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

Modulation of myocardial energetics: An important category of agents in the multimodal treatment of coronary artery disease and heart failure

The combined and relative contribution of glucose and fatty acid oxidation generates myocardial energy, which regulates the cardiac function and efficiency. Any dysregulation in this metabolic homeostasis can adversely affect the function of heart and contribute to cardiac conditions such as angina and heart failure. Metabolic agents ameliorate this internal metabolic anomaly, by shifting the energy production pathway from free fatty acids to glucose, resulting in a better performance of the heart. Metabolic therapy is relatively a new modality, which functions through optimization of cardiac substrate metabolism. Among the metabolic therapies, trimetazidine and ranolazine are the agents presently available in India. In the present review, we would like to present the metabolic perspective of pathophysiology of coronary artery disease and heart failure, and metabolic therapy by using trimetazidine and ranolazine.

Heart failure and multimorbidity in Australian general practice

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a serious condition that mostly affects older people. Despite the ageing population experiencing an increased prevalence of many chronic conditions, current guidelines focus on isolated management of HF.

Objective

To describe the burden of multimorbidity in patients with HF being managed in general practice in Australia.

Design

Data from the Bettering the Evaluation And Care of Health (BEACH) programme were used to determine (i) the prevalence of HF, (ii) the number of co-existing long-term conditions, and (iii) the most common disease combinations in patients with HF. The study was undertaken over fifteen, 5-week recording periods between November 2012 and March 2016.

Results

The dataset included a total of 25,790 general practitioner (GP) encounters with patients aged ≥45 years, collected by 1,445 GPs. HF had been diagnosed in 1,119 of these patients, a prevalence of 4.34% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.99–4.68) among patients at GP encounters, and 2.08% (95% CI 1.87–2.29) when applied to the general Australian population overall. HF rarely occurred in isolation, with 99.1% of patients having at least one and 53.4% having six or more other chronic illnesses. The most common pair of comorbidities among active patients with HF was hypertension and osteoarthritis (43.4%).

Conclusion

Overall, one in every 20–25 GP encounters with patients aged ≥45 years in Australia is with a patient with HF. Multimorbidity is a typical presentation among this patient group and guidelines for general practice must take this into account.

Association of digitalis treatment with outcomes following myocardial infarction in patients with heart failure or evidence of left ventricular dysfunction: an analysis from the High-Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative

BACKGROUND

Contradictory findings have been reported regarding the safety and efficacy of digitalis in patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction (MI). We studied the association of digitalis use with long-term and short-term prognosis in patients presenting with an acute MI complicated with heart failure (HF), left ventricular dysfunction, or both.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using the High-Risk MI Database Initiative combining data from 4 major clinical trials, totaling 27,673 patients, we investigated the association between digitalis use at baseline (3093 patients with digitalis and 24,580 without) with the rate of all-cause death, sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization and the combination of the latter two, over a mean follow-up time of 2.7 years. Patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF) were studied separately. After a propensity score-based analysis, among patients without AF, those receiving digitalis experienced a higher rate of all-cause [hazard ratio (HR) 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-1.67] and sudden cardiac death (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.44-1.89), compared to those not receiving digitalis; similar results were found for the other 3 endpoints (all HR around 1.6). In contrast, in AF patients, digitalis had a milder effect on all outcomes (all HR ≤ 1.12), with significant association only for the composite endpoint (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.21, p = 0.049); comparable results were obtained at 30 days. Finally, the detrimental effect associated with digitalis use appeared to be more pronounced in patients with ejection fraction ≥ 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

In MI survivors with HF and/or systolic dysfunction, digitalis was associated with a significant increased risk of death in patients without AF with mild to neutral associations for patients with AF. These findings raise concerns regarding the safety of digitalis in MI survivors with HF, especially for those without AF.

Expert consensus document: Echocardiography and lung ultrasonography for the assessment and management of acute heart failure

Echocardiography is increasingly recommended for the diagnosis and assessment of patients with severe cardiac disease, including acute heart failure. Although previously considered to be within the realm of cardiologists, the development of ultrasonography technology has led to the adoption of echocardiography by acute care clinicians across a range of specialties. Data from echocardiography and lung ultrasonography can be used to improve diagnostic accuracy, guide and monitor the response to interventions, and communicate important prognostic information in patients with acute heart failure. However, without the appropriate skills and a good understanding of ultrasonography, its wider application to the most acutely unwell patients can have substantial pitfalls. This Consensus Statement, prepared by the Acute Heart Failure Study Group of the ESC Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, reviews the existing and potential roles of echocardiography and lung ultrasonography in the assessment and management of patients with acute heart failure, highlighting the differences from established practice where relevant.

Bisoprolol compared with carvedilol and metoprolol succinate in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure

AIMS

Beta-blockers are recommended for the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). However, it is disputed whether beta-blockers exert a class effect or whether there are differences in efficacy between agents.

METHODS AND RESULTS

6010 out-patients with stable CHF and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction prescribed either bisoprolol, carvedilol or metoprolol succinate were identified from three registries in Norway, England, and Germany. In three separate matching procedures, patients were individually matched with respect to both dose equivalents and the respective propensity scores for beta-blocker treatment. During a follow-up of 26,963 patient-years, 302 (29.5%), 637 (37.0%), and 1232 (37.7%) patients died amongst those prescribed bisoprolol, carvedilol, and metoprolol, respectively. In univariable analysis of the general sample, bisoprolol and carvedilol were both associated with lower mortality as compared with metoprolol succinate (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.91, p < 0.01, and HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.94, p < 0.01, respectively). Patients prescribed bisoprolol or carvedilol had similar mortality (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.82-1.08, p = 0.37). However, there was no significant association between beta-blocker choice and all-cause mortality in any of the matched samples (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.76-1.06; p = 0.20; HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.93-1.31, p = 0.24; and HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.95-1.22, p = 0.26 for bisoprolol vs. carvedilol, bisoprolol vs. metoprolol succinate, and carvedilol vs. metoprolol succinate, respectively). Results were confirmed in a number of important subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the three beta-blockers investigated have similar effects on mortality amongst patients with CHF.

Echocardiographic pulmonary artery pressure estimation and heart failure rehospitalization burden in patients with acute heart failure

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the relationship between PH, through echocardiographic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) estimation, and the risk of HF rehospitalizations remains unclear.

METHODS

We prospectively included 2343 consecutive patients discharged for acute heart failure (AHF). PH was estimated by echocardiography through PASP determination during the index admission. Patients were categorized as follows across PASP: non-measurable, normal (≤35mmHg), mild (36-45mmHg), moderate (46-60mmHg), or severe PH (>60mmHg). Negative binomial regression method was used to evaluate the association between PASP and recurrent HF hospitalizations across preserved (HFpEF: ≥50%), mid-range (HFmrEF: 40-49%) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF: <40%).

RESULTS

Mean age of the cohort was 72.8±11.2years, 1187 (50.5%) were women, and 1252 (53.4%) and 410 (17.5%) showed HFpEF and HFmrEF, respectively. At a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 2.3 (0.8-4.5) years, we registered 1114 (47.6%) deaths, and 1834 HF-related rehospitalizations in 943 (40.2%) patients. After multivariable adjustment, and compared to patients with normal PASP, severe PH exhibited an independent higher risk of recurrent HF admissions only in HFpEF (IRR=1.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16-2.38; p=0.005), whereas in HFmrEF patients there was a non-significant trend to higher HF readmissions (IRR: 1.73; 95% CI, 0.85-3.55; p=0.132). Severe PH was not related with recurrent hospitalizations in HFrEF (IRR: 1.19; 95% CI, 0.66-2.14; p=0.553).

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiography-derived PASP evaluated during an episode of AHF is related to HF readmission burden, particularly in those patients with HFpEF.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using a biventricular pacing system has been an effective therapeutic strategy in patients with symptomatic heart failure with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35% or less and a QRS duration of 130 ms or more. The etiology of heart failure can be classified as either ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Ischemic etiology of patients receiving CRT is prevalent predominantly in North America, moderately in Europe, and less so in Japan. CRT reduces mortality similarly in both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, whereas reverse structural left ventricular remodeling occurs more favorably in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Because the substrate for ventricular arrhythmias appears to be more severe in cases of ischemic as compared with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) backup method could prolong the long-term survival, especially of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, even in the presence of CRT. The aim of this review article is to summarize the effects of CRT on outcomes and the role of ICD backup in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

[Development and Effects of a Heart Health Diary for Self-Care Enhancement of Patients with Heart Failure]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to develop a heart health diary to promote self-care ability among patients with heart failure (HF), and to identify the diary's effect on self-care adherence, self-efficacy, and physical activity.

METHODS

A randomized control-group pretestposttest design was adopted using block randomization. A calender-typed health diary was developed and it included a self-care checklist and education information on HF management. The experimental group were given guided counseling and education for 8 weeks and wrote a daily health diary during that period. Data were collected from the outpatient department of a tertiary medical center from February to April 2016. To verify the hypotheses, data for the experimental group (n=28) and control group (n=33) were analysed using the independent t-test with SPSS/WIN 21.0.

RESULTS

At the end of 8 weeks the experimental group had significantly higher scores for self-care adherence (t=-2.48, p=.016) and exercise related self-efficacy (t=-3.44, p=.001) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that the application of a patient-directed heart health diary is an effective nursing intervention for improving HF patients' self-care adherence and exercise self-efficacy. Strategies to promote dietary self-efficacy are necessary along with further studies including repeated research with an increasing intervention period. Healthcare providers need to encourage the utilization of a health diary for HF patients as a tool for evaluation and for implementation that leads to self-care.

Stress Perfusion CMR in Patients With Known and Suspected CAD: Prognostic Value and Optimal Ischemic Threshold for Revascularization

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the ischemia threshold and additional prognostic factors that identify patients for safe deferral from revascularizations in a large cohort of all-comer patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

BACKGROUND

Stress-perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is increasingly used in daily practice for ischemia detection. However, there is insufficient evidence about the ischemia burden that identifies patients who benefit from revascularization versus those with a good prognosis who receive drugs only.

METHODS

All patients with known or suspected CAD referred to stress-perfusion CMR for myocardial ischemia assessment were prospectively enrolled. The CMR examination included standard functional adenosine stress first-pass perfusion (gadobutrol 0.1 mmol/kg Gadovist, Bayer AG, Zurich, Switzerland) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) acquisitions. Presence of ischemia and ischemia burden (number of ischemic segments on a 16-segment model), and of scar and scar burden (number and transmurality of scar segments in a 17-segment model) were assessed. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and late coronary revascularization (>90 days post-CMR); the secondary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death and nonfatal MI.

RESULTS

During a follow-up of 2.5 ± 1.0 years, 86 and 32 of 1,024 patients (1,103 screened patients) experienced the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively. On Kaplan-Meier curves for the primary and secondary endpoints, patients without ischemia had excellent outcomes that did not differ from patients with <1.5 ischemic segments. In multivariate Cox regression analyses of the entire population and of the subgroups, ischemia burden (threshold: ≥1.5 ischemic segments) was consistently the strongest predictor of the primary and secondary endpoints with hazard ratios (HRs) of 7.42 to 8.72 (p < 0.001), whereas age (≥67 years), left ventricular ejection fraction (≤40%), and scar burden (LGE score ≥0.03) contributed significantly, but to a lesser extent, in all models with HRs of 2.01 to 3.48, 1.75 to 1.96, and 1.66 to 1.76, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large all-comer patient cohort with known and suspected CAD, an ischemia burden of ≥1.5 ischemic segments on stress-perfusion CMR was the strongest predictor of the primary and secondary endpoints. Patients with zero or 1 ischemic segment can be safely deferred from revascularizations.

Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease, also known as group 2 pulmonary hypertension according to the European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society classification, is the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension. In patients with left heart disease, the development of pulmonary hypertension favours right heart dysfunction, which has a major impact on disease severity and outcome. Over the past few years, this condition has been considered more frequently. However, epidemiological studies of group 2 pulmonary hypertension are less exhaustive than studies of other causes of pulmonary hypertension. In group 2 patients, pulmonary hypertension may be caused by an isolated increase in left-sided filling pressures or by a combination of this condition with increased pulmonary vascular resistance, with an abnormally high pressure gradient between arteries and pulmonary veins. A better understanding of the conditions underlying pulmonary hypertension is of key importance to establish a comprehensive diagnosis, leading to an adapted treatment to reduce heart failure morbidity and mortality. In this review, epidemiology, mechanisms and diagnostic approaches are reviewed; then, treatment options and future approaches are considered.

The management of patients with chronic heart failure: the growing role of e-Health

INTRODUCTION

The increasing pandemic of heart failure is becoming a serious challenge for the health care system. The medical world is searching for solutions which could decrease its scale and improve patients' quality of life and prognosis. Telemanagement of heart failure patients is a new promising option. Technical and technological platforms to perform e-Health management in heart failure patients' homes have become available. This paper's aims are to present different forms of e-Health including telecare, home monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, remote monitoring of hemodynamic implantable devices and telerehabilitation in providing optimal long term management for heart failure patients. Areas covered: E-education and self-monitoring, structured telephone support and telemonitoring, remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronics devices and hemodynamic implantable electronic devices and telerehabilitation. Expert commentary: The data analyzed in the paper suggests that remote monitoring is capable of identifying life-threatening deterioration and helps heart failure patients avoid seeking medical assistance in hospitals and that home-based telerehabilitation is well accepted, safe, effective and has high adherence among HF patients.

[Diabetes and heart failure : Update 2017]

Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit an increased risk for the development of heart failure. The occurrence of heart failure in patients with diabetes is associated with a poor prognosis. Therapeutic strategies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetes have so far mainly focused on the prevention of coronary events but recent data suggest that an early diagnosis of heart failure in diabetes as well as specific therapies could have a major impact on the prognosis for these patients. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and prognosis of heart failure in diabetes patients and addresses current aspects of heart failure therapy in diabetes as well as diabetes therapy in heart failure patients.

Heart Transplantation in Asia

Heart transplantation (HTx) is the effective way to improve quality of life as well as survival in terminal heart failure (HF) patients. Since the first heart transplant in 1968 in Japan and in earnest in 1987 at Taiwan, HTx has been continuously increasing in Asia. Although the current percentage of heart transplants from Asia comprises only 5.7% of cases in the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) registry, the values were under-reported and soon will be greatly increased. HTx in Asia shows comparable with or even better results compared with ISHLT registry data. Several endemic infections, including type B hepatitis, tuberculosis, and cytomegalovirus, are unique aspects of HTx in Asia, and need special attention in transplant care. Although cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is considered as a leading cause of death after HTx globally, multiple observations suggest less prevalence and benign nature of CAV among Asian populations. Although there are many obstacles such as religion, social taboo or legal process, Asian countries will keep overcoming obstacles and broaden the field of HTx.

Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Combining a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor and a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor is an attractive option to treat hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes. Areas covered: The saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin combination is carefully analysed, focusing on: 1) pharmacokinetic properties, 2) pharmacodynamics data, and 3) results of randomised controlled trials (dual combination versus either monotherapy, sequential therapy saxagliptin added to dapagliflozin or dapagliflozin added to saxagliptin). Expert opinion: Pharmacokinetic findings demonstrate the absence of drug-drug interaction and the bioequivalence of the FDC compared with separated tablets. Pharmacodynamic observations confirm a complementary mode of action of the two agents. Dual saxagliptin-dapagliflozin therapy is more potent than either monotherapy. It may be used as an initial combination, although this approach remains debatable and should probably be reserved in case of high glycated hemoglobin, or a stepwise strategy, according to a personalized approach. The developed saxagliptin-dapagliflozin FDC may simplify anti-hyperglycemic therapy and improve drug compliance.

Cardiac surgery 2016 reviewed

For the year 2016, more than 20,000 published references can be found in Pubmed when entering the search term "cardiac surgery". Publications last year have helped to more clearly delineate the fields where classic surgery and modern interventional techniques overlap. The field of coronary bypass surgery (partially compared to percutaneous coronary intervention) was enriched by five large prospective randomized trials. The value of CABG for complex coronary disease was reconfirmed and for less complex main stem lesions, PCI was found potentially equal. For aortic valve treatment, more evidence was presented for the superiority of transcatheter aortic valve implantation for patients with intermediate risk. However, the 2016 evidence argued against the liberal expansion to the low-risk field, where conventional aortic valve replacement still appears superior. For the mitral valve, many publications emphasized the significant impact of mitral valve reconstruction on survival in structural mitral regurgitation. In addition, there were many relevant and other interesting contributions from the purely operative arena in the fields of coronary revascularization, surgical treatment of valve disease, terminal heart failure (i.e., transplantation and ventricular assist devices), and aortic surgery. While this article attempts to summarize the most pertinent publications it does not have the expectation of being complete and cannot be free of individual interpretation. As in recent years, it provides a condensed summary that is intended to give the reader "solid ground" for up-to-date decision-making in cardiac surgery.

Kallikrein-kinin system as the dominant mechanism to counteract hyperactive renin-angiotensin system

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) generates, maintains, and makes worse hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) through its biologically active component angiotensin II (Ang II), that causes vasoconstriction, sodium retention, and structural alterations of the heart and the arteries. A few endogenous vasodilators, kinins, natriuretic peptides, and possibly angiotensin (1-7), exert opposite actions and may provide useful therapeutic agents. As endothelial autacoids, the kinins are potent vasodilators, active natriuretics, and protectors of the endothelium. Indeed, the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) is considered the dominant mechanism for counteracting the detrimental effects of the hyperactive RAS. The 2 systems, RAS and KKS, are controlled by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) that generates Ang II and inactivates the kinins. Inhibitors of ACE can reduce the impact of Ang II and potentiate the kinins, thus contributing to restore the cardiovascular homeostasis. In the last 20 years, ACE-inhibitors (ACE-Is) have become the drugs of first choice for the treatments of the major CVDs. ACE-Is not only reduce blood pressure, as sartans also do, but by protecting and potentiating the kinins, they can reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of life for patients with CVDs. This paper provides a brief review of the literature on this topic.

Hyponatraemia and congestive heart failure refractory to diuretic treatment. Utility of tolvaptan

Heart failure (HF) is currently one of the most significant healthcare problems in Spain and has a continuously increasing prevalence. Advances in our understanding of the various biological responses that promote cardiac remodelling and pulmonary venous congestion constitute the basis of current treatment. This article, prepared by members of the HF groups of the Spanish Society of Cardiology and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine, discusses the current therapeutic strategies for patients with congestion refractory to diuretic treatment. The article includes our clinical experience with the use of tolvaptan as an additional treatment for congestion associated with hyponatraemia. To this end, we propose an algorithm for the use of tolvaptan in patients with congestive HF, natraemia <130mEq/l and poor response to conventional diuretic treatment.

Digoxin versus placebo, no intervention, or other medical interventions for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia of the heart with a prevalence of approximately 2% in the western world. Atrial flutter, another arrhythmia, occurs less often with an incidence of approximately 200,000 new patients per year in the USA. Patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter have an increased risk of death and morbidities. In the management of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, it is often necessary to use medical interventions to lower the heart rate. Lowering the heart rate may theoretically prevent the development of heart failure and tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy. The evidence on the benefits and harms of digoxin compared with placebo or with other medical interventions is unclear. This protocol for a systematic review aims at identifying the beneficial and harmful effects of digoxin compared with placebo, no intervention, or with other medical interventions for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

METHODS

This protocol for a systematic review was conducted following the recommendations of Cochrane and the eight-step assessment procedure suggested by Jakobsen and colleagues. We plan to include all relevant randomised clinical trials comparing digoxin with placebo, no intervention, or with other medical interventions. We plan to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Science Citation Index Expanded on Web of Science, and BIOSIS to identify relevant trials. Any eligible trial will be assessed and classified as either at high risk of bias or low risk of bias, and our primary conclusions will be based on trials with low risk of bias. We will perform our meta-analyses of the extracted data using Review Manager 5.3 and Trial Sequential Analysis ver. 0.9.5.5 beta. For both our primary and secondary outcomes, we will create a 'Summary of Findings' table based on GRADE assessments of the quality of the evidence.

DISCUSSION

The results of this systematic review have the potential to benefit millions of patients worldwide as well as healthcare economy.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42016052935.

Prognostic Implications of Serum Albumin Levels in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes

Hypoalbuminemia is a long-term risk factor for incident of both myocardial infarction and heart failure. We assessed whether serum albumin levels at admission are associated with new-onset heart failure and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study included 7,192 patients with ACS with no previous history of heart failure. Patients were divided into quartiles according to serum albumin levels (Q1: ≤3.50 g/dl; Q2: 3.51 to 3.80 g/dl; Q3: 3.81 to 4.08 g/dl; and Q4: >4.08 g/dl). Logistic regressions were used to explore the relations among serum albumin quartiles, new-onset heart failure, and in-hospital mortality. Serum albumin levels were negatively correlated with both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and white blood cell count at admission. The unadjusted rate for both new-onset heart failure (37.7%, 20.2%, 14.7%, and 11.4% for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively; p <0.0001) and in-hospital mortality (9.8%, 3.4%, 2.0%, and 1.7% for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively; p <0.0001) were higher at lower serum albumin levels. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that serum albumin level ≤3.50 g/dl is an important and independent predictor of both the development of new-onset heart failure (odds ratio 2.31, 95% CI 1.87 to 2.84, p <0.0001) and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.86, p = 0.003). In conclusion, albumin level ≤3.50 g/dl is an independent predictor of new-onset heart failure and in-hospital mortality in patients with ACS. The inflammatory state may be a mechanism underlying hypoalbuminemia in this clinical setting.

Home-based telerehabilitation is not inferior to a centre-based program in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomised trial

QUESTION

Is a 12-week, home-based telerehabilitation program conducted in small groups non-inferior to a traditional centre-based program in terms of the change in 6-minute walk distance? Is the telerehabilitation program also non-inferior to a centre-based program in terms of functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, urinary incontinence, patient satisfaction, attendance rates, and adverse events?

DESIGN

Randomised, parallel, non-inferiority trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and assessor blinding.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with stable chronic heart failure (including heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction) were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Brisbane, Australia.

INTERVENTION

The experimental group received a 12-week, real-time exercise and education intervention delivered into the participant's home twice weekly, using online videoconferencing software. The control group received a traditional hospital outpatient-based program of the same duration and frequency. Both groups received similar exercise prescription.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants were assessed by independent assessors at baseline (Week 0), at the end of the intervention (Week 12) and at follow-up (Week 24). The primary outcome was a between-group comparison of the change in 6-minute walk distance, with a non-inferiority margin of 28m. Secondary outcomes included other functional measures, quality of life, patient satisfaction, program attendance rates and adverse events.

RESULTS

In 53 participants (mean age 67 years, 75% males), there were no significant between-group differences on 6-minute walk distance gains, with a mean difference of 15m (95% CI -28 to 59) at Week 12. The confidence intervals were within the predetermined non-inferiority range. The secondary outcomes indicated that the experimental intervention was at least as effective as traditional rehabilitation. Significantly higher attendance rates were observed in the telerehabilitation group.

CONCLUSION

Telerehabilitation was not inferior to a hospital outpatient-based rehabilitation program in patients with chronic heart failure. Telerehabilitation appears to be an appropriate alternative because it promotes greater attendance at the rehabilitation sessions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12613000390785. [Hwang R, Bruning J, Morris NR, Mandrusiak A, Russell T (2017) Home-based telerehabilitation is not inferior to a centre-based program in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy 63: 101-107].

Chronic Heart Failure Care Planning: Considerations in Older Patients

In developed countries, it is estimated that more than 10 % of adults aged over 70 years have heart failure (HF). Despite therapeutic advances, it remains a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is one of the commonest causes of unscheduled hospital admissions in older adults and data consistently show a lower uptake of evidence-based investigations and therapies as well as higher rates of HF hospitalisations and mortality than in younger adults. These rates are highest amongst patients discharged to 'skilled nursing facilities', where comorbidities, frailty and cognitive impairment are common and have a significant impact on outcomes. In this review, we examine current guidance and its limitations and offer a pragmatic approach to management of HF in this elderly population.

Challenges of Treating Acute Heart Failure in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comorbidity poses substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in acute care settings. The specific role of pulmonary comorbidity in the treatment and outcomes of cardiovascular disease patients was not addressed in any short- or long-term prospective study. Both HF and COPD can be interpreted as systemic disorders associated with low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodelling and skeletal muscle atrophy. HF is regularly treated as a broader cardiopulmonary syndrome utilising acute respiratory therapy. Based on observational data and clinical expertise, a management strategy of concurrent HF and COPD in acute settings is suggested. Concomitant use of beta2-agonists and beta-blockers in a comorbid cardiopulmonary condition seems to be safe and effective.

Current and emerging pharmacologic options for the management of patients with chronic and acute decompensated heart failure

INTRODUCTION

For many years heart failure (HF) was known as a fatal disease with an ominous prognosis. In the last decades better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HF has resulted in major breakthrough in the management and improvement in the natural history of this clinical syndrome. Areas covered: The review is focused on current and upcoming pharmacological therapies in patients with chronic and acute HF, starting with brief overview of drugs which improve the outcomes in patients with chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) including neurohormonal antagonists, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor and If- channel inhibitor, then presenting the summary of symptomatic treatment, the pharmacotherapy in chronic HF with preserved and mid-range EF and in acute HF. Finally, we report the emerging pharmacologic options and ongoing clinical trials and future directions in pharmacotherapy. Expert commentary: The guidelines-recommended therapies in HF with reduced EF need to be widely implemented into the everyday clinical practice. Better clinical characterization of HF with preserved, mid-range EF and acute HF, with better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms may ultimately result in a development of effective strategies improving ominous outcomes in these patients.

Effects of carvedilol on structural and functional outcomes and plasma biomarkers in the mouse transverse aortic constriction heart failure model

INTRODUCTION

Despite the widespread use of the mouse transverse aortic constriction heart failure model, there are no reports on the characterization of the standard-of-care agent carvedilol in this model.

METHODS

Left ventricular pressure overload was produced in mice by transverse aortic constriction between the innominate and left common carotid arteries. Carvedilol was administered at multiple dose levels (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg/day per os; yielding end-study mean plasma concentrations of 0.002, 0.015 and 0.044 µM, respectively) in a therapeutic design protocol with treatment initiated after the manifestation of left ventricular remodeling at 3 weeks post transverse aortic constriction and continued for 10 weeks.

RESULTS

Carvedilol treatment in transverse aortic constriction mice significantly decreased heart rate and left ventricular dP/dt (max) at all dose levels consistent with β-adrenoceptor blockade. The middle dose of carvedilol significantly decreased left ventricular weight, whereas the higher dose decreased total heart, left and right ventricular weight and wet lung weight compared to untreated transverse aortic constriction mice. The higher dose of carvedilol significantly increased cardiac performance as measured by ejection fraction and fractional shortening and decreased left ventricular end systolic volume consistent with the beneficial effect on cardiac function. End-study plasma sST-2 and Gal-3 levels did not differ among sham, transverse aortic constriction control and transverse aortic constriction carvedilol groups. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentrations were elevated significantly in transverse aortic constriction control animals (~150%) compared to shams in association with changes in ejection fraction and heart weight and tended to decrease (~30%, p = 0.10-0.12) with the mid- and high-dose carvedilol treatment.

CONCLUSION

A comparison of carvedilol hemodynamic and structural effects in the mouse transverse aortic constriction model versus clinical use indicates a strong agreement in effect profiles preclinical versus clinical, providing important translational validation for this widely used animal model. The present plasma brain natriuretic peptide biomarker findings support the measurement of plasma natriuretic peptides in the mouse transverse aortic constriction model to extend the translational utility of the model.

Regional differences in health-related quality of life in elderly heart failure patients: results from the CIBIS-ELD trial

AIM

Patient-reported outcomes such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are main treatment goals for heart failure (HF) and therefore endpoints in multinational therapy trials. However, little is known about country-specific differences in HRQoL and in treatment-associated HRQoL improvement. The present work sought to examine those questions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed data from the Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study in Elderly (CIBIS-ELD) trial, in which patients from central and south-eastern Europe completed the HRQoL questionnaire SF-36 at baseline and the end of a 12-week beta-blocker up-titration (follow-up). 416 patients from Serbia (mean age 72.21 years, 69% NYHA-class I-II, 27.4% women) and 114 from Germany (mean age 73.64 years, 78.9% NYHA-class I-II, 47.4% women) were included. Controlling for clinical variables, the change in mental HRQoL from baseline to follow-up was modulated by Country: Serbian patients, M _baseline = 37.85 vs. M _follow-up = 40.99, t(526) = 5.34, p < .001, reported a stronger increase than Germans, M _baseline = 37.66 vs. M _follow-up = 38.23, t(526) = 0.68, ns. For physical HRQoL, we observed a main effect of Country, M _Serbia = 39.28 vs. M _Germany = 35.29, t(526) = 4.24, p < .001.

CONCLUSION

We observed significant differences in HF patients from Germany and Serbia and country-specific differences between Serbian and German patients in mean physical HRQoL. Changes in mental HRQoL were modulated by country. Those results may reflect psychological, sociocultural, aetiological differences or regional differences in phenotype prevalence. More importantly, they suggest that future multinational trials should consider such aspects when designing a trial in order to avoid uncertainties aligned to data interpretation and to improve subsequent treatment optimisation.