Current Problems in Cardiology最新文献

Background

Chronotropic incompetence (ChI) is linked with diminished exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although exercise training has shown potential for improving functional capacity, the exercise modality associated with greater functional and chronotropic response (ChR) is not well-known. Additionally, how the ChR from different exercise modalities mediates functional improvement remains to be determined. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different exercise programs over current guideline recommendations on peak oxygen consumption (peakVO₂) in patients with ChI HFpEF phenotype.

Methods and results

In this randomized clinical trial, 80 stable symptomatic patients with HFpEF and ChI (NYHA class II-III/IV) are randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive: a) a 12-week program of supervised aerobic training (AT), b) AT and low to moderate-intensity strength training, c)AT and moderate to high-intensity strength training, or d) guideline-based physical activity and exercise recommendations. The primary endpoint is 12-week changes in peakVO₂. The secondary endpoints are 12-week changes in ChR, 12-week changes in quality of life, and how ChR changes mediate changes in peakVO₂. A mixed-effects model for repeated measures will be used to compare endpoint changes. The mean age is 75.1 ± 7.2 years, and most patients are women (57.5 %) in New York Heart Association functional class II (68.7 %). The mean peakVO₂, percent of predicted peakVO₂, and ChR are 11.8 ± 2.6 mL/kg/min, 67.2 ± 14.7 %, and 0.39 ± 0.16, respectively. No significant baseline clinical differences between arms are found.

Conclusions

Training-HR will evaluate the effects of different exercise-based therapies on peakVO₂, ChR, and quality of life in patients with ChI HFpEF phenotype.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05649787).

Background

Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors (SMuRF) such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking have long been established in the etiology of atherosclerotic disease. We evaluate in-hospital outcomes of female STEMI patients without these risk factors.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample databases (2016 to 2021) were queried to identify STEMI admissions as a principal diagnosis using ICD 10 codes. Patients with a history of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, coronary bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, cocaine abuse, and spontaneous coronary dissection and males were excluded from our study population. A final study population aged >18 years was divided into cohorts of SMuRF and SMuRF-less based on the presence of ≥1 risk factor. Multivariate logistic regression model adjusting for baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes are STEMI-related complications and the use of mechanical circulatory support devices.

Results

200,980 patients were identified. 187,776 (93.4 %) patients were identified as having ≥1 SMuRF, and 13,205 (6.6 %) patients were SMuRF-less. Compared to SMuRF patients, SMuRF-less patients are more likely to be white (75.6 % vs. 73.1 %, p < 0.01) and older median age (69 years [IQR: 58–78] vs 67 years [IQR: 57–81], p < 0.01). In comparing co-morbidities, SMuRF-less patients were less likely to have heart failure (28.0 % vs. 23.4 %, p < 0.01), atrial fibrillation/flutter (16.1 % vs. 14.6 %, p = 0.03), chronic pulmonary disease (18.9 % vs. 9.5 %, p < 0.01), obesity (20.7 % vs. 9.2 %, p < 0.01) and aortic disease (1.1 % vs. 0.6 %, p < 0.01). They were however more likely to have dementia (6.9 % vs. 5.7 %, p < 0.01). In evaluating outcomes, SMuRF-less patients had higher in-hospital mortality (aOR 3.2 [95 % CI, 2.9–3.6]; p < 0.01), acute heart failure (aOR 1.6 [95 % CI, 1.4–1.8]; p < 0.01), acute kidney injury (aOR 1.8 [95 % CI, 1.7–2.1]; p < 0.01), and Intra-aortic balloon pump (aOR 1.7 [95 % CI, 1.5–1.9]; p < 0.01). Predictors of higher mortality in SMuRF-less patients include chronic liver disease (OR 6.8, CI 2.4–19.4, p < 0.01), and Hispanic race (OR 1.62, CI 1.1–2.5, p < 0.01). We also found that SMuRF-less patients were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (aOR 0.5 [95 % CI, 0.4–0.5]; p < 0.01) and percutaneous coronary intervention (aOR 0.7 [95 % CI, 0.6–0.8]; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Female SMuRF-less patients presenting with STEMI have worse in-hospital outcomes when compared to patients with ≥1SMuRF.

Background

Heart failure (HF) can coexist with atrial fibrillation in up to 60 % of cases, increasing rates of hospitalizations and death. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics, treatment, hospitalization, and mortality of patients with HF and atrial fibrillation based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included patients from an outpatient HF clinic at Medellín (Colombia) between 2020-2022. Patients were classified into two groups according to LVEF: reduced (LVEF≤40 %) and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (LVEF>40 %). The evaluated outcomes were hospitalization and mortality during follow-up. Values for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), LVEF and functional class according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) were also analyzed at admission and during the last follow-up visit.

Results

The study included 185 patients, with 51.9% being male. The median age of the participants was 80 years (interquartile range [IQR] 74 - 86). There was an overall improvement in the NYHA functional class, BNP levels, and LVEF compared with the baseline values, irrespective of left systolic function. Atrial fibrillation ablation was performed in 3.2 % of patients, and cardiac device implantation with atrioventricular node ablation in 29 %. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of hospitalization and mortality regarding left systolic function.

Conclusion

Compressive optimal treatment for patients with HF and atrial fibrillation requires pharmacological treatment, ablation strategies, cardiac devices, cardiovascular rehabilitation and close follow-up. In this cohort, hospitalization and mortality rates were similar according to LVEF categories and there was improvement in NYHA functional class and BNP level.

Interventional cardiology is on the cusp of a significant transformation as we approach 2050, driven by emerging trends and groundbreaking technological innovations. This mini review explores the pivotal developments shaping the field, focusing on three key areas: Emerging Trends in Interventional Cardiology, Technological Innovations: The Next Frontier, and the Future Era of Intervention Cardiology from 2024 to 2050. Emerging trends, including advancements in imaging and artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing diagnosis and treatment, allowing for more precise and personalized interventions. Technological innovations, such as robotic-assisted procedures and bioresorbable stents, are redefining the landscape, enhancing procedural accuracy, and expanding access to care through remote interventions. Looking ahead to 2050, we anticipate a future where interventional cardiology is increasingly driven by minimally invasive techniques, AI-driven decision-making, and personalized medicine, offering unprecedented improvements in patient outcomes and reshaping the way cardiovascular diseases are managed.

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and life-threatening disorder characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, leading to right heart failure and reduced exercise capacity. Traditional pharmacological and surgical treatments offer limited efficacy and significant side effects, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic options.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions, including exercise, dietary modifications, and psychosocial therapies, in the management of pulmonary hypertension.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus up to 2024, identifying randomized controlled trials and observational studies examining non-pharmacological interventions for PH. Primary outcomes assessed included pulmonary arterial pressure, right heart function, exercise capacity, and quality of life, with secondary analysis on safety and adverse effects. Data synthesis was performed using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

The review included 30 studies, totaling 2000 participants with various forms of PH. Meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in exercise capacity as measured by the 6 min walk distance (mean increase of 45 meters, 95 % CI: 30-60, p<0.001), enhanced quality of life scores, and reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure (mean reduction of 5 mmHg, 95 % CI: 3-7, p<0.01). Non-pharmacological therapies also showed a favorable safety profile, with minor adverse effects reported.

Conclusion

Non-pharmacological interventions provide a viable and effective complement to traditional treatments for pulmonary hypertension, significantly improving functional capacity and hemodynamic parameters without severe adverse effects. These findings support the integration of tailored non-pharmacological strategies into the therapeutic regimen for PH patients, emphasizing the need for broader implementation and further research to optimize intervention protocols.

Background and Objectives

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for managing conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and post-COVID-19 complications. This review examines CR practices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, exploring challenges, disparities, and emerging trends.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies published between date of inception and April 24th, 2024, focusing on CR programs, outcomes, challenges, and strategies specific to the MENA region. Data extraction included study design, population characteristics, CR interventions, and key findings.

Results

CR programs in the MENA region vary widely in scope and execution. While efforts are underway to integrate CR services into national healthcare policies, significant challenges persist, including limited infrastructure, shortages of trained professionals, and cultural barriers. Emerging trends include the use of telehealth and digital monitoring tools to expand access to CR services and policy reforms aimed at improving service delivery and patient access.

Conclusion

CR plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life and health outcomes for cardiopulmonary patients, including those in the MENA region. However, significant challenges hinder the widespread adoption and effectiveness of CR programs. Addressing these challenges requires efforts to increase public education, reduce costs, expand funding, and enhance interprofessional collaboration. Future research should assess virtual rehabilitation, cultural adjustments, and long-term outcomes to tailor interventions to MENA's needs, ultimately enhancing CR accessibility and patient outcomes.