Current Problems in Cardiology最新文献

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.

Background and aims

There is a gap in knowledge about implementing diagnostic tools and therapy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in clinical practice. This survey aimed to assess real-world practice in HFpEF diagnosis and treatment in the international medical community.

Methods

An independent academic web-based 29-question survey was designed by a group of heart failure specialists and posted by email and through scientific societies and social networks to a broad community of physicians worldwide.

Results

1.460 physicians from 95 countries answered the survey, with a mean age of 42.2±10.4 years, 39.4 % females, and 85.1 % were cardiologists. The left ventricular ejection fraction cut-off value selected for HFpEF diagnosis was 50 % for 89 % of participants. The scores for the probability of diagnosis of HFpEF were used only by 47.2 %, and H2FPEF was the most used score (31 %). Natriuretic peptides were used by 87.4 % of participants for the diagnostic workup, while the diastolic stress test was only used by 26.2 %. 54.4 % of participants chose SGLT2 inhibitors as their first drug treatment, followed by diuretics (18.6 %) and ACE inhibitors (8.4 %).

Conclusions

In an international academic survey on HFpEF management, the criteria for screening and diagnosis of HFpEF patients remain aligned with classic international guidelines with a low use of diagnostic scores. SGLT2i is the leading therapeutic drug class used for this heterogeneous patient population. These results raise the need to improve education and awareness on diagnosing and managing HFpEF patients.

Aims

Sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2-i) improve outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, evidence in patients with advanced HF is lacking. We aimed to determine the effect of SGLT2-i in advanced HFrEF compared to their effect on a non-advanced population.

Methods

Consecutive HFrEF outpatients who started SGLT2-i were observed for 6-months. Patients were categorized as having advanced or non-advanced HFrEF. The primary outcome was the trend of NTproBNP in the two groups. Secondary outcomes included changes in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and ejection fraction (LVEF). The association between advanced HF diagnosis and including N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) reduction was tested using multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall, 105 patients (45 advanced, 60 non-advanced) were included. Mean age was 56 ± 10 years, 22 % were female, and 35 % had ischemic heart disease. Median NTproBNP at baseline for advanced and non-advanced patients was 1672pg/ml (IQR 520-3320) vs. 481 pg/ml (IQR 173-917), respectively (p < 0.001). At follow-up, only non-advanced patients reduced their NTproBNP (-32 % (95 % CI -51 to -3), p < 0.001), while advanced patients had an increase in NTproBNP. LVEF and NYHA class improved only in non-advanced patients. GFR was stable in both subgroups. At multivariate analysis a diagnosis of advanced HF was independently associated with a reduced probability of NTproBNP reduction (OR 0.041 (95 % CI 0.002-0.752), p = 0.031). Only one patient discontinued the drug due to side effects.

Conclusion

In advanced HFrEF, SGLT2-i do not impact on NTproBNP, LVEF or NYHA class but are well tolerated.