Blood pressure and intensive treatment up-titration after acute heart failure hospitalization: Insights from the STRONG-HF trial.

AIMS: A high-intensity care (HIC) strategy with rapid guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) up-titration and close follow-up visits improved outcomes, compared to usual care (UC), in patients recently hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF). Hypotension is a major limitation to GDMT implementation. We aimed to assess the impact of baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) on the effects of HIC versus UC and the role of early SBP changes in STRONG-HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1075 patients hospitalized for AHF with SBP ≥100 mmHg were included in STRONG-HF. For the purpose of this post-hoc analysis, patients were stratified by tertiles of baseline SBP (<118, 118-128, and ≥129 mmHg) and, in the HIC arm, by tertiles of changes in SBP from the values measured before discharge to those measured at 1 week after discharge (≥2 mmHg increase, ≤7 mmHg decrease to <2 mmHg increase, and ≥8 mmHg decrease). The primary endpoint was 180-day heart failure rehospitalization or death. The effect of HIC versus UC on the primary endpoint was independent of baseline SBP evaluated as tertiles (pinteraction = 0.77) or as a continuous variable (pinteraction = 0.91). In the HIC arm, patients with increased, stable and decreased SBP at 1 week reached 83.5%, 76.2% and 75.3% of target doses of GDMT at day 90. The risk of the primary endpoint was not significantly different between patients with different SBP changes at 1 week (adjusted p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: In STRONG-HF, the benefits of HIC versus UC were independent of baseline SBP. Rapid GDMT up-titration was performed also in patients with an early SBP drop, resulting in similar 180-day outcome as compared to patients with stable or increased SBP.

Culprit-only or multivessel percutaneous coronary stenting in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes: one-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the major cardiac events at 1-year follow-up of multivessel versus culprit-vessel stenting in patients presenting with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and multivessel disease (MVD). INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous coronary intervention is a standard revascularization strategy for patients with NSTE-ACS. However, when these patients have MVD it is not clear whether multivessel (MVR) is superior to culprit-vessel revascularization (CVR). METHODS: We screened 1,100 consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS from an institutional database. Comparisons of 1-year outcomes between multivessel and culprit-vessel revascularized patients were made. The primary outcome was the composite (MACE) of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or any revascularization. Secondary end-points were the components of the composite end-point. Regression analysis was performed to detect predictors of MACE. RESULTS: A total of 609 patients were considered for this analysis: 204 (33.5%) and 405 (66.5%) had MVR and CVR treatment, respectively. The strategy adopted was based on a clinical decision. The incidence of MACE was lower in MVR (9.45% vs. 16.34%, P = 0.02) with lower revascularization rate (7.46% vs. 13.86%, P = 0.04) than in CVR. There was no difference in death (1.99% vs. 1.98%, P = 0.8) nor death/MI (2.49% vs. 3.22%, P = 0.8) between MVR and CVR, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed CVR as the only independent predictor of improved MACE (OR 0.66, CI95% 1.12-3.47, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Multivessel stenting in patients with NSTE-ACS and multivessel disease using a clinical decision of treatment is associated with lower rate of MACE driven by lower repeat revascularization, compared with culprit-vessel stenting, without difference in rates of death or MI.

Infarto de miocardio en Argentina. Tercer reporte del registro ARGEN-IAM-ST y comportamiento de la mortalidad en 8 años / Acute Myocardial Infarction in Argentina. Third ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry Report and 8-Year Mortality Behavior

RESUMEN Introducción. Se presenta el tercer reporte general del registro continuo de infarto ARGEN- IAM-ST. Objetivos. Evaluar los principales marcadores de atención y las complicaciones del infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) con elevación del segmento ST en el registro continuo de infarto ARGEN-IAM-ST. Conocer la evolución de la terapia de reperfusión y la mortalidad en los últimos 8 años. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo multicéntrico, con alcance nacional. Se incluyeron pacientes con IAM con elevación del segmento ST de hasta 36 horas de evolución. Resultados. Se incluyeron 6765 pacientes, con una edad media de 61 ± 12 años, 65 % de género masculino. Se observó una importante carga de factores de riesgo cardiovascular: hipertensión arterial 58 %, diabetes 23 %, dislipidemia 42 %, tabaquismo activo 37 % y antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular 17 %. El 13,5 % presentó antecedente de enfermedad coronaria; al ingreso un 49 % presentó IAM de cara anterior y el 23 % falla cardíaca. La mediana de tiempo de dolor a la consulta fue de 120 minutos (rango intercuartílico, RIC, 60-285), el tiempo puerta-aguja fue de 50 minutos (RIC 25-110) y el tiempo puerta balón fue de 100 minutos (RIC 58-190). La mortalidad general intrahospitalaria fue del 8,8 %. Se realizó un análisis exploratorio y descriptivo para observar la variación de la reperfusión y mortalidad durante 8 años donde no se muestran cambios acentuados en la mortalidad a pesar de las altas tasas de reperfusión. Conclusión. En los últimos 8 años la mortalidad registrada en el registro ARGEN IAM-ST se ha mantenido en valores elevados a pesar de las altas tasas de reporte de reperfusión.

ABSTRACT Background. The continuous Argentine ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction (ARGEN-IAM-ST) registry presents its third general report. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) markers of care and its complications in the continuous ARGEN-IAM-ST registry, and assess the outcome of reperfusion therapy and mortality in the last 8 years. Methods. This was a national, prospective, multicenter study, including STEMI patients with up to 36-hour evolution. Results. A total of 6765 patients, mean age 61±12 years, 65 % male , were included in the study. A significant burden of cardiovascular risk factors was observed: 58 % of patients had hypertension, 23 % diabetes, 42 % dyslipidemia, 37 % were active smokers, and 17 % had a family history of cardiovascular disease. In 13.5 % of cases, patients had prior history of coronary heart disease. On admission, 49 % presented with anterior AMI and 23 % with heart failure. Median (interquartile range, IQR) pain-consultation time was 120 minutes (IQR 60-285), door-to-needle time 50 minutes (IQR 25-110) and door-to-balloon time 100 minutes (IQR 58-190) Overall in-hospital mortality was 8.8 %. An exploratory and descriptive analysis was performed to assess the variation in reperfusion and mortality over 8 years, showing no marked changes in mortality despite high reperfusion rates. Conclusion. In the last 8 years, the mortality recorded in the ARGEN-IAM-ST registry has remained at high values despite the high reperfusion rates reported.

Utilización de la estrategia farmacoinvasiva en Argentina. Análisis del registro ARGEN-IAM ST / Use of the Pharmacoinvasive Strategy in Argentina. ARGEN-IAM ST Registry Analysis

RESUMEN Introducción : La angioplastia primaria (ATCp) es el tratamiento de elección para el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). En nuestro país, de tanta extensión territorial y con tiempos a la reperfusión subóptimos, la estrategia farmacoinvasiva (Finv) podría considerarse. Material y métodos : El ARGEN-IAM-ST es un registro prospectivo, multicéntrico, nacional y observacional. Se incluyen pacien tes con IAMCEST dentro de las 36 horas de evolución. Se definió en el mismo la utilización de Finv y las variables asociadas. Resultados : Se analizaron 4788 pacientes de los cuales en el 88,56 % se realizó ATCp, en el 8,46 % trombolíticos con reperfusión positiva (TL+), y solo en un 2,98% Finv. La mediana y rango intercuartílico (RIC) del tiempo total de isquemia fueron menores en aquellos que recibieron TL+ (165 min, RIC 100-269) y los que fueron a Finv (191 min, RIC 100-330) que en aquellos que fueron a ATCp (280 min, RIC 179- 520), p <0,001. No existieron diferencias en mortalidad intrahospitalaria, en el grupo Finv 4,9%, 5,2% en el grupo TL + y en el grupo ATCp 7,8% (p = 0,081). No hubo diferencias en término de sangrados mayores. Se observó que un 57% de los pacientes con TL+ reunían características de alto riesgo, y no recibieron Finv acorde a lo recomendado Conclusiones : Solo 3 de cada 100 pacientes con IAMCEST que se reperfunden reciben Finv. Su implementación no está ligada en forma sistemática al alto riesgo de eventos. Pese a esta subutilización, por presentar un menor tiempo total de isquemia que la ATCp, sin aumento en los sangrados clínicamente relevantes persiste como una opción a considerar en nuestra realidad.

ABSTRACT Background : Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In Argentina, a country with a large area and suboptimal reperfusion times, the pharmacoinvasive (PI) strategy might be considered. Methods : ARGEN-IAM-ST is a national prospective, multicenter, and observational registry that includes STEMI patients with less than 36 hours of progression. The PI strategy usage and its associated variables were defined. Results : In this registry, 4788 patients were analyzed, of which 88.56% underwent PPCI, 8.46% received thrombolytics with positive reperfusion (TL+), and only 2.98% received PI strategy. Median and interquartile range (IQR) of total ischemia time were lower in patients receiving TL+ (165 min, IQR 100-269) and PI (191 min, IQR 100-330) than in patients undergoing PPCI (280 min, IQR 179-520), p <0.001. No differences in intra-hospital mortality were observed: 4.9% in the PI strategy group, 5.2% in the TL+ group and 7.8% in the PPCI group (p = 0.081). No differences in major bleeding events were observed. It was observed that 57% of the TL+ patients met the criteria for high cardiovascular risk, but they did not receive PI strategy, as recommended. Conclusions : Only 3 out of 100 reperfused STEMI patients received PI strategy. Its administration is not systematically associated to high cardiovascular risk. Despite the under-usage, it remains an option to be considered due to its total ischemia time lower than in the PPCI, with no increase in clinically significant bleedings.

Angioplastia coronaria en centros con residencia de cardiología en la Argentina: Estudio CONAREC XIV - Área de Investigación de la SAC / Coronary Angioplasty in Centers of Argentina with Residency in Cardiology: CONAREC XIV Study - Research Area of the Argentine Society of Cardiology (SAC)

Introducción Los nuevos tratamientos médicos y los avances técnicos, junto con la mayor experiencia adquirida en cardiología intervencionista, hicieron necesaria la realización de este nuevo registro, el protocolo CONAREC XIV, sobre empleo de angioplastia coronaria (ATC), un procedimiento que es seguro y eficaz para el tratamiento de la enfermedad coronaria. Objetivo Evaluar las características de los pacientes, las indicaciones y los resultados de la ATC en nuestro país. Material y métodos Se realizó un registro prospectivo y consecutivo durante 6 meses de pacientes tratados con ATC en centros con residencia de cardiología. Se determinaron antecedentes, cuadro clínico de ingreso, tratamiento, resultados y complicaciones intrahospitalarias. Resultados Se registraron 1.500 pacientes. La edad promedio fue de 62,8 ± 10,8 años y el 78,3% eran hombres. Antecedentes: 72% hipertensión arterial, 56,6% dislipidemia, 19,2% diabetes y 22,4% tabaquismo. Los cuadros clínicos de presentación fueron: 20% asintomáticos, 16,2% angina crónica estable, 45% síndrome coronario agudo sin supradesnivel del ST (SCA-SST), 19% síndrome coronario agudo con supradesnivel del ST (IAM-ST). En el 74,7% de los casos se realizó ATC de un vaso. Se utilizaron stents en el 94,5% de los casos y en el 18,7%, stents liberadores de drogas. El uso de pruebas funcionales previas a la ATC en cuadros estables fue del 53,9%, mientras que en el SCA-SST fue del 31,6%. La mediana de tiempo de evolución hasta la ATC en el SCA-SST fue de 1 día con un rango intercuartil 25-75% (RIC) de 0 a 3. En el IAM-ST, el tiempo puerta-balón fue de 60 minutos (RIC 40-105) y la mortalidad fue del 8%. Conclusiones La ATC se utiliza principalmente para el tratamiento de síndromes coronarios agudos. Se evidenció una tasa alta de uso de stents y de stents liberadores de drogas. El empleo de pruebas funcionales fue bajo. La tasa de complicaciones fue similar a la de los registros internacionales.

Introduction New medical therapies and technical advances, as well as the increased experience in interventional cardiology, made it necessary to carry out this new registry, the CONAREC XIV protocol, on the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure that is safe and effective for the treatment of coronary disease. Objective To evaluate the characteristics of patients, indications, and results of PCI in our country. Material and Methods A prospective consecutive registry was performed during 6 months in patients that underwent PCI at centers that had a Residency in Cardiology. Background, clinical condition upon admission, therapy, results and in-hospital complications were assessed. Results The recorded patients were 1,500. The average age was 62,8 ± 10,8 years and 78,3% were males. Background: 72% arterial hypertension, 56,6% dyslipemia, 19,2% diabetes and 22,4% smokers. Clinical conditions were: 20% asymptomatic, 16,2% stable chronic angina, 45% non ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), 19% ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (STE-ACS). In 74,7% of the cases PCI was performed in one of the vessels. Stents were used in 94,5% of the cases and in 18,7%, drug eluting stents were used. The use of functional tests previous to PCI in stable patients was of 53,9%, whereas in STE-ACS was of 31,6%. The median evolution time up to PCI in the STEACS was 1 day with 25-75% (ICR) interquartile range of 0 to 3. In ST-AMI, the door-to-balloon time was 60 minutes (ICR 40-105) and mortality was 8%. Conclusions PCI is used mainly in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. High use rate of stents and drug eluting stents was evident. The use of functional tests was low. The complications rate was similar to those shown in international registries.