Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction In Perspective

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: disease burden for patients, caregivers, and the health-care system

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) will soon become the most prevalent form of HF because of an aging population and an accompanying increase in the number of risk factors for this disease. The high frequency of comorbidities typical of this population contributes to an increased risk for hospitalization and death. It is also partially responsible for the symptomatic deterioration that results in hospitalization and impaired quality of life and functional capacity in patients. The effects of HFpEF are felt by patients and their caregivers, who might experience detriment to their own health and their social and working lives. Financial burden is associated with HFpEF, stemming from hospitalization and long-term care costs, as well as absenteeism from work in the case of caregivers. Early identification of patients at risk and aggressive management are key to preventing this disease and its progression.

Factors contributing to energy loss in left ventricle during diastolic and systolic phases in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

The change of left ventricular function deteriorated with age because of gradual increases of blood pressure may result in increased energy loss (EL) in left ventricle (LV). The present study investigated EL in LV among hypertensive elderly patients and examined factors contributing to EL.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was performed on elderly hypertensive outpatients (≥65 years) who underwent echocardiography (N = 105). EL in the LV was measured using a vector flow mapping system, and factors affecting peak EL during the early-diastolic phase (ED-EL), late-diastolic phase (LD-EL), and systolic phase (Sys-EL) were evaluated.

RESULT

Mean age was 79.9 ± 6.4 years (male 43%). Mean ED-EL, LD-EL, and Sys-EL were 42.1 ± 46.7, 75.6 ± 60.2, and 40.4 ± 40.2 mJ/N/s. In a stepwise regression analysis, the E/e'(lateral) (unstandardized B = 0.005, 95%CI -0.03 to 0.007, standardized β = 0.434, P < .001) was identified as factors affecting ED-EL. The factors affecting LD-EL were E/A ratio (B = -0.122, 95%CI -0.176 to -0.068, β = -0.470, P < .001) and time velocity integral (TVI) in LVOT (unstandardized B = 0.002, 95%CI 0.000 to 0.004, β = 0.247, P = .021). The factors influencing Sys-EL were TVI in LVOT (B = 0.002, 95%CI 0.001 to 0.004, β = 0.390, P < .001), E/A ratio (B = -0.054, 95%CI -0.093 to -0.015, β = -0.258, P = .008), left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter (B = -0.006, 95%CI -0.010 to -0.002, β = -0.307, P = .006), and left ventricular mass index (B = 0.000, 95%CI 0.000 to 0.001, β = 0.208, P = .039).

CONCLUSION

Peak EL in the LV was higher during diastolic phase than systolic phase among elderly hypertensive patients. Peak EL both during late-diastolic phase and systolic phase was affected by systolic blood flow in LVOT and LV transmitral flow pattern.

Psychological stress in heart failure: a potentially actionable disease modifier

Psychological stress is common in patients with heart failure, due in part to the complexities of effective disease self-management and progressively worsening functional limitations, including frequent symptom exacerbations and hospitalizations. Emerging evidence suggests that heart failure patients who experience higher levels of stress may have a more burdensome disease course, with diminished quality of life and increased risk for adverse events, and that multiple behavioral and pathophysiological pathways are involved. Furthermore, the reduced quality of life associated with heart failure can serve as a life stressor for many patients. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of the science concerning psychological stress in patients with heart failure and to discuss potential pathways responsible for the observed effects. Key knowledge gaps are also outlined, including the need to understand patterns of exposure to various heart failure-related and daily life stressors and their associated effects on heart failure symptoms and pathophysiology, to identify patient subgroups at increased risk for stress exposure and disease-related consequences, and the effect of stress specifically for patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Stress is a potentially modifiable factor, and addressing these gaps and advancing the science of stress in heart failure is likely to yield important insights about actionable pathways for improving patient quality of life and outcomes.

Initial Invasive Versus Conservative Management of Stable Ischemic Heart Disease in Patients With a History of Heart Failure or Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Insights From the ISCHEMIA Trial

BACKGROUND

Whether an initial invasive strategy in patients with stable ischemic heart disease and at least moderate ischemia improves outcomes in the setting of a history of heart failure (HF) or left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) when ejection fraction is ≥35% but <45% is unknown.

METHODS

Among 5179 participants randomized into ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical and Invasive Approaches), all of whom had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥35%, we compared cardiovascular outcomes by treatment strategy in participants with a history of HF/LVD at baseline versus those without HF/LVD. Median follow-up was 3.2 years.

RESULTS

There were 398 (7.7%) participants with HF/LVD at baseline, of whom 177 had HF/LVEF >45%, 28 HF/LVEF 35% to 45%, and 193 LVEF 35% to 45% but no history of HF. HF/LVD was associated with more comorbidities at baseline, particularly previous myocardial infarction, stroke, and hypertension. Compared with patients without HF/LVD, participants with HF/LVD were more likely to experience a primary outcome composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for unstable angina, HF, or resuscitated cardiac arrest (4-year cumulative incidence rate, 22.7% versus 13.8%; cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction, 19.7% versus 12.3%; and all-cause death or HF, 15.0% versus 6.9%). Participants with HF/LVD randomized to the invasive versus conservative strategy had a lower rate of the primary outcome (17.2% versus 29.3%; difference in 4-year event rate, -12.1% [95% CI, -22.6 to -1.6%]), whereas those without HF/LVD did not (13.0% versus 14.6%; difference in 4-year event rate, -1.6% [95% CI, -3.8% to 0.7%]; P interaction = 0.055). A similar differential effect was seen for the primary outcome, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality when invasive versus conservative strategy-associated outcomes were analyzed with LVEF as a continuous variable for patients with and without previous HF.

CONCLUSIONS

ISCHEMIA participants with stable ischemic heart disease and at least moderate ischemia with a history of HF or LVD were at increased risk for the primary outcome. In the small, high-risk subgroup with HF and LVEF 35% to 45%, an initial invasive approach was associated with better event-free survival. This result should be considered hypothesis-generating. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01471522.

Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiac Function in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Nearly half of patients with heart failure in the community have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Patients with HFpEF are often elderly and their primary chronic symptom is severe exercise intolerance. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with the pathophysiology of HFpEF and is an important contributor to exercise intolerance in HFpEF patients. The effects of exercise training on left ventricular diastolic function in HFpEF patients have been examined in several randomised clinical trials. Meta-analysis of the trials indicates that exercise training can provide clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity without significant change in left ventricular structure or function in HFpEF patients. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact mechanisms of exercise intolerance in HFpEF patients and to develop recommendations regarding the most effective type, intensity, frequency, and duration of training in this group.

Characterization of the Progression From Ambulatory to Hospitalized Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome. Some patients develop elevated filling pressures exclusively during exercise and never require hospitalization, whereas others periodically develop congestion that requires inpatient treatment. The features differentiating these cohorts are unclear.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of 7 National Institutes of Health-sponsored multicenter trials of HFpEF (EF ≥ 50%, N = 727). Patients were stratified by history of hospitalization because of HF, comparing patients never hospitalized (HFpEF_NH) to those with a prior hospitalization (HFpEF_PH). Currently hospitalized (HFpEF_CH) patients were included to fill the spectrum. Clinical characteristics, cardiac structure, biomarkers, quality of life, functional capacity, activity levels, and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

As expected, HFpEF_CH (n = 338) displayed the greatest severity of congestion, as assessed by N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels, edema and orthopnea. As compared to HFpEF_NH (n = 109), HFpEF_PH (n = 280) displayed greater comorbidity burden, with more lung disease, renal dysfunction and anemia, along with lower activity levels (accelerometry), poorer exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance and peak exercise capacity), and more orthopnea. Patients with current or prior hospitalization displayed higher rates of future HF hospitalization, but quality of life was similarly impaired in all patients with HFpEF, regardless of hospitalization history.

CONCLUSIONS

A greater burden of noncardiac organ dysfunction, sedentariness, functional impairment, and higher event rates distinguish patients with HFpEF and prior HF hospitalization from those never hospitalized. Despite lower event rates, quality of life is severely and similarly limited in patients with no history of hospitalization. These data suggest that the 2 clinical profiles of HFpEF may require different treatment strategies.

Plasma amino acid metabolomic pattern in heart failure patients with either preserved or reduced ejection fraction: The relation to established risk variables and prognosis

Communication between amino acids (AAs) and heart failure (HF) is unclear. We evaluate the plasma metabolomic profile of AAs in HF and its subgroups and association with clinical features. This is a case-control study in which 90 patients with HF, 63 with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and 27 with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), were compared with 60 controls. The quantitative measurement of plasma concentrations of AA metabolites was performed using an AA analyzer. Compared with controls, HF patients had significantly higher levels of nine AAs and significantly lower levels of seven AAs. Leu, phenylalanine (Phe), and methionine (Met) were the independent predictors of HF that remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors in multivariate analysis. There was a significant difference in 10 AAs and some clinical features between HFpEF and HFrEF. The plasma levels of six AAs were significantly increased across the different New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes, (class II, class III, class IV) but they were not predictor of reduced EF and NYHA in multivariate regression analysis. There were significant associations between Leu, Phe, and Met with cardiovascular risk variables and prognosis. In conclusion, plasma Leu, Phe, and Met provide early prediction and prognostic values of HF. The plasma AAs could have significant impact on the risk-stratifying HFrEF and HFpEF and NYHA functional class but do not predict them.

Association of the H2FPEF Risk Score with Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Background

While atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) commonly coexist, the efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation in the setting of HFpEF is unclear.

Methods

In a cohort of patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation (CBA) from 2011 to 2016, we calculated the H₂FPEF risk score, a novel 6-item score (scale: 0-9 points) that accurately predicts the probability of HFpEF. We compared characteristics of patients by H₂FPEF score and evaluated the association of H₂FPEF score with 12-month recurrence of AF post-procedure.

Results

Of patients with available data to calculate the H₂FPEF score (n=105), the median H₂FPEF score was 5 (interquartile range: 4-6), corresponding to >80% probability of HFpEF. Compared to patients with H₂FPEF scores ≤4 (n=34), patients with H₂FPEF scores of 5 and 6 (n=46) and ≥7 (n=25) carried higher rates of hypertension (≤4: 21% vs. 5 and 6: 63% vs. ≥7: 88%, P<0.001) and diabetes (≤4: 0% vs. 5 and 6: 9% vs. ≥7: 32%, P=0.001). The overall 12-month recurrence rate of AF was 21%. There was no association between H₂FPEF score and recurrence of AF at 12 months (OR per SD increase in log-H₂FPEF score: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.54-1.40, P=0.57).

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing CBA for AF, median H₂FPEF scores are elevated, and screening for occult HFpEF may be warranted in this population. There was no association of the H₂FPEF score and AF recurrence at 12 months, suggesting efficacy of CBA even among patients with high H₂FPEF scores.

Investigating Circadian Heart Rate Variability in Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Various Degrees of Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction

Early and noninvasive identification of heart failure progression is an important adjunct to successful and timely intervention. Severity of heart failure (HF) was assessed by Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF). In this paper, we explore the circadian (24-hour) heart rate variability (HRV) features from ''normal" (EF >50%), "at-risk" (EF <40%), and "border-line" (40% ≤ EF ≤ 50%) patient data to determine whether HRV features can predict the stage of heart failure. All coronary artery disease (CAD) 24-hour circadian heart rate data were fitted by a cosinor analysis algorithm. Hourly HRV features from time- and frequency-domains were then extracted from all 24-hour patient data. A one-way ANOVA test was performed followed by a Tukey post-hoc multiple comparison test to investigate the differences among the three groups. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the three groups when using the normalized high frequency (HF Norm), low frequency peak (LF Peak), and the normalized very-low frequency (VLF Norm) for the 05:00-06:00 and 18:00-19:00 time periods. These results highlight a possible link between the circadian variation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity and LVEF for CAD patients. The results could be useful in differentiating the various degrees of LVEF by using only noninvasive HRV features derived over a 24-hour period.Clinical relevance- The proposed method could be clinically useful to estimate the extent of LVEF associated with the severity of heart failure by recording the circadian variation of the heart rate in CAD patients. However, further clinical trials on a larger cohort of patients and controls are required.

Targeting cardiac fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mirage or miracle?

Cardiac fibrosis is central to the pathology of heart failure, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Irrespective of the underlying profibrotic condition (e.g. ageing, diabetes, hypertension), maladaptive cardiac fibrosis is defined by the transformation of resident fibroblasts to matrix-secreting myofibroblasts. Numerous profibrotic factors have been identified at the molecular level (e.g. TGFβ, IL11, AngII), which activate gene expression programs for myofibroblast activation. A number of existing HF therapies indirectly target fibrotic pathways; however, despite multiple clinical trials in HFpEF, a specific clinically effective antifibrotic therapy remains elusive. Therapeutic inhibition of TGFβ, the master-regulator of fibrosis, has unfortunately proven toxic and ineffective in clinical trials to date, and new approaches are needed. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology and clinical implications of interstitial fibrosis in HFpEF. We provide an overview of trials targeting fibrosis in HFpEF to date and discuss the promise of potential new therapeutic approaches and targets in the context of underlying molecular mechanisms.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, and increased NT‑proBNP levels : An emergent clinical dilemma

BACKGROUND

The co-presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) may cause some diagnostic difficulties, because AF itself is associated with elevated levels of N‑terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). In the present study we aimed to investigate NT-proBNP levels of patients with HFpEF and AF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Outpatient data were reviewed through the hospital data management system. Consecutive patients with the diagnosis of HFpEF and AF, who had at least one NT-proBNP measurement, were included in the study.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 235 patients. Median NT-proBNP levels were 1242 pg/ml in the stable phase and 2321.5 pg/ml during decompensation. NT-proBNP was correlated positively with age, CHA₂DS₂ and CHA₂DS₂VASc scores, left atrial diameter (LAD), tricuspid annulus diameter, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure but negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and hemoglobin level. The change in NT-proBNP was positively correlated with heart rate and LAD.

CONCLUSION

Patients with HFpEF and AF have higher levels of NT-proBNP, which may exceed the upper limits defined in guidelines. This study underlines the importance of measuring NT-proBNP levels in the stable phase and proposes a rule-in level for the decompensated phase.

Focusing Heart Failure Research on Myocardial Fibrosis to Prioritize Translation

Heart failure (HF) has traditionally been defined by symptoms of fluid accumulation and poor perfusion, but it is now recognized that specific HF classifications hold prognostic and therapeutic relevance. Specifically, HF with reduced ejection fraction is characterized by reduced left ventricular systolic pump function and dilation and HF with preserved ejection fraction is characterized primarily by abnormal left ventricular filling (diastolic failure) with relatively preserved left ventricular systolic function. These forms of HF are distributed equally among patients with HF and likely require distinctly different strategies to mitigate the morbidity, mortality, and medical resource utilization of this disease. In particular, HF is a significant medical issue within the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital system and constitutes a major translational research priority for the VA. Because a common underpinning of both HF with reduced ejection fraction and HF with preserved ejection fraction seems to be changes in the structure and function of the myocardial extracellular matrix, a conference was convened sponsored by the VA, entitled, "Targeting Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Failure" to explore the extracellular matrix as a potential therapeutic target and to propose specific research directions. The conference was conceptually framed around the hypothesis that although HF with reduced ejection fraction and HF with preserved ejection fraction clearly have distinct mechanisms, they may share modifiable pathways and biological mediators in common. Inflammation and extracellular matrix were identified as major converging themes. A summary of our discussion on unmet challenges and possible solutions to move the field forward, as well as recommendations for future research opportunities, are provided.

Mechanics of right ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary arterial hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is the most important determinant of survival in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The manifestations of RV dysfunction not only include changes in global RV systolic function but also abnormalities in the pattern of contraction and synchrony. The effects of PH on the right ventricle have been mainly studied in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, with the demographic shift towards an aging population, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become an important etiology of PH in recent years. There are significant differences in RV mechanics, function and adaptation between patients with PAH and HFpEF (with or without PH), which are related to different patterns of remodeling and dysfunction. Due to the unique features of the RV chamber, its connection with the main pulmonary artery and the pulmonary circulation, an understanding of the mechanics of RV function and its clinical significance is mandatory for both entities. In this review, we describe the mechanics of the pressure overloaded right ventricle. We review the different mechanical components of RV dysfunction and ventricular dyssynchrony, followed by insights via analysis of pressure-volume loop, energetics and novel blood flow patterns, such as vortex imaging. We conduct an in-depth comparison of prevalence and characteristics of RV dysfunction in HFpEF and PAH, and summarize key outcome studies. Finally, we provide a perspective on needed and expected future work in the field of RV mechanics.

The effect of different anaesthetics on echocardiographic evaluation of diastolic dysfunction in a heart failure with preserved ejection fraction model

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is currently untreated. Therapeutics development demands effective diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction in animal models mimicking human pathology, which requires appropriate anaesthetics. Here, we investigated which anaesthetic, ketamine/xylazine or isoflurane, could be used to reveal diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF-diseased obese ZSF1 rats by echocardiography. First, diastolic dysfunction was confirmed by pressure-volume loops in obese compared to lean control ZSF1 rats. In echocardiography, ketamine/xylazine, unlike isoflurane, was able to demonstrate impaired relaxation in obese ZSF1 rats, as reflected by impaired early (E) and late (A) filling peak velocities, decreased E/A ratio, and a prolonged deceleration and isovolumic relaxation time. Interestingly, ketamine/xylazine induced a wider separation of both tissue and pulsed wave Doppler-derived echocardiographic waves required for diastolic dysfunction diagnosis, potentially by reducing the heart rate (HR), while isoflurane resulted in merged waves. To assess whether HR-lowering alone explained the differences between the anaesthetics, echocardiography measurements under isoflurane with and without the HR-lowering drug ivabradine were compared. However, diastolic dysfunction could not be diagnosed in ivabradine-treated obese ZSF1 rats. In summary, ketamine/xylazine compared to isoflurane is the anaesthetic of choice to detect diastolic dysfunction by echocardiography in rodent HFpEF, which was only partly mediated by HR-lowering.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: the Major Unmet Need in Cardiology

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has recently been recognized as the single greatest unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. As the population ages and the comorbidity increases, the prevalence of HFpEF increases considerably. Even though there have been large numbers of studies on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of HFpEF for latest years, there are no current pharmacologic interventions that can reduce mortality. HFpEF is currently understood as a heterogeneous syndrome originated from the interplay of cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities recognized by systemic inflammation, endothelial and coronary microvascular dysfunction, cardiomyocyte dysfunction and skeletal muscle dysfunction. The difficult “jigsaw puzzle” called HFpEF has been filled with some pieces, but it is still not enough to meet clinical needs. Here, we review recent evidences and unsolved problems about HFpEF to improve our understanding of HFpEF. Finally, we hope to accelerate to completion of the problematic “jigsaw puzzle”.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Modulation of Ca2+ Handling in Metabolic HFpEF-Related Left Atrial Cardiomyopathy

Metabolic syndrome-mediated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is commonly accompanied by left atrial (LA) cardiomyopathy, significantly affecting morbidity and mortality. We evaluate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intrinsic inflammation (TNF-α, IL-10) related to dysfunctional Ca²⁺ homeostasis of LA cardiomyocytes in a rat model of metabolic HFpEF. ZFS-1 obese rats showed features of HFpEF and atrial cardiomyopathy in vivo: increased left ventricular (LV) mass, E/e’ and LA size and preserved LV ejection fraction. In vitro, LA cardiomyocytes exhibited more mitochondrial-fission (MitoTracker) and ROS-production (H2DCF). In wildtype (WT), pro-inflammatory TNF-α impaired cellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis, while anti-inflammatory IL-10 had no notable effect (confocal microscopy; Fluo-4). In HFpEF, TNF-α had no effect on Ca²⁺ homeostasis associated with decreased TNF-α receptor expression (western blot). In addition, IL-10 substantially improved Ca²⁺ release and reuptake, while IL-10 receptor-1 expression was unaltered. Oxidative stress in metabolic syndrome mediated LA cardiomyopathy was increased and anti-inflammatory treatment positively affected dysfunctional Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Our data indicates, that patients with HFpEF-related LA dysfunction might profit from IL-10 targeted therapy, which should be further explored in preclinical trials.

Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling during Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are pivotal regulators of extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and could, due to their dynamic activity, function as prognostic tools for fibrosis and cardiac function in left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We conducted a systematic review on experimental animal models of LVDD and HFpEF published in MEDLINE or Embase. Twenty-three studies were included with a total of 36 comparisons that reported established LVDD, quantification of cardiac fibrosis and cardiac MMP or TIMP expression or activity. LVDD/HFpEF models were divided based on underlying pathology: hemodynamic overload (17 comparisons), metabolic alteration (16 comparisons) or ageing (3 comparisons). Meta-analysis showed that echocardiographic parameters were not consistently altered in LVDD/HFpEF with invasive hemodynamic measurements better representing LVDD. Increased myocardial fibrotic area indicated comparable characteristics between hemodynamic and metabolic models. Regarding MMPs and TIMPs; MMP2 and MMP9 activity and protein and TIMP1 protein levels were mainly enhanced in hemodynamic models. In most cases only mRNA was assessed and there were no correlations between cardiac tissue and plasma levels. Female gender, a known risk factor for LVDD and HFpEF, was underrepresented. Novel studies should detail relevant model characteristics and focus on MMP and TIMP protein expression and activity to identify predictive circulating markers in cardiac ECM remodeling.

Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines as Therapeutic Targets in Heart Failure

Heart failure exhibits remarkable pathophysiologic heterogeneity. A large body of evidence suggests that regardless of the underlying etiology, heart failure is associated with induction of cytokines and chemokines that may contribute to the pathogenesis of adverse remodeling, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 have been extensively implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Inflammatory cytokines modulate phenotype and function of all myocardial cells, suppressing contractile function in cardiomyocytes, inducing inflammatory activation in macrophages, stimulating microvascular inflammation and dysfunction, and promoting a matrix-degrading phenotype in fibroblasts. Moreover, cytokine-induced growth factor synthesis may exert chronic fibrogenic actions contributing to the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In addition to their role in adverse cardiac remodeling, some inflammatory cytokines may also exert protective actions on cardiomyocytes under conditions of stress. Chemokines, such as CCL2, are also upregulated in failing hearts and may stimulate recruitment of pro-inflammatory leukocytes, promoting myocardial injury, fibrotic remodeling, and dysfunction. Although experimental evidence suggests that cytokine and chemokine targeting may hold therapeutic promise in heart failure, clinical translation remains challenging. This review manuscript summarizes our knowledge on the role of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and CCL2 in the pathogenesis of heart failure, and discusses the promises and challenges of targeted anti-cytokine therapy. Dissection of protective and maladaptive cellular actions of cytokines in the failing heart, and identification of patient subsets with overactive or dysregulated myocardial inflammatory responses are required for design of successful therapeutic approaches.

Differential Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Diastolic Function in Mice With Obesity-Related Metabolic Heart Disease

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MHD associated with obesity, diabetes, and/or metabolic syndrome is an important precursor of HFpEF.

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Mice fed a HFHS diet develop MHD with myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, diastolic dysfunction, and impaired energetics.

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Mice on HFHS diet were treated with matched doses of VAL or sac SAC/VAL for 16 weeks.

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Only SAC/VAL prevented diastolic dysfunction and fibrosis, and to a lesser extent oxidative stress, whereas VAL and SAC/VAL had similar effects on hypertrophy and energetics.

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Neprilysin inhibition exerts beneficial effects on MHD that are complimentary to VAL, suggesting that SAC/VAL has promise to prevent the development of HFpEF in patients with or at risk for MHD.

Mice with obesity and metabolic heart disease (MHD) due to a high-fat, high-sucrose diet were treated with placebo, a clinically relevant dose of sacubitril (SAC)/valsartan (VAL), or an equivalent dose of VAL for 4 months. There were striking differences between SAC/VAL and VAL with regard to: 1) diastolic dysfunction; 2) interstitial fibrosis; and to a lesser degree; 3) oxidative stress—all of which were more favorably affected by SAC/VAL. SAC/VAL and VAL similarly attenuated myocardial hypertrophy and improved myocardial energetics. In mice with obesity-related MHD, neprilysin inhibition exerts favorable effects on diastolic function.

Identification of physiologic treatment targets with favourable haemodynamic consequences in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is characterized by complex pathophysiology including an impaired diastolic reserve. We recently showed that milrinone favourably modifies filling pressures at rest and during exertion in HFpEF patients; however, the responsible mechanism is uncertain. The objective of this study was to develop a clearer understanding of the acutely modifiable physiologic parameters that may be targeted in HFpEF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted computer modelling simulations based on invasive haemodynamic assessments, by right heart catheterization, in HFpEF patients at baseline and in response to milrinone. Our aim was to develop a detailed understanding of the physiologic mechanisms, which accounted for the observed actions. The resultant circulatory model of HFpEF encompassed the left ventricular (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic pressure-volume relations, together with stressed blood volume, heart rate, and arterial mechanics. To support the modelled action of milrinone, we conducted complementary LV conductance catheter and echocardiography studies in sheep to evaluate LV end-systolic and end-diastolic pressure-volume relations. In HFpEF patients, the acute haemodynamic effects of intravenous milrinone (n = 10) administration compared with placebo (n = 10) included significant reductions in right atrial pressure (7 ± 1 to 3 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.001) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (13 ± 1 to 8 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.001), while cardiac index increased (2.77 ± 0.19 to 3.15 ± 0.14 L/min/m² , P < 0.05), and mean arterial pressure remained unchanged (95 ± 2 to 93 ± 3 mmHg, P = not significant). Computer simulations showed that these haemodynamic effects were explained by a concomitant 31% reduction in stressed blood volume together with 44% increase in LV end-systolic elastance (LV E_es ). Individually, changes in these parameters were not sufficient to explain the haemodynamic effects of milrinone. In vivo studies conducted in sheep (n = 5) showed that milrinone reduced LV filling pressure (8.0 ± 0.8 to 2.7 ± 0.6 mmHg, P < 0.01) and increased LV E_es (0.96 ± 0.07 to 2.07 ± 0.49, P < 0.05), while no significant effect on LV stiffness was observed (0.038 ± 0.003 to 0.034 ± 0.008, P = not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that stressed blood volume in HFpEF represents a relevant physiologic target in HFpEF; however, concomitant modulation of other cardiovascular parameters including LV contractility may be required to achieve desirable haemodynamic effects.

Impact of Interatrial Shunts on Invasive Hemodynamics and Exercise Tolerance in Patients With Heart Failure

Approximately 50% of patients with heart failure have preserved ejection fraction. Although a wide variety of conditions cause or contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, elevated left ventricular filling pressures, particularly during exercise, are common to all causes. Acute elevation in left-sided filling pressures promotes lung congestion and symptoms of dyspnea, while chronic elevations often lead to pulmonary vascular remodeling, right heart failure, and increased risk of mortality. Pharmacologic therapies, including neurohormonal modulation and drugs that modify the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP-protein kinase G pathway have thus far been limited in reducing symptoms or improving outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Hence, alternative means of reducing the detrimental rise in left-sided heart pressures are being explored. One proposed method of achieving this is to create an interatrial shunt, thus unloading the left heart at rest and during exercise. Currently available studies have shown 3- to 5-mm Hg decreases of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure during exercise despite increased workload. The mechanisms underlying the hemodynamic changes are just starting to be understood. In this review we summarize results of recent studies aimed at elucidating the potential mechanisms of improved hemodynamics during exercise tolerance following interatrial shunt implantation and the current interatrial shunt devices under investigation.

Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): Current Perspectives and Recommendations

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major global public health problem. Diagnosis of HFpEF is still challenging and built based on the comprehensive echocardiographic analysis. Currently, there are no universally accepted therapies that alter the clinical course of HFpEF. This review attempts to summarize the current advances in the diagnosis of HFpEF and provide future directions of the patients´ management with this very widespread, heterogeneous clinical syndrome.

Humanistic burden and economic impact of heart failure – a systematic review of the literature

Background: Heart failure (HF) is increasing in prevalence worldwide. This systematic review was conducted to inform understanding of its humanistic and economic burden. Methods: Electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE®, and Cochrane Library) were searched in May 2017. Data were extracted from studies reporting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 200 patients or more (published 2007–2017), or costs and resource use in 100 patients or more (published 2012–2017). Relevant HRQoL studies were those that used the 12- or 36-item Short-Form Health Surveys, EuroQol Group 5-dimensions measure of health status, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire or Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Results: In total, 124 studies were identified: 54 for HRQoL and 71 for costs and resource use (Europe: 25/15; North America: 24/50; rest of world/multinational: 5/6). Overall, individuals with HF reported worse HRQoL than the general population and patients with other chronic diseases. Some evidence identified supports a correlation between increasing disease severity and worse HRQoL. Patients with HF incurred higher costs and resource use than the general population and patients with other chronic conditions. Inpatient care and hospitalizations were identified as major cost drivers in HF. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that patients with HF experience worse HRQoL and incur higher costs than individuals without HF or patients with other chronic diseases. Early treatment of HF and careful disease management to slow progression and to limit the requirement for hospital admission are likely to reduce both the humanistic burden and economic impact of HF.

Lipid in the midst of metabolic remodeling - Therapeutic implications for the failing heart

A healthy heart relies on an intact cardiac lipid metabolism. Fatty acids represent the major source for ATP production in the heart. Not less importantly, lipids are directly involved in critical processes such as cell growth, proliferation, and cell death by functioning as building blocks or signaling molecules. In the development of heart failure, perturbations in fatty acid utilization impair cardiac energetics. Furthermore, they may affect glucose and amino acid metabolism and induce the synthesis of several lipid intermediates, whose biological functions are still poorly understood. This work outlines the pivotal role of lipid metabolism in the heart and provides a lipocentric view of metabolic remodeling in heart failure. We will also critically revisit therapeutic attempts targeting cardiac lipid metabolism in heart failure and propose specific strategies for future investigations in this regard.

The clinical characteristics and outcomes of heart failure patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from the Japanese community-based registry

Both heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common diseases, but few studies have assessed the relationship between COPD and outcomes in patients with acute HF, especially in relation to age or ejection fraction (EF). The Kitakawachi Clinical Background and Outcome of Heart Failure Registry was a prospective, multicenter, community-based cohort and enrolled a total of 1,102 patients with acute HF between 2015 and 2017 in this study. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite endpoint that included all-cause mortality and hospitalization for HF. We stratified patients into two groups: those aged ≥ 80 years (elderly) and < 80 years (nonelderly). HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) was defined as EF ≥ 50%, whereas HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) was defined as EF < 50%. A total of 159 patients (14.4%) with COPD and 943 patients (83.6%) without COPD were included. COPD was found to be independently associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.42, 95% confidence interval: 1.14-1.77; p = 0.003). During a subgroup analysis, COPD was exposed as an independent risk factor of the composite endpoint in nonelderly patients; however, there was not such a finding observed among elderly patients. Separately, there was a significant association with COPD and the composite endpoint in patients with HFpEF. COPD showed a significantly higher risk of the composite endpoint after discharge in acute HF. However, this heightened risk was observable only in the subgroup of nonelderly patients and those of HFpEF.

Pulmonary Vascular Pressures and Gas Exchange Response to Exercise in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Elevated left ventricular filling pressure (measured as mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) at rest or with exercise is diagnostic of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, the capacity of the right ventricle to compensate for a high mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and thus maintain an appropriate transpulmonary gradient (TPG) and perfusion of the pulmonary capillaries is likely an important contributor to gas exchange efficiency and exercise capacity. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether a higher TPG at peak exercise is associated with superior exercise capacity and gas exchange. Gas exchange data from dyspneic patients referred for exercise right heart catheterization were retrospectively analyzed and patients were split into two groups based on TPG. Patients with a higher TPG at peak exercise had a higher peak VO₂ (1025 ± 227 vs 823 ± 276, P = .038), end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (42.2 ± 7.9 vs 38.0 ± 4.7, P = .044), and gas exchange estimates of pulmonary vascular capacitance (408 ± 90 vs 268 ± 108, P = .001). A higher TPG at peak exercise correlated with a higher peak oxygen uptake, O₂ pulse, and stroke volume (R = 0.42, 0.44 and 0.42, respectively, all P < 0.05). These findings indicate that a greater TPG with exercise might be important for improving exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Application of Diagnostic Algorithms for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction to the Community

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to describe characteristics and risk of adverse outcomes associated with the H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores among participants in the community with unexplained dyspnea.

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) can be challenging. The H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores have recently been developed to estimate the likelihood that HFpEF is present among patients with unexplained dyspnea.

METHODS

The study included 4,892 ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study participants 67 to 90 years of age at visit 5 (2011 to 2013) without other common cardiopulmonary causes of dyspnea. Participants were categorized as asymptomatic (76.6%), having known HFpEF (10.3%), and having tertiles of each score among those with ≥moderate, self-reported dyspnea (13.1%). The primary outcome was heart failure (HF) hospitalization or death.

RESULTS

Mean age was 75 ± 5 years, 58% were women, and 22% were black. After a mean follow-up of 5.3 ± 1.2 years, rates of HF hospitalization or death per 1,000 person-years for asymptomatic and known HFpEF were 20.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.9 to 22.7) and 71.6 (95% CI: 61.6 to 83.3), respectively. Among 641 participants with unexplained dyspnea, rates were 27.7 (95% CI: 18.2 to 42.1), 44.9 (95% CI: 34.9 to 57.7), and 47.3 (95% CI: 36.5 to 61.3) (tertiles of H2FPEF score) and 31.8 (95% CI: 20.3 to 49.9), 32.4 (95% CI: 23.4 to 44.9), and 54.3 (95% CI: 43.8 to 67.3) (tertiles of HFA-PEFF score). Participants with unexplained dyspnea and scores above the diagnostic threshold suggested for each algorithm, H2FPEF score ≥6 and HFA-PEFF score ≥5, had equivalent risk of HF hospitalization or death compared with known HFpEF. Among those with unexplained dyspnea, 28% had "discordant" findings (only high risk by 1 algorithm), while 4% were high risk by both.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with unexplained dyspnea and higher H2FPEF or HFA-PEFF scores face substantial risks of HF hospitalization or death. A significant fraction of patients are classified discordantly by using both algorithms.

Myocardial Infarction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Pooled Analysis of 3 Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated the relationship between past or incident myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular (CV) events in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

BACKGROUND

MI and HFpEF share some common risk factors. The prognostic significance of MI in patients with HFpEF is uncertain.

METHODS

The authors pooled data from 3 trials-CHARM Preserved (Candesartan Cilexietil in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity), I-Preserve (Irbesartan in Heart Failure With Preserved Systolic Function), and the Americas region of TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) (N = 8,916)-and examined whether MI before or following enrollment independently predicted CV death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization.

RESULTS

At baseline, 2,668 patients (30%) had history of MI. Prior MI was independently associated with greater risk of CV death (4.7 vs. 3.5 events/100 patient-years [py], adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.42 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23 to 1.64]; p < 0.001). Excess sudden death drove this difference (1.9 vs. 1.2 events/100 py, adjusted HR: 1.55 [95% CI: 1.23 to 1.97]; p < 0.001). There was no difference in HF hospitalization (5.9 vs. 5.5 events/100 py, adjusted HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.19) or HF death by prior MI. During follow-up, MI occurred in 336 patients (3.8%). Risk of CV death increased 31-fold in the first 30 days after first post-enrollment MI, and remained 58% higher beyond 1 year after MI. Risk of first or recurrent HF hospitalization increased 2.4-fold after MI.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior MI in HFpEF is associated with greater CV and sudden death but similar risk of HF outcomes. Patients with HFpEF who experience MI are at high risk of subsequent CV death and HF hospitalization. These data highlight the importance of primary and secondary prevention of MI in patients with HFpEF. (Candesartan Cilexietil in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity [CHARM Preserved]; NCT00634712; Irbesartan in Heart Failure With Preserved Systolic Function [I-Preserve]; NCT00095238; and Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist [TOPCAT]; NCT00094302).

Trends in cause-specific readmissions in heart failure with preserved vs. reduced and mid-range ejection fraction

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the readmission of heart failure (HF) patients has decreased over time and how it differs among HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF) (HFpEF) vs. reduced EF (HFrEF) and mid-range EF (HFmrEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated HF patients index hospitalized from January 2004 to December 2011 in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry with 1 year follow-up. Outcome measures were the first occurring all-cause, cardiovascular (CV), and HF readmissions. A total of 20 877 HF patients (11 064 HFrEF, 4215 HFmrEF, and 5562 HFpEF) were included in the study. All-cause readmission was the highest in patients with HFpEF, whereas CV and HF readmissions were the highest in HFrEF. From 2004 to 2011, HF readmission rates within 6 months (from 22.3% to 17.3%, P = 0.003) and 1 year (from 27.7% to 23.4%, P = 0.019) in HFpEF declined, and the risk for 1 year HF readmission in HFpEF was reduced by 7% after adjusting for age and sex (P = 0.022). Likewise, risk factors for HF readmission in HFpEF changed. However, no significant changes were observed in all-cause or CV readmission rates in HFpEF, and no significant changes in cause-specific readmissions were observed in HFrEF. Time to the first readmission did not change significantly from 2004 to 2011, regardless of EF subgroup (all P-values > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Declining temporal trend in HF readmission rates was found in HFpEF, but all-cause readmission still remained the highest in HFpEF vs. HFrEF and HFmrEF. More efforts are needed to reduce the non-HF-related readmission in patients with HFpEF.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights into diagnosis and pathophysiology

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for at least half the cases of heart failure, currently diagnosed. There are several cardiac and non-cardiac manifestations of the syndrome. Structure and function abnormalities can include all four cardiac chambers. The left ventricle has abnormal systolic and diastolic functions which can be examined by invasive and non-invasive measurements. In addition, the left atrium enlarges with abnormal left atrial function, pulmonary hypertension occurs, and the right ventricle can develop hypertrophy, enlargement, and systolic dysfunction. There are a paucity of data on calcium handling in HFpEF patients. Growing literature supports the presence of abnormalities in titin and its phosphorylation, and increased interstitial fibrosis contributing to increased chamber stiffness. A systemic inflammatory state causing reduced myocardial cyclic guanosine monophosphate along with defects in the unfolded protein response have been recently reported. Diagnosis relies on signs and symptoms of heart failure, preserved ejection fraction, and detection of diastolic function abnormalities based on echocardiographic findings and abnormally elevated natriuretic peptide levels or invasive measurements of wedge pressure at rest or with exercise. There are currently two diagnostic algorithms: H2FPEF, and HFA-PEFF with limited data comparing their performance head to head in the same patient population. Despite the growing understanding of the syndrome's pathophysiology, there have been little success in developing specific treatment for patients with HFpEF.

Temporal Trends in Prevalence and Prognostic Implications of Comorbidities Among Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: The ARIC Study Community Surveillance

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure (HF) have multiple coexisting comorbidities. The temporal trends in the burden of comorbidities and associated risk of mortality among patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are not well established.

METHODS

HF-related hospitalizations were sampled by stratified design from 4 US areas in 2005 to 2014 by the community surveillance component of the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities). Acute decompensated HF was classified by standardized physician review and a previously validated algorithm. An ejection fraction <50% was considered HFrEF. A total of 15 comorbidities were abstracted from the medical record. Mortality outcomes were ascertained for up to 1-year postadmission by linking hospital records with death files.

RESULTS

A total of 5460 hospitalizations (24 937 weighted hospitalizations) classified as acute decompensated HF had available ejection fraction data (53% female, 68% white, 53% HFrEF, 47% HFpEF). The average number of comorbidities was higher for patients with HFpEF versus HFrEF, both for women (5.53 versus 4.94; P<0.0001) and men (5.20 versus 4.82; P<0.0001). There was a significant temporal increase in the overall burden of comorbidities, both for patients with HFpEF (women: 5.17 in 2005-2009 to 5.87 in 2010-2013; men: 4.94 in 2005-2009 and 5.45 in 2010-2013) and HFrEF (women: 4.78 in 2005-2009 to 5.14 in 2010-2013; men: 4.62 in 2005-2009 and 5.06 in 2010-2013; P-trend<0.0001 for all). Higher comorbidity burden was significantly associated with higher adjusted risk of 1-year mortality, with a stronger association noted for HFpEF (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 higher comorbidity, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.14-1.25] versus HFrEF (HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.05-1.14]; P for interaction by HF type=0.02). The associated mortality risk per 1 higher comorbidity also increased significantly over time for patients with HFpEF and HFrEF, as well (P for interaction with time=0.002 and 0.02, respectively) Conclusions: The burden of comorbidities among hospitalized patients with acute decompensated HFpEF and HFrEF has increased over time, as has its associated mortality risk. Higher burden of comorbidities is associated with higher risk of mortality, with a stronger association noted among patients with HFpEF versus HFrEF.

Metabolic inflammation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

One in 10 persons in the world aged 40 years and older will develop the syndrome of HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction), the most common form of chronic cardiovascular disease for which no effective therapies are currently available. Metabolic disturbance and inflammatory burden contribute importantly to HFpEF pathogenesis. The interplay within these two biological processes is complex; indeed, it is now becoming clear that the notion of metabolic inflammation-metainflammation-must be considered central to HFpEF pathophysiology. Inflammation and metabolism interact over the course of syndrome progression, and likely impact HFpEF treatment and prevention. Here, we discuss evidence in support of a causal, mechanistic role of metainflammation in shaping HFpEF, proposing a framework in which metabolic comorbidities profoundly impact cardiac metabolism and inflammatory pathways in the syndrome.

Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Comprehensive Review and Update of Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Perioperative Implications

Almost three-quarters of all heart failure patients who are older than 65 have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The proportion and hospitalization rate of patients with HFpEF are increasing steadily relative to patients in whom heart failure occurs as result of reduced ejection fraction. The predominance of the HFpEF phenotype most likely is explained by the prevalence of medical conditions associated with an aging population. A multitude of age-related, medical, and lifestyle risk factors for HFpEF have been identified as potential causes for the sustained low-grade proinflammatory state that accelerates disease progression. Profound left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic stiffening, elevated LV filling pressures, reduced arterial compliance, left atrial hypertension, pulmonary venous congestion, and microvascular dysfunction characterize HFpEF, but pulmonary arterial hypertension, right ventricular dilation and dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation also frequently occur. These cardiovascular features make patients with HFpEF exquisitely sensitive to the development of hypotension in response to acute declines in LV preload or afterload that may occur during or after surgery. With the exception of symptom mitigation, lifestyle modifications, and rigorous control of comorbid conditions, few long-term treatment options exist for these unfortunate individuals. Patients with HFpEF present for surgery on a regular basis, and anesthesiologists need to be familiar with this heterogeneous and complex clinical syndrome to provide successful care. In this article, the authors review the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of HFpEF and also discuss its perioperative implications.

Impaired global longitudinal strain in elderly patients with preserved ejection fraction is associated with raised post-exercise left ventricular filling pressure

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether impaired resting global longitudinal strain (GLS) in elderly patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is associated with raised post-exercise LV filling pressure estimated by the ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity to annulus velocity (E/e').

METHODS

Seventy elderly patients (age = 74 ± 6 years, male 40 patients) who underwent treadmill stress echocardiography were studied. All patients had normal sinus rhythm, normal LV wall motion at rest, and had preserved LVEF ≥ 50%. Patients with exercise induced wall motion abnormality were not included. GLS at rest was measured using automated functional imaging.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of the 70 patients had raised post-exercise LV filling pressure indicated by septal E/e' ≥ 15.0. Patients with raised post-exercise LV filling pressure had smaller resting GLS than that in patients without it (- 16.9 ± 1.8 vs. - 19.6 ± 2.5%, respectively, p < 0.0001). Downward stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that resting GLS was one of independent predictors of raised post-exercise E/e'. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis had demonstrated that optimal cutoff point for resting GLS to predict raised post-exercise E/e' was - 17.8% (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 80.4%, respectively), and the area under the ROC curve was 0.820.

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients with preserved LVEF and without obvious myocardial ischemia, impaired resting GLS at rest is associated with raised post-exercise LV filling pressure estimated by E/e' ≥ 15.0.

Potential use of ubiquinol and d-ribose in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

•Manuscript Highlights.•HFpEF is associated with reduced ATP production in the myocardium.•Ubiquinol and d-ribose both contribute to the generation of myocardial ATP.•Both ubiquinol and d-ribose are being studied as supplemental treatments for patients with HFpEF.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inflammaging in Heart Failure: Novel Roles of CYP-Derived Epoxylipids

Age-associated changes leading to a decline in cardiac structure and function contribute to the increased susceptibility and incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly individuals. Indeed, age is considered a risk factor for heart failure and serves as an important predictor for poor prognosis in elderly individuals. Effects stemming from chronic, low-grade inflammation, inflammaging, are considered important determinants in cardiac health; however, our understanding of the mechanisms involved remains unresolved. A steady decline in mitochondrial function is recognized as an important biological consequence found in the aging heart which contributes to the development of heart failure. Dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to increased cellular stress and an innate immune response by activating the NLRP-3 inflammasomes, which have a role in inflammaging and age-related CVD pathogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests a protective role for CYP450 epoxygenase metabolites of N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), epoxylipids, which modulate various aspects of the immune system and protect mitochondria. In this article, we provide insight into the potential roles N-3 and N-6 PUFA have modulating mitochondria, inflammaging and heart failure.

Association of renal resistance index and arterial stiffness on clinical outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction and presence or absence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The renal arterial resistance index (RI) and the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) are known as indicators of renal vascular resistance/systemic vascular damage and systemic arterial stiffness. The clinical significance of those parameters on clinical outcomes is poorly known in patients with and without heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Baseline clinical data and the RI assessed by renal Doppler data, baPWV were obtained in patients with (HFpEF group, n = 60) and without HFpEF (non-HFpEF group, n = 51) who had a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of > 30 and < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²). We investigated the association between the RI and baPWV and major clinical outcomes including hospitalization for heart failure, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or unstable angina or other cardiovascular events and death from another cause. The RI and baPWV were greater in the HFpEF group than in the non-HF group (0.75 ± 0.07 vs. 0.69 ± 0.08, p < 0.001; 2002 ± 430 vs. 1762 ± 300 cm/s, p = 0.001). The RI correlated significantly with baPWV in the HFpEF (r = 0.382, p = 0.003) and non-HFpEF groups (r = 0.414, p = 0.002). During the median follow-up period of 54 months, major clinical outcomes occurred in 41 (36.9%) patients. The RI value, statin use and the presence of HFpEF were major factors for predicting clinical outcomes by multivariate analysis. Among the patients who had mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction, an increased RI and baPWV were observed in HFpEF patients as compared to non-HFpEF patients, but the baPWV similarly correlated with the RI value regardless of HFpFE patients or not. The strong association between the high RI value and presence of HFpEF and major clinical outcomes, suggests that not only the presence of HFpEF but also the high RI value may help to identify the high-risk patients leading to poor clinical outcomes.

Epidemiology of heart failure

The heart failure syndrome has first been described as an emerging epidemic about 25 years ago. Today, because of a growing and ageing population, the total number of heart failure patients still continues to rise. However, the case mix of heart failure seems to be evolving. Incidence has stabilized and may even be decreasing in some populations, but alarming opposite trends have been observed in the relatively young, possibly related to an increase in obesity. In addition, a clear transition towards heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction has occurred. Although this transition is partially artificial, due to improved recognition of heart failure as a disorder affecting the entire left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum, links can be made with the growing burden of obesity‐related diseases and with the ageing of the population. Similarly, evidence suggests that the number of patients with heart failure may be on the rise in low‐income countries struggling under the double burden of communicable diseases and conditions associated with a Western‐type lifestyle. These findings, together with the observation that the mortality rate of heart failure is declining less rapidly than previously, indicate we have not reached the end of the epidemic yet. In this review, the evolving epidemiology of heart failure is put into perspective, to discern major trends and project future directions.

Prevention of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): reexamining microRNA-21 inhibition in the era of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for 50% of cases of heart failure, which is the most common cause of hospitalization in US patients over the age of 65. HFpEF pathogenesis is increasingly believed to be due to pathological hypertrophy and fibrosis of the myocardium that may be a result of systemic inflammation from comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, anemia, chronic kidney disease and others. It is believed that oxidative stress triggers a process of pathological hypertrophy and fibrosis in cardiac endothelial cells, which leads to increased left ventricle filling pressures and, eventually, symptoms of heart failure. Numerous recent major clinical trials that have examined various therapies aimed at improving mortality in HFpEF have emerged empty-handed and thus the search for effective management strategies continues. Over the last several years, there have been many new developments in the field of antisense oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, which involves using noncoding nucleic acid particles such as microRNA and small interfering RNA to repress the expression of specific messenger RNA. In this article, we review the concept of using oligonucleotide-based therapeutics to prevent or treat HFpEF by targeting a specific microRNA that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy, microRNA-21 (miR-21). We review the various evidence that implicates miR-21 in the process of myocardial fibrosis and discuss recent attempts to use antimiR-21 compounds to prevent fibrosis. We also discuss proposed methods for screening patients at high risk for HFpEF for diastolic dysfunction in order to determine which patients.

Phosphodiesterase 9a Inhibition in Mouse Models of Diastolic Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Low myocardial cGMP-PKG (cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G) activity has been associated with increased cardiomyocyte diastolic stiffness in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate is mainly hydrolyzed by PDE (phosphodiesterases) 5a and 9a. Importantly, PDE9a expression has been reported to be upregulated in human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction myocardium and chronic administration of a PDE9a inhibitor reverses preestablished cardiac hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction in mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). We hypothesized that inhibiting PDE9a activity ameliorates diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS

To examine the effect of chronic PDE9a inhibition, 2 diastolic dysfunction mouse models were studied: (1) TAC-deoxycorticosterone acetate and (2) Lepr^db/db. PDE9a inhibitor (5 and 8 mg/kg per day) was administered to the mice via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps for 28 days. The effect of acute PDE9a inhibition was investigated in intact cardiomyocytes isolated from TAC-deoxycorticosterone acetate mice. Atrial natriuretic peptide together with PDE9a inhibitor were administered to the isolated intact cardiomyocytes through the cell perfusate.

RESULTS

For acute inhibition, no cellular stiffness reduction was found, whereas chronic PDE9a inhibition resulted in reduced left ventricular chamber stiffness in TAC-deoxycorticosterone acetate, but not in Lepr^db/db mice. Passive cardiomyocyte stiffness was reduced by chronic PDE9a inhibition, with no differences in myocardial fibrosis or cardiac morphometry. PDE9a inhibition increased the ventricular-arterial coupling ratio, reflecting impaired systolic function.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic PDE9a inhibition lowers left ventricular chamber stiffness in TAC-deoxycorticosterone acetate mice. However, the usefulness of PDE9a inhibition to treat high-diastolic stiffness may be limited as the required PDE9a inhibitor dose also impairs systolic function, observed as a decline in ventricular-arterial coordination, in this model.

Towards standardization of echocardiography for the evaluation of left ventricular function in adult rodents: a position paper of the ESC Working Group on Myocardial Function

Echocardiography is a reliable and reproducible method to assess non-invasively cardiac function in clinical and experimental research. Significant progress in the development of echocardiographic equipment and transducers has led to the successful translation of this methodology from humans to rodents, allowing for the scoring of disease severity and progression, testing of new drugs, and monitoring cardiac function in genetically modified or pharmacologically treated animals. However, as yet, there is no standardization in the procedure to acquire echocardiographic measurements in small animals. This position paper focuses on the appropriate acquisition and analysis of echocardiographic parameters in adult mice and rats, and provides reference values, representative images, and videos for the accurate and reproducible quantification of left ventricular function in healthy and pathological conditions.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights from recent clinical researches

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for nearly half of the cases of HF and its incidence might be increasing with the aging society. Patients with HFpEF present with significant symptoms, including exercise intolerance, impaired quality of life, and have a poor prognosis as well as frequent hospitalization and increased mortality compared with HF with reduced ejection fraction. The concept of HFpEF is still evolving and may be a virtual complex rather than a real systemic disorder. Thus, beyond solely targeting cardiac abnormalities management strategies need to be extended, such as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. In this review, we examine new diagnostic algorithms, pathophysiology, current management status, and ongoing trials based on heterogeneous pathophysiology and etiology in HFpEF.