How to diagnose diastolic heart failure: a consensus statement on the diagnosis of heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction by the Heart Failure and Echocardiography Associations of the European Society of Cardiology

Study on the evaluation of the clinical effects of traditional chinese medicine in heart failure by complex intervention: protocol of SECETCM-HF

Background

Experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have studied the TCM subject of the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) for several decades. As a result, the general idea is ben deficiency and biao excess. However, the clinical evaluation system which combined the TCM and western medicine in HF has not been developed yet. The objective is to establish the evaluation index system for the integration of TCM and western medicine. The evaluation indexes which include TCM items will specify the research design and methods.

Methods

Nine medical centers in different cities in China will participate in the trial. A population of 340 patients with HF will be enrolled through a central randomized system for different test groups. Group A will be treated with only western medicine, while group B with western and Chinese medicine together. The study will last for 12 months from the date of enrollment. The cardiovascular death will be the primary outcome.

Discussion

By putting the protocol into practice, the clinical effects of TCM for HF will be identified scientifically, objectively as well as rationally. The proper index system which built in the study will be helpful for the clinical effect expression of HF by integrated medicine in future.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR-TRC-00000059

The role of continuous positive airway pressure in acute cardiogenic edema with preserved left ventricular systolic function

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE) with preserved or impaired left ventricular systolic function with regard to resolution time.

METHODS

In a prospective, preliminary observational cohort study, 18 patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function (group A) and 18 patients with systolic heart dysfunction (group B) with ACPE underwent CPAP (10 cmH(2)0) through a face mask with standard medical therapy after a morphologic echocardiographic investigation shortly before CPAP.

RESULTS

Resolution time did not differ significantly between the 2 groups of patients (64 +/- 25 minutes in diastolic group vs 80 +/- 33 minutes in systolic group). One patient in preserved left ventricular systolic function group required endotracheal intubation (not statistically significant). No patient died during hospital stay. Arterial blood gases improved after a trial of CPAP in both groups of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this preliminary study show that resolution time is not significantly different in patients with ACPE with preserved or impaired systolic function submitted to CPAP.

Blunted frequency-dependent upregulation of cardiac output is related to impaired relaxation in diastolic heart failure

AIMS

We tested the hypothesis that, in heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF), diastolic dysfunction is accentuated at increasing heart rates, and this contributes to impaired frequency-dependent augmentation of cardiac output.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 17 patients with HFNEF (median age 69 years, 13 female) and seven age-matched control patients, systolic and diastolic function was analysed by pressure-volume loops at baseline heart rate and during atrial pacing to 100 and 120 min(-1). At baseline, relaxation was prolonged and end-diastolic left ventricular stiffness was higher in HFNEF, whereas all parameters of systolic function were not different from control patients. This resulted in smaller end-diastolic volumes, higher end-diastolic pressure, and a lower stroke volume and cardiac index in HFNEF vs. control patients. During pacing, frequency-dependent upregulation of contractility indices (+dP/dt(max) and Ees) occurred similarly in HFNEF and control patients, but frequency-dependent acceleration of relaxation (dP/dt(min)) was blunted in HFNEF. In HFNEF, end-diastolic volume and stroke volume decreased with higher heart rates while both remained unchanged in control patients.

CONCLUSION

In HFNEF, frequency-dependent upregulation of cardiac output is blunted. This results from progressive volume unloading of the left ventricle due to limited relaxation reserve in combination with increased LV passive stiffness, despite preserved force-frequency relation.

Newly detected glucose disturbance is associated with a high prevalence of diastolic dysfunction: double risk for the development of heart failure?

Diastolic dysfunction is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality and has a high prevalence in patients with diabetes. Aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in patients with newly detected glucose metabolism disorder (GMD) submitted for coronary angiography. Oral glucose tolerance test, echocardiography, and tissue Doppler imaging were performed in patients referred to coronary angiography. Prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was 97, 88, and 74% in the known diabetes, newly detected diabetes, and new diagnosed impaired glucose tolerance group, respectively. This is higher than previously reported. Severity of diastolic dysfunction was associated with higher 2-h plasma glucose levels and with new diagnosed diabetes. Screening patients with newly detected GMD for diastolic dysfunction may identify patients with double risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and this group might be a target population to avoid development heart failure.

Correlation of Normal Diastolic Cardiac Function With VO in the Metabolic Syndrome

Morbid obesity and diabetes cause diastolic dysfunction that can be detected by Doppler echocardiography. Patients with the metabolic syndrome could demonstrate early diastolic dysfunction that may influence effort tolerance. A total of 32 patients (17 men) who fulfilled >/=2 of the 5 metabolic syndrome criteria were studied. The average age of patients was 37+/-2 years. All patients were overweight/obese (mean body mass index of 34.4+/-0.7 kg/m(2)), 15 had blood pressure >130/85 mm Hg, 19 had elevated triglyceride levels (>150 mg/dL), and 17 had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (men <40 mg/dL, women <50 mg/dL). Maximal exercise was performed using Bruce treadmill protocol with standard stress echocardiography and tissue Doppler. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) was measured using indirect calorimetry. Left ventricular filling pressure was indirectly derived from dividing pulse Doppler early mitral inflow velocity (E) by tissue Doppler early diastolic mitral annular motion (E') or E/E'. The group's average treadmill time was 8.06+/-0.28 minutes, VO(2max) was 28.6+/-1.1 mL/kg/min, and 8.2+/-0.3 metabolic equivalents. None had evidence of myocardial ischemia or systolic or diastolic dysfunction with exercise. Mean "resting" E/E' and "post-exercise" E/E' were 7.01+/-0.04 and 7.41+/-0.41, respectively. There was no significant correlation between resting E/E' and VO(2max) (r=-0.266; P=.14). The post-exercise E/E' significantly correlated with VO(2max) (r=-0.483; P=.005) and metabolic equivalents (r=-0.487; P=.005). Diastolic function is preserved in early metabolic syndrome. Even in the normal diastolic function range, exercise E/E' is inversely related to VO(2max). Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether they develop diastolic dysfunction and related heart failure.

Predictors of increased left ventricular filling pressure in dialysis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

AIM

To study the left and right ventricular function and to assess the predictors of increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in dialysis patients with preserved LV ejection fraction.

METHODS

This study included 63 consecutive patients (age 57+/-14 years, 57% women) with end-stage renal failure. Echocardiography, including tissue Doppler measurements, was performed in all patients. Based on the median value of the ratio of transmitral early diastolic velocity to early myocardial velocity (E/E' ratio), patients were divided into 2 groups: the group with high filling pressure (E/E'>10.16) and the group with low filling pressure (E/E'< or =10.16).

RESULTS

Compared with patients with low filling pressure, the group of patients with high filling pressure included a higher proportion of diabetic patients (41% vs 13%, P=0.022) and had greater LV mass index (211+/-77 vs 172+/-71 g/m3, P=0.04), lower LV lateral long axis amplitude (1.4+/-0.3 vs 1.6+/-0.3 cm, P=0.01), lower E wave (84+/-19 vs 64+/-18cm/s, P<0.001), higher systolic myocardial velocity (S': 8.6+/-1. 5 vs 7.0+/-1.3 cm/s, P<0.001), and lower diastolic myocardial velocities (E': 6.3+/-1.9 vs 9.5+/-2.9 cm/s, P<0.001; A': 8.4+/-1.9 vs 9.7+/-2.5 cm/s, P=0.018). Multivariate analysis identified LV systolic myocardial velocity - S' wave (adjusted odds ratio, 1.909; 95% confidence interval, 1.060-3.439; P=0.031) and age (1.053; 1.001-1.108; P=0.048) as the only independent predictors of high LV filling pressure in dialysis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In dialysis patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, reduced systolic myocardial velocity and elderly age are independent predictors of increased left ventricular filling pressure.

Characterisation of heart failure with normal ejection fraction in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of heart failure with normal EF in a native African population with heart failure.

METHODS

It was a hospital cohort study. Subjects were 177 consecutive individuals with heart failure and ninety apparently normal control subjects. All the subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The group with heart failure was further subdivided into heart failure with normal EF (EF > or = 50) (HFNEF) and heart failure with low EF(EF <50)(HFLEF).

RESULTS

The subjects with heart failure have a mean age of 52.3 +/- 16.64 years vs 52.1 +/- 11.84 years in the control subjects; p = 0.914. Other baseline characteristics except blood pressure parameters and height were comparable between the group with heart failure and the control subjects. The frequency of HFNEF was 39.5%. Compared with the HFLEF group, the HFNEF group have a smaller left ventricular diameter (in diastole and systole): (5.2 +/- 1.22 cm vs 6.2 +/- 1.39 cm; p < 0.0001 and 3.6 +/- 1.24 cm vs 5.4 +/- 1.35 cm;p < 0.0001) respectively, a higher relative wall thickness and deceleration time of the early mitral inflow velocity: (0.4 +/- 0.12 vs 0.3 +/- 0.14 p < 0.0001 and 149.6 +/- 72.35 vs 110.9 +/- 63.40 p = 0.001) respectively. The two groups with heart failure differed significantly from the control subjects in virtually all echocardiographic measurements except aortic root diameter, LV posterior wall thickness(HFLEF), and late mitral inflow velocity(HFNEF). HFNEF accounted for 70(39.5%) of cases of heart failure in this study. Hypertension is the underlying cardiovascular disease in 134(75.7%) of the combined heart failure population, 58 (82.9%) of the subjects with HFNEF group and 76(71%) of the HFLEF group. Females accounted for 44 (62.9%) of the subjects with HFNEF against 42(39.3%) in the HFLEF group (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of heart failure with normal EF in this native African cohort with heart failure is comparable with the frequency in other populations. These groups of patients are more likely female, hypertensive with concentric pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Distribution of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ischemic and hypertensive heart disease and chronic heart failure

The clinical manifestations and eventual outcomes of chronic heart failure (HF) are not closely related to the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). This has contributed to the single syndrome hypothesis of HF that assumes a continuum, with the EF evolving and decreasing as the ventricle remodels and dilates. Such a continuum might be expected to be manifest as a unimodal distribution of EF in populations with chronic HF. We examined the distribution of EF in 2 populations of patients with HF (EF range 0.10 to 0.85), and we tested the hypothesis that the EF distribution is unimodal. In both populations, the distribution histogram was bimodal. This result is consonant with the 2 different patterns of cardiac structural and functional remodeling seen in patients with HF and normal and depressed EF. It is also consonant with published differences in response to the inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system in these 2 groups. In conclusion, the observed bimodal distribution of EF in patients with chronic HF is a reflection of 2 HF phenotypes with different underlying pathophysiologic features.

Effect of intracoronary injection of mononuclear bone marrow stem cells on left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction

To investigate the effect of intracoronary injection of autologous mononuclear bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function using standard echocardiography and 2-dimensional systolic strain. A total of 60 patients with first anterior wall STEMI and LV ejection fraction of <40%, treated with successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly assigned to the treatment group (BMSC group) or the control group in a 2:1 ratio. Transcatheter intracoronary injection of BMSCs into the infarct-related artery was performed 7 days after STEMI. Standard echocardiography and speckle tracking analysis was performed at baseline and 6 months after STEMI. No differences were found in the baseline echocardiographic parameters of LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction--the LV ejection fraction was 35 +/- 6% in the BMSC group, similar to that in the control group (33 +/- 7%, p = 0.42). After 6 months, the absolute change in the LV ejection fraction was significantly greater in the BMSC group than in the control group (10 +/- 9% versus 5 +/- 8%, p = 0.04). Significant improvement was seen in 2-dimensional systolic strain in all segments (12 +/- 4 vs 14 +/- 4; p = 0.0009) and in the infarcted area (5 +/- 2 vs 6 +/- 2; p = 0.0038) only in the BMSC group. Of the diastolic function parameters, we observed improvement in the early filling propagation velocity (30 +/- 8 cm/s vs 37 +/- 13 cm/s; p = 0.0008), early diastolic velocity - E' (4.5 +/- 1.5 vs 5.0 +/- 1.3, p = 0.02), and the E/E' ratio (17 +/- 7 vs 14 +/- 5; p = 0.03) in the BMSC group. In conclusion, intracoronary injection of unselected BMSCs in patients with STEMI improved both LV systolic and diastolic function at 6 months of follow-up.

Elevated plasma levels of TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 in patients with diastolic dysfunction and glucose metabolism disorders

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has reached epidemic proportions and is an important risk factor for heart failure (HF). Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is recognized as the earliest manifestation of DM-induced LV dysfunction, but its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. We sought to evaluate the relationship between proinflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and tissue Doppler derived indices of LVDD in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Methods

We enrolled 41 consecutive patients (mean age 65+/-10 years) submitted for coronary angiography. Echocardiographic assessment was performed in all patients. Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging was performed at the mitral annulus and was characterized by the diastolic early relaxation velocity Em. Conventional transmitral flow was measured with pw-doppler. Early (E) transmitral flow velocity was measured. LVDD was defined as E/Em ratio ≥ 15, E/Em 8-14 was classified as borderline. Plasma levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were determined in all patients. A standardized oral glucose tolerance test was performed in subjects without diabetes.

Results

Patients with E/Em ratio ≥ 15, classified as LVDD and those with E/Em ratio 8-14 (classified as borderline) had significantly higher IL-6 (P = 0,001), TNF-alpha (P < 0,001) and NT-pro- BNP (P = 0,001) plasma levels compared to those with normal diastolic function. TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels remains significantly elevated after adjustment for sex, age, left ventricular ejection function, body mass index, coronary heart disease, smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus with linear regression analysis. Furthermore, in subjects LVDD or borderline LV diastolic function, 75% had diabetes or IGT, respectively. When subjects without diabetes were excluded, both IL-6 (P = 0,006) and TNF-alpha (P = 0,002) remained significantly elevated in subjects with E/Em ratio ≥ 15.

Conclusion

This study reveals that increased plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were associated with LVDD. These findings suggest a link between low-grade inflammation and the presence of LVDD. An active proinflammatory process may be of importance in the pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction.

Baseline plasma NT-proBNP and clinical characteristics: results from the irbesartan in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction trial

BACKGROUND

N-terminal B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is usually elevated in heart failure (HF) patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). Less is known about NT-proBNP in HF with preserved EF (HF-PEF). We measured baseline NT-proBNP in 3562 HF-PEF enrolled patients in the Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with EF >or=45%, age >or=60 years, and either New York Heart Association (NYHA) II-IV symptoms with HF hospitalization (HFH) within 6 months or NYHA III-IV symptoms with corroborative evidence of HF or structural changes associated with HF-PEF. NT-proBNP (pg/mL) measured centrally using the Elecsys proBNP assay (Roche). Mean age 72 +/- 7 years, 60% were women, the investigator indicated HF etiology was hypertension in 64%; the majority were in NYHA III. Medications included diuretics in 82%, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in 26%, beta-blocker in 59%, and spironolactone in 15%. Median NT-proBNP was 341 pg/mL (interquartile range 135 to 974 pg/mL) and geometric mean was 354 pg/mL. In multivariate analysis, the baseline characteristics most strongly associated with higher NT-proBNP levels were atrial fibrillation (ratio of geometric mean 2.59, P < .001), NYHA IV symptoms (1.52, P < .001), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (1.44, P < .001), and HFH hospitalization within 6 months (1.37, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most HF-PEF patients have elevated NT-proBNP levels. The NT-proBNP concentrations were related to baseline characteristics generally associated with worse outcomes for HF patients.

Recommendation of low-salt diet and short-term outcomes in heart failure with preserved systolic function

BACKGROUND

Dietary sodium indiscretion frequently contributes to hospitalizations in elderly heart failure patients. Animal models suggest an important role for dietary sodium intake in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved systolic function. The documentation and effects of hospital discharge recommendations, particularly for sodium-restricted diet, have not been extensively investigated in heart failure with preserved systolic function.

METHODS

We analyzed 1700 heart failure admissions to Michigan community hospitals. We compared documentation of guideline-based discharge recommendations between preserved systolic function and systolic heart failure patients with chi-squared testing, and used logistic regression to identify predictors of 30-day death and hospital readmission in a prespecified follow-up cohort of 443 patients with preserved systolic function. We hypothesized that patients who received a documented discharge recommendation for sodium-restricted diet would have lower 30-day adverse event rates.

RESULTS

Heart failure patients with preserved systolic function were significantly less likely than systolic heart failure patients to receive discharge recommendations for weight monitoring (33% vs 43%) and sodium-restricted diet (42% vs 53%). Upon propensity score-adjusted multivariable analysis, patients with preserved systolic function who received a documented sodium-restricted diet recommendation had decreased odds of 30-day combined death and readmission (odds ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.79; P=.007). No other discharge recommendations predicted 30-day outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians document appropriate discharge instructions less frequently in heart failure with preserved systolic function than systolic heart failure. Selected heart failure patients with preserved systolic function who receive advice for sodium-restricted diet may have improved short-term outcomes after hospital discharge.

Death and dying in heart failure with normal ejection fraction

The overall mortality rate in patients with heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) appears to be comparable to that in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. In contrast to the latter group of patients, randomized trials with neurohumoral blockade in patients with HFNEF have failed to demonstrate reduction in mortality. This is at least in part related to the lower proportion of heart failure-related death in the overall population of patients with HFNEF. In conclusion, better characterization of patients with HFNEF at greatest risk for heart failure-related death and understanding the risks of the different modes of death would allow more effective use of specific heart failure medical or device therapy in patients with HFNEF.

Six-Minute Walk Test and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Background— The six-minute walk test (6MWT) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are the 2 testing modalities most broadly used for assessing functional limitation in patients with heart failure (HF). A comprehensive comparison on clinical and prognostic validity of the 2 techniques has not been performed and is the aim of the present investigation.

Methods and Results— Two hundred fifty-three patients diagnosed with systolic (n=211) or diastolic (n=42) HF (age: 61.9�10.1 years; New York Heart Association Class: 2.2�0.78) underwent a 6MWT and a symptom-limited CPET evaluation and were prospectively followed up. During the 4-year tracking period, there were 43 cardiac-related deaths with an annual cardiac mortality rate of 8.7%. The 6MWT distance correlated with CPET-derived variables (ie, peak V o 2 , V o 2 at anaerobic threshold, and V e /V co 2 slope) and was significantly reduced in proportion with lower peak V o 2 and higher V e /V co 2 slope classes and presence of an exercise oscillatory breathing (EOB) pattern ( P <0.01). However, no significant differences were observed in distance covered between survivors and nonsurvivors (353.2�95.8 m versus 338.5�76.4 m; P =NS). At univariate and multivariate Cox proportional analyses, the association of the 6MWT distance with survival was not significant either as a continuous or dicotomized variable (≤300 m). Conversely, CPET-derived variables emerged as prognostic with the strongest association found for EOB (systolic HF) and V e /V co 2 slope (entire population with HF and patients with a 6MWT≤300 m).

Conclusions— The 6MWT is confirmed to be a simple and reliable first-line test for quantification of exercise intolerance in patients with HF. However, there is no supportive evidence for its use as a prognostic marker in alternative to or in conjunction with CPET-derived variables.

TORAFIC study protocol: torasemide prolonged release versus furosemide in patients with chronic heart failure

Loop diuretics, such as torasemide and furosemide, are important agents in the treatment of chronic heart failure. Beneficial effects of torasemide immediate-release formulation beyond diuresis have been documented as the ability of this compound to inhibit myocardial synthesis and deposition of collagen type I in patients with chronic heart failure. In addition, torasemide-treated patients, but not furosemide-treated patients, showed decreased serum concentrations of the C-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I, a biochemical marker of myocardial fibrosis. The aim of the TORAFIC study is to test the efficacy of torasemide prolonged-release formulation (PR) in reducing myocardial fibrosis in chronic heart failure in a large, randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

This prospective, Phase IV, randomized, blinded end point, active-controlled clinical trial will randomize 142 patients with chronic heart failure in New York Heart Association functional class II-IV to 8 months treatment with either torasemide-PR (10-40 mg daily) or furosemide (40-160 mg daily). The primary objective is to test the hypothesis that torasemide-PR is superior to furosemide in reducing myocardial fibrosis. The primary outcome measure is the difference in the change of serum propeptide of procollagen type I concentration from the initial to the final visit between both study groups. Secondary outcome measures include all efficacy variables related to heart failure (signs and symptoms, ECG, echocardiogram and serum levels of N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide). Secondary safety variables are heart rate, blood pressure, laboratory data, adverse events, cardiovascular events (hospital admission, emergency department visits) and quality of life (Minnesota questionnaire).

DISCUSSION

This trial will test whether torasemide-PR possesses antifibrotic properties, which may provide an additional benefit beyond diuresis in patients with chronic heart failure.

Left ventricular diastolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus: prevalence and association with myocardial and vascular disease

BACKGROUND

Although type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for developing congestive heart failure, the mechanism leading to heart failure is unclear. We examined the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in relation to vascular function and myocardial perfusion.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A prospective observational study of 305 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes duration, 4.5+/-5.3 years) referred consecutively to a diabetes clinic were screened for LV systolic and diastolic function by echocardiography. Vascular function was estimated using noninvasive estimation of pulse pressure, carotid arterial compliance, total arterial compliance, and valvulo-arterial impedance. The prevalences of LV diastolic dysfunction and left atrial (LA) volume index >32 mL/m(2) were 40% and 32%, respectively. The prevalence of myocardial ischemia on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy was more frequent in patients with grade 2 diastolic dysfunction and LA volume index >32 mL/m(2) compared with those having normal or grade 1 diastolic dysfunction (P=0.002) or LA volume index < or =32 mL/m(2) (P<0.001), respectively. Predictors of grade 2 diastolic dysfunction and LA dilation were summed stress score on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, total arterial compliance, and valvulo-arterial impedance, whereas pulse pressure and carotid arterial compliance were not, after adjusting for age, sex, and diabetes duration. On multivariable modeling, summed stress score (P<0.001) and valvulo-arterial impedance (P=0.027) remained predictors of grade 2 diastolic dysfunction, and only summed stress score (P<0.001) was a predictor of LA dilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal LV filling is closely associated with abnormal myocardial perfusion on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, whereas the association of LV filling with vascular function is less prominent.

Left atrial function in diastolic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) structure and function occur in patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF). The reasons for the transition from asymptomatic dysfunction to heart failure need better definition, including noninvasive measurements that can detect the transition.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 64 patients undergoing right heart catheterization, simultaneous echocardiographic imaging was performed. As a control group, 27 healthy subjects were included. There were 25 with ejection factor (EF) <50%, 20 in DHF, and 19 with normal EF and LV hypertrophy but not in heart failure (diastolic dysfunction). LV volumes, mass, left atrial (LA) volumes and EF, annular atrial velocity (a'), and LA strain during systole (LA(S)), and atrial contraction (LA(A)) were measured. The ratio of wedge pressure to LA(S) strain was used as an index of LA stiffness, as was the ratio of E/e' to LA(S) strain. All 3 patient groups had increased LA volumes and depressed LA EF, a', and LA(A) strain, with no significant difference between patients with DHF and diastolic dysfunction in LA systolic function indices, LV mass, LA volumes, LV, and arterial elastance. LA(S) strain was lower in patients with DHF, and LA stiffness (invasive and noninvasive) was higher (both P<0.01), related well to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (r=0.79, P<0.001), and was most accurate in identifying DHF patients from those with diastolic dysfunction (invasive area under the curve: 0.93, noninvasive: 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DHF have increased LV mass and LA volume in comparison with normal controls, but not versus patients with LV hypertrophy who are not in heart failure. On the other hand, LA(S) strain is significantly reduced and LA stiffness is the most accurate index in identifying patients with DHF.

Type 1 diabetic cardiomyopathy in the Akita (Ins2WT/C96Y) mouse model is characterized by lipotoxicity and diastolic dysfunction with preserved systolic function

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is an important contributor to diastolic and systolic heart failure. We examined the nature and mechanism of the cardiomyopathy in Akita (Ins2(WT/C96Y)) mice, a model of genetic nonobese type 1 diabetes that recapitulates human type 1 diabetes. Cardiac function was evaluated in male Ins2WT/C96Y and their littermate control (Ins2WT/WT) mice using echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging, in vivo hemodynamic measurements, as well as ex vivo working heart preparation. At 3 and 6 mo of age, Ins2WT/C96Y mice exhibited preserved cardiac systolic function compared with Ins2WT/WT mice, as evaluated by ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic pressure and maximum rate of increase in LV pressure in vivo, cardiac work, cardiac power, and rate-pressure product ex vivo. Despite the unaltered systolic function, Ins2WT/C96Y mice exhibited significant and progressive diastolic dysfunction at 3 and 6 mo of age compared with Ins2WT/WT mice as assessed by tissue and pulse Doppler imaging (E-wave velocity, isovolumetric relaxation time) and by in vivo hemodynamic measurements (LV end-diastolic pressure, time constant of LV relaxation, and maximum rate of decrease in LV pressure). We found no evidence of myocardial hypertrophy or fibrosis in the Ins2WT/C96Y myocardium. Consistent with the lack of fibrosis, expression of procollagen-alpha type I, procollagen-alpha type III, and fibronectin were not increased in these hearts. Ins2WT/C96Y hearts showed significantly reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump) levels, elevated beta-myosin heavy chain isoform, increased long-chain fatty acids, and triacylglycerol with evidence of lipotoxicity, as indicated by a significant rise in ceramide, diacylglycerol, and lipid deposits in the myocardium. Consistent with metabolic perturbation, and a switch to fatty acid oxidation from glucose oxidation in Ins2WT/C96Y hearts, expression of mitochondrial long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoform 4 were increased. Insulin treatment reversed the diastolic dysfunction, the elevated B-type natriuretic peptide and beta-myosin heavy chain, and the reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a levels with abolition of cardiac lipotoxicity. We conclude that early type 1 diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by diastolic dysfunction associated with lipotoxic cardiomyopathy with preserved systolic function in the absence of interstitial fibrosis and hypertrophy.

Left atrial remodelling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: relation with exercise capacity and biochemical markers of tissue strain and remodelling

BACKGROUND

Left atrial remodelling, assessed as left atrial volume (LAV), has been proposed as a good marker of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of LAV on exercise performance in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and in a subset of subjects, assess the relation of LAV and exercise performance to four biomarkers of disease pathophysiology: matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) (as indices of tissue remodelling), N-terminal portion of pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) (associated with ventricular dysfunction) and C-reactive protein (CRP, an index of inflammation).

METHODS

We studied 75 consecutive HCM patients (aged 46 +/- 14 years, 56 men) where LAV was calculated assuming the ellipsoid model with two orthogonal planes. LAV was indexed to body surface area. Exercise capacity was evaluated by treadmill exercise test (symptom limited) and assessed with metabolic equivalent units (MET). Basal NT-pro-BNP and CRP levels were measured in 70 patients, whereas MMP-2 and TIMP-1 in 43 patients.

RESULTS

Enlarged LAV was observed in those patients with previous atrial fibrillation (p = 0.016). Mean LAV was greater in patients with impaired functional New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (p < 0.001). LAV correlated with age (Spearman, r: 0.28), higher maximal left ventricular wall thickness (r: 0.32) and raised E/A ratio (r: 0.37) (all p < 0.01). LAV was significantly correlated with NT-pro-BNP values (r: 0.34; p = 0.04), MMP-2 (r: 0.32; p = 0.034), CRP (r: 0.33; p = 0.005) and correlated inversely with MET units (r: -0.39; p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, MET units were only associated with NT-pro-BNP (p = 0.002) and LAV (p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Enlarged LAV is associated with impaired functional NYHA class and inversely with treadmill exercise capacity. Enlarged LAV is also associated with NT-pro-BNP, MMP-2 and CRP, perhaps as markers of disease severity and tissue remodelling. Age, LAV and NT-pro-BNP are independent predictors of exercise performance.

Expanding role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in left and right ventricular diastolic function

This article focuses on the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in understanding the physiology of diastolic function and on the future applications of CMR as they relate to diastolic function evaluation. CMR has a demonstrated potential to define diastolic function and quantify its properties, in terms of active and passive stages, and its relaxation and compliance characteristics. CMR is also useful for assessing inflow and myocardial velocities, and untwisting properties of the chamber and myocardium, thus providing insights not fully available in other invasive and noninvasive strategies. CMR, which offers the necessary capabilities to evaluate the complex structure of the right ventricle, can serve in the future as the standard for evaluating diastolic function as it currently does for systolic function.

Interaction and prognostic effects of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and patient-prosthesis mismatch as determinants of outcome after isolated aortic valve replacement

There are variable reported effects of patient-prosthesis mismatch (P-PM) on outcome. It was hypothesized that the adverse effect attributed to P-PM is actually due to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) in patients with small hearts. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the association among P-PM, DD, and outcomes. Doppler echocardiography was performed in 156 patients after aortic valve replacement. In vivo effective orifice areas for each prosthesis type and size were obtained from published references values of normally functioning prostheses. P-PM was identified from the predicted indexed orifice area, obtained by dividing the effective orifice area by body surface area. DD was classed as normal, delayed relaxation (prolonged deceleration time for age), or increased left atrial pressure (increased E/E' ratio, left atrial enlargement, short deceleration time). Events (cardiac-related hospitalizations and all-cause mortality after aortic valve replacement) were determined over a median follow-up periods of 3.5 years (interquartile range 2.1 to 5.7). P-PM was found in 91 patients (58%). Of the patients with P-PM, no DD was present on postoperative echocardiography in 15 patients (16%), delayed relaxation in 35 (39%), and increased left atrial pressure in 41 (45%). There were 61 total events (18 deaths and 43 hospitalizations): 4 (7%) in the no-DD group, 26 (42%) in the delayed relaxation group, and 31 (51%) in the increased left atrial pressure group. DD (p = 0.034) but not age (p = 0.09), the left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.60), or the presence of mismatch (p = 0.20) was associated with events. In conclusion, P-PM was associated with 14% mortality and a 39% composite event rate over 2-year follow-up. Events were significantly associated with DD.

Recent progress in heart failure treatment and heart transplantation

There has been significant progress in heart failure treatment; its stages are defined as a management platform for cardiovascular specialists. Surgical ventricular restoration adds no outcome advantage in ischemic heart failure over coronary artery bypass surgery alone. Novel medical therapies may include cytokine blockade and the vasodilator, relaxin. Although diastolic failure is prevalent, its clinical significance is unclear. Cardiac resynchronization reduces mortality and hospitalization. Perioperative enoximone facilitates beta-blockade for prophylaxis against myocardial ischemia. Heart failure still determines outcome in pulmonary embolism and cardiac surgery. The practice of ventricular assist devices continues to progress. A profile system based on urgency of mechanical support will guide future outcome assessment. Clinical scoring systems will guide the management of right heart failure. Device flow determines the risk of cerebral hyperperfusion and neurologic dysfunction. Regardless of device type, renal dysfunction remains an important outcome determinant. Postoperative heparinization is increasingly challenged because of the risks of bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The practice of heart transplantation continues to mature. The bicaval rather than the biatrial technique improves short-term outcome. Oral sildenafil is effective for pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular support. Although immunosuppression with tacrolimus is beneficial, sirolimus is less nephrotoxic and preserves coronary vasomotor function. The induction of immunosuppression may be modified as it has a weak evidence base. Psychosocial factors also continue to influence clinical outcome significantly. The future of heart failure treatment is bright with signs of active growth and progress in this vibrant subspecialty.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in older adults

Age-associated physiologic changes predispose older adults to develop heart failure, even when left ventricular ejection fraction is normal or near normal. Heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction is particularly common in older hypertensive women, and hypertension plays a key role in its pathophysiology. In contrast with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, the treatment of heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction has a limited empiric basis, although some basic principles are useful. Ongoing studies provide hope of improving care of these patients.

Impact of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on left atrial volume and function in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea assessed by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography

Background:

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been reported as a predictor of left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction and left atrium (LA) remodelling. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of OSA treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) on the LA volume and function, as well as on the LV diastolic function.

Methods:

In total, 56 OSA patients were studied. All patients underwent real-time three-dimensional (RT3DE) and two-dimensional echocardiogram with tissue Doppler evaluation in order to estimate LA volumes, function and LV diastolic performance. A total of 30 patients with an apnoea-hypopnoea index greater than 20 were randomly selected to receive sham CPAP (n = 15) or effective CPAP (n = 15) for 24 weeks. They underwent echo examination on three different occasions: at baseline, after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of CPAP or sham CPAP.

Results:

In the effective CPAP group we observed the following changes from the baseline to the 24-week echo evaluation: (a) a reduction in the E/E′ ratio (10.3 (1.9) to 7.9 (1.3), p = 0.03); (b) an increase in the LA passive emptying fraction (28.8% (11.9%) to 46.8% (9.3%), p = 0.01); and (c) a reduction in the LA active emptying fraction (42.7% (11.5%) to 25.7 (15.7), p<0.01). In the sham group, there were no changes from the baseline to the 24-week echo. We found a positive correlation between 24 week/baseline LA active emptying volume and 24 week/baseline E/E′ ratios (r = 0.40, p<0.05) and a negative correlation between 24 week/baseline LA passive emptying volume and 24 week/baseline E/E′ ratios (r = −0.53, p<0.05). No significant changes were found on LA total emptying fraction.

Conclusion:

CPAP improved LV diastolic function and LA passive emptying, but not LA structural variables in OSA patients.

Trial registration number:

NCT00768807.

The challenges associated with current clinical trials for diastolic heart failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diastolic heart failure (DHF) is the culmination of various cardiovascular insults, producing a proportionally greater alteration of diastolic performance, subtle reductions of systolic function and the clinical syndrome of heart failure. Over half of heart failure patients aged 65 years or older have DHF, which carries similar morbidity and mortality to systolic heart failure (SHF). The aging population and increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity will result in disproportionately higher incidence of DHF.

RECENT FINDINGS

To date, seven large placebo-controlled trials have been conducted in DHF and none have convincingly demonstrated substantial morbidity or mortality reductions. This review will highlight DHF clinical trial efforts and provide explanations for the discordance between clinical trial patients and clinical practice patients.

SUMMARY

Greater parity between clinical trial and clinical practice can be achieved by selecting DHF patients in the context of a few general principles: trials should enroll patients on the basis of the diagnostic criteria set forth by the European Study Group on Diastolic Heart Failure. A history of (<6 months) or current hospitalization for heart failure along with prespecified higher grades of diastolic dysfunction insures that a sufficiently at-risk population is studied. Patients with DHF are older, with multiple noncardiovascular comorbidities, and longer trial duration (>3 years) may be plagued with competing risks.

Effects of fixed-dose isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine on diastolic function and exercise capacity in hypertension-induced diastolic heart failure

Hypertension-induced diastolic heart failure accounts for a large proportion of all heart failure presentations. Hypertension also induces left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Fixed-dose isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine (HISDN) decreased mortality in human systolic heart failure but it is unknown whether it improves maladaptive myocardial remodeling. We sought to test the hypothesis that chronic HISDN modulates LV hypertrophy and myocardial remodeling in hypertension-induced diastolic heart failure. FVB mice underwent either saline (n=18) or aldosterone (n=28) infusion. All underwent uninephrectomy and drank 1% salt water for 4 weeks. Mice were randomized after surgery to regular chow or chow containing HISDN (isosorbide dinitrate: 26 mg/kg per day; hydralazine: 50 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Aldosterone infusion increased tail-cuff blood pressure (161+/-3 mm Hg) versus saline-infused mice (129+/-2 mm Hg). Aldosterone induced LV hypertrophy versus saline-infused mice (LV:body weight ratio: 4.2+/-0.1 versus 3.6+/-0.1 mg/g). HISDN attenuated the aldosterone-induced increased in systolic blood pressure (137+/-5 mm Hg) and also lowered blood pressure in saline-infused mice (114+/-2 mm Hg). However, HISDN did not cause LV hypertrophy regression in aldosterone-infused mice. Aldosterone increased LV end-diastolic dimensions that were not attenuated by HISDN. Similarly, neither aldosterone infusion nor HISDN affected LV end-systolic dimensions. LV ejection fraction and wet:dry lung ratio were not different between aldosterone-untreated and aldosterone-HISDN mice. However, mitral Doppler E/A ratio (a measure of diastolic function), exercise capacity, and plasma soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels were improved in aldosterone-HISDN hearts. In conclusion, fixed-dose HISDN improved hypertension, diastolic function, and exercise capacity and reduced soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels. There were no reductions in LV hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, or pulmonary congestion. These functional improvements are likely related to extracardiac effects, such as effects on the vasculature.