Heart valve calcification and cardiac hemodynamics.

PURPOSE: Heart valve calcification (VC) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but the hemodynamic and functional profile of patients affected by VC has not been fully explored. METHODS: The study population was formed by consecutive unselected patients included in seven echocardiographic laboratories in a 2-week period. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed. VC was defined by the presence of calcification on at least one valve. RESULTS: Population was formed of 1098 patients (mean age 65 ± 15 years; 47% female). VC was present in 31% of the overall population. Compared with subjects without VC, VC patients were older (60 ± 14 vs 75 ± 9; P < .0001), had more hypertension (40% vs 57%; P = .0005), diabetes (11% vs 18%; P = .002), coronary artery disease (22% vs 38%; P = .04), and chronic kidney disease (4% vs 8%; P = .007). Furthermore, VC patients had lower ejection fraction (55 ± 14 vs 53 ± 25; P < .0001), worse diastolic function (E/e' 8.5 ± 4.6 vs 13.0 ± 7.1; P < .0001) and higher pulmonary artery pressure (29 ± 9 vs 37 ± 12; P < .0001). The association between VC and EF was not independent of etiology (p for VC 0.13), whereas the association with E/e' and PASP was independent in a full multivariate model (P < .0001 and P = .0002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Heart valve calcification patients were characterized by a worse functional and hemodynamic profile compared to patients with normal valve. The association between VC and diastolic function and PASP were independent in comprehensive multivariate models.

Refined 4-group classification of left ventricular hypertrophy based on ventricular concentricity and volume dilatation outlines distinct noninvasive hemodynamic profiles in a large contemporary echocardiographic population.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) may reflect a wide variety of physiologic and pathologic conditions. Thus, it can be misleading to consider all LVH to be homogenous or similar. Refined 4-group classification of LVH based on ventricular concentricity and dilatation may be identified. To determine whether the 4-group classification of LVH identified distinct phenotypes, we compared their association with various noninvasive markers of cardiac stress. METHODS: Cohort of unselected adult outpatients referred to a seven tertiary care echocardiographic laboratory for any indication in a 2-week period. We evaluated the LV geometric patterns using validated echocardiographic indexation methods and partition values. RESULTS: Standard echocardiography was performed in 1137 consecutive subjects, and LVH was found in 42%. The newly proposed 4-group classification of LVH was applicable in 88% of patients. The most common pattern resulted in concentric LVH (19%). The worst functional and hemodynamic profile was associated with eccentric LVH and those with mixed LVH had a higher prevalence of reduced EF than those with concentric LVH (P < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The new 4-group classification of LVH system showed distinct differences in cardiac function and noninvasive hemodynamics allowing clinicians to distinguish different LV hemodynamic stress adaptations in patients with LVH.

"Natural" History of Operated Type A Aortic Dissection.

We describe the case of a 66-year-old gentleman with a previous replacement of the ascending aorta for an acute Type A aortic dissection who did not attend any scheduled follow-up visit. Seventeen years later, he presented to our institution with severe aortic regurgitation and with a giant aneurysmal dilation of the abdominal aorta.

Administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and ß-blockers during adjuvant trastuzumab chemotherapy for nonmetastatic breast cancer: marker of risk or cardioprotection in the real world?

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant trastuzumab therapy improves the outcome of patients with early breast cancer (EBC) and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). However, it is potentially cardiotoxic. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) and/or ß-blockers and development of heart failure (HF) and/or left ventricular dysfunction during 1 year of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy. METHODS: A total of 499 women receiving adjuvant trastuzumab therapy for EBC entered in a multicenter registry and were divided into four subgroups according to treatment with ACEi/ARBs and/or ß-blockers. Occurrence of HF and decrease of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; minimum 10 percentage points) were recorded. RESULTS: HF occurred in 2% of patients who did not take either ACEi/ARBs or ß-blockers, 8% of patients receiving ACEi/ARBs alone, 8% receiving ß-blockers alone (p = .03), and 19% receiving both medications (p < .01). The prevalence of patients with LVEF that decreased by at least 10 percentage points was similar in all groups. Combined ACEi/ARBs and ß-blocker therapy was independently associated with hypertension and a significant reduction of LVEF from baseline to 3-month evaluation. The use of ACEi/ARBs alone or ß-blockers alone was predicted only by hypertension. Combined therapy of ACEi/ARBs plus ß-blockers predicted LVEF recovery from the 3-month to 12-month evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, the degree of hypertension and decrease in LVEF during the first 3 months of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy for EBC are associated with the use of ACEi/ARBs and ß-blockers. The combined use of these two medications is associated with a recovery of LVEF during months 3-12 of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy.

Preoperative cardiac evaluation and perioperative cardiac therapy in patients undergoing open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms: effects on cardiovascular outcome.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular complications, such as death, myocardial infarction, or heart failure, are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in adult patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of an accurate preoperative cardiac evaluation, together with optimized perioperative drug therapy, in reducing cardiovascular events in patients undergoing open aortic surgery for abdominal aneurysm. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2008, we considered all consecutive patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic open surgery at the Vascular Surgery Unit of the University of Study-Spedali Civili (Italy). Since January 2003, we have used an intensive cardiac preoperative evaluation: patients with at least one cardiac risk factor received a preoperative cardiac evaluation; all non-invasive and invasive tests were performed preoperatively when indicated by the consultant cardiologist, that also optimized the pharmacological perioperative therapy. The outcome of the 418 patients undergoing surgery between 2003 and 2008 was compared with those of the 204 patients in the previous triennium 2000 to 2002, when only patients with positive history for cardiac disease received a standard preoperative cardiological clinical or instrumental evaluation. RESULTS: Patients enrolled in the 2003 to 2008 interval were slightly older and with a higher prevalence of comorbidities compared with those observed in the previous triennium; furthermore, the number of noninvasive tests performed before surgery increased significantly. Nevertheless, the number of major cardiac perioperative complications decreased over time: particularly, in-hospital mortality rate was 0.9% in the latter period, compared with 3.4% in the years 2000 to 2002. Also, the long-term mortality was significantly reduced in patients operated on between 2003 and 2008 compared with those operated on in the previous triennium. CONCLUSION: These data suggest a significant benefit of an intensive cardiac preoperative evaluation in reducing the incidence of perioperative and postoperative cardiac morbidity and mortality.

Aortic valve stenosis and cancer: a common and complex association.

Introduction. The prevalence of aortic valve stenosis (AS) and malignancy are both high, especially in elderly people and in developed countries. These two conditions frequently coexist and share the same risk factors as atherosclerotic disease.Area covered. The progression of calcified AS may be accelerated by both cardiovascular risk factors and cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy. The standard treatment for symptomatic severe AS is surgical aortic valve replacement; however, in cancer patients, transcatheter implantation may be preferred as they are often at high-risk for cardiac surgery. In patients with AS and cancer, physicians may face difficult treatment decisions.To date, there is limited information on the impact of malignancy on outcomes in patients with severe AS; hence, there is no established treatment policy.Expert Opinion. Treating clinicians must integrate complex information about the severity of valve disease and expected cardiac outcomes with information regarding the cancer prognosis and the need for specific treatment, including surgery. Other comorbidities, age and frailty also contribute to decision-making about whether, when, and how to perform aortic valve replacement.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and cardiovascular implications.

: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has important implications for the cardiovascular care of patients. COVID-19 interacts with the cardiovascular system on multiple levels, increasing morbidity in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions and favoring acute myocardial injury and dysfunction. COVID-19 infection may also have long-term implications for overall cardiovascular health. Many issues regarding the involvement of the cardiovascular system remain controversial. Despite angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 serving as the site of entry of the virus into the cells, the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or AT1 blockers requires further investigation. Therapies under investigation for COVID-19 may have cardiovascular side effects. Treatment of COVID-19, especially the use of antivirals, must be closely monitored. This article is a review of the most updated literature.

[The study of left ventricular diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography: the essential for the clinician]. / Lo studio ecocardiografico-Doppler della funzione diastolica: cosa il clinico deve sapere.

The study of diastolic function by Doppler-echocardiography is complex and demanding. The cardiologist/echocardiographist must have a systematic approach to the study of left ventricular diastolic function, not only based on the Doppler index, but integrating Doppler patterns with other echo-parameters (chamber dimensions, wall thicknesses, systolic function, valve function and morphology) and clinical information. A rational interpretation of clinical and instrumental data can allow a correct diagnosis, which is essential for clinical decision-making.

Management of diabetic patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes: a prospective multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes mellitus and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) present an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. An Italian Consensus Document indicated 'three specific must' to obtain in this subgroup of patients: optimal oral antiplatelet therapy, early invasive approach and a tailored strategy of revascularization for unstable angina/non-ST-elevation-myocardial infarction (UA/NSTEMI); furthermore, glycemia at admission should be managed with dedicated protocols. AIM: To investigate if previous recommendations are followed, the present multicenter prospective observational registry was carried out in Lombardia during a 9-week period between March and May 2015. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 559 consecutive ACS patients (mean age 68.7 ±â€Š11.3 years, 35% ≥75 years, 50% STEMI), with 'known DM' (56%) or 'hyperglycemia', this last defined as blood glucose value ≥ 126 mg/dl at admission, were included in the registry at 29 hospitals with an on-site 24/7 catheterization laboratory. Patients with known diabetes mellitus received clopidogrel in 51% of the cases, whereas most patients with hyperglycemia (72%) received a new P2Y12 inhibitor: according to clinical presentation in case STEMI prasugrel/ticagrelor were more prescribed than clopidogrel (70 vs. 30%, P < 0.001); on the contrary, no significant difference was found in case of UA/NSTEMI (48 vs. 52%, P = 0.57).Overall, 96% of the patients underwent coronary angiography and 85% received a myocardial revascularization (with percutaneous coronary intervention in 92% of cases) that was however performed in fewer patients with known diabetes mellitus compared with hyperglycemia (79 vs. 90%, P = 0.001).Among UA/NSTEMI, 85% of patients received an initial invasive approach, less than 72 h in 80% of the cases (51% <24 h); no difference was reported comparing known diabetes mellitus to hyperglycemia. Despite similar SYNTAX score, patients with known diabetes mellitus had a higher rate of Heart Team discussion (29 vs. 12%, P = 0.03) and received a surgical revascularization in numerically more cases.Most investigators (85%) followed a local protocol for glycemia management at admission, but insulin was used in fewer than half of the cases; diabetes consulting was performed in 25% of the patients and mainly in case of known diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: Based on data of the present real world prospective registry, patients with ACS and known diabetes mellitus are treated with an early invasive approach in case of UA/NSTEMI and with a tailored revascularization strategy, but with clopidogrel in more cases; glycemia management is taken into account at admission.

Prevalence of comorbidities and associated cardiac diseases in patients with valve aortic stenosis. Potential implications for the decision-making process.

OBJECTIVES: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is recommended in patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). However a large number of elderly patients remain untreated because of a high operative risk. The aim of this study was to assess the risk profile of a group of AS patients, evaluating the prevalence of comorbidities and associated cardiac diseases and their impact on therapeutic decisions. METHODS: Two-hundred forty consecutive AS patients underwent complete clinical evaluation, in order to define the stenosis severity, the prevalence of several associated cardiac conditions and comorbidities. Furthermore, the treatment choices based on this approach were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age was 78.6 ± 8.93 years, 75.5% was ≥ 75 years old, 60% females; 226 patients (94.2%) had symptoms and 54.2% was in NYHA classes III-IV. Valve area <1cm(2) was detected in 81.6% of patients. Both comorbidities and associated cardiac diseases were common; particularly, renal dysfunction was detected by estimated glomerular filtration rate in 52.7%, chronic obstructive lung disease in 25.4%, cerebrovascular/peripheral artery disease in 30.8% and 11.6%, respectively, diabetes in 30%, malignancies (current or previous) in 26.6% of patients. Among associated cardiac diseases, coronary artery disease was detected in 43.7%, LV systolic dysfunction in 28.7%, pulmonary hypertension in 67%, at least moderate mitral regurgitation in 32.5% and porcelain aorta in 7.5% of patients. Fourteen asymptomatic patients (pts) (5.9%) remained in follow-up, 77 (32%) underwent surgical AVR, 64 (26.7%) underwent transcatheter valve implantation, 28 (11.6%) underwent balloon valvuloplasty and 57 (23.8%), despite symptoms, remained on medical therapy alone. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities and coexisting cardiac diseases are very common in AS and may strongly influence the decision-making process.

Low cerebrovascular event rate in subjects with patent foramen ovale and different clinical presentations: results from a prospective non randomized study on a population including patients with and without patent foramen ovale closure.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data on the role of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of cerebrovascular events associated with PFO in a large population of patients during mid-term follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively investigated 446 consecutive patients (58% female, age 50 ± 14 years) in whom PFO was detected by contrast echocardiography following cryptogenic stroke (30.5%), transient ischemic attack (TIA, 23.7%), migraine(10.5%) or evaluation for other cardiac diseases(35%). Prevalence of other clinical conditions potentially associated with cerebral embolism, such as mitral valve disease, atrial fibrillation and aortic atherosclerosis were 31%, 12.5%, 11.2%, respectively; 99 out of 446 patients (22%, group 1) underwent PFO closure, shortly after diagnosis, while 347 (78%, group 2) received only medical therapy (antiplatelet drugs and vitamin K antagonists). During 54 months (range 12-96) of average follow-up few events had been observed: one fatal stroke (1%) in group 1 and 3 nonfatal strokes (0.86%) in group 2 (not significant); there were more TIAs in group 1 than in group 2 (5, 5% versus 3, 0.86%, p=0.02): 8/12 new cerebrovascular events occurred in patients with previous cerebral ischemia and in 7/12 there were other cardioembolic sources. Kaplan-Meier survival free from cerebrovascular events showed a slightly better prognosis in unclosed PFO patients compared to closed PFO ones, statistically significant (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: New cerebrovascular events are rare in unselected subjects with PFO, even in those with previous cerebral ischemia and those who have not undergone PFO closure, with an event rate similar to that observed in the general population.

[Differences among beta-blockers for the treatment of patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Differenze tra betabloccanti nei pazienti con scompenso cardiaco e broncopneumopatia cronica ostruttiva.

Although current guidelines support the use of beta-blockers (BB) in all patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, unless contraindicated or not tolerated, they are still underused, especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). BB are associated with a potential risk for lung function decline and airway hyperresponsiveness, and reluctance still exists to prescribe these agents in COPD patients. However, a large body of evidence indicates that these patients tolerate well selective beta-blockade, and BB should not be denied to HF patients with concomitant COPD. Current guidelines and recent reports recommend the use of selective BB in all patients with stable COPD and irreversible airway obstruction, to be administered at the lowest dose and at a low titration rate. Close monitoring of lung function by spirometry is strongly encouraged to guide and enhance a safe BB use in everyday practice. Pneumologists and cardiologists should develop shared strategies with the aim to implement selective BB therapy in clinical practice and improve the prognosis of both HF and COPD.

Independent prognostic value of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with heart failure. A quantitative analysis of 1256 patients with ischaemic and non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a common finding in patients with heart failure (HF), but its effect on outcome is still uncertain, mainly because in previous studies sample sizes were relatively small and semiquantitative methods for FMR grading were used. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of FMR in patients with HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with HF due to ischaemic and non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were retrospectively recruited. The clinical end point was a composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalisation for worsening HF. FMR was quantitatively determined by measuring vena contracta (VC) or effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) or regurgitant volume (RV). Severe FMR was defined as ERO >0.2 cm(2) or RV >30 ml or VC >0.4 cm. Restrictive mitral filling pattern (RMP) was defined as E-wave deceleration time <140 ms. The study population comprised 1256 patients (mean age 67 ± 11; 78% male) with HF due to DCM: 27% had no FMR, 49% mild to moderate FMR and 24% severe FMR. There was a powerful association between severe FMR and prognosis (HR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.6; p<0.0001) after adjustment of left ventricular ejection fraction and RMP. The independent association of severe FMR with prognosis was confirmed in patients with ischaemic DCM (HR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.7; p<0.0001) and non-ischaemic DCM (HR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.9; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In a large patient population it was shown that a quantitatively defined FMR was strongly associated with the outcome of patients with HF, independently of LV function.

Homocysteine and heart failure: an overview.

An elevated plasma level of homocysteine (HCY) is associated with increased risk of thrombotic and atherosclerotic vascular disease. Several studies and recent patents have demonstrated that hyper-homocysteinemia (HHCY) is an independent risk factor for vascular disease. An elevated homocysteine level has been also reported to be a risk factor for the development of congestive heart failure (CHF) in individuals free of myocardial infarction. Animal studies showed that experimental HHCY induces systolic and diastolic dysfunction, as well as an increased BNP expression. Moreover, hyperhomocysteinemic animals exhibit an adverse cardiac remodeling characterized by accumulation of interstitial and perivascular collagen. The mechanisms leading from an elevated HCY level to reduced pump function and adverse cardiac remodeling are a matter of speculation. Existing data indicate that direct effects of HCY on the myocardium, as well as nitric oxide independent vascular effects, are involved. Preliminary data from small intervention trials have initiated the speculation that HCY lowering therapy by micronutrients may improve clinical as well as laboratory markers of CHF. In conclusion, HHCY might be a potential etiological factor in CHF. Future studies need to explore the exact pathomechanisms of HHCY in CHF. Moreover, larger intervention trials are needed to clarify whether modification of plasma HCY by B-vitamin supplementation improves the clinical outcome in CHF patients.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein: a predictor for recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful cardioversion.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is often associated, more or less indirectly, with an inflammatory acute or chronic process. So it is probable that the inflammation could contribute to the genesis and the perpetuation of this dysrhythmia. Phlogistic test indexes in patients (pts) with AF will be positive and have prognostic significance in patients treated with electrical cardioversion with restoration of a sinus rhythm. We evaluated 106 pts affected by AF of recent onset without known cardiovascular disease. We measured the plasma concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) through a high sensibility method, in addition to routine blood samples. We performed an ECG 1 week and a Holter ECG monitoring 1 and 6 months after the electrical cardioversion. The CRP values were high (5.8 +/- 10.7 U/L), with values above the normal range in 60 pts. After electrical cardioversion, we obtained restoration of sinus rhythm in all the patients. One week after cardioversion, 85 pts (80%) were in sinus rhythm, while after 6 months 60 pts (56%) maintained a sinus rhythm. In total 46 (43%) patients had a recurrence of atrial fibrillation within 6 months, and 41 of these 46 patients (89%) had elevated values of CRP (P < 0.001 with respect to the patients who maintained a sinus rhythm). 18/21 patients (86%) with an AF relapse in the first week and 23/25 patients (92%) with AF recurrences at 6 months later had elevated values of CRP. The patients with AF may have elevated values of CRP, and the assessment of this increase may be predictive of early relapses of AF after electrical cardioversion.