Heterogeneous responses of systolic and diastolic left ventricular function to exercise in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

SERCA2a Agonist Effects on Cardiac Performance During Exercise in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Impaired ventricular relaxation influences left ventricular pressures during exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium-adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA2a) facilitates myocardial relaxation by increasing calcium reuptake and is impaired in HFpEF.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the effects of istaroxime, a SERCA2 agonist, on lusitropic and hemodynamic function during exercise in patients with HFpEF and control subjects.

METHODS

Eleven control subjects (7 male, 4 female) and 15 patients with HFpEF (8 male, 7 female) performed upright cycle exercise with right-sided heart catheterization. Participants received istaroxime (0.5 mg/kg/min) or saline placebo (single-blind, crossover design). Cardiac output, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and diastolic function were measured at rest and during submaximal exercise. In an exploratory analysis (Hedges' g), 7 patients with HFpEF received higher-dose istaroxime (1.0 mg/kg/min). End-systolic elastance (Ees) was calculated by dividing systolic blood pressure (SBP) × 0.9 by end-systolic volume (ESV; on 3-dimensional echocardiography).

RESULTS

Patients with HFpEF had higher PCWP (25 ± 10 mm Hg vs 12 ± 5 mm Hg; P < 0.001) and lower tissue Doppler velocities during exercise. Istaroxime (0.5 mg/kg/min) had no effect on resting or exercise measures in patients with HFpEF or control subjects. Control subjects had a larger increase in Ees (Δ 1.55 ± 0.99 mm Hg/mL vs D 0.86 ± 1.31 mm Hg/mL; P = 0.03), driven by lower ESV. Comparing placebo and istaroxime 1.0 mg /kg/min during exercise, PCWP during the 1.0 mg /kg/min istaroxime dose was slightly lower (Δ 2.2 mm Hg; Hedges' g = 0.30). There were no effects on diastolic function, but there were increases in SBP and s', suggesting a mild inotropic effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose istaroxime had no effect on cardiac filling pressure or parameters of relaxation in patients with HFpEF during exercise. Higher doses of istaroxime may have been more effective in reducing exercise PCWP in patients with HFpEF. (Hemodynamic Response to Exercise in HFpEF Patients After Upregulation of SERCA2a; NCT02772068).

Expert proposal to characterize cardiac diseases with normal or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and symptoms of heart failure by comprehensive echocardiography

Currently, the term "heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF)" is based on echocardiographic parameters and clinical symptoms combined with elevated or normal levels of natriuretic peptides. Thus, "HFpEF" as a diagnosis subsumes multiple pathophysiological entities making a uniform management plan for "HFpEF" impossible. Therefore, a more specific characterization of the underlying cardiac pathologies in patients with preserved ejection fraction and symptoms of heart failure is mandatory. The present proposal seeks to offer practical support by a standardized echocardiographic workflow to characterize specific diagnostic entities associated with "HFpEF". It focuses on morphological and functional cardiac phenotypes characterized by echocardiography in patients with normal or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The proposal discusses methodological issues to clarify why and when echocardiography is helpful to improve the diagnosis. Thus, the proposal addresses a systematic echocardiographic approach using a feasible algorithm with weighting criteria for interpretation of echocardiographic parameters related to patients with preserved ejection fraction and symptoms of heart failure. The authors consciously do not use the diagnosis "HFpEF" to avoid misunderstandings. Central illustration: Scheme illustrating the characteristic echocardiographic phenotypes and their combinations in patients with "HFpEF" symptoms with respect to the respective cardiac pathology and pathophysiology as well as the underlying typical disease.

Right Heart Pulmonary Circulation Unit Response to Exercise in Patients with Controlled Systemic Arterial Hypertension: Insights from the RIGHT Heart International NETwork (RIGHT-NET)

BACKGROUND

Systemic arterial hypertension (HTN) is the main risk factor for the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of the study was was to assess the trends in PASP, E/E' and TAPSE during exercise Doppler echocardiography (EDE) in hypertensive (HTN) patients vs. healthy subjects stratified by age.

METHODS

EDE was performed in 155 hypertensive patients and in 145 healthy subjects (mean age 62 ± 12.0 vs. 54 ± 14.9 years respectively, p < 0.0001). EDE was undertaken on a semi-recumbent cycle ergometer with load increasing by 25 watts every 2 min. Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dimensions, function and hemodynamics were evaluated.

RESULTS

Echo-Doppler parameters of LV and RV function were lower, both at rest and at peak exercise in hypertensives, while pulmonary hemodynamics were higher as compared to healthy subjects. The entire cohort was then divided into tertiles of age: at rest, no significant differences were recorded for each age group between hypertensives and normotensives except for E/E' that was higher in hypertensives. At peak exercise, hypertensives had higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and E/E' but lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as age increased, compared to normotensives. Differences in E/E' and TAPSE between the 2 groups at peak exercise were explained by the interaction between HTN and age even after adjustment for baseline values (p < 0.001 for E/E', p = 0.011 for TAPSE). At peak exercise, the oldest group of hypertensive patients had a mean E/E' of 13.0, suggesting a significant increase in LV diastolic pressure combined with increased PASP.

CONCLUSION

Age and HTN have a synergic negative effect on E/E' and TAPSE at peak exercise in hypertensive subjects.

Hemodynamic Heterogeneity of Reduced Cardiac Reserve Unmasked by Volumetric Exercise Echocardiography

Background: Two-dimensional volumetric exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) provides an integrated view of left ventricular (LV) preload reserve through end-diastolic volume (EDV) and LV contractile reserve (LVCR) through end-systolic volume (ESV) changes. Purpose: To assess the dependence of cardiac reserve upon LVCR, EDV, and heart rate (HR) during ESE. Methods: We prospectively performed semi-supine bicycle or treadmill ESE in 1344 patients (age 59.8 ± 11.4 years; ejection fraction = 63 ± 8%) referred for known or suspected coronary artery disease. All patients had negative ESE by wall motion criteria. EDV and ESV were measured by biplane Simpson rule with 2-dimensional echocardiography. Cardiac index reserve was identified by peak-rest value. LVCR was the stress-rest ratio of force (systolic blood pressure by cuff sphygmomanometer/ESV, abnormal values ≤2.0). Preload reserve was defined by an increase in EDV. Cardiac index was calculated as stroke volume index * HR (by EKG). HR reserve (stress/rest ratio) <1.85 identified chronotropic incompetence. Results: Of the 1344 patients, 448 were in the lowest tertile of cardiac index reserve with stress. Of them, 303 (67.6%) achieved HR reserve <1.85; 252 (56.3%) had an abnormal LVCR and 341 (76.1%) a reduction of preload reserve, with 446 patients (99.6%) showing ≥1 abnormality. At binary logistic regression analysis, reduced preload reserve (odds ratio [OR]: 5.610; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 4.025 to 7.821), chronotropic incompetence (OR: 3.923, 95% CI: 2.915 to 5.279), and abnormal LVCR (OR: 1.579; 95% CI: 1.105 to 2.259) were independently associated with lowest tertile of cardiac index reserve at peak stress. Conclusions: Heart rate assessment and volumetric echocardiography during ESE identify the heterogeneity of hemodynamic phenotypes of impaired chronotropic, preload or LVCR underlying a reduced cardiac reserve.

How to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm: a consensus recommendation from the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)

Making a firm diagnosis of chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a challenge. We recommend a new stepwise diagnostic process, the 'HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm'. Step 1 (P=Pre-test assessment) is typically performed in the ambulatory setting and includes assessment for HF symptoms and signs, typical clinical demographics (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, elderly, atrial fibrillation), and diagnostic laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. In the absence of overt non-cardiac causes of breathlessness, HFpEF can be suspected if there is a normal left ventricular ejection fraction, no significant heart valve disease or cardiac ischaemia, and at least one typical risk factor. Elevated natriuretic peptides support, but normal levels do not exclude a diagnosis of HFpEF. The second step (E: Echocardiography and Natriuretic Peptide Score) requires comprehensive echocardiography and is typically performed by a cardiologist. Measures include mitral annular early diastolic velocity (e'), left ventricular (LV) filling pressure estimated using E/e', left atrial volume index, LV mass index, LV relative wall thickness, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, LV global longitudinal systolic strain, and serum natriuretic peptide levels. Major (2 points) and Minor (1 point) criteria were defined from these measures. A score ≥5 points implies definite HFpEF; ≤1 point makes HFpEF unlikely. An intermediate score (2-4 points) implies diagnostic uncertainty, in which case Step 3 (F1: Functional testing) is recommended with echocardiographic or invasive haemodynamic exercise stress tests. Step 4 (F2: Final aetiology) is recommended to establish a possible specific cause of HFpEF or alternative explanations. Further research is needed for a better classification of HFpEF.

Protease-activated receptor 2 deficiency mediates cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction

AIMS

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and pathological cardiac aging share a complex pathophysiology, including extracellular matrix remodelling (EMR). Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) deficiency is associated with EMR. The roles of PAR1 and PAR2 have not been studied in HFpEF, age-dependent cardiac fibrosis, or diastolic dysfunction (DD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Evaluation of endomyocardial biopsies from patients with HFpEF (n = 14) revealed that a reduced cardiac PAR2 expression was associated with aggravated DD and increased myocardial fibrosis (r = -0.7336, P = 0.0028). In line, 1-year-old PAR2-knockout (PAR2ko) mice suffered from DD with preserved systolic function, associated with an increased age-dependent α-smooth muscle actin expression, collagen deposition (1.7-fold increase, P = 0.0003), lysyl oxidase activity, collagen cross-linking (2.2-fold increase, P = 0.0008), endothelial activation, and inflammation. In the absence of PAR2, the receptor-regulating protein caveolin-1 was down-regulated, contributing to an augmented profibrotic PAR1 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-dependent signalling. This enhanced TGF-β/PAR1 signalling caused N-proteinase (ADAMTS3) and C-proteinase (BMP1)-related increased collagen I production from cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). PAR2 overexpression in PAR2ko CFs reversed these effects. The treatment with the PAR1 antagonist, vorapaxar, reduced cardiac fibrosis by 44% (P = 0.03) and reduced inflammation in a metabolic disease model (apolipoprotein E-ko mice). Patients with HFpEF with upstream PAR inhibition via FXa inhibitors (n = 40) also exhibited reduced circulating markers of fibrosis and DD compared with patients treated with vitamin K antagonists (n = 20).

CONCLUSIONS

Protease-activated receptor 2 is an important regulator of profibrotic PAR1 and TGF-β signalling in the heart. Modulation of the FXa/FIIa-PAR1/PAR2/TGF-β-axis might be a promising therapeutic approach to reduce HFpEF.

Left ventricular concentric remodeling and impaired cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular (LV) concentric remodeling refers to a process by which increased LV relative wall thickness alters myocardial geometry, resulting in reduced LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and stroke volume (SV). While the degree of concentric remodeling is a negative prognostic factor in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), it is not known how it contributes to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with HFpEF who underwent treadmill single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). From exercise SPECT-MPI, we recorded postexercise LVEDVi, LVESVi, SVi, LVEF, the presence and extent of perfusion defects, and perfusion reversibility. Peak oxygen consumption (VO<inf>2</inf>), the oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), oxygen (O<inf>2</inf>) pulse, ventilatory efficiency (V<inf>E</inf>/VCO<inf>2</inf> slope), ventilatory anaerobic threshold, respiratory exchange ratio, exercise time, and maximum heart rate were obtained from CPX. Data are expressed as mean (±standard deviation). Univariate and multivariate linear regression was performed.

RESULTS

We identified 23 subjects who had completed both an exercise SPECT-MPI and a CPX. Patients were more commonly women (83%), black (65%), middle age (50 [±7.3] years), and obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] 39.7 [±6.0] kg/m²). Greater LVEDVi and LVESVi correlated positively with peak VO<inf>2</inf> (R=+0.648, P=0.001; R=+0.601, P=0.002), O<inf>2</inf> pulse (R=+0.686, P<0.001; R=+0.625, P=0.001) and OUES (R=+0.882, P<0.001; R=+0.779, P<0.001). The LVEF correlated inversely with peak VO<inf>2</inf> and OUES (R=-0.450, P=0.031; R=-0.485, P=0.035). Perfusion defect area, grade of severity, and presence of reversibility were not associated with CRF variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Postexercise reduced LV volumes correlate with measures of impaired CRF in patients with HFpEF, thus supporting a pathophysiologic role of concentric remodeling in impaired CRF in HFpEF.

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

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

How to diagnose heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm: a consensus recommendation from the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)

Making a firm diagnosis of chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a challenge. We recommend a new stepwise diagnostic process, the 'HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm'. Step 1 (P=Pre-test assessment) is typically performed in the ambulatory setting and includes assessment for heart failure symptoms and signs, typical clinical demographics (obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, elderly, atrial fibrillation), and diagnostic laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography. In the absence of overt non-cardiac causes of breathlessness, HFpEF can be suspected if there is a normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, no significant heart valve disease or cardiac ischaemia, and at least one typical risk factor. Elevated natriuretic peptides support, but normal levels do not exclude a diagnosis of HFpEF. The second step (E: Echocardiography and Natriuretic Peptide Score) requires comprehensive echocardiography and is typically performed by a cardiologist. Measures include mitral annular early diastolic velocity (e'), LV filling pressure estimated using E/e', left atrial volume index, LV mass index, LV relative wall thickness, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, LV global longitudinal systolic strain, and serum natriuretic peptide levels. Major (2 points) and Minor (1 point) criteria were defined from these measures. A score ≥5 points implies definite HFpEF; ≤1 point makes HFpEF unlikely. An intermediate score (2-4 points) implies diagnostic uncertainty, in which case Step 3 (F₁ : Functional testing) is recommended with echocardiographic or invasive haemodynamic exercise stress tests. Step 4 (F₂ : Final aetiology) is recommended to establish a possible specific cause of HFpEF or alternative explanations. Further research is needed for a better classification of HFpEF.

Relative Impairments in Hemodynamic Exercise Reserve Parameters in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Study-Level Pooled Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the relative impairment in different exercise hemodynamic reserve parameters in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and control patients using a study-level meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

A cardinal manifestation of chronic HFpEF is severely decreased exercise capacity. Developing effective therapies for exercise intolerance in HFpEF requires optimal understanding of the factors underlying exercise intolerance.

METHODS

Data were included from 17 unique cohorts that measured peak oxygen uptake and hemodynamic or echocardiographic parameters during exercise in patients with HFpEF and control subjects in this meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) in the exercise reserve (exercise - resting) measures of hemodynamic or echocardiographic parameters between the HFpEF and control groups were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The pooled analysis included 910 patients with HFpEF and 476 control subjects. In pooled analysis, patients with HFpEF had significantly lower peak oxygen uptake (SMD: -2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.68 to -1.57). Among hemodynamic exercise reserve parameters, the largest impairment was observed in chronotropic response reserve (change in heart rate from rest to peak exercise; SMD: -1.87; 95% CI: -2.44 to -1.29), followed by exaggerated increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with exercise (SMD: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.46 to 2.09). Significant abnormalities were also observed in the arteriovenous oxygen difference reserve and stroke volume reserve between the HFpEF and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The most consistent and severe hemodynamic reserve abnormalities observed in patients with HFpEF were impairment in chronotropic reserve and exaggerated increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with exercise. These may be important targets for therapeutic strategies to improve exercise tolerance in patients with HFpEF.

[Why not integrate the spectral tissue Doppler E/(e'xs') in the multiparametric assessment of cardiovascular diseases by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography?]

Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography is based on a multiparametric approach which includes the spectral tissue Doppler-derived E/e'. Recently, a new Doppler index, E/(e'xs'), which combines E/e' with a spectral tissue Doppler-derived marker of systolic function, s', has been proposed in noninvasive assessment of left ventricular myocardial dysfunction. Current literature provides evidence that E/(e'xs') has good correlation with NT proBNP levels and invasive left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, both used as markers of left ventricular myocardial dysfunction, irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion abnormalities. More specifically, E/(e'xs') has good diagnostic accuracy in patients with intermediate values for E/e' (8 to 15). Average E/(e'xs')>1.6 is reported to predict invasive left ventricular end-diastolic pressure>15mmHg with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 85%. Current literature provides evidence that E/(e'xs') could offer better prognostic information than E/e' in patients with systolic heart failure and heart failure with normal ejection fraction, as well as in patients with asymptomatic heart disease. A few clinical studies also suggest that E/(e'xs') could predict recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion and left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction. Further experimental and clinical investigation is critically needed to determine the role of this under-recognized tissue Doppler index in noninvasive assessment of cardiovascular diseases, in particular heart failure with normal ejection fraction.

Comorbidity of chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: features of pathogenesis, clinic and diagnostics

This article discusses the epidemiology of chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CHF and COPD are characterized by high prevalence and high mortality, especially when they are combined. The article analyzes the general mechanisms of formation of these diseases: the relationship of COPD with cardiovascular diseases is explained by common risk factors, including smoking, physical inactivity, improper feeding and genetic predisposition. The leading role in the pathogenesis of pathologies is played by the activation and maintenance of systemic inflammation. Article presents the features of the clinical picture and the direction of the diagnostics in case of suspected combined pathology, the possibilities of modern laboratory and instrumental research methods. Diagnostics of comorbidity of CHF and COPD may be difficult, given the above common risk factors, some common pathogenesis mechanisms and similar clinical symptoms. However the caution regarding the comorbidity of the studied conditions, as well as a thorough clinical examination and the appointment of the necessary additional research methods, can reduce the number of diagnostic mistakes and improve the prognosis in such patients.

A Valveless Pulsatile Pump for the Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Simulation Study

PURPOSE

Effective treatment of patients with terminal heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an unmet medical need. The aim of this study was to investigate a novel valveless pulsatile pump as a therapeutic option for the HFpEF population through comprehensive in silico investigations.

METHODS

The pump was simulated in a numerical model of the cardiovascular system of four HFpEF phenotypes and compared to a typical case of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The proposed pump, which was modeled as being directly connected to the left ventricle, features a single valveless inlet and outlet cannula and is driven in co-pulsation with the left ventricle. We collected hemodynamics for two different pump volumes (30 and 60 mL).

RESULTS

In all HFpEF conditions, the 30 mL pump improved the cardiac output by approximately 1 L/min, increased the mean arterial pressure by > 11% and lowered the mean left atrial pressure by > 30%. With the larger (60 mL) stroke volume, these hemodynamic improvements were more pronounced. In the HFrEF condition however, these effects were three times less in magnitude.

CONCLUSIONS

In this simulation study, the valveless pulsatile device improves hemodynamics in HFpEF patients by increasing the total stroke volume. The hemodynamic benefits are achieved with a small device volume comparable to implantable rotary blood pumps.

Diastolic stress test echocardiography in patients with suspected heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a pilot study

AIMS

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the potential usefulness of diastolic stress test (DST) echocardiography in patients with suspected heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with suspected HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50%, exertional dyspnoea, septal E/e' at rest 9-14, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at rest < 220 pg/mL; n = 13) and a control group constituted from asymptomatic patients with arterial hypertension (n = 19) and healthy subjects (n = 18) were included. All patients were analysed by two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography at rest and during exercise (DST) and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and NT-proBNP analysis during exercise. HFpEF during exercise was defined as exertional dyspnoea and peak VO₂  ≤ 20.0 mL/min/kg. In patients with suspected HFpEF at rest, 84.6% of these patients developed HFpEF during exercise, whereas in the group of asymptomatic patients with hypertension and healthy subjects, the rate of developed HFpEF during exercise was 0%. Regarding the diagnostic performance of DST to detect HFpEF during exercise, an E/e' ratio >15 during exercise was the most accurate parameter to detect HFpEF (accuracy 86%), albeit a low sensitivity (45.5%). Nonetheless, combining E/e' with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity > 2.8 m/s during exercise provided a significant increase in the sensitivity to detect patients with HFpEF during exercise (sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 79.5%, and accuracy 78%). Consistent with these findings, an increase of E/e' was significantly linked to worse peak VO₂ , and the combination of an increase of both E/e' and TR velocity was associated with elevated NT-proBNP values during exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this pilot study suggest that DST using E/e' ratio and TR velocity could be of potential usefulness to diagnose HFpEF during exercise in patients with suspected HFpEF at rest.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: current management and future strategies : Expert opinion on the behalf of the Nucleus of the "Heart Failure Working Group" of the German Society of Cardiology (DKG)

About 50% of all patients suffering from heart failure (HF) exhibit a reduced ejection fraction (EF ≤ 40%), termed HFrEF. The others may be classified into HF with midrange EF (HFmrEF 40-50%) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, EF ≥ 50%). Presentation and pathophysiology of HFpEF is heterogeneous and its management remains a challenge since evidence of therapeutic benefits on outcome is scarce. Up to now, there are no therapies improving survival in patients with HFpEF. Thus, the treatment targets symptom relief, quality of life and reduction of cardiac decompensations by controlling fluid retention and managing risk factors and comorbidities. As such, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CBB) and beta-blockers, diet and exercise recommendations are still important in HFpEF, although these interventions are not proven to reduce mortality in large randomized controlled trials. Recently, numerous new treatment targets have been identified, which are further investigated in studies using, e.g. soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, inorganic nitrates, the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ 696, and SGLT2 inhibitors. In addition, several devices such as the CardioMEMS, interatrial septal devices (IASD), cardiac contractility modulation (CCM), renal denervation, and baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) were investigated in different forms of HFpEF populations and some of them have the potency to offer new hopes for patients suffering from HFpEF. On the basic research field side, lot of new disease-modifying strategies are under development including anti-inflammatory drugs, mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants, new anti-fibrotic and microRNA-guided interventions are under investigation and showed already promising results. This review addresses available data of current best clinical practice and management approaches based on expert experiences and summarizes novel approaches towards HFpEF.

Sarcopenia, cachexia, and muscle performance in heart failure: Review update 2016

Cachexia in the context of heart failure (HF) has been termed cardiac cachexia, and represents a progressive involuntary weight loss. Cachexia is mainly the result of an imbalance in the homeostasis of muscle protein synthesis and degradation due to a lower activity of protein synthesis pathways and an over-activation of protein degradation. In addition, muscle wasting leads to of impaired functional capacity, even after adjusting for clinical relevant variables in patients with HF. However, there is no sufficient therapeutic strategy in muscle wasting in HF patients and very few studies in animal models. Exercise training represents a promising intervention that can prevent or even reverse the process of muscle wasting, and worsening the muscle function and performance in HF with muscle wasting and cachexia. The pathological mechanisms and effective therapeutic approach of cardiac cachexia remain uncertain, because of the difficulty to establish animal cardiac cachexia models, thus novel animal models are warranted. Furthermore, the use of improved animal models will lead to a better understanding of the pathways that modulate muscle wasting and therapeutics of muscle wasting of cardiac cachexia.

Heterogeneous responses of systolic and diastolic left ventricular function to exercise in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate ventricular diastolic properties using three‐dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging at rest and during exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients with borderline evidence of diastolic dysfunction at rest.

Methods and results

Results obtained from 52 HFpEF patients (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50%) identified on the basis of heart failure symptoms and E/E′ values between 8 and 15 were compared with those obtained in 26 control patients with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Mitral flow patterns, tissue Doppler imaging, and volume analysis obtained by three‐dimensional echocardiography were performed at rest and during bicycle exercise. Diastolic compliance was indexed by the E/E′ ratio and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume [(E/E′)/EDV]. There were no significant differences in end‐diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV), or ejection fraction at rest between groups. In 27 of the 52 patients, E/E′ increased during exercise (11.2 ± 3.7 to 16.8 ± 10.5), driven by a failure to augment early diastole (E′). This correlated with a fall in SV and was associated with an increase in the diastolic index (E/E′)/EDV as a measure for LV stiffness (0.122 ± 0.038 to 0.217 ± 0.14/mL), indicating that impaired diastolic reserve (designated PEF‐I_DR) contributed to exercise intolerance. Of the 52 patients, 25 showed no changes in E/E′ during exercise associated with a significant rise in SV and cardiac output, still inappropriate compared with controls. Despite disturbed early diastole (E′), a blunted increase in estimated systolic LV elastance indicated that impaired systolic reserve and chronotropic incompetence rather than primarily diastolic disturbances contributed to exercise intolerance in this group (designated PEF).

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional stress echocardiography may allow non‐invasive analysis of changes in cardiac output that can differentiate HFpEF patients with an inappropriate increase or a fall in SV during exercise. Impaired systolic or diastolic reserve can contribute to these haemodynamic abnormalities, which may arise from different underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.