PONTIAC (NT-proBNP selected prevention of cardiac events in a population of diabetic patients without a history of cardiac disease): a prospective randomized controlled trial

Prognostic implications of heart failure stages among Chinese community populations: insight from a nationwide population-based study

Background

In light of high burden of heart failure (HF) in China, studies of prognostic implication of HF stages are important. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between HF stages and mortality risk in Chinese community populations.

Methods

Nationwide representative populations aged ≥35 years (n = 23,284, mean age 56.9 years, women 53.2%) were enrolled from 2012 to 2016. According to the international HF guidelines, participants were divided into stage A, B and C, and those who did not qualify these stages were categorized as apparently-healthy group. Association between HF stages and all-cause, cardiovascular [CV] and non-CV death was evaluated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional regression analysis.

Findings

During a median follow-up of 4.7 years (109,902.8 person-years), 1314 deaths occurred. Age-adjusted incidence rate of all-cause death was 5.3 in apparently-healthy, 7.8 in stage A, 8.6 in stage B and 24.6 in stage C groups per 1000 person-years. In reference to apparently-healthy group, adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause death was 1.90 (95% CI: 1.47-2.45), 2.43 (95% CI: 1.89-3.13) and 6.40 (95% CI: 4.56-8.99) for stage A, B and C. Advancing HF stages were associated with increasing risks for all-cause, CV and non-CV death (P-trend <0.05). For all-cause death, population attributable fraction due to stage A, B and C were 21.2%, 33.4% and 4.9%, accounting for 1,933,385, 3,045,993 and 446,867 deaths in China in 2018.

Interpretation

Advancing HF stages were associated with increasing risk mortality. Development and implementation of early screening and targeted interventions are urgently needed to reduce HF burdens in China.

Funding

This work was supported by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (grant 2017-I2M-1-004), the Projects in the Chinese National Science & Technology Pillar Program during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period (No.: 2011BAI11B01), and the Project Entrusted by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC2020-609).

Methods to predict heart failure in diabetes patients

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and powerful predictor for new-onset heart failure (HF).

AREAS COVERED

We focus on the relevant literature covering evidence of risk stratification based on imaging predictors and circulating biomarkers to optimize approaches to preventing HF in DM patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Multiple diagnostic algorithms based on echocardiographic parameters of cardiac remodeling including global longitudinal strain/strain rate are likely to be promising approach to justify individuals at higher risk of incident HF. Signature of cardiometabolic status may justify HF risk among T2DM individuals with low levels of natriuretic peptides, which preserve their significance in HF with clinical presentation. However, diagnostic and predictive values of conventional guideline-directed biomarker HF strategy may be non-optimal in patients with obesity and T2DM. Alternative biomarkers affecting cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, myopathy, and adipose tissue dysfunction are plausible tools for improving accuracy natriuretic peptides among T2DM patients at higher HF risk. In summary, risk identification and management of the patients with T2DM with established HF require conventional biomarkers monitoring, while the role of alternative biomarker approach among patients with multiple CV and metabolic risk factors appears to be plausible tool for improving clinical outcomes.

Prediction of new-onset heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes derived from ALTITUDE and CANVAS

AIM

To create and validate a prediction model to identify patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at high risk of new-onset heart failure (HF), including those treated with a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.

METHODS

A prediction model was developed from the Aliskiren Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Using Cardiorenal Endpoints (ALTITUDE), a trial in T2D patients with albuminuria or cardiovascular disease. We included 5081 patients with baseline N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement and no history of HF. The model was developed using Cox regression and validated externally in the placebo arm of the Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study (CANVAS), which included 996 participants with T2D and established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk, and in patients treated with canagliflozin.

RESULTS

ALTITUDE participants (mean age 64 ± 9.8 years) had a median serum NT-proBNP level of 157 (25th-75th percentile 70-359) pg/mL. Higher NT-proBNP level, troponin T (TnT) level and body mass index (BMI) emerged as significant and independent predictors of new-onset HF in both cohorts. The model further contained urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, glycated haemoglobin, age, haematocrit, and use of calcium channel blockers. A prediction model including these variables had a C-statistic of 0.828 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.801-0.855) in ALTITUDE and 0.800 (95% CI 0.720-0.880) in CANVAS. The C-statistic of this model increased to 0.847 (95% CI 0.792-0.902) in patients after 1 year of canagliflozin treatment.

CONCLUSION

In patients with T2D, higher NT-proBNP level, TnT level and BMI are independent and externally validated predictors of new-onset HF, including patients using an SGLT2 inhibitor. This newly developed model may identify patients at high risk of new-onset HF, contributing to early recognition and possibly prevention.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations, testing and associations with worsening heart failure events

AIMS

In patients with heart failure (HF), we aimed to assess (i) the time trends in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing; (ii) patient characteristics associated with NT-proBNP testing; (iii) distribution of NT-proBNP levels, focusing on the subgroups with (WHFE) vs. without (NWHFE) a worsening HF event, defined as an HF hospitalization; and (iv) changes of NT-proBNP levels over time.

METHODS AND RESULTS

NT-proBNP testing and levels were investigated in HF patients enrolled in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF) linked with the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements project from January 2011 to December 2018. Index date was the first registration in SwedeHF. Patterns of change in NT-proBNP levels before (in the previous 6 ± 3 months) and after (in the following 6 ± 3 months) the index date were categorized as follows: (i) <3000 ng/L at both measurements = stable low; (ii) <3000 ng/L at the first measurement and ≥3000 ng/L at the second measurement = increased; (iii) ≥3000 ng/L at the first measurement and <3000 ng/L at the second measurement = decreased; and (iv) ≥3000 ng/L at both measurements = stable high. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models, expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), were performed to assess the associations between (i) clinical characteristics and NT-proBNP testing and (ii) changes in NT-proBNP from 6 months prior to the index date and the index date and a WHFE. Consistency analyses were performed in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) alone. A total of 4424 HF patients were included (median age 74 years, women 34%, HFrEF 53%), 33% with a WHFE. NT-proBNP testing increased over time, up to 55% in 2018, and was almost two-fold as frequent, and time to testing was less than half, in patients with WHFE vs. NWHFE. Independent predictors of testing were WHFE, higher heart rate, diuretic use, and preserved ejection fraction. Median NT-proBNP was 3070 ng/L (Q1-Q3: 1220-7395), approximately three-fold higher in WHFE vs. NWHFE. Compared with stable low NT-proBNP levels, increased (OR 4.27, 95% CI 2.47-7.37) and stable high levels (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.58-3.88) were independently associated with a higher risk of WHFE. Results were consistent in the HFrEF population.

CONCLUSIONS

NT-proBNP testing increased over time but still was only performed in half of the patients. Testing was associated with a WHFE, with features of more severe HF and for differential diagnosis purposes. Increased and stable high levels were associated with a WHFE. Overall, our data highlight the potential benefits of carrying further implementation of NT-proBNP testing in clinical practice.

Liver fibrosis, NT-ProBNP and mortality in patients with MASLD: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIM

Liver fibrosis is the strongest predictor of liver-related mortality in many chronic liver diseases. NT-ProBNP is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality in general population settings. Here, we evaluate the relative contribution of non-invasively identified liver fibrosis and NT-ProBNP on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with metabolic (dysfunction)-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Serum NT-ProBNP levels were measured in 4229 patients with MASLD from the general population without a known history of heart failure that participated in the 1999-2004 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Presence of liver fibrosis was estimated using the Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4). We applied Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors to evaluate the association between NT-ProBNP and FIB-4 levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality through December 2019. Mortality was lower for participants with normal levels of both biomarkers, intermediate if a single biomarker was elevated and highest when both were above the chosen threshold. In the multivariable-adjusted models, both elevated FIB-4 (≥2.67) and elevated NT-ProBNP levels (≥125 pg/ml) were independently associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality (HR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.5-3.2 and HR 1.6, 95 % CI 1.4-2.0, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.2-3.7 and HR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.5-2.9, respectively). The associations remained consistent in subgroup analyses based on sex, obesity and age.

CONCLUSIONS

Both FIB-4 and NT-ProBNP are independently associated with higher mortality in patients with MASLD. Their combined use might prove useful to risk-stratify patients in clinical practice.

Determining the role of NT-proBNP levels in diabetic patients with heart failure: A study from North India

BACKGROUND

Diabetic patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. NT-proBNP levels measurements are useful for the assessment of risk in heart failure patients in emergency condition and give the faster result. Further, it also offers lower cost and unnecessary hospitalization and follow-up cost. The studies have shown that NT-proBNP levels are a direct predictor of outcome risk in diabetic patients with heart failure. The objective of this research was to study the role of NT-proBNP levels to determine the severity of heart failure in diabetic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study 150 patients diagnosed with symptomatic heart failure admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary care center from January 2021 to January 2022 have been included in Saraswati Institute Of Medical Sciences, Hapur, India. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro-BNP) levels were measured using an automated analyzer ranging between 60 and 3000 pg/ml. According to the European society of cardiology (ESC) guidelines, it has been defined as NT-Pro-BNP level above 125 pg/ml indicates a high possibility of heart failure and NT-Pro-BNP level below 125 pg/ml excludes the high possibility of heart failure. All the patients underwent an echocardiographic study and ejection fraction was calculated and recorded.

RESULTS

In diabetic patients ejection fraction was significantly lower in diabetic patients: 47.15 ± 8.75% vs. 43.24 ± 9.54%, P = 0.002). We have observed statistically significant lower HDL values (40.10 ± vs. 35.94 mg/dL, P = 0.0004), however, significant higher triglycerides values were found (101.43 ± 41.7 mg/dL vs. 151.37 ± 78.85, P = 0.001). No significant difference was observed in LDL level (97.8 ± 31.23 vs. 92.35 ± 314.2, P ≥ 0.05) and total cholesterol level (161.49 ± 41.38 vs. 159.97 ± 41.12, P ≥ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that the measurement of NT-proBNP in heart failure and diabetic patients could be an economic marker for the evaluation of morbidity and mortality, facilitating better management and follow-up.

Diagnostic yield of a proactive strategy for early detection of cardiovascular disease versus usual care in adults with type 2 diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care in the Netherlands (RED-CVD): a multicentre, pragmatic, cluster-randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Progressive cardiovascular diseases (eg, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease) are often diagnosed late in high-risk individuals with common comorbidities that might mimic or mask symptoms, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes. We aimed to assess whether a proactive diagnostic strategy consisting of a symptom and risk factor questionnaire and low-cost and accessible tests could increase diagnosis of progressive cardiovascular diseases in patients with COPD or type 2 diabetes in primary care.

METHODS

In this multicentre, pragmatic, cluster-randomised, controlled trial (RED-CVD), 25 primary care practices in the Netherlands were randomly assigned to usual care or a proactive diagnostic strategy conducted during routine consultations and consisting of a validated symptom questionnaire, followed by physical examination, N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement, and electrocardiography. We included adults (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes, COPD, or both, who participated in a disease management programme. Patients with an established triple diagnosis of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease were excluded. In the case of abnormal findings, further work-up or treatment was done at the discretion of the general practitioner. The primary endpoint was the number of newly diagnosed cases of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease, adjudicated by an expert clinical outcome committee using international guidelines, at 1-year follow-up, in the intention-to-treat population.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 31, 2019, and Oct 7, 2021, we randomly assigned 25 primary care centres: 11 to usual care and 14 to the intervention. We included patients between June 21, 2019, and Jan 31, 2022. Following exclusion of ineligible patients and those who did not give informed consent, 1216 participants were included: 624 (51%) in the intervention group and 592 (49%) in the usual care group. The mean age of participants was 68·4 years (SD 9·4), 482 (40%) participants were female, and 734 (60%) were male. During 1 year of follow-up, 50 (8%) of 624 participants in the intervention group and 18 (3%) of 592 in the control group were newly diagnosed with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or coronary artery disease (adjusted odds ratio 2·97 [95% CI 1·66-5·33]). This trial is registered with the Netherlands Trial Registry, NTR7360, and was completed on Jan 31, 2023.

INTERPRETATION

An easy-to-use, proactive, diagnostic strategy more than doubled the number of new diagnoses of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes or COPD in primary care compared with usual care. Although the effect on patient outcomes remains to be studied, our diagnostic strategy might contribute to improved early detection and timely initiation of treatment in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

FUNDING

Dutch Heart Foundation.

Impact of medical checkup parameters on major adverse cardiovascular events in the general Japanese population

Medical checkups play a role in the identification of individuals at increased cardiovascular risk. However, the impact of each medical examination parameter on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has not been intensively studied. Here we assessed the predictors of MACE among parameters examined during medical checkups in the general Japanese population. A total of 13,522 individuals (mean age, 52.8 ± 12.3 years) who participated in our medical checkup program from 2008 to 2015 were followed up for a median of 1,827 days with the endpoint of MACE. MACE included cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, angina, decompensated heart failure, stroke, and other cardiovascular events requiring hospitalization. Possible associations between MACE and baseline clinical test parameters were investigated. During follow-up, MACE occurred in 196 participants. Participants with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome were at increased risk of MACE on the univariate analysis. Multivariate Cox hazard analysis demonstrated that male sex, age, systolic blood pressure, and baseline B-type natriuretic peptide level were independently correlated with future MACE after the adjustment for confounders; the impact of B-type natriuretic peptide was most prominent among the investigated variables. These results suggest that B-type natriuretic peptide level obtained during a medical checkup examination is an independent and strong predictor of MACE. The inclusion of BNP as part of medical checkup parameters may improve the ability to identify individuals at increased cardiovascular risk and prevent cardiovascular disease among them.

Myocardial Oedema as a Consequence of Viral Infection and Persistence-A Narrative Review with Focus on COVID-19 and Post COVID Sequelae

Microvascular integrity is a critical factor in myocardial fluid homeostasis. The subtle equilibrium between capillary filtration and lymphatic fluid removal is disturbed during pathological processes leading to inflammation, but also in hypoxia or due to alterations in vascular perfusion and coagulability. The degradation of the glycocalyx as the main component of the endothelial filtration barrier as well as pericyte disintegration results in the accumulation of interstitial and intracellular water. Moreover, lymphatic dysfunction evokes an increase in metabolic waste products, cytokines and inflammatory cells in the interstitial space contributing to myocardial oedema formation. This leads to myocardial stiffness and impaired contractility, eventually resulting in cardiomyocyte apoptosis, myocardial remodelling and fibrosis. The following article reviews pathophysiological inflammatory processes leading to myocardial oedema including myocarditis, ischaemia-reperfusion injury and viral infections with a special focus on the pathomechanisms evoked by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In addition, clinical implications including potential long-term effects due to viral persistence (long COVID), as well as treatment options, are discussed.

Growth differentiation factor-15 in patients with or at risk of heart failure but before first hospitalisation

OBJECTIVE

Identification of patients at risk of adverse outcome from heart failure (HF) at an early stage is a priority. Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 has emerged as a potentially useful biomarker. This study sought to identify determinants of circulating GDF-15 and evaluate its prognostic value, in patients at risk of HF or with HF but before first hospitalisation.

METHODS

Prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 2166 consecutive patients in stage A-C HF undergoing cardiovascular magnetic resonance and measurement of GDF-15. Multivariable linear regression investigated determinants of GDF-15. Cox proportional hazards modelling, Net Reclassification Improvement and decision curve analysis examined its incremental prognostic value. Primary outcome was a composite of first hospitalisation for HF or all-cause mortality. Median follow-up was 1093 (939-1231) days.

RESULTS

Major determinants of GDF-15 were age, diabetes and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, although despite extensive phenotyping, only around half of the variability of GDF-15 could be explained (R2 0.51). Log-transformed GDF-15 was the strongest predictor of outcome (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.63) and resulted in a risk prediction model with higher predictive accuracy (continuous Net Reclassification Improvement 0.26; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.39) and with greater clinical net benefit across the entire range of threshold probabilities.

CONCLUSION

In patients at risk of HF, or with HF but before first hospitalisation, GDF-15 provides unique information and is highly predictive of hospitalisation for HF or all-cause mortality, leading to more accurate risk stratification that can improve clinical decision making.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02326324.

10. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Prioritizing the primary prevention of heart failure: Measuring, modifying and monitoring risk

With the rising incidence of heart failure (HF) and increasing burden of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures, primary prevention of HF targeting individuals in at-risk HF (Stage A) and pre-HF (Stage B) Stages has become increasingly important with the goal to decrease progression to symptomatic (Stage C) HF. Identification of risk based on traditional risk factors (e.g., cardiovascular health which can be assessed with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 framework), adverse social determinants of health, inherited risk of cardiomyopathies, and identification of risk-enhancing factors, such as patients with viral disease, exposure to cardiotoxic chemotherapy, and history of adverse pregnancy outcomes should be the first step in evaluation for HF risk. Next, use of guideline-endorsed risk prediction tools such as Pooled Cohort Equations to Prevent Heart Failure provide quantification of absolute risk of HF based in traditional risk factors. Risk reduction through counseling on traditional risk factors is a core focus of implementation of prevention and may include the use of novel therapeutics that target specific pathways to reduce risk of HF, such as mineralocorticoid receptor agonists (e.g., fineronone), angiotensin-receptor/neprolysin inhibitors, and sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors. These interventions may be limited in at-risk populations who experience adverse social determinants and/or individuals who reside in rural areas. Thus, strategies like telemedicine may improve access to preventive care. Gaps in the current knowledge base for risk-based prevention of HF are highlighted to outline future research that may target approaches for risk assessment and risk-based prevention with the use of artificial intelligence, genomics-enhanced strategies, and pragmatic trials to develop a guideline-directed medical therapy approach to reduce risk among individuals with Stage A and Stage B HF.

Proteomic prediction of incident heart failure and its main subtypes

AIM

To examine the ability of serum proteins in predicting future heart failure (HF) events, including HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF or HFpEF), in relation to event time, and with or without considering established HF-associated clinical variables.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the prospective population-based Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility Reykjavik Study (AGES-RS), 440 individuals developed HF after their first visit with a median follow-up of 5.45 years. Among them, 167 were diagnosed with HFrEF and 188 with HFpEF. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model with non-parametric bootstrap were used to select predictors from an analysis of 4782 serum proteins, and several pre-established clinical parameters linked to HF. A subset of 8-10 distinct or overlapping serum proteins predicted different future HF outcomes, and C-statistics were used to assess discrimination, revealing proteins combined with a C-index of 0.80 for all incident HF, 0.78 and 0.80 for incident HFpEF or HFrEF, respectively. In the AGES-RS, protein panels alone encompassed the risk contained in the clinical information and improved the performance characteristics of prediction models based on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and clinical risk factors. Finally, the protein predictors performed particularly well close to the time of an HF event, an outcome that was replicated in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

CONCLUSION

A small number of circulating proteins accurately predicted future HF in the AGES-RS cohort of older adults, and they alone encompass the risk information found in a collection of clinical data. Incident HF events were predicted up to 8 years, with predictor performance significantly improving for events occurring less than 1 year ahead, a finding replicated in an external cohort study.

Derivation and validation of a clinical predictive model of NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL to detect pre-heart failure

BACKGROUND

Several guidelines recommend the measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to diagnose heart failure (HF); however, no screening criteria for measuring NT-proBNP in asymptomatic patients exist. We develop/validate a clinical prediction model for elevated NT-proBNP to support clinical outpatient decision-making.

METHODS

In this multicenter cohort study, we used a derivation cohort (24 facilities) from 2017 to 2021 and a validation cohort at one facility from 2020 to 2021. Patients were aged ≥65 years with at least one risk factor of HF. The primary endpoint was NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL. The final model was selected using backward stepwise logistic regression analysis. Diagnostic performance was evaluated for sensitivity and specificity, the area under the curve (AUC), and calibration. In total, 1645 patients (derivation cohort, n = 837; validation cohort, n = 808) were included, of whom 378 (23.0 %) had NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL. Body mass index, age, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, cardiothoracic ratio, and heart disease were used as predictors and aggregated into a BASE-CH score of 0-11 points.

RESULTS

Internal validation resulted in an AUC of 0.74 and an external validation AUC of 0.70.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on available clinical and laboratory variables, we developed and validated a new risk score to predict NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL in patients at risk for HF or with pre-HF.

Preventing new-onset heart failure: Intervening at stage A

Heart failure (HF) prevention is an urgent public health need with national and global implications. Stage A HF patients do not show HF symptoms or structural heart disease but are at risk of HF development. There are no unique recommendations on detecting Stage A patients. Patients in Stage A are heterogeneous; many patients have different combinations of risk factors and, therefore, have markedly different absolute risks for HF. Comprehensive strategies to prevent HF at Stage A include intensive blood pressure lowering, adequate glycemic and lipid management, and heart-healthy behaviors (adopting Life's Essential 8). First and foremost, it is imperative to improve public awareness of HF risk factors and implement healthy lifestyle choices very early. In addition, recognize the HF risk-enhancing factors, which are nontraditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors that identify individuals at high risk for HF (genetic susceptibility for HF, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic inflammatory disease, sleep-disordered breathing, adverse pregnancy outcomes, radiation therapy, a history of cardiotoxic chemotherapy exposure, and COVID-19). Early use of biomarkers, imaging markers, and echocardiography (noninvasive measures of subclinical systolic and diastolic dysfunction) may enhance risk prediction among individuals without established CV disease and prevent chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. Efforts are needed to address social determinants of HF risk for primordial HF prevention.Central illustrationPolicies developed by organizations such as the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and the American Diabetes Association to reduce CV disease events must go beyond secondary prevention and encompass primordial and primary prevention.

Natriuretic peptide testing strategies in heart failure: A 2023 update

Natriuretic peptides (NPs), including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), have been recommended as standard biomarkers for diagnosing heart failure (HF), and one of the strongest risk predictors for mortality and HF hospitalization regardless of ejection fraction (EF) and etiology of HF. BNP is an active neurohormone opposing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous system overactivated in HF, whereas NT-proBNP is an inactive prohormone released from cardiomyocytes in response to wall stress. Despite substantial advances in the development of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HF with reduced EF, studies demonstrating direct benefits of NP-guided chronic HF therapy on mortality, HF hospitalization, and GDMT optimization have yielded conflicting results. However, accumulating evidence shows that achieving prespecified BNP or NT-proBNP target over time is significantly associated with favorable outcomes, suggesting that benefits of serially measured NPs may be limited to particular groups of HF patients, such as those with extreme levels of baseline BNP or NT-proBNP, which could represent severe phenotypes of HF associated with natriuretic peptide resistance or cardiorenal syndrome. Over the past decade, clinical utilization of BNP and NT-proBNP has been expanded, especially using serial NP measurements for guiding HF therapy, optimizing GDMT and identifying at-risk patients with HF phenotypes who may be minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic.

A Synopsis of the Evidence for the Science and Clinical Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

A growing appreciation of the pathophysiological interrelatedness of metabolic risk factors such as obesity and diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease has led to the conceptualization of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. The confluence of metabolic risk factors and chronic kidney disease within cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome is strongly linked to risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. In addition, there are unique management considerations for individuals with established cardiovascular disease and coexisting metabolic risk factors, chronic kidney disease, or both. An extensive body of literature supports our scientific understanding of, and approach to, prevention and management for individuals with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. However, there are critical gaps in knowledge related to cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome in terms of mechanisms of disease development, heterogeneity within clinical phenotypes, interplay between social determinants of health and biological risk factors, and accurate assessments of disease incidence in the context of competing risks. There are also key limitations in the data supporting the clinical care for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, particularly in terms of early-life prevention, screening for risk factors, interdisciplinary care models, optimal strategies for supporting lifestyle modification and weight loss, targeting of emerging cardioprotective and kidney-protective therapies, management of patients with both cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, and the impact of systematically assessing and addressing social determinants of health. This scientific statement uses a crosswalk of major guidelines, in addition to a review of the scientific literature, to summarize the evidence and fundamental gaps related to the science, screening, prevention, and management of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.

Recent Advances in Serum Biomarkers for Cardiological Risk Stratification and Insight into the Cardiac Management of the Patients With Hematological Malignancies Treated With Targeted Therapy

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have emerged as a common and serious complication of cancer treatment, particularly in patients undergoing cardiotoxic therapies. Over the last few years, the medical community has become increasingly aware of the potential for cardiotoxicity resulting from cancer treatments involving chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiation therapy. This recognition is due to the significant risk of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients and survivors resulting from such treatment-induced cardiovascular damage. While the cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy and targeted therapy have been discussed in medical literature, only a limited number of studies have explored the role of serum biomarkers in cardiological risk stratification. In recent years, serum biomarkers have emerged as a valuable tool for assessing and managing cardiotoxicity in patients with hematological malignancies. This review article provides a summary of the current state of knowledge on the usefulness of biomarkers in managing cardiotoxicity resulting from different targeted therapies throughout the cancer care continuum. Although cardiac biomarkers have demonstrated potential in identifying subclinical cardiotoxicity and tracking the response to cardioprotective treatments, further research is necessary to determine optimal biomarkers and surveillance strategies. The incorporation of cardiac biomarkers into clinical practice in patients undergoing targeted therapies could potentially lead to improved long-term cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients and survivors.

Prediction of adverse outcomes in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: A CMR-based nomogram

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a novel nomogram score to predict outcomes in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) over a long follow-up period.

METHODS

A total of 335 consecutive NIDCM patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging were retrospectively enrolled. Comprehensive clinical evaluation and imaging investigation were obtained, including measurements of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and feature tracking (FT) images. All patients were followed up for a composite endpoint of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including all-cause mortality and heart transplantation. These patients were randomly divided into development and validation cohorts (7:3).

RESULTS

MACE occurred in 87 (37.2%) out of 234 patients in the development cohort, and in 31 (30.7%) out of 101 patients in the validation cohort. Five variables including NYHA class III-IV, NT-proBNP, beta-blocker medication, LGE presence, and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were found to be significantly associated with MACE and were used for constructing the nomogram. The nomogram achieved good discrimination with C-indexes in development and validation cohorts respectively. The calibration curve for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probability also showed high coherence between the predicted and actual probability of MACE. Decision curve analysis identified the model was significantly better net benefit in predicting MACE.

CONCLUSION

A novel nomogram score of a predictive model that incorporates clinical factors and imaging features was constructed, which could be conveniently used to facilitate risk evaluation in patients with NIDCM.

Do Heart Failure Biomarkers Influence Heart Failure Treatment Response?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of cardiac morbidity and mortality around the world. Our evolving understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways of HF has led to the identification and evaluation of a growing number of HF biomarkers. Natriuretic peptides remain the best studied and understood HF biomarkers, with demonstrated clinical utility in the diagnosis and prognostication of HF. Less commonly understood is the utility of HF biomarkers for guiding and monitoring treatment response. In this review, we outline the current HF biomarker landscape and identify novel biomarkers that have potential to influence HF treatment response.

RECENT FINDINGS

An increasing number of biomarkers have been identified through the study of HF mechanisms. While these biomarkers hold promise, they have not yet been proven to be effective in guiding HF therapy. A more developed understanding of HF mechanisms has resulted in an increased number of available pharmacologic HF therapies. In the past, biomarkers have been useful for the diagnosis and prognostication of HF. Future evaluation on their use to guide pharmacologic therapy is ongoing, and there is promise that biomarker-guided therapy will allow clinicians to begin personalizing treatment for their HF patients.

Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Heart Failure in People with Diabetes: A Consensus Report from Diabetes Technology Society

Diabetes Technology Society assembled a panel of clinician experts in diabetology, cardiology, clinical chemistry, nephrology, and primary care to review the current evidence on biomarker screening of people with diabetes (PWD) for heart failure (HF), who are, by definition, at risk for HF (Stage A HF). This consensus report reviews features of HF in PWD from the perspectives of 1) epidemiology, 2) classification of stages, 3) pathophysiology, 4) biomarkers for diagnosing, 5) biomarker assays, 6) diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers, 7) benefits of biomarker screening, 8) consensus recommendations for biomarker screening, 9) stratification of Stage B HF, 10) echocardiographic screening, 11) management of Stage A and Stage B HF, and 12) future directions. The Diabetes Technology Society panel recommends 1) biomarker screening with one of two circulating natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide or N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide), 2) beginning screening five years following diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and at the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D), 3) beginning routine screening no earlier than at age 30 years for T1D (irrespective of age of diagnosis) and at any age for T2D, 4) screening annually, and 5) testing any time of day. The panel also recommends that an abnormal biomarker test defines asymptomatic preclinical HF (Stage B HF). This diagnosis requires follow-up using transthoracic echocardiography for classification into one of four subcategories of Stage B HF, corresponding to risk of progression to symptomatic clinical HF (Stage C HF). These recommendations will allow identification and management of Stage A and Stage B HF in PWD to prevent progression to Stage C HF or advanced HF (Stage D HF).

Predicting and preventing heart failure in type 2 diabetes

The burden of heart failure among people with type 2 diabetes is increasing globally. People with comorbid type 2 diabetes and heart failure often have worse outcomes than those with only one of these conditions-eg, higher hospitalisation and mortality rates. Therefore, it is essential to implement optimal heart failure prevention strategies for people with type 2 diabetes. A detailed understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the occurrence of heart failure in type 2 diabetes can aid clinicians in identifying relevant risk factors and lead to early interventions that can help prevent heart failure. In this Review, we discuss the pathophysiology and risk factors of heart failure in type 2 diabetes. We also review the risk assessment tools for predicting heart failure incidence in people with type 2 diabetes as well as the data from clinical trials that have assessed the efficacy of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions. Finally, we discuss the potential challenges in implementing new management approaches and offer pragmatic recommendations to help overcome these challenges.

Opportunistic screening for asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

International guidelines recommend natriuretic peptide biomarker-based screening for patients at high heart failure (HF) risk to allow early detection. There have been few reports about the incorporation of screening procedure to existing clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To implement screening of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHOD

A prospective screening study at the DM complication screening centre was performed.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2019, 1043 patients (age: 63.7±12.4 years; male: 56.3%) with mean glycated haemoglobin of 7.25%±1.34% were recruited. 81.8% patients had concomitant hypertension, 31.1% had coronary artery disease, 8.0% had previous stroke, 5.5% had peripheral artery disease and 30.7% had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-5. 43 patients (4.1%) had an elevated N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration above the age-specific diagnostic thresholds for HF, and 43 patients (4.1%) had newly detected atrial fibrillation (AF). The prevalence of elevated NT-proBNP increased with age from 0.85% in patients aged <50 years to 7.14% in those aged 70-79 years and worsening kidney function from 0.43% in patients with CKD stage 1 to 42.86% in CKD stage 5. In multivariate logistic regression, male gender (OR: 3.67 (1.47-9.16), p = 0.005*), prior stroke (OR: 3.26 (1.38-7.69), p = 0.007*), CKD (p<0.001*) and newly detected AF (OR: 7.02 (2.65-18.57), p<0.001*) were significantly associated with elevated NT-proBNP. Among patients with elevated NT-proBNP, their mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 51.4%±14.7%, and 45% patients had an LVEF <50%.

CONCLUSION

NT-proBNP and ECG screening could be implemented with relative ease to facilitate early detection of cardiovascular complication and improve long-term outcomes.

Korean Society of Heart Failure Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure: Definition and Diagnosis

The Korean Society of Heart Failure guidelines aim to provide physicians with evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing patients with heart failure (HF). In Korea, the prevalence of HF has been rapidly increasing in the last 10 years. HF has recently been classified into HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF), and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Moreover, the availability of newer therapeutic agents has led to an increased emphasis on the appropriate diagnosis of HFpEF. Accordingly, this part of the guidelines will mainly cover the definition, epidemiology, and diagnosis of HF.

Korean Society of Heart Failure Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure: Definition and Diagnosis

The Korean Society of Heart Failure guidelines aim to provide physicians with evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing patients with heart failure (HF). In Korea, the prevalence of HF has been rapidly increasing in the last 10 years. HF has recently been classified into HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF), HF with mildly reduced EF, and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Moreover, the availability of newer therapeutic agents has led to an increased emphasis on the appropriate diagnosis of HFpEF. Accordingly, this part of the guidelines will mainly cover the definition, epidemiology, and diagnosis of HF.

Serum Pro-N-Cadherin Is a Marker of Subclinical Heart Failure in the General Population

Background We recently reported aberrant processing and localization of the precursor PNC (pro-N-cadherin) protein in failing heart tissues and detected elevated PNC products in the plasma of patients with heart failure. We hypothesize that PNC mislocalization and subsequent circulation is an early event in the pathogenesis of heart failure, and therefore circulating PNC is an early biomarker of heart failure. Methods and Results In collaboration with the Duke University Clinical and Translational Science Institute's MURDOCK (Measurement to Understand Reclassification of Disease of Cabarrus and Kannapolis) study, we queried enrolled individuals and sampled 2 matched cohorts: a cohort of individuals with no known heart failure at the time of serum collection and no heart failure development in the following 13 years (n=289, cohort A) and a matching cohort of enrolled individuals who had no known heart failure at the time of serum collection but subsequently developed heart failure within the following 13 years (n=307, cohort B). Serum PNC and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide) concentrations in each population were quantified by ELISA. We detected no significant difference in NT-proBNP rule-in or rule-out statistics between the 2 cohorts at baseline. In participants who developed heart failure, serum PNC is significantly elevated relative to those who did not report development of heart failure (P<0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analyses of PNC demonstrate diagnostic value for subclinical heart failure. Additionally, PNC has diagnostic potential when comparing participants with no reported heart failure risk factors from cohort A to at-risk participants from cohort B over the 13-year follow-up. Participants whose PNC levels measure >6 ng/mL have a 41% increased risk of all-cause mortality independent of age, body mass index, sex, NT-proBNP, blood pressure, previous heart attack, and coronary artery disease (P=0.044, n=596). Conclusions These data suggest that PNC is an early marker of heart failure and has the potential to identify patients who would benefit from early therapeutic intervention.

Cardiometabolic Care: Assessing Patients with Diabetes Mellitus with No Overt Cardiovascular Disease in the Light of Heart Failure Development Risk

The mechanisms leading to the development of heart failure (HF) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are multifactorial. Assessing the risk of HF development in patients with DM is valuable not only for the identification of a high-risk subgroup, but also equally important for defining low-risk subpopulations. Nowadays, DM and HF have been recognized as sharing similar metabolic pathways. Moreover, the clinical manifestation of HF can be independent of LVEF classification. Consequently, approaching HF should be through structural, hemodynamic and functional evaluation. Thus, both imaging parameters and biomarkers are important tools for the recognition of diabetic patients at risk of HF manifestation and HF phenotypes, and arrhythmogenic risk, and eventually for prognosis, aiming to improve patients' outcomes utilizing drugs and non-pharmaceutical cardioprotective tools such as diet modification.

Endocrine functions of the heart: from bench to bedside

Heart has a recognized endocrine function as it produces several biologically active substances with hormonal properties. Among these hormones, the natriuretic peptide (NP) system has been extensively characterized and represents a prominent expression of the endocrine function of the heart. Over the years, knowledge about the mechanisms governing their synthesis, secretion, processing, and receptors interaction of NPs has been intensively investigated. Their main physiological endocrine and paracrine effects on cardiovascular and renal systems are mostly mediated through guanylate cyclase-A coupled receptors. The potential role of NPs in the pathophysiology of heart failure and particularly their counterbalancing action opposing the overactivation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems has been described. In addition, NPs are used today as key biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases with both diagnostic and prognostic significance. On these premises, multiple therapeutic strategies based on the biological properties of NPs have been attempted to develop new cardiovascular therapies. Apart from the introduction of the class of angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors in the current management of heart failure, novel promising molecules, including M-atrial natriuretic peptide (a novel atrial NP-based compound), have been tested for the treatment of human hypertension. The development of new drugs is currently underway, and we are probably only at the dawn of novel NPs-based therapeutic strategies. The present article also provides an updated overview of the regulation of NPs synthesis and secretion by microRNAs and epigenetics as well as interactions of cardiac hormones with other endocrine systems.

Rationale and design of the Aldose Reductase Inhibition for Stabilization of Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure Trial (ARISE-HF) in patients with high-risk diabetic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is a specific form of heart muscle disease that may result in substantial morbidity and mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperactivation of the polyol pathway is one of the primary mechanisms in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, including development of DbCM. There is an unmet need for therapies targeting the underlying metabolic abnormalities that drive this form of Stage B heart failure (HF).

METHODS

Aldose reductase (AR) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in the polyol pathway, and AR inhibition has been shown to reduce diabetic complications, including DbCM in animal models and in patients with DbCM. Previous AR inhibitors (ARIs) were limited by poor specificity resulting in unacceptable tolerability and safety profile. AT-001 is a novel investigational highly specific ARI with higher binding affinity and greater selectivity than previously studied ARIs. ARISE-HF (NCT04083339) is an ongoing Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, global clinical study to investigate the efficacy of AT-001 (1000 mg twice daily [BID] and 1500 mg BID) in 675 T2DM patients with DbCM at high risk of progression to overt HF. ARISE-HF assesses the ability of AT-001 to improve or prevent decline in exercise capacity as measured by functional capacity (changes in peak oxygen uptake [peak VO₂]) over 15 (and possibly 27) months of treatment. Additional endpoints include percentage of patients progressing to overt HF, health status metrics, echocardiographic measurements, and changes in cardiacbiomarkers.

RESULTS

The ARISE-HF Trial is fully enrolled.

CONCLUSIONS

This report describes the rationale and study design of ARISE-HF.

Cost-effectiveness of NT-proBNP-supported screening of chronic heart failure in patients with or without type 2 diabetes in Austria and Switzerland

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with a global burden. Signs and symptoms of HF are nonspecific and often shared with other conditions. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) serves as a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of HF not only in patients with acute symptoms but also in outpatients with an ambiguous clinical presentation. The aim of the analysis is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of implementing NT-proBNP in the diagnostic algorithm in patients with/without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), compared with a diagnosis based primarily on clinical signs or symptoms from the perspective of the Austrian and Swiss healthcare system.

METHODS

A time-discrete Markov model was developed to simulate the effect/improvement (lifetime-costs, quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs], and life-years [LYs]) due to an NT-proBNP screening in undetected HF patients. Undetected HF patients are included in the model according to a distribution of New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes. The model considers disease progression by transition of NYHA classes. Undetected patients may remain undetected or be detected with the help of NT-proBNP or symptoms. Patients with known HF exhibit a slower disease progression. The probability of dying is influenced by the respective NYHA class. Direct costs (2021 € or CHF) were derived from published sources. QALYs, LYs, and costs were discounted (3% p.a.).

RESULTS

In the per-patient analysis (at age 60 over lifetime), the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR)/QALY of NT-proBNP vs. no screening was €3,042 for HF patients in Austria. Considering the total cohort of undetected HF patients (n = 9,377) with the corresponding age structure over a lifetime, the ICUR increases to €4,356. In Switzerland, the per-patient results show an ICUR of CHF 897. Considering the total cohort of undetected HF patients (n = 6,826) the ICUR amounts to CHF 4,513. If indirect costs are considered, NT-proBNP screening becomes the dominant strategy in both countries.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the analysis concludes that screening with NT-proBNP is a highly cost-effective or cost-saving diagnostic option for patients with HF, and a sensitivity analysis confirmed these findings.

Association of biomarkers and risk scores with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Subclinical LV dysfunction (LVD) identifies heart failure (HF) risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We sought the extent to which clinical scores (ARIC-HF, WATCH-DM), natriuretic peptides (NTpBNP) and troponin (hs-TnT) were associated with subclinical LV dysfunction (LVD). These associations could inform the ability of these tests to identify which patients should undergo echocardiography.

METHODS

Participants with T2DM were prospectively recruited from three community-based populations. ARIC-HF risk at 4 years and WATCH-DM scores were calculated from clinical data. NTpBNP and hs-TnT were measured using an electro-chemiluminescence assay. All underwent a comprehensive echocardiogram. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of clinical scores and biomarkers to identify abnormal global longitudinal strain (GLS ≥ -16%)), diastolic function (E/e' ≥ 14 or e' < 8 cm/s), left atrial volume index (LAV > 34 ml/m²) and LV hypertrophy (LV mass index > 88 g/m² (F) > 102 g/m²(M)).

RESULTS

Of 804 participants (median age 69 years [inter-quartile range (IQR) 65-73], 36% female), clinical scores suggested significant HF risk (median ARIC-HF 8% [IQR 4-12]; WATCH-DM 10 points [IQR 8-12]), and the median NTpBNP was 50 pg/mL [IQR 25-101] and hs-TnT 9.6 pg/mL [IQR 6.8-13.6]. Abnormal GLS was present in 126 (17%), elevated E/e' in 114 (15%), impaired e' in 629 (78%), increased LAV in 351 (44%) and LV hypertrophy in 113 (14%). After adjustments for age, body-mass index, and renal function, each standard deviation increase in NTpBNP was associated with a GLS increase of 0.32 (p < 0.001) and hs-TnT increase by 0.26 (p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed with ARIC-HF (standardised β = 0.22, p < 0.001) and WATCH-DM (standardised β = 0.22, p < 0.001) in univariable analyses. However, none of the risk assessment tools provided satisfactory discrimination for abnormal GLS (AUC 63%), diastolic indices (e' AUC 54-61%) or LV mass (AUC 59-67%). At a sensitivity of 90%, there was an unacceptably low (< 50%) specificity.

CONCLUSION

Although risk assessment based on clinical scores or biomarkers would be desirable to stratify HF risk in people with T2DM, they show a weak relationship with subclinical LVD.

Elevated NT-ProBNP as a Cardiovascular Disease Risk Equivalent: Evidence from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) can serve as a "risk equivalent" for cardiovascular disease to adults at high cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

We included 9789 participants (mean age 63.2 years, 55% women, 19.4% Black, 13% with a history of cardiovascular disease) who attended Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study Visit 4 (1996-1998). We classified participants as having a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline and, among those without cardiovascular disease, we defined categories of NT-proBNP (<125, 125-449, ≥450 pg/mL). We used Cox regression to estimate associations of NT-proBNP with incident cardiovascular disease and mortality.

RESULTS

Over a median 20.5 years of follow-up, there were 4562 deaths (917 cardiovascular deaths). There were 2817 first events and 806 recurrent events (in those with a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline). Among individuals without a history of cardiovascular disease, those adults with NT-proBNP ≥450 pg/mL had significantly higher risks of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-2.53), cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.92; 95% CI, 2.15-3.97), incident total cardiovascular disease (HR 2.59; 95% CI, 2.13-3.16), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (HR 2.20; 95% CI, 1.72-2.80), and heart failure (HR 3.81; 95% CI, 3.01-4.81), compared with individuals with NT-proBNP <125 pg/mL. The elevated cardiovascular risk in persons with high NT-proBNP and no history of cardiovascular disease was similar to, or higher than, the risk conferred by a history of cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that it might be appropriate to manage adults with NT-proBNP ≥450 pg/mL as if they had a history of clinical cardiovascular disease.

Cardiorenal disease management in type 2 diabetes: An expert consensus

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The interplay between cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is well established. We aim at providing an evidence-based expert opinion regarding the prevention and treatment of both heart failure (HF) and renal complications in people with T2D.

METHOD

ology: The consensus recommendations were developed by subject experts in endocrinology, cardiology, and nephrology. The criteria for consensus were set to statements with ≥80% of agreement among clinicians specialized in endocrinology, cardiology, and nephrology. Key expert opinions were formulated based on scientific evidence and clinical judgment.

RESULTS

Assessing the risk factors of CVD or CKD in people with diabetes and taking measures to prevent HF or kidney disease are essential. Known CVD or CKD among people with diabetes confers a very high risk for recurrent CVD. Metformin plus lifestyle modification should be the first-line therapy (unless contraindicated) for the management of T2D. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists can be preferred in people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or with high-risk indicators, along with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), whereas SGLT2i are the first choice in HF and CKD. The GLP-1 agonists can be used in people with CKD if SGLT2i are not tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests SGLT2i as preferred agents among people with T2D and HF, and for those with T2D and ASCVD. SGLT2i and GLP-1RA also lower CV outcomes in those with diabetes and ASCVD, and the treatment choice should depend on the patient profile.

Natriuretic Peptide-guided Therapy for Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with high mortality and hospitalization rates. Conventional care in patients with HF is usually based on clinical history and physical examination. Natriuretic peptides (NPs), B-type NP (BNP) and N-terminal proBNP, are the gold-standard biomarkers in HF. They are recommended for diagnosing HF, when the physician is uncertain of the diagnosis, and for estimating the prognosis. NPs also guide therapy in HF, as serial NP measurements inform medication adjustments to achieve targets independently of symptoms. In this regard, the data are conflicting. In patients with HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) there is a suggestion that NP-guided therapy is helpful. The studies STARS-BNP and PROTECT demonstrated a reduction in cardiac events with NP-guided therapy. Additionally, mortality in patients aged <75 years reduced in the BATTLESCARRED and TIME-CHF studies, and in a meta-analysis. On the contrary, no differences were observed in the studies PRIMA and GUIDE-IT. In HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and in the acute setting, no differences were detected with NP-guided therapy compared with conventional care. In patients at risk of developing HF, NP can be useful to guide therapy and prevent HF. In summary, NP-guided therapy seems to be useful in patients with HFrEF, especially in those aged <75 years, but has no use in HFpEF or in acute HF.

Physicians and Machine-Learning Algorithm Performance in Predicting Left-Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction from a Standard 12-Lead-Electrocardiogram

Early detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) may prompt early care and improve outcomes for asymptomatic patients. Standard 12-lead ECG may be used to predict LVSD. We aimed to compare the performance of Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA) and physicians in predicting LVSD from a standard 12-lead ECG. By utilizing a dataset of 13,820 pairs of ECGs and echocardiography, a deep residual convolutional neural network was trained for predicting LVSD (ejection fraction (EF) < 50%) from ECG. The ECGs of the test set (n = 850) were assessed for LVSD by the MLA and six physicians. The performance was compared using sensitivity, specificity, and C-statistics. The interobserver agreement between the physicians for the prediction of LVSD was moderate (κ = 0.50), with average sensitivity and specificity of 70%. The C-statistic of the MLA was 0.85. Repeating this analysis with LVSD defined as EF < 35% resulted in an improvement in physicians’ average sensitivity to 84% but their specificity decreased to 57%. The MLA C-statistic was 0.88 with this threshold. We conclude that although MLA outperformed physicians in predicting LVSD from standard ECG, prior to robust implementation of MLA in ECG machines, physicians should be encouraged to use this approach as a simple and readily available aid for LVSD screening.

NT-ProBNP and mortality across the spectrum of glucose tolerance in the general US population

Background

Even though hyperglycemia is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor, the absolute risk of cardiovascular events varies to a great extent within each glycemic category. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether N-terminal pro-B natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) could help identify subjects at higher cardiovascular risk, independently of blood glucose levels.

Methods

Serum NT-ProBNP levels were measured in 5502 people aged 45–79 years without heart failure from the general population (3380 with normoglycemia, 1125 with pre-diabetes and 997 with diabetes) that participated in the 1999–2004 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We applied Cox and Fine Gray models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors to evaluate the association between NT-ProBNP levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality through December 2015.

Results

After a median follow-up of 13 years, 1509 participants died, 330 of cardiovascular causes. In the multivariable-adjusted models, compared with participants with NT-ProBNP < 100 pg/ml, those with levels 100–300 pg/ml and ≥ 300 pg/ml had a higher incidence of both all-cause mortality (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12–2.32, p = 0.012 and HR 2.96, 95% CI 1.75–5.00, p < 0.001, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.17–2.10, p = 0.011 and HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.47–2.93, p < 0.001, respectively). The association was consistent in subgroup analyses based on glycemic status, obesity, age and sex.

Conclusions

Elevated NT-ProBNP is independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population and could help identify patients at the highest risk. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether intensification of treatment based on biomarker data might lead to improvements in cardiovascular risk reduction.

Optimal cardiometabolic health and risk of heart failure in type 2 diabetes: an analysis from the Look AHEAD trial

AIMS

To evaluate the contribution of baseline and longitudinal changes in cardiometabolic health (CMH) towards heart failure (HF) risk among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Participants of the Look AHEAD trial with T2D and without prevalent HF were included. Adjusted Cox models were used to create a CMH score incorporating target levels of parameters weighted based on relative risk for HF. The associations of baseline and changes in the CMH score with risk of overall HF, HF with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were assessed using Cox models. Among the 5080 participants, 257 incident HF events occurred over 12.4 years of follow-up. The CMH score included 2 points each for target levels of waist circumference, glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and 1 point each for blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin at target. High baseline CMH score (6-8) was significantly associated with lower overall HF risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], ref = low score (0-3): 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.47) with similar associations observed for HFpEF and HFrEF. Improvement in CMH was significantly associated with lower risk of overall HF (adjusted HR per 1-unit increase in score at 4 years: 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.91). In the ACCORD validation cohort, the baseline CMH score performed well for predicting HF risk with adequate discrimination (C-index 0.70), calibration (chi-square 5.53, p = 0.70), and risk stratification (adjusted HR [high (6-8) vs. low score (0-3)]: 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.46). In the Look AHEAD subgroup with available biomarker data, incorporating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to the baseline CMH score improved model discrimination (C-index 0.79) and risk stratification (adjusted HR [high (8-10) vs. low score (0-4)]: 0.18, 95% CI 0.09-0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Achieving target levels of more CMH parameters at baseline and sustained improvements were associated with lower HF risk in T2D.

Biomarkers in heart failure clinical trials. A review from the Biomarkers Working Group of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology

The approval of new heart failure (HF) therapies has slowed over the past two decades in part due to the high costs of conducting large randomized clinical trials that are needed to adequately power major clinical endpoint studies. Several biomarkers have been identified reflecting different elements of HF pathophysiology, with possible applications in diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment monitoring, and even in the design of clinical trials. Biomarkers could potentially be used to refine study inclusion criteria to enable enrolment of patients who are more likely to respond to a therapeutic intervention, despite being at sufficient risk to meet pre-determined study endpoint rates. When there is a close relationship between biomarker levels and clinical endpoints, changes in biomarker levels after a given treatment can act as a surrogate endpoint, potentially reducing the duration and cost of a clinical trial. Natriuretic peptides have been widely used in clinical trials with a variable amount of added value, which such variation being probably due to the absence of a close pathophysiological connection to the study drug. Notable exceptions to this include sacubitril/valsartan and vericiguat. Future studies should seek to adopt unbiased approaches for discovery of true companion diagnostics; with -omics-based tools, biomarkers might be more precisely selected for use in clinical trials to identify responses that closely reflect the biological effects of the drug under investigation. Finally, biomarkers associated with cardiac damage and remodelling, such as cardiac troponin, could be employed as safety endpoints provided that standardization between different assays is achieved.

Reference Ranges for NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) and Risk Factors for Higher NT-proBNP Concentrations in a Large General Population Cohort

BACKGROUND

Demographic differences in expected NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) concentration are not well established. We aimed to establish reference ranges for NT-proBNP and explore the determinants of moderately elevated NT-proBNP under the universal definition of heart failure criteria.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. NT-proBNP was measured in serum from 18 356 individuals without previous cardiovascular disease in the Generation Scotland Scottish Family Health Study. Age- and sex-stratified medians and 97.5th centiles were generated. Sex stratified risk factors for moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≥125 pg/mL) were investigated.

RESULTS

In males, median (97.5th centile) NT-proBNP concentration at age <30 years was 21 (104) pg/mL, rising to 38 (195) pg/ml at 50 to 59 years, and 281 (6792) pg/mL at ≥80 years. In females, median NT-proBNP at age <30 years was 51 (196) pg/mL, 66 (299) pg/mL at 50 to 59 years, and 240 (2704) pg/mL at ≥80 years. At age <30 years, 9.8% of females and 1.4% of males had elevated NT-proBNP, rising to 76.5% and 81.0%, respectively, at age ≥80 years. After adjusting for risk factors, an NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL was more common in females than males (OR, 9.48 [95% CI, 5.60-16.1]). Older age and smoking were more strongly associated with elevated NT-proBNP in males than in females (Psex interaction <0.001, 0.07, respectively). Diabetes was inversely associated with odds of elevated NT-proBNP in females only (Psex interaction=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

An NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL is common in females without classical cardiovascular risk factors as well as older people. If NT-proBNP becomes widely used for screening in the general population, interpretation of NT-proBNP levels will require that age and sex-specific thresholds are used to identify patients with potential pathophysiology.

Incidence of Preclinical Heart Failure in a Community Population

Background

A high prevalence of preclinical heart failure (HF) (Stages A and B) has previously been shown. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with the incidence of preclinical HF in a community population.

Methods and Results

Retrospective review of 393 healthy community individuals aged ≥45 years from the Olmsted County Heart Function Study that returned for 2 visits, 4 years apart. At visit 2, individuals that remained normal were compared with those that developed preclinical HF. By the second visit, 191 (49%) developed preclinical HF (12.1 cases per 100 person‐years of follow‐up); 65 (34%) Stage A and 126 (66%) Stage B. Those that developed preclinical HF (n=191) were older (P=0.004), had a higher body mass index (P<0.001), and increased left ventricular mass index (P=0.006). When evaluated separately, increased body mass index was seen with development of Stage A (P<0.001) or Stage B (P=0.009). Echocardiographic markers of diastolic function were statistically different in those that developed Stage A [higher E/e’ (P<0.001), lower e’ (P<0.001)] and Stage B [higher left atrial volume index (P<0.001), higher E/e’ (P<0.001), lower e’ (P<0.001)]. NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) was higher at visit 2 in those that developed Stage A or B (P<0.001 for both). Hypertension (57%), obesity (34%), and hyperlipidemia (25%) were common in the development of Stage A. Of patients who developed Stage B, 71% (n=84) had moderate or severe diastolic dysfunction.

Conclusions

There is a high incidence of preclinical HF in a community population. Development of Stage A was driven by hypertension and obesity, while preclinical diastolic dysfunction was seen commonly in those that developed Stage B.

Heart Failure: An Underappreciated Complication of Diabetes. A Consensus Report of the American Diabetes Association

Heart failure (HF) has been recognized as a common complication of diabetes, with a prevalence of up to 22% in individuals with diabetes and increasing incidence rates. Data also suggest that HF may develop in individuals with diabetes even in the absence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, or valvular heart disease and, as such, represents a major cardiovascular complication in this vulnerable population; HF may also be the first presentation of cardiovascular disease in many individuals with diabetes. Given that during the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes (particularly type 2 diabetes) has risen by 30% globally (with prevalence expected to increase further), the burden of HF on the health care system will continue to rise. The scope of this American Diabetes Association consensus report with designated representation from the American College of Cardiology is to provide clear guidance to practitioners on the best approaches for screening and diagnosing HF in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, with the goal to ensure access to optimal, evidence-based management for all and to mitigate the risks of serious complications, leveraging prior policy statements by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association.

Effect of monthly vitamin D supplementation on cardiac biomarkers: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular diseases are controversial. Data on effects of vitamin D upon cardiac biomarkers, as surrogate endpoints of cardiovascular diseases, are limited and inconclusive. Therefore, we carried out a post-hoc analysis of sub-samples of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with community-based older adults who were randomized to receive monthly 100,000-IU vitamin D or placebo, to determine effect of monthly vitamin D supplementation on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI), troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Adjusted relative difference (aRD) of follow-up geometric mean of biomarkers and adjusted relative risk (aRR) of elevated biomarkers between two groups were calculated. A total of 779 participants aged 50-84 y, randomized to vitamin D (n = 395) or placebo (n = 384) groups underwent sampling for measurement of plasma biomarkers at baseline and after one or two years treatment. Over a mean follow-up of 1.6 years, we did not find significant relative difference of geometric mean levels of three biomarkers at follow-up between vitamin D and placebo groups: hs-cTnI (aRD=1.03, 95%CI=0.97-1.09), hs-cTnT (aRD=0.99, 95%CI=0.95-1.04), and NT-proBNP (aRD=1.01, 95%CI=0.92-1.10). No significant differences were found in likelihood of clinically elevated biomarkers between two groups: hs-cTnI (aRR=0.92, 95%CI=0.51-1.69), hs-cTnT (aRR=1.11, 95%CI=0.86-1.42), and NT-proBNP (aRR=1.03,95%CI=0.89-1.20). However, among participants with initial low vitamin D status (<50 nmol/L, n = 200), follow-up NT-proBNP were significantly lower in the vitamin D group compared to placebo (geometric mean 75.9 vs 94.5 pg/mL, respectively; aRD=0.84, 95%CI=0.71-<1.00). The same results were observed for the NT-proBNP levels change from baseline between two groups. Overall, in older adults, monthly vitamin D supplementation did not reduce concentrations of hs-cTnI, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP. In those with low vitamin D status, vitamin D treatment was associated, on follow up and change from baseline, with lower plasma NT-proBNP compared with placebo. This potentially signals reduced risk of subsequent heart failure within this sub-group. However, we acknowledge that these findings need to be considered exploratory. Further research is required to replicate them.