Complete Transesophageal Assessment of the Aortic Valve Using the Continuity Equation in Equivocal Cases of Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The continuity equation (CE) used for evaluating aortic stenosis (AS) is based on values obtained from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with the assumption that the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) has a circular shape. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may be used for accurate measurement of the LVOT cross-sectional area (CSA). Previous studies have focused on fusion from TEE for LVOT-CSA measurement and TTE for velocity time integrals (VTI) calculations. OBJECTIVES: To assess aortic valve area (AVA) using parameters obtained exclusively from TEE as an alternative approach. METHODS: Thirty patients with equivocal AS based on TTE were evaluated using TEE for further assessment. RESULTS: The mean pressure gradient across the aortic valve (AV) was 38 ± 5.9 and 37.9 ± 7.6 mmHg in TTE and TEE, respectively, P = 0.42. LVOT-CSA was larger in TEE (3.6 ± 0.3 vs. 3.4 ± 0.3 cm2, P = 0.049). VTI over the AVA was similar (98.54 ± 22.8 and 99.52 ± 24.52 cm in TTE and TEE, respectively, P = 0.608), while VTI across the LVOT was higher when measured by TTE (24.06 ± 5.8 vs. 22.03 ± 4.3 cm, P < 0.009). Using the CE, AVA was 0.82 ± 0.3 vs. 0.83 ± 0.17 cm2 in TEE vs. TTE, respectively, P = 0.608. Definitive grading was achieved in all patients (26 patients defined with severe AS and 4 with moderate). CONCLUSIONS: In equivocal cases of AS, full assessment using TEE may be a reliable modality for decision making.

Cardiac assessment accuracy by students using palm-held ultrasound compared to physical examination by skilled cardiologists: a pilot study with a single medical student.

BACKGROUND: Despite the inherent limitations of the traditional cardiac physical examination (PE), it has not yet been replaced by a more accurate method. METHODS: We hypothesized that a single medical student, following a brief training (two academic hours) with the PHU, will better identify abnormal findings including significant valvular diseases, pericardial effusion and reduced LV function, as compared to PE performed by senior cardiologists and cardiology fellows. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) served as a 'gold standard'. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients underwent TTE, of them 64 had an abnormal finding. PE identified 34 patients with an abnormal finding compared to 52 identified by PHU (p < 0.05). Ejection fraction (EF) below 50% was found in 35 patients on TTE, compared to only 15 and 6 patients by PE and PHU, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no difference in valvular dysfunction diagnosis detected by PE and medical students using PHU. The overall accuracy of PHU compared to TTE was 87%, with a specificity of 94% and sensitivity of 64% (the low sensitivity was driven mainly by EF assessment), whereas the accuracy of PE was 91%, specificity 91% and sensitivity 38% (again driven by poor EF assessment). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac evaluation using PHU by a single medical student was able to demonstrate similar accuracy as PE done by cardiac specialists or cardiology fellows. The study topic should be validated in future studies with more medical students with a very brief training of cardiac ultrasound.

Pro-BNP in the differential diagnosis of dyspnea in patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors: Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) induced cardiac toxicity can present with non-specific symptoms and signs. Early recognition and treatment are important; however, diagnosis can be challenging. CASE REPORT: We describe a 67-year-old woman with a history of ICI induced pneumonitis who presented with dyspnea, hypoxemia and pulmonary infiltrates while treated with pembrolizumab for lung cancer, initially diagnoses with relapssed pneumonitis. When her condition did not improve with steroids, NT-pro-BNP level was tested and was markedly high, prompting additional tests for heart failure. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: The patient was diagnosed with ICI induced left ventricular dysfunction and treated with steroids, beta blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. Her symptoms and imaging studies markedly improved. DISCUSSION: Here, we review the literature on ICI induced cardiac toxicity and the role of NT-pro -BNP in triage of patients presenting with dyspnea in the emergency setting. We suggest that measurement of NT-pro -BNP be utilized in patients receiving ICI's and presenting with respiratory abnormalities, to rapidly assess for possible cardiac toxicity.

Outcomes among patients admitted for non-ST-segment myocardial infarction in the pre-pandemic and pandemic COVID-19 era: Israel Nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019, several countries have reported a substantial drop in the number of patients admitted with non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the changes in admissions, in-hospital management and outcomes of patients with NSTEMI in the COVID-19 era in a nationwide survey. METHOD: A prospective, multicenter, observational, nationwide study involving 13 medical centers across Israel aimed to evaluate consecutive patients with NSTEMI admitted to intensive cardiac care units over an 8-week period during the COVID-19 outbreak and to compare them with NSTEMI patients admitted at the same period 2 years earlier (control period). RESULTS: There were 624 (43%) NSTEMI patients, of whom 349 (56%) were hospitalized during the COVID-19 era and 275 (44%) during the control period. There were no significant differences in age, gender and other baseline characteristics between the two study periods. During the COVID-19 era, more patients arrived at the hospital via an emergency medical system compared with the control period (P = 0.05). Time from symptom onset to hospital admission was longer in the COVID-19 era as compared with the control period [11.5 h (interquartile range, IQR, 2.5-46.7) vs. 2.9 h (IQR 1.7-6.8), respectively, P < 0.001]. Nevertheless, the time from hospital admission to reperfusion was similar in both groups. The rate of coronary angiography was also similar in both groups. The in-hospital mortality rate was similar in both the COVID-19 era and the control period groups (2.3% vs. 4.7%, respectively, P = 0.149) as was the 30-day mortality rate (3.7% vs. 5.1%, respectively, P = 0.238). CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous reports, admission rates of NSTEMI were similar in this nationwide survey during the COVID-19 era. With longer time from symptoms to admission, but with the same time from hospital admission to reperfusion therapy and with similar in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates. Even in times of crisis, adherence of medical systems to clinical practice guidelines ensures the preservation of good clinical outcomes.

Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy-Considerations for Diagnosis and Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with several cardiovascular manifestations including myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmia, and pulmonary embolism. Rare cases of stress-induced cardiomyopathy, or takotsubo syndrome have also been reported during the acute infection, and secondary to stress following lockdown and self-isolation. Diagnosis in the setting of the acute infection is challenging since conventional imaging modalities such as transthoracic echocardiography and coronary angiography should be restricted to minimize physician-patient contact until the patients is tested negative for COVID-19. The use of point of care hand-held ultrasound is appropriate for this purpose. The overall course of the disease seems to be similar to takotsubo in the general population. Physicians should be familiar with the clinical presentation, possible complications, and management of takotsubo during COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we review the special considerations in the diagnosis and management of takotsubo syndrome during the current pandemic.

Management of Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease with multi-organ involvement, including the cardiovascular system. The disease may cause several cardiovascular complications, and may increase morbidity and mortality among patients with background cardiovascular disease. Patients with advanced heart failure are often treated with left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and represent a unique population mandating multi-disciplinary approach. Several aspects of COVID-19 should be taken into account in LVAD implants, including right ventricular involvement, hemodynamic alterations, thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications, and the psychological effects of social isolation. Patients with VAD and suspected COVID-19 should be transferred to specialized centers for better management of complications. Here, we review the implications of COVID-19 pandemic on LVAD patients with our recommendations for appropriate management.

The impact of empagliflozin on cardiac physiology and fibrosis early after myocardial infarction in non-diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial fibrosis is a multistep process, which results in collagen deposition in the injured muscle. Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), decreases cardiovascular events risk. Little is known on the effects of empagliflozin in non-diabetic patients early post myocardial infarction. METHODS: Fourteen non-diabetic rats underwent myocardial infarction induction, and treated or not (control)immediately after myocardial infarction by daily empagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day). We evaluated cardiac function at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after myocardial infarction by echocardiography, and prior to sacrifice by Millar pressure-volume system. We performed histological and biochemical evaluation of fibrosis and humoral factors promoting fibrosis. RESULTS: Baseline ejection fractions were 69.9 ± 5.3% and 76.4 ± 5.4%, and dropped to final values of 40.1 ± 5.8% and 39.4 ± 5.4% in the control and empagliflozin groups, respectively (P < 0.001 vs. baseline, P > 0.05 between groups). Collagen deposition, measured as collagen volume fraction, was higher in both the scar and the remote cardiac areas of the control group 79.1 ± 6.2% and 4.6 ± 2.5% for control, and 53.8 ± 5.4% and 2.5 ± 1.3% for empagliflozin group, respectively (P < 0.05 for each). Remote cardiac muscle collagen, measured by hydroxyproline, was 4.1 ± 0.4 µg/µl and 3.6 ± 0.2 µg/µl (P = 0.07). TGF-ß1 and Smad3 expression decreased by empagliflozin-18.73 ± 16.32%, 9.16 ± 5.69% and 16.32 ± 5.4%, 7.00 ± 5.28% in the control and empagliflozin groups, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Empagliflozin administered early after myocardial infarction reduce myocardial fibrosis and inhibit the TGF-ß1/Smad3 fibrotic pathway, probably prior to exerting any hemodynamic or physiological effect.

Quarantine-induced Stress Cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo syndrome) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by an acute reversible left ventricular dysfunction with typical apical ballooning, usually with subsequent complete spontaneous recovery. TTS may be triggered by several physical and emotional stressors. The name Covidsubo was recently adopted to describe this emerging entity. TTS during quarantine may be a reasonable outcome of the overwhelming stress and fear of this pandemic. However, according to the current literature, conflicting results have been reported regarding the incidence of this syndrome during the first wave of the pandemic, and further studies are needed. High index of suspicion is needed to identify patients during the next waves of the pandemic, particularly given the need for minimizing imaging modalities and contact with the patients. OBJECTIVES: To describe two cases of TTS triggered by quarantine during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: Two patients (age 81 years and 70 years) were admitted to our medical center with severe chest pain with normal blood pressure and heart rate. RESULTS: TTS should always be in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with chest pain suspected to be from coronary origin. Based on the typical clinical, echocardiographic, and angiographic findings, we assumed TTS. CONCLUSIONS: The only prominent stressor in the two cases in this article was the stress accompanying quarantine.

A Comparative Retrospective Study of Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome and Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by an acute reversible left ventricular dysfunction with typical apical ballooning, usually with subsequent complete spontaneous recovery. TTS shares several features with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including clinical presentation, ECG changes, and elevated troponin. OBJECTIVES: To identify different features that may help differentiate between TTS and ACS with presentation based on presenting symptoms and physical examination. METHODS: We compared 35 patients who TTS had been diagnosed with 60 age- and sex- matched patients with ACS (both ST and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) who were hospitalized in Galilee Medical Center through 2011-2015.Basic characteristics and clinical features of the two groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Of the patients with TTS, 21 (60%) reported an emotional trigger (60%) before admission, although they did not have increased prevalence of psychiatric disease compared to ACS patients (5.7% vs. 5%, P = 0.611). There was no difference in the type of chest pain or accompanied symptoms between the groups. Of notice, ECG changes in the TTS group were prominent in the anterior leads, and the patients presented with higher heart rate (86 ± 17 vs. 79 ± 15, P = 0.029) and lower systolic blood pressure (129 ± 26 vs. 142 ± 30, P = 0.034) on admission compared to the ACS group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no reliable feature that could distinguish TTS from ACS based on clinical presentation. TTS should always be in the differential diagnosis in patients with acute chest pain, especially in elderly women.

The Safety and Hemodynamic Effects of Pneumatic Sleeves in Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Pneumatic sleeves (PS) are often used during laparoscopic surgery and for prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients who cannot receive anticoagulation treatment. There is very little information on the hemodynamic changes induced by PS and their effect on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with severely reduced left ventricular ejection function (LVEF). OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and hemodynamic changes induced by PS and their effects on brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). METHODS: This study comprised 14 patients classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) II-III with severely reduced LVEF (< 40%). We activated the PS using two inflation pressures (50 or 80 mmHg, 7 patients in each group) at two cycles per minute for one hour. We measured echocardiography, hemodynamic parameters, and BNP levels in each patient prior to, during, and after the PS operation. RESULTS: The baseline LVEF did not change throughout the activation of PS (31 ± 10% vs. 33 ± 9%, P = 0.673). Following PS activation there was no significant difference in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, the pulse measurements, or central venous pressure. BNP levels did not change after PS activation (P = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: The use of PS, with either low or high inflation pressures, is safe and has no detrimental effects on hemodynamic parameters or BNP levels in patients with severely reduced LVEF following clinical stabilization and optimal medical therapy.

Safety and Efficacy of Early SGLT2 Inhibitors Initiation in Diabetic Patients Following Acute Myocardial Infarction, a Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium-glucose cotransporter- 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have become a cornerstone in heart failure (HF), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) management. In the current retrospective study, we aimed to assess efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors early following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Patients with T2DM hospitalized for AMI in 2017-2020 were divided according to SGLT2 inhibitors therapy status on discharge (with vs without therapy). Primary outcome was defined as a composite of hospitalizations for HF, recurrent AMI, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Secondary outcomes included hospitalizations for any cause, total cumulative number of hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients (mean age 59.2 ± 8.2 years) with AMI discharged with SGLT2 inhibitors were compared to 253 patients (mean age 62.5 ± 9.8) with no SGLT2 inhibitors. During the first year post-AMI, 4 (5.8%) patients in the treatment group and 16 (6.3%) in the control group were hospitalized for CV events (p = 1.0). Patients in the SGLT2 inhibitors group had lower rates of hospitalization for any cause (31.9% vs 47.8%, P = 0.02), with no change in mortality (0% vs 3.6%, P = 0.21). After multivariate regression analysis, only female gender was associated with increased risk for readmission, mainly due to urinary tract infections. No events of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or limb amputation were reported. CONCLUSIONS: We found that early initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors in T2DM patients following AMI is safe and decreases the risk of hospitalization for any cause.

C-Reactive Protein Can Predict Outcomes in Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a form of reversible cardiomyopathy often preceded by mental or physical stressors and predominantly affects elderly women. Several cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. We aimed to investigate the correlation of C-reactive protein (CRP) level with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and clinical outcomes in patients with TTS. Methods: The study included patients with discharge-diagnosis of Takotsubo through 2017-2022 from the cardiology department. Demographic, laboratory, echocardiographic, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively obtained. We investigated the relation between CRP and LVEF, length of stay (LOS), in-hospital complications, and recurrence. Results: A total of 86 patients (93% female, mean age 68.8±12.3 years) were included in the study. The median CRP level was 17.4 (interquartile range [IQR], 6.1-40.1) mg/L, and the mean LVEF was 41.5%, (IQR, 38-50%). Complications occurred in 24 (27.9%) of the patients, and the median LOS was 3 (IQR, 3-5) days. The level of CRP was associated with lower LVEF (r=-0.39, p<0.001), longer hospital stay (r=0.25, p=0.021), and recurrence. There was no correlation between CRP and in-hospital complications. In multivariate logistic regression, poor LVEF was associated with TTS recurrence (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.37; p=0.001). Using linear regression, only CRP was correlated with longer LOS and lower LVEF (p<0.001). Conclusions: Among patients hospitalized with TTS, CRP level was associated with poor LVEF and prolonged hospital stay but not with in-hospital complications. Poor LVEF was also associated with TTS recurrence.

The Risk of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus in Patients With Atrial Flutter Versus Atrial Fibrillation.

Objective: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased risk of thromboembolic events originating mainly from left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT). Patients with atrial flutter (AFL) are treated with anticoagulation based on the same criteria as patients with AF. However, whether patients with AFL have similar thromboembolic risk as AF is unclear. In the current study we aimed to estimate the prevalence of LAAT in patients with AFL undergoing trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). Methods/results: We included 438 patients (404 with AF and 34 with AFL) scheduled for TEE to rule out LAAT before cardioversion (patients who reported no or inadequate anticoagulation before cardioversion). Demographic and echocardiographic data were compared between patients with and without LAAT. Despite a similar CHA2DS2-VASC score (3.8 ± 1.3 vs 3.4 ± 1.5 in the AF and AFL groups, respectively, P = .09), LAAT was documented in 12 (2.8%) in the AF group and in no patient in the AFL group (P < .0001). Conclusion: Based on our results and previous studies, it seems reasonable to re-evaluate the need for oral anticoagulation in specific populations with AFL such as those with solitary AFL (without a history of AF episodes) undergoing successful ablation and in those with low CHA2DS2-VASC score.

Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure-Current Evidence in Special Populations.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally used for diabetes mellitus, are gaining more popularity for other indications, owing to their positive cardiovascular and renal effects. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce heart failure (HF) hospitalization and improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Later, SGLT2 inhibitors were evaluated in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) and had beneficial effects independent of the presence of diabetes. Recently, reductions in cardiovascular outcomes were also observed in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). SGLT2 inhibitors also reduced renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease. Overall, these drugs have an excellent safety profile with a negligible risk of genitourinary tract infections and ketoacidosis. In this review, we discuss the current data on SGLT2 inhibitors in special populations, including patients with acute myocardial infarction, acute HF, right ventricular (RV) failure, left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and type 1 diabetes. We also discuss the potential mechanisms behind the cardiovascular benefits of these medications.

The Role of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Pathways in Different Models of Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats.

Cardiac hypertrophy develops following different triggers of pressure or volume overload. In several previous studies, different hypertrophy types were demonstrated following alterations in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation. In the current study, we studied two types of cardiac hypertrophy models in rats: eccentric and concentric hypertrophy. For the eccentric hypertrophy model, iron deficiency anemia caused by a low-iron diet was implemented, while surgical aortic constriction was used to induce aortic stenosis (AS) and concentric cardiac hypertrophy. The hearts were evaluated using echocardiography, histological sections, and scanning electron microscopy. The expression of ERK1/2 was analyzed using Western blot. During the study period, anemic rats developed eccentric hypertrophy characterized by an enlarged left ventricle (LV) cavity cross-sectional area (CSA) (59.9 ± 5.1 mm2 vs. 47 ± 8.1 mm2, p = 0.002), thinner septum (2.1 ± 0.3 mm vs. 2.5 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.05), and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (52.6% + 4.7 vs. 60.3% + 2.8, p < 0.05). Rats with AS developed concentric hypertrophy with a thicker septum (2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1 p < 0.05), increased LV muscle cross-sectional area (79.5 ± 9.33 mm2 vs. 57.9 ± 5.0 mm2, p < 0.001), and increased LVEF (70.3% + 2.8 vs. 60.0% + 2.1, p < 0.05). ERK1/2 expression decreased in the anemic rats and increased in the rats with AS. Nevertheless, the p-ERK and the p-MEK did not change significantly in all the examined models. We concluded that ERK1/2 expression was altered by the type of hypertrophy and the change in LVEF.

The impact of on-site cardiac surgical backup on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndrome-analysis of the ACSIS national registry.

Background: The availability of advanced technologies for mechanical support in hospitals with on-site cardiac surgery (CS), along with the ability to perform urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, may result in improved clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the bi-annually Acute Coronary Syndrome Israeli Survey (ACSIS) registry from the year 2000 to 2020, performed in hospitals with and without CS. Mortality rates and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) rates are reported. We evaluated two periods of the study-early (2000-2010) vs. late (2011-2020). Propensity score matching was performed to reduce bias between the two groups. Results: The study included 16,979 patients (52.3% in the on-site CS group). Patients in the on-site CS group were more likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), (odds ratio [OR], 1.26 [95% CI, 1.18-1.35]; p < 0.001) and CABG [OR, 1.91 (95%CI, 1.63-2.24); P < 0.001], and patients in hospitals without on-site CS had higher 30-day MACCE [OR, 1.17 (95% CI, 1.07-1.27); p < 0.0005]. Overall, there was no difference in 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98 [95% CI, 0.89-1.08]; p = 0.71) between the groups. During the late period of the study, patients in the group without on-site CS had lower 30-day mortality [OR, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.49-0.97); P = 0.04], yet with no difference in 1-year mortality [HR, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.65-1.01); p = 0.07]. Conclusions: The availability of on-site CS resulted in variations in treatment modality, yet it did not affect the clinical outcomes of ACS. A trend to a better short-term outcomes was noted in hospitals without CS during the late period of the study, which warrants further investigation.

The safety of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in patients with left ventricular assist device - a single center experience.

AIMS: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are used increasingly for patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease to improve cardiac and renal outcomes. The use of these medications in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) is still limited and lacks evidence regarding the safety profile. In this study, we aimed to report our experience in treating 20 patients, supported by LVAD, with SGLT2 inhibitors. METHODS: We studied the safety profile of SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin and empagliflozin) in 20 patients (mean age 64.7 ±â€Š12.2 years, 75% male) supported by LVAD as destination therapy. All patients have diabetes mellitus and were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors for glycemic control. RESULTS: SGLT2 inhibitors were well tolerated with no major adverse events. Few suction events were reported in three patients without the need for pump speed adjustment. There was no change in mean arterial pressure (71.1 ±â€Š5.6 vs. 70.1 ±â€Š4.8 mmHg, P  = 0.063). Modest decline in renal function was observed in six patients within the first weeks after drug initiation. There were no events of diabetic ketoacidosis or limb amputation. CONCLUSION: SGLT2 inhibitors are safe in patients with LVAD and may potentially improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes in this special population.