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Kozhuharov N, Michou E, Wussler D, Belkin M, Heinisch C, Lassus J, Siirilä-Waris K, Veli-Pekka H, Arenja N, Socrates T, Nowak A, Shrestha S, Willi JV, Strebel I, Gualandro DM, Rentsch K, Maeder MT, Münzel T, Tavares de Oliveira Junior M, von Eckardstein A, Breidthardt T, Mueller C. Quantifying Hemodynamic Cardiac Stress and Cardiomyocyte Injury in Normotensive and Hypertensive Acute Heart Failure. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1099. [PMID: 38791061 PMCID: PMC11118007 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The characterization of the different pathophysiological mechanisms involved in normotensive versus hypertensive acute heart failure (AHF) might help to develop individualized treatments. METHODS The extent of hemodynamic cardiac stress and cardiomyocyte injury was quantified by measuring the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) concentrations in 1152 patients presenting with centrally adjudicated AHF to the emergency department (ED) (derivation cohort). AHF was classified as normotensive with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 90-140 mmHg and hypertensive with SBP > 140 mmHg at presentation to the ED. Findings were externally validated in an independent AHF cohort (n = 324). RESULTS In the derivation cohort, with a median age of 79 years, 43% being women, 667 (58%) patients had normotensive and 485 (42%) patients hypertensive AHF. Hemodynamic cardiac stress, as quantified by the BNP and NT-proBNP, was significantly higher in normotensive as compared to hypertensive AHF [1105 (611-1956) versus 827 (448-1419) pg/mL, and 5890 (2959-12,162) versus 4068 (1986-8118) pg/mL, both p < 0.001, respectively]. Similarly, the extent of cardiomyocyte injury, as quantified by hs-cTnT, was significantly higher in normotensive AHF as compared to hypertensive AHF [41 (24-71) versus 33 (19-59) ng/L, p < 0.001]. A total of 313 (28%) patients died during 360 days of follow-up. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with normotensive AHF vs. patients with hypertensive AHF (hazard ratio 1.66, 95%CI 1.31-2.10; p < 0.001). Normotensive patients with a high BNP, NT-proBNP, or hs-cTnT had the highest mortality. The findings were confirmed in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION Biomarker profiling revealed a higher extent of hemodynamic stress and cardiomyocyte injury in patients with normotensive versus hypertensive AHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Kozhuharov
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 20, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Michou
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Desiree Wussler
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Belkin
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corinna Heinisch
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johan Lassus
- Heart and Lung Center, Department of Cardiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00280 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krista Siirilä-Waris
- Heart and Lung Center, Department of Cardiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00280 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harjola Veli-Pekka
- Department of Emergency Care, Helsinki University Hospital, 00280 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nisha Arenja
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, Solothurner Spitäler AG, 4500 Solothurn, Switzerland
| | - Thenral Socrates
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Albina Nowak
- Department of Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Samyut Shrestha
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julie Valerie Willi
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivo Strebel
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle M. Gualandro
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Heart Institute (INCOR), University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Katharina Rentsch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Micha T. Maeder
- Department of Cardiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Münzel
- University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Arnold von Eckardstein
- Institute for Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Breidthardt
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
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Falco L, Brescia B, Catapano D, Martucci ML, Valente F, Gravino R, Contaldi C, Pacileo G, Masarone D. Vericiguat: The Fifth Harmony of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:388. [PMID: 37754817 PMCID: PMC10531735 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10090388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is a chronic and progressive syndrome that continues to be a substantial financial burden for health systems in Western countries. Despite remarkable advances in pharmacologic and device-based therapy over the last few years, patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction have a high residual risk of adverse outcomes, even when treated with optimal guideline-directed medical therapy and in a clinically stable state. Worsening heart failure episodes represent a critical event in the heart failure trajectory, carrying high residual risk at discharge and dismal short- or long-term prognosis. Recently, vericiguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, has been proposed as a novel drug whose use is already associated with a reduction in heart failure-related hospitalizations in patients in guideline-directed medical therapy. In this review, we summarized the pathophysiology of the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate cascade in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the pharmacology of vericiguat as well as the evidence regarding their use in patients with HFrEF. Finally, tips and tricks for its use in standard clinical practice are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Falco
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Benedetta Brescia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Dario Catapano
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Luigia Martucci
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Fabio Valente
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Rita Gravino
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Carla Contaldi
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Pacileo
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Daniele Masarone
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, AORN dei Colli-Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (D.C.); (M.L.M.); (F.V.); (R.G.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
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Speranza-Sánchez M, Zavaleta-Monestel E, Sancho-Zumbado S, Arguedas-Chacón S, Quirós-Romero A. From End-of-Life Care to Improved Quality of Life and Better Prognosis by Using Vericiguat: A Case Report From Costa Rica. Cureus 2023; 15:e39570. [PMID: 37378118 PMCID: PMC10292727 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this case report, we present the evolution of a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patient who was set to receive end-of-life care but demonstrated improvement following treatment with vericiguat in combination with foundational therapy. Vericiguat is a novel soluble guanylate cyclase stimulant that has been proven helpful for treating decompensated heart failure with HFrEF, decreasing hospitalization rates and mortality of cardiovascular causes. This medication is currently indicated in patients who require IV diuretics administration or hospitalization due to decompensated heart failure. This is a case study of a 62-year-old woman with dilated heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), who was a wheelchair user due to severe cardiovascular symptoms and various comorbidities, who was referred to our heart failure program for treatment. Despite previous treatment, the patient experienced persistent cardiovascular symptoms and required palliative care. After optimizing the foundational therapy, the patient's condition improved but continued to require hospitalization. Vericiguat was initiated as an add-on. After six months, the patient's LVEF improved by 9%, and she is now asymptomatic with a considerable decrease in pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels and is wheelchair independent due to enhance exercise resistance. However, the echocardiogram revealed a progression in the dysfunction of both the mitral and aortic valves. The patient's renal function and quality of life scores also changed over time. Vericiguat therapy, as an adjunct to foundational therapy, improved exercise tolerance and symptom relief. However, further investigation is necessary to assess the effects of vericiguat on renal function and disease progression in individuals with HFrEF.
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Sakhamuri N, Athiyaman S, Randhi B, Gutlapalli SD, Pu J, Zaidi MF, Patel M, Atluri LM, Gonzalez NA, Alfonso M. Sacubitril/Valsartan in Heart Failure Hospitalization: Two Pills a Day to Keep Hospitalizations Away? Cureus 2023; 15:e37335. [PMID: 37181979 PMCID: PMC10168639 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with signs and symptoms that result from any structural or functional deterioration of ventricular filling or ejection of blood. It is the final stage of various cardiovascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction) and remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization. It poses severe health and economic burden worldwide. Patients usually present with shortness of breath due to impaired cardiac ventricular filling and decreased cardiac output. Cardiac remodeling due to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system overactivation is the final pathological mechanism leading to these changes. The natriuretic peptide system is also activated to stop the remodeling. Sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin-receptor neprilysin inhibitor, has prompted a substantial conceptual change in HF treatment. Its primary mechanism is the inhibition of cardiac remodeling and the prevention of natriuretic peptide degradation by inhibiting the enzyme neprilysin. It is an efficacious, safe, and cost-effective therapy that improves the quality of life and survival rate in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction. It has been demonstrated to significantly reduce hospitalization rates and rehospitalization for HF when compared to enalapril. In this review, we have discussed the benefits of sacubitril/valsartan in treating patients with HFrEF, particularly in reducing hospitalizations and readmissions. We have also compiled studies to examine the drug's effect on adverse cardiac events. Finally, the cost benefits of the drug and optimal dosing strategies are also reviewed. Our review article, combined with the recommendations of the 2022 American Heart Association guidelines for heart failure, strongly suggests that sacubitril/valsartan is a cost-effective strategy that reduces hospitalizations for HFrEF patients when started early with optimal doses. There is still much uncertainty regarding the optimal usage of this drug, its use in HFrEF, and the cost benefits when used alone compared with enalapril.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navya Sakhamuri
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sreekartthik Athiyaman
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Bhawna Randhi
- Medicine, NRI Medical College, Chinakakani, IND
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Sai Dheeraj Gutlapalli
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Jingxiong Pu
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Maheen F Zaidi
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Maithily Patel
- Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Lakshmi Malvika Atluri
- General Surgery, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
- Surgery, Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Science, Gannavaram, IND
| | - Natalie A Gonzalez
- Pediatrics, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Michael Alfonso
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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5
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Radhoe SP, Clephas PRD, Linssen GCM, Oortman RM, Smeele FJ, Van Drimmelen AA, Schaafsma HJ, Westendorp PH, Brunner-La Rocca HP, Brugts JJ. Phenotypic patient profiling for improved implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy: An exploratory analysis in a large real-world chronic heart failure cohort. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1081579. [PMID: 36969869 PMCID: PMC10033992 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1081579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: Implementation of guideline-recommended pharmacological treatment in heart failure (HF) patients remains challenging. In 2021, the European Heart Failure Association (HFA) published a consensus document in which patient profiles were created based on readily available patient characteristics and suggested that treatment adjusted to patient profile may result in better individualized treatment and improved guideline adherence. This study aimed to assess the distribution of these patient profiles and their treatment in a large real-world chronic HF cohort. Methods and results: The HFA combined categories of heart rate, blood pressure, presence of atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and hyperkalemia into eleven phenotypic patient profiles. A total of 4,455 patients with chronic HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% with complete information on all characteristics were distributed over these profiles. In total, 1,640 patients (36.8%) could be classified into one of the HFA profiles. Three of these each comprised >5% of the population and consisted of patients with a heart rate >60 beats per minute with normal blood pressure (>90/60 mmHg) and no hyperkalemia. Conclusion: Nearly forty percent of a real-world chronic HF population could be distributed over the eleven patient profiles as suggested by the HFA. Phenotype-specific treatment recommendations are clinically relevant and important to further improve guideline implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumant P. Radhoe
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pascal R. D. Clephas
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Remko M. Oortman
- Department of Cardiology, Bravis Hospital, Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Smeele
- Department of Cardiology, Slingeland Hospital, Doetinchem, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Paul H. Westendorp
- Department of Cardiology, Rivas Beatrix Hospital, Gorinchem, Netherlands
| | | | - Jasper J. Brugts
- Department of Cardiology, Thorax Center, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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