The Effects of Exercise Training in Patients With Persistent Dyspnea Following Pulmonary Embolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Persistent dyspnea, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life (QoL) are common following pulmonary embolism (PE). Rehabilitation is a potential treatment option, but the scientific evidence is limited. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does an exercise-based rehabilitation program improve exercise capacity in PE survivors with persistent dyspnea? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at two hospitals. Patients with persistent dyspnea following PE diagnosed 6 to 72 months earlier, without cardiopulmonary comorbidities, were randomized 1:1 to either the rehabilitation or the control group. The rehabilitation program consisted of two weekly sessions of physical exercise for 8 weeks and one educational session. The control group received usual care. The primary end point was the difference in Incremental Shuttle Walk Test between groups at follow-up. Secondary end points included differences in the Endurance Shuttle Walk Test (ESWT), QoL (EQ-5D and Pulmonary Embolism-QoL questionnaires) and dyspnea (Shortness of Breath questionnaire). RESULTS: A total of 211 subjects were included: 108 (51%) were randomized to the rehabilitation group and 103 (49%) to the control group. At follow-up, participants allocated to the rehabilitation group performed better on the ISWT compared with the control group (mean difference, 53.0 m; 95% CI, 17.7-88.3; P = .0035). The rehabilitation group reported better scores on the Pulmonary Embolism-QoL questionnaire (mean difference, -4%; 95% CI, -0.09 to 0.00; P = .041) at follow-up, but there were no differences in generic QoL, dyspnea scores, or the ESWT. No adverse events occurred during the intervention. INTERPRETATION: In patients with persistent dyspnea following PE, those who underwent rehabilitation had better exercise capacity at follow-up than those who received usual care. Rehabilitation should be considered in patients with persistent dyspnea following PE. Further research is needed, however, to assess the optimal patient selection, timing, mode, and duration of rehabilitation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03405480; URL: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov.

Scar imaging in the dyssynchronous left ventricle: Accuracy of myocardial metabolism by positron emission tomography and function by echocardiographic strain.

PURPOSE: Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is reduced in patients with high left ventricular (LV) scar burden, in particular when scar is located in the LV lateral wall or septum. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can identity scar, but is not feasible in all patients. This study investigates if myocardial metabolism by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and contractile function by echocardiographic strain are alternatives to LGE-CMR. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter study, 132 CRT candidates (91% with left bundle branch block) were studied by speckle tracking strain echocardiography, and 53 of these by FDG-PET. Regional myocardial FDG metabolism and peak systolic strain were compared to LGE-CMR as reference method. RESULTS: Reduced FDG metabolism (<70% relative) precisely identified transmural scars (≥50% of myocardial volume) in the LV lateral wall, with area under the curve (AUC) 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.00). Reduced contractile function by strain identified transmural scars in the LV lateral wall with only moderate accuracy (AUC = 0.77, CI 0.71-0.84). However, absolute peak systolic strain >10% could rule out transmural scar with high sensitivity (80%) and high negative predictive value (96%). Neither FDG-PET nor strain identified septal scars (for both, AUC < 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: In CRT candidates, FDG-PET is an excellent alternative to LGE-CMR to identify scar in the LV lateral wall. Furthermore, preserved strain in the LV lateral wall has good accuracy to rule out transmural scar. None of the modalities can identify septal scar. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study is part of the clinical study "Contractile Reserve in Dyssynchrony: A Novel Principle to Identify Candidates for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRID-CRT)", which was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier NCT02525185).

Influence of Shift Work on Arterial Stiffness and Systemic Inflammation: A 3-Year Follow-up Study in Industry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors during a 3-year follow-up among 57 rotating shift workers and 29 day workers in industry. METHODS: We collected demographics by questionnaire, examined blood pressure, heart rate, pulse wave velocity, carotid media thickness, and maximal oxygen uptake. We assessed blood samples for determination of lipids, glycosylated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, markers of inflammation, and particle concentrations/respirable dust. Baseline comparisons were analyzed using logistic regression (plaque) and linear regression for all other outcomes. We applied mixed models to assess differences in change in health outcomes between the shift workers and the day workers. RESULTS: At baseline, the adhesion molecules soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and soluble P-selectin were elevated among the shift workers compared with that of the day workers. There was a significant difference in change in pulse wave velocity between shift workers (1.29-m/s increase) and day workers (0.11-m/s increase) over the 3-year follow-up. Respirable dust levels were below the Norwegian occupational exposure limit. CONCLUSIONS: Shift work in industry is associated with arterial stiffening reflecting increased risk for future cardiovascular disease. More uncertainly, we found some support for systemic inflammation.

A Cease in Shift Work Reverses Arterial Stiffness but Increases Weight and Glycosylated Hemoglobin A 5-Month Follow-Up in Industry.

BACKGROUND: Literature suggests an association between shift work and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Limited evidence is available on how a cessation of shift work affects CVD risk factors. AIM: We investigated whether a five-month plant shutdown affected CVD risk factors in 30 industrial shift workers. METHODS: We collected demographic data, self-reported data on physical activity (PA) and medical history by questionnaire. Pre- and post-plant shutdown, we measured blood pressure (BP), heart rate, lipids, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, we collected markers of inflammation, Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), P-selectin, Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and Interleukin-23 (IL-23). We also examined arterial stiffness (central blood pressure, augmentation pressure, and pulse wave velocity) by means of SphygmoCor® (AtCor Medical Pty Ltd., Sydney, Australia). We monitored sleep by actigraphy prior to and after plant shutdown, with additional registration of sleep quality and assessment of insomnia symptoms. RESULTS: After five months of plant shutdown, we found that HbA1c increased by 1.9 mmol/mol, weight by 1 kg and MCP-1 by 27.3 pg/mL, all unexpectedly. The other markers of inflammation did not change during shutdown, but CRP decreased close to significant levels. There were no changes in lipids during follow-up. Pulse-wave velocity (PWV) was reduced from 8.1 m/s (SD = 1.5) to 7.6 m/s (SD = 1.5), p = 0.03. The workers reported fewer signs of insomnia after shutdown. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a five-month cessation in shift work increases weight and HbA1c, but also improves insomnia symptoms and reverses arterial stiffening.

Sleep Duration, Number of Awakenings and Arterial Stiffness in Industrial Shift Workers: A Five-Week Follow-Up Study.

Shift work may increase the risk for hypertension and arterial stiffness, potentially a consequence of disturbed sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between sleep length and spontaneous awakenings with selected cardiovascular risk factors in shift workers at an industrial plant. We examined 19 shift workers by means of blood pressure and arterial stiffness, measured as pulse wave velocity (PWV), prior to and after a 5-week shift period. Sleep patterns were monitored on a daily basis with the assistance of a smartphone-based sleep diary (the entire test period) and by actigraphy (limited to 2 weeks). The number of awakenings and total sleep time were calculated. Shorter sleep duration was associated with higher blood pressure and partly with higher PWV, indicating an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with reduced sleep duration. Unexpectedly, a lower number of awakenings was associated with an increase in blood pressure, indicating a reduced risk of CVD. No other significant associations were determined. The results from the present study among shift workers in Norway could support the hypothesis that short sleep duration is associated with elevated blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

High-Intensity Training Reduces CVD Risk Factors among Rotating Shift Workers: An Eight-Week Intervention in Industry.

Rotating shift work is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have studied the effect of 17 min high-intensity training three times a week over eight weeks on CVD risk factors among shift workers. Sixty-five shift workers from two plants were recruited. They were all deemed healthy at the initial health screening and in 100% work. From plant A, 42 workers, and plant B, 23 workers participated. After the intervention, 56 workers were retested. The intervention group consisted of 19 participants from plant A who had participated in at least 10 sessions. Twenty workers from plant B and 17 workers from plant A that not had taken part in the training were included in the control group. All workers reported physical activity (PA) by questionnaires before and after the training intervention. We measured blood pressure, heart rate, lipids, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and arterial stiffness. Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) was assessed by bicycle ergometry. The intervention group favorably differed significantly from the control group in improvement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Short training sessions with 4 min of high-intensity PA, three times a week, for eight weeks among rotating shift workers reduced some CVD risk factors. PA interventions in occupational settings may thus decrease coronary heart disease and stroke incidences in this vulnerable group of workers.

Cardiovascular Health Effects of Shift Work with Long Working Hours and Night Shifts: Study Protocol for a Three-Year Prospective Follow-Up Study on Industrial Workers.

There is a plausible association between shift work and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which may be due to disruption of the circadian rhythm causing hormonal changes and metabolic disturbances, resulting in high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and being overweight. However, few studies have investigated the association between several consecutive long work shifts, including night shifts, and risk factors for developing CVD. Moreover, knowledge is lacking on factors that may modify or enhance this suggested relationship. The study period is planned from the third quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2021, and will involve 125 industrial employees at two Norwegian enterprises producing insulation. The work schedule is either rotating shiftwork (morning, evening, night) or regular day work. At baseline, we will measure blood parameters, including markers of inflammation, lipids, and glycosylated hemoglobin. We will also collect measures of blood pressure, resting heart rate, arterial stiffness, carotid intima-media thickness, and aerobic fitness. At the end of baseline data collection, a subgroup will undergo a supervised high-intensity interval training intervention for eight weeks, initiated by the Occupational Health Service. At one-year follow-up, we repeat baseline measures with added measures of heart rate variability and additional five weeks monitoring of sleep and physical activity, and assessment of respirable dust. At the two year follow-up, we will measure CVD risk factors before and after a planned three-month shutdown in one of the studied plants. We will also assess respirable dust, monitor sleep, and compile a one-year retrospective detailed overview of working hours. A final data collection, similar to the one at baseline, will be carried out after three years. We will use a comprehensive set of methods to identify the effects of shift work with long working hours and night shifts on cardiovascular health. This will provide new knowledge on the association between early manifestations of CVD and occupational exposure to shift work. Further, we can study whether work organization such as extensive overtime, sleep loss, and dust exposure have detrimental effects, and if a three-month cease in shift work or increased physical activity will modify early manifestations of CVD.

Shift Work Including Night Work and Long Working Hours in Industrial Plants Increases the Risk of Atherosclerosis.

There is an abundance of literature reporting an association between shift work and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Few studies have examined early manifestation of CVD using advanced modern methodology. We established a group of 65 shift workers and 29 day workers (controls) in two industrial plants. For the shift workers, the shift schedule includes rotating shifts with day, evening and nightshifts, some day and nightshifts lasting for 12 h. The current paper describes cross-sectional data in a study running for three years. We collected background data by questionnaire and measured blood pressure, heart rate, lipids, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP). We examined arterial stiffness (central blood pressure, augmentation pressure and index, and pulse wave velocity) by the use of SphygmoCor® (AtCor Medical Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia) and the carotid arteries by ultrasound. We assessed VO2max by bicycle ergometry. We applied linear and logistic regression to evaluate associations between total number of years in shift work and cardiovascular outcome measures. The day workers were older and had more pronounced arterial stiffness compared to the shift workers. Number of years as a shift worker was associated with increased carotid intima media thickness (max IMT) (B = 0.015, p = 0.009) and an elevated CRP (B = 0.06, p = 0.03). Within the normal range for this age group, VO2max was 41 (9) ml/kg/min. Rotating shift work including day and night shifts lasting up to 12 h and evening shifts are associated with CVD-risk factors. This could imply an increased risk for coronary heart disease and stroke among these workers. Therefore, preventive measures should be considered for these groups of workers in order to prevent such diseases.

The impact of post-pulmonary embolism syndrome and its possible determinants.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies suggest that up to 50% of patients surviving pulmonary embolism (PE) may suffer from post-PE syndrome, which is defined by persistent dyspnea, impaired exercise capacity and/or decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The possible determinants of post-PE syndrome are however not fully established. AIMS: To describe the differences between dyspneic and non-dyspneic PE-patients and to explore determinants of dyspnea, 6-min walking test (6MWT) and HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients diagnosed with PE between 2002 and 2011 at Østfold Hospital, Norway were identified from hospital registries. Patients were scheduled for clinical examination and a 6MWT. Dyspnea was assessed by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. HRQoL was assessed with PEmb-QoL questionnaire. PE severity was assessed with PESI score, mean bilateral proximal extent of the clot and right-/left ventricle-ratio (RV/LV-ratio). RESULTS: 203 patients participated in this study, of which 96 patients reported dyspnea (47%). Median time from diagnosis was 3.6 years (IQR 1.9-6.5). Patients without dyspnea performed better on 6MWT (488 m vs 413 m, p < 0.005) and had better HRQoL results (p < 0.005). None of the variables we examined, including Charlson comorbidity index, was independently associated with dyspnea. However, higher RV/LV ratio at diagnosis was significantly associated with reduced 6MWT at follow-up. Further, ongoing anticoagulation and unemployment were independently associated with impaired HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: PE-survivors complaining of dyspnea suffer from impaired HRQoL and reduced exercise capacity. Although PE-severity factors were associated with reduced exercise capacity, none of the examined factors were found to be independent determinants of dyspnea.

Educational needs and application of guidelines in the management of patients with mitral regurgitation. A European mixed-methods study.

Aims: To assess the knowledge and application of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines in the management of mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods and results: A mixed-methods educational needs assessment was performed. Following a qualitative phase (interviews), an online survey was undertaken using three case scenarios (asymptomatic severe primary MR, symptomatic severe primary MR in the elderly, and severe secondary MR) in 115 primary care physicians (PCPs), and 439 cardiologists or cardiac surgeons from seven European countries. Systematic cardiac auscultation was performed by only 54% of clinicians in asymptomatic patients. Cardiologists appropriately interpreted echocardiographic assessment of mechanism and quantification of primary MR (≥75%), but only 44% recognized secondary MR as severe. In asymptomatic severe primary MR with an indication for surgery, 27% of PCPs did not refer the patient to a cardiologist and medical therapy was overused by 19% of cardiologists. In the elderly patient with severe symptomatic primary MR, 72% of cardiologists considered mitral intervention (transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair in 72%). In severe symptomatic secondary MR, optimization of medical therapy was advised by only 51% of PCPs and 33% of cardiologists, and surgery considered in 30% of cases (transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in 64%). Conclusion: Systematic auscultation is underused by PCPs for the early detection of MR. Medical therapy is overused in primary MR and underused in secondary MR. Indications for interventions are appropriate in most patients with primary MR, but are unexpectedly frequent for secondary MR. These gaps identify important targets for future educational programs.

[A man in his eighties with recurrent syncope]. / En mann i 80-årene med gjentatte synkoper.

BACKGROUND: Syncope is usually a benign event that affects up to 50% of people over a lifetime, needing no extensive examination. The challenge is to diagnose the few with underlying life-threatening disease in need of immediate medical attention. Guidelines are clear, but unfortunately, clinical practice does not always follow recommendations, as illustrated by this case report. CASE PRESENTATION: A diabetic, hypertensive male in his eighties had a myocardial infarction in his medical history. He presented to his GP with recurrent syncopal episodes that had occurred while erect and in motion. Physical examination was found to be normal for his age, and he was referred to a cardiologist and seen three months later. An ECG showed sinus rhythm and a previous inferior wall myocardial infarction. A 24-hour ECG recorder was fitted, and a consultation was scheduled for the next day. At home the patient died. The ECG recording revealed sinus rhythm with increasing depression of the ST segment, followed by rapidly conducted atrial fibrillation, and then rapid ventricular tachycardia followed by terminal ventricular fibrillation. INTERPRETATION: A patient with a history where there is suspicion of cardiac syncope should be immediately and intensively examined when presenting to the healthcare services.