Thyroid Hormones and Cardiovascular Function and Diseases

Thyroid hormone (TH) receptors are present in the myocardium and vascular tissue, and minor alterations in TH concentration can affect cardiovascular (CV) physiology. The potential mechanisms that link CV disease with thyroid dysfunction are endothelial dysfunction, changes in blood pressure, myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and dyslipidemia. In addition, cardiac disease itself may lead to alterations in TH concentrations (notably, low triiodothyronine syndrome) that are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Experimental data and small clinical trials have suggested a beneficial role of TH in ameliorating CV disease. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians dealing with CV conditions with an overview of the current knowledge of TH perturbations in CV disease.     

Propranolol Versus Metoprolol for Treatment of Electrical Storm in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Background

Electrical storm (ES), characterized by unrelenting recurrences of ventricular arrhythmias, is observed in approximately 30% of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and is associated with high mortality rates.

Nocturnal autonomic nervous system activity and morning proinflammatory cytokines in young adult African Americans

Compromised sleep and increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity are implicated in the pathogenesis of, and disparities in, cardiovascular disease. Parasympathetic dominance during sleep may be important for cardiovascular health. Sleep and autonomic balance influence immune activity, which impacts atherogenesis. We evaluated relationships between autonomic balance during sleep and morning levels of the immune activating cytokines, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)‐6. Ninety‐four (59 female) young adult African Americans without medical conditions and substance use disorders spent 2 consecutive nights in a clinical research unit for sleep recordings and blood drawing on awakening. Cardiac tracings from the second sleep recording were analysed for heart rate variability (HRV). Body mass index was the only non‐HRV measure correlated with cytokine levels. Indicators of SNS activity for the presleep, and first non‐rapid eye movement (REM) and REM sleep periods were correlated independently with morning IL‐6 levels. Altered autonomic balance during sleep may be a modifiable factor that influences immune activation.     

Development of a Risk Score Based on Aortic Calcification to Predict 1-Year Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a new scoring system based on thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) to predict 1-year cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

Cardiovascular Risks of Probenecid Versus Allopurinol in Older Patients With Gout

Background

Patients with gout are at an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and heart failure (HF).

Accuracy of multi-slice computed tomography for measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction compared with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) allows non-invasive assessment of the coronary arteries and simultaneously can provide measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The accuracy of newer MSCT generations (64-slice or more) for assessment of LVEF compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has not been evaluated in a meta-analysis.

Purpose

To evaluate, via a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, whether MSCT can assess LVEF with high accuracy compared with MRI and TTE.

Methods

Electronic databases and reference lists for relevant published studies were searched. Twenty-seven eligible studies provided mean LVEF% with its standard deviation (SD) measured by MSCT versus MRI and TTE. Meta-analysis of weighted mean difference (WMD) and Bland–Altman method were used to quantify the mean difference and agreement between MSCT compared with MRI and TTE.

Results

The results of combining 12 studies showed no significant difference in LVEF% between MSCT and MRI with a WMD of −0.11 (−1.48, 1.26, 95% CI), p = 0.88. Bland–Altman analysis showed excellent agreement between MSCT and MRI with a bias of 0.0 (−3.7, 3.7 ± 1.96SD) with 95% CI. The results of combining 15 studies showed no significant difference in LVEF between MSCT versus TTE measurements with a WMD of 0.19 (−1.13 to 1.50; 95% CI), p = 0.87. Bland–Altman analysis showed excellent agreement between MSCT and TTE with a bias of 0.3 (−4.7, 5.7 ± 1.96SD) with 95% CI.

Conclusion

The newer MSCT generations can provide accurate LVEF measurement compared to MRI and TTE. MSCT represents a valid technique for the combined evaluation of LVEF and coronary artery disease.     

Patient activation with respect to advanced heart failure therapy in patients over age 65 years

Background

Clinical and ethical issues persist in determining candidacy for advanced heart failure (HF) therapies in elderly patients. Selection takes many factors into account, including “activation” (engagement and ability to self-manage).

Usefulness of NTproBNP in the emergency management of patients with severe dyspnea and an uncertain heart failure diagnosis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) helps in diagnosing heart failure (HF). The test's usefulness may be greatest in patients with severe dyspnea of uncertain origin. However, NTproBNP has not been evaluated specifically in this setting. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This prospective emergency department study included 70 patients with shortness of breath at rest as their chief complaint. In the attending physician's opinion, both HF and a non-cardiac cause were equally probable. Blinded NTproBNP measurement was carried out in blood samples collected on admission. Patients were monitored and their final diagnoses were based on clinical findings, therapeutic responses, and cardiac and noncardiac tests performed during hospitalization. RESULTS: The NTproBNP level was higher in the 49 patients (70%) with a final diagnosis of HF (P = .006); the area under the ROC curve was 0.72 (0.60-0.82). The optimum diagnostic cut-off value was 900 pg/mL, which had an accuracy of 87%, a sensitivity of 98%, and a negative predictive value of 92%. The NTproBNP level was significantly higher in the 6 patients (9%) who died during hospitalization (P = .009); the area under the ROC curve was 0.87 (0.76-0.93) and the optimum cut-off value for predicting death was 5500 pg/mL, which had an accuracy of 77%, a sensitivity of 100%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 4.2. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with severe dyspnea and an uncertain diagnosis of HF, an NTproBNP level < 900 pg/mL helps exclude the presence of HF, whereas a NTproBNP level > 5500 pg/mL identifies patients at an increased risk of death.