Assessing systolic and diastolic reserves in male and female mice

Cardiac reserve is a widely used health indicator and prognostic tool. Although it is well established how to assess cardiac reserve clinically, in preclinical models, it is more challenging lacking standardization. Furthermore, although cardiac reserve incorporates both systolic (i.e., contractile reserve) and diastolic (i.e., relaxation reserve) components of the cardiac cycle, less focus has been placed on diastolic reserve. The aim of our study was to determine which technique (i.e., echocardiography, invasive hemodynamic, and Langendorff) and corresponding parameters can be used to assess the systolic and diastolic reserves in preclinical models. Healthy adult male and female CD-1 mice were administered dobutamine and evaluated by echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic, or Langendorff to establish systolic and diastolic reserves. Here, we show that systolic reserve can be assessed using all techniques in vivo and in vitro. Yet, the current indices available are ineffective at capturing diastolic reserve of healthy mice in vivo. When assessing systolic reserve, sex affects the dose response of several commonly used echocardiography parameters [i.e., fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF)]. Taken together, this study improves our understanding of how sex impacts the interpretation assessment of cardiac reserve and establishes for the first time that in healthy adult mice, the diastolic reserve cannot be assessed by currently established methods in vivo.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiac reserve is a globally used health indicator and prognostic tool that is used by clinicians and preclinical scientists. In physiology, we have a long-standing appreciation of how to assess systolic reserve but lack insight into sex differences and have no frame of reference for measuring diastolic reserve to certainty across cardiac techniques or the influence of sex. Here, we show that the primary means for assessing diastolic reserve is incorrect. Furthermore, we provided proof and clarity on how to correctly measure systolic and diastolic reserve capacities. We also highlight the imperative of sex differences to the measures of both systolic and diastolic reserves using several techniques (i.e., echocardiography, invasive hemodynamics, and Langendorff) in mice.

Profiles of cognitive impairment in chronic heart failure-A cluster analytic approach

Background

Cognitive impairment is a major comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) with a wide range of phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to identify and compare different clusters of cognitive deficits.

Methods

The prospective cohort study "Cognition.Matters-HF" recruited 147 chronic HF patients (aged 64.5 ± 10.8 years; 16.2% female) of any etiology. All patients underwent extensive neuropsychological testing. We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis of the cognitive domains, such as intensity of attention, visual/verbal memory, and executive function. Generated clusters were compared exploratively with respect to the results of cardiological, neurological, and neuroradiological examinations without correction for multiple testing.

Results

Dendrogram and the scree plot suggested three distinct cognitive profiles: In the first cluster, 42 patients (28.6%) performed without any deficits in all domains. Exclusively, the intensity of attention deficits was seen in the second cluster, including 55 patients (37.4%). A third cluster with 50 patients (34.0%) was characterized by deficits in all cognitive domains. Age (p = 0.163) and typical clinical markers of chronic HF, such as ejection fraction (p = 0.222), 6-min walking test distance (p = 0.138), NT-proBNP (p = 0.364), and New York Heart Association class (p = 0.868) did not differ between clusters. However, we observed that women (p = 0.012) and patients with previous cardiac valve surgery (p = 0.005) prevailed in the "global deficits" cluster and the "no deficits" group had a lower prevalence of underlying arterial hypertension (p = 0.029). Total brain volume (p = 0.017) was smaller in the global deficit cluster, and serum levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein were increased (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

Apart from cognitively healthy and globally impaired HF patients, we identified a group with deficits only in the intensity of attention. Women and patients with previous cardiac valve surgery are at risk for global cognitive impairment when suffering HF and could benefit from special multimodal treatment addressing the psychosocial condition.

The sex-dependent response to psychosocial stress and ischaemic heart disease

Stress is an important risk factor for modern chronic diseases, with distinct influences in males and females. The sex specificity of the mammalian stress response contributes to the sex-dependent development and impacts of coronary artery disease (CAD). Compared to men, women appear to have greater susceptibility to chronic forms of psychosocial stress, extending beyond an increased incidence of mood disorders to include a 2- to 4-fold higher risk of stress-dependent myocardial infarction in women, and up to 10-fold higher risk of Takotsubo syndrome-a stress-dependent coronary-myocardial disorder most prevalent in post-menopausal women. Sex differences arise at all levels of the stress response: from initial perception of stress to behavioural, cognitive, and affective responses and longer-term disease outcomes. These fundamental differences involve interactions between chromosomal and gonadal determinants, (mal)adaptive epigenetic modulation across the lifespan (particularly in early life), and the extrinsic influences of socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors. Pre-clinical investigations of biological mechanisms support distinct early life programming and a heightened corticolimbic-noradrenaline-neuroinflammatory reactivity in females vs. males, among implicated determinants of the chronic stress response. Unravelling the intrinsic molecular, cellular and systems biological basis of these differences, and their interactions with external lifestyle/socio-cultural determinants, can guide preventative and therapeutic strategies to better target coronary heart disease in a tailored sex-specific manner.

Temporal trends in heart failure over 11 years in the aging Korean population: A retrospective study using the national health insurance database

BACKGROUND

Understanding national trends of heart failure (HF) is crucial for establishing prevention and treatment strategies. We aimed to investigate the 11-year trends of HF in the South Korean population.

METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified 3,446,256 patients with HF between 2004 and 2014.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HF was 1.42% in 2004, steadily increasing to 1.98% in 2014. However, the age-adjusted prevalence of HF remained stable (1.43% in 2014). The incidence of HF was 6.1/1000 person-years in 2004 and remained at similar levels, reaching 5.4/1000 person-years in 2014. The age-adjusted incidence of HF slowly decreased to 3.94/1000 person-years in 2014. The event rate for hospitalized patients with HF remained stable increasing from 1.40 in 2004 to 1.87/1000 person-years in 2014, and the age-adjusted event rate of hospitalized HF decreased to 1.22 in 2014.

CONCLUSIONS

In South Korea, between 2004 and 2014, the prevalence of HF increased while the incidence of HF remained stable. Furthermore, the age-adjusted HF prevalence was stable, and the age-adjusted incidence decreased. This indicates that the aging population is the main cause of the increasing national burden associated with HF and that further attention is warranted in the management of HF in older adults.

Diastolic dysfunction and sex-specific progression to HFpEF: current gaps in knowledge and future directions

Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LVDD) is equally common in elderly women and men. LVDD is a condition that can remain latent for a long time but is also held responsible for elevated left ventricular filling pressures and high pulmonary pressures that may result in (exercise-induced) shortness of breath. This symptom is the hallmark of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) which is predominantly found in women as compared to men within the HF spectrum. Given the mechanistic role of LVDD in the development of HFpEF, we review risk factors and mechanisms that may be responsible for this sex-specific progression of LVDD towards HFpEF from an epidemiological point-of-view and propose future research directions.

Sex‐related differences in left ventricular assist device utilization and outcomes: results from the PCHF‐VAD registry

AIMS

Data on sex and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) utilization and outcomes have been conflicting and mostly confined to US studies incorporating older devices. This study aimed to investigate sex-related differences in LVAD utilization and outcomes in a contemporary European LVAD cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This analysis is part of the multicentre PCHF-VAD registry studying continuous-flow LVAD patients. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included ventricular arrhythmias, right ventricular failure, bleeding, thromboembolism, and the haemocompatibility score. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess associations between sex and outcomes. Overall, 457 men (81%) and 105 women (19%) were analysed. At LVAD implant, women were more often in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile 1 or 2 (55% vs. 41%, P = 0.009) and more often required temporary mechanical circulatory support (39% vs. 23%, P = 0.001). Mean age was comparable (52.1 vs. 53.4 years, P = 0.33), and median follow-up duration was 344 [range 147-823] days for women and 435 [range 190-816] days for men (P = 0.40). No significant sex-related differences were found in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79 for female vs. male sex, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.50-1.27]). Female LVAD patients had a lower risk of ventricular arrhythmias (HR 0.56, 95% CI [0.33-0.95]) but more often experienced right ventricular failure. No significant sex-related differences were found in other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this contemporary European cohort of LVAD patients, far fewer women than men underwent LVAD implantation despite similar clinical outcomes. This is important as the proportion of female LVAD patients (19%) was lower than the proportion of females with advanced HF as reported in previous studies, suggesting underutilization. Also, female patients were remarkably more often in INTERMACS profile 1 or 2, suggesting later referral for LVAD therapy. Additional research in female patients is warranted.

Gender-associated cardiometabolic risk profiles and health behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional analysis of the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) program

Background

In Asia, diabetes-associated death due to cardiorenal diseases were 2-3 times higher in women than men which might be due to gender disparity in quality of care and health habits.

Methods

Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from 11 Asian countries/areas were assessed using the same protocol (2007-2015). We compared treatment target attainment (HbA_1c < 7%, blood pressure [BP] < 130/80 mmHg, risk-based LDL-cholesterol, lack of central obesity [waist circumference <90 cm in men or <80 cm in women), use of cardiorenal-protective drugs (renin-angiotensin system [RAS] inhibitors, statins), and self-reported health habits including self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) by gender. Analyses were stratified by countries/areas, age of natural menopause (<50 vs. ≥50 years), and comorbidities (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD], heart failure, kidney impairment [eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²]).

Findings

Among 106,376 patients (53.2% men; median (interquartile range) diabetes duration: 6.0 (2.0-12.0) years; mean ± SD HbA_1c 8.0 ± 1.9%; 27% insulin-treated), women were older and less likely to receive college education than men (28.9% vs. 48.8%). Women were less likely to smoke/drink alcohol and were physically less active than men. Women had lower BP (<130/80 mmHg: 29.4% vs. 25.7%), less general obesity (54.8% vs. 57.8%) but more central obesity than men (77.5% vs. 57.3%). Women were less likely to have ASCVD (12.8% vs. 17.0%) or heart failure (1.3% vs. 2.3%), but more likely to have kidney impairment (22.3% vs. 17.6%) and any-site cancer than men (2.5% vs. 1.6%). In most countries/areas, more men attained HbA_1c <7% and risk-based LDL-cholesterol level than women. After adjusting for potential confounders including countries and centres, men had 1.63 odds ratio (95% CI 1.51, 1.74) of attaining ≥3 treatment targets than women.

Interpretation

Asian women with T2D had worse quality of care than men especially in middle-income countries/areas, calling for targeted implementation programs to close these care gaps.

Sponsor

Asia Diabetes Foundation.

Funding

Nil.

Representation matters: a call for inclusivity and equity in heart failure clinical trials

The burden of heart failure remains substantial worldwide, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) affects approximately half of this population. Despite this global prevalence of HFrEF, the majority of contemporary clinical trials in HFrEF have underenrolled individuals from minoritized sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic groups. Moreover, significant disparities in access to HFrEF treatment and outcomes exist across these same strata. We provide a call to action for the inclusion of diverse populations in HFrEF clinical trials; catalogue several barriers to adequate representation in HFrEF clinical trials; and propose strategies to broaden inclusivity in future HFrEF trials.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition Benefits in Cardiorenal Risk in Men and Women

Introduction

In addition to their antihyperglycemic action, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are used in patients with type 2 diabetes due to their cardioprotective effects. Meta-analyses of large clinical trials have reported mixed results when examining sex differences in their cardioprotective effects. For example, some studies reported that, compared to women, men had a greater reduction in cardiovascular risk with SGLT2 inhibition. Taking advantage of several recently completed large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials, we tested the hypothesis that women have an attenuated response in primary cardiorenal outcomes to SGLT2 inhibition compared to men.

Methods

We performed a systematic search using PubMed and the Cochrane Library to find completed large-scale, prospective, randomized controlled Phase III clinical trials with primary outcomes testing cardiovascular or renal benefit. Studies had to include at least 1000 participants and report data about sex differences in their primary cardiovascular or renal outcomes.

Results

The present meta-analysis confirmed that SGLT2 inhibition decreased adverse cardiorenal outcomes in a pooled sex analysis using 13 large-scale clinical trials. SGLT2 inhibition exhibited similar reduction in hazard ratios for both men (0.79, 95% CI, 0.73-0.85) and women (0.78, 95% CI, 0.72-0.84) for adverse cardiorenal outcomes.

Conclusion

In contrast to previous findings, our updated meta-analysis suggests that women and men experience similar cardiorenal benefit in response to SGLT2 inhibition. These findings strongly suggest that SGLT2 inhibition therapy should be considered in patients with high risk for cardiovascular disease irrespective of the patient sex.

Sex and Gender Bias as a Mechanistic Determinant of Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes

Defined as a prejudice either for or against something, biases at the provider, patient, and societal level all contribute to differences in cardiovascular disease recognition and treatment, resulting in outcome disparities between sexes and genders. Provider bias in the under-recognition of female-predominant cardiovascular disease and risks might result in underscreened and undertreated patients. Furthermore, therapies for female-predominant phenotypes including nonobstructive coronary artery disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction are less well researched, contributing to undertreated female patients. Conversely, women are less likely to seek urgent medical attention, potentially related to societal bias to put others first, which contributes to diagnostic delays. Furthermore, women are less likely to have discussions around risk factors for coronary artery disease compared with men, partially because they are less likely to consider themselves at risk for heart disease. Provider bias in interpreting a greater number of presenting symptoms, some of which have been labelled as "atypical," can lead to mislabelling presentations as noncardiovascular. Furthermore, providers might avoid discussions around certain therapies including thrombolysis for stroke, and cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure, because it is incorrectly assumed that women are not interested in pursuing options deemed more invasive. To mitigate bias, organizations should aim to increase the visibility and involvement of women in research, health promotion, and clinical and leadership endeavours. More research needs to be done to identify effective interventions to mitigate sex and gender bias and the resultant cardiovascular outcome discrepancies.

Sex differences in pressure and flow waveform physiology across the life course

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has long been deemed a disease of old men. However, in 2019 CVD accounted for 35% of all deaths in women and, therefore, remains the leading cause of death in both men and women. There is increasing evidence to show that risk factors, pathophysiology and health outcomes related to CVD differ in women compared with men, yet CVD in women remains understudied, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Differences exist between the sexes in relation to the structure of the heart and vasculature, which translate into differences in blood pressure and flow waveform physiology. These physiological differences between women and men may represent an important explanatory factor contributing to the sex disparity in CVD presentation and outcomes but remain understudied. In this review we aim to describe sex differences in arterial pressure and flow waveform physiology and explore how they may contribute to differences in CVD in women compared to men. Given that unfavourable alterations in the cardiovascular structure and function can start as early as in utero, we report sex differences in waveform physiology across the entire life course.

Severity of functional impairments by race and sex in older patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure

BACKGROUND

Older patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have marked functional impairments, which may contribute to their delayed and incomplete recovery and persistently poor outcomes. However, whether impairment severity differs by race and sex is unknown.

METHODS

REHAB-HF trial participants (≥60 years) were assessed just before discharge home from ADHF hospitalization. Physical function [Short Physical Performance Battery; 6-min walk distance (6MWD)], frailty (Fried criteria), cognition [Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)], quality-of-life [Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, Short-Form-12, EuroQol-5D-5L], and depression [Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)] were examined by race and sex.

RESULTS

This prespecified subgroup cross-sectional analysis included 337 older adults (52% female, 50% Black). Black participants were on average younger than White participants (70.3 ± 7.2 vs. 74.7 ± 8.3 years). After age, body mass index, ejection fraction, comorbidity, and education adjustment, and impairments were similarly common and severe across groups except: Black male and Black and White female participants had more severely impaired walking function compared with White male participants [6MWD (m) 187 ± 12, 168 ± 9170 ± 11 vs. 239 ± 9, p < 0.001]; gait speed (m/s) (0.61 ± 0.03, 0.56 ± 0.02, 0.55 ± 0.02 vs. 0.69 ± 0.02, p < 0.001); White female participants had the highest frailty prevalence (72% vs. 47%-51%, p = 0.007); and Black participants had lower MoCA scores compared with White participants (20.9 ± 4.5 vs. 22.8 ± 3.9, p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms were common overall (43% GDS ≥5), yet underrecognized clinically (18%), especially in Black male participants compared with White male participants (7% vs. 20%).

CONCLUSION

Among older patients hospitalized for ADHF, frailty and functional impairments with high potential to jeopardize patient HF self-management, safety, and independence were common and severe across all race and sex groups. Impairment severity was often worse in Black participant and female participant groups. Formal screening across frailty and functional domains may identify those who may require greater support and more tailored care to reduce the risk of adverse events and excess hospitalizations and death.

Population study of sex-based outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement

Background

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is a key strategy for the treatment of aortic valve disease. However, studies have involved primarily male patients, and whether the benefits of this approach can be extrapolated to female patients is unclear.

Methods

Clinical and administrative datasets for 12,207 patients undergoing isolated SAVR in Ontario from 2008 to 2019 were linked. Male and female patients were balanced using inverse probability treatment weighting. Mortality, endocarditis, and major hemorrhagic and thrombotic events, as well as 2 composite outcomes-major adverse cerebral and cardiovascular events (MACCE) and patient-derived adverse cardiovascular and noncardiovascular events (PACE)-and their component events, were compared in the weighted groups with a stratified log-rank test.

Results

A total of 7485 male patients and 4722 female patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 5.2 years in both sexes. All-cause mortality did not differ between sexes (hazard ratio [HR] 0.949 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.851-1.059]). Male sex was associated with an increased risk of new-onset dialysis (HR 0.689 [95% CI 0.488-0.974]). Female sex was associated with a significantly increased risk of both new-onset heart failure (HR 1.211 [95% CI 1.051-1.394], P = 0.0081) and heart failure hospitalization (HR 1.200 [95% CI 1.036-1.390], P = 0.015). No statistically significant differences were seen in any of the other secondary outcomes between sexes.

Conclusions

This population health study demonstrated that survival did not differ between male and female patients undergoing SAVR. Significant sex-related differences were found in the risk of heart failure and new-onset dialysis, but these findings should be considered exploratory and require further study.

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Older Women with Heart Failure

Background: the role that sex plays in impacting cardiac rehabilitation (CR) outcomes remains an important gap in knowledge. Methods: we assessed sex differences in clinical and functional outcomes in 2345 older patients with heart failure (HF) admitted to inpatient CR. Three outcomes were considered: (1) the composite outcome of death during the index admission to CR or transfer to acute care; (2) three-year mortality; (3) change in six-minute walking distance (6MWD) from admission to discharge. Sex differences in outcomes were assessed using multivariable Cox or logistic regression models. Results: the hazard ratios of the composite outcome and of three-year mortality for females vs. males were 0.71 (95%CI:0.50−1.00; p = 0.049) and 0.68 (95%CI:0.59−0.79; p < 0.001), respectively. The standardized mean difference in 6MWD increase from admission to discharge between males and females was 0.10. The odds ratio of achieving an increase in 6MWD at discharge to values higher than the optimal sex-specific thresholds for predicting mortality for females vs. males was 2.21 (95%CI:1.53−3.20; p < 0.001). Conclusion: our findings suggest that older females with HF undergoing CR have better prognosis and garner similar improvement in 6MWD compared with their male counterparts. Nonetheless, females were more likely to achieve levels of functional capacity predictive of improved survival.

Genome-wide association and multi-trait analyses characterize the common genetic architecture of heart failure

Heart failure is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the contribution of common genetic variation to heart failure risk has not been fully elucidated, particularly in comparison to other common cardiometabolic traits. We report a multi-ancestry genome-wide association study meta-analysis of all-cause heart failure including up to 115,150 cases and 1,550,331 controls of diverse genetic ancestry, identifying 47 risk loci. We also perform multivariate genome-wide association studies that integrate heart failure with related cardiac magnetic resonance imaging endophenotypes, identifying 61 risk loci. Gene-prioritization analyses including colocalization and transcriptome-wide association studies identify known and previously unreported candidate cardiomyopathy genes and cellular processes, which we validate in gene-expression profiling of failing and healthy human hearts. Colocalization, gene expression profiling, and Mendelian randomization provide convergent evidence for the roles of BCKDHA and circulating branch-chain amino acids in heart failure and cardiac structure. Finally, proteome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies 9 circulating proteins associated with heart failure or quantitative imaging traits. These analyses highlight similarities and differences among heart failure and associated cardiovascular imaging endophenotypes, implicate common genetic variation in the pathogenesis of heart failure, and identify circulating proteins that may represent cardiomyopathy treatment targets.

Baseline mitochondrial DNA copy number and heart failure incidence and its role in overall and heart failure mortality in middle-aged women

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of death in both men and women. However, risk factors seem to differ for men and women and significant gaps in sex-specific knowledge exist. Mitochondria are critical for cardiomyocytes and in this study, we investigated the role of baseline mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) in HF incidence in middle-aged women and its possible role in the association between myocardial infarction (MI) and HF. Finally, we also investigated whether baseline mtDNA-CN was associated with overall and HF mortality. Baseline levels of mtDNA-CN were quantified by droplet digital PCR in a population-based follow-up study of middle-aged (50-59 years) Swedish women (n = 2,508). The median follow-up period was 17 years. Levels of mtDNA-CN were associated with age, BMI, alcohol, smoking, education, physical activity and lipid biomarkers. Multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders showed that each standard deviation decrease of baseline mtDNA-CN was associated with higher incidence of HF (HR = 1.34; 95% CI=1.11-1.63). Similar results were obtained when mtDNA-CN levels were categorized into quartiles with lowest vs. highest quartile showing the highest risk of HF incidence (HR = 2.04 95% CI=1.14; 3.63). We could not detect any role of mtDNA-CN in the association between MI and HF incidence. Lower baseline mtDNA-CN levels were associated with both overall (HR = 1.27; 95% CI=1.10-1.46) and HF mortality (HR = 1.93; 95% CI=1.04-3.60); however, in multivariable analysis adjusted for potential confounders, the higher risks of HF mortality were no longer significant (HR=1.57; 95% CI=0.85-2.90). In conclusion, low baseline mtDNA-CN is an easily quantifiable molecular risk factor for HF incidence and may be a risk factor for overall and HF-related mortality.

Sex differences in patients undergoing heart transplantation and LVAD therapy

INTRODUCTION

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and heart transplantation (HT) are the two life-sustaining therapies that have revolutionized the management of end-stage heart failure (HF). Yet, significant sex differences exist with respect to their use and effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes sex differences in the utilization, outcomes, and complications of LVAD and HT. Particular emphasis is placed on leading clinical trials in the field, historical and recent large registries-based analyses, as well as contemporary technological and policy changes affecting these differences.

EXPERT OPINION

Women with advanced HF remain under-treated with guideline-directed medical therapy and are less likely to be referred for consideration for LVAD and HT. This remains true despite newer LVAD technology and the new heart transplant allocation system. Community outreach, education, as well as increased representation of women in clinical research may reduce inequities.

Cardiac microstructural alterations measured by echocardiography identify sex-specific risk for heart failure

OBJECTIVE

Established preclinical imaging assessments of heart failure (HF) risk are based on macrostructural cardiac remodelling. Given that microstructural alterations may also influence HF risk, particularly in women, we examined associations between microstructural alterations and incident HF.

METHODS

We studied N=2511 adult participants (mean age 65.7±8.8 years, 56% women) of the Framingham Offspring Study who were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline. We employed texture analysis of echocardiography to quantify microstructural alteration, based on the high spectrum signal intensity coefficient (HS-SIC). We examined its relations to incident HF in sex-pooled and sex-specific Cox models accounting for traditional HF risk factors and macrostructural alterations.

RESULTS

We observed 94 new HF events over 7.4±1.7 years. Individuals with higher HS-SIC had increased risk for incident HF (HR 1.67 per 1-SD in HS-SIC, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.13; p<0.0001). Adjusting for age and antihypertensive medication use, this association was significant in women (p=0.02) but not men (p=0.78). Adjusting for traditional risk factors (including body mass index, total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure traits, diabetes and smoking) attenuated the association in women (HR 1.30, p=0.07), with mediation of HF risk by the HS-SIC seen for a majority of these risk factors. However, the HS-SIC association with HF in women remained significant after adjusting for relative wall thickness (representing macrostructure alteration) in addition to these risk factors (HR 1.47, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac microstructural alterations are associated with elevated risk for HF, particularly in women. Microstructural alteration may identify sex-specific pathways by which individuals progress from risk factors to clinical HF.

Heart Failure in Women

Heart failure (HF) in women is one of the leading causes in women after coronary artery diseases. There are gender differences at every aspect of HF. These females usually present in older age with significant comorbidities. Even though there are few risk factors common to males and females for the development of HF, diabetes and hypertension are considered more stronger association for the development of HF in females than in males. There are certain sex-specific factors such as abnormal pregnancies and breast cancer therapies in addition to genetic predisposition for the development of cardiomyopathies, especially postpartum cardiomyopathy in female. Usually, females have HF with preserved ejection fraction when compared to men who more frequently have HF due to reduced ejection fraction. Even in the left ventricular remodeling to injury is different in both sexes. The main aim of this review is to bring the sex differences in HF and to stress the need of separate guidelines for females with HF for better outcome.

Sex-specific differences in the efficacy of heart failure therapies: a meta-analysis of 84,818 patients

Women have been historically underrepresented in clinical trials of heart failure (HF). We aimed to assess for sex differences in patient characteristics and the efficacy of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in HF. Systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of GDMT reporting cardiovascular outcomes by sex in patients with HF. The primary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for HF. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using inverse variance weighting and random effects meta-analysis. Twenty-six RCTs totaling 84,818 participants (27% women) were included. Women with HF were older, had higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, more hypertension and obesity, and higher mean left ventricular ejection fraction compared to men. There was evidence for most GDMT in reducing the primary outcome in women with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-receptor blocker [RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.97], angiotensin-receptor blocker/neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) [RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.94], beta-blocker [RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.89], ivabradine [RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.60-0.91], and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors [RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54-0.81]) and a non-significant trend for benefit with mineralocorticoid-receptor-antagonist (MRA) [RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.52-1.16]). Compared to men with HFrEF, GDMT reduced the primary outcome in women to a similar degree across all drug classes (ratio of RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.96-1.14). Despite differences in baseline characteristics and an underrepresentation of women in HF clinical trials, GDMT are as efficacious in women as compared to men in reducing cardiovascular events in HF.

Peer-support interventions for women with cardiovascular disease: protocol for synthesising the literature using an evidence map

INTRODUCTION

The leading cause of death for women is cardiovascular disease (CVD), including ischaemic heart disease, stroke and heart failure. Previous literature suggests peer support interventions improve self-reported recovery, hope and empowerment in other patient populations, but the evidence for peer support interventions in women with CVD is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe peer support interventions for women with CVD using an evidence map. Specific objectives are to: (1) provide an overview of peer support interventions used in women with ischaemic heart disease, stroke and heart failure, (2) identify gaps in primary studies where new or better studies are needed and (3) describe knowledge gaps where complete systematic reviews are required.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We are building on previous experience and expertise in knowledge synthesis using methods described by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) and the Coordinating Centre at the Institute of Education. Seven databases will be searched from inception: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus. We will also conduct grey literature searches for registered clinical trials, dissertations and theses, and conference abstracts. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be kept broad, and studies will be included if they discuss a peer support intervention and include women, independent of the research design. No date or language limits will be applied to the searches. Qualitative findings will be summarised narratively, and quantitative analyses will be performed using R.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The University of Toronto's Research Ethics Board granted approval on 28 April 2022 (Protocol #42608). Bubble plots (ie, weighted scatter plots), geographical heat/choropleth maps and infographics will be used to illustrate peer support intervention elements by category of CVD. Knowledge dissemination will include publication, presentation/public forums and social media.

Reference Ranges for NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) and Risk Factors for Higher NT-proBNP Concentrations in a Large General Population Cohort

BACKGROUND

Demographic differences in expected NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) concentration are not well established. We aimed to establish reference ranges for NT-proBNP and explore the determinants of moderately elevated NT-proBNP under the universal definition of heart failure criteria.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. NT-proBNP was measured in serum from 18 356 individuals without previous cardiovascular disease in the Generation Scotland Scottish Family Health Study. Age- and sex-stratified medians and 97.5th centiles were generated. Sex stratified risk factors for moderately elevated NT-proBNP (≥125 pg/mL) were investigated.

RESULTS

In males, median (97.5th centile) NT-proBNP concentration at age <30 years was 21 (104) pg/mL, rising to 38 (195) pg/ml at 50 to 59 years, and 281 (6792) pg/mL at ≥80 years. In females, median NT-proBNP at age <30 years was 51 (196) pg/mL, 66 (299) pg/mL at 50 to 59 years, and 240 (2704) pg/mL at ≥80 years. At age <30 years, 9.8% of females and 1.4% of males had elevated NT-proBNP, rising to 76.5% and 81.0%, respectively, at age ≥80 years. After adjusting for risk factors, an NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL was more common in females than males (OR, 9.48 [95% CI, 5.60-16.1]). Older age and smoking were more strongly associated with elevated NT-proBNP in males than in females (Psex interaction <0.001, 0.07, respectively). Diabetes was inversely associated with odds of elevated NT-proBNP in females only (Psex interaction=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

An NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL is common in females without classical cardiovascular risk factors as well as older people. If NT-proBNP becomes widely used for screening in the general population, interpretation of NT-proBNP levels will require that age and sex-specific thresholds are used to identify patients with potential pathophysiology.

Sex-specific responses to slow progressive pressure overload in a large animal model of HFpEF

Approximately 50% of all heart failure (HF) diagnoses can be classified as HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF is more prevalent in females compared with males, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We previously showed that pressure overload (PO) in male felines induces a cardiopulmonary phenotype with essential features of human HFpEF. The goal of this study was to determine if slow progressive PO induces distinct cardiopulmonary phenotypes in females and males in the absence of other pathological stressors. Female and male felines underwent aortic constriction (banding) or sham surgery after baseline echocardiography, pulmonary function testing, and blood sampling. These assessments were repeated at 2 and 4 mo postsurgery to document the effects of slow progressive pressure overload. At 4 mo, invasive hemodynamic studies were also performed. Left ventricle (LV) tissue was collected for histology, myofibril mechanics, extracellular matrix (ECM) mass spectrometry, and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNAseq). The induced pressure overload (PO) was not different between sexes. PO also induced comparable changes in LV wall thickness and myocyte cross-sectional area in both sexes. Both sexes had preserved ejection fraction, but males had a slightly more robust phenotype in hemodynamic and pulmonary parameters. There was no difference in LV fibrosis and ECM composition between banded male and female animals. LV snRNAseq revealed changes in gene programs of individual cell types unique to males and females after PO. Based on these results, both sexes develop cardiopulmonary dysfunction but the phenotype is somewhat less advanced in females.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We performed a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the effects of slow progressive pressure overload on cardiopulmonary function in a large animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in males and females. Functional and structural assessments were performed at the organ, tissue, cellular, protein, and transcriptional levels. This is the first study to compare snRNAseq and ECM mass spectrometry of HFpEF myocardium from males and females. The results broaden our understanding of the pathophysiological response of both sexes to pressure overload. Both sexes developed a robust cardiopulmonary phenotype, but the phenotype was equal or a bit less robust in females.

Variation in Heart Failure Risk by HIV Severity and Sex in People With HIV Infection

BACKGROUND

HIV is an independent risk factor for heart failure (HF). However, the association of HIV severity with incident HF and the potential interaction with sex are incompletely understood.

SETTING

Integrated health care system.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study of people with HIV (PWH) and matched people without HIV (PWoH), all aged ≥ 21 years and with no previous HF. Poisson regression was used to compare incident HF by HIV status, with PWH stratified by severity of HIV infection [defined by recent (<6 months) CD4 count, nadir CD4 count, or recent HIV RNA level]. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and HF risk factors. Analyses were conducted for men and women combined, then by sex.

RESULTS

The study included 38,868 PWH and 386,569 PWoH (mean baseline age = 41.0 ± 10.8 years; 88% men). Compared with PWoH, incident HF risk was higher among PWH with lower recent CD4 [200-499 cells/µL, adjusted rate ratio (aRR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50 to 2.21 and <200 cells/µL, aRR = 3.26 (2.47 to 4.30)] and a low nadir CD4 [<200 cells/µL, aRR = 1.56 (1.37 to 1.79)] but not among PWH with normal CD4 [≥500 cells/µL, aRR = 1.14 (0.90 to 1.44)]. Higher incident HF risk was observed among PWH at all HIV RNA levels, with greater HF risk at higher HIV RNA levels. The excess HF risk associated with low CD4 (recent or nadir) and high HIV RNA was stronger among women than men (P interactions=0.05, 0.08, and 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the association of HIV severity with HF, optimizing HIV treatment and management may be important for HF prevention among PWH.

[Not Available]

OBJECTIVE

. To report the results of ventricular tachycardia (VT) catheter ablation in ischemic heart disease (IHD), and to identify risk factors associated with recurrence in a Mexican center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

. We made a retrospective review of the cases of VT ablation performed in our center from 2015 to 2022. We analyzed the characteristics of the patients and those of the procedures separately and we determined factors associated with recurrence.

RESULTS

. Fifty procedures were performed in 38 patients (84% male; mean age 58.1 years). Acute success rate was 82%, with a 28% of recurrences. Female sex (OR 3.33, IC 95% 1.66-6.68, p=0.006), atrial fibrillation (OR 3.5, IC 95% 2.08-5.9, p=0.012), electrical storm (OR 2.4, IC 95% 1.06-5.41, p=0.045), functional class greater than II (OR 2.86, IC 95% 1.34-6.10, p=0.018) were risk factors for recurrence and the presence of clinical VT at the time of ablation (OR 0.29, IC 95% 0.12-0.70, p=0.004) and the use of more than 2 techniques for mapping (OR 0.64, IC 95% 0.48-0.86, p=0.013) were protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

. Ablation of ventricular tachycardia in ischemic heart disease has had good results in our center. The recurrence is similar to that reported by other authors and there are some factors associated with it.

Acute and long-term success of ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with ischemic heart disease in a Mexican center

Objective

. To report the results of ventricular tachycardia (VT) catheter ablation in ischemic heart disease (IHD), and to identify risk factors associated with recurrence in a Mexican center.

Materials and methods

. We made a retrospective review of the cases of VT ablation performed in our center from 2015 to 2022. We analyzed the characteristics of the patients and those of the procedures separately and we determined factors associated with recurrence.

Results

. Fifty procedures were performed in 38 patients (84% male; mean age 58.1 years). Acute success rate was 82%, with a 28% of recurrences. Female sex (OR 3.33, IC 95% 1.66-6.68, p=0.006), atrial fibrillation (OR 3.5, IC 95% 2.08-5.9, p=0.012), electrical storm (OR 2.4, IC 95% 1.06-5.41, p=0.045), functional class greater than II (OR 2.86, IC 95% 1.34-6.10, p=0.018) were risk factors for recurrence and the presence of clinical VT at the time of ablation (OR 0.29, IC 95% 0.12-0.70, p=0.004) and the use of more than 2 techniques for mapping (OR 0.64, IC 95% 0.48-0.86, p=0.013) were protective factors.

Conclusions

. Ablation of ventricular tachycardia in ischemic heart disease has had good results in our center. The recurrence is similar to that reported by other authors and there are some factors associated with it.

Heart failure with normal LVEF in BIOSTAT-CHF

AIMS

Several studies have shown that heart failure (HF) drug treatment seems to benefit patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) up to 55-60% but not with higher LVEF. Certain HF drugs are now indicated in patients with HFpEF and a LVEF below normal. However, not much is known about patients with a normal LVEF. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with HF and a normal LVEF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Normal LVEF was defined according to the Recommendations for Cardiac Chamber Quantification from the American Society of Echocardiography as a LVEF ≥62% for men and ≥ 64% for women. Preserved ejection fraction was defined as a LVEF ≥50% and reduced ejection fraction as a LVEF <50%. In the total cohort of 1568 studied patients with heart failure (mean age 73 years; 33.6% female) 57 patients (3.6%) had a normal LVEF. These patients least likely had a previous myocardial infarction (p < 0.001) or diabetes (p = 0.045), had the lowest Left Ventricular End Diastolic Diameter (p < 0.001), the highest rate of previous HF hospitalization in the last year (p = 0.015), the highest cardiac output (p < 0.001) and were most frequently women (p < 0.001). Patients with a normal LVEF had the lowest risk for the primary combined outcome of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Only 3.6% of patients with HF had a sex-adjusted normal LVEF. Despite the sex-adjusted cut-offs they were more frequently female with less ischemic heart disease, higher cardiac output and better clinical outcomes.

State of the Science: The Relevance of Symptoms in Cardiovascular Disease and Research: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Symptoms of cardiovascular disease drive health care use and are a major contributor to quality of life. Symptoms are of fundamental significance not only to the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and appraisal of response to medical therapy but also directly to patients' daily lives. The primary purpose of this scientific statement is to present the state of the science and relevance of symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease. Symptoms as patient-reported outcomes are reviewed in terms of the genesis, manifestation, and similarities or differences between diagnoses. Specifically, symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, valvular disorders, stroke, rhythm disorders, and peripheral vascular disease are reviewed. Secondary aims include (1) describing symptom measurement methods in research and application in clinical practice and (2) describing the importance of cardiovascular disease symptoms in terms of clinical events and other patient-reported outcomes as applicable.

Efficacy of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Nonischemic Systolic Heart Failure According to Sex: Extended Follow-Up Study of the DANISH Trial

BACKGROUND

Men and women may respond differently to certain therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, including implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). In an extended follow-up study of the DANISH trial (Danish Study to Assess the Efficacy of ICDs in Patients With Non-Ischemic Systolic Heart Failure on Mortality), adding 4 years of additional follow-up, we examined the effect of ICD implantation according to sex.

METHODS

In the DANISH trial, 1116 patients with nonischemic systolic heart failure were randomized to receive an ICD (N=556) or usual clinical care (N=550). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 1116 patients randomized in the DANISH trial, 307 (27.5%) were women. During a median follow-up of 9.5 years, women had a lower associated rate of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60 [95% CI, 0.47-0.78]) cardiovascular death (HR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.46-0.84]), nonsudden cardiovascular death (HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.42-0.85]), and a numerically lower rate of sudden cardiovascular death (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.40-1.25]), compared with men. Compared with usual clinical care, ICD implantation did not reduce the rate of all-cause mortality, irrespective of sex (men, HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.69-1.06]; women, HR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.64-1.50]; Pinteraction=0.51). In addition, sex did not modify the effect of ICD implantation on sudden cardiovascular death (men, HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.36-0.92]; women, HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.26-1.77]; Pinteraction=0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with nonischemic systolic heart failure, ICD implantation did not provide an overall survival benefit, but reduced sudden cardiovascular death, irrespective of sex.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT00542945.

Distinct pathophysiological pathways in women and men with heart failure

AIMS

Clinical differences between women and men have been described in heart failure (HF). However, less is known about the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. In this study, we compared multiple circulating biomarkers to gain better insights into differential HF pathophysiology between women and men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 537 women and 1485 men with HF, we compared differential expression of a panel of 363 biomarkers. Then, we performed a pathway over-representation analysis to identify differential biological pathways in women and men. Findings were validated in an independent HF cohort (575 women, 1123 men). In both cohorts, women were older and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In the index and validation cohorts respectively, we found 14/363 and 12/363 biomarkers that were relatively up-regulated in women, while 21/363 and 14/363 were up-regulated in men. In both cohorts, the strongest up-regulated biomarkers in women were leptin and fatty acid binding protein-4, compared to matrix metalloproteinase-3 in men. Similar findings were replicated in a subset of patients from both cohorts matched by age and LVEF. Pathway over-representation analysis revealed increased activity of pathways associated with lipid metabolism in women, and neuro-inflammatory response in men (all p &lt; 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In two independent cohorts of HF patients, biomarkers associated with lipid metabolic pathways were observed in women, while biomarkers associated with neuro-inflammatory response were more active in men. Differences in inflammatory and metabolic pathways may contribute to sex differences in clinical phenotype observed in HF, and provide useful insights towards development of tailored HF therapies.

What have we learned so far from the sex/gender issue in heart failure? An overview of current evidence

There are important differences in epidemiology, pathophysiology, HF patterns, prognosis, and treatment. Women have a higher incidence of HFpEF due to sex-specific factors (such as anthropometry, role of estrogens, pregnancy-related cardiomyopathies), increased incidence of comorbidities, and gender-specific conditions. Men instead present a predisposition to the development of HFrEF due to a higher incidence of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. However, there are still gaps in the management of women with HF. The poor inclusion of women in clinical trials may have contributed to a lesser understanding of disease behavior than in men. In addition, a full understanding of gender-specific factors that are studied in small populations is lacking in the literature, and only in recent years, studies have increased their focus on this issue. Understanding how society, family, and environment affect the prognosis of HF patients may help clinicians provide more appropriate levels of care. In this overview, we aimed at summarizing all the key available evidence regarding sex/gender differences in heart failure.

Sex differences in natural history of cardiovascular magnetic resonance- and biopsy-proven lymphocytic myocarditis

AIMS

The role of sex in determining the profile and the outcomes of patients with myocarditis is largely unexplored. We evaluated the impact of sex as a modifier factor in the clinical characterization and natural history of patients with definite diagnosis of myocarditis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively analysed a single-centre cohort of consecutive patients with definite diagnosis of myocarditis (i.e. endomyocardial biopsy or cardiac magnetic resonance proven). Specific sub-analyses were performed in cohorts of patients with chest pain, ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure as different main symptoms at presentation. The primary outcome measure was a composite of all-cause mortality or heart transplantation (HTx). We included 312 patients, of which 211, 68% of the whole population, were males. Despite no clinically relevant differences found at baseline presentation, males had a higher indexed left ventricular end-diastolic volume (62 ± 23 mL/m2 vs. 52 ± 20 mL/m2, P = 0.011 in males vs. females, respectively) at follow-up evaluation. At a median follow-up of 72 months, 36 (17%) males vs. 8 (8%) females experienced death or HTx (P = 0.033). Male sex emerged as predictors of all-cause mortality or HTx in every combination of covariates (HR 2.600; 1.163-5.809; P = 0.020). Results were agreeable regardless of the main symptom of presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of patients with definite diagnosis of myocarditis, females experienced a more favourable long-term prognosis than males, despite a similar clinical profile at presentation.

Imaging of heart disease in women: review and case presentation

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although major diagnostic and therapeutic advances have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with CVD in the past decades, these advances have less benefited women than age-matched men. Noninvasive cardiac imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis of CVD. Despite shared imaging features and strategies between both sexes, there are critical sex disparities that warrant careful consideration, related to the selection of the most suited imaging techniques, to technical limitations, and to specific diseases that are overrepresented in the female population. Taking these sex disparities into consideration holds promise to improve management and alleviate the burden of CVD in women. In this review, we summarize the specific features of cardiac imaging in four of the most common presentations of CVD in the female population including coronary artery disease, heart failure, pregnancy complications, and heart disease in oncology, thereby highlighting contemporary strengths and limitations. We further propose diagnostic algorithms tailored to women that might help in selecting the most appropriate imaging modality.

Gender Disparities in Cardiogenic Shock Treatment and Outcomes

Cardiogenic shock is associated with a high risk for morbidity and mortality. The impact of gender on treatment and outcomes is poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate whether gender influences the clinical management and outcomes of patients with prehospital cardiogenic shock. Consecutive adult patients with cardiogenic shock who were transferred to hospital by emergency medical services (EMS) between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2019 in Victoria, Australia were included. Data were obtained from individually linked ambulance, hospital, and state death index datasets. The primary outcome assessed was 30-day mortality, stratified by patient gender. Propensity score matching was performed for risk adjustment. Over the study period a total of 3,465 patients were identified and 1,389 patients (40.1%) were women. Propensity score matching yielded 1,330 matched pairs with no differences observed in baseline characteristics, including age, initial vital signs, pre-existing co-morbidities, etiology of shock, and prehospital interventions. In the matched cohort, women had higher rates of 30-day mortality (44.7% vs 39.2%, p = 0.009), underwent less coronary angiography (18.3% vs 27.2%, p <0.001), and revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (8.9% vs 14.2%, p <0.001), compared with men. In conclusion, in this large population-based study, women with cardiogenic shock who were transferred by EMS to hospital had significantly worse survival outcomes and reduced rates of invasive cardiac interventions compared to men. These data underscore the urgent need for targeted public health measures to redress gender differences in outcomes and variation with clinical care for patients with cardiogenic shock.

The importance of biological sex in cardiac cachexia

Cardiac cachexia is a catabolic muscle wasting syndrome observed in approximately 1 in 10 heart failure patients. Increased skeletal muscle atrophy leads to frailty and limits mobility which impacts quality of life, exacerbates clinical care, and is associated with higher rates of mortality. Heart failure is known to exhibit a wide range of prevalence and severity when examined across individuals of different ages and with co-morbidities related to diabetes, renal failure and pulmonary dysfunction. It is also recognized that men and women exhibit striking differences in the pathophysiology of heart failure as well as skeletal muscle homeostasis. Given that both skeletal muscle and heart failure physiology are in-part sex dependent, the diagnosis and treatment of cachexia in heart failure patients may depend on a comprehensive examination of how these organs interact. In this review we explore the potential for sex-specific differences in cardiac cachexia. We summarize advantages and disadvantages of clinical methods used to measure muscle mass and function and provide alternative measurements that should be considered in preclinical studies. Additionally, we summarize sex-dependent effects on muscle wasting in preclinical models of heart failure, disuse, and cancer. Lastly, we discuss the endocrine function of the heart and outline unanswered questions that could directly impact patient care.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection (HFpEF) constitutes a large and growing proportion of patients with HF around the world, and is now responsible for more than half of all HF cases in ageing societies. While classically described as a condition of elderly, hypertensive women, recent studies suggest heterogeneity in clinical phenotypes involving differential characteristics and pathophysiological mechanisms. Despite a paucity of disease-modifying therapy for HFpEF, an understanding of phenotypic similarities and differences among patients with HFpEF around the world provides the foundation to recognise the clinical condition for early treatment, as well as to identify modifiable risk factors for preventive intervention. This review summarises the epidemiology of HFpEF, its common clinical features and risk factors, as well as differences by age, comorbidities, race/ethnicity and geography.

Gender differences in drug titration among heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction in the ETIFIC trial

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Optimal medical therapy decreases mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations in HF patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Women have been underrepresented in clinical trials and not specifically evaluated. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of drug titration in women vs men.

METHODS

This post hoc gender study of the ETIFIC multicenter randomized trial included hospitalized patients with new-onset HF with reduced ejection fraction and New York Heart Association II-III and no contraindications to beta-blockers. A structured 4-month titration process was implemented in HF clinics. The primary endpoint was the mean relative dose (% of target dose) of beta-blockers achieved by women vs men. Secondary endpoints included the mean relative doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, adverse events, and other clinical outcomes at 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 320 patients were included, 83 (25.93%) women and 237 (74.06%) men (76 vs 213 analyzed). The mean±standard deviation of the relative doses achieved by women vs men were as follows: beta-blockers 62.08%±30.72% vs 64.4%±32.77%, with a difference of-2.32% (95%CI,-10.58-5.94), P = .580; and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists 79.85%±27.72% vs 67.29%±31.43%, P =.003. No other differences in drug dosage were found. Multivariate analysis showed nonsignificant differences. CV mortality was 1 (1.20%) vs 3 (1.26%), P=1, and HF hospitalizations 0 (0.00%) vs 10 (4.22%), P=.125.

CONCLUSIONS

In a post hoc analysis from the HF-titration ETIFIC trial, we found nonsignificant gender differences in drug dosage, cardiovascular mortality, and HF hospitalizations. Trial registry number: NCT02546856.

Role of sex on the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A systematic review

Background

Heart Failure (HF) is a growing epidemic with a similar prevalence in men and women. However, women have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials, leading to uneven evidence regarding the benefit of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). This review aims to outline the sex differences in the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results

We conducted a systematic review via Medline from inception to 31 January 2022, including all randomized clinical trials published in English including adult patients suffering HFrEF that reported data on the efficacy of each drug. Baseline clinical characteristics, primary outcomes, and sex-specific effects are summarized in tables. The systemic review has been conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. In total, 29 articles were included in the systematic review. We observed that the proportion of women enrolled in clinical trials was generally low, the absence of a prespecified analysis of efficacy by sex was frequent, and the level of quality of evidence on the efficacy of GDMT and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-) in women was relatively poor.

Conclusions

Sex influences the response to treatment of patients suffering from HFrEF. All the results from the landmark randomized clinical trials are based on study populations composed mainly of men. Further studies specifically designed considering sex differences are warranted to elucidate if GDMT and new devices are equally effective in both sexes.

Special Considerations in the Care of Women With Advanced Heart Failure

Advanced heart failure (AHF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and greater healthcare utilization. Recognition requires a thorough clinical assessment and appropriate risk stratification. There are persisting inequities in the allocation of AHF therapies. Women are less likely to be referred for evaluation of candidacy for heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device despite facing a higher risk of AHF-related mortality. Sex-specific risk factors influence progression to advanced disease and should be considered when evaluating women for advanced therapies. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of sex hormones on the pathophysiology of AHF, describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and definitive therapies of AHF in women with special attention to pregnancy, lactation, contraception and menopause. Future studies are needed to address areas of equipoise in the care of women with AHF.

Understanding How Heart Metabolic Derangement Shows Differential Stage Specificity for Heart Failure with Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical condition defined by structural and functional abnormalities in the heart that gradually result in reduced cardiac output (HFrEF) and/or increased cardiac pressures at rest and under stress (HFpEF). The presence of asymptomatic individuals hampers HF identification, resulting in delays in recognizing patients until heart dysfunction is manifested, thus increasing the chance of poor prognosis. Given the recent advances in metabolomics, in this review we dissect the main alterations occurring in the metabolic pathways behind the decrease in cardiac function caused by HF. Indeed, relevant preclinical and clinical research has been conducted on the metabolite connections and differences between HFpEF and HFrEF. Despite these promising results, it is crucial to note that, in addition to identifying single markers and reliable threshold levels within the healthy population, the introduction of composite panels would strongly help in the identification of those individuals with an increased HF risk. That said, additional research in the field is required to overcome the current drawbacks and shed light on the pathophysiological changes that lead to HF. Finally, greater collaborative data sharing, as well as standardization of procedures and approaches, would enhance this research field to fulfil its potential.

Heart Failure: An Underappreciated Complication of Diabetes. A Consensus Report of the American Diabetes Association

Heart failure (HF) has been recognized as a common complication of diabetes, with a prevalence of up to 22% in individuals with diabetes and increasing incidence rates. Data also suggest that HF may develop in individuals with diabetes even in the absence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, or valvular heart disease and, as such, represents a major cardiovascular complication in this vulnerable population; HF may also be the first presentation of cardiovascular disease in many individuals with diabetes. Given that during the past decade, the prevalence of diabetes (particularly type 2 diabetes) has risen by 30% globally (with prevalence expected to increase further), the burden of HF on the health care system will continue to rise. The scope of this American Diabetes Association consensus report with designated representation from the American College of Cardiology is to provide clear guidance to practitioners on the best approaches for screening and diagnosing HF in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes, with the goal to ensure access to optimal, evidence-based management for all and to mitigate the risks of serious complications, leveraging prior policy statements by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association.

A prospective study on sex differences in functional capacity, quality of life and prognosis in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Due to the lack of evidence and inconsistency of sex differences in Heart failure (HF) in the Chinese population, this study aimed to compare sex differences in functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) between women and men after standard HF medications therapies, and analyze whether sex differences were associated with the composite endpoints of all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization and cardiac event-free survival rate in Chinese patients with HF.

METHODS

This was a 1-year longitudinal study. Participants included patients with HF from March 2017 to December 2018. At baseline and followed up at 1, 6, and 12 months later, functional capacity was assessed by 6-minute walk testing (6MWT), QoL was measured with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and EuroQoL five dimensions (EQ-5D). The Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine sex differences in subsequent outcomes. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors for composite endpoints. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare survival.

RESULTS

All patients were assigned to either men group (n = 94) or women group (n = 60). Longitudinal follow-ups showed a continuously increasing in 6MWT, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall score, EQ-5D visual analogue scale, and EQ-5D Index score in both groups (all P < 0.001); however, women reported a lower level of all parameters at the 1, 6, and 12 months follow-ups (all P < 0.05). In addition, women had a higher risk of all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization and a lower cardiac event-free survival rate than men (log-rank test, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Women reported worse functional capacity, QoL, and prognosis than men in a sample of Chinese patients with HF. Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to sex differences in HF.

Beta-blockers are associated with increased B-type natriuretic peptide levels differently in men and women in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Beta-blocker (BB) use is a mainstay for treatment of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), whereas its efficacy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains controversial. Women outnumber men in HFpEF, whereas men outnumber women in HFrEF. Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is established as a biomarker for HF. We examined whether BB use is associated with plasma BNP levels differently in men and women with HFpEF. The study subjects comprised 721 patients with HFpEF (LVEF≥50%) (184 men, mean age 78.2±9.2 and 537 women, mean age 83.1±8.8), 179 on BB (66 men and 113 women) and 542 (118 men and 424 women) not, 583 in sinus rhythm (SR) and 138 in atrial fibrillation (AF). Multivariable logistic regression test was utilized. Plasma BNP levels were higher (P=0.0005), systolic blood pressure and LVEF lower (P=0.0003, and P=0.0059, respectively) on BBs than on no-BBs in women, whereas in men plasma BNP levels, systolic blood pressure, and LVEF were not altered significantly (P=0.0849, P=0.9129, and P=0.4718, respectively) on BBs compared to no-BBs in patients with SR. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that BB use and women were a positive and a negative predictor for high BNP levels (P=0.003 and P=0.032, respectively) in SR but not in AF. BB use was associated with high plasma BNP levels and lower LVEF in women but not in men with HFpEF and SR, suggesting that the pathogenesis and of HFpEF may differ in men and women in SR.

Large and Small Animal Models of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Heart failure (HF) describes a heterogenous complex spectrum of pathological conditions that results in structural and functional remodeling leading to subsequent impairment of cardiac function, including either systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, or both. Several factors chronically lead to HF, including cardiac volume and pressure overload that may result from hypertension, valvular lesions, acute, or chronic ischemic injuries. Major forms of HF include hypertrophic, dilated, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. The severity of cardiomyopathy can be impacted by other comorbidities such as diabetes or obesity and external stress factors. Age is another major contributor, and the number of patients with HF is rising worldwide in part due to an increase in the aged population. HF can occur with reduced ejection fraction (HF with reduced ejection fraction), that is, the overall cardiac function is compromised, and typically the left ventricular ejection fraction is lower than 40%. In some cases of HF, the ejection fraction is preserved (HF with preserved ejection fraction). Animal models play a critical role in facilitating the understanding of molecular mechanisms of how hearts fail. This review aims to summarize and describe the strengths, limitations, and outcomes of both small and large animal models of HF with reduced ejection fraction that are currently used in basic and translational research. The driving defect is a failure of the heart to adequately supply the tissues with blood due to impaired filling or pumping. An accurate model of HF with reduced ejection fraction would encompass the symptoms (fatigue, dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and edema) along with the pathology (collagen fibrosis, ventricular hypertrophy) and ultimately exhibit a decrease in cardiac output. Although countless experimental studies have been published, no model completely recapitulates the full human disease. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate the strength and weakness of each animal model to allow better selection of what animal models to use to address the scientific question proposed.

Illuminating the Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease

Sex is a key risk factor for many types of cardiovascular disease. It is imperative to understand the mechanisms underlying sex differences to devise optimal preventive and therapeutic approaches for all individuals. Both biological sex (determined by sex chromosomes and gonadal hormones) and gender (social and cultural behaviors associated with femininity or masculinity) influence differences between men and women in disease susceptibility and pathology. Here, we focus on the application of experimental mouse models that elucidate the influence of 2 components of biological sex-sex chromosome complement (XX or XY) and gonad type (ovaries or testes). These models have revealed that in addition to well-known effects of gonadal hormones, sex chromosome complement influences cardiovascular risk factors, such as plasma cholesterol levels and adiposity, as well as the development of atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension. One mechanism by which sex chromosome dosage influences cardiometabolic traits is through sex-biased expression of X chromosome genes that escape X inactivation. These include chromatin-modifying enzymes that regulate gene expression throughout the genome. The identification of factors that determine sex-biased gene expression and cardiometabolic traits will expand our mechanistic understanding of cardiovascular disease processes and provide insight into sex differences that remain throughout the lifespan as gonadal hormone levels alter with age.