Pregnancy related complications in women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) on cardiovascular and obstetrical outcomes in pregnant women remains unclear, particularly in Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the maternal cardiovascular and obstetrical outcomes in Korean women with HCM. METHODS: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified women who gave birth via cesarean section or vaginal delivery after being diagnosed with HCM between 2006 and 2019. Maternal cardiovascular and obstetrical outcomes were assessed based on the trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS: This study included 122 women and 158 pregnancies. No maternal deaths were noted; however, 21 cardiovascular events, such as hospital admission for cardiac problems, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AF), new-onset AF or ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurred in 14 pregnancies (8.8%). Cardiac events occurred throughout pregnancy with a higher occurrence in the third trimester. Cesarean sections were performed in 49.3% of the cases, and all cardiovascular outcomes occurring after delivery were observed in patients who had undergone cesarean sections. Seven cases involved preterm delivery, and two of these cases were accompanied by cardiac events, specifically AF. Pre-existing arrhythmia (AF: odds ratio (OR): 7.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.61-21.21, P < 0.001; VT: OR: 31.61, 95% CI: 5.85-172.77, P < 0.001) was identified as a predictor for composite outcomes of cardiovascular events or preterm delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Most pregnant women with HCM were well-tolerated. However, cardiovascular complications could occur in some patients. Therefore, planned delivery may be necessary for selected patients, especially the women with pre-existing arrhythmias.

Prevalence and factors associated with pre-frailty and frailty among Korean older adults with heart failure.

AIM: To describe the prevalence and associated factors of pre-frailty and frailty in older patients with heart failure. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data collected across two cross-sectional surveys on self-care behaviours of patients with heart failure. METHODS: We analysed the data of patients with heart failure who were 60 years or older (n = 407) in cardiovascular outpatient clinics at two tertiary medical centres in South Korea between 2018 and 2019. Frailty was evaluated using the Korean version of the 5-item fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses and loss of weight (FRAIL) scale. Frailty status was categorized as robust, pre-frail and frail. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and frailty status. RESULTS: In our sample, the prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty was 45.6% and 28.3% respectively. Patients aged 80 years or older had a higher prevalence of pre-frailty and frailty than those younger than 80 years. Advanced age and the worst category in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification were significantly associated with the risk of pre-frailty and frailty. Additionally, having more comorbid conditions was associated with an increased risk of frailty. CONCLUSION: Our study identified advanced age, the NYHA functional classification, and the number of comorbidities as the major characteristics associated with the risk of frailty in older patients with heart failure. IMPACT: The findings of this study highlight the prevalence and associated characteristics of pre-frailty and frailty in older adults with heart failure in South Korea. Most older adults with heart failure were either pre-frail or frail. Advanced age, the NYHA functional classification, and the number of comorbidities were the major characteristics associated with frailty risk. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating frailty screening into routine assessments in older patients with heart failure.

Videoscope-assisted transaortic myectomy in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with complex left ventricular anatomy.

BACKGROUND: The transaortic approach is the most common method of septal myectomy. However, difficulties arise due to a limited view of the surgical field. Here, we report our experience with videoscope-assisted transaortic myectomy. METHODS: We reviewed myectomy operations that were performed between July 2015 and June 2019 at Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. Patients who previously had cardiac surgery, alcohol septal ablation, or concomitant disease which required combined surgery, were excluded. Among the 21 patients included, 10 patients underwent videoscope-assisted transaortic myectomy (VA group), and 11 patients underwent myectomy in a conventional manner (CO group). The preoperative data, echocardiographic images, operative records, and postoperative outcomes of these patients were reviewed. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups VA and CO. The main indications for videoscope-assisted transaortic myectomy in group VA were midventricular septal muscle resection (70%), abnormal papillary muscle resection (40%), and abnormal chordal connection resection (30%). Eight (80%) patients had multiple indications for videoscope-assisted transaortic myectomy. There was no surgical mortality in either group. Postoperative patients showed less than moderate mitral regurgitation and a New York Heart Association class either III or IV. There were no differences in hospital days (9.5 vs. 12.0 days; p = .383), nor postoperative pressure gradient (14 vs. 15 mmHg; p > .99). CONCLUSIONS: Videoscope-assisted transaortic myectomy is an effective surgical technique in selective hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with complex intraventricular anatomy, diffuse hypertrophy, and midventricular obstruction.

Beneficial Effect of Left Ventricular Remodeling after Early Change of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Background and Objectives: Evidence for effectiveness of early change from angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) to sacubitril/valsartan is lacking. We aimed to investigate whether early changes to sacubitril/valsartan could improve outcomes in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in real-world practice. Materials and Methods: A total of 296 patients with nonischemic DCM who were treated with ARB or ACEI continuously (group A, n = 150) or had their medication switched to sacubitril/valsartan (group S, n = 146) were included. The sacubitril/valsartan group was divided into early change (within 60 days, group S/E, n = 59) and late change (group S/L, n = 87) groups. Changes in echocardiographic parameters from the time of initial diagnosis to the last follow-up were analyzed. Results: Patients in group S showed greater left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension (EDD) (group A vs. S, 61.7 ± 7.4 vs. 66.5 ± 8.0, p < 0.001) and lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (28.9 ± 8.2% vs. 23.9 ± 7.5%, p < 0.001) than those in group A at initial diagnosis. During a median follow-up of 76 months, patients in group S/E, ∆ LVEF (%) and ∆ LVESD (mm) were significantly improved compared with those in patients in group A (group A vs. S/E, ∆ LVEF, p = 0.036; ∆ LVESD, p = 0.023) or S/L (group S/E vs. S/L, ∆ LVEF, p = 0.05; ∆ LVESD, p = 0.005). Among patients whose medications were switched to sacubitril/valsartan, those with an earlier change showed a significant correlation with greater LVEF improvement (r = -0.367, p < 0.001) and LV reverse remodeling (r = 0.277, p < 0.001). Conclusions: in patients with nonischemic DCM, an early switch to sacubitril/valsartan was associated with greater improvement in LV function. Patients might benefit in terms of LV function by early switching to sacubitril/valsartan.

Blood pressure levels and cardiovascular risk according to age in patients with diabetes mellitus: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about age-specific target blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to determine the BP level at the lowest cardiovascular risk of hypertensive patients with DM according to age. METHODS: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed patients without cardiovascular disease diagnosed with both hypertension and DM from January 2002 to December 2011. Primary end-point was composite cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke. RESULTS: Of 241,148 study patients, 35,396 had cardiovascular events during a median follow-up period of 10 years. At the age of < 70 years, the risk of cardiovascular events was lower in patients with BP < 120/70 mmHg than in those with BP 130-139/80-89 mmHg. At the age of ≥ 70, however, there were no significant differences in the risk of cardiovascular events between patients with BP 130-139/80-89 mmHg and BP < 120/70 mmHg. The risk of cardiovascular events was similar between patients with BP 130-139/80-89 mmHg and BP 120-129/70-79 mmHg, and it was significantly higher in those with BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg than in those with BP 130-139/80-89 mmHg at all ages. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of hypertensive patients who had DM but no history of cardiovascular disease, lower BP was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events especially at the age of < 70. However, low BP < 130-139/80-89 mmHg was not associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, it may be better to keep the BP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg at the age of ≥ 70.

Myocardial structural and functional changes in patients with liver cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation: a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance and echocardiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac dysfunction is increasingly recognized in patients with liver cirrhosis. Nevertheless, the presence or absence of structural alterations such as diffuse myocardial fibrosis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate myocardial structural changes in cirrhosis, and explore left ventricular (LV) structural and functional changes induced by liver transplantation. METHODS: This study included 33 cirrhosis patients listed for transplantation and 20 healthy controls. Patients underwent speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with extracellular volume fraction (ECV) quantification at baseline (n = 33) and 1 year after transplantation (n = 19). RESULTS: CMR-based LV ejection fraction (CMRLV-EF) and echocardiographic LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) demonstrated hyper-contractile LV in cirrhosis patients (CMRLV-EF: 67.8 ± 6.9% in cirrhosis vs 63.4 ± 6.4% in healthy controls, P = 0.027; echocardiographic GLS: - 24.2 ± 2.7% in cirrhosis vs - 18.6 ± 2.2% in healthy controls, P < 0.001). No significant differences in LV size, wall thickness, mass index, and diastolic function between cirrhosis patients and healthy controls were seen (all P > 0.1). Only one of the cirrhosis patients showed late gadolinium enhancement. However, cirrhosis patients showed a higher ECV (31.6 ± 5.1% vs 25.4 ± 1.9%, P < 0.001) than healthy controls. ECV showed a positive correlation with Child-Pugh score (r = 0.564, P = 0.001). Electrocardiogram-based corrected QT interval was prolonged in cirrhosis (P < 0.001). One-year post-transplantation, echocardiographic LV-GLS (from - 24.9 ± 2.4% to - 20.6 ± 3.4%, P < 0.001) and ECV (from 30.9 ± 4.5% to 25.4 ± 2.6%, P = 0.001) moved to the normal ranges. Corrected QT interval decreased after transplantation (from 475 ± 41 to 429 ± 30 msec, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial extracellular volume expansion with augmented resting LV systolic function was characteristic of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, which normalizes 1-year post-transplantation. Thus, myocardial extracellular expansion represents a structural component of myocardial changes in cirrhosis.

Comparing the performance of artificial intelligence and conventional diagnosis criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy using electrocardiography.

AIMS: Although left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has a high incidence and clinical importance, the conventional diagnosis criteria for detecting LVH using electrocardiography (ECG) has not been satisfied. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for detecting LVH. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective cohort study involved the review of 21 286 patients who were admitted to two hospitals between October 2016 and July 2018 and underwent 12-lead ECG and echocardiography within 4 weeks. The patients in one hospital were divided into a derivation and internal validation dataset, while the patients in the other hospital were included in only an external validation dataset. An AI algorithm based on an ensemble neural network (ENN) combining convolutional and deep neural network was developed using the derivation dataset. And we visualized the ECG area that the AI algorithm used to make the decision. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the AI algorithm based on ENN was 0.880 (95% confidence interval 0.877-0.883) and 0.868 (0.865-0.871) during the internal and external validations. These results significantly outperformed the cardiologist's clinical assessment with Romhilt-Estes point system and Cornell voltage criteria, Sokolov-Lyon criteria, and interpretation of ECG machine. At the same specificity, the AI algorithm based on ENN achieved 159.9%, 177.7%, and 143.8% higher sensitivities than those of the cardiologist's assessment, Sokolov-Lyon criteria, and interpretation of ECG machine. CONCLUSION: An AI algorithm based on ENN was highly able to detect LVH and outperformed cardiologists, conventional methods, and other machine learning techniques.

Novel Oral Anticoagulants for Primary Stroke Prevention in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background and Purpose- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of stroke, and anticoagulation is strongly recommended. However, limited data are available regarding the safety and effectiveness of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for primary prevention of stroke. Methods- Using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database, we identified 2397 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation from 2013 to 2016 without history of ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), or gastrointestinal bleeding (992 on warfarin and 1405 on NOACs). Inverse probability of treatment weighting with propensity scores was used to balance covariates between treatment groups. Risk for ischemic stroke, ICH, gastrointestinal bleeding, death, and their composite outcome associated with NOAC use was assessed with warfarin use as the reference. Results- During a mean follow-up of 1.6 years, the incidence rates of ischemic stroke, ICH, gastrointestinal bleeding, death, and composite outcome were all significantly lower in the NOAC than in the warfarin group (stroke, 2.8 versus 5.0; ICH, 0.5 versus 1.3; gastrointestinal bleeding, 2.3 versus 3.0; death, 3.0 versus 5.1; composite, 7.5 versus 12.5 events per 100 person-years). NOACs were associated with significantly lower risks of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio [HR], 0.47; 95% CI, 0.32-0.68), ICH (HR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14-0.69), gastrointestinal bleeding (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40-0.96), death (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31-0.65), and the composite outcome (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.38-0.61) than warfarin. The same trend was observed regardless of the NOAC dose and across various high-risk subgroups. In analysis of individual NOACs, all NOACs were associated with lower risks of ischemic stroke and composite outcome. Conclusions- NOACs showed superior effectiveness and safety versus warfarin in the primary prevention of stroke versus warfarin in real-world Asian hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with atrial fibrillation.

Prevalence of Positive 99 mTc-DPD Scintigraphy as an Indicator of the Prevalence of Wild-type Transthyretin Amyloidosis in the Elderly.

Senile or wild-type transthyretin (wtTTR) amyloidosis is an age-related disease caused by the deposition of wtTTR amyloid protein. In contrast to light chain amyloidosis, 99 mTc-DPD scintigraphy (DPD scan) is a useful diagnostic modality for wtTTR amyloidosis.We retrospectively analyzed patients older than 30 years who underwent DPD scanning for non-cardiac reasons at our hospital between June 2014 and March 2017 (n = 9,581). Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), as well as systolic and diastolic function.A positive DPD scan was observed in only six patients (0.06%). All six of these patients were older than 70 years, and they constitute only 0.4% of patients in this age group (6/1652). Among the patients with a positive DPD scan, four showed concentric LVH and two showed a normal wall thickness. With respect to the severity of diastolic dysfunction and pulmonary artery pressure, patients with a positive DPD scan showed the expected E' and pulmonary artery systolic pressure for their age.Even considering the limited sensitivity of a positive DPD scan detecting wtTTR amyloidosis, the incidence of a positive DPD scan in non-cardiac patients indicated that wtTTR amyloid deposition does not seem to be a major cause for age-related diastolic dysfunction, nor does appear to have a high incidence in patients with heart failure with preserved EF in the elderly.

Systemic Inflammation Is Associated With Coronary Artery Calcification and All-Cause Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Presence of systemic inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with advanced coronary artery calcification (CAC). The prognostic significance of this association, however, is unknown. We evaluated the associations between CAC, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality, to determine whether the associations differ according to the presence of systemic inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We followed 30,703 consecutive individuals who underwent CAC measurement for a median of 79 months (IQR, 65-96 months). Patients were categorized according to baseline CAC score (0, 1-99, 100-399 and ≥400), eGFR (<45, 45-59, 60-74, 75-89, 90-104, and ≥105 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; <2.0, and ≥2.0 mg/L). Prevalence and extent of CAC were greater in those with lower eGFR and higher hsCRP accordingly, even after adjustment. Lower eGFR was strongly associated with higher CAC score (≥400), and the association was more significant in patients with higher hsCRP. The greater CAC burden was associated with worse outcome in the CKD patients (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) only in those with higher hsCRP. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low eGFR and more extensive CAC had greater risk of mortality, and associations differed according to the presence of systemic inflammation. Among the CKD patients, coronary evaluation may be considered for those with elevated hsCRP. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1644-1652).

Sex differences in clinical characteristics and long-term outcome in patients with heart failure: data from the KorAHF registry.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sex differences in the prognosis of heart failure (HF) have yielded inconsistent results, and data from Asian populations are even rare. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in clinical characteristics and long-term prognosis among Korean patients with HF. METHODS: A total of 5,625 Korean patients hospitalized for acute HF were analyzed using a prospective multi-center registry database. Baseline clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes including HF readmission and death were compared between sexes. RESULTS: Women were older than men and had worse symptoms with higher N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Women had a significantly higher proportion of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality and rate of guideline-directed medical therapies in men and women. During median follow- up of 3.4 years, cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.78; p = 0.014), and composite outcomes of death and HF readmission (adjusted HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.27; p = 0.030) were significantly higher in men than women. When evaluating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HFpEF separately, men were an independent risk factor of cardiovascular death in patients with HFrEF. Clinical outcome was not different between sexes in HFpEF. CONCLUSION: In the Korean multi-center registry, despite having better clinical characteristics, men exhibited a higher risk of all-cause mortality and readmission for HF. The main cause of these disparities was the higher cardiovascular mortality rate observed in men compared to women with HFrEF.

Age-dependent implications of left ventricular hypertrophy regression in patients with hypertension.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with hypertension. However, the effect of age on LVH regression or persistence and its differential prognostic value remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the clinical implications of LVH regression in 1847 patients with hypertension and echocardiography data (at baseline and during antihypertensive treatment at an interval of 6-18 months) according to age. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMI) > 115 g/m2 and >95 g/m2 in men and women, respectively. LVH prevalence at baseline was not different according to age (age < 65 years: 42.6%; age ≥65 years: 45.7%; p = 0.187), but LVH regression was more frequently observed in the younger group (36.4% vs. 27.5%; p = 0.008). Spline curves and multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between reductions in systolic blood pressure and LVMI in the younger group (ß = 0.425; p < 0.001), but not the elderly group (ß = 0.044; p = 0.308). LVH regression was associated with a lower risk of the study outcome (composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure) regardless of age. In conclusion, the association between the reduction in blood pressure and LVH regression was prominent in patients with age < 65 years, but not in those with age ≥65 years. However, an association between LVH regression and lower risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure was observed regardless of patient age, suggesting the prognostic value of the LVH regression not only in the younger patients but also in elderly patients.

2023 Korean Society of Echocardiography position paper for the diagnosis and management of valvular heart disease, part II: mitral and tricuspid valve disease.

This manuscript represents the official position of the Korean Society of Echocardiography on valvular heart diseases. This position paper focuses on the diagnosis and management of valvular heart diseases with referring to the guidelines recently published by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. The committee sought to reflect national data on the topic of valvular heart diseases published to date through a systematic literature search based on validity and relevance. In the part II of this article, we intend to present recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of mitral valve disease and tricuspid valve disease.

Role of home blood pressure monitoring in resistant hypertension.

The definition of resistant hypertension (RHT) has been updated to include failure to achieve target blood pressure (BP) despite treatment with ≥3 antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, renin-angiotensin system blockers, and calcium channel blockers, prescribed at the maximum or maximally tolerated doses, or as success in achieving the target blood pressure but requiring ≥4 drugs. RHT is a major clinical problem, as it is associated with higher mortality and morbidity than non-RHT. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify RHT patients to effectively manage their disease. Out-of-clinic BP measurement, including home BP monitoring and ambulatory BP monitoring is gaining prominence for the diagnosis and management of RHT. Home BP monitoring is advantageous as it is feasibly repetitive, inexpensive, widely available, and because of its reproducibility over long periods. In addition, home BP monitoring has crucial advantage of allowing safe titration for the maximum or maximally tolerable dose, and for self-monitoring, thereby improving clinical inertia and nonadherence, and allowing true RHT to be more accurately identified.

Correct Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage Reduces Stagnant Blood Flow and the Risk of Thrombus Formation: A Proof-of-Concept Experimental Study Using 4D Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to investigate the effect of correct occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) on intracardiac blood flow and thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) using four-dimensional (4D) flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional (3D)-printed phantoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three life-sized 3D-printed left atrium (LA) phantoms, including a pre-occlusion (i.e., before the occlusion procedure) model and correctly and incorrectly occluded post-procedural models, were constructed based on cardiac computed tomography images from an 86-year-old male with long-standing persistent AF. A custom-made closed-loop flow circuit was set up, and pulsatile simulated pulmonary venous flow was delivered by a pump. 4D flow MRI was performed using a 3T scanner, and the images were analyzed using MATLAB-based software (R2020b; Mathworks). Flow metrics associated with blood stasis and thrombogenicity, such as the volume of stasis defined by the velocity threshold (|V̅| < 3 cm/s), surface-and-time-averaged wall shear stress (WSS), and endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP), were analyzed and compared among the three LA phantom models. RESULTS: Different spatial distributions, orientations, and magnitudes of LA flow were directly visualized within the three LA phantoms using 4D flow MRI. The time-averaged volume and its ratio to the corresponding entire volume of LA flow stasis were consistently reduced in the correctly occluded model (70.82 mL and 39.0%, respectively), followed by the incorrectly occluded (73.17 mL and 39.0%, respectively) and pre-occlusion (79.11 mL and 39.7%, respectively) models. The surface-and-time-averaged WSS and ECAP were also lowest in the correctly occluded model (0.048 Pa and 4.004 Pa-1 , respectively), followed by the incorrectly occluded (0.059 Pa and 4.792 Pa-1 , respectively) and pre-occlusion (0.072 Pa and 5.861 Pa-1 , respectively) models. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a correctly occluded LAA leads to the greatest reduction in LA flow stasis and thrombogenicity, presenting a tentative procedural goal to maximize clinical benefits in patients with AF.

Prediction of Deterioration of Left Ventricular Function Using 3-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients With Left Bundle-Branch Block.

Background Previous studies have demonstrated that 2-dimensional (2D) global longitudinal strain (GLS) is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with left bundle-branch block. However, the predictive value of 3-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography has not yet been investigated in these patients. Methods and Results The authors retrospectively identified 290 patients with left bundle-branch block who underwent echocardiography more than twice. Using speckle-tracking echocardiography, 2D-GLS, 3D-GLS, 3D-global circumferential strain, 3D global radial strain, and 3D global area strain were acquired. The association between 2D and 3D strains and the follow-up left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) was analyzed. The study population was divided into 2 sets: a group with preserved LVEF (baseline LVEF ≥40%) and a group with reduced LVEF (baseline LVEF <40%). After a median follow-up of 29.1 months (interquartile range, 13.1-53.0 months), 14.9% of patients progressed to LV dysfunction in the group with preserved LVEF, and 51.0% of patients showed improved LV function in the group with reduced LVEF. Multivariable analysis of 2D and 3D strains revealed that higher 2D-GLS (odds ratio [OR], 0.65 [95% CI, 0.54-0.78], P<0.001) was highly associated with maintaining LVEF in patients with preserved LVEF. However, a lower 3D-global circumferential strain (OR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.47-0.78], P<0.001) showed a strong association with persistently reduced LVEF in patients with reduced LVEF. Conclusions Although 2D-GLS showed a powerful predictive value for the deterioration of LV function in the preserved LVEF group, 3D strain, especially 3D-global circumferential strain, can be helpful to predict consistent LV dysfunction in patients with left bundle-branch block who have reduced LVEF.

The ReInforcement of adherence via self-monitoring app orchestrating biosignals and medication of RivaroXaban in patients with atrial fibrillation and co-morbidities: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RIVOX-AF).

Background: Because of the short half-life of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), consistent drug adherence is crucial to maintain the effect of anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). Considering the low adherence to NOACs in practice, we developed a mobile health platform that provides an alert for drug intake, visual confirmation of drug administration, and a list of medication intake history. This study aims to evaluate whether this smartphone app-based intervention will increase drug adherence compared with usual care in patients with AF requiring NOACs in a large population. Methods: This prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter trial (RIVOX-AF study) will include a total of 1,042 patients (521 patients in the intervention group and 521 patients in the control group) from 13 tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Patients with AF aged ≥19 years with one or more comorbidities, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, stable angina, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus, will be included in this study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (MEDI-app) or the conventional treatment group in a 1:1 ratio using a web-based randomization service. The intervention group will use a smartphone app that includes an alarm for drug intake, visual confirmation of drug administration through a camera check, and presentation of a list of medication intake history. The primary endpoint is adherence to rivaroxaban by pill count measurements at 12 and 24 weeks. The key secondary endpoints are clinical composite endpoints, including systemic embolic events, stroke, major bleeding requiring transfusion or hospitalization, or death during the 24 weeks of follow-up. Discussion: This randomized controlled trial will investigate the feasibility and efficacy of smartphone apps and mobile health platforms in improving adherence to NOACs. Trial registration: The study design has been registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT05557123).

The effects of a 24-week interactive text message-based mobile health intervention for enhancing self-care behaviours of patients with heart failure: A quasi-experimental study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a 24-week interactive text message-based mobile health intervention (called) on enhancing the self-care behaviours of patients with heart failure. BACKGROUND: Whether text message-based mobile health intervention can be used to improve long-term adherence to self-care behaviours among heart failure patients remains unclear. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-post-test design and repeated measures. METHODS: Data from 100 patients (mean age, 58.78 years; 83.0% men) were analysed. The intervention group (n = 50) used the program over 24 weeks, which consisted of weekly goal setting and interactive text messaging, while the control group (n = 50) received usual care. Trained research assistants collected data using self-reported Likert questionnaires. Primary (self-care behaviours) and secondary (health literacy, eHealth literacy, and disease knowledge) outcome variables were measured at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after intervention for follow-up. RESULTS: The findings showed that the intervention group demonstrated significantly better self-care behaviours than the control group during the 6 months. Notably, the trajectory of self-care behaviours of the patients in the intervention group showed a steep rise between the first- and third-month follow-up, followed by high stability between the third- and sixth-month follow-up. In addition, the intervention group had significantly higher disease knowledge than the control group at the first- and sixth-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the program, as an interactive text messaging service, may be an optimal strategy for improving long-term adherence to self-care behaviours through motivating and providing social support. RELEVANCE TO THE NURSING PRACTICE: The WithUs program can help nurses and other healthcare professionals to track patients' health indicators such as symptom severity, diet and physical activity. In addition, nurses can take an important role in evaluating the efficacy of the app in relation to patients' health outcome. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients have completed a self-reported questionnaire after providing informed consent.

Integrated approach of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and cardiovascular risk scores for predicting the risk of cardiovascular events.

BACKGROUND: The 2013 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score may be insufficient for accurate prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in Asians. This study was performed to investigate whether brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has additional prognostic value to the risk score estimated by the ACC/AHA pooled cohort equations (PCEs). METHODS: A total of 6,359 patients (3,534 men and 2,825 women) aged 40-79 years without documented cardiovascular disease who underwent baPWV measurement were retrospectively analyzed. Cardiovascular risk scores were calculated using the 2013 ACC/AHA PCEs. Cardiovascular events, including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and ischemic stroke, were assessed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 4.0 years (interquartile range 1.7-6.1 years), cardiovascular events occurred in 129 patients (2.0%). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that baPWV was stronger in the detection of cardiovascular events than the 2013 ACC/AHA risk score (area under the curve: 0.70 versus 0.62, p<0.001). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, both baPWV and 2013 ACC/AHA risk score were independently associated with the occurrence of clinical events (p <0.001 for each). The baPWV had incremental prognostic value to the 2013 ACC/AHA risk score in predicting clinical events (global chi-square from 21.23 to 49.51, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The baPWV appears to be a strong predictor of the risk of cardiovascular events in Koreans. Measuring baPWV in addition to the 2013 ACC/AHA risk score helps identify individuals at risk for MACE aged 40-79 years without previous cardiovascular diseases.

Prognostic implication of left ventricular hypertrophy regression after antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, the prognostic implication of LVH regression after antihypertensive therapy has not been clearly investigated. Methods: Patients who underwent echocardiography at the time of the diagnosis of hypertension and repeated echocardiography at an interval of 6-18 months were retrospectively identified. LVH was defined as LV mass index (LVMI) >115 g/m2 (men) and >95 g/m2 (women). LVH regression was defined as LVH at initial echocardiography with normal geometry or concentric LV remodeling at follow-up echocardiography. Cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), coronary revascularization, stroke, and aortic events were analyzed according to changes in LVMI and geometry. Results: Of 1,872 patients, 44.7% (n = 837) had LVH at the time of diagnosis; among these, 30.7% showed LVH regression. The reduction in LVMI was associated with the reduction in BP, especially in those with LVH at baseline. During follow up (median, 50.4 months; interquartile range, 24.9-103.2 months), 68 patients died of cardiovascular causes, 127 had HHF, and 162 had vascular events (coronary revascularization, stroke, and aortic events). Persistent or newly developed LVH during antihypertensive therapy was a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality and events, especially HHF. On multivariable analysis, women, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, larger LVMI and end-diastolic dimension, and less reduction in systolic BP were associated with persistent or newly developed LVH. Conclusion: LVH regression in patients with hypertension is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events and can be used as a prognostic marker.