Furosemide Prescription During the Dry State Is a Predictor of Long-Term Survival of Stable, Optimally Medicated Patients With Systolic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Furosemide is associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). AIM: To evaluate the association between daily furosemide dose prescribed during the dry state and long-term survival in stable, optimally medicated outpatients with HFrEF. POPULATION AND METHODS: Two hundred sixty-six consecutive outpatients with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, clinically stable in the dry state and on optimal heart failure therapy, were followed up for 3 years in a heart failure unit. The end point was all-cause death. There were no changes in New York Heart Association class and therapeutics, including diuretics, and no decompensation or hospitalization during 6 months. Furosemide doses were categorized as low or none (0-40 mg/d), intermediate (41-80 mg/d), and high (>80 mg). Cox regression was adjusted for significant confounders. RESULTS: The 3-year mortality rate was 33.8%. Mean dose of furosemide was 57.3 ± 21.4 mg/d. A total of 47.6% of patients received the low dose, 42.1% the intermediate dose, and 2.3% the high dose. Receiver operating characteristics for death associated with furosemide dose showed an area under the curve of 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68-0.79; P < .001), and the best cutoff was >40 mg/d. An increasing daily dose of furosemide was associated with worse prognosis. Those receiving the intermediate dose (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.57-6.64; P < .001) or high dose (HR = 19.8; 95% CI: 7.9-49.6; P < .001) had a higher risk of mortality compared to those receiving a low dose. Patients receiving >40 mg/d, in a propensity score-matched cohort, had a greater risk of mortality than those receiving a low dose (HR = 4.02; 95% CI: 1.8-8.8; P = .001) and those not receiving furosemide (HR = 3.9; 95% CI: 0.07-14.2; P = .039). CONCLUSION: Furosemide administration during the dry state in stable, optimally medicated outpatients with HFrEF is unfavorably associated with long-term survival. The threshold dose was 40 mg/d.

Red blood cell distribution width is a survival predictor beyond anemia and Nt-ProBNP in stable optimally medicated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction outpatients.

BACKGROUND: RDW is an automatic value obtained with the blood count, and represents the erythrocytes dimension variation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in optimally medicated outpatients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) the RDW prognostic value regarding survival in a multivariable model including anemia and Nt-ProBNP. METHODS: 233 consecutive outpatients, LVEF <40%, clinically stable were followed-up for 3-years in an HF Unit. End-point was all-cause death. The RDW categorized according to the tertiles (T1 = <13.9; T2 14-15.2; T3> = 15.3). Anemia classified according to the WHO criteria. Cox survival model adjusted for clinical profile, optimal therapeutic, renal function, Nt-ProBNP, etiology, atrial fibrillation, and anemia. RESULTS: (1) The 3-years death rate was 33.5%, and increased with the RDW tertiles (17.3%; 25%; 61.1%; p < 0.001). (2) The ROC curve for death associated with RDW (AUC 0.73; p < 0.001); (3) The adjusted death risk increased with the tertiles (Hazard-ratio '[HR] = 1.61; IC 95% 1.09-2.39; p = 0.017). RDW> = 15.3 had greater adjusted death risk than T1 (HR = 2.18; 95% CI 0.99-4.8; p = 0.05) and T1+T2 (HR = 1.54; 95% CI 1.13-2.09; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: RDW determined in optimally medicated outpatients with HFrEF, during dry-state, is a strong, cheap, and independent predictor of long-term survival.

Left atrial function index predicts long-term survival in stable outpatients with systolic heart failure.

AIMS: Left atrial (LA) function index (LAFI) is a rhythm-independent index that combines LA emptying fraction (LAEF), adjusted LA volume (LAVi), and stroke volume. We evaluated LAFI as a predictor of long-term survival in outpatients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: For 3 years, we followed up 203 outpatients with a left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, who were clinically stable and on optimal therapy. The endpoint was all-cause death. LAFI was calculated as LAFI = ([LAEF × left ventricular outflow tract-velocity time integral]/[LAVi]), and was categorized into quartiles (9.26/16.56/31.92) and median (16.57). Incremental Cox regression models adjusted for significant confounders were used for survival analyses. The 3-year death rate was 30%. Higher quartiles had lower death rates (43.1%/45.1%/25.5%/6%, P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve for death was associated with LAFI (area under curve = 0.695, 95% CI 0.62-0.77, P < 0.001). In the direct comparison with LAVi and LAEF, LAFI (HRcox 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.97, P < 0.001) was the only predictor of survival. LAFI (HRcox 0.95, 95% CI 0.88-1.01, P = 0.099), LAFI quartiles (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.125-0.672, P=0.004), and LAFI ≥16.57 (HRcox 0.62, 95% CI 0.38-1.02, P=0.058) were adjusted predictors of survival. Subgroup analysis by heart rhythm (sinus vs. atrial fibrillation) showed that LAFI per unit increase and LAFI quartiles were independent predictors of death in both subgroups. CONCLUSION: LAFI determination in HFrEF stable outpatients is a predictor of long-term survival and provides increased prognostic value over a wide range of confounder risk factors.

Treatment with Optimal Dose Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Has a Positive Effect on Long-Term Survival in Older Individuals (Aged >70 Years) and Octogenarians with Systolic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a disease of older people, but the target doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of ACEI/ARB dose level with long-term survival in stable older patients (aged >70 years) and octogenarian outpatients with HFrEF. POPULATION AND METHODS: A total of 138 outpatients aged >70 years (35.5 % > 80 years), with an LVEF <40 % and who were clinically stable on optimal therapy were followed up for 3 years. The ACEI/ARB doses were categorized as: none (0), low (1-50 % target dose), and high (50-100 % target dose). The Cox regression survival model was adjusted for age, ischemic etiology, and renal function. RESULTS: ACEIs/ARBs were prescribed to 91.3 % of patients, and 52.9 % received the high dose. Survival improved with increasing ACEI/ARB dose level in the total population (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.67; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.82; p < 0.001), older patients aged >70 years (HR = 0.65; 95 % CI 0.51-0.83; p < 0.001), and octogenarians (HR = 0.71; 95 % CI 0.51-0.99; p = 0.045). The low (HR = 0.35; 95 % CI 0.16-0.76; p = 0.008) and high doses (HR = 0.13; 95 % CI 0.06-0.32; p < 0.001) improved survival compared with not receiving ACEIs/ARBs. The high dose was associated with a better survival than the low dose in the total population (HR = 0.35; 95 % CI 0.19-0.67; p = 0.001) and in a propensity score-matched cohort (HR = 0.41; 95 % CI 0.16-1.02; p = 0.056). In octogenarians, all dose levels were associated with improved survival compared with not receiving ACEIs/ARBs, but there was no difference between ACEI/ARB doses. CONCLUSION: The achieved optimal dose of ACEIs/ARBs in ambulatory older people with HFrEF is associated with long-term survival.

Serial measurements of the Nt-ProBNP during the dry state in patients with systolic heart failure are predictors of the long-term prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term predictive value of serial Nt-ProBNP during dry-state in patients with systolic heart failure (SHF). METHODS: Nt-ProBNP was measured quarterly during a 6-month dry-state period in 40 SHF outpatients. EVENTS: all-cause mortality or hospitalization. FOLLOW-UP: 5 years. RESULTS: The Nt-ProBNP >1000 pg/ml (baseline and 6 months) and the variation rate (VR) >30% were independently associated with the survival and composite endpoint curve. VR >30% added significant prognostic information to the single Nt-ProBNP 1000 pg/ml cut-off. Patients with at least one Nt-ProBNP determination >1000 pg/ml were at greater risk of death. CONCLUSION: Serial Nt-ProBNP measurements in patients with SHF during the dry-state are strong predictors of the long-term prognosis.

The importance of assessing nutritional status in elderly patients with heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome characterized by high morbidity and mortality, despite advances in medical and device therapy that have significantly improved survival. The outcome of HF in elderly patients results from a combination of biological, functional, psychological, and environmental factors, one of which is nutritional status. Malnutrition, as well as HF, is frequently present with aging. Early detection might lead to earlier intervention. It is our goal to review the importance of nutritional status in elderly patients with HF, as well as tools for assessing it. We also propose a simple decision algorithm for the nutritional assessment of elderly patients with HF.

Heart rate reduction with ivabradine in patients with acute decompensated systolic heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with acute decompensated systolic heart failure (ADSHF) high resting heart rate (HR) could be either a compensatory mechanism or contribute to worsening heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in patients with ADSHF and resting HR >70 bpm, the early (within 24 h) and late (at discharge) effects of oral administration of ivabradine on HR reduction. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients with ADSHF, left ventricular ejection fraction <40 % and HR >70 bpm, without other acute conditions or inotropic therapy, began open-label treatment with oral ivabradine according to a pre-established Heart Failure Unit protocol. We obtained clinical and laboratory data at four periods: admission (T0), immediately before initiation of ivabradine (T2), 24 h after initiation of ivabradine (T3), and at discharge (T4). RESULTS: Ivabradine was administered in 60 % of the patients before the second day. HR decreased 10.7 ± 7.2 bpm at T3 (p < 0.001) and 16.3 ± 8.2 bpm at T4 (p = 0.002). The systolic blood pressure decreased at T3 (p = 0.012), returning to baseline values at T4. There was no change in diastolic and mean blood pressure. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improvement by two levels was associated with lower HR at T4 (p = 0.033). HR and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-ProBNP) at baseline correlated significantly [Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) = 0.789, p = 0.013]. Total Nt-ProBNP reduction correlated with the HR before (r = 0.762, p = 0.028) and after (T3: r = 0.647, p = 0.083; T4: r = 0.738, p = 0.037) ivabradine addition. CONCLUSION: In the present cohort of patients with ADSHF and HR >70 bpm, the selective reduction of HR with oral ivabradine was safe and efficient.

Early NT-proBNP decrease with ivabradine in ambulatory patients with systolic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate (HR) reduction in patients with systolic heart failure (HF) is a cornerstone of current therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of the HR reduction with ivabradine on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in outpatients with systolic HF. HYPOTHESIS: Ivabradine improves survival and promotes left ventricle remodelling by reducing resting heart rate. Nt-ProBNP absolute and trends predict prognosis. We hypothesized a possible association between heart rate decrease and Nt-ProBNP values. METHODS: We included 25 outpatients with systolic HF on optimized medical therapy (80% on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 56% on spironolactone, and 88% on ß-blocker therapy), left ventricle ejection fraction <40%, and sinus rhythm and HR >70/bpm. After a 1 month running-out period, to establish the clinical and NT-proBNP stability, patients were started on ivabradine for 3 months. RESULTS: Ivabradine decreased NT-proBNP (P = 0.002) from a median of 2850 pg/mL to 1802 pg/mL, corresponding to a median absolute and percent decrease of 964 pg/mL and 44.5%, respectively. The baseline HR correlated significantly with the baseline NT-proBNP (rs = 0.411, P = 0.041). The absolute and percent HR decrease correlated with the absolute NT-proBNP decrease (rs = 0.442, P = 0.027; rs = 0.395, P = 0.05). The greater the NT-proBNP absolute decrease tertile, the greater the baseline HR (P = 0.023) and the absolute (P = 0.028) and percent (P = 0.064) HR variation. CONCLUSIONS: In outpatients with systolic HF, the NT-proBNP reduction obtained by short-term ivabradine treatment correlates closely with the degree of HR reduction.

Echocardiography in emergency.

The use of echocardiography is still far from optimal. It is difficult or impossible to ensure the 24-hour presence at a hospital of a cardiologist with experience in echocardiography. As a result other specialties are becoming familiar with this technique. Echocardiography has been recognized as of paramount importance in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decisions in several diseases and therefore echocardiographic training with different levels of experience should be supported and coordinated by a reference group in such matters. The authors review some aspects of echocardiography in emergency. They emphasize the importance of continuous training and accreditation as required conditions to perform echocardiography.

Regional myocardial function in healthy adults: assessment through tissue Doppler echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize left ventricular regional myocardial function through tissue Doppler echocardiography in healthy adults and to assess the influence of aging in this function. METHODS: In 45 healthy volunteers divided in two groups (< 45 and > 45 years old) we assessed longitudinal and radial regional function (velocities, times intervals and velocity-time integrals). Data were compared in each group and between groups. RESULTS: Systolic function: a). longitudinal: higher velocities and integrals in lateral and inferior walls and in basal segments, with a trend to reduction of these parameters with aging; b). radial: higher basal velocities, no significant change with aging. Diastolic function: a). longitudinal: higher velocities in lateral and inferior walls and in basal segments. With aging e and e/a velocities and integrals decreased, a increased and older individuals showed lower percentage of segments with e/a >1; b). radial: aging was associated with lower e and higher a velocities. CONCLUSION: 1). Tissue Doppler echocardiography detects physiological differences between regional myocardial function of different ventricular segments, in velocities, times intervals and integrals, with physiological heterogeneity and asynchrony; 2). Many of these data are age dependent; 3). Our data contribute to define normal values, and may become useful when compared with data from populations with heart diseases.

Função miocárdica regional em adultos saudáveis. Avaliação por ecocardiografia Doppler tecidual / Regional myocardial function in healthy adults. Assessment through tissue Doppler echocardiography

OBJECTIVE: To characterize left ventricular regional myocardial function through tissue Doppler echocardiography in healthy adults and to assess the influence of aging in this function. METHODS: In 45 healthy volunteers divided in two groups (< 45 and > 45 years old) we assessed longitudinal and radial regional function (velocities, times intervals and velocity-time integrals). Data were compared in each group and between groups. RESULTS: Systolic function: a) longitudinal: higher velocities and integrals in lateral and inferior walls and in basal segments, with a trend to reduction of these parameters with aging; b) radial: higher basal velocities, no significant change with aging. Diastolic function: a) longitudinal: higher velocities in lateral and inferior walls and in basal segments. With aging e and e/a velocities and integrals decreased, a increased and older individuals showed lower percentage of segments with e/a >1; b) radial: aging was associated with lower e and higher a velocities. CONCLUSION: 1) Tissue Doppler echocardiography detects physiological differences between regional myocardial function of different ventricular segments, in velocities, times intervals and integrals, with physiological heterogeneity and asynchrony; 2) Many of these data are age dependent; 3) Our data contribute to define normal values, and may become useful when compared with data from populations with heart diseases

Doppler tissue imaging: regional myocardial function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in athlete's heart.

BACKGROUND: The distinction between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and the athlete's (AT) heart is an important clinical problem, and the analysis of regional myocardial function with Doppler tissue imaging may be useful in the differential diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to compare regional function assessed by Doppler tissue imaging in rowers and in a group of patients with HCM. METHODS: In 24 patients with nonobstructive HCM and in 20 competitive rowers with similar age, blood pressure, and heart rate, we analyzed with pulsed Doppler tissue imaging left ventricular (LV) regional function (velocities, time intervals, heterogeneity and asynchrony indices, and meridional gradient) in the longitudinal (8 segments, apical views) and in the radial (2 segments, short-axis view) axis. RESULTS: Compared with AT, patients with HCM showed: (1). systolic function; (a). longitudinal: lower velocities and meridional gradient; longer precontraction period (PCP); and higher PCP/LV contraction time; (b). radial: lower velocities and gradient; longer PCP; and higher PCP/LV contraction time; (2.diastolic function; (a). logitudinal: lower e (early diastolic), a (late diastolic), and e/a velocities; and longer prerelaxation time and time to peak e. The percentage of segments with e/a < 1 was 25% in the HCM group and 0% in the AT heart group; (b). radial: lower e velocity and gradient; lower e/a gradient; and longer medial prerelaxation and basal time to peak e. Most of these differences also occurred in the nonhypertrophied inferior wall of patients with HCM. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences between regional LV function of competitive rowers and patients with HCM. These differences (1). occur in systole and diastole; (2). affect velocities and time intervals; (3). are more striking in the long axis, but are also seen in the short axis, and (4). also occur in nonhypertrophied segments, suggesting the usefulness of the technique in the differential diagnosis between the 2 situations, namely in individuals that fall in Maron's "grey zone."

Tissue Doppler imaging assessment of long axis left ventricular function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is classically defined as a diastolic disease with normal systolic function. Long axis left ventricular function is an important and sensitive determinant of global ventricular function but its assessment is often difficult and complex. Tissue Doppler imaging of the mitral annulus allows the study of long axis left ventricular function. METHODS: 47 patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 45 healthy volunteers, matched by age and sex, were studied with pulsed tissue Doppler imaging of the 4 sides of the mitral annulus (septal, lateral, inferior, anterior) in 4 and 2 chamber views. In each wave (systolic-s, rapid filling-e, atrial contraction-a) we analyzed velocities, time intervals and velocity-time integrals, as well as heterogeneity and asynchrony. Data were compared among the different sides in each group, between groups and with conventional Doppler data. RESULTS: In contrast to normal subjects, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients showed: 1--Systolic function: lower velocities, longer systolic time intervals (isovolumic relaxation time, time to peak s, ejection time), higher systolic asynchrony (time to peak s, ejection time, systolic time) and lower s/shortening fraction ratio. These changes occurred despite normal indices of global systolic function. 2--Diastolic function: lower velocities (much lower rapid filling velocity, lower atrial contraction velocity, lower septal e/a), higher e/a heterogeneity index, longer protodiastolic times (isovolumic relaxation time and time to peak e), higher diastolic asynchrony (time to peak e) and lower e wave integral. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients also showed higher average number of annular sides with e/a < 1 per patient and higher percentage of e/a < 1, mainly on the septal side. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that: 1--Tissue Doppler imaging allows the detailed analysis of long axis left ventricular function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients. 2--Long axis systolic function is abnormal in this disease, even in the presence of normal indices of global systolic function. 3--Long axis diastolic function is deeply disturbed in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, at ventricular and atrial levels. 4--Long axis dysfunction occurs in annular sides contiguous to hypertrophied and non-hypertrophied walls, highlighting the role of other factors in its pathophysiology.

Tissue Doppler imaging and long axis left ventricular function: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy versus athlete's heart.

BACKGROUND: The different diagnosis between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and athlete's heart has important clinical implications. The assessment of long axis left ventricular function with tissue Doppler imaging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (showing systolic and diastolic dysfunction with heterogeneity and asynchrony), may be useful in the differentiation of these situations. AIM: To study, with tissue Doppler imaging, long axis left ventricular function in a population of athletes (rowers) and to compare it with a population of non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients. METHODS: In 24 patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in 20 competitive rowers with similar age, blood pressure and heart rate, we analyzed mitral annulus motion with pulsed tissue Doppler imaging in the 4 sides of the annulus (septal, lateral, inferior, anterior), in apical views. In each wave (systolic, rapid filling and atrial contraction) we measured velocities, time intervals and velocity-time integrals, and calculated heterogeneity and asynchrony indices. Data were compared between the groups, between the different sides in each group ("parallel analysis") and with conventional indices of global function. RESULTS: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients showed: systolic function: lower velocities and integrals, shorter ejection time and shorter systolic time. These abnormalities occurred even in annular sites contiguous to walls without hypertrophy. DIASTOLIC FUNCTION: Much lower rapid filling velocities and integrals, lower atrial contraction velocities and integrals, lower e/a, longer isovolumic relaxation time and time to peak rapid filling wave. These abnormalities occurred even in annular sites adjacent to walls without hypertrophy. In the athletes group, the e/a ratio was never < 1, in any annular site. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients this ratio was < 1 in 27% of the sites. CONCLUSIONS: 1--Systolic and diastolic long axis left ventricular function is different in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in athletes, in all mitral annulus sides. 2--The presence of these abnormalities in annular sites contiguous to walls without hypertrophy suggests that this technique may be useful in the differential diagnosis between these groups, particularly in the "gray zone" of Maron.

Tissue Doppler imaging assessment of long axis left ventricular function in hypertensive patients with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy: differential diagnosis with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertensive heart disease has clinical, therapeutic and prognostic implications, but is not always easy with conventional echocardiography. Tissue Doppler imaging of the mitral annulus allows the detailed study of long axis left ventricular function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and may be useful in the differential diagnosis. METHODS: 23 patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 25 hypertensive patients with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with similar age, body surface and heart rate were studied with pulsed tissue Doppler imaging of the 4 sides of the mitral annulus (septal, lateral, inferior, anterior) in 4 and 2 chamber views. In each wave (systolic-s, rapid filling-e, atrial contraction-a) we analyzed velocities, time intervals and velocity-time integrals, as well as heterogeneity and asynchrony. Data were compared among the different sides in each group, between groups and with conventional Doppler data. RESULTS: In contrast to hypertensive patients, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients showed: 1--Systolic function: lower "s" wave velocities and integrals, higher systolic heterogeneity, longer isovolumic relaxation time and higher PEP/LVET (pre ejection period/left ventricular ejection time). 2--Diastolic function: lower "e" and "a" wave, higher "a" and "e/a" heterogeneity index, higher percentage of annular sides with e/a > or = l, longer isovolumic relaxation time and time to peak e, and higher diastolic asynchrony. Some of these abnormalities occurred in annular sides adjacent to non-hypertrophied walls. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that: 1--Long axis systolic and diastolic left ventricular function are significantly different between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients and hypertensive patients with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. 2--These functional differences occur in the velocity domain (with heterogeneity), in the time domain (with asynchrony) and also in velocity time integrals. 3--Long axis systolic and diastolic dysfunction occur in annular sides contiguous to hypertrophied and non-hypertrophied walls, enhancing the role of tissue Doppler imaging in the differential diagnosis between these diseases.

Tissue Doppler imaging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: impact of intraventricular obstruction on longitudinal left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND: In non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, tissue Doppler imaging of the mitral annulus shows severe systolic and diastolic dysfunction, with marked heterogeneity and asynchrony. In obstructive forms, the complexity of pathophysiological interactions makes conventional echocardiographic functional assessment extremely difficult and complex. OBJECTIVE: To study longitudinal left ventricular function with tissue Doppler imaging in the obstructive forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and 23 patients with the non-obstructive form of the disease, matched by age, were studied with pulsed tissue Doppler imaging of the 4 sides of the mitral annulus (septal, lateral, inferior, anterior) in 4 and 2 chamber views. In each wave (systolic-s, rapid filling-e, atrial contraction-a) we analyzed velocities, time intervals and velocity-time integrals, as well as heterogeneity and asynchrony indexes. Data were compared between the different sides in each group, between groups and with conventional Doppler data. RESULTS: In contrast to the non-obstructive forms, patients with intraventricular obstruction showed: Systolic function: similar velocities and integrals, the relations between the different sides of the annulus usually being preserved; longer isovolumic contraction time, time to peak s and PEP/LVET. Diastolic function: similar rapid filling and e/a velocities and integrals, lower atrial contraction velocity and integral, similar number of sides with e/a higher than or equal to 1 on the lateral and inferior side of the annulus; similar diastolic time intervals, except diastolic time. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the presence of dynamic intraventricular obstruction and the loading conditions of obstructive forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy do not significantly influence most annular tissue Doppler imaging parameters, showing the relative load independence of the technique. So, in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients: 1--Longitudinal systolic function (velocities) is similar to the non-obstructive forms--longitudinal systolic dysfunction. 2--Longitudinal diastolic function (velocities and time intervals) is similar to the non-obstructive forms--longitudinal diastolic dysfunction. 3--Left atrial dysfunction is more severe than in non-obstructive forms. 4--The inferior and lateral sides of the annulus should be those selected in order to identify pseudonormalization of the transmitral flow.

Regional myocardial function by tissue Doppler in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: the impact of obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The conventional echocardiographic assessment of myocardial function in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is complex, because of the load dependency of this method. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) may improve this evaluation. AIM: To compare regional myocardial function with TDI, between patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and with non-obstructive forms of the disease (NOHCM). METHODS: 26 patients with HOCM and 23 with NOHCM were studied with pulsed TDI. We studied longitudinal (8 left ventricular segments, apical views) and radial regional function (2 segments, short axis view), and analyzed velocities, time intervals, velocity-time integrals and heterogeneity and asynchrony indices and the meridional (basal-medial segments) velocity gradient in each wall. Data were compared within each group and between groups. RESULTS: Compared to NOHCM, HOCM patients showed: systolic functions: a) longitudinal: similar velocities, time intervals and integrals; b) radial: higher meridional gradient, lower velocity-time integrals. Diastolic function: a) longitudinal: lower a, higher e and e/a tendency; lower e meridional gradient, higher percentage of septal and anterior wall segments with e/a > or = 1; b) radial: lower a velocities and integrals, shorter diagnostic time. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that in HOCM patients, the presence of obstruction and its associated load conditions have a different impact on systolic and diastolic regional myocardial function, in long and short axis, assessed with TDI. So, in HOCM patients: 1-Long axis regional systolic function is similar to the non-obstructive forms, suggesting relative load independence. 2-Long and short axis regional diastolic function is, in specific segments and parameters, different from the non-obstructive forms. These data should be taken into account in the assessment of regional myocardial function with TDI in HOCM.

Risk factors and clinical angiographical characteristics of myocardial infarction in women.

INTRODUCTION: Myocardial infarction has a higher incidence in men. However, in women, although less frequent, it has a worse prognosis. OBJECTIVE: With the present work we aim to define the clinical and angiographical characteristics and evolution of myocardial infarction in women compared with men. METHODOLOGY: We studied 235 sequential inpatients with acute myocardial infarction in the Intensive Care Unit who underwent post-infarction catheterization. We then compared female with male patients in terms of risk factors, location and type of infarction, coronary morphology and post-infarction complications. RESULTS: About 22% of the patients hospitalized following myocardial infarction were female. The women were older than the men (65.9 +/- 11.2 vs. 60.3 +/- 11.9; p < 0.01), and had a higher prevalence of high blood pressure (71% vs. 54%, p < 0.05) and a lower prevalence of smoking (19% vs. 50%, p < 0.001). Post-infarction angina was more frequent in women (50% vs. 23%, p < 0.001). Neither Q-wave versus non-Q wave myocardial infarction nor its location were significantly different between the sexes. In terms of coronary morphology, myocardial infarction without significant lesions was more frequent in women (10% vs. 3%, p < 0.05) and there were no significant.