these biomarkers is useful in the diagnosis of acute heart failure. However, both have considerable short- and long-term prognostic value in patients with acute and with stable chronic heart failure. The utility of these two biomarkers in guiding heart failure treatment is yet to be established. ST2 appears to have some advantages compared to MR-proADM, because it is more closely associated with ventricular remodeling and fibrosis.

Development and validation of a risk stratification model for prediction of disability and hospitalisation in patients with heart failure: a study protocol

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart failure (CHF) reduces quality of life and causes hospitalisation and death. Identifying predictive factors of such events may help change the natural history of this condition.

AIM

To develop and validate a stratification system for classifying patients with CHF, according to their degree of disability and need for hospitalisation due to any unscheduled cause, over a period of 1 year.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Prospective, concurrent, cohort-type study in two towns in the Madrid autonomous region having a combined population of 1 32 851. The study will include patients aged over 18 years who meet the following diagnostic criteria: symptoms and typical signs of CHF (Framingham criteria) and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF)<50% or structural cardiac lesion and/or diastolic dysfunction in the presence of preserved EF (EF>50%).Outcome variables will be(a) Disability, as measured by the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule V.2.0 Questionnaire, and (b) unscheduled hospitalisations. The estimated sample size is 557 patients, 371 for predictive model development (development cohort) and 186 for validation purposes (validation cohort). Predictive models of disability or hospitalisation will be constructed using logistic regression techniques. The resulting model(s) will be validated by estimating the probability of outcomes of interest for each individual included in the validation cohort.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of La Princesa University Teaching Hospital (PI-705). All results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and shared with the medical community at conferences and scientific meetings.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators for primary prevention of death in left ventricular dysfunction with and without ischaemic heart disease: a meta-analysis of 8567 patients in the 11 trials

AIMS

Primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are established therapy for reducing mortality in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and ischaemic heart disease (IHD). However, their efficacy in patients without IHD has been controversial. We undertook a meta-analysis of the totality of the evidence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We systematically identified all RCTs comparing ICD vs. no ICD in primary prevention. Eligible RCTs were those that recruited patients with left ventricular dysfunction, reported all-cause mortality, and presented their results stratified by the presence of IHD (or recruited only those with or without). Our primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. We identified 11 studies enrolling 8567 participants with left ventricular dysfunction, including 3128 patients without IHD and 5439 patients with IHD. In patients without IHD, ICD therapy reduced mortality by 24% (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.90, P = 0.001). In patients with IHD, ICD implantation (at a dedicated procedure), also reduced mortality by 24% (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.96, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Until now, it has never been explicitly stated that the patients without IHD in COMPANION showed significant survival benefit from adding ICD therapy (to a background of CRT). Even before DANISH, meta-analysis of patients without ischaemic heart disease already showed reduced mortality. DANISH is consistent with these data. With a significant 24% mortality reduction in both aetiologies, it may no longer be necessary to distinguish between them when deciding on primary prevention ICD implantation.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy and its role in the management of heart failure

The prevalence of heart failure is increasing and it is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Optimal medical therapy improves outcome, but heart failure continues to have a substantial impact on both the individual patient and wider society. Over the last two decades, cardiac resynchronization therapy has revolutionized the treatment of selected patients who have heart failure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy significantly reduces mortality and hospitalization through reverse cardiac remodelling. This review informs non-specialists about cardiac resynchronization therapy and for which patients it should be considered.

Is There a Role for Ivabradine in the Contemporary Management of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure in Academic and Community Heart Failure Clinics in Canada?

INTRODUCTION

In patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction, increased heart rate (HR) is an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes. In systolic HF treatment with the If inhibitor ivabradine trial (SHIFT), Ivabradine improved survival when added to conventional treatment including β-blockers. However, the extent of benefit in the real world is unclear. We examined the characteristics of patients on guideline-directed therapy and determined who had SHIFT-like characteristics.

METHODS

A total of 1096 patients with chronic HF were reviewed from June 2014 to April 2015 in two HF clinics in Toronto: an academic institution (AI), and a community hospital (CH) clinic. SHIFT-like characteristics [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%; sinus rhythm; and HR ≥ 70 bpm] were described.

RESULTS

For all patients, mean age was 75 ± 13 years, overall LVEF was 44 ± 15%, AI less than CH (41.9 ± 14.0% vs. 45.7 ± 15.0%; p < 0.0001). More than two-thirds of patients in both groups were on β-blockers; with less than one-third at target dose. The proportion of patients with SHIFT-like characteristics was 8.4% AI and 11.7% CH, respectively (p = 0.0658).

CONCLUSION

In HF clinics from both academic and community hospitals in Toronto, up-titration in the dose of β-blockers and other guideline therapy can be improved on. A small proportion of patients with HF and SHIFT-like characteristics may potentially benefit from the addition of Ivabradine, just approved in Canada; this number will be further reduced if target dosage for β-blockers is achieved.

FUNDING

Servier Inc.

[Not Available]

Zusammenfassung. Die konstriktive Perikarditis stellt als seltene und gefürchtete Komplikation einer akuten Perikarditis eine schwere und ungewöhnliche Form einer diastolischen Herzinsuffizienz dar bei primär erhaltener systolischer Pumpfunktion. Häufigste Ursache ist die virale/idiopathische Perikarditis, gefolgt von spezifischen Ursachen (postoperativ nach herzchirurgischer Operation, postaktinisch nach mediastinaler Radiotherapie und weitere Ursachen). Durch das steife, unelastische Perikard ist die diastolische Füllung des Herzens eingeschränkt, was zum klinischen Bild einer Rechtsherzinsuffizienz führt und sich mit erhöhten Füllungsdrücken und spezifischen respiratorischen Phänomenen in der klinischen und apparativ-technischen Untersuchung manifestiert (Kussmaul-Zeichen, Pulsus paradoxus, vermehrte interventrikuläre Interdependenz, Annulus reversus, Quadratwurzelzeichen). Differenzialdiagnostisch müssen die restriktive Kardiomyopathie, die schwere Trikuspidalinsuffizienz und die Perikardtamponade ausgeschlossen werden. Die Therapie der Wahl ist zumeist eine chirurgische Perikardektomie, in Einzelfällen kann auch eine spezifische Therapie oder eine medikamentös-antiinflammatorische Therapie erfolgen. Obwohl die konstriktive Perikarditis unbehandelt eine schlechte Prognose hat, ist die Erkrankung potenziell kurativ therapierbar. Die Prognose ist vor allem von der Ursache der konstriktiven Perikarditis abhängig.

Incidence and Prognostic Impact of Heart Failure Hospitalization During Follow-Up After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The incidence of heart failure (HF) hospitalization and its impact on long-term outcomes have not been well evaluated in contemporary patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 5,429 consecutive patients with AMI undergoing PCI from 2005 to 2007. The present study population consisted of 3,682 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI within 24 hours of symptom onset and discharged alive. The incidence of HF hospitalization was 4.4%/year during the first year after the index STEMI, which attenuated to approximately 1.0%/year beyond 1 year to 5 years with the median follow-up period of 1,956 days. The independent risk factors for HF hospitalization within 1 year included older age, previous myocardial infarction, HF at STEMI, left ventricular dysfunction, anterior AMI, and onset-to-balloon time >3 hours, use of β blocker, and nonuse of statin at discharge. By the landmark analysis at 1 year, the cumulative incidences of all-cause death and HF hospitalization beyond 1 year and up to 5 years were significantly higher in patients with HF hospitalization within 1 year of STEMI than in patients without (36.3% vs 10.1%, p <0.001, and 40.4% vs 4.3%, p <0.001, respectively). Even after adjusting for confounders, HF hospitalization within 1 year remained independently associated with a higher risk for death and HF hospitalization beyond 1 year (hazard ratio 1.64, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.52, p = 0.04 and HR 5.72, 95% CI 3.46 to 9.22, p <0.001, respectively). In conclusion, HF hospitalization within 1 year was independently associated with a higher risk for all-cause death and HF hospitalization beyond 1 year.

Left ventricular ejection fraction of < 20%: Too bad for MitraClip© ?

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate whether the percutaneous mitral regurgitation (MR) reduction with the MitraClip® system in end-stage heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <20% also effects beneficial outcome or whether the underlying myogenic problem is leading and therefore of prognostic relevance.

BACKROUND

The interventional treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) with the MitraClip^® system could improve the clinical and hemodynamic outcome in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2011 and 2016, a total of 147 patients with FMR were treated with MitraClip^® at our institution. The cohort was divided into two groups: LVEF ≥ 20% (N = 126) and <20% (N = 21). Follow-up assessments included exercise capacity, 6-min walk test, probrain natriuretic peptide-measurement (ProBNP), echocardiography and right heart catheterization. Only three patients with an LVEF ≥ 20% and one patient with an LVEF < 20% were lost for follow-up.

RESULTS

In the vast majority of patients, a reduction from severe to mild MR was demonstrated with no difference between both groups (P = 0.422). At follow-up, both subgroups experienced similar improvements in exercise capacity and hemodynamics. Patients with an LVEF < 20% were on average 5.8 years younger, while mortality rates were comparable in both groups (P = 0.760).

CONCLUSION

By careful selection, even patients in the end stage of advanced LV dysfunction as the result of the underlying myogenic problem and the additional harmful effects of the high volume loading due to the FMR can exhibit significant clinical and hemodynamic improvement after MitraClip^© therapy.

Antidiabetic agents and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart diseases

INTRODUCTION

This article reviews evidence of the benefits and risk of antidiabetic agents in cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, with a focus on medications approved by the FDA since 2008.

STUDY SELECTION

Peer-reviewed articles were identified from MEDLINE and Current Content databases (both 1966 to 1 October 2016) using the search terms insulin, metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride, acarbose, miglitol, albiglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, dulaglutide, pramlintide, meglitinide, alogliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, sitagliptin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, colesevalam, bromocriptine, mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and stroke. Trials were included if they were randomized clinical trials evaluating adult patients (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes; had a period of intervention and follow-up of ≥12 months; and assessed CV outcomes (CV death, fatal/non-fatal MI or HF) as endpoints. Twenty-three randomized trials were included. Antidiabetic agents: Of agents approved prior to 2008, metformin has not been associated with measurable harm in patients with diabetes in terms of mortality and CV events (and has a trend of benefit). Controversial results existed with the use of sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) for CV outcomes. Among agents approved after 2008, liraglutide and empagliflozin have been shown to be superior to placebo in improving CV outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The FDA regulatory mandate to demonstrate CV safety in order to approve new diabetes drugs led to an increase in the number of CV outcome trials. However, these trials have placebo-controlled, non-inferiority designs aiming to show absence of CV toxicity. More studies are needed to address other questions, including comparative effectiveness, and longer-term risk versus benefits.

Relation of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function to Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Significant Valvular Heart Disease and Normal Left Ventricular Systolic Function

An association between N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and exercise tolerance in patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) has been suggested; however, there are few data available regarding this relation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between exercise tolerance and NT-proBNP in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic significant VHD and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF). A total of 96 patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic VHD and normal LV EF (≥50%) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise echocardiography. NT-proBNP levels were determined at baseline and after exercise in 3 hours. Patients were divided in 2 groups based on lower (<26 ml/kg/min, n = 47) or higher (≥26 ml/kg/min, n = 49) peak oxygen consumption (VO₂) as a representation of exercise tolerance. In the 2 groups, after adjusting for age and gender, the NT-proBNP level after exercise in 3 hours, left atrial volume index before exercise, right ventricular systolic pressure before exercise, E velocity after exercise, and E/e' ratio after exercise varied significantly. In addition, peak VO₂ was inversely related to NT-proBNP before (r = -0.352, p <0.001) and after exercise (r = -0.351, p <0.001). The NT-proBNP level before exercise was directly related to the left atrial volume index, E/e' ratio, and right ventricular systolic pressure before and after exercise. NT-proBNP after exercise was also directly related to the same parameters. NT-proBNP levels both before and after exercise were higher in the group with lower exercise tolerance. In conclusion, through the correlation among exercise tolerance, NT-proBNP, and parameters of diastolic dysfunction, we demonstrated that diastolic dysfunction and NT-proBNP could predict exercise tolerance in patients with significant VHD and normal LV EF.

True rate of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists-related hyperkalemia in placebo-controlled trials: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) improve survival in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction but are often underused, mostly due to concerns of hyperkalemia. Because hyperkalemia occurs also on placebo, we aimed to determine the truly MRA-related rate of hyperkalemia.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis including randomized, placebo-controlled trials reporting hyperkalemia on MRAs in patients after myocardial infarction or with chronic heart failure. We evaluated the truly MRA-related rate of hyperkalemia that represents hyperkalemia on MRA, corrected for hyperkalemia on placebo (Pla), according to the equation: True MRA (%)=(MRA (%) - Pla (%))/MRA (%).

RESULTS

A total number of 16,065 patients from 7 trials were analyzed. Hyperkalemia was more frequently observed on MRA (9.3%) vs placebo (4.3%) (risk ratio 2.17, 95% CI 1.92-2.45, P<.0001). Truly MRA-related hyperkalemia was 54%, whereas 46% were non-MRA related. In trials using eplerenone, hyperkalemia was documented in 5.0% on eplerenone and in 2.6% on placebo (P<.0001). In spironolactone trials, hyperkalemia was documented in 17.5% and in 7.5% of patients on placebo (P=.0001). Hypokalemia occurred less frequently in patients on MRA (9.3%) compared with placebo (14.8%) (risk ratio 0.58, CI 0.47-0.72, P<.0001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis shows that in clinical trials, 54% of hyperkalemia cases were specifically related to the MRA treatment and 46% to other reasons. Therefore, non-MRA-related rises in potassium levels might be underestimated and should be rigorously explored before cessation of the evidence-based therapy with MRAs.

Predicting Clinical and Echocardiographic Response After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With a Score Combining Clinical, Electrocardiographic, and Echocardiographic Parameters

The L₂ANDS₂ score was previously found to be able to assess the probability of left ventricular (LV) remodeling. We sought to evaluate this score in terms of clinical outcomes: 275 patients with heart failure, from 2 centers, implanted with a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device were followed at least 2 years after implantation. Baseline clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic characteristics including left bundle branch block, age >70 years, nonischemic etiology, LV end-diastolic diameter <40 mm/m², and septal flash by echocardiography were integrated in 4 scoring systems. Nonresponse to CRT was LV reverse remodeling <15% at 6 months' follow-up and/or occurrence of major cardiovascular event (cardiovascular death or transplantation or assistance) during a clinical follow-up of at least 2 years. Ninety-seven patients (36%) demonstrated nonresponse to CRT. The L₂ANDS₂ score demonstrated the best predictive value (C statistic of 0.783) for predicting absence of LV reverse remodeling and/or occurrence of major cardiovascular event during the 2 years follow-up compared with other scoring systems that do not include septal flash. A L₂ANDS₂ score ≤4 was associated with a worse outcome (38% survival vs 81% survival, hazard ratio 4.19, 95% CI 2.70 to 6.48, p <0.0001). In conclusion, the L₂ANDS₂ score is able to assess the probability of nonresponse to CRT in terms of no reverse LV remodeling and/or major cardiovascular event at long-term follow-up. Integrating septal flash in a scoring system adds value over left bundle branch block only.