European Society of Cardiology quality indicators update for the care and outcomes of adults with heart failure. The Heart Failure Association of the ESC.

AIMS: To update the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the care and outcomes of adults with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Working Group comprised experts in heart failure including members of the ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines Task Force for heart failure, members of the Heart Failure Association, and a patient representative. We followed the ESC methodology for QI development. The 2023 focused guideline update was reviewed to assess the suitability of the recommendations with strongest association with benefit and harm against the ESC criteria for QIs. All the new proposed QIs were individually graded by each panellist via online questionnaires for both validity and feasibility. The existing heart failure QIs also underwent voting to 'keep', 'remove' or 'modify'. Five domains of care for the management of heart failure were identified: (1) structural QIs, (2) patient assessment, (3) initial treatment, (4) therapy optimization, and (5) patient health-related quality of life. In total, 14 'main' and 3 'secondary' QIs were selected across the five domains. CONCLUSION: This document provides an update of the previously published ESC QIs for heart failure to ensure that these measures are aligned with contemporary evidence. The QIs may be used to quantify adherence to clinical practice as recommended in guidelines to improve the care and outcomes of patients with heart failure.

Right heart failure with left ventricular assist devices: Preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management strategies. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC.

Right heart failure (RHF) following implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a common and potentially serious condition with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations with an unfavourable effect on patient outcomes. Clinical scores that predict the occurrence of right ventricular (RV) failure have included multiple clinical, biochemical, imaging and haemodynamic parameters. However, unless the right ventricle is overtly dysfunctional with end-organ involvement, prediction of RHF post-LVAD implantation is, in most cases, difficult and inaccurate. For these reasons optimization of RV function in every patient is a reasonable practice aiming at preparing the right ventricle for a new and challenging haemodynamic environment after LVAD implantation. To this end, the institution of diuretics, inotropes and even temporary mechanical circulatory support may improve RV function, thereby preparing it for a better adaptation post-LVAD implantation. Furthermore, meticulous management of patients during the perioperative and immediate postoperative period should facilitate identification of RV failure refractory to medication. When RHF occurs late during chronic LVAD support, this is associated with worse long-term outcomes. Careful monitoring of RV function and characterization of the origination deficit should therefore continue throughout the patient's entire follow-up. Despite the useful information provided by the echocardiogram with respect to RV function, right heart catheterization frequently offers additional support for the assessment and optimization of RV function in LVAD-supported patients. In any patient candidate for LVAD therapy, evaluation and treatment of RV function and failure should be assessed in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary manner.

Abdominal Congestion as a Predictor of Worsening Renal Function in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

Background: Worsening renal function is a frequent finding in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and is a powerful independent prognostic factor for adverse outcomes. The link between abdominal congestion and worsening renal function in such patients is not yet fully addressed. Objective: To evaluate the role of abdominal congestion in the early prediction of worsening renal function in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Methods: This was a prospective study that enrolled 100 patients with a diagnosis of ADHF and received intravenous diuretic therapy. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), splenic Doppler impedance indices and serum prouroguanylin were measured on admission, 24 h after admission and on discharge. Patients were then divided into 2 groups: those who developed WRF (WRF group), and those who did not (non-WRF group). Worsening renal function was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level ≥0.3 mg/dL above baseline admission value. Intrabdominal pressure was measured transvesically using standard Foley catheter. Splenic Doppler impedance indices (resistivity and pulsatility indices) were measured using splenic Doppler ultrasound. Results: Among recruited patients (age: 54.73 ± 13.1 years, 72% are male), there was a significant decline in IAP (6.67 mmHg vs 8.36 mmHg, p = 0.001) and significant rise in splenic resistivity index (0.69 vs 0.67, p = 0.002) before discharge compared to admission values. The median level of serum prouroguanylin before discharge showed significant decline compared to admission level (29.2 vs 34.6 ng/l, p = 0.006). WRF developed in 37 (37%) patients. Independent predictors of WRF during hospitalization were high splenic arterial resistivity index 24 h after admission, high intra-abdominal pressure (≥8 mmHg) 24 h after admission, and low LVEF on admission. Conclusion: In ADHF patients receiving diuretic therapy, transvesical measurement of intra-abdominal pressure and splenic resistivity index by splenic Doppler early after admission can help to identify patients at increased risk of WRF near discharge.

Adult vaccination against respiratory infections in Egypt: a review of expert opinions.

INTRODUCTION: Lower respiratory tract infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world, with a substantial impact on healthcare costs. In Egypt, local consensus on its burden, diagnosis, and vaccination is scarce. This expert opinion is the first to address the local recommendations for vaccinating adults against respiratory infection. It sheds light on the growing need to understand the barriers and underpublicized concept of adult vaccination in Egypt. AREAS COVERED: A collaborative multidisciplinary panel from Egypt developed an expert opinion-based suggestions/points, including epidemiology, microbiology, and highlights on vaccination in Egypt, as well as challenges and recommendations regarding adult vaccination. EXPERT OPINION: Adult vaccinations against respiratory infections are now recommended for high-risk people by all healthcare regulatory bodies. However, it was acknowledged that there may be hesitancy and concerns among patients; in addition, healthcare professionals' awareness about vaccination guidelines and benefits needs improvement. There are several strategies that could be implemented to enhance vaccine adherence in Egypt. These approaches encompass conducting community education programs, addressing the concerns of patients, and enhancing awareness among healthcare professionals through education, policy changes, and periodical reminders in each healthcare setting.

Differences in presentation, diagnosis and management of heart failure in women. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC.

Despite the progress in the care of individuals with heart failure (HF), important sex disparities in knowledge and management remain, covering all the aspects of the syndrome, from aetiology and pathophysiology to treatment. Important distinctions in phenotypic presentation are widely known, but the mechanisms behind these differences are only partially defined. The impact of sex-specific conditions in the predisposition to HF has gained progressive interest in the HF community. Under-recruitment of women in large randomized clinical trials has continued in the more recent studies despite epidemiological data no longer reporting any substantial difference in the lifetime risk and prognosis between sexes. Target dose of medications and criteria for device eligibility are derived from studies with a large predominance of men, whereas specific information in women is lacking. The present scientific statement encompasses the whole scenario of available evidence on sex-disparities in HF and aims to define the most challenging and urgent residual gaps in the evidence for the scientific and clinical HF communities.

How to tackle therapeutic inertia in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC.

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) reduces morbidity and mortality, but its implementation is often poor in daily clinical practice. Barriers to implementation include clinical and organizational factors that might contribute to clinical inertia, i.e. avoidance/delay of recommended treatment initiation/optimization. The spectrum of strategies that might be applied to foster GDMT implementation is wide, and involves the organizational set-up of heart failure care pathways, tailored drug initiation/optimization strategies increasing the chance of successful implementation, digital tools/telehealth interventions, educational activities and strategies targeting patient/physician awareness, and use of quality registries. This scientific statement by the Heart Failure Association of the ESC provides an overview of the current state of GDMT implementation in HFrEF, clinical and organizational barriers to implementation, and aims at suggesting a comprehensive framework on how to overcome clinical inertia and ultimately improve implementation of GDMT in HFrEF based on up-to-date evidence.

Assessing and improving radiation safety in cardiac catheterization: a study from Cairo University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Catheter laboratories are high-radiation exposure environments, especially during X-ray procedures like percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and electrophysiological studies. Radiation exposure poses risks of stochastic (e.g., cancer) and deterministic (e.g., skin changes) effects. This study assessed radiation safety and health practices in a cardiac catheterization unit to optimize radiation safety. A cross-sectional study in Cairo University Hospital (March-September 2019) evaluated 700 patients and healthcare workers. Real-time radiation measurements, educational lectures, and radiation protection measures were implemented in three phases. Data on radiation exposure, procedures, and compliance were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The total procedure time and fluoroscopy time per cardiologist did not significantly differ between phases, but there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean total cumulative radiation doses between Phase I and Phase III for cardiologists (P = 0.013). Among nurses and technicians, there was no significant difference in radiation doses between the two phases. Significant correlations were found between operators' radiation doses, procedure time, and fluoroscopy time. Patients' radiation doses decreased significantly from Phase I to Phase III, with correlations between dose, procedure time, and gender. Compliance with radiation protection measures was suboptimal. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with radiation safety standards in the cardiac catheterization unit at the Cairo University Hospital needs improvement. The study highlights the importance of adhering to radiation safety principles and optimizing protective measures to reduce radiation exposure for both patients and healthcare personnel. Despite low compliance, significant reductions in radiation doses were achieved with increased awareness and adherence to specific protection measures. Future efforts should focus on enhancing radiation safety protocols and organ-specific radiation impact assessments.

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular outcomes, including angina, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary artery calcification (CAC), myocardial infarction (MI), and calcified coronary plaques. METHODS: A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, was conducted up to January 2023. Studies were included investigating the relationship between NAFLD and cardiovascular outcomes in adult populations. Exclusion criteria were studies on animals, pediatric populations, and those not published in English. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 32 studies with a total of 5,610,990 participants. NAFLD demonstrated significant associations with increased risks of angina (Relative Risk (RR): 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.79), CAD (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.38), CAC >0 (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.69), and calcified coronary plaques (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.27). However, no significant association was found between NAFLD and CAC >100 (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.38) or MI (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.16, 18.32). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between NAFLD and cardiovascular outcomes independent of conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and proper management of NAFLD.

Expert Recommendations to Bridge Gaps in Heart Failure Patient Support in the Middle East and Africa Region.

Heart failure (HF) remains a serious health and socioeconomic problem in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). The age-standardized prevalence rate for HF in the MEA region is higher compared to countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Also cardiovascular-related deaths remain high compared to their global counterparts. Moreover, in MEA, 66% of HF readmissions are elicited by potentially preventable factors, including delay in seeking medical attention, nonadherence to HF medication, suboptimal discharge planning, inadequate follow-up, and poor social support. Patient support in the form of activation, counseling, and caregiver education has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with HF. A multidisciplinary meeting with experts from different countries across the MEA region was convened to identify the current gaps and unmet needs for patient support for HF in the region. The panel provided insights into the real-world challenges in HF patient support and contributed strategic recommendations for optimizing HF care.

Clinical features, socioeconomic status, management, short and long-term outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction: Phase I results of PEACE MENA registry.

BACKGROUND: The Program for the Evaluation and Management of Cardiac Events in the Middle East and North Africa (PEACE MENA) is a prospective registry program in Arabian countries that involves in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS: This prospective, multi-center, multi-country study is the first report of the baseline characteristics and outcomes of inpatients with AMI who were enrolled during the first 14-month recruitment phase. We report the clinical characteristics, socioeconomic, educational levels, and management, in-hospital, one month and one-year outcomes. RESULTS: Between April 2019 and June 2020, 1377 patients with AMI were enrolled (79.1% males) from 16 Arabian countries. The mean age (± SD) was 58 ± 12 years. Almost half of the population had a net income < $500/month, and 40% had limited education. Nearly half of the cohort had a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia; 53% had STEMI, and almost half (49.7%) underwent a primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) (lowest 4.5% and highest 100%). Thrombolytics were used by 36.2%. (Lowest 6.45% and highest (90.9%). No reperfusion occurred in 13.8% of patients (lowest was 0% and highest 72.7%).Primary PCI was performed less frequently in the lower income group vs. high income group (26.3% vs. 54.7%; P<0.001). Recurrent ischemia occurred more frequently in the low-income group (10.9% vs. 7%; P = 0.018). Re-admission occurred in 9% at 1 month and 30% at 1 year, whereas 1-month mortality was 0.7% and 1-year mortality 4.7%. CONCLUSION: In the MENA region, patients with AMI present at a young age and have a high burden of cardiac risk factors. Most of the patients in the registry have a low income and low educational status. There is heterogeneity among key performance indicators of AMI management among various Arabian countries.

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of chronic right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation. A clinical consensus statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) of the ESC.

Right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation are common and strongly associated with poor quality of life and an increased risk of heart failure hospitalizations and death. While medical therapy for right-sided heart failure is limited, treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation include surgery and, based on recent developments, several transcatheter interventions. However, the patients who might benefit from tricuspid valve interventions are yet unknown, as is the ideal time for these treatments given the paucity of clinical evidence. In this context, it is crucial to elucidate aetiology and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to right-sided heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation in order to recognize when tricuspid regurgitation is a mere bystander and when it can cause or contribute to heart failure progression. Notably, early identification of right heart failure and tricuspid regurgitation may be crucial and optimal management requires knowledge about the different mechanisms and causes, clinical course and presentation, as well as possible treatment options. The aim of this clinical consensus statement is to summarize current knowledge about epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of tricuspid regurgitation in right-sided heart failure providing practical suggestions for patient identification and management.

Incidence, risk assessment and prevention of sudden cardiac death in cardiomyopathies.

Cardiomyopathies are a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, mainly due to the development of heart failure and increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Despite improvement in survival with contemporary treatment, SCD remains an important cause of mortality in cardiomyopathies. It occurs at a rate ranging between 0.15% and 0.7% per year (depending on the cardiomyopathy), which significantly surpasses SCD incidence in the age- and sex-matched general population. The risk of SCD is affected by multiple factors including the aetiology, genetic basis, age, sex, physical exertion, the extent of myocardial disease severity, conduction system abnormalities, and electrical instability, as measured by various metrics. Over the past decades, the knowledge on the mechanisms and risk factors for SCD has substantially improved, allowing for a better-informed risk stratification. However, unresolved issues still challenge the guidance of SCD prevention in patients with cardiomyopathies. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth discussion of the contemporary concepts pertinent to understanding the burden, risk assessment and prevention of SCD in cardiomyopathies (dilated, non-dilated left ventricular, hypertrophic, arrhythmogenic right ventricular, and restrictive). The review first focuses on SCD incidence in cardiomyopathies and then summarizes established and emerging risk factors for life-threatening arrhythmias/SCD. Finally, it discusses validated approaches to the risk assessment and evidence-based measures for SCD prevention in cardiomyopathies, pointing to the gaps in evidence and areas of uncertainties that merit future clarification.

Current status of outpatient heart failure management in Egypt and recommendations for the future.

Heart failure (HF) represents one of the greatest healthcare burdens worldwide, and Egypt is no exception. HF healthcare programmes in Egypt still require further optimization to enhance diagnosis and management of the disease. Development of specialized HF clinics (HFCs) and their incorporation in the healthcare system is expected to reduce HF hospitalization and mortality rates and improve quality of care in Egypt. We conducted a literature search on PubMed on the requirements and essential infrastructure of HFCs. Retrieved articles deemed relevant were discussed by a panel of 10 expert cardiologists from Egypt and a basic HFC model for the Egyptian settings was proposed. A multidisciplinary team managing the HFC should essentially be composed of specialized HF cardiologists and nurses, clinical pharmacists, registered nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. Other clinical specialists should be included according to patients' needs and size and structure of individual clinics. HFCs should receive patients referred from primary care settings, emergency care units, and physicians from different specialties. A basic HFC should have the following fundamental investigations available: resting electrocardiogram, basic transthoracic echocardiogram, and testing for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Fundamental patients' functional assessments are assessing the New York Heart Association functional classification and quality of life and conducting the 6 min walking test. guideline-directed medical therapy should be implemented, and device therapy should be utilized when available. In the first visit, once HF is diagnosed and co-morbidities assessed, guideline-directed medical therapy should be started immediately. Comprehensive patient education sessions should be delivered by HF nurses or clinical pharmacists. The follow-up visit should be scheduled during the initial visit rather than over the phone, and time from the initial visit to the first follow-up visit should be determined based on the patient's health status and needs. Home and virtual visits are only recommended in limited and emergency situations. In this paper, we provide a practical and detailed review on the essential components of HFCs and propose a preliminary model of HFCs as part of a comprehensive HF programme model in Egypt. We believe that other low-to-middle income countries could also benefit from our proposed model.

Telmisartan versus EnalapRil In heart failure with redUced ejection fraction patients with Moderately impaired kidney Functions; randomized controlled trial: "TRIUMF trial".

BACKGROUND: When heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) co-exist, Renin angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are often underutilized for the fear of worsening renal function (WRF). Telmisartan is a RAASi characteristic for a favorable renal profile, although data on its utility in HFrEF is limited. This study aimed to compare efficacy and tolerability of Telmisartan versus Enalapril in patients with HFrEF and CKD. RESULTS: This study randomized 107 patients with HFrEF and CKD to either Telmisartan (10-80 mg) or Enalapril (5-40 mg) daily. The achieved RAASi dose, dose reductions (DR) or dis-continuation (DC), death/Heart failure rehospitalization (HFH), NYHA class and 6MWT were compared at 3- and 6-months. At 3- and 6-months, 93.5% versus 68.6% and 95.2% versus 72.9% were maintaining ≥ 50% of the target dose in the Telmisartan- versus Enalapril-group, respectively. Despite the higher achieved dose by 3- and 6-months, Telmisartan versus Enalapril was associated with less WRF (6.4% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.022 and 7.3% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.28) and fewer episodes of DR-DC (31.9% vs. 55.1%, p = 0.018 and 35.7% vs. 56.5%, p = 0.041), respectively. By the end of the study, there were 5 deaths in each group, yet, HFH occurred in 34.1% versus 55.3%, p = 0.035, and NYHA class changed by - 1 [- 2, 0] versus 0 [- 1, 1], p = 0.017 in Telmisartan- versus Enalapril patients, respectively. Within-group results showed improvement in 6MWT in Telmisartan-, and increase in diuretic requirements in Enalapril-group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HFrEF and CKD, Telmisartan was better tolerated to uptitrate, caused less WRF, less HFH and showed better functional improvement compared to Enalapril. Clinical trial registration This study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov, with registration number (NCT04736329).

Regional expert opinion: Management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.

Although epidemiological data on heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are scarce in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region, Lancet Global Burden of Disease estimated the prevalence of HF in the MENAT region in 2019 to be 0.78%, versus 0.71% globally. There is also a high incidence of HFpEF risk factors and co-morbidities in the region, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, anaemia and chronic kidney disease. For instance, 14.5-16.2% of adults in the region reportedly have diabetes, versus 7.0% in Europe. Together with increasing life expectancy, this may contribute towards a higher burden of HFpEF in the region than currently reported. This paper aims to describe the epidemiology and burden of HFpEF in the MENAT region, including unique risk factors and co-morbidities. It highlights challenges with diagnosing HFpEF, such as the prioritization of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the specific profile of HFpEF patients in the region and barriers to effective management associated with the healthcare system. Guidance is given on the diagnosis, prevention and management of HFpEF, including the emerging role of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors. Given the high burden of HFpEF coupled with the fact that its prevalence is likely to be underestimated, healthcare professionals need to be alert to its signs and symptoms and to manage patients accordingly. Historically, HFpEF treatments have focused on managing co-morbidities and symptoms, but new agents are now available with proven effects on outcomes in patients with HFpEF.

State-of-the-art document on optimal contemporary management of cardiomyopathies.

Cardiomyopathies represent significant contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Over the past decades, a progress has occurred in characterization of the genetic background and major pathophysiological mechanisms, which has been incorporated into a more nuanced diagnostic approach and risk stratification. Furthermore, medications targeting core disease processes and/or their downstream adverse effects have been introduced for several cardiomyopathies. Combined with standard care and prevention of sudden cardiac death, these novel and emerging targeted therapies offer a possibility of improving the outcomes in several cardiomyopathies. Therefore, the aim of this document is to summarize practical approaches to the treatment of cardiomyopathies, which includes the evidence-based novel therapeutic concepts and established principles of care, tailored to the individual patient aetiology and clinical presentation of the cardiomyopathy. The scope of the document encompasses contemporary treatment of dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. It was based on an expert consensus reached at the Heart Failure Association online Workshop, held on 18 March 2021.

Pre-discharge and early post-discharge management of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure: A scientific statement by the Heart Failure Association of the ESC.

Acute heart failure is a major cause of urgent hospitalizations. These are followed by marked increases in death and rehospitalization rates, which then decline exponentially though they remain higher than in patients without a recent hospitalization. Therefore, optimal management of patients with acute heart failure before discharge and in the early post-discharge phase is critical. First, it may prevent rehospitalizations through the early detection and effective treatment of residual or recurrent congestion, the main manifestation of decompensation. Second, initiation at pre-discharge and titration to target doses in the early post-discharge period, of guideline-directed medical therapy may improve both short- and long-term outcomes. Third, in chronic heart failure, medical treatment is often left unchanged, so the acute heart failure hospitalization presents an opportunity for implementation of therapy. The aim of this scientific statement by the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology is to summarize recent findings that have implications for clinical management both in the pre-discharge and the early post-discharge phase after a hospitalization for acute heart failure.

Acute heart failure and valvular heart disease: A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association, the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions of the European Society of Cardiology.

Acute heart failure (AHF) represents a broad spectrum of disease states, resulting from the interaction between an acute precipitant and a patient's underlying cardiac substrate and comorbidities. Valvular heart disease (VHD) is frequently associated with AHF. AHF may result from several precipitants that add an acute haemodynamic stress superimposed on a chronic valvular lesion or may occur as a consequence of a new significant valvular lesion. Regardless of the mechanism, clinical presentation may vary from acute decompensated heart failure to cardiogenic shock. Assessing the severity of VHD as well as the correlation between VHD severity and symptoms may be difficult in patients with AHF because of the rapid variation in loading conditions, concomitant destabilization of the associated comorbidities and the presence of combined valvular lesions. Evidence-based interventions targeting VHD in settings of AHF have yet to be identified, as patients with severe VHD are often excluded from randomized trials in AHF, so results from these trials do not generalize to those with VHD. Furthermore, there are not rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials in the setting of VHD and AHF, most of the data coming from observational studies. Thus, distinct to chronic settings, current guidelines are very elusive when patients with severe VHD present with AHF, and a clear-cut strategy could not be yet defined. Given the paucity of evidence in this subset of AHF patients, the aim of this scientific statement is to describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and overall treatment approach for patients with VHD who present with AHF.

Clinical Features, Socioeconomic Status, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Heart Failure: PEACE MENA Registry Phase I Results.

INTRODUCTION: PEACE MENA (Program for the Evaluation and Management of Cardiac Events in the Middle East and North Africa) is a prospective registry in Arab countries for in-patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or acute heart failure (AHF). Here, we report the baseline characteristics and outcomes of in-patients with AHF who were enrolled during the first 14 months of the recruitment phase. METHODS: A prospective, multi-centre, multi-country study including patients hospitalized with AHF was conducted. Clinical characteristics, echocardiogram, BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide), socioeconomic status, management, 1-month, and 1-year outcomes are reported. RESULTS: Between April 2019 and June 2020, a total of 1258 adults with AHF from 16 Arab countries were recruited. Their mean age was 63.3 (±15) years, 56.8% were men, 65% had monthly income ≤US$ 500, and 56% had limited education. Furthermore, 55% had diabetes mellitus, 67% had hypertension; 55% had HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction), and 19% had HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction). At 1 year, 3.6% had a heart failure-related device (0-22%) and 7.3% used an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (0-43%). Mortality was 4.4% per 1 month and 11.77% per 1-year post-discharge. Compared with higher-income patients, lower-income patients had a higher 1-year total heart failure hospitalization rate (45.6 vs 29.9%, p=0.001), and the 1-year mortality difference was not statistically significant (13.2 vs 8.8%, p=0.059). CONCLUSION: Most of the patients with AHF in Arab countries had a high burden of cardiac risk factors, low income, and low education status with great heterogeneity in key performance indicators of AHF management among Arab countries.

Worsening of chronic heart failure: definition, epidemiology, management and prevention. A clinical consensus statement by the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology.

Episodes of worsening symptoms and signs characterize the clinical course of patients with chronic heart failure (HF). These events are associated with poorer quality of life, increased risks of hospitalization and death and are a major burden on healthcare resources. They usually require diuretic therapy, either administered intravenously or by escalation of oral doses or with combinations of different diuretic classes. Additional treatments may also have a major role, including initiation of guideline-recommended medical therapy (GRMT). Hospital admission is often necessary but treatment in the emergency service or in outpatient clinics or by primary care physicians has become increasingly used. Prevention of first and recurring episodes of worsening HF is an essential component of HF treatment and this may be achieved through early and rapid administration of GRMT. The aim of the present clinical consensus statement by the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology is to provide an update on the definition, clinical characteristics, management and prevention of worsening HF in clinical practice.