Value of myocardial work for assessment of myocardial adaptation to increased afterload in patients with high blood pressure at peak exercise

Non-invasive myocardial work (MW) indices are superior to global longitudinal strain (GLS) to assess left ventricular (LV) mechanics in situations where afterload is abnormally high. The rotational motion of the apex provides an accurate index of LV contractility. To date, there are no data about MW values during stress echocardiography (SE), particularly for the apex. Our study aims at assessing MW indices at peak exercise to better understand LV mechanics in patients with high peak systolic blood pressure (SBP). A total of 81 patients without structural or ischemic heart disease referred for SE between January and June 2019 were included. BP measurements, GLS and MW indices were performed at rest and peak exercise. In order to quantify the role of the apex, apical work fraction (AWF) was also calculated and further stratified by peak SBP. A peak SBP > 180 mmHg was considered abnormally high. There were 36 (44%) patients who had peak SBP > 180 mmHg. They showed similar resting GLS and MW values when compared to control. However, peak stress global work index, constructive work and wasted work (GWW) increased significantly (P-value < 0.05), with a relatively constant global work efficiency. In the multivariate analysis, peak SBP > 180 mmHg was associated with threefold increased odds of abnormal peak GWW > 96.5 mmHg% (median value) (odds ratio 3.0, P-value 0.003). Apical work increased significantly when stratified by peak SBP (P-value 0.003) and AWF increased from 33 ± 3% to 37 ± 3% (rest-stress), P-value < 0.0001, but remained constant when stratified by peak SBP. Our analysis provides new data on MW indices at peak stress, particularly for patients with abnormal peak SBP response, and supports the role and the contribution of the apex to MW.

P808 Association between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and subclinical coronary artery calcification

Funding Acknowledgements

None

Background

Assessment of diastolic dysfunction (DD) by echocardiography is an integral part of the evaluation of patients with normal ejection fraction (EF) and symptoms suggestive of heart failure. However, many patients with DD are asymptomatic. Computed tomography calcium scoring (CTCS) is often used to assess patients at low-intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Aim

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of DD with subclinical coronary artery calcification.

Methods

Consecutive patients presenting for executive check-up who underwent resting transthoracic echocardiography followed by CTCS were retrospectively identified between January 2010 and December 2014. Two‑dimensional and tissue Doppler imaging parameters were analyzed for assessing and grading of DD. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was quantified.

Results

A total of 191 patients (mean age 52 ± 12 years, 17% age ≥ 65, 20% with diabetes) were included. Of them, 69 (36%) patients had DD. Patients with higher CAC score were older, had more comorbidities, lower e’ velocity, and were more likely to have DD. In the multivariate analysis, DD alone, age &gt; 65 years, or both were associated with almost 3-fold increase of subclinical atherosclerosis. After propensity analysis, DD was still associated with increased odds ratio (OR) for subclinical CAC (OR 3.66 [1.54-8.72], P = 0.03), and similarly for e’&lt; 10 cm/s. Compared to patients age &lt; 65 years and normal diastolic function, those age &gt; 65 years or DD had OR 3.49 (1.45-8.35) for subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (CAC &gt; 0), whereas those age &gt; 65 years and DD had OR 9.30 (2.00-42), (P = 0.005 and P = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that DD was strongly associated with CAC &gt; 0 even after adjusting for age and comorbidities. Assessment of CAC as part of the routine clinical evaluation of patients with normal EF and atypical symptoms without a history of coronary atherosclerotic disease is warranted for further risk stratification.

Table 1

Abstract P808 Figure. Baseline characteristics

Blood pressure control in treated hypertensive Middle Eastern patients: a post hoc analysis based on JNC8 definitions

Background

Long-term blood pressure (BP) control is challenging due to the asymptomatic nature of hypertension and poor treatment adherence among patients. We conducted a post hoc analysis to assess “target BP” attainment and maintenance and to identify their associated factors in a sample of hypertensive Middle Eastern patients.

Methods

We previously conducted an observational study between May 2011 and September 2012 to assess antihypertensive treatment adherence and its determinants in a sample of 1,470 hypertensive patients in Lebanon and Jordan. The study consisted of 3 visits: at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, where BP control, health-related quality of life, and treatment adherence were assessed. This post hoc analysis of data from the ADHERENCE study examined BP control in terms of target attainment at 3 months and 6 months, and target maintenance at 6 months in treatment-eligible patients as well as the determinants of BP control including the impact of the new JNC8 (Eighth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure) guideline on treatment eligibility and target BP attainment in these patients.

Results

Based on JNC8 definitions, our results revealed that 81.2% of patients achieved BP control at 6 months. At 3 months, 62.2% achieved BP control; of those, only 57.5% maintained BP control till 6 months. Factors associated with higher BP target attainment at 3 months were higher educational level, new hypertension diagnosis, older age, and lower waist circumference, systolic BP, and diastolic BP at baseline. Factors associated with higher BP target attainment at 6 months were Lebanese nationality, new hypertension diagnosis, absence of chronic kidney disease, lower systolic BP at baseline, reaching BP target at 3 months, and having a BP target of <150/90 mmHg.

Conclusion

Older age, higher education levels, recent hypertension diagnosis, early achievement of target BP, and having milder disease at baseline were associated with better BP control. Moreover, JNC8 guideline reduced the number of treatment-eligible patients and increased BP target attainment.

Patients with Isolated Focal Right Ventricular Dyskinetic Segments: Toward a Better Understanding of This Cohort

BACKGROUND

The 2010 revised Task Force criteria for the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) provided guidance for the classification of patients as definitive, borderline or possible ARVC. However, many patients with clinical suspicion for ARVC have isolated RV dyskinetic segments only and partly meet cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging criteria. This subgroup of patients and the implication of this imaging finding remain not well defined.

METHODS

There were 65 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion for ARVC who were referred for CMR between 2015 and 2017. The presence of fatty infiltration and fibrosis were assessed using T2 imaging and myocardial delayed enhancement sequences, respectively. RV wall motions, volumes and ejection fraction (EF) of all patients were re-analysed and quantified. Available data on family history, Holter findings, and electrocardiograms were also reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 5 patients (7.7%) that fulfilled major CMR criteria for ARVC: 4 were classified as having definitive ARVC; and 1/5 as borderline. There were 33 patients with no RV dyskinetic segments: none were classified as having definitive or borderline ARVC; 4/33 were classified as possible ARVC, leaving 29/33 as normal or no ARVC. Finally, there were 27 remaining patients (41.5%) with isolated RV dyskinetic segments: 1/27 was classified as definitive ARVC; 4/27 as borderline; 8/27 as possible; leaving 15/27 as indeterminate. Compared to control, those with isolated RV dyskinesia (including the subgroup labelled as indeterminate 15/27) had more abnormal RVEF, larger RV end-diastolic volume index (82 ± 12 mL/m² vs. 72 ± 12 mL/m², p-value 0.0127), and a trend for higher odds of dilated RV (odds ratio 3.0 [0.81–11], p-value 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with a clinical suspicion for ARVC, almost 40% had isolated focal RV dyskinetic segments with the majority remaining unclassified. This cohort had more RV dilation and abnormal EF compared to control.

Cardiac involvement in hypereosinophilic syndrome

A 9-year-old boy with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) was referred for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging following an abnormal echocardiogram that showed a large mass layered on the inferolateral wall of the left ventricle, causing secondary severe mitral regurgitation. Cardiac involvement in HES usually affects the ventricular apex. In our case, CMR confirmed the presence of a large mural thrombus of 0.9 cm × 4.2 cm. This unusual cardiac involvement in HES was diagnosed in its intermediate thrombotic stage. CMR is very sensitive and specific in staging the disease. It explained the etiology of mitral regurgitation and guided therapy, especially when echocardiography was nonconclusive.

Multimodality imaging for evaluation of chest pain using strain analysis at rest and peak exercise

BACKGROUND

Exercise stress echocardiography (SE) is commonly used for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). The use of quantitative echocardiographic measures such as strain imaging is expected to improve the sensitivity of conventional SE which relies on the visual diagnosis of wall-motion abnormalities (WMAs). This study is set to demonstrate the added value of resting and exercise strain analysis to detect underlying microangiopathy and inducible myocardial ischemia during a resting and SE in comparison with the results of coronary computed tomographic angiogram (CCTA).

METHODS

A total of 103 consecutive outpatients from the executive screening program were identified and underwent resting and SE. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and wall-motion changes at rest and peak exercise were analyzed and compared. Baseline demographics, heart rate, and blood pressure measurements were retrospectively extracted for analysis. CCTA was chosen as an alternative test to match with wall motion and strain imaging.

RESULTS

Patients who had abnormal CCTA had lower resting GLS (14.85% ± 3.05 vs 17.99% ± 2.88, P-value = .001) when compared to patients with normal CCTA. All patients who had abnormal CCTA had higher wall-motion score index (1.35 ± 0.2 vs 1.00, P-value < .0001) and lower and abnormal peak stress GLS (pGLS) as compared to patients with normal CCTA (14.89% ± 3.35 vs 18.44% ± 4.27, P-value = .007). However, all patients with pGLS ≥ 20% had normal/nonobstructive CCTA. Patients with multiple comorbidities showed reduced and lower values of resting and pGLS (P-value < .0001), suggesting associated subclinical left ventricular dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Global longitudinal strain offers quantitative interpretation of the resting and SE study, detects underlying subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and a peak stress value more than 20% excludes obstructive CAD on CCTA.

Practical perspectives on the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: A view from the Middle East and North Africa

Clinical guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are available from several international cardiology associations. Patients with NVAF in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region present unique challenges and opportunities related to differences in geography, practice patterns, and patient demographics that are as yet unaddressed in practice guidelines. This review aims to offer a practical perspective on the management of NVAF in patients in MENA and draws on evidence-based guidelines as well as real-world evidence and expert opinion. The literature was searched for relevant original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guideline recommendations addressing the prevention of stroke in patients with NVAF with a focus on issues relevant to the MENA region. Guideline recommendations, best practices, and expert opinion were discussed and agreed on by a working group consisting of cardiologists from across the MENA region. The incidence of stroke secondary to atrial fibrillation in patients across the MENA region is higher than rates reported globally, and this might be attributed to a higher incidence of vascular risk factors and underuse of anticoagulants in patients in the MENA. The available evidence supports the established role of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the prevention of stroke in patients with NVAF. There is a consistent body of clinical trial and real-world evidence supporting their efficacy for stroke prevention in NVAF, with more favorable bleeding risk profiles relative to vitamin K antagonists, such that guidelines now recommend the use of NOACs in preference over vitamin K antagonists. There are important opportunities to improve the management of NVAF outcomes for patients with NVAF by applying evidence-based guidelines for stroke prevention. Growing experience with NOACs in the MENA region will help guide patient selection and elucidate optimal dosing strategies to maximize the clinical benefits of the NOACs.

Cardiovascular risk factor burden in Africa and the Middle East across country income categories: a post hoc analysis of the cross-sectional Africa Middle East Cardiovascular Epidemiological (ACE) study

Background

A significant number of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths occur in developing countries. An increasing prevalence of CVD is associated with a change in the macro-economy of these countries. In this post hoc analysis, CVD risk factor (CVDRF) prevalence is evaluated across countries based on national income in the Africa and Middle East Region (AfME).

Methods

Data from the Africa Middle East Cardiovascular Epidemiological (ACE) study were used; a cross-sectional study in 14 AfME countries (94 clinics) from July 2011–April 2012, which evaluated CVDRF prevalence in stable adult outpatients. World Bank definitions were used to classify countries as low-income (LI), lower-middle-income (LMI), upper-middle-income (UMI) or high-income (HI) countries. Four thousand three hundred seventy-eight subjects were recruited where 260 (6%), 1324 (30%), 1509 (35%) and 1285 (29%) were from LI, LMI, UMI, and HI countries, respectively.

Results

Of all the CVDRFs evaluated, almost two-thirds of the study population across the national income groups had abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia. Countries in the HI category were associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes (32%), obesity (44%) and smoking (16%). UMI and HI countries were associated with higher clustering of CVDRFs where at least one-third of subjects having four or more CVDRFs. Lower income countries had lower blood pressure control rates and lower percentages of outpatients achieving LDL-cholesterol targets.

Conclusion

The burden of CVDRFs in stable outpatients is high across the national income categories in the AfME region, with HI countries showing a higher prevalence of CVDRFs. The high burden in lower income countries is associated with sub-optimal control of dyslipidemia and hypertension. Lowering the CVDRF burden would need specific public health actions in line with positive changes in the macro-economy of these countries.

Trial registration

The ACE trial is registered under NCT01243138.

Unusual digoxin toxicity with myocardial injury

A 38-year-old healthy male presented with vomiting and profuse diarrhea, associated with blurry and yellow coloration of the vision (xanthopsia). Laboratory workup was unremarkable, except for hyperkalemia (K 5.2 mEq/L) and mildly elevated troponin level 0.11 ng/mL (cut-off value 0.08). An electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia with deep scooping of the T waves. Although the patient denied intake of any drugs, herbs, consumption of plants, a digoxin level was drawn and was significantly elevated >5ng/mL (therapeutic range 0.8-2.0). Further questioning revealed that the patient was a pharmacist mixing raw material to fabricate medication, and that he could have incidentally ingested contaminated water. His symptoms improved with parallel improvement in the electrocardiogram T wave abnormalities. An echocardiogram was normal. The positive troponin was felt to be secondary to severe digoxin toxicity. Review of the literature however showed no report of elevated troponin in the setting of digoxin toxicity.

Stress-induced Worsening of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function as a Marker of Myocardial Ischemia

Background:

Echocardiography has been the subject of interest in diagnosing diastolic dysfunction and estimating left ventricular filling pressures (LVFPs). The present study is set to estimate the correlation between the worsening of diastolic parameters and the evidence of inducible ischemia during an exercise stress echocardiography (SE) in comparison with the results of coronary computed tomographic angiogram (CCTA).

Methods:

A total of 191 consecutive patients from the executive screening program who underwent exercise SE followed by CCTA were evaluated. Baseline demographics, heart rate, and blood pressure measurements were extracted for analysis. Standard two-dimensional and tissue Doppler imaging parameters were analyzed. Diastolic function was graded at rest and peak exercise.

Results:

Patients who had worsening of diastolic function by at least one grade had had 2–3-fold higher odds of having abnormal SE. In addition, patients with worsening of diastolic function had higher stress LVFPs (E/e’ = 11.7 ± 2.7 vs. E/e’ 8.0 ± 2.0; P < 0.0001), more E/e’ change >25% (48% vs. 22%, P = 0.012), and were more likely to have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on CCTA (23.8% vs. 9.2%; P = 0.045). A change in E/e’ >25% (stress-rest) was highly associated with a positive stress test and abnormal CCTA result. Patients with no change or improvement in diastolic function with stress had a 92% negative predictive value of having normal SE and 91% of normal/nonobstructive CCTA.

Conclusion:

A worsening of diastolic function and a change in E/e’ >25% (stress-rest) were associated with abnormal SE, positive stress test, and obstructive CAD when compared to CCTA results.

Treatment adherence and quality of life in patients on antihypertensive medications in a Middle Eastern population: adherence

BACKGROUND

Poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment remains a clinical challenge worldwide. The objectives of this study were to assess the adherence level to antihypertensive treatment and to identify its associated factors in a sample of hypertensive patients in Lebanon and Jordan.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study between May 2011 and September 2012. A total of 1,470 eligible hypertensive patients were enrolled in our study and followed up for a period of 6 months. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic, health behavior, and hypertension-related characteristics. The adherence to treatment and the quality of life were self-reported using the Morisky, Green & Levine Scale and the Hypertension Quality of Life Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that 55.9 % of the patients were adherent to their antihypertensive medication. Older age was associated with better adherence, whereas being divorced or widowed, having a poorer quality of life, and being classified as having stage 1 or 2 hypertension at the end of the study were all associated with poorer adherence.

CONCLUSION

Efforts should be exerted on all levels in order to increase the adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment through the implementation of educational campaigns.

Anatomic distribution of culprit lesions in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and normal ECG

BACKGROUND

In patients presenting with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and three-vessel disease are the most commonly encountered culprit lesions in the presence of ST depression, while one third of patients with left circumflex (LCX) artery related infarction have normal ECG. We sought to determine the predictors of presence of culprit lesion in NSTEMI patients based on ECG, echocardiographic, and clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Patients admitted to the coronary care unit with the diagnosis of NSTEMI between June 2012 and December 2013 were retrospectively identified. Admission ECG was interpreted by an electrophysiologist that was blinded to the result of the coronary angiogram. Patients were dichotomized into either normal or abnormal ECG group. The primary endpoint was presence of culprit lesion. Secondary endpoints included length of stay, re-hospitalization within 60 days, and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients that were identified; 47 with normal and 71 with abnormal ECG. At least one culprit lesion was identified in 101 patients (86%), and significantly more among those with abnormal ECG (91.5% vs. 76.6%, P=0.041).The LAD was the most frequently detected culprit lesion in both groups. There was a higher incidence of two and three-vessel disease in the abnormal ECG group (P=0.041).On the other hand, there was a trend of higher LCX involvement (25% vs. 13.8%, P=0.18) and more normal coronary arteries in the normal ECG group (23.4% vs. 8.5%, P=0.041). On multivariate analysis, prior history of coronary artery disease (CAD) [odds ratio (OR) 6.4 (0.8-52)], male gender [OR 5.0 (1.5-17)], and abnormal admission ECG [OR 3.6 (1.12-12)], were independent predictors of a culprit lesion. There was no difference in secondary endpoints between those with normal and abnormal ECG.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients presenting with NSTEMI, prior history of CAD, male gender and abnormal admission ECG were independent predictors of a culprit lesion. An abnormal ECG was significantly associated with two and three-vessel disease, while normal ECG was more associated with LCX involvement or normal angiogram. Admission ECG did not impact secondary outcomes.

Cardiovascular risk factor burden in Africa and the Middle East: the Africa Middle East Cardiovascular Epidemiological (ACE) study

BACKGROUND

Increased urbanization in the developing world parallels a rising burden of chronic diseases. Developing countries account for ∼ 80% of global cardiovascular (CV) deaths, but contribute a paucity of systematic epidemiological data on CV risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of CV risk factors in rural and urban cohorts attending general practice clinics in the Africa and Middle East (AfME) region.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional epidemiological study, the presence of CV risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus (diabetes), dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking and abdominal obesity) were evaluated in stable adult outpatients attending general practice primary care clinics. A rural population was defined as isolated (>50 km or lack of easy access to commuter transportation) from urban centers.

RESULTS

4,378 outpatients were systematically recruited from 94 clinics across 14 AfME countries. Mean age was 46 ± 14 years and 52% of outpatients were female. A high prevalence of dyslipidemia (70%) and abdominal obesity (68%) were observed, followed by hypertension (43%) and diabetes (25%). The vast majority of outpatients (92%) had at least one modifiable CV risk factor, many (74%) had more than one, and half (53%) had 3 or more. These findings were observed in both genders and across urban and rural centers. Among outpatients with pre-existing hypertension or dyslipidemia, many were not at their target blood pressure or LDL-cholesterol goals.

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent among relatively young, stable outpatients attending general practice clinics across AfME. The findings support opportunistic screening for CV risk factors whenever outpatients visit a general practitioner and provide an opportunity for early identification and management of CV risk factors, including lifestyle interventions.

Usefulness of positron emission tomography in predicting long-term outcome in patients with diabetes mellitus and ischemic left ventricular dysfunction

We assessed the value of positron emission tomography to predict long-term outcome in patients with diabetes and ischemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Circumferential profiles of nitrogen-13 ammonia (NH3) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptakes were obtained in 61 patients who had diabetes and ischemic LV dysfunction. Patient profiles were compared with those from a normal database. NH3 and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose defect sizes and extent of perfusion-metabolism mismatch (percentage of myocardium with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake minus NH3 uptake >2 SD above the normal difference) were determined. Patients were followed every 6 months. Over a mean follow-up of 4.3 years, cardiac death occurred in 52% of patients who underwent revascularization and 61% of those who underwent medical therapy (p = 0.69). No clinical or imaging variables predicted cardiac death in patients who underwent revascularization. In those who received medical therapy, mismatch in > or =3% of the left ventricle (risk ratio 4.0, p = 0.01) was the only multivariate predictor of cardiac death. Revascularization improved survival of patients who had mismatch of > or =3% at 4 years (p = 0.003) and at 8 years (p = 0.012) of follow-up. Patients who had mismatch > or =3% and ejection fraction <30% had the greatest improvement in survival with revascularization compared with medical therapy (p <0.0001). Revascularization also improved 4-year survival of patients who had NH3 perfusion defects of > or =25% of the left ventricle (p = 0.02). In conclusion, mismatch identifies medically treated patients who have diabetes and LV dysfunction, who are at high risk for cardiac death. Intermediate- and long-term survival of patients who have diabetes and mismatch may be improved with revascularization, and those who have significant mismatch and severe LV dysfunction have the greatest benefit.