Consensus document on diagnosis and management of familial hypercholesterolemia from the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis (SISA).

AIMS: Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism that causes an increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Although early diagnosis and treatment of FH can significantly improve the cardiovascular prognosis, this disorder is underdiagnosed and undertreated. For these reasons the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis (SISA) assembled a Consensus Panel with the task to provide guidelines for FH diagnosis and treatment. DATA SYNTHESIS: Our guidelines include: i) an overview of the genetic complexity of FH and the role of candidate genes involved in LDL metabolism; ii) the prevalence of FH in the population; iii) the clinical criteria adopted for the diagnosis of FH; iv) the screening for ASCVD and the role of cardiovascular imaging techniques; v) the role of molecular diagnosis in establishing the genetic bases of the disorder; vi) the current therapeutic options in both heterozygous and homozygous FH. Treatment strategies and targets are currently based on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, as the prognosis of FH largely depends on the magnitude of LDL-C reduction achieved by lipid-lowering therapies. Statins with or without ezetimibe are the mainstay of treatment. Addition of novel medications like PCSK9 inhibitors, ANGPTL3 inhibitors or lomitapide in homozygous FH results in a further reduction of LDL-C levels. LDL apheresis is indicated in FH patients with inadequate response to cholesterol-lowering therapies. CONCLUSION: FH is a common, treatable genetic disorder and, although our understanding of this disease has improved, many challenges still remain with regard to its identification and management.

Isolated Valve Amyloid Deposition in Aortic Stenosis: Potential Clinical and Pathophysiological Relevance.

Amyloid deposition within stenotic aortic valves (AVs) also appears frequent in the absence of cardiac amyloidosis, but its clinical and pathophysiological relevance has not been investigated. We will elucidate the rate of isolated AV amyloid deposition and its potential clinical and pathophysiological significance in aortic stenosis (AS). In 130 patients without systemic and/or cardiac amyloidosis, we collected the explanted AVs during cardiac surgery: 57 patients with calcific AS and 73 patients with AV insufficiency (41 with AV sclerosis and 32 without, who were used as controls). Amyloid deposition was found in 21 AS valves (37%), 4 sclerotic AVs (10%), and none of the controls. Patients with and without isolated AV amyloid deposition had similar clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and survival rates. Isolated AV amyloid deposition was associated with higher degrees of AV fibrosis (p = 0.0082) and calcification (p < 0.0001). Immunohistochemistry analysis suggested serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), in addition to transthyretin (TTR), as the protein possibly involved in AV amyloid deposition. Circulating SAA1 levels were within the normal range in all groups, and no difference was observed in AS patients with and without AV amyloid deposition. In vitro, AV interstitial cells (VICs) were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1ß which induced increased SAA1-mRNA both in the control VICs (+6.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.02) and the AS VICs (+7.6 ± 0.5, p = 0.008). In conclusion, isolated AV amyloid deposition is frequent in the context of AS, but it does not appear to have potential clinical relevance. Conversely, amyloid deposition within AV leaflets, probably promoted by local inflammation, could play a role in AS pathophysiology.

Left atrium decompression devices across the spectrum of ejection fraction in heart failure: an updated systematic review and meta-regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: In patients affected by heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), pharmacological treatments have been proven to alleviate symptoms and improve prognosis, while no treatment other than sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant effects in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Left atrium decompression devices (LADd) have been recently investigated as a new interventional approach in patients with HFpEF. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of LADd on soft endpoints in HF patients across the spectrum of ejection fraction. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science were searched without restrictions from inception to 28 May 2022 to identify valuable articles. The studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The prespecified main outcomes were the change from baseline in 6-min walking distance (6MWD), NYHA class and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Secondary outcomes were reduction in HF hospitalizations, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic parameters. RESULTS: Eleven studies, with a total of 547 patients, were included. LADd significantly improved 6MWD by 43.95 m (95% CI 29.64-58.26 m), decreased NYHA class by 0.93 (95% CI 1.20-0.67), and improved HRQoL questionnaire by 20.45 points (95% CI 13.77-27.14) with better results for all outcomes in patients with lower EFs. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis suggests that LADd are favorable in improving 6MWD, NYHA class, and HRQoL in HF across a wide spectrum of ejection fraction, with better outcomes in patients with lower EFs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42022336077, URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=336077 .

Cardiac sympathetic innervation and mortality risk scores in patients with heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: In the risk stratification and selection of patients with heart failure (HF) eligible for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy, 123 I-meta-IodineBenzylGuanidine (123 I-mIBG) scintigraphy has emerged as an effective non-invasive method to assess cardiac adrenergic innervation. Similarly, clinical risk scores have been proposed to identify patients with HF at risk of all-cause mortality, for whom the net clinical benefit of device implantation would presumably be lower. Nevertheless, the association between the two classes of tools, one suggestive of arrhythmic risk, the other of all-cause mortality, needs further investigation. OBJECTIVE: To test the relationship between the risk scores for predicting mortality and cardiac sympathetic innervation, assessed through myocardial 123 I-mIBG imaging, in a population of patients with HF. METHODS: In HF patients undergoing 123 I-mIBG scintigraphy, eight risk stratification models were assessed: AAACC, FADES, MADIT, MADIT-ICD non-arrhythmic mortality score, PACE, Parkash, SHOCKED and Sjoblom. Cardiac adrenergic impairment was assessed by late heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M) <1.6. RESULTS: Among 269 patients suffering from HF, late H/M showed significant negative correlation with all the predicting models, although generally weak, ranging from -0.15 (p = .013) for PACE to -0.32 (p < .001) for FADES. The scores showed poor discrimination for cardiac innervation, with areas under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.546 for Parkash to 0.621 for FADES. CONCLUSION: A weak association emerged among mortality risk scores and cardiac innervation, suggesting to integrate in clinical practice tools indicative of both arrhythmic and general mortality risks, when evaluating patients affected by HF eligible for device implantation.

123I-MIBG imaging in heart failure: impact of comorbidities on cardiac sympathetic innervation.

PURPOSE: Heart failure (HF) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with significant impact on life quality and extensive healthcare costs. Assessment of myocardial sympathetic innervation function plays a central role in prognosis assessment in HF patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence regarding the clinical applications of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) imaging in patients with HF and related comorbidities. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science databases. Articles describing the impact of 123I-MIBG imaging on HF and related comorbidities were considered eligible for the review. RESULTS: We collected several data reporting that 123I-MIBG imaging is a safe and non-invasive tool to evaluate dysfunction of cardiac sympathetic neuronal function and to assess risk stratification in HF patients. HF is frequently associated with comorbidities that may affect cardiac adrenergic innervation. Furthermore, HF is frequently associated with comorbidities and chronic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, kidney disease and others, that may affect cardiac adrenergic innervation. CONCLUSION: Comorbidities and chronic conditions lead to more severe impairment of sympathetic nervous system in patients with HF, with a negative impact on disease progression and outcome. Cardiac imaging with 123I-MIBG can be a useful tool to reduce morbidity and prevent adverse events in HF patients.

LDL-cholesterol control in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: An expert opinion for clinicians and health professionals.

AIMS: Although adequate clinical management of patients with hypercholesterolemia without a history of known cardiovascular disease is essential for prevention, these subjects are often disregarded. Furthermore, the scientific literature on primary cardiovascular prevention is not as rich as that on secondary prevention; finally, physicians often lack adequate tools for the effective management of subjects in primary prevention and have to face some unsolved relevant issues. This document aims to discuss and review the evidence available on this topic and provide practical guidance. DATA SYNTHESIS: Available algorithms and risk charts represent the main tool for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients in primary prevention. The accuracy of such an estimate can be substantially improved considering the potential contribution of some additional risk factors (C-reactive protein, lipoprotein(a), family history of cardiovascular disease) and conditions (environmental pollution, sleep quality, socioeconomic status, educational level) whose impact on the cardiovascular risk has been better understood in recent years. The availability of non-invasive procedures to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis may help to identify subjects needing an earlier intervention. Unveiling the presence of these conditions will improve cardiovascular risk estimation, granting a more appropriate intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk in subjects in primary prevention with the use of algorithms and risk charts together with the evaluation of additional factors will allow physicians to approach each patient with personalized strategies, which should translate into an increased adherence to therapy and, as a consequence, a reduced cardiovascular risk.

Management of heart failure: similarities and discrepancies between the European Society of Cardiology and the American Heart Association guidelines.

Recommendations are the fundamental elements of guidelines and are especially significant when the amount of scientific data is expanding fast, as is the scenario of heart failure (HF). Beginning with the four pillars of treatment for HF with reduced ejection fraction, the main messages of the two most recent major HF guidelines, endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Failure Society of America (ACC/AHA/HFSA), partially overlap. There are notable differences, in part due to the timing of recent publications, like the Universal Definition of HF and the EMPEROR-Preserved trial, and in part due to differing perspectives on the natural history of HF. Specific challenges, such as risk stratification and the use of implanted cardioverter-defibrillators for primary prevention in HFrEF patients with non-ischaemic aetiology, are approached from a variety of perspectives. The ACC/AHA/HFSA recommendations place increased attention on topics that are especially pertinent to the US context, such as the cost-effectiveness of medications and the impact of health inequalities on HF care. A comparison of guideline suggestions may assist readers get a better grasp of the ESC and ACC/AHA/HFSA guidelines and apply logical ways to their own practice, wherever in the world that may be. A comparison may also contribute to the harmonization of future guidelines' recommendations by highlighting the reasons why certain areas have resulted to different recommendations while seemingly analysing the same published information.

Depression in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction, an Undervalued Comorbidity: An Up-To-Date Review.

Introduction: Depression is a common and severe comorbidity among individuals with heart failure (HF). Up to a third of all HF patients are depressed, and an even higher proportion have symptoms of depression. Aim: In this review, we evaluate the relationship between HF and depression, explain the pathophysiology and epidemiology of both diseases and their relationship, and highlight novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for HF patients with depression. Materials and Methods: This narrative review involved keyword searches of PubMed and Web of Science. Review search terms included ["Depression" OR "Depres*" OR "major depr*"] AND ["Heart Failure" OR "HF" OR "HFrEF" OR "HFmrEF" OR "HFpEF" OR "HFimpEF"] in all fields. Studies included in the review met the following criteria: (A) published in a peer-reviewed journal; (B) described the impact of depression on HF and vice versa; and (C) were opinion papers, guidelines, case studies, descriptive studies, randomized control trials, prospective studies, retrospective studies, narrative reviews, and systematic reviews. Results: Depression is an emergent HF risk factor and strongly relates with worse clinical outcomes. HF and depression share multiple pathways, including platelet dis-reactivity, neuroendocrine malfunction, inappropriate inflammation, tachi-arrhythmias, and frailty in the social and community setting. Existing HF guidelines urge evaluation of depression in all HF patients, and numerous screening tools are available. Depression is ultimately diagnosed based on DSM-5 criteria. There are both non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical treatments for depression. Regarding depressed symptoms, non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and physical exercise, have shown therapeutic results, under medical supervision and with an effort level adapted to the patient's physical resources, together with optimal HF treatment. In randomized clinical studies, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the backbone of antidepressant treatment, did not demonstrate advantage over the placebo in patients with HF. New antidepressant medications are currently being studied and could provide a chance to enhance management, treatment, and control of depression in patients with HF. Conclusions: Despite the substantial link between depression and HF, their combination is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Considering the hopeful yet unclear findings of antidepressant trials, further research is required to identify people who may benefit from antidepressant medication. The goal of future research should be a complete approach to the care of these patients, who are anticipated to become a significant medical burden in the future.

Cardiovascular risk management in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A joint position paper of the Italian Cardiology (SIC) and Italian Diabetes (SID) Societies.

AIM: This review represents a joint effort of the Italian Societies of Cardiology (SIC) and Diabetes (SID) to define the state of the art in a field of great clinical and scientific interest which is experiencing a moment of major cultural advancements, the cardiovascular risk management in type 2 diabetes mellitus. DATA SYNTHESIS: Consists of six chapters that examine various aspects of pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy which in recent months have seen numerous scientific innovations and several clinical studies that require extensive sharing. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous evolution of our knowledge in this field confirms the great cultural vitality of these two cultural spheres, which requires, under the leadership of the scientific Societies, an ever greater and effective collaboration.

Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on major cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without established cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIMS: Glucose-lowering, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce incidence of major cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However, randomized clinical trials reported inconsistent effects on myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, and limited data in DM patients without established CV disease (CVD). Very recently, new relevant evidence was available from additional CV outcome trials (CVOTs) that also included large subgroups of patients with DM without established CVD. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on major CV events and safety in DM patients with and without established CVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this trial-level meta-analysis, we analysed data from randomized placebo-controlled CVOTs assessing efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in adult patients with Type 2 DM. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, and clinicaltrial.gov databases for eligible trials. Of 360 articles identified and screened for eligibility, seven CVOTs were included, with an overall of 56 004 patients included. The difference in efficacy with respect to the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) primary endpoint (including CV mortality, non-fatal MI, and non-fatal stroke) between patients with established CVD and patients with CV risk factors only was not significant [pooled interaction effect, expressed as ratio of hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85-1.34]. In the analysis of the whole population of DM patients, GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a significant 12% reduction in the hazard of the three-point MACE composite endpoint (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.96) and a significant reduction in the risk of CV mortality (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98), all-cause mortality (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.97), fatal and non-fatal stroke (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76-0.94), and heart failure (HF) hospitalization (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.97). No significant effect was observed for fatal and non-fatal MI (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.82-1.02), although in a sensitivity analysis, based on a less conservative statistical approach, the pooled HR become statistically significant (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-1.00; P = 0.039). No excess of hypoglycaemia, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer was observed between GLP-1 receptor agonists and placebo. CONCLUSION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists significantly reduce MACE, CV and total mortality stroke, and hospitalization for HF, with a trend for reduction of MI, in patients with Type 2 DM with and without established CVD.

Aortic thrombosis: the forgotten source of ischemic stroke. A case report and systematic review of the literature.

Ischemic stroke represents one of the most important health problems in industrialized countries, both for epidemiological and socio-economic impact. The presence of thrombi in the aorta is rare and its treatment has not been uniquely defined. Here we report the case of an 82-years-old man with aortic thrombosis and acute ischemic stroke.

Cardiovascular Death Risk in Recovered Mid-Range Ejection Fraction Heart Failure: Insights From Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF) represents a heterogeneous category where phenotype, as well as prognostic assessment, remains debated. The present study explores a specific HFmrEF subset, namely those who recovered from a reduced EF (rec-HFmrEF) and, particularly, it focuses on the possible additive prognostic role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed data from 4535 patients with HFrEF and 1176 patients with rec-HFmrEF from the Metabolic Exercise combined with Cardiac and Kidney Indexes database. The end point was cardiovascular death at 5 years. The median follow-up was 1343 days (25th-75th range 627-2403 days). Cardiovascular death occurred in 552 HFrEF and 61 rec-HFmrEF patients. The multivariate analysis confirmed an independent role of the MECKI score's variables in HFrEF (C-index = 0.744) whereas, in the rec-HFmrEF group, only age and peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) remained associated to the end point (C-index = 0.745). A peak oxygen uptake of ≤55% of predicted and a ventilatory efficiency of ≥31 resulted as the most accurate cut-off values in the outcome prediction. CONCLUSIONS: Present data support the cardiopulmonary exercise test and, particularly, the peak oxygen uptake, as a useful tool in the rec-HFmrEF prognostic assessment. A peak VO2 of ≤55% predicted and ventilatory efficiency of ≥31 might help to identify a high-risk rec-HFmrEF subgroup.

The metabolic syndrome in heart failure: insights to specific mechanisms.

The presence of comorbidities significantly influences long-term morbidity and mortality of symptomatic and asymptomatic heart failure (HF) patients. Metabolic syndrome and diabetic cardiomyopathy are two clinical conditions that share multiple pathophysiological mechanisms and that might be both responsible for cardiac dysfunction. However, it is argued whether metabolic syndrome (MS) independently increases HF risk or the association between MS and HF merely reflects the impact of individual risk factors included in its definition on HF development. Similarly, in the context of diabetic cardiomyopathy, many aspects are still challenging starting from the definition up to the therapeutic management. In this clinical review, we focused the attention on molecular pathways, myocyte alterations, and specific patterns of metabolic syndrome and diabetic cardiomyopathy in order to better define the potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of these two pathological conditions.

Choosing among ß-blockers in heart failure patients according to ß-receptors' location and functions in the cardiopulmonary system.

Several large clinical trials showed a favorable effect of ß-blocker treatment in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) as regards overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and hospitalizations. Indeed, the use of ß-blockers is strongly recommended by current international guidelines, and it remains a cornerstone in the pharmacological treatment of HF. Although different types of ß-blockers are currently approved for HF therapy, possible criteria to choose the best ß-blocking agent according to HF patients' characteristics and to ß-receptors' location and functions in the cardiopulmonary system are still lacking. In such a context, a growing body of literature shows remarkable differences between ß-blocker types (ß1-selective blockers versus ß1-ß2 blockers) with respect to alveolar-capillary gas diffusion and chemoreceptor response in HF patients, both factors able to impact on quality of life and, most likely, on prognosis. This review suggests an original algorithm for choosing among the currently available ß-blocking agents based on the knowledge of cardiopulmonary pathophysiology. Particularly, starting from lung physiology and from some experimental models, it focuses on the mechanisms underlying lung mechanics, chemoreceptors, and alveolar-capillary unit impairment in HF. This paper also remarks the significant benefit deriving from the correct use of the different ß-blockers in HF patients through a brief overview of the most important clinical trials.

Primary versus secondary cardiorenal prevention in type 2 diabetes: Which newer anti-hyperglycaemic drug matters?

We are observing a resurgence of major diabetic vascular complications after a period of dramatic decrease during the period 1990 to 2010. The classical division of cardiovascular prevention into primary (with an event) and secondary (without an event) is largely used to describe cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, there is evidence that the cardiovascular risk in diabetes may range from highest in patients who experienced a previous cardiovascular event to mild in patients with the main risk factors at target. Herein, we present details of the 14 cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) published to date, including the total population investigated, and their separation into primary (T2D + multiple risk factors) and secondary prevention (T2D + established cardiovascular disease [CVD]) populations as detailed within the trials. We also summarize evidence for the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) and sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) versus placebo on the risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE), heart failure (HF) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In primary prevention, SGLT-2i reduce both the risk of hospitalization for HF and progression of DKD; in secondary prevention, SGLT-2i are effective on the three endpoints, DPP-4i are neutral, while GLP1-RA show mixed results.

The Role of Inflammation in the Endothelial Dysfunction in a Cohort of Pediatric Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic inflammation plays a central role in the etiology of endothelial damage. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is the inability of the artery to dilate in response to an endothelial stimulus. We assessed the ED by measuring the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in a cohort of pediatric patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and comparing these parameters to a group of healthy controls (HC). METHODS: Forty-one patients were consecutive enrolled. ED was evaluated by both the plethysmographic RHI method and the measurement of the FMD of brachial artery after occlusion of the blood flow. Differences between patients and controls were assessed by the Mann-Whitney test. In each patient with IBD, the main inflammation markers were detected and correlated to RHI and FMD by a linear regression test. RESULTS: We enrolled 26 (59%) patients with IBD and 18 (41%) HC. When comparing FMD value at diagnosis it was significantly lower in IBD patients than in HC (P = 0.04). This result was confirmed at follow-up, when this difference became even more significant (P = 0.004). A significant indirect correlation was found between FMD and fecal calprotectin (r: 0.17; P = 0.04). No differences were found when comparing RHI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that inflammation could lead to ED assessed by ultrasound FMD. These data were not confirmed by RHI; however, this could be due to the lack of a standardized pediatric cut-off. More studies are necessary to confirm our data.

Evaluation of Cardiac Metabolism by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Heart Failure.

Alterations in myocardial energy metabolism as demonstrated by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are critically involved in heart failure development. 1H-MRS allows investigation of the role of myocardial lipid accumulation in the pathophysiology of heart failure. With 31P-MRS, the most useful parameter is the cardiac adenosine triphosphate to phosphocreatine ratio, which is typically reduced in the failing heart and correlates with cardiac functional status. Currently, MRS is mostly limited to the research setting, but recent technical and methodological developments might substantially improve its clinical applicability for initial characterization and successive monitoring of patients with heart failure.

Heart rate during exercise: mechanisms, behavior, and therapeutic and prognostic implications in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Exercise intolerance is a typical manifestation of patients affected by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); however, the relationship among functional capacity, mortality, and exercise-induced heart rate response during exercise remains unclear in either sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation subjects. Heart rate increase during incremental load exercise has a typical pattern in normal subjects, whereas it is commonly compromised in HFrEF patients, mainly due to the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system. In the present review, we aim to describe the behavior of heart rate during exercise in normal subjects and in HFrEF patients in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation, understanding and explaining the mechanism leading to a different exercise performance and functional limitation. Moreover, the role of chronotropic incompetence and the need of standardizing the cutoff criteria are also discussed in order to clarify the clinical importance, the prognostic relevance, and the potential therapeutic implications of this condition. Looking into the relative contribution and interaction of heart rate response during exercise might represent an important issue to guide individualized therapeutic interventions and prognostic assessment in HFrEF patients.

Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume Correlates With Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation in Patients With Heart Failure.

RATIONALE: It has been reported that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may affect myocardial autonomic function. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between EAT and cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in patients with heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 110 patients with systolic heart failure, we evaluated the correlation between echocardiographic EAT thickness and cardiac adrenergic nerve activity assessed by (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-MIBG). The predictive value of EAT thickness on cardiac sympathetic denervation ((123)I-MIBG early and late heart:mediastinum ratio and single-photon emission computed tomography total defect score) was tested in a multivariate analysis. Furthermore, catecholamine levels, catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes, and sympathetic nerve fibers were measured in EAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies obtained from patients with heart failure who underwent cardiac surgery. EAT thickness correlated with (123)I-MIBG early and late heart:mediastinum ratio and single-photon emission computed tomography total defect score, but not with left ventricular ejection fraction. Moreover, EAT resulted as an independent predictor of (123)I-MIBG early and late heart:mediastinum ratio and single-photon emission computed tomography total defect score and showed a significant additive predictive value on (123)I-MIBG planar and single-photon emission computed tomography results over demographic and clinical data. Although no differences were found in sympathetic innervation between EAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue, EAT showed an enhanced adrenergic activity demonstrated by the increased catecholamine levels and expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence of a direct correlation between increased EAT thickness and cardiac sympathetic denervation in heart failure.

Imaging the Right Heart-Pulmonary Circulation Unit: The Role of MRI and Computed Tomography.

The different components of the right heart pulmonary circulation unit can be investigated by MRI and computed tomography. MRI has clear advantages over echocardiography for accurate definition of right heart function and structure and to derive functional information regarding the pulmonary vasculature. Computed tomography is superior for the assessment of parenchymal and vascular pathologies of the lung with indications in the diagnostic work-up of pulmonary hypertension, but with more limited capability to evaluate right ventricular function and in deriving pulmonary hemodynamics. Recent technical developments with these imaging modalities could allow a better evaluation of the right heart pulmonary circulation unit.