The Potential Role of Torsemide in Optimizing Loop Diuretic Therapy for Heart Failure Patients.

Heart failure is associated with an increased frequency of hospitalization, reduced life span, and greater risk to public health, thus posing a challenge. In India, torsemide is one of the commonly used loop diuretics for decongestion in heart failure. However, this use of torsemide, including its dosing, and up/down titration, is based on practical experience. Loop diuretic therapy for heart failure patients poses several dilemmas due to the lack of robust evidence based on which treatment decisions can be made. To guide physicians on the optimal use of torsemide in heart failure patients with or without renal impairment, a panel of expert cardiologists and nephrologists from India convened to develop this expert opinion document for the use of torsemide. This expert opinion on torsemide will pave the way for optimal management with loop diuretic therapy in real-world heart failure patients.

HOW did GLP-1RAs bring about a paradigm shift in the guidelines of managing T2DM: A path to gluco-cardio Centricity.

Diabetes is a common condition with a dismal prognosis. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 537 million people worldwide have diabetes. Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are the major cause of death globally. Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) increases the risk of CVD. Since 2008, the FDA has required all new antihyperglycemic treatments to show no increased CV risk. Years of glucocentric diabetic therapy have left many patients on medicines with no known CV benefit. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are excellent glucose-lowering medicines with little risk of hypoglycaemia, CVD and weight loss. GLP-1RAs may also delay renal disease development. As an adjunct to metformin or ongoing therapy, GLP1RAs or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are recommended by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Thus, this review summarises GLP-1RA and their significance in the paradigm shift in diabetes care recommendations from glucocentric to gluco-cardiocentric.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Management Guidelines (From Heart Failure Association of India, Endorsed by Association of Physicians of India).

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for 15-20% of patients with heart failure (HF) in India. Diagnosis is by clinical features supported by biomarkers and echocardiography. Lifestyle modifications, control of risk factors to optimum levels, and treatment of comorbidities are essential in the management of HFpEF. Spironolactone and sacubitril-valsartan [angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI)] are beneficial in subsets of HFpEF, especially with lower range of ejection fraction (EF). Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i)-empagliflozin and dapagliflozin and probably sotagliflozin are the only currently available drugs which have shown benefits in HFpEF, mostly by reducing hospitalizations. The benefit of SGLT2i is evident in both diabetic and nondiabetic subsets.

Pharmacogenetic variants influence vitamin K anticoagulant dosing in patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves.

Background: Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are class I oral anticoagulants that are widely prescribed following surgical heart valve implantation. The objective of this study was to quantify the relative effects of VKORC1, CYP2C9 and CYP4F2 genotypes in predicting VKA dosing. Materials & methods: A total of 506 South Indian patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves who were prescribed oral VKAs, such as warfarin or acenocoumarol, were genotyped. The discriminatory ability of mutant genotypes to predict dose categories and bleeding events was assessed using regression analysis. Results: The VKORC1 rs9923231, CYP2C9*3 and CYP4F2*3 mutant genotypes significantly influenced VKA-dose requirements and explained 27.47% of the observed dose variation. Conclusion: These results support pharmacogenetic screening for initial VKA dosing among South Indian patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves.

Clinical characteristics and 30-day outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: Results from Indian College of Cardiology National Heart Failure Registry (ICCNHFR).

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a challenging medical emergency with high mortality and its prevalence is increasing in India. There is paucity of data on ADHF in the country. METHODS: Indian College of Cardiology National Heart Failure Registry (ICCNHFR) is an on-going observational registry on ADHF contributed by 22 hospitals across India; and we present the in-hospital and 30-day outcomes of ADHF patients enrolled from August 2018 to July 2019. Major objective included capturing demographics, comorbid conditions, aetiology, prescription patterns and assessing clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Of 5269 patients (mean age: 61.90 ± 13.85 years) enrolled in this study, males were predominant (67.09%). Mean duration of hospitalization was 5.74 ± 4.74 days. Ischemic heart disease was the most common (75.44%) aetiology. Abnormal electrocardiogram readings were found in most patients (89.86%). LVEF of ˂40% was found in 68.29% of patients. In-hospital mortality rates were 6.98%. The 30-day cumulative mortality was 12.35% and 30-day rehospitalization rate was 7.98%. At discharge, all guideline-based medical therapy (GDMT) were prescribed only to 24.99% of patients and 23.72% adhered to the prescription until 30 days. Older age, high serum creatinine levels and poor LVEF contributed to high mortality and rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: Patients with ADHF were younger and predominantly males. Usage of GDMT in ADHF patients was low (24.99%) and the in-hospital mortality was high. Older age, high serum creatinine levels, poor LVEF contributed for 30-day mortality and rehospitalization. This data on ADHF, could help in developing strategies to improve outcomes for HF patients in India.

One-year clinical outcome of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Insights from KERALA-AF registry.

BACKGROUND: We report patient characteristics, treatment pattern and one-year clinical outcome of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) from Kerala, India. This cohort forms part of Kerala Atrial Fibrillation (KERALA-AF) registry which is an ongoing large prospective study. METHODS: KERALA-AF registry collected data of adults with previously or newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) during April 2016 to April 2017. A total of 3421 patients were recruited from 53 hospitals across Kerala state. We analysed one-year follow-up outcome of 2507 patients with NVAF. RESULTS: Mean age at recruitment was 67.2 years (range 18-98) and 54.8% were males. Main co-morbidities were hypertension (61.2%), hyperlipidaemia (46.2%) and diabetes mellitus (37.2%). Major co-existing diseases were chronic kidney disease (42.1%), coronary artery disease (41.6%), and chronic heart failure (26.4%). Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.18 (SD ± 1.7) and HAS-BLED score, 1.84 (SD ± 1.3). At baseline, use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) was 38.6% and antiplatelets 32.7%. On one-month follow-up use of OAC increased to 65.8% and antiplatelets to 48.3%. One-year all-cause mortality was 16.48 and hospitalization 20.65 per 100 person years. The main causes of death were cardiovascular (75.0%), stroke (13.1%) and others (11.9%). The major causes of hospitalizations were acute coronary syndrome (35.0%), followed by arrhythmia (29.5%) and heart failure (8.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite high risk profile of patients in this registry, use of OAC was suboptimal, whereas antiplatelets were used in nearly half of patients. A relatively high rate of annual mortality and hospitalization was observed in patients with NVAF in Kerala AF Registry.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19.

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Cardiological Society of India: Document on acute MI care during COVID-19.

The unprecedented and rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health care systems globally. Based on worldwide experience, India has initiated a nationwide lockdown to prevent the exponential surge of cases. During COVID-19, management of cardiovascular emergencies like acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) may be compromised. Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has ventured in this moment of crisis to evolve a consensus document for care of acute MI. However, this care should be individualized, based on local expertise and governmental advisories.

Impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines on the prevalence of hypertension among Indian adults: Results from a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for diagnosis and management of hypertension on the prevalence of hypertension in India is unknown. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Cardiac Prevent 2015 survey to estimate the change in the prevalence of hypertension. The JNC8 guidelines defined hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of ≥140 â€‹mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 â€‹mmHg. The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines define hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of ≥130 â€‹mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥80 â€‹mmHg. We standardized the prevalence as per the 2011 census population of India. We also calculated the prevalence as per the World Health Organization (WHO) World Standard Population (2000-2025). RESULTS: Among 180,335 participants (33.2% women), the mean age was 40.6 â€‹± â€‹14.9 years (41.1 â€‹± â€‹15.0 and 39.7 â€‹± â€‹14.7 years in men and women, respectively). Among them, 8,898 (4.9%), 99,791 (55.3%), 35,694 (11.9%), 23,084 (12.8%), 9,989 (5.5%) and 2,878 (1.6%) participants belonged to age group 18-19, 20-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74 and â€‹≥ â€‹75 years respectively. The prevalence of hypertension according to the JNC8 and 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines was 29.7% and 63.8%, respectively- an increase of 115%. With the 2011 census population of India, this suggests that currently, 486 million Indian adults have hypertension according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, an addition of 260 million as compared to the JNC8 guidelines. CONCLUSION: According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, 3 in every 5 Indian adults have hypertension.

Prevalence of hypertension among Indian adults: Results from the great India blood pressure survey.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is limited data on hypertension prevalence in India. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among Indian adults. METHODS: A national level survey was conducted with fixed one-day blood pressure measurement camps across 24 states and union territories of India. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or on treatment for hypertension. The prevalence was age- and gender-standardized according to the 2011 census population of India. RESULTS: Blood pressure was recorded for 180,335 participants (33.2% women; mean age 40.6 ± 14.9 years). Among them, 8,898 (4.9%), 99,791 (55.3%), 35,694 (11.9%), 23,084 (12.8%), 9,989 (5.5%), and 2,878 (1.6%) participants were of the age group 18-19, 20-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, and ≥ 75 years, respectively. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 30.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.5, 30.9) and the prevalence among women was 23.7% (95% CI: 23.3, 24). Prevalence adjusted for 2011 census population and the WHO reference population was 29.7% and 32.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of hypertension, with almost one in every three Indian adult affected.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in Kerala, South India: Analysis of a community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death and disability in Kerala, India. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of established risk factors for CAD. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of MS and evaluate the association between MS and CAD using a community-based sample population. METHODS: A cross-sectional community based survey was conducted in urban and rural areas of Kerala in 2011. We included 5063 individuals for analysis. Age standardized prevalence of MS, associated diagnoses (hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia) and other potential risk factors were assessed for men and women in both urban and rural locations. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to identify participant characteristics that are associated with MS. RESULTS: After standardization for age and adjustment for sex and urban-rural distribution, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Kerala was 24%, 29% and 33% for the NCEP ATP III, IDF and AHA/NHLBI Harmonization definitions, respectively. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 51 (14) years, and 60% were women. Women had a higher prevalence of MS than men (28% versus 20% for ATP III, p<0.001). Similarly, participants living in urban areas had higher prevalence of MS than their rural counterparts (26% versus 22%, p<0.001). Elevated body mass index, older age, and female sex were associated with MS in an adjusted multivariate model. The propensity for definite CAD was 1.7 times higher in individuals with MS defined based on ATP III criteria compared to those without MS (Adjusted OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.3-2.2, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: One of four to one of three adult individuals in Kerala have MS based on different criteria. Higher propensity for CAD in individuals with MS in Kerala calls for urgent steps to prevent and control the burden of metabolic conditions.

Pre-hospital policies for the care of patients with acute coronary syndromes in India: A policy document analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in India. In high-income countries, pre-hospital systems of care have been developed to manage acute manifestations of ischemic heart disease, such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, it is unknown whether guidelines, policies, regulations, or laws exist to guide pre-hospital ACS care in India. We undertook a nation-wide document analysis to address this gap in knowledge. METHODS AND RESULTS: From November 2014 to May 2016, we searched for publicly available emergency care guidelines and legislation addressing pre-hospital ACS care in all 29 Indian states and 7 Union Territories via Internet search and direct correspondence. We found two documents addressing pre-hospital ACS care. CONCLUSION: Though India has legislation mandating acute care for emergencies such as trauma, regulations or laws to guide pre-hospital ACS care are largely absent. Policy makers urgently need to develop comprehensive, multi-stakeholder policies for pre-hospital emergency cardiovascular care in India.

Pre-hospital acute coronary syndrome care in Kerala, India: A qualitative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in India. Many of these deaths are due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS), which require prompt symptom recognition, care-seeking behavior, and transport to a treatment facility in the critical pre-hospital period. In India, little is known about pre-hospital management of individuals with ACS. We aim to understand the facilitators, barriers, and context of optimal pre-hospital ACS care to provide opportunities to reduce pre-hospital delays and improve acute cardiovascular care. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 27 ACS providers in Kerala, India to understand facilitators, barriers, and context to pre-hospital ACS care. Six themes emerged from these interviews and discussions: (1) individuals with ACS misperceive their symptoms as non-cardiac in origin; (2) emergency medical services are infrequently used; (3) insufficient pre-hospital healthcare infrastructure contributes to pre-hospital delay; (4) multiple stops are made before arriving at a facility that can provide definitive diagnosis and treatment; (5) relatively high costs of treatment and lack of widespread health insurance coverage limits care delivery; and (6) novel mobile technologies may allow for faster diagnosis and initiation of treatment in the pre-hospital setting. CONCLUSIONS: Individualized patient-based factors (general knowledge of ACS symptoms, socioeconomic position) and broader systems-based factors (ambulance networks, coordination of transport) affect pre-hospital ACS care in Kerala. Improving public awareness of ACS symptoms, increasing appropriate use of emergency medical services, and building a infrastructure for rapid and coordinated transport may improve pre-hospital ACS care.

Prevalence of coronary artery disease and its risk factors in Kerala, South India: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There are no recent data on prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Indians. The last community based study from Kerala, the most advanced Indian state in epidemiological transition, was in 1993 that reported 1.4% definite CAD prevalence. We studied the prevalence of CAD and its risk factors among adults in Kerala. METHODS: In a community-based cross sectional study, we selected 5167 adults (mean age 51 years, men 40.1%) using a multistage cluster sampling method. Information on socio-demographics, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, dietary habits and personal history of hypertension, diabetes, and CAD was collected using a structured interview schedule. Anthropometry, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and biochemical investigations were done using standard protocols. CAD and its risk factors were defined using standard criteria. Comparisons of age adjusted prevalence were done using two tailed proportion tests. RESULTS: The overall age-adjusted prevalence of definite CAD was 3.5%: men 4.8%, women 2.6% (p < 0.001). Prevalence of any CAD was 12.5%: men 9.8%, women 14.3% (p < 0.001). There was no difference in definite CAD between urban and rural population. Physical inactivity was reported by 17.5 and 18% reported family history of CAD. Other CAD risk factors detected in the study were: overweight or obese 59%, abdominal obesity 57%, hypertension 28%, diabetes 15%, high total cholesterol 52% and low level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol 39%. Current smoking was reported only be men (28%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of definite CAD in Kerala increased nearly three times since 1993 without any difference in urban and rural areas. Most risk factors of CAD were highly prevalent in the state. Both population and individual level approaches are warranted to address the high level of CAD risk factors to reduce the increasing prevalence of CAD in this population.