The Role of Anxiety in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Elective Cardioversion: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety is often present among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This condition has been associated with greater symptom severity and worse quality of life in these patients. However, the influence of anxiety on the risk of AF recurrence is not well known. We aimed to define the level of anxiety in patients with persistent AF undergoing elective cardioversion (EC) and determine whether there is an association between anxiety and the risk of early AF recurrence after EC. METHODS: Anxiety was measured before EC using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Early AF recurrence was assessed with a control electrocardiogram at 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: We included 107 patients undergoing effective EC. Early AF recurrence was diagnosed in 40 patients (37.4%). Compared with those who remained in sinus rhythm, individuals with early AF recurrence had significantly higher levels of trait anxiety (23.1 [10.4] versus 17.9 [9.5]; p = .013) and larger left atrial volume index (45.8 [12.3] versus 37.9 [13.3] ml/m; p = .004). Both variables remained independently associated with early AF recurrence after multivariate analysis. A predictive model including trait anxiety score >20 and left atrial volume index >41 ml/m showed acceptable accuracy for the diagnosis of early AF recurrence (area under the curve = 0.733; 95% confidence interval = 0.634-0.832; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that trait anxiety is an independent risk factor for early AF recurrence after EC. Further studies are warranted to assess the beneficial role of anxiety-reducing strategies on the outcomes of patients with AF.

Prognostic Utility of Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions Shock Stage Approach for Classifying Cardiogenic Shock Severity in Takotsubo Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a significant complication of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), contributing to heightened mortality and morbidity. Despite this, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) staging system for CS severity lacks validation in patients with TTS and CS. This study aimed to characterize a patient cohort with TTS using the SCAI staging system and assess its utility in cases of TTS complicated by CS. METHODS AND RESULTS: From a TTS national registry, 1591 consecutive patients were initially enrolled and stratified into 5 SCAI stages (A through E). Primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality; secondary end points were TTS-related in-hospital complications and 1-year all-cause mortality. After exclusions, the final cohort comprised 1163 patients, mean age 71.0±11.8 years, and 87% were female. Patients were categorized across SCAI shock stages as follows: A 72.1%, B 12.2%, C 11.2%, D 2.7%, and E 1.8%. Significant variations in baseline demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentations, and in-hospital courses were observed across SCAI shock stages. After multivariable adjustment, each higher SCAI shock stage showed a significant association with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.77-29.31) compared with SCAI shock stage A. Higher SCAI shock stages were also associated with increased 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In a large multicenter patient cohort with TTS, the functional SCAI shock stage classification effectively stratified mortality risk, revealing a continuum of escalating shock severity with higher stages correlating with increased in-hospital mortality. This study highlights the applicability and prognostic value of the SCAI staging system in TTS-related CS.

[Left atrial posterior wall and pulmonary vein refractory periods are associated with atrial fibrillation inducibility in a swine model]. / El período refractario de la aurícula izquierda posterior y de las venas pulmonares se relaciona con la inducibilidad de fibrilación auricular en cerdos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Ectopic activity originating inside the pulmonary veins has been associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in some patients. However, the roles played by the pulmonary veins and the posterior wall of the left atrium in maintaining atrial fibrillation are not well understood. METHODS: Our aim was to determine whether there is a correlation between the refractory period of either the lateral wall of the right atrium, the lateral wall of the left atrium, the posterior wall of the left atrium, or the pulmonary veins, and the inducibility of atrial fibrillation in an experimental swine model. We assessed atrial fibrillation inducibility using programmed atrial stimulation before and after intravenous administration of a high dose of methacholine in 20 pigs. RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation was induced in 17 out of the 20 pigs. Univariate analysis showed that there were negative correlations between all refractory periods and atrial fibrillation inducibility. A short refractory period was associated with greater inducibility. In the multivariate analysis, only the refractory periods of the posterior wall of the left atrium and the pulmonary veins were associated with inducibility. We also investigated the relationship between the local atrial fibrillation cycle length and refractory period; the only significant correlation was with the refractory period of the lateral wall of the right atrium (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: In an experimental swine model, the inducibility of atrial fibrillation was found to be associated with the refractory periods of both the pulmonary veins and the posterior wall of the left atrium.

Design and rationale of a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on ventricular remodelling in patients with anterior myocardial infarction: the VITamin D in Acute Myocardial Infarction (VITDAMI) trial.

INTRODUCTION: Decreased plasma vitamin D (VD) levels are linked to cardiovascular damage. However, clinical trials have not demonstrated a benefit of VD supplements on left ventricular (LV) remodelling. Anterior ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the best human model to study the effect of treatments on LV remodelling. We present a proof-of-concept study that aims to investigate whether VD improves LV remodelling in patients with anterior STEMI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The VITamin D in Acute Myocardial Infarction (VITDAMI) trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 144 patients with anterior STEMI will be assigned to receive calcifediol 0.266 mg capsules (Hidroferol SGC)/15 days or placebo on a 2:1 basis during 12 months. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of calcifediol on LV remodelling defined as an increase in LV end-diastolic volume ≥10% (MRI). SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: change in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, ejection fraction, LV mass, diastolic function, sphericity index and size of fibrotic area; endothelial function; plasma levels of aminoterminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide, galectin-3 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1; levels of calcidiol (VD metabolite) and other components of mineral metabolism (fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), the soluble form of its receptor klotho, parathormone and phosphate). Differences in the effect of VD will be investigated according to the plasma levels of FGF-23 and klotho. Treatment safety and tolerability will be assessed. This is the first study to evaluate the effect of VD on cardiac remodelling in patients with STEMI. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial has been approved by the corresponding Institutional Review Board (IRB) and National Competent Authority (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS)). It will be conducted in accordance with good clinical practice (International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use - Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP)) requirements, ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and national laws. The results will be submitted to indexed medical journals and national and international meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02548364; Pre-results.

Secondary forms of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A whole different prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo syndrome (TKS) usually mimics an acute coronary syndrome. However, several clinical forms have been reported. Our aim was to assess if different stressful triggers had prognostic influence on TKS, and to establish a working classification. METHODS: We performed an analysis including patients with TKS between 2003-2013 from our prospective local database and the RETAKO National Registry, fulfilling Mayo criteria. Patients were divided in two groups regarding their potential triggers: (a) none/psychic stress as 'primary forms' and (b) physical factors (asthma, surgery, trauma, etc.) as 'secondary forms'. RESULTS: Finally, 328 patients were included, 90.2% women, with a mean age of 69.7 years. Patients were divided into primary TKS (n=265) and 63 secondary TKS groups. Age, gender, previous functional class and cardiovascular risk profile displayed no differences between groups before admission. However, primary-TKS patients suffered a main complaint of chest pain (89.4% vs 50.7%, p<0.0001) with frequent vegetative symptoms. Regarding treatment before admission, there were no differences either. During admission, differences were related to more intensive antithrombotic and anxiolytic drug use in the primary TKS group. Inotropic and mechanical ventilation use was higher in the secondary cohort. After discharge, a more frequent prescription of beta-blockers and statins in primary-TKS patients was seen. Secondary forms displayed more in-hospital stay and evolutive complications: death (hazard ratio (HR): 3.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-10.16, p=0.02), combined event variable (MACE) (HR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.01-2.6, p=0.04) and recurrences (HR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.06-3.22, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Secondary TKS could present or mark worse short and long-term prognoses in terms of mortality, recurrences and readmissions. We propose a simple working nomenclature for TKS.

[Antitachycardia pacing efficacy significantly improves with cardiac resynchronization therapy]. / La eficacia de la estimulación antitaquicardia mejora tras la terapia de resincronización cardíaca.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on antitachycardia pacing still has to be determined. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 490 heart failure patients with an indication for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator participated in the VENTAK CHF/CONTAK CD study, a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. We compared antitachycardia pacing efficacy in patients with or without cardiac resynchronization therapy. Due to the device design, antitachycardia pacing was always given simultaneously via both left and right leads (i.e., biventricular antitachycardia pacing). Patients were randomized at the time of implantation, with the pacing mode being programmed accordingly one month later. RESULTS: During follow-up, 32 patients received antitachycardia pacing: 15 with cardiac resynchronization therapy and 17 without. In the 15 patients receiving resynchronization, 221 episodes of tachycardia were treated by antitachycardia pacing. The sinus rhythm conversion rate was 90.5%. In patients not receiving resynchronization, there were 139 episodes of tachycardia and the sinus rhythm conversion rate was 69.1%. The sinus rhythm conversion rate in the cardiac resynchronization therapy group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<.0001). Moreover, antitachycardia pacing efficacy improved with time in the whole study population. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of biventricular antitachycardia pacing in heart failure patients is significantly better in those with cardiac resynchronization therapy than in those without.

El período refractario de la aurícula izquierda posterior y de las venas pulmonares se relaciona con la inducibilidad de fibrilación auricular en cerdos / Left atrial posterior wall and pulmonary vein refractory periods are associated with atrial fibrillation inducibility in a swine model

Introducción y objetivos. La actividad ectópica desde el interior de las venas pulmonares ha demostrado ser la causa de episodios de fibrilación auricular paroxística en algunos pacientes. Sin embargo, se desconoce el papel exacto de las venas pulmonares y la pared posterior de la aurícula izquierda en la inducibilidad y el mantenimiento de la fibrilación auricular. Métodos. Analizamos la relación entre el período refractario en la cara lateral de la aurícula derecha, la cara lateral de la aurícula izquierda, la cara posterior de la aurícula izquierda y las venas pulmonares con la inducibilidad de fibrilación auricular en un modelo experimental de cerdo. Empleamos estimulación programada, en condiciones basales y tras la administración intravenosa de dosis altas de metacolina, en 20 cerdos en los que se realizó una esternotomía media. Resultados. Se logró inducir fibrilación auricular en 17 de los 20 animales. Todos los períodos refractarios se relacionaron con la inducibilidad de arritmia, con una relación inversamente proporcional en el análisis univariable. Cuanto menor era el período refractario, mayor era la inducibilidad de fibrilación auricular. Cuando se realiza un análisis multivariable, únicamente el período refractario de la pared posterior de la aurícula izquierda y de las venas pulmonares se correlaciona con la inducibilidad. También se ha analizado la relación entre la longitud de ciclo local de la fibrilación auricular y el período refractario. Únicamente hay una buena correlación en la aurícula derecha lateral (coeficiente de correlación de Pearson = 0,97). Conclusiones. En un modelo experimental en cerdos, la inducibilidad de fibrilación auricular se relaciona con los períodos refractarios, tanto en las venas pulmonares como en la cara posterior de la aurícula izquierda

Introduction and objectives. Ectopic activity originating inside the pulmonary veins has been associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in some patients. However, the roles played by the pulmonary veins and the posterior wall of the left atrium in maintaining atrial fibrillation are not well understood. Methods. Our aim was to determine whether there is a correlation between the refractory period of either the lateral wall of the right atrium, the lateral wall of the left atrium, the posterior wall of the left atrium, or the pulmonary veins, and the inducibility of atrial fibrillation in an experimental swine model. We assessed atrial fibrillation inducibility using programmed atrial stimulation before and after intravenous administration of a high dose of methacholine in 20 pigs. Results. Atrial fibrillation was induced in 17 out of the 20 pigs. Univariate analysis showed that there were negative correlations between all refractory periods and atrial fibrillation inducibility. A short refractory period was associated with greater inducibility. In the multivariate analysis, only the refractory periods of the posterior wall of the left atrium and the pulmonary veins were associated with inducibility. We also investigated the relationship between the local atrial fibrillation cycle length and refractory period; the only significant correlation was with the refractory period of the lateral wall of the right atrium (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.97). Conclusions. In an experimental swine model, the inducibility of atrial fibrillation was found to be associated with the refractory periods of both the pulmonary veins and the posterior wall of the left atrium

La eficacia de la estimulación antitaquicardia mejora tras la terapia de resincronización cardíaca / Antitachycardia pacing efficacy significantly improves with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Introducción y objetivos. No se conoce el efecto de la terapia de resincronización cardíaca en el tratamiento de la estimulación antitaquicardia. Pacientes y método. En el Estudio VENTAK CHF/CONTAK CD han participado 490 pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca e indicación para desfibrilador implantable. Se trata de un estudio aleatorizado, simple ciego y controlado con placebo. Hemos comparado la eficacia de la estimulación antitaquicardia en pacientes con o sin terapia de resincronización. La estimulación antitaquicardia fue administrada simultáneamente desde ambos electrodos, izquierdo y derecho, debido al diseño del dispositivo empleado. La aleatorización se realizó en el momento del implante, y se programó el modo de estimulación, según el grupo asignado, un mes después. Resultados. Un total de 32 pacientes recibió terapias de estimulación antitaquicardia (15 con terapia de resincronización y 17 sin terapia de resincronización) durante el período de seguimiento del estudio. Entre los 15 pacientes tratados con resincronización se registraron 221 terapias, con una tasa de reversión a ritmo sinusal del 90,5%. En el grupo no asignado a terapia de resincronización se registraron 139 terapias, con una tasa de reversión a ritmo sinusal del 69,1%. La tasa de reversión en el grupo asignado a resincronización fue significativamente mayor que la del grupo control (p < 0,0001). El beneficio de la estimulación antitaquicardia se incrementó con el tiempo para toda la población del estudio. Conclusiones. La eficacia de la estimulación antitaquicardia biventricular en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca fue significativamente mejor en los pacientes con terapia de resincronización cardíaca respecto de los que no la recibieron

Introduction and objectives. The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on antitachycardia pacing still has to be determined. Patients and method. A total of 490 heart failure patients with an indication for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator participated in the VENTAK CHF/CONTAK CD study, a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. We compared antitachycardia pacing efficacy in patients with or without cardiac resynchronization therapy. Due to the device design, antitachycardia pacing was always given simultaneously via both left and right leads (i.e., biventricular antitachycardia pacing). Patients were randomized at the time of implantation, with the pacing mode being programmed accordingly one month later. Results. During follow-up, 32 patients received antitachycardia pacing: 15 with cardiac resynchronization therapy and 17 without. In the 15 patients receiving resynchronization, 221 episodes of tachycardia were treated by antitachycardia pacing. The sinus rhythm conversion rate was 90.5%. In patients not receiving resynchronization, there were 139 episodes of tachycardia and the sinus rhythm conversion rate was 69.1%. The sinus rhythm conversion rate in the cardiac resynchronization therapy group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<.0001). Moreover, antitachycardia pacing efficacy improved with time in the whole study population. Conclusions. The efficacy of biventricular antitachycardia pacing in heart failure patients is significantly better in those with cardiac resynchronization therapy than in those without