Improved Right Ventricular Systolic Function After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure

BackgroundSince the introduction of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) to improve left ventricular function, the effect of CRT on the right ventricle in patients with heart failure has not been well described.MethodsWe evaluated the effect of CRT on right ventricular systolic function in 20 patients (80% men; mean [SD] age, 58.5 [9.8] y) with cardiomyopathy and right ventricular systolic dysfunction (New York Heart Association class III or IV, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, and QRS interval ≥120 ms). The median follow-up time was 15 months. Right ventricular systolic function, defined as a tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) index of 16 mm or less, was evaluated in patients before and after CRT.ResultsTwelve (60%) patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy, and 12 (60%) patients had left bundle branch block detected using surface electrocardiogram. The mean (SD) QRS duration was 160.5 (24.4) ms. From before CRT to the time of follow-up after CRT, the mean (SD) ejection fraction increased significantly from 22.5% (5.6%) to 29.4% (7.4%) (P < .001). The mean (SD) TAPSE index also increased significantly from 13.70 (1.78) mm to 16.50 (4.77) mm (P = .018). Eleven (55%) patients showed improved right ventricular systolic function (TAPSE ≥16 mm) after CRT. Patients with a favorable right ventricular response to CRT were significantly older (64.6 [8.2] y vs 53.6 [8.4] y, respectively) and more likely to have nonischemic origin of cardiomyopathy than were patients with unimproved right ventricular function (66.7% vs 18.2%, respectively).ConclusionOur findings indicate that CRT is associated with improved right ventricular systolic function in patients with heart failure and right ventricular systolic dysfunction. Patients with nonischemic heart disease more often show improved right ventricular function after CRT.     

Dietary Habits are Related to Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Awaiting Heart Transplantation

BackgroundEmpirical evidence supporting the benefits of dietary recommendations for patients with advanced heart failure is scarce. We prospectively evaluated the relation of dietary habits to pre-transplant clinical outcomes in the multisite observational Waiting for a New Heart Study.Methods and ResultsA total of 318 heart transplant candidates (82% male, age 53 ± 11 years) completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (foods high in salt, saturated fats, poly-/monounsaturated fats [PUFA+MUFA], fruit/vegetables/legumes, and fluid intake) at time of waitlisting. Cox proportional hazard models controlling for heart failure severity (eg, Heart Failure Survival Score, creatinine) estimated cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) associated with each dietary habit individually, and with all dietary habits entered simultaneously. During follow-up (median 338 days, range 13–1,394), 54 patients died, 151 received transplants (110 in high-urgency status, 41 electively), and 45 became delisted (15 deteriorated, 30 improved). Two robust findings emerged: Frequent intake of salty foods, which correlated positively with saturated fat and fluid intake, was associated with transplantation in high-urgency status (HR 2.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–5.42); and frequent intake of foods rich in PUFA+MUFA reduced the risk for death/deterioration (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26–0.92).ConclusionsThese results support the importance of dietary habits for the prognosis of patients listed for heart transplantation, independently from heart failure severity.     

Low Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Ambulatory Patients With Advanced Heart Failure

BackgroundThe pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is a composite measure of right heart function, and low PAPi is associated with increased likelihood of mortality in patients hospitalized with cardiogenic shock. Our aim was to determine how PAPi correlates with other measures of right heart function and whether PAPi is associated with outcomes in ambulatory outpatients with advanced heart failure.MethodsWe assessed 673 consecutive ambulatory outpatients for heart transplantation over 10 years. The median age was 52 years, 72% were male, and dilated cardiomyopathy was the most common cause. All patients underwent detailed assessment, including right heart catheterization, and PAPi was calculated. The coprimary endpoints were death, urgent heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support.ResultsMedian PAPi was 2.2 (interquartile range 1.42–3.62), and variation was predominantly due to variation in right atrial pressure. PAPi was well correlated with the right atrial pressure to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio (rho –0.766) but less well correlated with the right ventricular stroke work index (rho 0.561) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (rho 0.292). Patients in the lowest PAPi quartile (0.16–1.41) had lower event-free survival at 1 year (68.7%) and 3 years (45.6%) compared with all other PAPi quartiles (log rank P = 0.0286).ConclusionsPAPi offers a composite measure of right heart function that differs from other right heart catheter or echocardiographic measures. A PAPi of less than 1.41 is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in ambulatory outpatients with advanced heart failure.     

In-Hospital Weight Loss and Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure

BackgroundAcute decompensation of heart failure (HF) is often marked by fluid retention, and weight loss is a marker of successful diuresis. We examined the relationship between in-hospital weight loss and post-discharge outcomes in patients with HF.MethodsWe conducted a propensity score-matched study of 8830 patients hospitalized for decompensated HF in the Medicare-linked Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure (OPTIMIZE-HF) registry, in which 4415 patients in the weight-loss group and 4415 patients in the no-weight-loss group were balanced on 75 baseline characteristics. We defined weight loss as an admission-to-discharge weight loss of 1–30 kilograms, and we defined no weight loss as a weight gain or loss of < 1 kilogram. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes associated with weight loss were estimated.ResultsPatients had a mean age of 78 years, 57% were women, and 11% were African American. The median weight loss in the weight-loss group was 3.6 (interquartile range, 2.0–6.0) kilograms. HRs and 95% CIs for 30-day all-cause mortality, all-cause readmission and HF readmission associated with weight loss were 0.75 (0.63–0.90), 0.90 (0.83–0.99) and 0.83 (0.72–0.96), respectively. Respective 60-day HRs (95% CIs) were 0.80 (0.70–0.92), 0.91 (0.85–0.98) and 0.88 (0.79–0.98). These associations were attenuated and lost significance during 6 months of follow-up.ConclusionsAmong older patients hospitalized for decompensated HF, in-hospital weight loss was associated with a lower risk of mortality and hospital readmission. These findings suggest that in-hospital weight loss, a marker of successful diuresis and decongestion, is also a marker of improved clinical outcomes.     

Sex Differences in Left Ventricular Cavity Dilation and Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Background

In this study we evaluated the influence of sex on the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) with a reduced ejection fraction (EF).

Diabetes Mellitus in Advanced Heart Failure

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is associated with increased rates of mortality in patients with less severe (stage C) heart failure (HF). The prevalence of diabetes and its complications in advanced (stage D) HF and their contributions to mortality risk are unknown.Methods and ResultsWe conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study of all adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, who had advanced HF between 2007 and 2017. Patients with diabetes were identified by using the criteria of the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set. Diabetes complications were captured by using the Diabetes Complications Severity Index. Of 936 patients with advanced HF, 338 (36.1%) had diabetes. Overall, median survival time after development of advanced HF was 13.1 (3.9–33.1) months; mortality did not vary by diabetes status (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.90–1.25; P = 0.45) or by glycated hemoglobin levels in those with diabetes (aHR 1.01 per 1% increase, 95% CI 0.93–1.10; P = 0.82). However, patients with diabetes and 4 (aHR 1.24, 95% CI 0.92–1.67) or 5–7 (aHR 1.49, 95% CI 1.09–2.03) diabetes complications were at increased risk of mortality compared to those with ≤ 3 complications.ConclusionsMore than one-third of patients with advanced HF have diabetes. In advanced HF, overall prognosis is poor, but we found no evidence that diabetes is associated with a significantly higher mortality risk.     

National Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Cancer and Comorbid Heart Failure

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) and cancer are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. Due to overlapping risk factors, these two conditions often coexist.MethodsWe sought to describe the national burden of HF for hospitalized patients with cancer. We identified adults admitted with a primary oncologic diagnosis in 2014 included in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Patient hospitalizations were divided based on presence or absence of comorbid HF. Primary outcomes included cost, length of stay (LOS), and inpatient mortality. Logistic regression analysis with cluster adjustment was performed to determine predictors of inpatient mortality.ResultsThere were 834,900 admissions for a primary oncologic diagnosis in patients without comorbid HF, and 64,740 (7.2%) admissions for patients with comorbid HF. Patients with HF were on average older and had more comorbidities. Patients with HF had significantly higher mean hospitalization cost ($22,571 vs $20,234, p-value <0.001), age-standardized LOS (12.7 vs 8.2 days, p-value <0.001), and age-standardized inpatient mortality (12.2% vs 4.5%, p-value <0.001). Presence of HF predicted inpatient mortality after adjusting for age, race, insurance payer, and comorbidity index (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-20, p-value = 0.002).ConclusionPatients with cancer hospitalized with comorbid HF represent a high-risk population with increased costs and high inpatient mortality rates. More data is needed to determine what screening and treatment measures may improve outcomes     

Heart Failure Epidemiology in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Without Coronary Heart Disease

Background

Epidemiology of patients with comorbid heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) without coronary heart disease (CHD) is not well described.

Activities of Daily Living and Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure

BackgroundFunctional debility is associated with worse outcomes in the general heart failure population, but the prevalence of difficulty with activities of daily living and clinical significance once patients develop advanced heart failure requires further examination.MethodsThis was a population-based, retrospective cohort study of Olmsted County, Minnesota adults with advanced heart failure from 2007-2018. Difficulty with 9 activities of daily living was assessed by questionnaire. Predictors of difficulty were assessed by a proportional odds model. Associations of difficulty with activities of daily living with mortality and hospitalization were examined using Cox and Andersen-Gill models.ResultsAmong 765 patients with advanced heart failure, 565 (73.9%) reported difficulty with activities of daily living at diagnosis. Of those, 257 (45%) had moderate and 148 (26%) had severe difficulty. Independent predictors of difficulty included female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-2.36; P = .001), older age (OR per 10-year increase 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.31; P = .005), dementia (OR 1.85; 95% CI, 1.06-3.24; P = .031), depression (OR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.28-2.40; P = .001), and morbid obesity (OR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.04-2.13; P = .031). Estimated 2-year mortality was 61.5%, 64.2%, and 67.6% in patients with no/minimal, moderate, and severe difficulty, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for death were 1.08 (0.90-1.28) and 1.17 (0.95-1.43) for moderate and severe difficulty, respectively, vs no/minimal difficulty (P = .33). There were no statistically significant associations of difficulty with activities of daily living and hospitalization risks.ConclusionsMost patients with advanced heart failure have difficulty completing activities of daily living and are at high risk of mortality regardless of impairment in activities of daily living.     

Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure Due to Systolic Dysfunction and Sinus Rhythm: Analysis of REDINSCOR Registry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm without conditions such as atrial fibrillation, thrombus or history of thromboembolic events, the use of anticoagulation is controversial. Our objective was to evaluate the anticoagulation strategy in these patients, variables associated with its use, and its effects on various cardiovascular events. METHODS: Of the patients included in the REDINSCOR registry with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm without other anticoagulation indications (including patients with heart failure from 19 Spanish centres), we compared those who received this treatment with the remaining patients. RESULTS: Between 2007 and 2010, 2263 patients were included, of whom 902 had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm. Of these, 237 (26%) were receiving anticoagulation therapy. Variables associated with this treatment were a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, ischemic etiology, advanced functional class, wider QRS, larger left atrial diameter, and hospitalization. After 21(11-32) months of median follow-up, there were no significant differences in total mortality (14% versus 12.5%) or stroke (0.8% versus 0.9%). A propensity score adjusted multivariate analysis showed a reduction in a combined end-point including cardiac death, heart transplantation, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio: 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.97; P=.03) in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. No information regarding bleeding was collected in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In a large and contemporary series of patients with heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and sinus rhythm, 26% received anticoagulation therapy. This was not associated with lower mortality or stroke incidence, although there was a reduction in major cardiac events. Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org.     

Antithrombotic Therapy for Stroke Prevention in Patients With Heart Failure

OPINION STATEMENT: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke mainly due stasis leading to increased risk of thrombus formation in the left ventricle and subsequent cerebral embolism. CHF patients are also at increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) that also leads to cerebral embolism. Aggressive medical management to prevent cardiac decompensation and maintain sinus rhythm is indicated in CHF patients. All patients with CHF and AF should be anticoagulated with warfarin or one of the newer oral anticoagulants. There is no clear indication for anticoagulation in CHF patients due to ischemic cardiomyopathy who are in sinus rhythm. Based on data from the WARCEF study (see below), those patients with CHF due to non-ischemic etiologies who are in sinus rhythm and have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 30?% to 35?% may benefit from warfarin for the reduction of ischemic stroke risk, but warfarin does not increase survival. Whether warfarin is particularly beneficial for CHF patients who have a prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is unknown. If, however, there is high enough suspicion that the stroke was of cardioembolic origin in patients with low LVEF, then anticoagulation would possibly be a reasonable option for prevention of recurrent stroke or TIA. Warfarin is indicated for stroke prophylaxis among those CHF patients who have an implanted mechanical device. The role of newer anticoagulants in patients with CHF who do not have AF is unknown at this time. Theoretically, there should be no reason against using these agents in place of warfarin in selected patients, particularly those with highly variable International Normalized Ratios (INR) in the context of warfarin therapy, but the newer anticoagulants have not yet been studied among CHF patients without concomitant AF.