Age-Specific Trends in Incidence, Mortality, and Comorbidities of Heart Failure in Denmark, 1995 to 2012

Investigation of left ventricular ejection fraction in a Swiss heart failure population: Insights into mortality and sex differences

AIMS

Understanding heart failure (HF) characteristics is essential to improve patient outcomes. Categorizing HF beyond left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is challenging due to heterogeneous clinical presentation and aetiologies. Despite global studies on HF, the role of LVEF on mortality remains controversial. We explored the association of LVEF with mortality, considering sex differences and comorbidities in a cohort from the largest tertiary cardiovascular centre in Switzerland.

METHODS

HF patients admitted to the University Hospital of Bern from January 2015 to December 2019 were evaluated. LVEF was used to classify patients into HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and HF with reduced preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF) categories. Cox proportional hazard models and time-stratified analyses adjusted for potential confounders were employed.

RESULTS

A total of 5824 HF patients were included, and 2912 died over a median follow-up time of 3.39 years. Mortality rates across LVEF categories showed no significant differences, while overall, women showed significantly higher mortality; 30 day mortality was lower in the HFpEF category [hazard ratio (HR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52-0.88, P = 0.003], with persistent effects upon stratification in males (HR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42-0.81, P < 0.001) and non-diabetics (HR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44-0.87, P = 0.005). An isolated reduction in HFpEF mortality was observed in females after 1 year (HR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53-0.98, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic role of LVEF on all-cause mortality remains unclear, while differences in mortality rate distribution between women and men mirror established HF pathophysiological sex differences. Future HF studies should focus on HF aetiology and include measures beyond LVEF for comprehensive characterization.

Association between chest pain and risk of depression in patients with or without coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

Research on the relationship between chest pain and depression risk in patients with or without coronary heart disease (CHD) is limited.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study includes adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. The diagnoses of chest pain and CHD were based on self-reports from participants, while depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The study employs logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis to explore the association between chest pain and depressive symptoms, taking into account the influence of CHD.

RESULTS

The study included 15,048 adults aged 20 years or older, with an average age of 59.6 ± 12.1 years, and 51.6 % were male. After adjusting for covariates, a significant difference in the association between chest pain and the risk of depression was observed between the non-CHD group and CHD group (non-CHD group: OR = 2.43, 95 % CI: 2.13-2.78; CHD group: OR = 1.2, 95 % CI: 0.72-1.98). Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed an interaction between CHD status and chest pain that may reduce the prevalence of depression (P-value for interaction = 0.004). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the presence of CHD may influence the relationship between chest pain and depression risk among American adults. His conclusion requires further validation through randomized controlled trials.

Epidemiology of hospitalized heart failure in France based on national data over 10 years, 2012-2022

AIMS

We aim to describe the incidence of HF hospitalization in France in the post-pandemic era, the prevalence of HF cases and patients' characteristics, management and outcomes while focusing on sex, age and socio-economic differences and to analyse time-trends between 2012 and 2022.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on the French health care database providing medical information for almost the whole French population, patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF without history of HF in the 5 years were identified by the International Classification of Diseases - 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. In 2022, the estimated prevalence of HF was 1.7% in France and has increased until the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased thereafter. The incidence of acute HF decompensation reached 201.4 per 100 000 inhabitants and has decreased since 2012 (-1% per year). A significant increase of the HF incidence was found in men aged <45 years. Women aged <65 years were less likely to be admitted in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) unit and had higher probability of one-year mortality compared with men of the same age. One-year mortality was significantly increased in patients from the most deprived area among extreme age group only (under 65 and ≥85 years). One-year rehospitalization rates have decreased significantly, particularly in men aged <75 years. A decrease in ACE/ARBs deliveries was observed in both men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the decrease in acute HF decompensation incidence and improvements in the management, the prevalence of HF remains stable in France and prognosis remains poor.

Survival Outcomes After Multiple vs Single Arterial Grafting Among Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Importance

Multiarterial coronary bypass procedures offer improved clinical outcomes compared with single arterial grafting with supplementary saphenous vein grafts. However, the survival advantage of multiarterial grafting across varying levels of left ventricular impairment remains uncertain.

Objective

To compare long-term survival outcomes of patients undergoing multiple vs single arterial grafting, stratified by preoperative ejection fraction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A complete-case retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a multicenter population-based cardiac registry established by the Australian & New Zealand Society of Cardiac & Thoracic Surgeons with linkage to the National Death Index. Participants were individuals who underwent primary isolated coronary bypass surgery between June 1, 2001, and January 31, 2020. Exclusion criteria were nonadults, reoperations, concomitant or previous cardiac surgical procedures, single-graft procedure, and cases without any arterial grafts. Statistical analyses were conducted in September 2024.

Exposures

Patients underwent either multiple or single arterial grafting, stratified by their preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Long-term all-cause mortality.

Results

The study included 59 641 patients (mean [SD] age at the time of surgery, 65.8 [10.2] years; 48 321 men [81.0%]). The median follow-up duration was 5.0 years (IQR, 2.3-8.6 years). Multiarterial grafting was associated with a 19.0% relative reduction in all-cause mortality compared with single arterial grafting among patients with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.87; P < .001). Similar survival benefits were observed among patients with mild (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77-0.90; P < .001), moderate (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74-0.90; P < .001), and severe left ventricular impairment (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.71-0.96; P = .01). A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression interaction-term analysis indicated no significant differences in the multiarterial survival benefit by ejection fraction stratification (P = .75). Multiarterial grafting with exclusively arterial conduits was associated with enhanced survival benefits compared with other multiarterial procedures with saphenous vein grafts, except when the left ventricular ejection fraction was below 30% (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.67-1.13; P = .30).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study using data from a binational database, multiarterial procedures were associated with reduced long-term mortality risk compared with single arterial grafting across the spectrum of preoperative left ventricular ejection fractions. Total arterial revascularization was associated with incrementally improved survival, particularly among patients with preserved ejection fraction. Because most coronary surgery practice continues to use single arterial grafting, consideration to alter grafting strategy to multiarterial procedures may be indicated.

Characterization of 2,500 Patients with Heart Failure and Analysis of Their Optimal Medical Therapy: Insights from the AMERICCAASS Registry

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide, emphasizing the critical role of optimal medical therapy (OMT) in improving patient outcomes. Despite extensive research, most scientific evidence regarding HF is gathered and studied in developed countries, leaving substantial knowledge gaps regarding HF in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Objective

To characterize the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of HF patients and to assess their adherence to OMT in the Americas.

Methods

The AMERICCAASS Registry is a prospective, observational, multicenter study, including patients aged 18 and older, both hospitalized and ambulatory, and diagnosed with HF. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from the first 2,500 patients to characterize the study population. Adherence to OMT was subsequently evaluated according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results

Among the 2,500 patients in the study, 36% were hospitalized and 64% were ambulatory. The median ages of the patients were 66.9 (hospitalized) and 66.3 years (ambulatory). Males made up 60.8% of hospitalized and 59.3% of ambulatory patients. The majority had HF with reduced LVEF (≤40%): 60.7% for hospitalized and 58.5% for ambulatory. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II predominated among ambulatory patients (67.9%), while NYHA functional class III predominated among hospitalized patients (46.6%). Only 21% of patients with reduced LVEF were receiving quadruple therapy, whereas 12.3% of patients with mildly reduced LVEF (41-49%) were on this treatment.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of HF patients in the Americas are broadly consistent with international reports. However, the low use of OMT observed in this population underscores gaps in adherence to current guidelines. These results highlight the need for targeted strategies to improve pharmacological treatment adherence to optimize health outcomes in this region.

A Case-Control Study on Risk Factors and Outcomes in Congestive Heart Failure

Background

Congestive heart failure (CHF) represents an important health issue characterised by considerable morbidity and mortality. This study sought to identify risk factors for CHF and to evaluate clinical outcomes between CHF patients and control subjects.

Methods

Data were obtained through interviews, physical examinations, and medical records. Risk variables encompassed hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, tobacco use, alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle, dietary practices, age, gender, and familial history of cardiovascular disease. The outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, hospitalisation, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), quality of life as measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), and functional level according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Statistical analyses including t-tests, Chi-square tests, logistic regression and Cox regression.

Results

The findings indicated that hypertension (71.8% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.001), diabetes (47.9% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.002), dyslipidaemia (54.7% vs. 41.0%, p = 0.04), smoking (42.7% vs. 29.1%, p = 0.03), and physical inactivity (65.8% vs. 41.9%, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in cases. Cases exhibited increased hospitalisations (1.8 ± 1.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), prolonged stays (10.5 ± 5.4 vs. 6.2 ± 3.8 days, p < 0.001), elevated 30-day rehospitalisation rates (21.4% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.007), and a greater incidence of intensive care units (ICU) admissions (17.1% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.01). All-cause mortality (35.9% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (25.6% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.003), and MACE (51.3% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.001) were greater in cases. Quality of life (45.8 ± 12.4 vs. 25.6 ± 10.3, p < 0.001) and functional status (55.6% vs. 23.9%, p < 0.001) were inferior in cases.

Conclusion

CHF patients had greater rates of modifiable risk variables and worse clinical outcomes than controls, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive risk management.

The Nutritional Status of Patients with Heart Failure and Its Impact on Patient' Outcomes-The Center's Own Experience

Background. The nutritional status of patients in hospitals has a significant impact on the effectiveness of treatment, the occurrence of complications, and the length of hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with heart failure (HF) and its impact on patient outcomes. Material and Methods. This study included 213 patients (153 men, 71.8%) aged 74.7 ± 14.3 years treated for HF at the cardiology clinic of the 4th Military Clinical Hospital between 2018 and 2021. Sociodemographics, clinical data, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), CHILD-PUGH, and the Nutritional Risk Score (NRS) were analyzed. Results. Patients at high nutritional risk (NRS ≥ 3 score) were older (85 years vs. 75 years; p < 0.001), had longer hospitalizations (12 days vs. 9 days, p = 0.027), lower hemoglobin (10.5 g/dL vs. 11.7 g/dL, p = 0.001), lower TIBC (292 vs. 336; p = 0.012), and iron (32 mg/nL vs. 39 ng/mL, p = 0.009) compared with patients at low risk (NRS < 3 score). Patients hospitalized ≤7 days had significantly lower CHILD-PUGH score compared with patients hospitalized >7 days. Patients hospitalized ≥14 days were significantly more likely to die compared with other groups of HF patients (10.6% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.004). Conclusions. Abnormal nutritional status among hospitalized HF patients is associated with longer hospitalization duration and higher rates of death. In addition to clinical factors, the CHILD-PUGH scale can be helpful in estimating the length of hospitalization of HF patients. It is necessary to determine the impact of nutritional status on the outcome of patients with heart failure in further multicenter prospective or interventional studies.

Temporal Trends in Mortality and Hospitalization Risk in Patients With Heart Failure According to the Hospital Frailty Risk Score

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) and frailty often coexist. However, it is unknown how the interplay between HF and frailty at HF onset impacts prognosis of frail patients with HF and how this has evolved over time.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We identified 131 235 patients with new-onset HF (median age 74 years, 39.7% women) from Danish nationwide registers in 1999 to 2017. Stratification according to the Hospital Frailty Risk Score resulted in (1) 102 635 (78%) nonfrail, (2) 26 054 (20%) moderately frail, and (3) 2609 (2%) severely frail patients. The proportion of moderately frail patients increased from 13.2% to 24.9%. Five-year absolute risks of all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization, and non-HF hospitalization were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier and Aalen-Johansen estimators. From 1999 to 2002 to 2003 to 2017, all-cause mortality risk (95% CI) declined from 56.4% (55.8%-57.0%) to 33.3% (32.6%-34.1%), 79.8% (78.5%-81.0%) to 58.6% (57.2%-60.1%), and 90.8% (85.6%-96.0%) to 79.8% (76.4%-83.2%) in nonfrail, moderately frail, and severely frail patients, respectively. HF hospitalization risk remained almost constant over the study period. Non-HF hospitalization risk declined from 74.0% (73.5%-74.5%) to 65.8% (65.0%-66.5%) in nonfrail patients and remained stable overall in moderately frail and severely frail patients over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed an increase in frail patients. Mortality decreased for all frailty groups but remained high for severely frail patients. These findings indicate the need for further evidence on the optimization of care for frail patients with HF, and future research should address the development of comprehensive management strategies, integrating frailty assessment into standard clinical care and focused care for older patients with HF.

Incidence trends in ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart failure in people with and without type 2 diabetes, 2000-2019: An observational study in England

AIM

To investigate trends in ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart failure (HF) in adults with type 2 diabetes and without diabetes between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2019 in England.

METHODS

We used the Clinical Practice Research Datalink datasets, linked to the Hospital Episode Statistics and Office for National Statistics, to estimate sex-specific crude and age-standardised rates of incident ischaemic and non-ischaemic HF up to 10 years per calendar year of diabetes diagnosis and diabetes status.

RESULTS

In a cohort of 735,810 individuals, 5,073 ischaemic (2,038 in people with type 2 diabetes and 3,035 in those without) and 16,501 non-ischaemic (6,358 and 10,143, respectively) HF events were recorded during a median follow-up of 10 years. From 2000 to 2004 to 2005-2009, the age-standardised rates of ischaemic HF marginally declined, while rates remained stable for non-ischaemic HF and were consistently higher for non-ischaemic than ischaemic HF, regardless of diabetes status or sex. Adjusted incidence rate ratios demonstrated negligible impact on trends after accounting for differences in demographics, comorbidities and medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving HF prevention and management strategies remains crucial to decrease the risk of HF in the general population and reduce the persistent risk-gap associated with type 2 diabetes in England.

Coronary artery bypass grafting vs. percutaneous coronary intervention in severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy: long-term survival

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The optimal revascularization strategy in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy remains unclear with no contemporary randomized trial data to guide clinical practice. This study aims to assess long-term survival in patients with severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy revascularized by either coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Using the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons and Melbourne Interventional Group registries (from January 2005 to 2018), patients with severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%] undergoing PCI or isolated CABG were included in the analysis. Those with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock were excluded. The primary outcome was long-term National Death Index-linked mortality up to 10 years following revascularization. Risk adjustment was performed to estimate the average treatment effect using propensity score analysis with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

RESULTS

A total of 2042 patients were included, of whom 1451 patients were treated by CABG and 591 by PCI. Inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted demographics, procedural indication, coronary artery disease extent, and LVEF were well balanced between the two patient groups. After risk adjustment, patients treated by CABG compared with those treated by PCI experienced reduced long-term mortality [adjusted hazard ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45-0.79, P = .001] over a median follow-up period of 4.0 (inter-quartile range 2.2-6.8) years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of in-hospital mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.42, 95% CI 0.41-4.96, P = .58], but there was an increased risk of peri-procedural stroke (aOR 19.6, 95% CI 4.21-91.6, P < .001) and increased length of hospital stay (exponentiated coefficient 3.58, 95% CI 3.00-4.28, P < .001) in patients treated with CABG.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multi-centre IPTW analysis, patients with severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing revascularization by CABG rather than PCI showed improved long-term survival. However, future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the effect of any such benefits.

Heart failure in first- and second-generation immigrants aged 18-54 years in Sweden: A national study

PURPOSE

We aimed at analysing the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) among first- and second-generation immigrants in younger age groups.

METHODS

All individuals aged 18-54 years, n = 3 973 454 in the first-generation study and n = 3 817 560 in the second-generation study, were included. CHF was defined as at least one registered diagnosis in the National Patient Register between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2018. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the relative risk [hazard ratios (HRs) with 99% confidence intervals (CIs)] of incident CHF with adjustments for age, co-morbidities and socio-demographics.

RESULTS

In the first-generation study, a total of 85 719 cases of CHF were registered, 54 369 men and 31 350 women, where fully adjusted models showed HRs for all foreign-born men of 1.12 (99% CI 1.06-1.17) and for women of 0.99 (0.92-1.05). Groups with higher risk included men from Eastern Europe, Central Europe, Africa and Asia and women from Africa and Asia, and a lower risk was found among Latin American women. In the second-generation study, a total of 88 999 cases of CHF were registered, 58 403 men and 30 596 women, where fully adjusted models showed HRs for second-generation men of 1.04 (0.99-1.09) and women of 0.97 (0.90-1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The higher risk in some foreign-born groups needs to be paid attention to in clinical practice. The fact that almost all increased risks were attenuated and absent in second-generation immigrants suggests that lifestyle and environmental factors are more important than genetic differences in the risk of CHF.

Predictors of frailty after cardiovascular surgery and the relationship between frailty and postoperative recovery: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To investigate the factors affecting postoperative frailty and the relationship between frailty and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

DESIGN

The study was descriptive, cross-sectional, and predictive.

METHODS

Data were collected by researchers in a university research and application hospital cardiovascular surgery inpatient clinic between March 2022 and March 2023. Sociodemographic-Clinical Characteristics Form, Comorbidity Index, Edmonton Frail Scale, Postoperative Recovery, and Nutritional Risk Screening were used to collect the data.

RESULTS

Of the 145 patients included in the study, 65.51% (n = 95) were male and the mean age was 62.02 ± 10.16 years. While frailty was not found to be significant by age group, it was found that women had more comorbidities and were more frail than men. It was found that 17.2% (n = 25) of patients had a history of falls before surgery, 26.2% (n = 38) had a fear of falling after surgery and 17.24% (n = 25) had rehospitalisations. While postoperative recovery index predicted fraility by 34% in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery; general symptoms and psychological symptoms, which are the sub-dimensions of the postoperative recovery index and comorbidity and, fear of falling after surgery predicted frailty by 61%. The order of importance of variables on fraility: general symptoms (β = 0.297), fear of falling (β = 0.222), psychological symptoms (β = 0.218), Charlson Comorbidity Index (β = 0.183).

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study clarifies the role of frailty as an important factor influencing the recovery process in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. The findings show that frailty has a determining effect on postoperative recovery in these patients. Among the factors affecting frailty status, comorbidities, fear of postoperative falls, and postoperative general and psychological symptoms were found to contribute. These findings emphasise that these factors should be taken into account when assessing and managing the postoperative recovery process. Understanding these factors that influence postoperative frailty is crucial for patient care. Recognising the multifaceted nature of frailty, personalised interventions are needed to improve patient care and postoperative outcomes. Personalised interventions are particularly important for older women with multiple comorbidities, as they are more likely to be frail.

Temporal trends in infection-related hospitalizations among patients with heart failure: A Danish nationwide study from 1997 to 2017

BACKGROUND

Despite improved survival, hospitalization is still common among patients with heart failure (HF).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine temporal trends in infection-related hospitalization among HF patients and compare it to temporal trends in the risk of HF hospitalization and death.

METHODS

Using Danish nationwide registers, we included all patients aged 18 to 100 years, with HF diagnosed between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2017, resulting in a total population of 147.737 patients. The outcomes of interest were primarily infection-related hospitalization and HF hospitalization and secondarily all-cause mortality. The Aalen Johansen's estimator was used to estimate 5-year absolute risks for the primary outcomes. Additionally, cox analysis was used for adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

The population had a median age of 74 [64, 82] years and 57.6 % were males. Patients with HF had a higher risk of infection over time 16.4 % (95% CI 16.0-16.8) in 1997 to 2001 vs 24.5% (95% CI 24.0-24.9) in 2012 to 2017. In contrast, they had a lower risk of HF hospitalization 26.5% (95% CI 26.1-27.0) in 1997 to 2001 vs 23.2% (95% CI 22.8-23.7) in 2012 to 2017. The risk of infection stratified by infection type showed similar trends for all infection types and marked the risk of pneumonia infection as the most significant in all subintervals.

CONCLUSION

In the period from 1997 to 2017, we observed patients with HF had an increased risk of infection-related hospitalization, driven by pneumonia infections. In contrast, the risk of HF hospitalization decreased over time.

Sex and Age Differences in the Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Heart Failure Development

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of metabolic dysregulations, is recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF). The pathophysiological mechanisms linking MetS to HF are complex and multifaceted, with the components of MetS contributing to cardiac deterioration through impaired myocardial energy metabolism, increased inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Numerous clinical studies have confirmed the relationship between MetS and HF. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the impact of MetS on HF varies by sex and age. Metabolic disorders, including MetS, have a greater impact on HF incidence in younger adults compared to the elderly population and in women compared to men. Although the reasons for these differences are not yet fully understood, recognizing the sex- and age-related variations is crucial for developing targeted strategies to prevent HF in individuals with MetS. Future research should continue to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind these variations and identify optimal management approaches that account for both sex and age in reducing HF risk.

Molecular mechanisms of lipid droplets-mitochondria coupling in obesity and metabolic syndrome: insights and pharmacological implications

Abnormal lipid accumulation is a fundamental contributor to obesity and metabolic disorders. Lipid droplets (LDs) and mitochondria (MT) serve as organelle chaperones in lipid metabolism and energy balance. LDs play a crucial role in lipid storage and mobilization, working in conjunction with MT to regulate lipid metabolism within the liver, brown adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle, thereby maintaining metabolic homeostasis. The novelty of our review is the comprehensive description of LD and MT interaction mechanisms. We also focus on the current drugs that target this metabolism, which provide novel approaches for obesity and related metabolism disorder treatment.

Heart Failure and All-Cause Hospitalizations in Patients With Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

Importance

Heart failure (HF) hospitalization is a common end point in HF trials; however, how HF hospitalization is associated with all-cause hospitalization in terms of proportionality, correlation of treatment effects, and concomitant reporting has not been studied.

Objective

To determine the ratio of HF to all-cause hospitalizations, whether reported treatment effects on HF hospitalization are associated with treatment effects on all-cause hospitalization, and how often all-cause hospitalization is reported alongside HF hospitalization.

Data Sources

PubMed was searched from inception to September 2, 2024, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of HF treatments using MeSH (medical subject heading) terms and keywords associated with heart failure, ventricular failure, ventricular dysfunction, and cardiac failure, as well as the names of specific journals.

Study Selection

RCTs of HF treatments and reporting on HF hospitalization published in 1 of 3 leading medical journals (New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, or JAMA).

Data Extraction and Synthesis

The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Data extraction was performed by 2 reviewers, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Trial baseline characteristics and outcome data on HF and all-cause hospitalizations were extracted. The ratio of HF to all-cause hospitalizations was calculated. The association of HF hospitalization effects with all-cause hospitalization effects was evaluated using hierarchical bayesian models with weak priors. The posterior distribution was used to calculate the HF hospitalization treatment effects that would need to be observed before a high probability (97.5%) of a reduction in all-cause hospitalization could be achieved. The proportion of trials reporting all-cause hospitalization was calculated.

Main Outcomes and Measures

HF and all-cause hospitalizations.

Results

Of 113 trials enrolling 261 068 patients (median proportion of female participants, 25.4% [IQR, 21.3%-34.2%]; median age, 66.2 [IQR, 62.8-70.0] years), 60 (53.1%) reported on all-cause hospitalization. The weighted median ratio of HF to all-cause hospitalizations was 45.9% (IQR, 30.7%-51.7%). This ratio was higher in trials with greater proportions of New York Heart Association class III or IV HF, with lower left ventricular ejection fractions, investigating nonpharmaceutical interventions, and that restricted recruitment to patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction. Reported effects on HF and all-cause hospitalizations were well-correlated (R2 = 90.1%; 95% credible interval, 62.3%-99.8%). In a large trial, the intervention would have to decrease the odds of HF hospitalization by 16% to ensure any reduction, 36% to ensure a 10% reduction, and 56% to ensure a 20% reduction in the odds of all-cause hospitalization with 97.5% probability.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this meta-analysis of HF trials, all-cause hospitalization was underreported despite a large burden of non-HF hospitalizations. Large reductions in HF hospitalization must be observed before clinically relevant reductions in all-cause hospitalization can be inferred.

Global epidemiology of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome marked by substantial morbidity and mortality. The natural history of HF is well established; however, epidemiological data are continually evolving owing to demographic shifts, advances in treatment and variations in access to health care. Although the incidence of HF has stabilized or declined in high-income countries over the past decade, its prevalence continues to increase, driven by an ageing population, an increase in risk factors, the effectiveness of novel therapies and improved survival. This rise in prevalence is increasingly noted among younger adults and is accompanied by a shift towards HF with preserved ejection fraction. However, disparities exist in our epidemiological understanding of HF burden and progression in low-income and middle-income countries owing to the lack of comprehensive data in these regions. Therefore, the current epidemiological landscape of HF highlights the need for periodic surveillance and resource allocation tailored to geographically vulnerable areas. In this Review, we highlight global trends in the burden of HF, focusing on the variations across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction. We also discuss evolving population-based estimates of HF incidence and prevalence, the risk factors for and aetiologies of this disease, and outcomes in different geographical regions and populations.

Multimodal deep learning models utilizing chest X-ray and electronic health record data for predictive screening of acute heart failure in emergency department

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Ambiguity in diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) leads to inappropriate treatment and potential side effects of rescue medications. To address this issue, this study aimed to use multimodality deep learning models combining chest X-ray (CXR) and electronic health record (EHR) data to screen patients with abnormal N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in emergency departments.

METHODS

Using the open-source dataset MIMIC-IV and MIMICCXR, the study population consisted of 1,432 patients and 1,833 pairs of CXRs and EHRs. We processed the CXRs, extracted relevant features through lung-heart masks, and combined these with the vital signs at triage to predict corresponding NT-proBNP levels.

RESULTS

The proposed method achieved a 0.89 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve by fusing predictions from single-modality models of heart size ratio, radiomic features, CXR, and the region of interest in the CXR. The model can accurately predict dyspneic patients with abnormal NT-proBNP concentrations, allowing physicians to reduce the risks associated with inappropriate treatment.

CONCLUSION

The study provided new image features related to AHF and offered insights into future research directions. Overall, these models have great potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce risks in emergency departments.

Do Sex and Gender-Related Differences Account to Different Risk of Developing Heart Failure in Middle-Aged People with Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is not a disease but a constellation of metabolic abnormalities that together increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) [...].

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Heart Failure in Young Korean Population: A Nationwide Study

Limited data are available regarding the effect of metabolic syndrome on heart failure (HF) development in young individuals. Utilizing data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we included a total of 1,958,284 subjects in their 40s who underwent health screening between January 2009 and December 2009 in Korea. Subjects were classified into three groups: normal, pre-metabolic syndrome (Pre-MetS), and metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS was identified in 10.58% of males and 5.21% of females. The hazard ratio for HF in subjects with MetS was 1.968 (95% CI: 1.526-2.539) for males and 2.398 (95% CI: 1.466-3.923) for females. For those with Pre-MetS, the hazard ratio was 1.607 (95% CI: 1.293-1.997) in males and 1.893 (95% CI: 1.43-2.505) in females. Additionally, acute myocardial infarction and low hemoglobin levels were identified as significant risk factors for HF in both genders. MetS approximately doubled the risk of developing HF in individuals in their 40s. Pre-MetS was also a significant risk factor for HF in this population.

Factors shaping return to work: a qualitative study among heart failure patients in Denmark

PURPOSE

For people of working-age diagnosed with heart failure, return to work (RTW) is often a significant rehabilitation goal. To inform vocational rehabilitation strategies, we conducted a qualitative study aiming at exploring patient experienced support needs, and barriers and facilitators to RTW.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten men and eight women with heart failure (48-60 years) were interviewed in Denmark during 2022. A thematic analysis was conducted using the Sherbrooke model as framework.

RESULTS

Multiple factors operating at different levels shaped participants' RTW processes. Personal factors included motivation, mental and physical health, social relations, and financial concerns. Factors in the health care system shaping RTW included access to medical treatment, mental health care, and cardiac rehabilitation. Factors in workplace system shaping RTW included job type, employer support, and social relations. Factors in the legislative and insurance system shaping RTW included authorities' administration of sickness benefits, professional assistance, vocational counselling, and interdisciplinary cooperation.

CONCLUSION

Findings illustrate a need to include vocational rehabilitation within comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programmes, to identify people in need of support, to improve the coordination of care across the health and social care sectors, and to involve employers, health care professionals, and social workers in individualised RTW strategies.

Labor Market Participation Among Working-Age Heart Failure Patients With a Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device

PURPOSE

Labor market participation is an important rehabilitation goal for working-age patients living with heart failure (HF). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces mortality and HF hospitalizations and improves quality of life, but no studies have investigated labor market participation following CRT. We therefore aimed to describe labor market participation in patients with HF before and after CRT implantation.

METHODS

This region-wide register-based cohort study comprised patients with HF aged 40 to 63 yr, with ejection fraction ≤35% and QRS duration >130 milliseconds, who received a CRT system from 2000 to 2017 in the Central Denmark Region. Using unambiguous, individual-level linkage in Danish medical and administrative registries, we assessed weekly employment status from 1 yr prior to CRT implantation until 2 to 5 yr of follow-up and conducted stratified analyses by sociodemographic and disease-related risk factors.

RESULTS

We identified 546 patients, of whom 42% were in early retirement 1 yr prior to implantation. Active employment decreased from 45% to 19% from 1 yr before until implantation, declining primarily in the last 8 wk before implantation. The proportion of patients in active employment increased in the first 8 wk after CRT implantation and then stabilized, reaching 31% at 1-yr follow-up. We observed lower labor market participation in patients with older age, multimorbidity, lower educational level, and upgrade procedures, but higher in later calendar year.

CONCLUSIONS

In working-age patients with HF, labor market participation increased after CRT implantation, despite many patients being retired prior to implantation. We observed differences in active employment related to several sociodemographic and disease-related factors.

Trastuzumab-Induced Cardiotoxicity: When and How Much Should We Worry?

This review critically analyzes the incidence of trastuzumab-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction and congestive heart failure (CHF), distinguishing between cases with and without prior anthracycline exposure. It highlights the fact that the elevated risk of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity is closely associated with prior anthracycline exposure. In the absence of prior anthracycline exposure, the incidence rates of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity, particularly CHF (ranging from 0% to 0.5%), are largely comparable with those reported in the general population, especially when reversibility is taken into account. Current cardiac surveillance recommendations during trastuzumab treatment have not yet adapted to the increasing adoption of nonanthracycline treatment strategies and the associated low risk of cardiotoxicity. We propose a refined monitoring protocol to reduce the frequency of cardiac evaluations for low-risk to moderate-risk patients, especially those receiving nonanthracycline treatments. By focusing on patients at high risk or those with prior anthracycline exposure, this strategy seeks to optimize the cost-effectiveness of cardiac care in oncology.

Non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in ischaemic heart disease

The adult heart is a complex, multicellular organ that is subjected to a series of regulatory stimuli and circuits and has poor reparative potential. Despite progress in our understanding of disease mechanisms and in the quality of health care, ischaemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, owing to adverse cardiac remodelling, leading to ischaemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic targets are urgently required for the protection and repair of the ischaemic heart. Moreover, personalized clinical biomarkers are necessary for clinical diagnosis, medical management and to inform the individual response to treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) deeply influence cardiovascular functions and contribute to communication between cells in the cardiac microenvironment and between the heart and other organs. As such, ncRNAs are candidates for translation into clinical practice. However, ncRNA biology has not yet been completely deciphered, given that classes and modes of action have emerged only in the past 5 years. In this Review, we discuss the latest discoveries from basic research on ncRNAs and highlight both the clinical value and the challenges underscoring the translation of these molecules as biomarkers and therapeutic regulators of the processes contributing to the initiation, progression and potentially the prevention or resolution of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure.

Prenatal Exposure to Severe Stress and the Risk of Heart Failure Up to Middle-Age

BACKGROUND

Prenatal stress is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its association with heart failure (HF) is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether prenatal stress, defined as maternal bereavement, was associated with HF risk up to middle-age.

METHODS

This cohort study included 6,758,560 live singleton births from the Danish (1973-2016) and the Swedish (1973-2014) Medical Birth Registers. The authors retrieved information on death of the mothers' close family members (partner, older children, parents, and siblings) and offspring's HF (up to 2016 in Denmark and 2020 in Sweden) from nationwide registers. They estimated HRs and 95% CIs for HF in the offspring according to maternal bereavement.

RESULTS

During up to 48 years of follow-up, 4,812 offspring (0.07%) had a diagnosis of HF. Maternal loss of any close family member was not associated with HF in the offspring (adjusted HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.88-1.23). However, the most severe forms of bereavement, ie, death of a partner or an older child (adjusted HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06-2.04) and unnatural death of a relative (adjusted HR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.49-5.17), were associated with increased risks of HF. Congenital heart disease and preterm birth contributed substantially to the association of maternal loss of a partner or older child with HF risk in the offspring.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal loss of a partner or older child and loss of a close relative caused by unnatural causes the year before or during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of HF in offspring.

Mitochondrial Structure and Function in Human Heart Failure

Despite clinical and scientific advancements, heart failure is the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Both mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation contribute to the development and progression of heart failure. Although inflammation is crucial to reparative healing following acute cardiomyocyte injury, chronic inflammation damages the heart, impairs function, and decreases cardiac output. Mitochondria, which comprise one third of cardiomyocyte volume, may prove a potential therapeutic target for heart failure. Known primarily for energy production, mitochondria are also involved in other processes including calcium homeostasis and the regulation of cellular apoptosis. Mitochondrial function is closely related to morphology, which alters through mitochondrial dynamics, thus ensuring that the energy needs of the cell are met. However, in heart failure, changes in substrate use lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired myocyte function. This review discusses mitochondrial and cristae dynamics, including the role of the mitochondria contact site and cristae organizing system complex in mitochondrial ultrastructure changes. Additionally, this review covers the role of mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact sites, mitochondrial communication via nanotunnels, and altered metabolite production during heart failure. We highlight these often-neglected factors and promising clinical mitochondrial targets for heart failure.

Temporal Trends in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes for Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: The Nationwide Multicenter Registry Over 20 Years

BACKGROUND

Although peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a fatal disease affecting young patients and fetuses, little is known about its recent prognosis and risk factors. This study investigated temporal trends in clinical characteristics and outcomes for PPCM in a nationwide multicenter registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study population comprised 340 patients (mean age, 33 years) who were diagnosed with PPCM between January 2000 and September 2022 in 26 tertiary hospitals in South Korea. PPCM was defined as heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% and no previously known cardiac disease. The main study outcomes included time to the first occurrence of all-cause death, heart transplantation, and cardiovascular hospitalization. The diagnosis of PPCM cases increased notably during the study period (P<0.001). However, clinical outcomes showed no significant improvement (all-cause death for 10 years: 0.9% [2000-2010] versus 2.3% [2011-2022], P=0.450; all-cause death and heart transplantation for 10 years: 3.6% [2000-2010] versus 3.0% [2011-2022] P=0.520; all-cause death, heart transplantation, and cardiovascular hospitalization for 10 years: 11.7% [2000-2010] versus 19.8% [2011-2022], P=0.240). High body mass index (hazard ratio [HR], 1.106 [95% CI, 1.024-1.196]; P=0.011), the presence of gestational diabetes (HR, 5.346 [95% CI, 1.778-16.07]; P=0.002), and increased baseline left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (HR, 1.078 [95% CI, 1.002-1.159]; P=0.044) were significant risk factors for poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

While the incidence of PPCM has increased over the past 20 years, the prognosis has not improved significantly. Timely management and close follow-up are necessary for high-risk patients with PPCM with high body mass index, gestational diabetes, or large left ventricular end-diastolic dimension.

Trends in cardiovascular disease among Inuit in Greenland from 1994 to 2021

Background and aims

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses significant health challenges globally. While substantial data exists for most populations, the Arctic Inuit's CVD incidence rates remain understudied. This research aimed to change this by estimating CVD incidence and mortality rates in Greenland from 1994 to 2021.

Methods

Using nationwide registers, a retrospective observational study was conducted, focusing on individuals born in Greenland to Greenlandic-born parents. Data were sourced from the Greenlandic Hospital Discharge Register and the nationwide electronic medical record.

Results

A total of 65,824 individuals were included. the age- and sex-specific incidence rates (IR) of ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure (HF) declined from 1994 to 2021, with the most substantial decline observed for HF among women. Conversely, the IR of atrial fibrillation/flutter increased in both men and women, while the IR of myocardial infarction rose among men. The IR for stroke was particularly elevated compared to other CVD subgroups. Mortality rates for those diagnosed with CVD were 2.4 times higher than those without. Men exhibited a 40 % elevated mortality risk relative to women.

Conclusion

The study provides pivotal insights into CVD trends within the Arctic Inuit population, highlighting both positive developments and areas of concern. Given the increasing elderly demographic in Greenland, proactive health strategies are crucial. Emphasizing primary prevention and addressing specific CVD risks, particularly the elevated stroke IR, is imperative for future public health efforts.

Sex Differences in the Associations of Traditional Risk Factors and Incident Heart Failure Hospitalization: A Prospective Cohort Study of 102 278 Chinese General Adults

BACKGROUND

Evidence regarding sex differences in the associations of traditional risk factors with incident heart failure (HF) hospitalization among Chinese general adults is insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the potential sex differences in the associations of traditional risk factors with HF among Chinese general adults.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data were from a subcohort of the China PEACE (Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events) Million Persons Project. The traditional risk factors were collected at baseline, and the study outcome was HF-related hospitalization identified from the Inpatients Registry. A total of 102 278 participants (mean age, 54.3 years; 39.5% men) without prevalent HF were recruited. A total of 1588 cases of HF-related hospitalization were captured after a median follow-up of 3.52 years. The incidence rates were significantly higher in men (2.1%) than in women (1.2%). However, the observed lower risk of HF in women was significantly attenuated or even vanished when several traditional risk factors were poorly controlled (P for sex-by-risk factors <0.05). The selected 11 risk factors collectively explained 62.5% (95% CI, 55.1-68.8) of population attributable fraction for HF in women, which is much higher than in men (population attributable fraction, 39.6% [95% CI, 28.5-48.9]).

CONCLUSIONS

Although women had a lower incidence rate of hospitalization for HF than men in this study, the risk for HF increased more remarkably in women than in men when several traditional risk factors were poorly controlled. This study suggests that intensive preventative strategies are immediately needed in China.

High ADMA Is Associated with Worse Health Profile in Heart Failure Patients Hospitalized for Episodes of Acute Decompensation

Background and Objectives: episodes of acute decompensation in chronic heart failure (ADHF), a common health problem for the growing elderly population, pose a significant socio-economic burden on the public health systems. Limited knowledge is available on both the endothelial function in and the cardio-metabolic health profile of old adults hospitalized due to ADHF. This study aimed to investigate the connection between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)-a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide-and key health biomarkers in this category of high-risk patients. Materials and Methods: this pilot study included 83 individuals with a known ADHF history who were admitted to the ICU due to acute cardiac decompensation. Selected cardiovascular, metabolic, haemogram, renal, and liver parameters were measured at admission to the ICU. Key renal function indicators (serum creatinine, sodium, and potassium) were determined again at discharge. These parameters were compared between patients stratified by median ADMA (114 ng/mL). Results: high ADMA patients showed a significantly higher incidence of ischemic cardiomyopathy and longer length of hospital stay compared to those with low ADMA subjects. These individuals exhibited significantly higher urea at admission and creatinine at discharge, indicating poorer renal function. Moreover, their lipid profile was less favorable, with significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol and HDL. However, no significant inter-group differences were observed for the other parameters measured. Conclusions: the present findings disclose multidimensional, adverse ADMA-related changes in the health risk profile of patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized due to recurrent decompensation episodes.

The complementary roles of iron and estrogen in menopausal differences in cardiometabolic outcomes

Biological hormonal changes are frequently cited as an explanatory factor of sex and menopause differences in cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) and its associated risk factors. However, iron metabolism which varies between sexes and among women of different reproductive stages could also play a role. Recent evidence suggest that iron may contribute to CMD risk by modulating oxidative stress pathways and inflammatory responses, offering insights into the mechanistic interplay between iron and CMD development. In the current review, we provide a critical appraisal of the existing evidence on sex and menopausal differences in CMD, discuss the pitfall of current estrogen hypothesis as sole explanation, and the emerging role of iron in CMD as complementary pathway. Prior to menopause, body iron stores are lower in females as compared to males, but the increase during and after menopause, is tandem with an increased CMD risk. Importantly, basic science experiments show that an increased iron status is related to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and different cardiovascular diseases (CVD). While epidemiological studies have consistently reported associations between heme iron intake and some iron biomarkers such as ferritin and transferrin saturation with the risk of T2D, the evidence regarding their connection to CVD remains controversial. We delve into the factors contributing to this inconsistency, and the limitation of relying on observational evidence, as it does not necessarily imply causation. In conclusion, we provide recommendations for future studies on evaluating the potential role of iron in elucidating the sex and menopausal differences observed in CMD.

Age-specific mortality trends in heart failure over 25 years: a retrospective Danish nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in heart failure care reducing mortality in clinical trials, it remains unclear whether real-life cohorts have had similar improvements in life expectancy across the age spectrum. We aimed to investigate how mortality trends changed in patients with heart failure over the past 25 years, stratified by age groups.

METHODS

Using Danish nationwide registries, we identified patients with new-onset heart failure aged 18-95 years. The 5-year all-cause mortality risk and the absolute risk difference of mortality between patients with heart failure and age-matched and sex-matched heart failure-free controls were assessed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox regression models. Mortality trends were analysed across five calendar periods (1996-2000, 2001-05, 2006-10, 2011-15, and 2016-20) and three age groups (<65 years, 65-79 years, and ≥80 years).

FINDINGS

194 997 patients with heart failure were included. Mortality significantly decreased from 1996-2000 (66% [95% CI 65·5-66·4]) to 2016-20 (43% [42·1-43·4]), with similar results shown in all age groups (<65 years: 35% [33·9-36·1] to 15% [14·6-16·3]; 65-79 years: 64% [63·1-64·5] to 39% [37·6-39·6]; and ≥80 years: 84% [83·1-84·3] to 73% [71·7-73·9]). Adjusted mortality rates supported these associations. The absolute risk difference declined notably in younger age groups (<65 years: 29·9% [28·8-31·0] to 12·7% [12·0-13·4] and 65-79 years: 41·1% [40·3-41·9] to 25·1% [24·4-25·8]), remaining relatively stable in those aged 80 years or older (30·6% [29·9-31·3] to 28% [27·2-28·8]).

INTERPRETATION

Over 25 years, there has been a consistent decrease in mortality among patients with heart failure across age groups, albeit less prominently in patients aged 80 years or older. Further insight is needed to identify effective strategies for improving disease burden in older patients with heart failure.

FUNDING

None.

TRANSLATION

For the Danish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

An Economic Evaluation of a Streamlined Day-Case Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Protocol and Conventional Cryoballoon Ablation versus Antiarrhythmic Drugs in a UK Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Symptom control for atrial fibrillation can be achieved by catheter ablation or drug therapy. We assessed the cost effectiveness of a novel streamlined atrial fibrillation cryoballoon ablation protocol (AVATAR) compared with optimised antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy and a conventional catheter ablation protocol, from a UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective.

METHODS

Data from the AVATAR study were assessed to determine the cost effectiveness of the three protocols in a two-step process. In the first stage, statistical analysis of clinical efficacy outcomes was conducted considering either a three-way comparison (AVATAR vs. conventional ablation vs. optimised AAD therapies) or a two-way comparison (pooled ablation protocol data vs. optimised AAD therapies). In the second stage, models assessed the cost effectiveness of the protocols. Costs and some of the clinical inputs in the models were derived from within-trial cost analysis and published literature. The remaining inputs were derived from clinical experts.

RESULTS

No significant differences between the ablation protocols were found for any of the clinical outcomes used in the model. Results of a within-trial cost analysis show that AVATAR is cost-saving (£1279 per patient) compared with the conventional ablation protocol. When compared with optimised AAD therapies, AVATAR (pooled conventional and AVATAR ablation protocols efficacy) was found to be more costly while offering improved clinical benefits. Over a lifetime time horizon, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of AVATAR was estimated as £21,046 per quality-adjusted life-year gained (95% credible interval £7086-£71,718).

CONCLUSIONS

The AVATAR streamlined protocol is likely to be a cost-effective option versus both conventional ablation and optimised AAD therapy in the UK NHS healthcare setting.

Epidemiology and Definition of Heart Failure in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are facing lifelong complications, notably heart failure (HF). This review focuses on classifications, incidence, prevalence, and mortality of HF related to ACHD. Diagnosing HF in ACHD is intricate due to anatomic variations, necessitating comprehensive clinical evaluations. Hospitalizations and resource consumption for ACHD HF have significantly risen compared with non-ACHD HF patients. With more than 30% prevalence in complex cases, HF has become the leading cause of death in ACHD. These alarming trends underscore the insufficient understanding of ACHD-related HF manifestations and management challenges within the context of aging, complexity, and comorbidity.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: everything the clinician needs to know

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly recognised and diagnosed in clinical practice, a trend driven by an ageing population and a rise in contributing comorbidities, such as obesity and diabetes. Representing at least half of all heart failure cases, HFpEF is recognised as a complex clinical syndrome. Its diagnosis and management are challenging due to its diverse pathophysiology, varied epidemiological patterns, and evolving diagnostic and treatment approaches. This Seminar synthesises the latest insights on HFpEF, integrating findings from recent clinical trials, epidemiological research, and the latest guideline recommendations. We delve into the definition, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies (non-pharmacological and pharmacological) for HFpEF. We highlight ongoing clinical trials and future developments in the field. Specifically, this Seminar offers practical guidance tailored for primary care practitioners, generalists, and cardiologists who do not specialise in heart failure, simplifying the complexities in the diagnosis and management of HFpEF. We provide practical, evidence-based recommendations, emphasising the importance of addressing comorbidities and integrating the latest pharmacological treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors.

High serum fibroblast growth factor 21 levels were related to the prognosis and ventricular remodeling of heart failure patients with mildly reduced and reduced ejection fraction

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is involved in the ventricular remodeling process in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We hypothesized that high levels of FGF21 correlated with the ventricular remodeling of heart failure patients with mildly reduced (HFmrEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS

A total of 203 participants with HFmrEF or HFrEF were enrolled and followed up from June 2018 to June 2021. 68 subjects without heart failure (HF) underwent physical examinations during the same time were selected as the control group. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), which were defined as all-cause or cardiac mortality and rehospitalization for decompensation. Serum FGF21 levels were measured early the next morning after admission using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The FGF21 levels were significantly higher in patients with HFmrEF or HFrEF than that in the control group (213.57 ± 42.65 pg/mL, 222.93 ± 34.36 pg/mL vs 171.00 ± 12.86 pg/mL, p < .001). The serum levels of FGF21 and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were both higher in the endpoint event group than those of non-endpoint event group regardless of the HFmrEF or HFrEF group (p < .001). Spearman's correlation revealed that FGF21 was positively correlated with left ventricular end-systolic diameter left ventricular end-diastolic diameter left ventricular mass index (p < .01). Moreover, there was a negative correlation between FGF21 and left ventricular ejection fraction in addition to relative wall thickness (p < .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of FGF21 was 0.874. The optimal cut-off value of FGF21 determined by ROC curve was 210.11 pg/mL. The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the low FGF21 levels group had an increased MACE-free survival rate compared with the high FGF21 levels group. On univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, it was seen that both serum FGF21 and NT-proBNP were independent predictors of a poor prognosis in HF patients.

CONCLUSION

Baseline levels of FGF21 and NT-proBNP were related to the ventricular remodeling of patients with a mildly reduced or reduced ejection fraction. FGF21 and NT-proBNP both had good prognostic value for MACEs in heart failure patients with a mildly reduced and reduced ejection fraction.

Long-term cardiovascular events, graft failure, and mortality in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risks of cardiovascular events, but contemporary risk estimates are sparse. Using the Danish nationwide administrative databases, we quantified 1- and 5-year risks of cardiovascular disease and kidney failure among all first-time kidney transplant recipients (2005-2018) and age- and sex-matched controls (1:10 ratio).

METHODS

Cumulative 1- and 5-year incidence of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure), kidney failure (re-transplantation or need for dialysis >30 days post-transplant), and mortality following transplantation were calculated until maximally Dec 31, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 2,565 kidney transplant recipients (median age 50.5 [25-75th percentile 40.2-60.7] years, 37 % females) and 25,650 controls were included. 1-year cumulative incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure was 2.6 % (95 % confidence interval 1.9 %-3.2 %) among kidney transplant recipients versus 0.5 % (0.4 %-0.5 %) in controls. Cumulative 5-year risk estimates for the same endpoints were 8.3 % (7.1 %-9.5 %) for the transplant patients, and 2.6 % (2.3 %-2.8 %) among controls, respectively. For the kidney transplant cohort, cumulative mortality was 2.2 % (1.7 %-2.8 %) and 10.3 % (9.0 %-11.6 %) at 1- and 5 years, respectively, versus 0.5 % (0.4 %-0.6 %) and 3.0 % (2.7 %-3.2 %) for controls. The cumulative incidence of dialysis and re-transplantation was 6.1 % (5.2 %-7.1 %) at 1 year and 16.3 % (14.7 %-17.9 %) at 5 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the benefits of transplantation, kidney transplant recipients continue to have significant long-term cardiovascular disease, end-stage kidney disease, and mortality risks even with contemporary medical management. Better cardiovascular preventive strategies are warranted to improve prognosis in this segment of patients.

Comparative outcomes in patients with preexisting heart failure to those without heart failure after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide registry study

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of prognosis following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in patients with heart failure heart failure (HF) is sparse. The objective of this study was to compare the outcome after OHCA among patients with and without HF.

METHODS

We studied 45,293 patients who were included for the Danish cardiac arrest registry between 2001 and 2014. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of HF prior to cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was 30-day survival and secondary outcome was anoxic brain damage or permanent nursing home admission at 1-year among 30-day survivors.

RESULTS

Among the final 28,955 patients included, 6675 (23%) patients had prior HF and 22,280 (77%) patients had no prior HF. At 30 days, 616 (9.2%) patients survived among the patients with HF and 1916 (8.6%) among the patients without HF. There was a significant interaction between atrial fibrillation (AF) and HF for primary outcome and therefore it was assessed separately between the two study groups stratified based on AF. Among patients without AF a significantly higher odds of 30-day survival were observed among patients with HF (OR 2.69, 95% CI 2.34-3.08, P < 0.001), but no difference was observed among the patients from two study groups with no AF. No significant difference in risk for secondary outcome was observed among the two study groups. In multivariable average treatment effect modeling, all the results largely remain unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome following OHCA among patients with and without HF is found to be similar in this large Danish OHCA registry.

Role of Perilipins in Oxidative Stress-Implications for Cardiovascular Disease

Oxidative stress is the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in a cell. In the heart, oxidative stress may deteriorate calcium handling, cause arrhythmia, and enhance maladaptive cardiac remodeling by the induction of hypertrophic and apoptotic signaling pathways. Consequently, dysregulated ROS production and oxidative stress have been implicated in numerous cardiac diseases, including heart failure, cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac hypertrophy, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Lipid droplets (LDs) are conserved intracellular organelles that enable the safe and stable storage of neutral lipids within the cytosol. LDs are coated with proteins, perilipins (Plins) being one of the most abundant. In this review, we will discuss the interplay between oxidative stress and Plins. Indeed, LDs and Plins are increasingly being recognized for playing a critical role beyond energy metabolism and lipid handling. Numerous reports suggest that an essential purpose of LD biogenesis is to alleviate cellular stress, such as oxidative stress. Given the yet unmet suitability of ROS as targets for the intervention of cardiovascular disease, the endogenous antioxidant capacity of Plins may be beneficial.

Trends in prevalence of major etiologies leading to heart failure in young patients: An integrative review

The prevalence of Heart failure (HF) is increasing with the aging of the population but it is estimated that 10% of HF patients are younger than 50 years-old. HF development in this population is characterized with a fast-growing prevalence, and important disparities according to underlying etiologies or gender. These observations highlight the need to identify specific and preventable factors in these patients, a topic that is under-studied. Here we provide an overview of trends in prevalence of major etiologies leading to HF in young subjects, including genetic factors associated with cardiomyopathies, premature vascular dysfunction and related ischemia, metabolic stress, cardio-toxic responses to different agents, and myocarditis. We also highlight the increasing influence of major risk factors that are driving HF in younger patients, such as obesity, diabetes or arterial hypertension.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure in National Hospital of Sri Lanka from year 2005 to 2020 - a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been a well-established treatment modality for moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with left ventricular desynchrony. This is the pioneering study that analyses the cohort who underwent CRT implantation at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in Colombo from 2005 to 2020.

OBJECTIVES

This study was carried out to describe socio-demographic factors, improvements in clinical outcome (symptoms, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic features), and post-CRT complications in the study population, as well as to determine the efficacy of CRT in heart failure.

METHOD

A retrospective observational study was conducted on all the living patients who had undergone CRT implantation from 2005 to 2020. The data was gathered from all the consented patients who visited the device programming clinic using a physician-administered questionnaire and clinical records. Data was analyzed using SPSS 25, and significant statistics were assessed with the McNemer test, the Student T test, and the Chi-Squared test.

RESULTS

The study included 50 patients with a mean age of 52.82+/- 11.66 years and female predominance (56%, n = 28). Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (50%, n = 25) was the leading etiological factor, followed by ischemic cardiomyopathy (28%, n = 14). Clinical symptoms have improved significantly with CRT implantation (p < 0.001). A significant improvement was found in NYHA functional class (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.072 to 0.284), QRS width (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.229 to 0.534), ejection fraction (p < 0.001, 95% CI = - 16.437 to - 8.504), and LV EDD (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 2.89 to 9.24). Post-CRT complications included lead malfunction (6%, n = 3) and chronic (14%, n = 7), bleeding or hematoma (2%, n = 1), pocket erosion or infection (6%, n = 3), and infective endocarditis (2%, n = 1).

CONCLUSION

According to the study, CRT significantly improves both clinical and functional outcomes in patients with moderate to severe heart failure.

Early Discharge to Clinic-Based Therapy of Patients Presenting With Decompensated Heart Failure (EDICT-HF): Study Protocol for a Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Acute decompensated heart failure involves a high rate of mortality and complications. Management typically involves a multi-day hospital admission. However, patients often lose part of their function with each successive admission, and are at a high risk for hospital-associated complications such as nosocomial infection. This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of the management of patients presenting with acute decompensated heart failure to clinic-based therapy vs usual inpatient care using a reproducible management pathway.

METHOD

An investigator-initiated, prospective, non-inferiority, 1:1 randomised-controlled trial, stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction including 460 patients with a minimum follow-up of 7 days. This is a multi-centre study to be performed in centres across Victoria, Australia. Participants will be patients with either heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), admitted for acute decompensation of heart failure.

INTERVENTION

Early discharge to an outpatient-based Heart Failure Rapid Access Clinical Review (RACER) in addition to frequent medical/nursing at-home review for patients admitted with decompensated heart failure.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint will be a non-inferiority assessment of re-hospitalisation at 30 days. Secondary outcomes include superiority assessment of hospitalisation at 30 days, a composite clinical endpoint of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), hospital re-admission or mortality at 3 months, achievement of guideline-directed medical therapy, patient assessment of symptoms (visual-analogue scale quantified as area under curve and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 [KCCQ-12]), attendance at 3-month outpatient follow-up, number of bed stays/clinics attended, proportion of patients free from congestion, change in serum creatinine level, treatment for electrolyte disturbances, time to transition from intravenous to oral diuretics, and health economics analysis (cost-benefit analysis, cost-utility analysis, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio).

CONCLUSIONS

The Early Discharge to Clinic-Based Therapy of Patients Presenting with Decompensated Heart Failure (EDICT-HF) trial will help determine whether earlier discharge to out-of-hospital care is non-inferior to the usual practice of inpatient care, in patients with heart failure admitted to hospital for acute decompensation, as an alternative model of care.

Benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy among older patients: A patient-level meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) and mortality for guideline-indicated patients with heart failure (HF). Most patients with HF are aged ≥70 years but such patients are often under-represented in randomized trials.

METHODS

Patient-level data were combined from 8 randomized trials published 2002-2013 comparing CRT to no CRT (n = 6,369). The effect of CRT was estimated using an adjusted Bayesian survival model. Using age as a categorical (<70 vs ≥70 years) or continuous variable, the interaction between age and CRT on the composite end point of HFH or all-cause mortality or all-cause mortality alone was assessed.

RESULTS

The median age was 67 years with 2436 (38%) being 70+; 1,554 (24%) were women; 2,586 (41%) had nonischemic cardiomyopathy and median QRS duration was 160 ms. Overall, CRT was associated with a delay in time to the composite end point (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.75, 95% credible interval [CI] 0.66-0.85, P = .002) and all-cause mortality alone (aHR of 0.80, 95% CI 0.69-0.96, P = .017). When age was treated as a categorical variable, there was no interaction between age and the effect of CRT for either end point (P > .1). When age was treated as a continuous variable, older patients appeared to obtain greater benefit with CRT for the composite end point (P for interaction = .027) with a similar but nonsignificant trend for mortality (P for interaction = .35).

CONCLUSION

Reductions in HFH and mortality with CRT are as great or greater in appropriately indicated older patients. Age should not be a limiting factor for the provision of CRT.

The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Patients with Heart Failure: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The current study aims to evaluate the effect of bariatric metabolic surgery (BMS) on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with diagnosed heart failure (HF). Fourteen related articles with 217 patients were included in the final analysis. LVEF significantly improved after BMS in patients with HF with a mean difference of 7.78% (CI 95%: 3.72, 11.84, I2 = 83.75, p-value < 0.001). Also, the NYHA class significantly decreased after BMS with a mean difference of - 0.40 (CI 95%: - 0.62, - 0.19, I2: 47.03, p-value < 0.001). A total of 27 patients with obesity and HF were listed for cardiac transplantation after BMS. Of those, 20 patients successfully underwent heart transplantation after BMS.

Sex difference in incidence and risk factors of hospitalization for heart failure, and subsequent mortality: findings from the China PEACE million persons project

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological study of sex differences in incidence and risk factors of heart failure (HF), and subsequent mortality attributed to HF in the Chinese general population is lacking. This study aims to assess the sex differences in the incidence and risk factors of hospitalization for HF and evaluate the sex differences in population attributable fractions (PAFs) for the subsequent mortality among the general population.

METHODS

Data were from a sub-cohort of the Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project in China. Fine and Gray models were conducted to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) accounting for the competing risk of all-cause mortality. Propensity score matching analysis and subgroup analyses were used to verify the robustness of the results. Adjusted PAFs of HF for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were evaluated by sex.

RESULTS

Of the 102,278 participants, 60.5% were women, and the mean age was 54.3 years. After a median follow-up of 3.52 years, 1588 cases of hospitalization for HF were identified. After adjusting for the covariates, women had 31% (95% CI: 0.61-0.79) lower risk for HF than men. The results were consistent in the propensity score matching cohort and across all subgroup analyses (all P sex-subgroups interaction > 0.05). Although women were associated with a lower risk of HF, they had a higher PAF (24.2%, 95% CI: 16.0-31.6) for subsequent cardiovascular mortality than men (16.5%, 95% CI: 11.3-21.5). Several significant differences in risk factors for HF were noted between sexes.

CONCLUSION

In the southern Chinese population, women had a lower risk of HF but had a higher cardiovascular mortality fraction attributed to HF than men. Sex-specific preventative strategies and management for HF should be warranted.

Global Trends in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting over 523 million people globally. Atherosclerotic diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke, are the primary mediators of CVD burden and trends, with half of CVD deaths attributed to IHD, and another quarter to ischemic stroke. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of world-wide trends in the burden of atherosclerotic CVD.

METHODS

A literature review of published studies reporting regional or global trends or burden of CVD was undertaken, with a specific focus on atherosclerotic-mediated CVDs.

FINDINGS

While long-term trends in age-standardized rates of CVD mortality and incidence indicate substantial declines in disease burden, the impact of population growth and ageing has contributed to a continued increase in the absolute number of people living with CVD. Additionally, when data are restricted to the most recent decade, there are indications that even declines in age-standardized CVD rates may have attenuated. Trends are also heterogeneous across countries and regions, with a relative increase in CVD burden in developing countries and differing trends within countries. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in substantial short-term reductions in hospitalization rates for major atherosclerotic CVDs including acute coronary syndromes and heart failure in some countries.

IMPLICATIONS

Recent attenuation of declines in atherosclerotic CVDs with increasing absolute burden has significant implications for health systems and resource availability, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on longer-term trends in CVD yet to be clearly established.

Predictors, Prevalence, and Clinical Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests in Croatia: A Nationwide Study

BACKGROUND

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a pivotal health challenge globally. In Croatia, there has been a knowledge gap regarding the prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of OHCA patients. This study aims to determine the prevalence, prediction, and outcomes of OHCA patients in Croatia.

METHODS

An extensive one-year analysis was performed on all OHCA treated by the Emergency Medical Service in Croatia, based on the Utstein recommendations. Data were extracted from Croatian Institute of Emergency Medicine databases, focusing on adult individuals who experienced sudden cardiac arrest in out-of-hospital settings in Croatia.

RESULTS

From 7773 OHCA cases, 9.5% achieved spontaneous circulation pre-hospital. Optimal outcomes corresponded to EMS intervention within ≤13 min post-arrest onset AUC = 0.577 (95% CI: 0.56-0.59; p < 0.001) and female gender OR = 1.81 (95% CI: 1.49-2.19; p < 0.001). Northern Croatia witnessed lower success rates relative to the capital city Zagreb OR = 0.68 (95% CI: 0.50-0.93; p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Early intervention by EMS, specifically within a 13-min period following the onset of a cardiac arrest, significantly enhances the probability of achieving successful OHCA outcomes. Gender differences and specific initial heart rhythms further influenced the likelihood of successful outcomes. Regional disparities, with reduced success rates in northern Croatia compared to the City of Zagreb, were evident.

In-hospital Outcomes of Aspiration Pneumonia Hospitalizations With Acute Heart Failure: A Nationwide Analysis

Background and Objectives

There is a paucity of data regarding the impact of acute heart failure (AHF) on the outcomes of aspiration pneumonia (AP).

Methods

Using National Inpatient Sample datasets (2016 to 2019), we identified admissions for AP with AHF vs. without AHF using relevant International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. We compared the demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Out of the 121,097,410 weighted adult hospitalizations, 488,260 had AP, of which 13.25% (n=64,675) had AHF. The AHF cohort consisted predominantly of the elderly (mean age 80.4 vs. 71.1 years), females (47.8% vs. 42.2%), and whites (81.6% vs. 78.5%) than non-AHF cohort (all p<0.001). Complicated diabetes and hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, chronic pulmonary disease, and prior myocardial infarction were more frequent in AHF than in the non-AHF cohort. AP-AHF cohort had similar adjusted odds of all-cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-1.03; p=0.122), acute respiratory failure (AOR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.96-1.13; p=0.379), but higher adjusted odds of cardiogenic shock (AOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.30-3.64; p=0.003), and use of mechanical ventilation (MV) (AOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.17-1.56; p<0.001) compared to AP only cohort. AP-AHF cohort more frequently required longer durations of MV and hospital stays with a higher mean cost of the stay.

Conclusions

Our study from a nationally representative database demonstrates an increased morbidity burden, worsened complications, and higher hospital resource utilization, although a similar risk of all-cause mortality in AP patients with AHF vs. no AHF.