Nutritional strategy in the management of heart failure in adults

Prognostic nutritional index and prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This review assessed if prognostic nutritional index (PNI) can predict mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched up to 1st November 2022 for all types of studies reporting adjusted associations between PNI and mortality or MACE in CAD patients. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted for PNI as categorical or continuous variable. Subgroup analysis were conducted for multiple confounders.

Results

Fifteen studies with 22,521 patients were included. Meta-analysis found that low PNI was a significant predictor of mortality in CAD patients as compared to those with high PNI (HR: 1.67 95% CI: 1.39, 2.00 I2 = 95% p < 0.00001). Increasing PNI scores were also associated with lower mortality (HR: 0.94 95% CI: 0.91, 0.97 I2 = 89% p = 0.0003). Meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with low PNI had significantly higher incidence of MACE (HR: 1.57 95% CI: 1.08, 2.28 I2 = 94% p = 0.02) and increasing PNI was associated with lower incidence of MACE (HR: 0.84 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92 I2 = 97% p = 0.0007). Subgroup analyses showed mixed results.

Conclusion

Malnutrition assessed by PNI can independently predict mortality and MACE in CAD patients. Variable PNI cut-offs and high inter-study heterogeneity are major limitations while interpreting the results. Further research focusing on specific groups of CAD and taking into account different cut-offs of PNI are needed to provide better evidence.

Systematic Review Registration

No CRD42022365913 https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.

Comparative analysis of three nutrition scores in predicting mortality after acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the utility of nutrition scores in predicting mortality and prognostic importance of nutrition status using three different scoring systems in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

In total, 1147 patients with AMI were enrolled in this study (72.5 % men; mean age 65.6 years). Patients were divided into three groups according to the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI); prognostic nutritional index (PNI); and triglycerides, total cholesterol, and body weight index(TCBI) scores as tertile: low (GNRI ≤ 103.8, n = 382), intermediate (103.8 < GNRI ≤ 112.3, n = 383), and high (GNRI > 112.3, n = 382) GNRI groups; low (PNI ≤ 50.0, n = 382), intermediate (50.0 < PNI ≤ 56.1, n = 383), and high (PNI > 56.1, n = 382) PNI groups; and low (TCBI ≤ 1086.4, n = 382), intermediate (1086.3 < GNRI ≤ 2139.1, n = 383), and high (TCBI > 2139.1, n = 382) TCBI groups.

RESULTS

In the GNRI, TCBI, and PNI groups, the cumulative incidence of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was significantly higher in the low score group, followed by the intermediate and high score groups. Moreover, both intermediate and low PNI groups had a similar cumulative incidence of all-cause death and MACE. The GNRI score (AUC 0.753, 95% CI 0.608~0.745, P = 0.009) had significantly higher areas under the curve (AUCs) than the TCBI (AUC 0.659, 95% CI 0.600~0.719, reference) and PNI (AUC 0.676, 95% CI 0.608~0.745, P = 0.669) scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with low nutrition scores were at a higher risk of MACE and all-cause death than patients with high nutrition scores. Additionally, the GNRI had the greatest incremental value in predicting risks among the three different scoring systems used in this study.

Impacts of geriatric nutritional risk index on prognosis of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: Results from an observational cohort study in China

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

It is recognized that malnutrition increases risk of worse prognosis in patients with various diseases. The present study investigated if poor nutritional status predicts adverse outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study enrolled 2299 patients (mean age: 60.01 ± 8.95 years; 71.8% male) with NSTE-ACS who underwent PCI at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January to December 2015. The entire cohort was divided into training set (n = 1519) and testing set (n = 780) at a ratio of approximate 2 : 1. Nutritional status was assessed by geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). The primary endpoint was a composite of adverse events as follows: all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and any revascularization. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that GNRI significantly associated with primary endpoint, independent of other risk factors [hazard ratio (HR) 1.159 per 1-point decrease of GNRI, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.130-1.189, p < 0.001]. The addition of GNRI to a baseline model had an incremental effect on the predictive value for adverse prognosis in training set [AUC: from 0.821 to 0.873, p < 0.001; category-free net reclassification improvement (NRI): 0.313, p < 0.001; integrated discrimination improvement (IDI): 0.108, p < 0.001]. The incremental effect of GNRI was further validated and confirmed in testing set.

CONCLUSION

Lower GNRI is a significant predictor of adverse prognosis in patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing PCI. Further studies need to be performed to determine whether nutritional interventions have a positive impact on improving clinical prognosis.

Body composition changes assessment by bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis in right heart failure and left heart failure

BACKGROUND

Heart Failure (HF) patients developed changes in body composition as overhydration, muscle-skeletal wear and cardiac cachexia (CC). The possible factors involved in the development of CC in Right Heart Failure (RHF) patients are venous congestion, nutrient malabsorption. However, in HF, the overhydration obscure the loss of fat-free mass and difficult the body composition assessment. Bioelectrical impedance vectorial analysis (BIVA) is a method validated and used for hydration status and body composition assessment in HF. The aim of this study was to investigate the body compositions changes assessment by BIVA in the subjects with and without RHF and evaluate the risk factors for devolvement CC in HF subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective cohort study. Subjects with confirmed diagnoses of HF, >18 years old without CC according to BIVA criteria were included. Subjects with congenital heart disease, cancer, HIV, and end-stage renal disease were excluded. Body composition was an assessment by BIVA. 288 HF patients were evaluated. RHF subjects had an impedance vector reduction (9.26 dR/H and -1.92 dXc/H, T2=14.9, D = 0.45, p<0.001), while subjects without RHF no-showed statistically significant changes (7.57 dR/H and 0.72 dXc/H, T2=3, D = 0.17, p = 0.200). The risks factors to development CC were age, RHF, phase angle < 5°, total body water were risks factors while handgrip strength was a protector factor.

CONCLUSIONS

RHF has greater disturbances in body composition and is a risk factor to development CC.

Nutritional risk index is a better predictor of early mortality than conventional nutritional markers after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Nutritional risk index (NRI) has been shown to better predict survival than body mass index (BMI) or albumin after several cardiovascular interventions. Under assessment herein is whether NRI can have higher predictive value than conventional parameters for short-term survival after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was performed. In-hospital, 1-month and 3-month survival was evaluated. Since most patients undergoing TAVR are over 65, the NRI definition for a geriatric population (GNRI) was used. The impact of baseline BMI, albumin levels, and GNRI on in-hospital and short-term survival was assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty two patients aged 82 ± 5.4 were included. In-hospital, 1-month, and 3-month mortality was 5.3%, 5.9%, and 9.2%, respectively. Mean GNRI was 112.7 ± 11.9, and was significantly lower in patients who died in-hospital (101.0 ± 8.8 vs. 113.3 ± 11.7), at 30 days (103.4 ± 10.9 vs. 113.3 ± 11.7), and at 90 days (104.0 ± 9.6 vs. 113.6 ± 11.8) than in survivors (all, p < 0.05). Three-month mortality in patients with no nutritional risk was 6.8% (9/132) vs. 25% (5/20) in patients with malnutrition (p = 0.022). In univariate analysis, GNRI predicted in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day mortality (all, p < 0.05). Predictive value remained significant after adjusting for age, EuroSCORE II, and STS-Score (p < 0.05). Based on receiver operating curves, GNRI (AUC: 0.73) showed a better discrimination for 3-month mortality than albumin (0.69), weight (0.67) or BMI (0.62). The optimal cut-off value was 109.8.

CONCLUSIONS

The geriatric nutritional risk index predicts short-term mortality after TAVR and has a higher discriminating ability than other commonly used nutritional variables. It is a simple parameter that identifies those patients who could benefit from pre-procedural nutritional therapy.

Relationship between the prognostic nutritional index and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition has recently been reported to correlate with prognosis in patients with heart failure. However, the prognostic significance of nutritional status in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown. The present study sought to examine the association between nutritional status assessed by the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable CAD.

METHODS

A total of 1988 patients with stable CAD who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2000 and 2011 were examined. The PNI was calculated as 10×serum albumin (g/dL)+0.005×total lymphocyte count (per mm3). Patients were assigned to tertiles based on their PNI. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including all-cause death and non-fatal myocardial infarction, was evaluated.

RESULTS

The median PNI was 48.9 (interquartile range: 45.5-52.1). During the median follow-up of 7.5 years, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with lower PNI tertiles had higher rates of MACE (PNI <46.7: 35.5%; 46.7-50.8: 22.3%; >50.8: 16.0%; log-rank p<0.0001). After adjusting for other risk factors, the PNI was independently associated with MACE (hazard ratio 2.05 per 10 PNI decrease, 95% confidence interval: 1.66-2.54, p<0.0001). Adding the PNI to a baseline model with established risk factors improved the C-index (p=0.03), net reclassification improvement (p=0.03), and integrated discrimination improvement (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The PNI was significantly associated with long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with stable CAD. Assessing PNI may be useful for risk stratification of CAD patients undergoing elective PCI.

Inter-relation between Altered Nutritional Status and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Admitted in a Tertiary Intensive Cardiac Care Unit

Background: The impact of nutritional status on the early outcome of subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still not completely elucidated. This study aimed to assess the correlation between nutritional status, as expressed by the CONUT and PIN scores, and (1) clinical and laboratory characteristics, (2) complication rates, and (3) length of hospitalization, in patients with AMI.

Materials and methods: We included 56 consecutive patients with AMI who underwent primary percutaneous intervention and stenting. Evaluation of the nutritional status was comprised in the calculation of the CONUT and PNI scores. The study population was divided into 2 groups according to the calculated CONUT score, as follows: group 1 – CONUT score <3 points (normal to mildly impaired nutritional status) and group 2 – CONUT score ≥3 points (moderate to severe malnutrition). The primary end-point of the study was the rate of in-hospital complications (left ventricular free wall rupture, hemodynamic instability requiring inotropic medication, high-degree atrioventricular block, the need for temporary cardiostimulation, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias and in-hospital cardiac arrest). The secondary end-points included the duration of hospitalization and the length of stay in the intensive cardiac care unit.

Results: In total, 56 patients (44.64% with STEMI, 55.35% with NSTEMI) with a mean age of 61.96 ± 13.42 years, 58.92% males were included in the study. Group distribution was: group 1 – 76.78% (n = 43), group 2 – 23.21% (n = 23). There were no differences between the two groups regarding age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, or comorbidities. PNI index in group 1 was 54.4 ± 10.4 and in group 2 41.1 ± 2.8, p <0.0001. Serum albumin was significantly lower in group 1 – 4.1 ± 0.3 vs. group 2 – 3.6 ± 0.3 (p <0.0001), similarly to total cholesterol levels (group 1 – 194.9 ± 41.5 vs. group 2 – 161.2 ± 58.2, p = 0.02). The complete blood cell count showed that group 2 presented lower levels of hematocrit (p = 0.003), hemoglobin (p = 0.002), and lymphocytes (p <0.0001) compared to group 1, but a significantly higher platelet count (p = 0.001), mean platelet volume (p = 0.03), neutrophil/lymphocyte (p <0.0001) and platelet/lymphocyte (p <0.0001) ratios, indicating enhanced blood thrombogenicity and inflammation. Regarding in-hospital complications, group 2 presented a higher rate of hemodynamic instability (group 1 – 11.6% vs. group 2 – 38.4%, p = 0.02). The overall hospitalization period was 7.7 ± 1.4 days in group 1 vs. 10.2 ± 4.8 days in group 2, p = 0.06; while the duration of stay in the intensive cardiac care unit was 2.6 ± 0.5 days in group 1 vs. 4.0 ± 2.5 days in group 2, p = 0.02.

Conclusions: This study proved that nutritional deficit in acute myocardial patients who undergo revascularization is associated with an increased rate of in-hospital complications and with a longer observation time in a tertiary intensive cardiac care unit.

Prognostic impact of nutritional status assessed by the Controlling Nutritional Status score in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Recently, malnutrition has been shown to be related to worse clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. However, the association between nutritional status and clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. We investigated the prognostic value of malnutrition assessed by the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT; range 0-12, higher = worse, consisting of serum albumin, cholesterol and lymphocytes) score in patients with CAD.

METHODS

The CONUT score was measured on admission in a total of 1987 patients with stable CAD who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2000 and 2011. Patients were divided into two groups according to their CONUT score (0-1 vs. ≥2). The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including all-cause death and non-fatal myocardial infarction, was evaluated.

RESULTS

The median CONUT score was 1 (interquartile range 0-2). During the median follow-up of 7.4 years, 342 MACE occurred (17.2%). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that patients with high CONUT scores had higher rates of MACE (log-rank p < 0.0001). High CONUT scores showed a significant increase in the incidence of MACE compared with low CONUT scores, even after adjusting for confounding factors (hazard ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.30-2.07, p < 0.0001). Adding CONUT scores to a baseline model with established risk factors improved the C-index (p = 0.02), net reclassification improvement (p = 0.004) and integrated discrimination improvement (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional status assessed by the CONUT score was significantly associated with long-term clinical outcomes in patients with CAD. Pre-PCI assessment of the CONUT score may provide useful prognostic information.

Prognostic Impact of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Malnutrition has been identified as an important predictor of poor clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study is to examine the prognostic impact of nutritional status in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The impact of nutrition, assessed using the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) calculated by serum albumin and body mass index, was evaluated in 2,853 patients with CAD who underwent their first PCI between 2000 and 2011. Patients were assigned to tertiles based on their GNRI levels. The incidences of all-cause death and cardiac death were assessed. The median GNRI values were 101 (interquartile range 95 to 106). Lower GNRI levels were associated with older age and higher prevalence of acute coronary syndrome and chronic kidney disease. During the median follow-up period of 7.4 years, Kaplan-Meier curves showed ongoing divergence in rates of mortality among tertiles (GNRI <98: 35.1%; 98 to 104: 20.6%; ≥104: 12.1%; log-rank p <0.0001). Stratification analysis by age also showed that the lowest GNRI tertile was associated with mortality in both patients <65 years and those ≥65 years. After adjusting for established cardiovascular risk factors, lower GNRI was an independent predictor of all-cause death (hazard ratio 1.55 per 10 decrease, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 1.84, p <0.0001) and cardiac death (hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.90, p = 0.01). In conclusion, nutritional status was associated with long-term clinical outcomes in CAD patients after PCI. Evaluation of GNRI carries important prognostic information and may guide the therapeutic approach to such patients.

Defining the nutritional status and dietary intake of older heart failure patients

Background

Little information exists about diet in the management of heart failure.

Aims

To describe the nutritional and biochemical status, and the dietary intake of older heart failure patients.

Methods

Stable outpatients and patients with recent hospitalisation for decompensated heart failure were recruited. Anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, biochemical values and echocardiography were recorded. Patients kept 7-day food diaries and completed questionnaires concerning food provision.

Results

Forty-five patients with a mean (S.D.) age of 80.8 (6.8) years were studied and classed according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) (11% Class I, 27% Class II and 62% Class III). Mean (S.D.) body mass index (BMI) was 27.1 (5.4) kg/m2 with 7% of patients having a BMI<20 kg/m2 and 56% with a BMI above 25 kg/m2. 64% of participants failed to achieve the estimated average requirements for energy intake; 82% took more than 2 mg of sodium daily; and 18% had a potassium intake above 3500 mg/day. Only 29% of individuals did not need assistance with food shopping, whilst 58% required assistance with meal preparation.

Conclusion

Possible targets for dietary intervention in older heart failure patients have been identified but whether such changes would be beneficial to patients is unknown.

Pediatric Heart Failure, Lagging, and Sagging of Care in Low Income Settings: A Hospital Based Review of Cases in Ethiopia

Introduction. Causes of acute heart failure in children range from simple myocarditis complicating chest infection to complex structural heart diseases. Objective. To describe patterns, predictors of mortality, and management outcomes of acute heart failure in children. Methods. In retrospective review, between February 2012 and October 2015 at a tertiary center, 106 admitted cases were selected consecutively from discharge records. Data were extracted from patients chart and analyzed using SPSS software package. t-test and statistical significance at P value < 0.05 with 95% CI were used. Result. Acute heart failure accounted for 2.9% of the total pediatric admissions. The age ranged from 2 months up to 14 years with mean age of 8 years. Male to female ratio is 1 : 2.1. Rheumatic heart disease accounted for 53.7%; pneumonia, anemia, infective endocarditis, and recurrence of acute rheumatic fever were the main precipitating causes. Death occurred in 19% of cases. Younger age at presentation, low hemoglobin concentration, and undernutrition were associated with death with P value of 0.00, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively. Conclusions and Recommendation. Pediatric heart failure in our settings is diagnosed mainly in older age groups and mostly precipitated due to preventable causes. Significant mortality is observed in relation to factors that can be preventable in children with underlying structural heart disease. Early suspicion and diagnosis of cases may reduce the observed high mortality.

Mechanically Ventilated, Cardiothoracic Surgical Patients Have Significantly Different Energy Requirements Comparing Indirect Calorimetry and the Penn State Equations

BACKGROUND

Nutrition equations have been validated with indirect calorimetry for determining energy needs in intensive care unit (ICU) populations. This study tested the hypothesis that mechanically ventilated cardiothoracic surgical patients would have significantly different energy requirements when determined by indirect calorimetry vs the Penn State equations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center, retrospective cohort analysis of consecutive cardiothoracic surgical patients adhered to a prospectively designed protocol for indirect calorimetry energy measurements. Energy needs were estimated by Penn State equations 2010 and 2003b and then indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

Analyzed patients (n = 71) had a mean ± SD difference of 556 ± 543 calories/d between indirect calorimetry and Penn State formulae, as well as a mean ± SD percentage caloric difference of 32% ± 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], -20 to 87) with a range of 1311 calories (minimum difference, -379; maximum difference, 933). There was a 10% or greater difference in resting metabolic rate between indirect calorimetry and the Penn State equations in 89% of patients (95% CI, 79%-95%). Based on Lin's concordance correlation of 0.20 (95% CI, 0.09-0.32), the strength of agreement between the resting metabolic rates determined by indirect calorimetry compared with the Penn State equations was poor within this patient sample. Indirect calorimetry performance showed a 10% increase in caloric need in 77% of patients and was associated with a nutrition prescription change in 66%.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanically ventilated cardiothoracic surgical ICU patients appear to have higher energy requirements by indirect calorimetry than those determined by Penn State equations. Future studies targeting indirect calorimetry in relation to clinical outcomes are needed.

Changes in body composition in heart failure patients after a resistance exercise program and branched chain amino acid supplementation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Heart Failure (HF) is a complex syndrome, which can include the physiological, neural hormonal and metabolic complications known as "Cardiac Cachexia" (CC). In the development of CC there is a release of catabolic cytokines (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, interleukins 1 and 6) that cause a decrease of fat free mass and fat mass. These changes in body composition might be reversed with a therapeutic combination of resistance exercise and branched chain amino acid supplementation (BCAA).

AIM

Evaluate changes in body composition after a resistance exercise program and BCAA supplementation in patients with HF.

METHODS

In a randomized clinical trial with 3 month of follow-up anthropometric body composition analysis and stress tests were evaluated at the beginning and in the end of the study. Patients were divided into two groups; the experimental group performed the resistance exercise program and received 10 g/day BCAA supplementation, and the control group only performed the resistance exercise program. Both groups were provided with individualized diets and conventional medical treatment.

RESULTS

Changes were found in hip circumference between the groups (p = 0.02), and muscle strength was increased in the experimental group (8%) and the control group (11.4%) with no difference between them. METS and VO2Max also increased in experimental and control groups (16.6% and 50.1% respectively). Regarding changes in symptoms, improvements in fatigue (45.4%), decubitus intolerance (21.8%) and dyspnea (25.4%) were observed in the overall sample.

CONCLUSION

Improvements in physical and functional capacities are attributed to resistance exercise program but not to the BCAA supplementation.

CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER

NCT02240511.

The role of micronutrients and macronutrients in patients hospitalized for heart failure

The detrimental pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) leaves room for physiologic and metabolomic concepts that include supplementation of micronutrients and macronutrients in these patients. Hence myocardial energetics and nutrient metabolism may represent relevant treatment targets in HF. This review focuses on the role of nutritive compounds such as lipids, amino acids, antioxidants, and other trace elements in the setting of HF. Supplementation of ferric carboxymaltose improves iron status, functional capacity, and quality of life in HF patients. To close the current gap in evidence further interventional studies investigating the role of micro- and macronutrients are needed in this setting.

The role of B vitamins in the management of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries, creating a significant burden on both the healthcare system and quality of life. Research efforts continue to explore new pharmaceutical or surgically based approaches to HF management, but the role of nutrition as an adjunct therapy has been largely ignored. Elderly age, anorexia, malabsorption, premature satiety, and disease severity are among the factors identified as contributing to reduced nutrient intakes in patients with HF. These factors suggest that patients with HF are at increased risk of multiple-nutrient deficiencies, including B vitamins. B vitamins may be of particular therapeutic interest because of their key roles as cofactors in energy-producing pathways. Recently, impaired stores of high-energy compounds have been linked with myocardial dysfunction and prognosis in patients with HF. Therefore, deficiencies of B vitamins might contribute to reduced energy stores and disease progression. This review summarizes the existing literature both with respect to the prevalence of B vitamin deficiency as well as evidence from supplementation trials in patients with HF. The findings suggest that most of the literature in this area has focused on thiamin deficiency in patients with HF, whereas other B vitamins remain largely unstudied. Although few sporadic trials suggest a role for B vitamins in the management of HF, none are conclusive. Therefore, there is a need for larger, more robust trials to assist in defining the B vitamin requirements as well as the impact of supplementation on both morbidity and mortality in patients with HF.

The dietary quality of persons with heart failure in NHANES 1999-2006

BACKGROUND

Dietary quality may impact heart failure outcomes. However, the current status of the dietary quality of persons with heart failure has not been previously reported.

OBJECTIVE

To describe sodium intake, patient factors associated with sodium intake and overall dietary quality in a national sample of persons with heart failure.

DESIGN

Analysis of repeated cross-sectional probability sample surveys using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) of 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004 and 2005-2006.

PARTICIPANTS

The study sample consisted of 574 persons with self-reported heart failure (mean age = 70 years; 52% women).

MEASUREMENTS

Diet of each survey participant was assessed using single 24 hour recall. Dietary nutrients of interest included sodium, the mainstay of heart failure dietary recommendations, and additionally potassium, calcium, magnesium, fish oils, saturated fat and fiber. Specific dietary goals were based on established guidelines.

RESULTS

Mean sodium intake was 2,719 mg, with 34% consuming less than 2,000 mg per day. Patient factors associated with greater sodium intake included male gender, lower education, lower income and no reported diagnosis of hypertension. Mean potassium intake was 2,367 mg/day, with no differences by type of diuretic used or renal disease status. Adherence rates to established guidelines for other nutrients were 13% for calcium, 10% for magnesium, 2% for fish oils, 13% for saturated fat and 4% for fiber.

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary quality of persons with self-reported heart failure was poor. Public health approaches and clinical dietary interventions are needed for persons with this increasingly prevalent clinical syndrome.

Nutrition and heart failure: impact of drug therapies and management strategies

Nutrition impairment commonly occurs in patients with heart failure and affects disease progression. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are associated with early mortality, particularly in patients classified as cachectic. Guideline-based therapies approved for heart failure, such as loop diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and beta-adrenergic blockers, can lead to electrolyte abnormalities and predispose to some vitamin and micronutrient deficits. Clinical trial evidence in support of supplementary vitamin and mineral therapies for heart failure patients is limited with the exception of documented calcium and possibly vitamin D, thiamine, and coenzyme Q10 deficiencies. This area is gaining significant attention, and research is ongoing. The clinician can help minimize morbidity from nutrition impairment through appropriate monitoring and correction of baseline and medication-induced electrolyte imbalances, in addition to vitamin and mineral supplementation when appropriate.

Nutritional and anti-inflammatory interventions in chronic heart failure

Currently, there are 5 million individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) in the United States who have poor clinical outcomes, including high death rates. Observational studies have indicated a reverse epidemiology of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in CHF; in contrast to trends seen in the general population, obesity and hypercholesterolemia are associated with improved survival. The temporal discordance between the overnutrition (long-term killer) and undernutrition (short-term killer) not only can explain some of the observed paradoxes but also may indicate that malnutrition, inflammation, and oxidative stress may play a role that results in protein-energy wasting contributing to poor survival in CHF. Diminished appetite or anorexia and nutritional deficiencies may be both a cause and a consequence of this so-called malnutrition-inflammation-cachexia (MIC) or wasting syndrome in CHF. Neurohumoral activation, insulin resistance, cytokine activation, and survival selection-resultant genetic polymorphisms also may contribute to the prominent inflammatory and oxidative characteristics of this population. In patients with CHF and wasting, nutritional strategies including amino acid supplementation may represent a promising therapeutic approach, especially if the provision of additional amino acids, protein, and energy includes nutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regardless of the etiology of anorexia, appetite-stimulating agents, especially those with anti-inflammatory properties such as megesterol acetate or pentoxyphylline, may be appropriate adjuncts to dietary supplementation. Understanding the factors that modulate MIC and body wasting and their associations with clinical outcomes in CHF may lead to the development of nutritional strategies that alter the pathophysiology of CHF and improve outcomes.

Symptom perception in CHF: (why mind matters)

Symptoms utilized in the clinical care of heart failure as markers of disease severity include, dyspnea, insomnia, low energy, fatigue, poor appetite, and diminished memory. This is despite the fact that physiologic variables such as cardiac ejection fraction and oxygen consumption do not accurately predict functional state in individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF). Distress (anxiety and depression) may amplify symptom complaints without associated physiologic aberration. Personality traits and psychiatric illness, such as mood, anxiety, and psychotic illnesses may also alter perception of somatic symptoms that are associated with this chronic illness. The impact of distress and its treatment on functional performance and CHF symptom reporting deserve additional attention. The need to screen for distress in all with serious symptomatic heart failure is certain.

Blood glutathione as independent marker of lipid peroxidation in heart failure

BACKGROUND

Aminothiols have a critical function as intracellular redox buffers and constitute furthermore an important extracellular redox system. Lipid peroxidation is increased in chronic heart failure (CHF), but the contribution of each thiol to oxidative stress in this syndrome has not been evaluated.

AIM

To assess the correlation between blood and plasma concentrations of aminothiols and lipid peroxidation as marker of oxidative stress in CHF patients.

METHODS

Blood reduced glutathione (GSH), plasma total and reduced cysteine, cysteinylglycine, homocysteine, GSH, alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and free malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed in samples obtained from 26 CHF heart transplant candidates and 26 age- and gender-matched controls with atherosclerotic risk factors and no history of cardiovascular disease. Results are expressed as median and interquartile range (I-III).

RESULTS

MDA levels were significantly higher in CHF patients than in controls [1.03 (0.56-1.60) microM vs. 0.70 (0.40-0.83) microM, p=0.006]. Blood reduced GSH concentrations were significantly higher [662 (327-867) microM vs. 416 (248-571) microM, p=0.016], while alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly lower [15 (13-19) microM vs. 21 (17-32) microM, p=0.001] in CHF patients than in controls. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictors of lipid peroxidation, as expressed by MDA levels > or = 1.00 microM, were increased blood GSH concentrations (OR 1.003 per unit, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.006, p=0.008), ischemic (OR 20, 95% CI 2.6 to 155, p=0.004) and non ischemic CHF etiology (OR 11, 95% CI 1.3 to 99, p=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities in intracellular GSH cycling are associated to increased lipid peroxidation in CHF.

Psychosoziale Aspekte und Gesundheitsverhalten bei Herzinsuffizienz

Zusammenfassung. Für die steigende Zahl von Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz stehen verschiedene medizinische Behandlungsansätze zur Verfügung, darunter als letzte Option die Herztransplantation (HTX). Ergänzende psychosoziale und behaviorale Interventionen erscheinen aus verschiedenen Gründen auch für Patienten auf der HTX-Warteliste sinnvoll. Unser Literaturüberblick zeigt, dass bekannte psychosoziale koronare Risikofaktoren wie Depressivität und soziale Isolation auch bei Herzinsuffizienz Morbidität und Mortalität erhöhen. Körperliche Aktivität wirkt sich dagegen günstig auf subjektive und objektive Parameter aus. Diese Faktoren stellen erste Ansatzpunkte für verhaltensorientierte Interventionen dar. Welche Rolle andere koronare Risikofaktoren (z.B. Feindseligkeit, Ärger, Ernährung und Gewichtsreduktion) spielen, ist bislang ungeklärt. Ausblickend werden einige viel versprechende Forschungsansätze skizziert.

Anthropometric variables and physical activity as predictors of cardiac cachexia

BACKGROUND

This study explored the frequency of cardiac cachexia in Mexican patients, the role of anthropometric variables as predictors of its development and its association with food intake and physical activity.

METHODS

Seventy three patients with systolic heart failure were included in the study. Cardiac cachexia was defined as weight loss of >6.0% in 6 months. Anthropometric data, physical activity and dietary intake were evaluated by a 3-day questionnaire at the beginning of the study and 6 months later.

RESULTS

After 6 months of follow up, 14 (19%) patients developed cachexia with a mean weight loss of 12.1+/-3.4%. Significant decrease in the anthropometric variables were observed in patients which developed cachexia except in the waist to hip ratio, which increased in these patients due to bigger diminish of hip circumference than in the waist one. The subjects which developed cachexia had significant less physical activity after 6 months (-6.9%) in comparison with the non cachexic group. Reported energy intake did no differ among groups. Patients with cardiac cachexia showed greater prevalence of obesity and overweight, a high body fat percentage and a low arm circumference.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac cachexia development was not related with low energy intake or increase in the total energy expenditure (explained by the physical activity). The only variable related to cachexia development was lower physical activity.