Ultrasound Neuromodulation of an Anti-Inflammatory Pathway at the Spleen Improves Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is pathogenically implicated in pulmonary arterial hypertension; however, it has not been adequately targeted therapeutically. We investigated whether neuromodulation of an anti-inflammatory neuroimmune pathway involving the splenic nerve using noninvasive, focused ultrasound stimulation of the spleen (sFUS) can improve experimental pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Pulmonary hypertension was induced in rats either by Sugen 5416 (20 mg/kg SQ) injection, followed by 21 (or 35) days of hypoxia (sugen/hypoxia model), or by monocrotaline (60 mg/kg IP) injection (monocrotaline model). Animals were randomized to receive either 12-minute-long sessions of sFUS daily or sham stimulation for 14 days. Catheterizations, echocardiography, indices of autonomic function, lung and heart histology and immunohistochemistry, spleen flow cytometry, and lung single-cell RNA sequencing were performed after treatment to assess the effects of sFUS. RESULTS: Splenic denervation right before induction of pulmonary hypertension results in a more severe disease phenotype. In both sugen/hypoxia and monocrotaline models, sFUS treatment reduces right ventricular systolic pressure by 25% to 30% compared with sham treatment, without affecting systemic pressure, and improves right ventricular function and autonomic indices. sFUS reduces wall thickness, apoptosis, and proliferation in small pulmonary arterioles, suppresses CD3+ and CD68+ cell infiltration in lungs and right ventricular fibrosis and hypertrophy and lowers BNP (brain natriuretic peptide). Beneficial effects persist for weeks after sFUS discontinuation and are more robust with early and longer treatment. Splenic denervation abolishes sFUS therapeutic benefits. sFUS partially normalizes CD68+ and CD8+ T-cell counts in the spleen and downregulates several inflammatory genes and pathways in nonclassical and classical monocytes and macrophages in the lung. Differentially expressed genes in those cell types are significantly enriched for human pulmonary arterial hypertension-associated genes. CONCLUSIONS: sFUS causes dose-dependent, sustained improvement of hemodynamic, autonomic, laboratory, and pathological manifestations in 2 models of experimental pulmonary hypertension. Mechanistically, sFUS normalizes immune cell populations in the spleen and downregulates inflammatory genes and pathways in the lung, many of which are relevant in human disease.

The Tricuspid Valve: A Review of Pathology, Imaging, and Current Treatment Options: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Tricuspid valve disease is an often underrecognized clinical problem that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, patients will often present late in their disease course with severe right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and life-limiting symptoms that have few durable treatment options. Traditionally, the only treatment for tricuspid valve disease has been medical therapy or surgery; however, there have been increasing interest and success with the use of transcatheter tricuspid valve therapies over the past several years to treat patients with previously limited therapeutic options. The tricuspid valve is complex anatomically, lying adjacent to important anatomic structures such as the right coronary artery and the atrioventricular node, and is the passageway for permanent pacemaker leads into the right ventricle. In addition, the mechanism of tricuspid pathology varies widely between patients, which can be due to primary, secondary, or a combination of causes, meaning that it is not possible for 1 type of device to be suitable for treatment of all cases of tricuspid valve disease. To best visualize the pathology, several modalities of advanced cardiac imaging are often required, including transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, to best visualize the pathology. This detailed imaging provides important information for choosing the ideal transcatheter treatment options for patients with tricuspid valve disease, taking into account the need for the lifetime management of the patient. This review highlights the important background, anatomic considerations, therapeutic options, and future directions with regard to treatment of tricuspid valve disease.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Improves Outcomes in Patients With Intraventricular Conduction Delay But Not Right Bundle Branch Block: A Patient-Level Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) varies by QRS characteristics; individual randomized trials are underpowered to assess benefit for relatively small subgroups. METHODS: The authors analyzed patient-level data from pivotal CRT trials (MIRACLE [Multicenter InSync Randomized Clinical Evaluation], MIRACLE-ICD [Multicenter InSync ICD Randomized Clinical Evaluation], MIRACLE-ICD II [Multicenter InSync ICD Randomized Clinical Evaluation II], REVERSE [Resynchronization Reverses Remodeling in Systolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction], RAFT [Resynchronization-Defibrillation for Ambulatory Heart Failure], BLOCK-HF [Biventricular Versus Right Ventricular Pacing in Heart Failure Patients with Atrioventricular Block], COMPANION [Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing and Defibrillation in Heart Failure], and MADIT-CRT [Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial - Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy]) using Bayesian Hierarchical Weibull survival regression models to assess CRT benefit by QRS morphology (left bundle branch block [LBBB], n=4549; right bundle branch block [RBBB], n=691; and intraventricular conduction delay [IVCD], n=1024) and duration (with 150-ms partition). The continuous relationship between QRS duration and CRT benefit was also examined within subgroups defined by QRS morphology. The primary end point was time to heart failure hospitalization (HFH) or death; a secondary end point was time to all-cause death. RESULTS: Of 6264 patients included, 25% were women, the median age was 66 [interquartile range, 58 to 73] years, and 61% received CRT (with or without an implantable cardioverter defibrillator). CRT was associated with an overall lower risk of HFH or death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73 [credible interval (CrI), 0.65 to 0.84]), and in subgroups of patients with QRS ≥150 ms and either LBBB (HR, 0.56 [CrI, 0.48 to 0.66]) or IVCD (HR, 0.59 [CrI, 0.39 to 0.89]), but not RBBB (HR 0.97 [CrI, 0.68 to 1.34]; Pinteraction <0.001). No significant association for CRT with HFH or death was observed when QRS was <150 ms (regardless of QRS morphology) or in the presence of RBBB. Similar relationships were observed for all-cause death. CONCLUSIONS: CRT is associated with reduced HFH or death in patients with QRS ≥150 ms and LBBB or IVCD, but not for those with RBBB. Aggregating RBBB and IVCD into a single "non-LBBB" category when selecting patients for CRT should be reconsidered. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifiers: NCT00271154, NCT00251251, NCT00267098, and NCT00180271.

Has mortality in the United States returned to pre-pandemic levels? An analysis of provisional 2023 data.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, which started in 2020, resulted in greater all-cause mortality in 2020 and in subsequent years. Whether all-cause mortality remains elevated in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic numbers is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: The United States (US) Center for Disease Control Wide-Ranging, Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database was used to compare mortality rates between 2019 and provisional data for 2022 and 2023. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for all-cause as well as top causes of mortality were collected. Mortality based on subgroups by sex, age, and ethnicity was also collected. All-cause AAMRs between 2018 and 2023 per 100,000 individuals were 723.6, 715.2, 835.4, 879.7, (provisionally) 798.8, and (provisionally) 738.3, respectively, with AAMRs in 2023 remaining above 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Similar trends were noted in subgroups based on sex, ethnicity, and most age groups. Mortality attributed directly to COVID-19 peaked in 2021 as the 3rd leading cause of death and dropped to the 10th leading cause in 2023. Provisional mortality rate trends for 2023 suggest that rates for diseases of the heart increased during the pandemic but appear to have returned to or dipped below pre-pandemic levels. CONCLUSION: Provisional 2023 all-cause mortality rates in the US have decreased from the 2021 peak associated with the COVID-19 pandemic but remain above the pre-pandemic baseline. Mortality from some conditions, including diseases of the heart, appears to have recovered from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Association between atrial fibrillation and heart failure patient reported outcomes across the ejection fraction spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. We evaluated the relationship between AF and longitudinal changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in both HF with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: This is a post-hoc analysis of the TOPCAT and HF-ACTION trials. The effect of AF on KCCQ overall summary scores (OSS), in both trials, was examined using a mixed effects regression model. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to AF status at baseline: patients with a history of AF but no AF detected on ECG at enrollment (Hx AF group), patients with history of AF and AF detected on ECG at enrollment (ECG AF group) and patients with post-randomization new-onset AF (New AF group). RESULTS: In TOPCAT, among 1,710 patients with KCCQ data available, AF was associated with a significantly lower KCCQ-OSS (-3.98; 95% CI -7.21: -0.74) at 48 months, with a significant AF status by time interaction (P = .03). In HF-ACTION, among 1,814 patients with available KCCQ data, AF was associated with a significantly lower KCCQ-OSS (-3.67; 95% CI -6.21: -1.41) at 24 months but there was no significant AF status by time interaction. In both trials, the type of AF was not associated with significant changes in KCCQ-OSS score. CONCLUSION: Ιn patients with both HFpEF and HFrEF, AF was independently associated with worse HRQoL measured by KCCQ.

Previous heart failure hospitalization, spironolactone, and outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction - a secondary analysis of TOPCAT.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) is associated with poor postdischarge outcomes but the role of time since most recent HHF and potential treatment interactions are unknown. We aimed to assess history of and time since previous HHF, associations with composite of cardiovascular (CV) death and total HHF, first HHF and interactions with randomization to spironolactone, in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed these objectives using uni- and multivariable regressions and spline analyses in TOPCAT-Americas. Among 1,765 patients, 66% had a previous HHF. Over a median of 2.9 years, 1,064 composite events of CV death or total HHFs occurred. Previous HHF was associated with more severe HF, and was independently associated with the composite outcome (HR 1.26, 95%CI 1.05-1.52, P = .014), and all secondary outcomes. A shorter time since most recent HHF appeared to be associated with subsequent first HHF, but not the composite of CV death or total HHF. Spironolactone had a significant interaction with previous HHF (interaction-P .046). Patients without a previous HHF had a larger effect of spironolactone on the composite outcome (HR 0.63, 95%CI 0.46-0.87, P = .005) than patients with a previous HHF (HR 0.91, 95%CI 0.78-1.06, P = .224). CONCLUSION: In TOPCAT-Americas, previous HHF was associated with CV death and first and total HHF. Duration since most recent HHF seemed to be associated with time to first HHF only. Spironolactone was associated with better outcomes in patients without a previous HHF. This interaction is hypothesis-generating and requires validation in future trials.

Prognostic implications of volume status assessed by blood volume analysis in ambulatory heart failure.

The prognostic implications of intravascular volume status assessed by blood volume analysis (BVA) in ambulatory heart failure (HF) remain uncertain. The incremental benefits of assessing volume status, beyond the well-established filling pressures, in predicting HF outcomes are unknown.

Association of disproportionate liver fat with markers of heart failure: The multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been linked to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We sought to understand association between individuals with amounts of liver adiposity greater than would be predicted by their body mass index (BMI) in order to understand whether this disproportionate liver fat (DLF) represents a proxy of metabolic risk shared between liver and heart disease. METHODS: We studied 2,932 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) who received computed tomography (CT) measurements of hepatic attenuation. Quartiles of DLF were compared and multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate the association of DLF with clinical, echocardiographic, and quality of life metrics. RESULTS: Compared to the lowest quartile of DLF, individuals in the highest quartile of DLF were more likely to be male (52.0% vs 47.1%, P < .001), less likely to be Black or African American (14.8 % vs 38.1% P < .001), have higher rates of dysglycemia (31.9% vs 16.6%, P < .001) and triglycerides (140 [98.0, 199.0] vs 99.0 [72.0, 144.0] mg/dL, P > .001). These individuals had lower global longitudinal strain (-0.13 [-0.25, -0.02], P = .02), stroke volumes (-1.05 [-1.76, -0.33], P < .01), lateral e' velocity (-0.10 [-0.18, -0.02], P = .02), and 6-minute walk distances (-4.25 [-7.62 to -0.88], P = .01). CONCLUSION: DLF is associated with abnormal metabolic profiles and ventricular functional changes known to be associated with HFpEF and may serve as an early metric to assess for those that may progress to clinical HFpEF.

Digital Health: From Remote Monitoring to Remote Care.

The growth of digital health technology has led to innovative technological solutions that can help to improve patient care. However, the primary focus to date has been on the passive monitoring of patients, which poses difficulties in clinical integration and has not succeeded in optimizing care for chronic conditions. In this article, we highlight the move from a digital care model focused on the passive monitoring of medical conditions to one where holistic patient management is provided by dedicated external health care teams on a longitudinal basis. This underlines the shift from remote patient monitoring to remote patient care. This approach has thus far mostly been applied at small scales, limited to specific institutions and environments. Generalization to the wider population will likely require the use of centralized entities that can scale these approaches. It is crucial to note that the role of this technology will be to supplement, rather than supplant, in-person care by allowing physicians to focus on the most relevant clinical data collected on a longitudinal basis. This approach is particularly promising for individuals living in rural or underserved areas, where traditional models of care may face barriers in implementation.

Patient Sex Impacts Volume Phenotypes and Hemodynamics in Chronic Heart Failure: A Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative methods have shown clinically significant heterogeneity in blood volume (BV) profiles in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). How patients' sex might impact this volume heterogeneity and its relationship to cardiac hemodynamics remains to be defined. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical and quantitative BV, plasma volume (PV) and red blood cell (RBC) mass data was undertaken across 3 medical centers. BV was quantitated using nuclear medicine I-131-labeled plasma albumin indicator-dilution methodology with cardiac hemodynamics obtained within 24 hours. RESULTS: In an analysis of 149 males and 106 females, absolute BV was greater, on average, in males (6.9 ± 1.7 vs 5.0 ± 1.2 liters; P < 0.001); however, a wide range in BVs was demonstrated in both sexes (2.9-14.5 liters). Male sex was associated with higher prevalence of large (+ 25% of normal) BV and PV expansions (36% vs 15% and 51% vs 21%, respectively; both P < 0.001). In contrast, female sex was associated with higher prevalence of normal total BV (44% vs 27%; P = 0.005), PV (54% vs 27%; P < 0.001), hypovolemia (23% vs 11%; P = 0.005), and true anemia (42% vs 26%; P < 0.001). Cardiac hemodynamics differed by sex, but only modest associations were demonstrated between volume profiles and cardiac filling pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support unique intravascular volume profiles reflecting sex-specific differences in the prevalence and distributions of total BV, PV and RBC mass profiles in patients with chronic HF. This underscores the importance of recognizing patients' sex as a significant factor influencing volume homeostasis, which needs to be taken into account to individualize volume-management strategies effectively.

Left Ventricular Unloading Using Intra-aortic Entrainment Pumping Before Reperfusion Reduces Post-AMI Infarct Size.

BACKGROUND: Anterior myocardial infarction standard of care prioritizes swift coronary reperfusion. Recent studies show left ventricular (LV) unloading with transvalvular axial flow pumps for 30 minutes before reperfusion (vs immediate reperfusion) decreases 28-day infarct size. Intra-aortic entrainment pumping, using hardware located away from the heart to provide support throughout the cardiac cycle, decreases effective systemic vascular resistance and augments visceral blood flow and pressure, and may reproduce this benefit with a decreased risk. This study characterized the hemodynamic effects of unloading before and during reperfusion using intra-aortic entrainment pumping and investigated whether unloading decreased anterior myocardial infarction scar size. METHODS AND RESULTS: Yorkshire swine were subjected to 90 minutes of left anterior descending artery balloon occlusion and randomly assigned to immediate reperfusion (n = 6) vs 30 minutes unloading before reperfusion followed by 120 minutes of further unloading (n = 7). Unloading was achieved using percutaneous entrainment pumping in the descending aorta. The anterior myocardial infarction model matches that used in recent transvalvular pumping studies. Mortality before randomization was 22%. After randomization, mortality was 36% for immediate reperfusion and 0% for unloading. Unloading showed immediate hemodynamic benefit that increased through reperfusion and continued support, leading to distinct differences in cardiac function between groups after 30 minutes of reperfusion. Unloading increased stroke volume and cardiac efficiency at this timepoint relative to preocclusion baseline and reduced 28-day LV scar size by 37%-45%. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first preclinical data showing extracardiac LV unloading before coronary reperfusion using intra-aortic entrainment pumping decreases 28-day infarct size. Extracardiac unloading to decrease LV scar size may provide an alternative to transvalvular pumping with potential advantages, including reduced risk.

HFSA Scientific Statement: Update on Device Based Therapies in Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) is 1 of the major challenges of our time, given its increase in prevalence and related mortality rates. Foundational pharmacological therapies, including angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLTis), have been established for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Moreover, recent trials have established the role of SGLTis in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, even with these therapies, a substantial residual risk persists in both HFrEF and HFpEF. Alongside pharmacological advancements, device-based therapies have shown efficacy in HF management, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). More recently, devices such as cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) and baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) have been approved by the FDA, although they lack comprehensive guideline recommendations. This scientific statement outlines the unmet needs in chronic HF, reviews contemporary data and provides a framework for integrating novel device-based therapies into current clinical workflows. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and phenotyping, proper patient stratification and a personalized approach to combining pharmacological and device therapies. The document also highlights the need for further research into device interactions and patient selection to optimize outcomes, while recognizing the need for a more integrated approach to treatment so as to address the unmet needs and residual risks in HF management.

Surveillance and Alert-based Multiparameter Monitoring to Reduce Worsening Heart Failure Events: Results From SCALE-HF 1.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for better noninvasive remote monitoring solutions that prevent hospitalizations through the early prediction and management of heart failure (HF). SurveillanCe and Alert-Based Multiparameter Monitoring to ReducE Worsening Heart Failure Events (SCALE-HF 1) evaluated the performance of a novel congestion index that alerts to fluid accumulation preceding HF events. METHODS AND RESULTS: SCALE-HF 1 was a multicenter, prospective, observational study investigating HF event prediction using data from the cardiac scale. Participants with HF took measurements at home by standing barefoot on the scale for approximately 20 seconds each day. The congestion index was applied retrospectively, and an alert was generated when the index exceeded a fixed threshold established in prior studies. HF events were defined as unplanned administration of IV diuretics or admissions with a primary diagnosis of HF. Sensitivity was defined as the ratio of correctly identified HF events to the total number of HF events. We enrolled 329 participants (mean age 64 ± 14 years; 43% women; 32% Black; 56% with reduced ejection fraction) across 8 sites with 238 participant-years of follow-up and 69 usable HF events. The congestion index predicted 48 of the 69 HF events (70%) at 2.58 alerts per participant-year. In contrast, the standard weight rule (weight gain of >3 lb in 1 day or >5 lb in 7 days) predicted only 24 of the 69 HF events (35%) at 4.18 alerts per participant-year. The congestion index alerts had a significantly higher sensitivity (P < .01) at a lower alert rate than the standard weight rule. CONCLUSIONS: The congestion index alerts demonstrated sensitive prediction of HF events at a low alert rate, significantly exceeding the performance of weight-based monitoring. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04882449.

Association of Sacubitril/Valsartan vs Valsartan With Blood Pressure Changes and Symptomatic Hypotension: the PARAGLIDE-HF Trial.

BACKGROUND: In PARAGLIDE-HF, in patients with ejection fraction (EF) > 40%, stabilized after worsening heart failure (WHF), sacubitril/valsartan led to greater reduction in plasma NT-proBNP levels and was associated with clinical benefit compared to valsartan alone, despite more symptomatic hypotension (SH). Concern about SH may be limiting the use of sacubitril/valsartan in appropriate patients. METHODS: We characterized patients by the occurrence of SH (investigator-reported) after randomization to either sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan. A key trial inclusion criterion was systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 100 mmHg for the preceding 6 hours and no SH. We also compared outcomes based on baseline SBP stratified by the median blood pressure. The primary endpoint was time-averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP levels from baseline through weeks 4 and 8. A secondary hierarchical outcome (win ratio) consisted of: (1) cardiovascular death; (2) hospitalizations due to HF; (3) urgent HF visits; and (4) change in NT-proBNP levels. RESULTS: Among 466 randomized patients, 92 (19.7%) experienced SH (sacubitril/valsartan, n = 56 [24.0%]; valsartan, n = 36 [15.5%]; P = 0.020). The median time to the first SH event was similar between treatment arms (18 days vs 15 days, respectively; P = 0.42) as was the proportion of first SH events classified as serious by investigators. Patients who experienced SH with sacubitril/valsartan were more likely to be white (OR 1.87 [95% CI: 0.31, 11.15]), to have a lower baseline SBP (per 10 mmHg increase, OR 0.68 [95% CI: 0.55, 0.85]), or to have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of > 60% (OR 2.21 [95% CI: 1.05, 4.65]). Time-averaged change in NT-proBNP levels did not differ between patients with baseline SBP ≥ 128 mmHg vs SBP < 128 mmHg (interaction, P = 0.43). The composite hierarchical outcome for sacubitril/valsartan in patients with baseline SBP ≥ 128 mmHg had a win ratio of 1.34 ([95% CI: 0.91, 1.99]; P = 0.096) vs SBP < 128 mmHg with a win ratio of 1.09 ([95%CI: 0.73, 1.66]; P = 0 .62; interaction P value = 0.42). CONCLUSION: Among patients with LVEF > 40% stabilized after WHF, incident SH was more common with sacubitril/valsartan compared with valsartan. SH was associated with lower baseline SBP, being white, and having higher LVEF. Treatment benefits with sacubitril/valsartan may be more pronounced in patients with higher baseline SBP and lower LVEF (≤ 60%). (Funded by Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03988634.).

Endovascular Ablation of the Right Greater Splanchnic Nerve in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Rationale, Design and Lead-in Phase Results of the REBALANCE-HF Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Splanchnic vasoconstriction augments transfer of blood volume from the abdomen into the thorax, which may increase filling pressures and hemodynamic congestion in patients with noncompliant hearts. Therapeutic interruption of splanchnic nerve activity holds promise to reduce hemodynamic congestion in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Here we describe (1) the rationale and design of the first sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial of splanchnic nerve ablation for HFpEF and (2) the 12-month results of the lead-in (open-label) trial's participants. METHODS: REBALANCE-HF is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial of endovascular, transcatheter, right-sided greater splanchnic nerve ablation for volume management (SAVM) in patients with HFpEF. The primary objectives are to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SAVM and identify responder characteristics to inform future studies. The trial consists of an open-label lead-in phase followed by the randomized, sham-controlled phase. The primary efficacy endpoint is the reduction in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at 1-month follow-up compared to baseline during passive leg raise and 20W exercise. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire), 6-minute walk test distance, New York Heart Association class, and NTproBNP levels at 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary safety endpoint is device- or procedure-related serious adverse events at the 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: The lead-in phase of the study, which enrolled 26 patients with HFpEF who underwent SAVM, demonstrated favorable safety outcomes and reduction in exercise PCWP at 1 month post-procedure and improvements in all secondary endpoints at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The randomized phase of the trial (n = 44 SAVM; n = 46 sham) has completed enrollment, and follow-up is ongoing. CONCLUSION: REBALANCE-HF is the first sham-controlled randomized clinical trial of greater splanchnic nerve ablation in HFpEF. Initial 12-month open-label results are promising, and the results of the randomized portion of the trial will inform the design of a future pivotal clinical trial. SAVM may offer a promising therapeutic option for patients with HFpEF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04592445.

Blood Pressure Response and Symptoms During Active Standing Test Among Hospitalized and Outpatients With Heart Failure: Results From the GRAVITY-HF Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a multicenter, prospective, observational study to describe the incidence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) and orthostatic hypertension (OHtn) and its association with symptoms at standing and outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS: 321 active standing tests were performed in 87 inpatients during admission, and 316 tests were performed in 208 outpatients during follow-up. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by an automatic device 4 times in the supine position and at 1, 3 and 5 minutes of standing. Patients were queried about symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. The incidence of OH and OHtn was similar in both groups at baseline (classical OH 11%-22%, OHtn 3%-8%, depending on definition and timing). Reproducibility of BP changes with standing was low. Up to 50% of cases with abnormal responses were asymptomatic. Symptoms were variable and occurred mainly during the first minute of standing and had a U-shaped association with BP changes. OH in outpatients with HF was associated with a higher risks of death or readmission due to HF. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HF have variable hemodynamic responses and symptoms during repeated active standing tests. OH might identify outpatients with HF who are at risk of long-term negative outcomes.

Atrial Mechanics, Atrial Cardiomyopathy and Impact of Atrial Interventions.

Our comprehension of atrial mechanics, atrial cardiomyopathy and their clinical implications across various cardiovascular conditions has advanced significantly. Atrial interventions can have differing effects on atrial mechanics. With the rapid increase in the use of atrial interventions, it is crucial for investigators and clinicians to acknowledge the potential adverse effects of these interventions on atrial mechanics that might not be clinically significant at the time of interventions. Recognizing the preclinical stage of atrial maladaptation might enable early interventions before the development of irreversible atrial remodeling and clinical manifestation. We review normal atrial function and mechanics, and atrial cardiomyopathy in select cardiovascular conditions. We also summarize and discuss the current evidence of the impact of various atrial interventions on atrial function and mechanics.

Baroreflex Function in Cardiovascular Disease.

The baroreflex system is involved in modulating several physiological functions of the cardiovascular system and can directly and indirectly modulate cardiac output, blood pressure, and cardiac electrophysiology. In addition, it is involved in regulating neurohormonal pathways involved in the cardiovascular function, such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and vasopressin release. Baroreflex dysfunction is characterized by sympathetic overactivation and parasympathetic withdrawal and is associated with several cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure (HF), and coronary artery disease (CAD). Targeting the baroreflex system via invasive (e.g., baroreflex activation therapy and endovascular baroreceptor amplification) and non-invasive approaches (e.g., slow breathing exercises and exercise training) has emerged as a novel pathway to manage cardiovascular diseases. Studies examining the long-term safety and efficacy of such interventions in various cardiovascular diseases are needed.

Remote Follow-up in a Heart Failure Pragmatic Trial: Insights From the CONNECT-HF.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials typically require study-specific visits, which can burden participants and sites. Remote follow-up, such as centralized call centers for participant-reported or site-reported, holds promise for reducing costs and enhancing the pragmatism of trials. In this secondary analysis of the CONNECT-HF (Care Optimization Through Patient and Hospital Engagement For HF) trial, we aimed to evaluate the completeness and validity of the remote follow-up process. METHODS AND RESULTS: The CONNECT-HF trial evaluated the effect of a post-discharge quality-improvement intervention for heart failure compared to usual care for up to 1 year. Suspected events were reported either by participants or by health care proxies through a centralized call center or by sites through medical-record queries. When potential hospitalization events were suspected, additional medical records were collected and adjudicated. Among 5942 potential hospitalizations, 18% were only participant-reported, 28% were reported by both participants and sites, and 50% were only site-reported. Concordance rates between the participant/site reports and adjudication for hospitalization were high: 87% participant-reported, 86% both, and 86% site-reported. Rates of adjudicated heart failure hospitalization events among adjudicated all-cause hospitalization were lower but also consistent: 45% participant-reported, 50% both, and 50% site-reported. CONCLUSIONS: Participant-only and site-only reports missed a substantial number of hospitalization events. We observed similar concordance between participant/site reports and adjudication for hospitalizations. Combining participant-reported and site-reported outcomes data is important to capture and validate hospitalizations effectively in pragmatic heart failure trials.

Safety and Feasibility of an Implanted Inferior Vena Cava Sensor for Accurate Volume Assessment: FUTURE-HF2 Trial.

BACKGROUND: A novel implantable sensor has been designed to measure the inferior vena cava (IVC) area accurately so as to allow daily monitoring of the IVC area and collapse to predict congestion in heart failure (HF). METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, Early Feasibility Study enrolled 15 patients with HF (irrespective of ejection fraction) and with an HF event in the previous 12 months, an elevated NT-proBNP level, and receiving ≥ 40 mg of furosemide equivalent. Primary endpoints included successful deployment without procedure-related (30 days) or sensor-related complications (3 months) and successful data transmission to a secure database (3 months). Accuracy of sensor-derived IVC area, patient adherence, NYHA classification, and KCCQ were assessed from baseline to 3 months. Patient-specific signal alterations were correlated with clinical presentation to guide interventions. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent implantation: 66 ± 12 years; 47% female; 27% with HFpEF, NT-ProBNP levels 2569 (median, IQR: 1674-5187, ng/L; 87% NYHA class III). All patients met the primary safety and effectiveness endpoints. Sensor-derived IVC areas showed excellent agreement with concurrent computed tomography (R2 = 0.99, mean absolute error = 11.15 mm2). Median adherence to daily readings was 98% (IQR: 86%-100%) per patient-month. A significant improvement was seen in NYHA class and a nonsignificant improvement was observed in KCCQ. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of a novel IVC sensor (FIRE1) was feasible, uncomplicated and safe. Sensor outputs aligned with clinical presentations and improvements in clinical outcomes. Future investigation to establish the IVC sensor remote management of HF is strongly warranted.