[Geriatric and social assessment by the heart failure patients' nurse in the FIL-EAS ic]. / Évaluation gériatrique et sociale des patients insuffisants cardiaques par l'infirmière dans la FIL-EAS ic.

The use of geriatric and social assessment grids by dedicated nurses for patients hospitalised for acute heart failure allows for an early and safe return home in home hospitalisation. These grids isolate a sub-group of older patients with a high risk of re-hospitalisation for whom specific actions can be envisaged.

Salt substitute recommendations for heart failure patients may influence guideline-directed medical therapies titration.

AIMS: Reducing sodium intake is necessary for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Salt substitutes (saltSubs) have become increasingly popular as recommendations by healthcare professionals (HCPs) as well as options for patients and their caregivers. However, their consumption is generally potassium based and remains poorly evaluated in CHF management. Their impact on guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMTs) also remains unknown. The primary objective of this study was to provide a description and estimate of HCP recommendations and reported use of saltSubs in France. Secondary objectives were to identify if there was an association between these recommendations by HCPs and the use of GDMTs. METHODS AND RESULTS: A nationwide, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional, epidemiological study was conducted from September 2020 to July 2021. Data collection included baseline characteristics, the use and recommendations of saltSubs, and the use of GDMTs, which included (i) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNis), (ii) mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and/or (iii) beta-blockers (BBs). In total, 13% of HCPs advised saltSubs and 17% of patients and 22% of caregivers reported their consumption. CHF patients advised to take saltSubs did not differ in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) <40%, ischaemic origin, and New York Heart Association III-IV class, but were more recently hospitalized for acute HF (P = 0.004). HCPs who recommended saltSubs to patients were more likely to advise an anti-diabetic diet (P < 0.001), cholesterol-lowering diet (P < 0.001), and exercise (P = 0.018). In the overall population, ACEi/ARB/ARNi use was less frequent in case of saltSub recommendations (74% vs. 82%, P = 0.012). The concomitant prescription of none, one, two, or three GDMTs was less favourable in case of saltSub recommendations (P = 0.046). There was no significant difference for the presence of MRA (56% vs. 58%) and/or BB (78% vs. 82%). The under-prescription of ACEi/ARB/ARNi was found when patients had EF < 40% (P = 0.029) and/or EF ≥ 40% (P = 0.043). In the subgroup with left ventricular EF ≥ 40%, we found a higher thiazide use (P = 0.014) and a less frequent use of low EF GDMTs (P = 0.044) in case of being recommended saltSubs. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond the well-established risk for hyperkalaemia, our preliminary results suggest a potentially negative impact of saltSubs on GDMT use, especially for ACEis/ARBs/ARNis in CHF management. saltSub recommendations and their availability from open sale outlets should be considered to avoid possible misuse or deference from GDMTs in the future. Informed advice to consumers should also be considered from HCPs or pharmacists.

Practical outpatient management of worsening chronic heart failure.

Management of worsening heart failure (WHF) has traditionally been hospital-based, but with the rising burden of heart failure (HF), the pressure on healthcare systems exerted by this disease necessitates a different strategy than long (and costly) hospital stays. A strategy for outpatient intravenous (IV) diuretic treatment of WHF has been developed in certain American centres in the past 10 years, whereas European centres have been mostly favouring 'classic' in-hospital management of WHF. Embracing novel, outpatient approaches for treating WHF could substantially reduce the burden on healthcare systems while improving patient's satisfaction and quality of life. The present article is intended to provide essential knowledge and practical guidelines aimed at helping clinicians implement these new ambulatory approaches using day hospital and/or at-home hospitalization. The topics addressed by our group of HF experts include the pathophysiological background of diuretic therapy, the most suitable profile of WHF that may be managed in an ambulatory setting, the pharmacological protocols that can be used, as well as a detailed description of healthcare structures that can be proposed to deliver these ambulatory care interventions. The practical aspects of day hospital and hospital-at-home IV diuretic administration are specifically emphasized. The algorithm provided along with the practical IV diuretic protocols should assist HF clinicians in implementing this new approach in their local clinical setting.

Early and short-term intensive management after discharge for patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: a randomized study (ECAD-HF).

AIMS: Hospitalization for acute heart failure (HF) is followed by a vulnerable time with increased risk of readmission or death, thus requiring particular attention after discharge. In this study, we examined the impact of intensive, early follow-up among patients at high readmission risk at discharge after treatment for acute HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hospitalized acute HF patients were included with at least one of the following: previous acute HF < 6 months, systolic blood pressure ≤ 110 mmHg, creatininaemia ≥ 180 µmol/L, or B-type natriuretic peptide ≥ 350 pg/mL or N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide ≥ 2200 pg/mL. Patients were randomized to either optimized care and education with serial consultations with HF specialist and dietician during the first 2-3 weeks, or to standard post-discharge care according to guidelines. The primary endpoint was all-cause death or first unplanned hospitalization during 6-month follow-up. Among 482 randomized patients (median age 77 and median left ventricular ejection fraction 35%), 224 were hospitalized or died. In the intensive group, loop diuretics (46%), beta-blockers (49%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (39%) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (47%) were titrated. No difference was observed between groups for the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.74-1.26), nor for mortality at 6 or 12 months or unplanned HF rehospitalization. Additionally, no difference between groups according to age, previous HF and left ventricular ejection fraction was found. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk HF, intensive follow-up early post-discharge did not improve outcomes. This vulnerable post-discharge time requires further studies to clarify useful transitional care services.

Vaccination for Respiratory Infections in Patients with Heart Failure.

Bronchopulmonary infections are a major trigger of cardiac decompensation and are frequently associated with hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF). Adverse cardiac effects associated with respiratory infections, more specifically Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza infections, are the consequence of inflammatory processes and thrombotic events. For both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, large multicenter randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate their efficacy in preventing cardiovascular events, especially in HF patients. No study to date has evaluated the protective effect of the COVID-19 vaccine in patients with HF. Different guidelines recommend annual influenza vaccination for patients with established cardiovascular disease and also recommend pneumococcal vaccination in patients with HF. The Heart Failure group of the French Society of Cardiology recently strongly recommended vaccination against COVID-19 in HF patients. Nevertheless, the implementation of vaccination recommendations against respiratory infections in HF patients remains suboptimal. This suggests that a national health policy is needed to improve vaccination coverage, involving not only the general practitioner, but also other health providers, such as cardiologists, nurses, and pharmacists. This review first summarizes the pathophysiology of the interrelationships between inflammation, infection, and HF. Then, we describe the current clinical knowledge concerning the protective effect of vaccines against respiratory diseases (influenza, pneumococcal infection, and COVID-19) in patients with HF and finally we propose how vaccination coverage could be improved in these patients.

Management of low blood pressure in ambulatory heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients.

Low blood pressure is common in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). While spontaneous hypotension predicts risk in HFrEF, there is only limited evidence regarding the relationship between hypotension observed during heart failure (HF) drug titration and outcome. Nevertheless, hypotension (especially orthostatic hypotension) is an important factor limiting the titration of HFrEF treatments in routine practice. In patients with signs of shock and/or severe congestion, hospitalization is advised. However, in the very frequent cases of non-severe and asymptomatic hypotension observed while taking drugs with a class I indication in HFrEF, European and US guidelines recommend maintaining the same drug dosage. In instances of symptomatic or severe persistent hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg), it is recommended to first decrease blood pressure reducing drugs not indicated in HFrEF as well as the loop diuretic dose in the absence of associated signs of congestion. Unless the management of hypotension appears urgent, a HF specialist should then be sought rather than stopping or decreasing drugs with a class I indication in HFrEF. If symptoms or severe hypotension persist, no recommendations exist. Our HF group reviewed available evidence and proposes certain steps to follow in such situations in order to improve the pharmacological management of these patients.

[How to evaluate and treat heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction]. / Comment évaluer et traiter l'insuffisance cardiaque à fraction d'éjection préservée.

The concept of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction has replaced that of diastolic heart failure. It is today the most frequent presentation of heart failure because of the progressive aging of the population. Its prognosis appears to be similar to that of heart failure with reduced systolic function. B type natriuretic peptide dosing as well as doppler-echocardiography are useful for the diagnosis. Today, no treatment has revealed effective but clinical trials have been scarce. Renin-angiotensin system antagonists have promising properties but haven't shown efficacy. This article reviews the epidemiologic, diagnostic, pathophysiologic and therapeutic aspects of the disease.

[Not Available]. / Comment évaluer et traiter l'insuffisance cardiaque à fraction d'éjection préservée.

The concept of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction has replaced that of diastolic heart failure. It is today the most frequent presentation of heart failure because of the progressive aging of the population. Its prognosis appears to be similar to that of heart failure with reduced systolic function. B type natriuretic peptide dosing as well as doppler-echocardiography are useful for the diagnosis. Today, no treatment has revealed effective but clinical trials have been scarce. Renin-angiotensin system antagonists have promising properties but haven't shown efficacy. This article reviews the epidemiologic, diagnostic, pathophysiologic and therapeutic aspects of the disease.

Noninvasively determined radial dP/dt is a predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The left ventricular (LV) developed pressure is a marker of contractility, associated with a poor prognosis during systolic heart failure. The maximal first derivative or slope of the radial pulse wave (Rad dP/dt) has been proposed as a marker of LV systolic function. This study sought to assess the prognostic value of the baseline dP/dt of the radial pulse in patients with heart failure. METHODS: The Rad dP/dt was noninvasively measured by applanation tonometry, and its effect on mortality was analyzed by using multivariate Cox regression models. We studied 310 consecutive patients. Mean follow-up was 327 +/- 187 days, and 64 patients died or were transplanted during this period. RESULTS: Death or transplantation was associated with New York Heart Association class III or IV, low systolic or mean blood pressure, low LV ejection fraction, and low Rad dP/dt (634.6 +/- 373.3 vs 730.2 +/- 367.4 mm Hg/s for patients who survived without transplantation, P < .02). A Rad dP/dt <440 mm Hg/s was associated with death or transplantation before and after adjustment for confounding variables (OR [95% CI] 2.19 [1.33-3.58] and 2.88 [1.29-6.38], respectively, P < .01 for both). This relationship was independent of pulse pressure and no significant interaction was found between the Rad dP/dt and the pulse pressure. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that the Rad dP/dt, proposed as a noninvasive peripheral marker of LV systolic function, is an independent predictor of death or transplantation in patients with HF regardless of LV ejection fraction.

Colour tissue Doppler underestimates myocardial velocity as compared to spectral tissue Doppler: poor reliability between both methods.

AIMS: Since colour tissue Doppler (CTD) has been shown to underestimate myocardial velocity, we sought to compare CTD with spectral tissue Doppler (STD) and establish agreement and corresponding thresholds for clinical applications. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 52 consecutive patients with sinus rhythm referred for echocardiographic assessment. Analysis involved a commercially available echosonographer (Vivid 7, GE-Vingmed) and the Echopac system for offline assessment. Myocardial velocities were recorded by STD and CTD in a 4-chamber apical view. CTD values were lower than those measured by STD: 6.0 +/- 2.5 versus 8.2 +/- 2.8 for Ea; 5.5 +/- 2.3 versus 7.9 +/- 2.9 for Aa, and 5.4 +/- 2.0 versus 7.7 +/- 2.4 for Sa (P < 0.001 for all). CTD overestimated the E/Ea: 14.7 +/- 7.6 versus 10.1 +/- 4.1, P < 0.001. Reliability between the two methods was low to moderate: kappa values ranged from 0.33 +/- 0.10 to 0.57 +/- 0.12. CTD thresholds corresponding to usual STD thresholds were calculated, but reliability was not significantly increased, except for the E/Ea ratio. By using continuous values, the ability of the Ea, Sa and E/Ea to predict the presence of heart failure in this sample was similar whatever the method. CONCLUSION: CTD consistently underestimates myocardial velocity values and overestimates E/Ea. A shift of thresholds between the two methods is not sufficient to obtain good agreement, except when measuring the E/Ea ratio.

Non-invasive radial pulse wave assessment for the evaluation of left ventricular systolic performance in heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Left ventricular (LV) developed pressure (dP/dt) is a classical index of myocardial contractility related to prognosis during heart failure. We sought to assess the reproducibility and feasibility of use of the maximal first derivative of the radial pulse, Rad dP/dt, as a peripheral criterion of ventricular contractility in patients with heart failure. METHODS: We assessed 50 consecutive, patients with heart failure using aplanation tonometry to record the radial pulse wave and calculate Rad dP/dt. Echocardiography, Doppler flow and tissue Doppler imaging were used to record classical parameters of LV function: LV ejection fraction (LVEF), Tei index, dP/dt on mitral regurgitation (MR dP/dt) and peak systolic velocity (S'). Total systemic vascular resistance (TSVR) was calculated by use of the Doppler calculated cardiac output. Preload was assessed by the E/Ea ratio. Feasibility was tested in an ongoing prospective mortality study (n=310). RESULTS: The Bland and Altman representation of repeated measurements of the Rad dP/dt showed good agreement. Feasibility was greater than 99% for a successful assessment on the right arm during the first attempt. The Rad dP/dt correlated with the LVEF, S' or Tei index as usual parameters of impaired contractility but not preload (E/Ea) or afterload (TSVR) parameters. MR dP/dt and Rad dP/dt were closely related (r=0.75, p<0.001). The ability of the arterial dP/dt to characterize LVEF was not modified by adjustment for arterial viscoelastic properties. CONCLUSION: The maximal dP/dt of the radial pulse appears to be a valuable and reproducible peripheral criterion of LV systolic performance.

Biomarker-based strategy for screening right ventricular dysfunction in patients with non-massive pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide and troponin I measurements in predicting right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in non-massive pulmonary embolism. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: University-affiliated emergency unit, cardiology and pneumology departments. PATIENTS: Sixty-seven patients admitted because of acute pulmonary embolism, without shock on admission, completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples and echocardiography were obtained on admission for subsequent and independent assessment of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and troponin I levels as well as RVD. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Echocardiographic RVD was diagnosed in 36 patients and was severe in 13 on admission. BNP and troponin I levels were higher in patients with RVD than in those with no RVD [62 (27-105) vs. 431 (289-556) pg/ml for BNP, p<0.001; 0.01 (0-0.09) vs. 0.16 (0.03-0.32) microg/l for troponin I, p=0.005]. The area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUC) for diagnosing RVD was 0.93 for BNP and 0.72 for troponin I. The troponin I level increased further when RVD was severe, compared with moderate, and the AUC was 0.91 for identifying severe RVD. Diagnoses of RVD and severe RVD were ruled out by BNP100 pg/ml and troponin I >0.10 microg/l. CONCLUSION: In hemodynamically stable pulmonary embolism, BNP/troponin I measurement is helpful on admission, especially for ruling out RVD, i.e. patients with in-hospital high-risk.

Effects of spironolactone on ventricular-arterial coupling in patients with chronic systolic heart failure and mild symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Several studies demonstrated that mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are able to prevent myocardial and vascular fibrosis, and left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with systolic chronic heart failure (HF) and mild symptoms. Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) should be influenced by anti-fibrotic interventions. We have assessed the effects of spironolactone on VAC and its components, aortic elastance (Ea) and end-systolic LV elastance (Ees), in patients with HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Changes from baseline in VAC were compared between 65 patients treated with spironolactone and 32 controls not receiving MRAs. All patients had HF, reduced LVEF with reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I-II symptoms, and underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and after 6 months. VAC was estimated by the modified single-beat method as Ea/Ees. Parameters of LV function improved after 6 month treatment with spironolactone with an increase in the LVEF from 34 ± 8 to 39 ± 8 % (p < 0.001). Spironolactone increased Ees from 1.32 ± 0.38 to 1.57 ± 0.42 mmHg/mL (p < 0.001) and reduced VAC from 2.03 ± 0.59 to 1.66 ± 0.31 (p < 0.001), but did not affect Ea and V0 (LV volume at end-systolic pressure of 0 mmHg). No change in any of these parameters occurred in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: 6-month therapy with spironolactone improved VAC mainly through its effect on Ees in patients with mild HF.

Carotid intima-media thickness and carotid and/or iliofemoral plaques: comparison of two markers of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: In order to optimize cardiovascular risk assessment, we compared the association of common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) with carotid and/or iliofemoral (C/IF) plaques according to the presence or absence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and belonging to a high cardiovascular risk group. DESIGN: The study was conducted in 323 subjects presenting one or several cardiovascular risk factors in an internal medicine hospital department; 96 patients had one or more manifestations of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: Compared with patients with no C/IF plaques, patients with plaques at 1-4 sites presented an adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval] of presenting CVD of respectively [1: OR = 1.79 (0.64-5.04); 2: OR = 3.35 (1.27-8.85); 3: OR = 3.40 (1.09-10.62); 4: OR = 14.41 (3.75-55.40)]. On the other hand, the OR of CVD for 1 SD increment of CCA-IMT was: 0.95 (0.69-1.31). In the group of 199 patients, for which Framingham-based calculations of CV risks were methodologically accessible, both CCA-IMT and C/IF plaques were associated with all cardiovascular risks. Comparison of areas under receiver operating characteristic curves among association of C/IF plaques and CCA-IMT with the presence of CVD showed a statistically significant difference (0.78 +/- 0.09 versus 0.64 +/- 0.09, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Arterial plaques may constitute a better marker of the presence of CVD than CCA-IMT. Comparisons according to 10-year Framingham equations did not show statistical significance, but both measures seemed to be highly predictive and possibly complementary. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

[Diagnosis of diastolic heart failure]. / Diagnostic de l'insuffisance cardiaque diastolique.

Fatigue and mainly dyspnea are symptoms the most often found in patients with diastolic heart failure. Flash pulmonary oedema is one of the most often found mode of clinical presentation. The heart has a normal size at chest X ray. Hemodynamic evaluation, the gold standard, shows increase in filling pressure but is not routinely performed. Doppler echocardiography has become the reference exam. It allows demonstrating: 1. the normal systolic function of the left ventricle (normal ejection fraction); 2. existence of a structural abnormality of the diastolic dysfunction; 3. calculating the level of pulmonary pressures. In the next years, it is likely that an increased plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) becomes mandatory for a positive diagnosis.

Increased proximal arterial stiffness and cardiac response with moderate exercise in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to demonstrate that arterial stiffness is probably underestimated in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) at rest and may be revealed with moderate exercise. BACKGROUND: HFpEF is associated with ventriculoarterial stiffening. METHODS: We compared 23 patients with stable chronic HFpEF, left ventricular ejection fraction >45%, and impaired relaxation with 15 controls without cardiac disease. Patients were compared at rest and during a 30-W exercise. The following variables were measured or calculated by Doppler echocardiography and tonometry: left ventricular volumes and end-systolic elastance (Ees), peripheral resistance, arterial elastance (Ea), arterial compliance, aortic pulse wave velocity, and carotid Peterson modulus (Ep). RESULTS: Patients with HFpEF were comparable to controls in age, sex ratio, blood pressure, and heart rate. Ventriculoarterial coupling, assessed by Ees/Ea and Ees/Ep ratios, was moderately impaired at rest in patients compared with controls (both p < 0.01). HFpEF was associated during exercise with a major increase in Ep (+155 ± 193% vs. -5 ± 28%), pulse wave velocity (+20 ± 30% vs. -7 ± 24%), and Ea (+12 ± 15% vs. -5 ± 10%), and a lower decrease in peripheral resistance (-17 ± 12% vs. -26 ± 12%) (p < 0.05 for all). In addition, HFpEF patients showed a lower increase in stroke volume (+10 ± 16% vs. +21 ± 12%) despite a greater increase in Ees (+20 ± 18% vs. +3 ± 12%) (p < 0.05 for all). Also during exercise, adaptation of proximal ventriculoarterial coupling was impaired in HFpEF patients (Ees/Ep: -26 ± 47% vs. +20 ± 47% for controls) (p < 0.01), with no difference in Ees/Ea. CONCLUSIONS: In HFpEF patients, moderate exercise leads to a steep increase in proximal afterload that is underestimated at rest and is associated with unfavorable ventriculoarterial coupling and exercise intolerance.

Is there a BP benefit of changing the time of aspirin administration in treated hypertensive patients?

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: The effects of aspirin on blood pressure (BP) are controversial and a chronopharmacological effect of aspirin on 24-hour BP was reported recently in otherwise untreated hypertensive patients. The study was designed to test the timing effect of aspirin dosing on 24-hour BP in treated hypertensive patients routinely taking aspirin for cardiovascular prevention. METHOD AND RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were randomized into two groups. One group was to receive aspirin in the evening then in the morning for 1 month and the other group in the morning then in the evening, following a cross-over design. The principal assessment criterion was 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) measured by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Patients were aged 65 ± 9 years and had been hypertensive for 12 ± 10 years. They were all taking a mean of 2.8 antihypertensive drugs and did not modify their treatment throughout the study. Of the included subjects, 70% were men and 33% were diabetics. Mean 24-hour SBP values were clinically equivalent and were not statistically different, depending on whether the aspirin was taking in the morning or evening (128.3 ± 1.4 vs. 128.3 ± 1.4 mmHg, respectively). Neither was there any significant difference in diurnal and nocturnal SBP or in 24-hour, diurnal, and nocturnal diastolic BP (DBP). CONCLUSION: It does not appear useful to advise patients with long-standing hypertension to modify timing of aspirin intake in order to reduce BP values.