Prevention and rehabilitation after heart transplantation: A clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, Heart Failure Association of the ESC, and the European Cardio Thoracic Transplant Association, a section of ESOT.

Little is known either about either physical activity patterns, or other lifestyle-related prevention measures in heart transplantation (HTx) recipients. The history of HTx started more than 50 years ago but there are still no guidelines or position papers highlighting the features of prevention and rehabilitation after HTx. The aims of this scientific statement are (i) to explain the importance of prevention and rehabilitation after HTx, and (ii) to promote the factors (modifiable/non-modifiable) that should be addressed after HTx to improve patients' physical capacity, quality of life and survival. All HTx team members have their role to play in the care of these patients and multidisciplinary prevention and rehabilitation programmes designed for transplant recipients. HTx recipients are clearly not healthy disease-free subjects yet they also significantly differ from heart failure patients or those who are supported with mechanical circulatory support. Therefore, prevention and rehabilitation after HTx both need to be specifically tailored to this patient population and be multidisciplinary in nature. Prevention and rehabilitation programmes should be initiated early after HTx and continued during the entire post-transplant journey. This clinical consensus.

Prevention and rehabilitation after heart transplantation: A clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, Heart Failure Association of the ESC, and the European Cardio Thoracic Transplant Association, a section of ESOT.

Little is known either about either physical activity patterns, or other lifestyle-related prevention measures in heart transplantation (HTx) recipients. The history of HTx started more than 50 years ago but there are still no guidelines or position papers highlighting the features of prevention and rehabilitation after HTx. The aims of this scientific statement are (i) to explain the importance of prevention and rehabilitation after HTx, and (ii) to promote the factors (modifiable/non-modifiable) that should be addressed after HTx to improve patients' physical capacity, quality of life and survival. All HTx team members have their role to play in the care of these patients and multidisciplinary prevention and rehabilitation programmes designed for transplant recipients. HTx recipients are clearly not healthy disease-free subjects yet they also significantly differ from heart failure patients or those who are supported with mechanical circulatory support. Therefore, prevention and rehabilitation after HTx both need to be specifically tailored to this patient population and be multidisciplinary in nature. Prevention and rehabilitation programmes should be initiated early after HTx and continued during the entire post-transplant journey. This clinical consensus statement focuses on the importance and the characteristics of prevention and rehabilitation designed for HTx recipients.

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation: are we ready?

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) is not only an essential component of cancer rehabilitation but also a pillar of preventive cardio-oncology. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation is a comprehensive model based on a multitargeted approach and its efficacy has been widely documented; when compared with an 'exercise only' programme, comprehensive CORE demonstrates a better outcome. It involves nutritional counselling, psychological support, and cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment, and it is directed to a very demanding population with a heavy burden of CV diseases driven by physical inactivity, cancer therapy-induced metabolic derangements, and cancer therapy-related CV toxicities. Despite its usefulness, CORE is still underused in cancer patients and we are still at the dawning of remote models of rehabilitation (tele-rehabilitation). Not all CORE is created equally: a careful screening procedure to identify patients who will benefit the most from CORE and a multidisciplinary customized approach are mandatory to achieve a better outcome for cancer survivors throughout their cancer journey. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated review of CORE not only for cardiologists dealing with this peculiar population of patients but also for oncologists, primary care providers, patients, and caregivers. This multidisciplinary team should help cancer patients to maintain a healthy and active life before, during, and after cancer treatment, in order to improve quality of life and to fight health inequities.

[ANMCO Position paper in collaboration with ITACARE-P: Cardio-oncology rehabilitation. Are we ready?] / Position paper ANMCO in collaborazione con ITACARE-P: Riabilitazione cardio-oncologica. "Are we ready?".

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) is not only an essential component of cancer rehabilitation, but also a pillar of preventive cardio-oncology. CORE is a comprehensive model based on a multitargeted approach and its efficacy has been widely documented; when compared to an "exercise only" program, comprehensive CORE demonstrates a better outcome. It involves nutritional counseling, psychological support and cardiovascular risk assessment, and it is directed to a very demanding population with a heavy burden of cardiovascular diseases driven by physical inactivity, cancer therapy-induced metabolic derangements and cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicities. Despite its usefulness, CORE is still underused in cancer patients and we are still at the dawning of remote models of rehabilitation (telerehabilitation). Not all cardio-oncology rehabilitation is created equal: a careful screening procedure to identify patients who will benefit the most from CORE and a multidisciplinary customized approach are mandatory to achieve a better outcome for cancer survivors throughout their cancer journey.The aim of this position paper is to provide an updated review of CORE not only for cardiologists dealing with this peculiar patient population, but also for oncologists, primary care providers, patients and caregivers. This multidisciplinary team should help cancer patients to maintain a healthy and active life before, during and after cancer treatment, in order to improve quality of life and to fight health inequities.

[Management of patients with type 2 diabetes during cardiac prevention and rehabilitation. An expert opinion from the Italian Alliance for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention (ITACARE-P)]. / La gestione del paziente con diabete di tipo 2 in Cardiologia Preventiva e Riabilitativa. Expert opinion della Italian Alliance for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention (ITACARE-P).

Patients with diabetes, regardless of their cardiovascular disease and their index event, are more and more often referred to Cardiac Rehabilitation Units. These patients usually show high or very high cardiovascular risk, marked disability and poor quality of life. Furthermore, those with older age, frailty, and female sex have even more rehabilitative needs, thus requiring fine individualized approaches. Consequently, in order to identify their therapeutic goals, the glycemic target should be pursued together with the effective reduction of the global cardiovascular risk. Modern exercise protocols are based on the synergic effect of both aerobic and strength training of moderate and high effort intensities, in order to achieve improvements of cardiorespiratory fitness and glycemic values as well. Exercise training and nutritional intervention are strictly related during the rehabilitation program, thus promoting better lifestyle in the long term too. New antidiabetic drugs (such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) should be included into a specific "patient journey" along with other core components of the rehabilitation program. Therefore, the active role of all allied professionals (namely nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and psychologists) is essential to the success of the cardiometabolic team. Diabetes should be routinely included in the outcome evaluation of cardiac rehabilitation programs and in every follow-up plan through a successful crosstalk among cardiologists, diabetologists and patients.

Standardised Exercise Prescription for Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome and/or Heart Failure: A Consensus Statement from the EXPERT Working Group.

Whereas exercise training, as part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, is a key component in the management of patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and/or congestive heart failure (CHF), physicians and exercise professionals disagree among themselves on the type and characteristics of the exercise to be prescribed to these patients, and the exercise prescriptions are not consistent with the international guidelines. This impacts the efficacy and quality of the intervention of rehabilitation. To overcome these barriers, a digital training and decision support system [i.e. EXercise Prescription in Everyday practice & Rehabilitative Training (EXPERT) tool], i.e. a stepwise aid to exercise prescription in patients with CCS and/or CHF, affected by concomitant risk factors and comorbidities, in the setting of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, was developed. The EXPERT working group members reviewed the literature and formulated exercise recommendations (exercise training intensity, frequency, volume, type, session and programme duration) and safety precautions for CCS and/or CHF (including heart transplantation). Also, highly prevalent comorbidities (e.g. peripheral arterial disease) or cardiac devices (e.g. pacemaker, implanted cardioverter defibrillator, left-ventricular assist device) were considered, as well as indications for the in-hospital phase (e.g. after coronary revascularisation or hospitalisation for CHF). The contributions of physical fitness, medications and adverse events during exercise testing were also considered. The EXPERT tool was developed on the basis of this evidence. In this paper, the exercise prescriptions for patients with CCS and/or CHF formulated for the EXPERT tool are presented. Finally, to demonstrate how the EXPERT tool proposes exercise prescriptions in patients with CCS and/or CHF with different combinations of CVD risk factors, three patient cases with solutions are presented.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in cardiac rehabilitation: From the reporting form to structured exercise prescription. A proposal from the Italian alliance for cardiovascular rehabilitation and prevention (Itacare-P).

The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is the gold standard for the diagnostic evaluation of exercise intolerance, as for individualized prescription of structured physical training. Exercise is a core component of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation activites, but unfortunately the limited availability of CPET-derived informations often leads to unpowered program's prescription in real life. The Italian Alliance for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Prevention (ITACARE-P) has developed a CPET reporting form specifically oriented to exercise prescription, in order to facilitate interventions on lifestyle and during phase II/phase III cardiac rehabilitation programmes. The ITACARE-P CPET reporting form includes a limited number of key variables for clinical practice and individual domains of exercise intensity, suitable both for threshold-based and range-based aerobic training protocols. The adoption of the ITACARE-P CPET reporting form could improve non-pharmacological intervention in preventive cardioloy and facilitate collaborative research on physical training within the network of cardiac rehabilitation facilities.

[ANMCO Position paper in collaboration with ITACARE-P: Anti-ischemic treatment in patients with chronic coronary syndrome]. / Position paper ANMCO in collaborazione con ITACARE-P: Terapia anti-ischemica nei pazienti con sindrome coronarica cronica.

Over the last decade, pharmacological therapies for primary and secondary prevention of chronic coronary syndromes enriched with new agents have been demonstrated to be effective in reducing cardiovascular adverse events. However, currently available evidence on treatment for anginal symptom control is weaker. This position paper of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) aims to briefly report evidence that supports the use of anti-ischemic drugs for chronic coronary syndromes. Furthermore, we propose a therapeutic algorithm for the choice of the most appropriate drug on the basis of the clinical characteristics of the individual patient.

Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk: Systematic Intervention Is the Key for Prevention.

Obesity is a serious public health issue and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events and mortality. The risk of cardiovascular complications is directly related to excess body fat mass and ectopic fat deposition, but also other obesity-related complications such as pre-type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Body mass index and waist circumference are used to classify a patient as overweight or obese and to stratify cardiovascular risk. Physical activity and diet, despite being key points in preventing adverse events and reducing cardiovascular risk, are not always successful strategies. Pharmacological treatments for weight reduction are promising strategies, but are restricted by possible safety issues and cost. Nonetheless, these treatments are associated with improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, and studies are ongoing to better evaluate cardiovascular outcomes. Bariatric surgery is effective in reducing the incidence of death and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Cardiac rehabilitation programs in obese patients improve cardiovascular disease risk factors, quality of life, and exercise capacity. The aim of this review was to critically analyze the current role and future aspects of lifestyle changes, medical and surgical treatments, and cardiac rehabilitation in obese patients, to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and mortality, and to highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to improving cardiovascular outcomes.

How to optimize the adherence to a guideline-directed medical therapy in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: a clinical consensus statement from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology.

A key factor to successful secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is optimal patient adherence to treatment. However, unsatisfactory rates of adherence to treatment for CVD risk factors and CVD have been observed consistently over the last few decades. Hence, achieving optimal adherence to lifestyle measures and guideline-directed medical therapy in secondary prevention and rehabilitation is a great challenge to many healthcare professionals. Therefore, in this European Association of Preventive Cardiology clinical consensus document, a modern reappraisal of the adherence to optimal treatment is provided, together with simple, practical, and feasible suggestions to achieve this goal in the clinical setting, focusing on evidence-based concepts.

The Renewed Interest on Brunogeierite, GeFe2O4, a Rare Mineral of Germanium: A Review.

GeFe2O4, also known as brunogeierite, is a rare mineral of germanium. It has a normal spinel structure and, as with many other spinels, amazing functional properties thanks to its peculiar structural features. In the past, its spectroscopic, optical, magnetic and electronic properties were determined; then, for many years, this compound was left behind. Only recently, a renewed interest in this oxide has arisen, particularly for its application in the electrochemical field. In this review paper, the crystal structure of GeFe2O4 will be described, as well as the synthesis methods required to obtain single crystals or polycrystalline powders. Its spectroscopic, magnetic, optical and electrical properties will be reported in detail. Then, successful applications known so far will be described: its use as anode in Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries and as electrocatalyst for urea oxidation reaction.

Management of Hypertension in the Elderly and Frail Patient.

Hypertension is a frequent finding in elderly patients. Hypertension in older age can be both associated with frailty and represent a risk factor for frailty. Hypertension is recognized as a main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke and the occurrence of these diseases may provoke a decline in health status and/or worsen the degree of frailty. Blood pressure targets in hypertensive older and frail patients are not completely defined. However, specific evaluations of individual patients and their co-morbidities and assessment of domains and components of frailty, together with weighted consideration of drug use, may help in finding the appropriate therapy.

EAPC Core Curriculum for Preventive Cardiology.

Preventive cardiology encompasses the whole spectrum of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, at individual and population level, through all stages of life. This includes promotion of cardiovascular (CV) health, management of individuals at risk of developing CVD, and management of patients with established CVD, through interdisciplinary care in different settings. Preventive cardiology addresses all aspects of CV health in the context of the social determinants of health, including physical activity, exercise, sports, nutrition, weight management, smoking cessation, psychosocial factors and behavioural change, environmental, genetic and biological risk factors, and CV protective medications. This is the first European Core Curriculum for Preventive Cardiology, which will help to standardize, structure, deliver, and evaluate training in preventive cardiology across Europe. It will be the basis for dedicated fellowship programmes and a European Society of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) subspecialty certification for cardiologists, with the intention to improve quality and outcome in CVD prevention.

Exercise intensity assessment and prescription in cardiovascular rehabilitation and beyond: why and how: a position statement from the Secondary Prevention and Rehabilitation Section of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology.

A proper determination of the exercise intensity is important for the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) since it affects the effectiveness and medical safety of exercise training. In 2013, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC), together with the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation, published a position statement on aerobic exercise intensity assessment and prescription in cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR). Since this publication, many subsequent papers were published concerning the determination of the exercise intensity in CR, in which some controversies were revealed and some of the commonly applied concepts were further refined. Moreover, how to determine the exercise intensity during resistance training was not covered in this position paper. In light of these new findings, an update on how to determine the exercise intensity for patients with CVD is mandatory, both for aerobic and resistance exercises. In this EAPC position paper, it will be explained in detail which objective and subjective methods for CR exercise intensity determination exist for aerobic and resistance training, together with their (dis)advantages and practical applications.

European Society of Cardiology Quality Indicators for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: developed by the Working Group for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Quality Indicators in collaboration with the European Association for Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology.

AIMS: To develop a set of quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of the care and outcomes for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Quality Indicator Committee of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) formed the Working Group for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Quality Indicators in collaboration with Task Force members of the 2021 ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice and the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC). We followed the ESC methodology for QI development, which involved (i) the identification of the key domains of care for ASCVD prevention by constructing a conceptual framework of care, (ii) the development of candidate QIs by conducting a systematic review of the literature, (iii) the selection of the final set of QIs using a modified Delphi method, and (iv) the evaluation of the feasibility of the developed QIs. In total, 17 main and 14 secondary QIs were selected across six domains of care for ASCVD prevention: (i) structural framework, (ii) risk assessment, (iii) care for people at risk for ASCVD, (iv) care for patients with established ASCVD, (v) patient education and experience, and (vi) outcomes. CONCLUSION: We present the 2021 ESC QIs for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, which have been co-constructed with EAPC using the ESC methodology for QI development. These indicators are supported by evidence from the literature, underpinned by expert consensus and aligned with the 2021 ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice to offer a mechanism for the evaluation of ASCVD prevention care and outcomes.