CAVI (Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index) as an independent predictor of hypertensive response to exercise.

OBJECTIVES: Hypertensive response to exercise (HRE) is related to the development of future hypertension, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality, independent of resting blood pressure. We hypothesized that arterial stiffness as measured by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) could be an independent predictor of HRE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients participated in the preventive health program at the Bangkok Heart Hospital who underwent both CAVI and treadmill stress testing on the same day between June and December 2018 were performed. Variables for the prediction of HRE were analyzed using univariate analysis, and significant variables were entered into multiple logistic regression. An ROC curve was created to test the sensitivity and specificity of CAVI as a predictor of HRE. RESULTS: A total of 285 participants (55.1% female) were enrolled in this study. There were 58 patients (20.4%) who met the HRE definition (SBP > 210 mmHg in males, SBP > 190 mmHg in females, or DBP > 110 mmHg in both males and females), with a mean age of 46.4 12.8 years. In univariate analysis, age, systolic blood pressure at rest, diastolic blood pressure at rest, pulse pressure at rest, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, history of beta-blocker, and CAVI results were statistically significant. Multiple logistic regression revealed that CAVI and systolic blood pressure were statistically significant predictors of HRE with OR of 5.8, 95%CI: 2.9-11.7, P < 0.001 and OR 1.07, 95%CI: 1.03-1.10, P = 0.001 respectively. ROC curve analysis of the CAVI revealed an AUC of 0.827 (95%CI: 0.76-0.89, p < 0.001), and the sensitivity and specificity of cut-point CAVI > 8 were 53% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that CAVI is an independent predictor of hypertensive response to exercise. Additionally, the findings suggest that CAVI > 8 can be a valuable tool in identifying individuals at risk for hypertensive responses during exercise.

Prediction of rehospitalization in patients with acute heart failure using point-of-care lung ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: More than 50% of patients admitted for acute heart failure are discharged with residual pulmonary congestion. Residual pulmonary congestion at discharge is associated with rehospitalization and death within 6 months after discharge. B-lines detected by lung ultrasound are the sonographic manifestation of pulmonary congestion, a major predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure. The present study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of B-lines at discharge for prediction of rehospitalization and death at 6 months in patients with acute heart failure. METHODS: This study involved a prospective cohort of 126 patients admitted to Ramathibodi Hospital for acute heart failure (mean age, 69 ± 15 years). B-lines and the size of the inferior vena cava were assessed within 24 h before discharge. The patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: The mean number of B-lines at discharge was 9 ± 9, and the rate of rehospitalization within 6 months was significantly higher in patients with a significant number of B-lines (≥ 12) than in patients with a non-significant number of B-lines (< 12) (log rank χ2 = 7.74, P = 0.004). In the univariable analysis, the presence of ≥ 12 B-lines before discharge (hazard ratio = 2.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.27-3.63) was an independent predictor of events at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Residual pulmonary congestion before discharge as detected by point-of-care lung ultrasound predicts rehospitalization for heart failure at 6 months. The presence of non-significant B-lines identifies a subgroup at low risk of rehospitalization for heart failure.