Heart Failure With Recovered Ejection Fraction in African Americans: Results From the African-American Heart Failure Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have described the entity of heart failure with recovered ejection fraction (HFrecEF), but population-specific studies remain lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize patients enrolled in the African-American Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT) who had significant improvement in their ejection fraction (EF) during the 1st 6 months of follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects with HFrecEF (improvement in EF from <35% to >40% in 6 months; n = 59) were compared with 259 subjects with heart failure and persistently reduced EF (HFrEF), defined as EF ≤40% at 6-month follow-up. The effects of improvement in EF on all-cause mortality and 1st and all hospitalizations were analyzed. Compared with HFrEF, subjects with HFrecEF had a nonsignificant trend toward lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-1.15; P = .068), fewer 1st HF hospitalizations (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.71; P = .011), fewer recurrent HF hospitalizations (HR 0.13, 95% CI 0.05-0.37; P <.001), similar 1st all-cause hospitalizations (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.39-1.15; P = .150), and fewer recurrent all-cause hospitalizations (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24-0.68; P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that, as in other populations, a small subgroup of black patients receiving standard care improve their EF with favorable outcomes. Further studies are required to determine whether myocardial recovery is permanent and the best management strategies in such patients.

The Confounding Effects of Non-cardiac Pathologies on the Interpretation of Cardiac Biomarkers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiac biomarkers play important roles in routine evaluation of cardiac patients. But while these biomarkers can be extremely valuable, none of them should ever be used by themselves-without adding the clinical context. This paper explores the non-cardiac pathologies that can be seen with the cardiac biomarkers most commonly used. RECENT FINDINGS: High-sensitivity troponin assay gained FDA approval for use in the USA, and studies demonstrated its diagnostic utility can be extended to patients with renal impairment. Gender-specific cut points may be utilized for high-sensitivity troponin assays. In the realm of the natriuretic peptides, studies demonstrated states of natriuretic peptide deficiency in obesity and in subjects of African-American race. Regardless, BNP and NT-proBNP both retained prognostic utilities across a variety of comorbid conditions. We are rapidly gaining clinical evidence with use of soluble ST2 and procalcitonin levels in management of cardiac disease states. In order to get the most utility from their measurement, one must be aware of non-cardiac pathologies that may affect the levels of biomarkers as although many of these are actually true values, they may not represent the disease we are trying to delineate. A few take-home points are as follows: 1. A biomarker value should never be used without clinical context 2. Serial sampling of biomarkers is often helpful 3. Panels of biomarkers may be valuable.

Comparison of 30-day mortality and myocardial scar indices for patients treated with prehospital reduced dose fibrinolytic followed by percutaneous coronary intervention versus percutaneous coronary intervention alone for treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether prehospital, reduced dose fibrinolysis coupled with urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (FAST-PCI) reduces mortality and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measures of infarct size, compared with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: Current standard therapy for STEMI is PPCI. However, FAST-PCI may shorten ischemic time (IT) and improve outcomes. METHODS: Eligible STEMI patients received prehospital, reduced dose fibrinolysis along with standard therapy, and were transported for urgent percutaneous coronary intervention, or else they received usual treatment without prehospital fibrinolysis. Patients were divided retrospectively into four groups based on IT (<120, 120-179, 180-239 min, ≥240) for a mortality analysis cohort, and into three groups (<120, 120-179, ≥180 min) for a CMR analysis cohort. Within each IT group, patients were compared by FAST-PCI vs. PPCI strategy. RESULTS: Between 1/2007 and 2/2014, 1,112 STEMI patients were treated. FAST-PCI was employed in 551 and PPCI in 561. Of these, 357 (32.1%) underwent CMR. The treatment groups were well matched. In STEMI patients with short IT (<120 and 120-179 min groups), those treated by FAST-PCI had lower 30-day mortality and myocardial scar sizes compared with PPCI treatment. For IT ≥180 min, the mortalities and myocardial scar sizes were equivalent for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients with IT <180 min, FAST-PCI may reduce 30-day mortality and myocardial scar size compared with PPCI. This suggests that infarct interventions must be instituted within 3 hr of symptom onset in order to detect an optimal beneficial effect both clinically and by CMR measurement. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ischemic time is a better predictor than door-to-balloon time for mortality and infarct size in ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) recommend early revascularization with optimal ischemic time (IT) < 120 min and door-to-balloon (D2B) time < 90 min. The focus of most studies has been D2B time, while IT is not frequently reported. We tested the hypothesis that total IT is a better predictor than D2B time for mortality and infarct size. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between December 2008 and April 2013, 786 patients with STEMI were treated in our STEMI center, and 262 of these had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 3-5 days after the index event. Total IT was defined as time from symptom onset to device activation, while D2B time was defined as hospital arrival to device activation. Patients were divided into three groups according to IT (<120, 120-239, ≥240 min) and into four groups according to D2B time (<30, 30-59, 60-89, ≥90 min). Baseline demographics including age, cardiac risk factors, and LAD infarct location were similar between groups. The 30-day mortality rate significantly increased across IT groups but did not correlate with D2B time groups. Similarly, infarct size significantly increased across IT groups but did not correlate with D2B time groups. CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients, IT was a better predictor than D2B time for 30-day mortality and infarct size. Our findings suggest that the focus of STEMI care should be directed at early initiation of therapy and minimizing IT rather than on D2B time alone. The potential impact of IT reporting in current STEMI registries merits further consideration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Antiplatelet patterns and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation not prescribed an anticoagulant after stroke.

BACKGROUND: To determine association of discharge antiplatelet therapy prescription with 1-year outcomes among patients with AF admitted with acute ischemic stroke and discharged without oral anticoagulation. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study from the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke registry, we identified all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries 65 years or older with AF or atrial flutter admitted with acute ischemic stroke and discharged without oral anticoagulation from April 2003 through December 2014, and we determined association of discharge antiplatelet therapy prescription with 1-year outcomes using Medicare claims data. Primary outcomes were 1-year mortality and composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular/neurologic/bleeding events (MACNBE). RESULTS: Of 64,228 subjects (median [interquartile range] age, 84 [78-89] years; 62.5% female), 54,621 (85.0%) were discharged with antiplatelet therapy, and 9607 (15.0%) were discharged with no antithrombotic therapy. The unadjusted rates of 1-year mortality were lower among patients receiving antiplatelet therapy (37.3%) than among those receiving no antithrombotic therapy (48.1%); unadjusted rates of MACNBE were lower for those receiving antiplatelet therapy (45.5%) compared with those receiving no antithrombotic therapy (55.2%). After adjusting for potential confounders, antiplatelet therapy prescription was associated with reduced 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.66, P < .001) and MACNBE (adjusted HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.67-0.71, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among Medicare beneficiaries with AF admitted for acute ischemic stroke but not discharged on oral anticoagulant therapy, antiplatelet therapy, compared with no antithrombotic therapy, was associated with reduced 1-year mortality and MACNBE.

Observation of stethoscope sanitation practices in an emergency department setting.

BACKGROUND: Stethoscopes harbor pathogens that can be transferred to patients when proper sanitary measures are not taken. Our aim was to assess medical provider stethoscope cleaning and hand hygiene in an emergency department setting. METHODS: The frequency and methods of stethoscope cleaning during and after provider-patient encounters were observed anonymously in an emergency department of the VA San Diego Healthcare System. RESULTS: Among the total of 426 encounters, 115 (26.9%) involved the use of a personal stethoscope. In 15 of these 115 encounters (13.0%), the provider placed a glove over the stethoscope before patient contact. In 13 of these 115 encounters (11.3%), the provider cleaned the stethoscope with an alcohol swab after patient interaction. Stethoscope hygiene with water and a hand towel before patient interaction was observed in 5 of these 115 encounters (4.3%). Hand sanitizer use or handwashing was observed in 213 of the 426 encounters (50.0%) before patient interaction. Gloves were used before patient interaction in 206 of these 426 encounters (48.4%). Hand sanitizer or handwashing was used in 332 of the 426 encounters (77.9%) after patient interaction. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of stethoscope and hand hygiene performance were lower than expected. Further investigation of stethoscope contamination and the associated risk of nosocomial infection are needed. Perhaps clearer guidelines on proper stethoscope cleaning would reduce this risk.

Antithrombotic regimens in patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention: A focused review.

Atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease are common comorbidities with increasing incidences worldwide. About 5-15% of atrial fibrillation patients will require coronary stenting at some point in their lives, which necessitates dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 antagonist. Triple therapy refers to the clinical scenario in which a patient is prescribed aspirin, P2Y12 antagonist, and oral anticoagulant, usually in the setting of atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines on atrial fibrillation do not offer strong recommendations on triple therapy management. Furthermore, the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention is evolving based on contemporary research and development of newer generation drug eluting stents, changing the necessary duration of triple therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. This review will offer an in-depth survey of current guidelines, current evidence, and future studies regarding triple therapy in atrial fibrillation patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Using biomarkers to guide heart failure management.

INTRODUCTION: Biomarkers have revolutionized the diagnosis of heart failure (HF), but it remains unclear how to use biomarkers to guide management of HF. Areas covered: An exhaustive literature search on using biomarkers to guide HF management was performed. HF guidelines were carefully scrutinized for references pertaining to this topic, and Medline was employed to identify further references. This review focused on natriuretic peptides, troponin, and ST2 as biomarkers used to guide HF management. Most trials have examined secondary prevention of chronic HF patients, and data on primary prevention of HF and therapy of acute HF are emerging. Expert commentary: While the current data on using biomarkers to guide HF management remain mixed, more research is necessary to better understand how to utilize biomarkers to improve HF management.

Clinical Applications of Biomarkers in Atrial Fibrillation.

While biomarkers have greatly impacted the diagnosis and management of myocardial infarction and heart failure, the use of biomarkers has been slow to permeate management of atrial fibrillation. Guideline recommendations on the use of biomarkers in atrial fibrillation were virtually nonexistent until the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on atrial fibrillation offered a class IIb recommendation to consider using biomarkers such as high-sensitivity troponin and natriuretic peptide to further refine stroke and bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation patients. Biomarker levels have been associated with incident atrial fibrillation, postoperative atrial fibrillation, acute atrial fibrillation, diagnosis of myocardial infarction and heart failure in atrial fibrillation, and prognosis in atrial fibrillation. This review will offer an in-depth survey of current evidence on the use of biomarkers in atrial fibrillation and propose clinical algorithms to aid the internist in using biomarkers in atrial fibrillation management.

Preservation of native aortic valve flow and full hemodynamic support with the TORVAD using a computational model of the cardiovascular system.

This article describes the stroke volume selection and operational design for the toroidal ventricular assist device (TORVAD), a synchronous, positive-displacement ventricular assist device (VAD). A lumped parameter model was used to simulate hemodynamics with the TORVAD compared with those under continuous-flow VAD support. Results from the simulation demonstrated that a TORVAD with a 30 ml stroke volume ejecting with an early diastolic counterpulse provides comparable systemic support to the HeartMate II (HMII) (cardiac output 5.7 L/min up from 3.1 L/min in simulated heart failure). By taking the advantage of synchronous pulsatility, the TORVAD delivers full hemodynamic support with nearly half the VAD flow rate (2.7 L/min compared with 5.3 L/min for the HMII) by allowing the left ventricle to eject during systole and thus preserving native aortic valve flow (3.0 L/min compared with 0.4 L/min for the HMII, down from 3.1 L/min at baseline). The TORVAD also preserves pulse pressure (26.7 mm Hg compared with 12.8 mm Hg for the HMII, down from 29.1 mm Hg at baseline). Preservation of aortic valve flow with synchronous pulsatile support could reduce the high incidence of aortic insufficiency and valve cusp fusion reported in patients supported with continuous-flow VADs.

Comparison of outcomes for patients ≥75 years of age treated with pre-hospital reduced-dose fibrinolysis followed by percutaneous coronary intervention versus percutaneous coronary intervention alone for treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

A coordinated system of care for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions that includes prehospital administration of reduced-dose fibrinolytic agents coupled with urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), termed FAST-PCI, has been shown to be at least as effective as primary PCI (PPCI) alone. However, this reduced-dose fibrinolytic strategy could be associated with increased bleeding risk, especially in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to examine 30-day outcomes in patients aged ≥75 years with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions treated with either strategy. Data from 120 patients aged ≥75 years treated with FAST-PCI were compared with those of 94 patients aged ≥75 years treated with PPCI. The primary comparator was mortality at 30 days. Stroke, reinfarction, and major bleeding were also compared. The groups were well matched for age, cardiac risk factors, and ischemic times. At 30 days, mortality was lower with FAST-PCI than with PPCI (4.2% vs 18.1%, p <0.01). Rates of stroke, reinfarction, and major bleeding (4% vs 2%) were similar in the 2 groups. The FAST-PCI cohort had lower rates of cardiogenic shock on hospital arrival (15% vs 26%, p = 0.05) and completely occluded infarct arteries (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade 0 flow, 35% vs 61%, p <0.01). In conclusion, for patients aged ≥75 years with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions, a FAST-PCI strategy in a coordinated system of care was associated with reduced 30-day mortality, earlier infarct artery patency, and lower incidence of cardiogenic shock at arrival compared with PPCI, without apparent bleeding, stroke, or reinfarction penalties.