The onset of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in SHR rats is not related to hypertrophy or hypertension

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, particularly relaxation abnormalities, are known to be associated with the development of LV hypertrophy (LVH). Preliminary human and animal studies suggested that early LV diastolic dysfunction may be revealed independently of LVH. However, whether LV diastolic dysfunction is compromised before the onset of hypertension and LVH remains unknown. We therefore evaluated LV diastolic function in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at different ages and tested whether LV diastolic dysfunction is associated with abnormal intracellular calcium homeostasis. LV systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated by invasive and echocardiographic methods in 3-week-old (without hypertension) and 5-week-old (with hypertension) SHR and Wistar-Kyoto control rats. Basal intracytoplasmic calcium and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ contents were measured in cardiomyocytes using fura-2 AM. Sarco(endo)plasmic Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2a (SERCA 2a) and phospholamban (PLB) expressions were quantified by Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR techniques. LV relaxation dysfunction was observed in 3-week-old SHR rats before onset of hypertension and LVH. An increase in basal intracytoplasmic Ca2+ and a decrease in SR Ca2+ release were demonstrated in SHR. Decreased expression of SERCA 2a and Ser16 PLB (p16-PLB) protein levels was also observed in SHR rats, whereas mRNA expression was not decreased. For the first time, we have shown that LV myocardial dysfunction precedes hypertension in 3-week-old SHR rats. This LV myocardial dysfunction was associated with high diastolic [Ca2+]i possibly due to decreased SERCA 2a and p16-PLB protein levels. Diastolic dysfunction may be a potential predictive marker of arterial hypertension in genetic hypertension syndromes.

Prognostic impact of diabetes mellitus in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: a prospective five-year study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) DESIGN: A five-year prospective observational study

SETTING

Population of 368 consecutive patients from 11 healthcare establishments

PATIENTS

All patients hospitalised for a first episode of HFPEF in 2000 in the Somme department, France.

INTERVENTIONS

Diagnosis of heart failure (HF) was validated during the index hospitalisation by two independent cardiologists. Diabetic and non-diabetic groups were compared. After discharge, patients were managed by the general practitioner or referring cardiologist.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

The 96 diabetic patients (26%) were younger and had a higher prevalence of clinical coronary artery disease (CAD) than non-diabetic patients. Patients with DM had higher discharge prescription rates of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, nitrates and statins. During the five-year follow-up, 208 patients died (43.5%). DM was a potent independent predictor of five-year overall mortality (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.27 to 2.48, p = 0.001). Compared to the expected survival of the age-matched and gender-matched general population, the five-year survival of patients with DM was dramatically lower (32% vs 79%). The five-year relative survival (observed/expected survival) of diabetic patients was lower than that of the non-diabetic group (41% vs 68%). Cardiovascular causes were responsible for >60% of deaths in the DM group. DM was associated with an increased risk of death in patients with clinical CAD (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.25, p = 0.04), as well as in patients without clinical CAD (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.82, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In patients with HFPEF, DM is a strong predictor of poorer long-term survival.

Treatment practices in heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines for treatment of patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are empirical. One of the objectives of the ETICS study was to evaluate medical treatment at discharge and after 1 year in patients hospitalised for a first episode of HF in 2000. We report the results concerning treatment of patients with preserved LVEF at discharge and at 1 year.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixty three consecutive patients (75+/-10 years, 47 males) with LVEF >50% hospitalised for a first episode of HF were prospectively included. Mean LVEF was 63+/-8%. The main aetiology was hypertension (61%) followed by ischaemic heart disease (29%). Atrial fibrillation and diabetes were present in 34% and 27% of cases, respectively. Medical treatment records were complete at discharge and at 1 year after discharge.

RESULTS

At discharge, as at 1 year after discharge, diuretics were the drugs most commonly prescribed (81% and 78%), followed by ACE inhibitors (49% and 46%), amiodarone (32% and 28%), beta-blockers (27% and 29%), nitrates (28% and 27%), calcium channel blockers (27% and 26%), spironolactone (21% and 25%), cardiac glycosides (19% and 24%), and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (4% and 6%). Once prescribed at hospital discharge, drug prescription rates and daily doses did not change significantly over time. Age did not influence drug prescription rates at discharge or at 1 year, except for the spironolactone prescription rate, which decreased at 1 year in patients > or =75 years of age. At discharge, ACE inhibitor and beta-blocker daily doses were lower in older patients, while, at 1 year, no differences in daily doses of these drugs were observed between patients above and below the age of 75 years.

CONCLUSION

Loops diuretics are largely prescribed in HF with preserved LVEF, followed by ACE inhibitors. Future large multicentre trials are required to define the background standard treatment in addition to treatment of aetiological factors.

[The best of echocardiography in 2006]

In recent years, Doppler echocardiography has undergone significant technological advances, resulting in spectacular improvements in diagnosis and quantification. This review summarises the advances made in 2006 in fields as varied as cardiac resynchronisation, cardiac failure with preserved systolic function, contrast echocardiography, 3D echocardiography and echocardiographic evaluation of valvular heart disease. Despite growing competition, but mostly complementarity with CT scan and MRI, Doppler echocardiography remains the keystone of cardiological rationale based on non-intensive investigations.

[Prevention of calcific aortic stenosis by statins: myth or reality?]

Degenerative calcific aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disease in the industrialised world. During the last decade, experimental studies have improved our understanding of the physiopathology of this disease. The latest data concerns the demonstration of the mode of installation and progression which resembles that of athrosclerosis. Lipid abnormalities, especially hypercholesterolaemia, are important in the initiation of the valvular lesions and also in the calcification of the aortic orifice. Experimental data and retrospective clinical studies suggest, but without proof, that statins could slow th progression of the aortic stenosis. However, the first prospective trial, recently published, questions this hypothesis. Randomised multicenter trials are currently under way and should provide the answer to the role of stetins in the prevention of aortic stenosis.

[The best of echocardiography in 2005]

Echocardiography continues to evolve in several directions: on the technical front, various tools are being developed and real time 3D is starting to find a place in routine practice as much as contrast is used unequally depending on the country. On the diagnostic front, certain aspects have been particularly emphasised this year: The key role of quantification of valvulopathies in order to guide management, both at rest and on effort. The place of echocardiography in asynchronism, even if a more consensual strategy is needed to take into account the different approaches. The very good prognostic series on stress echography in the context of myocardial ischaemia. Advances in the evaluation of filling pressures have allowed a better definition of the limits, and have refined the understanding of so-called 'diastolic' cardiac failure. Finally, the role of echography to guide and also evaluate the results of foramen ovale or interatrial communication closure.