Do Women Physicians Accept and Follow Heart Failure Guidelines More Than Men?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Our aim was to assess the degree of acceptance of the European Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) on heart failure (HF) among Spanish physicians according to sex. This was a cross-sectional study, employing Google Forms, conducted by a group of HF experts from the Region of Madrid (Spain), between November 2021 and February 2022, among specialists and residents of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, and Primary Care from Spain. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 387 physicians-173 women (44.7%)-from 128 different centers completed the survey. Compared to men, women were significantly younger (38.2 ± 9.1 years vs. 40.6 ± 11.2 years; p = 0.024) and had fewer years of clinical practice (12.1 ± 8.1 years vs. 14.5 ± 10.7 years; p = 0.014). Briefly, women and men had a positive opinion of the guidelines and thought that implementing quadruple therapy is feasible in less than 8 weeks. Women followed more frequently than men the new paradigm of "4 pillars at lowest doses" and considered more frequently the establishment of quadruple therapy before implanting a cardiac device. Although they agreed about "low blood pressure" as the major limitation for achieving quadruple therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there were discrepancies on the second most frequent barrier, and women were more proactive when initiating SGLT2 inhibitors. In a large survey including nearly 400 doctors from all over Spain to provide real-world opinion on 2021 ESC HF Guidelines and experience with SGLT2 inhibitors, women follow more frequently the new paradigm of "4 pillars at lowest doses", consider more frequently the establishment of quadruple therapy before implanting a cardiac device, and were more proactive when initiating SGLT2 inhibitors. Further studies confirming an association of sex with a better compliance of HF guidelines are needed.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Recovery in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction Treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of heart failure (HF) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) experience ventricular function recovery during follow-up. We studied the variables associated with LVEF recovery in patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan (SV) in clinical practice. METHODS: We analyzed data from a prospective and multicenter registry including 249 HF outpatients with reduced LVEF who started SV between October 2016 and March 2017. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to LVEF at the end of follow-up (>35%: group R, or ≤35%: group NR). RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 7 ± 0.1 months, 62 patients (24.8%) had LVEF >35%. They were older (71.3 ± 10.8 vs. 67.5 ± 12.1 years, p = 0.025), and suffered more often from hypertension (83.9 vs. 73.8%, p = 0.096) and higher blood pressure before and after SV (both, p < 0.01). They took more often high doses of beta-blockers (30.6 vs. 27.8%, p = 0.002), with a smaller proportion undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (14.8 vs. 29.0%, p = 0.028) and fewer implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICD; 32.8 vs. 67.9%, p < 0.001), this being the only predictive variable of NR in the multivariate analysis (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13-0.47, p < 0.0001). At the end of follow-up, the mean LVEF in group R was 41.9 ± 8.1% (vs. 26.3 ± 4.7% in group NR, p < 0.001), with an improvement compared with the initial LVEF of 14.6 ± 10.8% (vs. 0.8 ± 4.5% in group NR, p < 0.0001). Functional class improved in both groups, mainly in group R (p = 0.035), with fewer visits to the emergency department (11.5 vs. 21.6%, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with LVEF ≤35% treated with SV, not carrying an ICD was independently associated with LVEF recovery, which was related to greater improvement in functional class.

Sacubitril/Valsartan in Daily Clinical Practice: Data From a Prospective Registry.

Sacubitril/valsartan (SV) is a new therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Our aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of this drug daily clinical practice. We performed a multicenter registry in 10 hospitals. All patients who started SV from October 2016 to March 2017 on an outpatient basis were included. A total of 427 patients started treatment with SV. Mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 0.1 months. Forty-nine patients (11.5%) discontinued SV, and 12 (2.8%) died. SV discontinuation was associated with higher cardiovascular (hazard ratio 13.22, 95% confidence interval, 6.71-15.73, P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 13.51, 95% confidence interval 3.22-56.13, P < 0.001). Symptomatic hypotension occurred in 71 patients (16.6%). Baseline N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels, functional class, and left ventricular ejection fraction improved at the end of follow-up in patients who continued with SV (all P values ≤0.001). This improvement was not significant in patients with SV discontinuation. SV has a good tolerability in patients from daily clinical practice. SV withdrawal in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality. Patients who continued with SV presented an improvement in functional class left ventricular ejection fraction and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels.

Sex Influence on the Efficacy and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan.

BACKGROUND: Women are underrepresented in sacubitril/valsartan (SV) clinical trials. The aim of this study was to assess sex-specific differences in efficacy, tolerability, and safety of SV in real-world heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients. METHODS: A prospective registry in 10 centers including all patients who started SV during the last 6 months was analyzed in this study. RESULTS: A total of 427 patients were included, 126 (29.5%) were women. There were no substantial differences in HFrEF treatment before SV initiation, although fewer women than men carried an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (57 [45.2%] vs. 173 [58.1%], p = 0.02). SV starting dose was 24/26 mg b.i.d. in 206 patients (48.2%), 49/51 mg b.i.d. in 184 (43.1%), and 97/103 mg b.i.d. in 34 (8.2%), without relevant differences associated to sex. There were no losses during a mean follow-up of 7.0 ± 0.1 months. The proportion of patients who discontinued the drug (16 [12.7%] women vs. 33 [11.0%] men, p = 0.66) or presented SV-related adverse effects (31 [24.6%] women vs. 79 [26.5%] men, p = 0.72) was also similar in both sexes. However, female sex was an independent predictor of functional class improvement in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio 2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.24-4.38, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: SV in women with HFrEF has a similar tolerability as in men. Females seem to have a more frequent functional class improvement than males.

Clinical Profile of a Nonselected Population Treated With Sacubitril/Valsartan Is Different From PARADIGM-HF Trial.

Our aim is to describe the characteristics of the patients receiving sacubitril/valsartan (SV) in daily clinical practice. This is a prospective registry in 10 hospitals including all patients who started SV in everyday clinical practice. From October 2016 to March 2017, 427 patients started treatment with SV. The mean age was 68.1 ± 12.4 years, and 30.5% were women (22.0% in PARADIGM-HF, P < 0.001). Comparing our cohort with patients included in PARADIGM-HF, baseline treatment was different, with a lower ratio of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (2.7 vs. 3.5, P < 0.001), and a higher proportion of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (53.8% vs. 15%, P < 0.001), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (25.8% vs. 5%, P < 0.001). Treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was more frequent (76.7% vs. 60.0%, P < 0.001), and the use of beta-blockers was similar (94.6% vs. 93.0%, P = 0.43). We observed more patients in functional class III-IV (30.4 vs. 24.8, P = 0.015), higher levels of Nt pro-BNP [3421 (904-4161) vs. 1631 (885-3154) pg/mL] and worse renal function (creatinine level 1.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001). In real life, patients receiving SV have a higher risk profile than in the pivotal trial, poorer functional class, higher levels of natriuretic peptides, and worse renal function.

A Delphi consensus on the management of anticoagulation in the COVID-19 pandemic: the MONACO study.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, guideline documents on the management of anticoagulation were rapidly published. However, these documents did not follow a structured methodology, and significant differences existed between the guidelines. The aim of this expert consensus was to provide recommendations on the clinical management of oral anticoagulation in patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A two-round Delphi study was conducted using an online survey. In the first round, panellists expressed their level of agreement with the items on a 9-point Likert scale. Items were selected if they received approval from ≥66.6% of panellists and if they were agreed by the scientific committee. In the second round, panellists revaluated those items that did not meet consensus in the first round. Results: A total of 147 panellists completed the first round, and 144 of them completed the second round. Consensus was reached on 161 items included in five dimensions. These dimensions addressed: (I) management of anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) without mechanical valves or moderate/severe mitral stenosis during COVID-19 infection; (II) thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalised for COVID-19; (III) management of anticoagulation at hospital discharge/after COVID-19; (IV) anticoagulation monitoring in the COVID-19 pandemic setting; and (V) role of telemedicine in the management and follow-up of patients with AF in the COVID-19 pandemic setting. Conclusions: These areas of collective agreement could specially guide clinicians in making decisions regarding anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19 during hospitalisation and at discharge, where results from clinical trials are still limited and, in some cases, conflicting.

A Delphi consensus on the management of oral anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in Spain: ACOPREFERENCE study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of agreement between cardiologists regarding the management of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-round Delphi study was performed using an online survey. In round 1, panel members rated their level of agreement with the questionnaire items on a 9-point Likert scale. Item selection was based on acceptance by ≥66.6% of panellists and the agreement of the scientific committee. In round 2, the same panellists evaluated those items that did not meet consensus in round 1. RESULTS: A total of 238 experts participated in round 1; of these, 217 completed the round 2 survey. In round 1, 111 items from 4 dimensions (Thromboembolic and bleeding risk evaluation for treatment decision-making: 18 items; Choice of OAC: 39 items; OAC in specific cardiology situations: 12 items; Patient participation and education: 42 items) were evaluated. Consensus was reached for 92 items (83%). Over 80% of the experts agreed with the use of DOACs as the initial anticoagulant treatment when OAC is indicated. Panellists recommended the use of DOACs in patients at high risk of thromboembolic complications (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥3) (83%), haemorrhages (HAS-BLED ≥3) (89%) and poor quality of anticoagulation control (SAMe-TT2R2 >2) (76%), patients who fail to achieve an optimal therapeutic range after 3 months on VKA treatment (93%), and those who are to undergo cardioversion (80%). Panellists agreed that the efficacy and safety profile of each DOAC (98%), the availability of a specific reversal agent (72%) and patient's preference (85%) should be considered when prescribing a DOAC. A total of 97 items were ultimately accepted after round 2. CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi panel study provides expert-based recommendations that may offer guidance on clinical decision-making for the management of OAC in NVAF. The importance of patient education and involvement has been highlighted.

Consensus document and recommendations on palliative care in heart failure of the Heart Failure and Geriatric Cardiology Working Groups of the Spanish Society of Cardiology.

Heart failure is a complex entity, with high morbidity and mortality. The clinical course and outcome are uncertain and difficult to predict. This document, instigated by the Heart Failure and Geriatric Cardiology Working Groups of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, addresses various aspects related to palliative care, where most cardiovascular disease will eventually converge. The document also establishes a consensus and a series of recommendations with the aim of recognizing and understanding the need to implement and progressively apply palliative care throughout the course of the disease, not only in the advanced stages, thus improving the care provided and quality of life. The purpose is to improve and adapt treatment to the needs and wishes of each patient, who must have adequate information and participate in decision-making.

Hyperkalemia in heart failure patients in Spain and its impact on guidelines and recommendations: ESC-EORP-HFA Heart Failure Long-Term Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperkalemia is a growing concern in the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction because it limits the use of effective drugs. We report estimates of the magnitude of this problem in routine clinical practice in Spain, as well as changes in potassium levels during follow-up and associated factors. METHODS: This study included patients with acute (n=881) or chronic (n=3587) heart failure recruited in 28 Spanish hospitals of the European heart failure registry of the European Society of Cardiology and followed up for 1 year. Various outcomes were analyzed, including changes in serum potassium levels and their impact on treatment. RESULTS: Hyperkalemia (K+> 5.4 mEq/L) was identified in 4.3% (95%CI, 3.7%-5.0%) and 8.2% (6.5%-10.2%) of patients with chronic and acute heart failure, respectively, and was responsible for 28.9% of all cases of contraindication to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use and for 10.8% of all cases of failure to reach the target dose. Serum potassium levels were not recorded in 291 (10.8%) of the 2693 chronic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. During follow-up, potassium levels increased in 179 of 1431 patients (12.5%, 95%CI, 10.8%-14.3%). This increase was directly related to age, diabetes, and history of stroke and was inversely related to history of hyperkalemia. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the magnitude of the problem of hyperkalemia in patients with heart failure in everyday clinical practice and the need to improve monitoring of this factor in these patients due to its interference with the possibility of receiving optimal treatment.

Impaired blood glucose levels in patients with dyslipidemia: what are the therapeutic implications? The PREVENDIAB study.

Aim: Dyslipidemia and diabetes are two of the main cardiovascular risk factors due to their impact and high prevalence. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism in dyslipidemic patients attending the cardiology department. Patients & methods: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational epidemiological study that consecutively enrolled the first ten dyslipidemic patients who attended the cardiology outpatient clinic. To find associated factors between variables, a bivariate analysis was performed, using a Student's t-test and a Fisher's exact test. Results: From the 490 analyzed patients, 67.4% of them presented impaired blood glucose levels, 39.2% with DM and 28.1% with prediabetes. Conclusion: More than half of the patients presented alterations of the glucose metabolism, very few reached a good metabolic control and a great number were found polymedicated.

In-hospital Mortality and Readmissions for Heart Failure in Spain. A Study of Index Episodes and 30-Day and 1-year Cardiac Readmissions.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Heart failure (HF) is a major health care problem in Spain. Epidemiological data from hospitalized patients are scarce and the association between hospital characteristics and patient outcomes is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality and readmissions and to analyze the relationship between hospital characteristics and outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of discharges with HF as the principal diagnosis at hospitals of the Spanish National Health System in 2012 was performed using the Minimum Basic Data Set. We calculated risk-standardized mortality rates (RSMR) at the index episode and risk-standardized cardiac diseases readmissions rates (RSRR) and in-hospital mortality at 30 days and 1 year after discharge by using a multivariate mixed model. RESULTS: We included 77 652 HF patients. Mean age was 79.2±9.9 years and 55.3% were women. In-hospital mortality during the index episode was 9.2%, rising to 14.5% throughout the year of follow-up. The 1-year cardiovascular readmissions rate was 32.6%. RSMR were lower among patients discharged from high-volume hospitals (> 340 HF discharges) (in-hospital RSMR, 10.3±5.6%; 8.6±2.2%); P <.001). High-volume hospitals had higher 1-year RSRR (32.3±3.7%; 33.7±4.5%; P=.006). The availability of a cardiology department at the hospital was associated with better outcomes (in-hospital RSMR, 9.9±3.8%; 9.2±2.4%; P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: High-volume hospitals and the availability of a cardiology department were associated with lower in-hospital mortality.

[Imbalance between the supply and demand for cardiologists in Spain. Analysis of the current situation, future prospects, and possible solutions]. / Desequilibrio entre la oferta y las necesidades de cardiólogos en España. Análisis de la situación actual, previsiones futuras y propuestas de solución.

Planning cardiology provision in Spain requires knowledge of the resources available and the demand, both now and in the future. In this report, we present the results of a study carried out by the Spanish Society of Cardiology on the availability of and demand for cardiologists in the country. The current situation is characterized by an imbalance of around 14% between the number of active cardiologists and the estimated number required. The demographic distribution of cardiologists shows that they are predominantly male and middle-aged. Expectations are that the situation will get worse until the year 2020. To correct this imbalance, alternative forms of training or clinical department organization, or both, are required. Some possible alternatives are presented in the final part of this document, as proposals for open discussion.

Scientific evidence on heated-tobacco products. A narrative review / Evidencia científica sobre productos de tabaco calentado. Una revisión narrativa

Given the impact of smoking on individuals and National Healthcare Systems, it has become necessary for the continuous evaluation of tobacco products, especially when they are claimed or perceived as being less harmful than conventional cigarettes (CCs), and coexisting conflict of interests. The objective of the present manuscript was to perform a complete and updated narrative review of scientific literature on the assessment of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) and the biological and clinical impact from the newest available heated tobacco products (HTPs), in comparison with CCs. A total of 52 studies (46 from the review and 6 manually found) were finally analyzed. Despite some existing differences among the studies, most of them point to a reduction of the emissions of HPHCs as well as exposure to toxicants, and thus in the biological and clinical impact with HTPs when compared with CCs. In the scenario where individuals decide to continue smoking, HTPs seem to be a better option than CCs. Further prospective, independent studies should replicate the existing experiments in order to corroborate the conclusions raised in the original studies. Moreover, long-term investigations (decades) are also needed to obtain more compelling safety information of HTPs. (AU)

Dado el impacto del tabaquismo en las personas y en los Sistemas Nacionales de Salud, se ha vuelto una necesidad la evaluación continua de los nuevos productos de tabaco, especialmente cuando se afirma o se percibe que son menos dañinos que los cigarrillos convencionales (CC). El objetivo del presente manuscrito es presentar una revisión narrativa completa y actualizada de la literatura científica sobre la evaluación de los componentes dañinos y potencialmente dañinos (HPHC) y el impacto biológico y clínico de los productos de tabaco calentado (PTC), más novedosos, en comparación con los CC. Se analizaron un total de 52 estudios (46 de la revisión y 6 encontrados manualmente). A pesar de algunas diferencias existentes entre los estudios, la mayoría de ellos apuntan a una reducción de las emisiones de HPHC, así como a la exposición a sustancias tóxicas y, por lo tanto, en el impacto biológico y clínico con los PTC en comparación con los CC. En un posible escenario de personas que deciden seguir fumando, los PTC parecen ser una mejor opción que los CC. Estudios independientes prospectivos deberían replicar los experimentos existentes para corroborar las conclusiones planteadas en los estudios originales aquí presentados. De la misma manera, investigaciones a largo plazo (décadas) son necesarias para obtener información más completa sobre la seguridad de los PTC. (AU)

Evidencia científica sobre productos de tabaco calentado. Una revisión narrativa / Scientific evidence on heated-tobacco products. A narrative review

Dado el impacto del tabaquismo en las personas y en los Sistemas Nacionales de Salud, se ha vuelto una necesidad la evaluación continua de los nuevos productos de tabaco, especialmente cuando se afirma o se percibe que son menos dañinos que los cigarrillos convencionales (CC). El objetivo del presente manuscrito es presentar una revisión narrativa completa y actualizada de la literatura científica sobre la evaluación de los componentes dañinos y potencialmente dañinos (HPHC) y el impacto biológico y clínico de los productos de tabaco calentado (PTC), más novedosos, en comparación con los CC. Se analizaron un total de 52 estudios (46 de la revisión y 6 encontrados manualmente). A pesar de algunas diferencias existentes entre los estudios, la mayoría de ellos apuntan a una reducción de las emisiones de HPHC, así como a la exposición a sustancias tóxicas y, por lo tanto, en el impacto biológico y clínico con los PTC en comparación con los CC. En un posible escenario de personas que deciden seguir fumando, los PTC parecen ser una mejor opción que los CC. Estudios independientes prospectivos deberían replicar los experimentos existentes para corroborar las conclusiones planteadas en los estudios originales aquí presentados. De la misma manera, investigaciones a largo plazo (décadas) son necesarias para obtener información más completa sobre la seguridad de los PTC. (AU)

Given the impact of smoking on individuals and National Healthcare Systems, it has become necessary for the continuous evaluation of tobacco products, especially when they are claimed or perceived as being less harmful than conventional cigarettes (CCs), and coexisting conflict of interests. The objective of the present manuscript was to perform a complete and updated narrative review of scientific literature on the assessment of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) and the biological and clinical impact from the newest available heated tobacco products (HTPs), in comparison with CCs. A total of 52 studies (46 from the review and 6 manually found) were finally analyzed. Despite some existing differences among the studies, most of them point to a reduction of the emissions of HPHCs as well as exposure to toxicants, and thus in the biological and clinical impact with HTPs when compared with CCs. In the scenario where individuals decide to continue smoking, HTPs seem to be a better option than CCs. Further prospective, independent studies should replicate the existing experiments in order to corroborate the conclusions raised in the original studies. Moreover, long-term investigations (decades) are also needed to obtain more compelling safety information of HTPs. (AU)

Classification and Quality Standards of Heart Failure Units: Scientific Consensus of the Spanish Society of Cardiology.

The prevalence of heart failure remains high and represents the highest disease burden in Spain. Heart failure units have been developed to systematize the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical follow-up of heart failure patients, provide a structure to coordinate the actions of various entities and personnel involved in patient care, and improve prognosis and quality of life. There is ample evidence on the benefits of heart failure units or programs, which have become widespread in Spain. One of the challenges to the analysis of heart failure units is standardization of their classification, by determining which "programs" can be identified as heart failure "units" and by characterizing their complexity level. The aim of this article was to present the standards developed by the Spanish Society of Cardiology to classify and establish the requirements for heart failure units within the SEC-Excellence project.

Documento de consenso y recomendaciones sobre cuidados paliativos en insuficiencia cardiaca de las Secciones de Insuficiencia Cardiaca y Cardiología Geriátrica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología / Consensus document and recommendations on palliative care in heart failure of the Heart Failure and Geriatric Cardiology Working Groups of the Spanish Society of Cardiology

La insuficiencia cardiaca es una entidad compleja, que conlleva elevada morbilidad y mortalidad y cuyo curso y evolución son inciertos y difíciles de predecir. Este trabajo, impulsado por las Secciones de Insuficiencia Cardiaca y Cardiología Geriátrica de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología, aborda los diferentes aspectos relacionados con los cuidados paliativos en el campo de la insuficiencia cardiaca, vía final común de la mayoría de las enfermedades cardiovasculares. También establece un consenso y una serie de recomendaciones con el objetivo de reconocer y comprender la necesidad de implementar y aplicar, de modo progresivo, este tipo de cuidados a lo largo del curso de la enfermedad, y no únicamente en sus estadios avanzados, para mejorar la atención que reciben los pacientes y su calidad de vida. La finalidad es mejorar y adecuar los tratamientos a las necesidades y los deseos de cada paciente, que debe contar con información adecuada y ser partícipe de la toma de decisiones

Heart failure is a complex entity, with high morbidity and mortality. The clinical course and outcome are uncertain and difficult to predict. This document, instigated by the Heart Failure and Geriatric Cardiology Working Groups of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, addresses various aspects related to palliative care, where most cardiovascular disease will eventually converge. The document also establishes a consensus and a series of recommendations with the aim of recognizing and understanding the need to implement and progressively apply palliative care throughout the course of the disease, not only in the advanced stages, thus improving the care provided and quality of life. The purpose is to improve and adapt treatment to the needs and wishes of each patient, who must have adequate information and participate in decision-making

Mortalidad hospitalaria y reingresos por insuficiencia cardiaca en España. Un estudio de los episodios índice y los reingresos por causas cardiacas a los 30 días y al año / In-hospital mortality and readmissions for heart failure in Spain. A study of index episodes and 30-day and 1-year cardiac readmissions

Introducción y objetivos: La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) es un problema de salud significativo en España. Sin embargo, se dispone de pocos datos epidemiológicos sobre los ingresos hospitalarios por IC y el impacto de las características de los centros sanitarios en el pronóstico de estos pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar los factores relacionados con la mortalidad hospitalaria y los reingresos, así como analizar la relación entre las características de los hospitales y el pronóstico. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se analizaron las altas con IC como diagnóstico principal en el Sistema Nacional de Salud español durante 2012, a través del Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos. Mediante análisis multivariable se obtuvieron la mortalidad ajustada por riesgo en el episodio índice y los reingresos por enfermedad cardiovascular a los 30 días y al año. Resultados: Se incluyó a 77.652 pacientes con IC, con una media de edad de 79,2+/-9,9 años. El 55,3% eran mujeres. La mortalidad hospitalaria durante el evento índice fue del 9,2% y se incrementó hasta el 14,5% a lo largo del año de seguimiento. La tasa de reingresos por enfermedad cardiaca fue del 32,6%. La mortalidad ajustada a 1 año resultó inferior entre los hospitales con mayor volumen de altas por IC (del 10,3+/-5,6% al 8,6+/-2,2%; p <0,001). La tasa de reingresos al año fue superior entre los hospitales de mayor volumen (del 32,3+/-3,7% al 33,7+/-4,5%; p=0,006). La existencia de un servicio de cardiología estructurado en el hospital se asoció con mejor pronóstico (mortalidad hospitalaria ajustada, el 9,9+/-3,8% frente al 9,2+/-2,4%; p <0,001). Conclusiones: El mayor volumen de altas por IC y la existencia de un servicio de cardiología en el hospital se asociaron con menor mortalidad hospitalaria

Introduction and objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a major health care problem in Spain. Epidemiological data from hospitalized patients are scarce and the association between hospital characteristics and patient outcomes is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality and readmissions and to analyze the relationship between hospital characteristics and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of discharges with HF as the principal diagnosis at hospitals of the Spanish National Health System in 2012 was performed using the Minimum Basic Data Set. We calculated risk-standardized mortality rates (RSMR) at the index episode and risk-standardized cardiac diseases readmissions rates (RSRR) and in-hospital mortality at 30 days and 1 year after discharge by using a multivariate mixed model. Results: We included 77 652 HF patients. Mean age was 79.2+/-9.9 years and 55.3% were women. In-hospital mortality during the index episode was 9.2%, rising to 14.5% throughout the year of follow-up. The 1-year cardiovascular readmissions rate was 32.6%. RSMR were lower among patients discharged from high-volume hospitals (> 340 HF discharges) (in-hospital RSMR, 10.3+/-5.6%; 8.6+/-2.2%); P <.001). High-volume hospitals had higher 1-year RSRR (32.3+/-3.7%; 33.7+/-4.5%; P=.006). The availability of a cardiology department at the hospital was associated with better outcomes (in-hospital RSMR, 9.9+/-3.8%; 9.2+/-2.4%; P <.001). Conclusions: High-volume hospitals and the availability of a cardiology department were associated with lower in-hospital mortality

Escaso conocimiento entre los médicos no cardiólogos de patrones electrocardiográficos asintomáticos potencialmente letales y subestimación de su gravedad / Poor knowledge of potentially lethal electrocardiographic patterns in asymptomatic patients among noncardiologist physicians, and underestimation of their seriousness

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Tipología y estándares de calidad de las unidades de insuficiencia cardiaca: consenso científico de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología / Classification and quality standards of heart failure units: Scientific consensus of the spanish society of cardiology

La insuficiencia cardiaca tiene una elevada prevalencia y es el proceso asistencial con mayor carga de enfermedad en España. Las unidades de insuficiencia cardiaca se han desarrollado para sistematizar el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el seguimiento clínico de los pacientes con dicha enfermedad proporcionando una estructura que coordine las actuaciones de distintas entidades y personas implicadas en el cuidado de los pacientes, con el fin último de mejorar su pronóstico y la calidad de vida. Se dispone de amplia evidencia sobre las bondades de las unidades o los programas de insuficiencia cardiaca, y estas unidades han tenido un importante despliegue en nuestro país. Uno de los retos a los que se enfrenta el análisis de las unidades de insuficiencia cardiaca es normalizar su clasificación determinando qué «programas» se puede identificar como «unidades» de insuficiencia cardiaca, así como su nivel de complejidad, y cuáles no. La finalidad de este documento es exponer los estándares elaborados por la Sociedad Española de Cardiología para clasificar y establecer los requisitos para las unidades de insuficiencia cardiaca dentro del marco del proyecto SEC-Excelente (AU)

The prevalence of heart failure remains high and represents the highest disease burden in Spain. Heart failure units have been developed to systematize the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical follow-up of heart failure patients, provide a structure to coordinate the actions of various entities and personnel involved in patient care, and improve prognosis and quality of life. There is ample evidence on the benefits of heart failure units or programs, which have become widespread in Spain. One of the challenges to the analysis of heart failure units is standardization of their classification, by determining which ‘programs’ can be identified as heart failure ‘units’ and by characterizing their complexity level. The aim of this article was to present the standards developed by the Spanish Society of Cardiology to classify and establish the requirements for heart failure units within the SEC-Excellence project (AU)