Beta blocker dose and markers of sympathetic activation in heart failure patients: interrelationships and prognostic significance

Impact of Outpatient Beta Blocker Therapy Adjustment on Tachyarrhythmias in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Admitted for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background: Limited data exists to evaluate the optimal management of outpatient beta blocker therapy when patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of holding or decreasing the dose of outpatient beta blocker therapy vs continuation of therapy on rates of tachyarrhythmias during admission for ADHF. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study divided patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 40%) admitted for ADHF into two cohorts: one that had their outpatient beta blocker continued at the same dose upon admission and one that had it held or dose decreased. The primary outcome was a composite of non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or atrial fibrillation or flutter with rapid ventricular response during the hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the individual tachyarrhythmias in the primary outcome, in-hospital mortality, and 90-day re-admission for heart failure. Results: Of the 137 patients included, 82 were in the continuation cohort and 55 in the discontinuation/reduction cohort. The median length of stay was 5.3 days (interquartile range, 3.8-7.6). No significant difference in the primary composite outcome was found between the discontinuation/reduction and continuation cohorts (29.1% vs 22.0%; relative risk [95% confidence interval], 1.33 [.74-2.37]; P = .420). No significant differences were seen between the two cohorts for any of the secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Beta blocker therapy adjustment on admission for ADHF may not affect the occurrence of tachyarrhythmias in patients with HFrEF.

Prognostic impact of outpatient loop diuretic reduction patterns in patients with chronic heart failure

Background

The relationship between patterns of outpatient oral loop diuretic (LD) dose reduction and prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF) remains unclear.

Methods

We evaluated 679 patients with HF-prescribed LDs at baseline between September 2015 and August 2019. Dose reduction was defined as a change to a lower LD dose than the previous outpatient dose. Dose intensification was defined as a change to a higher LD dose than the previous outpatient dose. Patients were classified into no-reduction (no LD dose reduction during follow-up) and reduction groups (categorized into successive-reduction [≥2 successive LD dose reductions without intervening LD dose intensification] and single-reduction [LD dose reduction without successive dose reduction] groups). The primary outcomes were all-cause death, HF hospitalization (HFH), and the composite of cardiovascular death (CVD) or HFH.

Results

Within a median follow-up of 53.7 (range, 2.6-99.1) months, 156 deaths were recorded: 121 (29 %), 31 (15 %), and three (4 %) patients in the no-reduction (n = 411), single-reduction (n = 195), and successive-reduction (n = 73) groups, respectively. After adjusting for cofounders, the reduction group had a lower risk of primary outcomes than the no reduction group (all-cause death: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.44-0.96; CVD or HFH: HR=0.69, 95 %CI=0.52-0.93; HFH: HR=0.69, 95 % CI=0.52-0.93). The successive-reduction group had a lower risk of the composite of CVD or HFH (HR=0.26, 95 % CI: 0.10-0.67) and HFH (HR=0.34, 95 % CI=0.13-0.86) than the single-reduction group.

Conclusions

Outpatient LD dose reduction patterns can be indicators of good prognosis in HF patients.

Myocardial DNA Damage Predicts Heart Failure Outcome in Various Underlying Diseases

BACKGROUND

Reliable predictors of treatment efficacy in heart failure have been long awaited. DNA damage has been implicated as a cause of heart failure.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of DNA damage in myocardial tissue with treatment response and prognosis of heart failure.

METHODS

The authors performed immunostaining of DNA damage markers poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) and γ-H2A.X in endomyocardial biopsy specimens from 175 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) of various underlying etiologies. They calculated the percentage of nuclei positive for each DNA damage marker (%PAR and %γ-H2A.X). The primary outcome was left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) at 1 year, and the secondary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, and ventricular assist device implantation.

RESULTS

Patients who did not achieve LVRR after the optimization of medical therapies presented with significantly higher %PAR and %γ-H2A.X. The ROC analysis demonstrated good performance of both %PAR and %γ-H2A.X for predicting LVRR (AUCs: 0.867 and 0.855, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the mean proportion of DNA damage marker-positive nuclei and the probability of LVRR across different underlying diseases. In addition, patients with higher %PAR or %γ-H2A.X had more long-term clinical events (PAR HR: 1.63 [95% CI: 1.31-2.01]; P < 0.001; γ-H2A.X HR: 1.48 [95% CI: 1.27-1.72]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DNA damage determines the consequences of human heart failure. Assessment of DNA damage is useful to predict treatment efficacy and prognosis of heart failure patients with various underlying etiologies.

The Worsening Renal Perfusion Index Predicts the Prognoses of Heart Failure Patients Treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan

INTRODUCTION

Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) reduces all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but it may decline their estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR). In addition to eGFR, this clinical study aimed to develop a blood urea nitrogen (BUN)-based index to evaluate the status of renal perfusion and then identify predictors of all-cause death or heart transplant in patients with HFrEF receiving S/V.

METHODS

From the recruited 291 patients with HFrEF who were prescribed S/V from March 2017 to March 2019, we collected demographic, drug history, laboratory, echocardiographic, and clinical data from 1 year before S/V initiation until December 2020. Regression analysis was conducted by fitting Cox's models with time-dependent covariates for the survival time and applying the modern stepwise variable selection procedure. The smoothing spline method was used to detect nonlinearity in effect and yield optimal cut-off values for continuous covariates.

RESULTS

In the Cox's model, decreased hemoglobin level, decreased mean left ventricular ejection fraction, declined daily dose of S/V, decreased eGFR within 3 months, and increased BUN levels within 1 month and 9 months over time were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause death or heart transplant in patients with HFrEF.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate maintenance of renal perfusion is crucial for the continuous use of S/V and to avoid worsening renal function in patients with HFrEF. We defined the maximum increase in BUN levels within a specified period as the Worsening Renal Perfusion Index (WRPSV Index) to capture the prognostic effect of renal hypoperfusion in patients with HFrEF.

Glycemic status, non-traditional risk and left ventricular structure and function in the Jackson Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular structure and function abnormalities may be an early marker of cardiomyopathy among African Americans with diabetes (DM) even in the absence of coronary artery disease (CAD), arrhythmia, valvular heart disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study examined the association of prediabetes (PDM), DM and HbA1c with left ventricular structure and function among Jackson Heart Study (JHS) participants without traditional risk factors.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional analyses of the association of PDM, DM and HbA1c with, left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF), fractional shortening (LV FS), stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac index (CI), left ventricular end diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), left ventricular end systolic volume index (LVESVI), relative wall thickness (RWT), myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI). The study was conducted in 2234 adult JHS participants without preexisting CAD, arrhythmia, valvular heart disease or ESRD. Statistical analyses included descriptive, univariate and covariate adjusted linear regression analyses. Sensitivity analyses to explore the impact of hypertension on study outcomes were also carried out.

RESULTS

DM compared with no DM was associated with lower, SVI (- 0.96 ml/m2, p = 0.029), LVEDVI (- 1.44 ml/m2 p = 0.015), and MCF (- 1.90% p = 0.007) but higher CI (0.14 L/min/m2, p < 0.001), RWT (0.01 cm, p = 0.002) and LVMI (2.29 g/m2, p = 0.009). After further control for DM duration, only CI remaining significantly higher for DM compared with no DM participants (0.12 L/min/m2, p = 0.009). PDM compared with no PDM was associated with lower, SVI (- 0.87 ml/m2, P = 0.024), LVEDVI (- 1.15 ml/m2 p = 0.003) and LVESVI (- 0.62 ml/m2 p = 0.025). HbA1c ≥ 8.0% compared with HbA1c < 5.7% was associated with lower SVI (- 2.09 ml/m2, p = 0.004), LVEDVI (- 2.11 ml/m2 p = 0.032) and MCF (- 2.94% p = 0.011) but higher CI (0.11 L/min/m2, p = 0.043) and RWT (0.01 cm, p = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Glycemic status is associated with important left ventricular structure and function changes among African Americans without prior CAD, arrhythmia, valvular heart disease and ESRD. Longitudinal studies may further elucidate these relationships.

Lack of Association Between Neurohormonal Blockade and Survival in Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

Background

Despite the belief that heart failure therapies are not effective in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, data are limited. We tested the association of neurohormonal blockade use with survival.

Methods and Results

A total of 309 consecutive patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis were identified. Medication inventory was obtained at baseline and subsequent visits. Exposure included a neurohormonal blockade class (β‐blocker [βB], angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, and mineralocorticoid antagonist) at baseline and subsequent visits. βB was modeled as baseline use, time‐varying use, and in an inverse probability treatment weighted model. Primary outcome was all‐cause mortality analyzed with adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Continuing compared with stopping βB during follow‐up was tested. Mean age was 73.2 years, 84.1% were men, and 17.2% had atrial fibrillation/flutter at baseline. At the time of study entry, 49.8% were on βBs, 35.0% were on angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and 23.9% were on mineralocorticoid antagonists. For the total cohort, there was a trend toward harm in the unadjusted model for baseline βB use, but this was neutral after adjustment. When βB use was analyzed as a time‐varying exposure, there was no association with mortality. βB discontinuation was associated with decreased mortality for the total cohort. Findings were consistent in inverse probability treatment weighted models. For angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker or mineralocorticoid antagonist use, there was no association with mortality after adjustment for the total cohort.

Conclusions

There was no association of neurohormonal blockade use with survival in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. For the total cohort, deprescribing βB may be associated with improved survival. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Different Impact of Beta-Blockers on Long-Term Mortality in Heart Failure Patients with and without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The administration of beta-blockers is challenging and their efficacy is unclear in heart failure (HF) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to investigate the association of beta-blockers with mortality in such patients. This multicenter observational cohort study included hospitalized HF patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction <50% and evaluated them retrospectively. COPD was diagnosed based on medical records and/or the clinical judgment of each investigator. The study endpoints were two-year all-cause, cardiac, and non-cardiac mortality. This study included 83 patients with COPD and 1760 patients without. Two-year all-cause, cardiac, and non-cardiac mortality were observed in 315 (17%), 149 (8%), and 166 (9%) patients, respectively. Beta-blockers were associated with lower all-cause mortality regardless of COPD (COPD: hazard ratio [HR] 0.39, 95% CI 0.16–0.98, p = 0.044; non-COPD: HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.83, p = 0.001). This association in HF patients with COPD persisted after multivariate analysis and inverse probability weighting and was due to lower non-cardiac mortality (HR 0.40, 95% CI 0.14–1.18. p = 0.098), not cardiac mortality (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.07–2.01, p = 0.248). Beta-blockers were associated with lower all-cause mortality in HF patients with COPD due to lower non-cardiac mortality. This may reflect selection biases in beta-blocker prescription.

Quantifying cardiac sympathetic denervation: first studies of 18F-fluorohydroxyphenethylguanidines in cardiomyopathy patients

PURPOSE

4-¹⁸F-Fluoro-m-hydroxyphenethylguanidine (¹⁸F-4F-MHPG) and 3-¹⁸F-fluoro-p-hydroxyphenethylguanidine (¹⁸F-3F-PHPG) were developed for quantifying regional cardiac sympathetic nerve density using tracer kinetic analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate their performance in cardiomyopathy patients.

METHODS

Eight cardiomyopathy patients were scanned with ¹⁸F-4F-MHPG and ¹⁸F-3F-PHPG. Also, regional resting perfusion was assessed with ¹³N-ammonia. ¹⁸F-4F-MHPG and ¹⁸F-3F-PHPG kinetics were analyzed using the Patlak graphical method to obtain Patlak slopes K_p (mL/min/g) as measures of regional nerve density. Patlak slope polar maps were used to evaluate the pattern and extent of cardiac denervation. For comparison, "retention index" (RI) values (mL blood/min/mL tissue) were also calculated and used to assess denervation. Perfusion polar maps were used to estimate the extent of hypoperfusion.

RESULTS

Patlak analysis of ¹⁸F-4F-MHPG and ¹⁸F-3F-PHPG kinetics was successful in all subjects, demonstrating the robustness of this approach in cardiomyopathy patients. Substantial regional denervation was observed in all subjects, ranging from 25 to 74% of the left ventricle. Denervation zones were equal to or larger than the size of corresponding areas of hypoperfusion. The two tracers provided comparable metrics of regional nerve density and the extent of left ventricular denervation. ¹⁸F-4F-MHPG exhibited faster liver clearance than ¹⁸F-3F-PHPG, reducing spillover from the liver into the inferior wall. ¹⁸F-4F-MHPG was also metabolized more consistently in plasma, which may allow application of population-averaged metabolite corrections.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of ¹⁸F-4F-MHPG (more rapid liver clearance, more consistent metabolism in plasma) make it the better imaging agent to carry forward into future clinical studies in patients with cardiomyopathy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov website (NCT02669563). URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02669563.

Lower In-Hospital Mortality With Beta-Blocker Use at Admission in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background It remains unclear whether beta-blocker use at hospital admission is associated with better in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Methods and Results We evaluated the factors independently associated with beta-blocker use at admission, and the effect of beta-blocker use at admission on in-hospital mortality in 3817 patients with acute decompensated heart failure enrolled in the Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry. There were 1512 patients (39.7%) receiving, and 2305 patients (60.3%) not receiving beta-blockers at admission for the index acute decompensated heart failure hospitalization. Factors independently associated with beta-blocker use at admission were previous heart failure hospitalization, history of myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, and estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Factors independently associated with no beta-blocker use were asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower body mass index, dementia, older age, and left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Patients on beta-blockers had significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates (4.4% versus 7.6%, P<0.001). Even after adjusting for confounders, beta-blocker use at admission remained significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality risk (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.27-0.60, P<0.001). Furthermore, beta-blocker use at admission was significantly associated with both lower cardiovascular mortality risk and lower noncardiovascular mortality risk. The association of beta-blocker use with lower in-hospital mortality risk was relatively more prominent in patients receiving high dose beta-blockers. The magnitude of the effect of beta-blocker use was greater in patients with previous heart failure hospitalization than in patients without (P for interaction 0.04). Conclusions Beta-blocker use at admission was associated with lower in-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Registration URL: https://www.upload.umin.ac.jp/; Unique identifier: UMIN000015238.

Norepinephrine, plasma renin activity and cardiovascular mortality in systolic heart failure

OBJECTIVE

We analysed the circulating levels and prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone in patients with systolic heart failure (HF) receiving therapies that target the sympathetic system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis.

METHODS

We retrieved data from consecutive HF outpatients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% and available neurohormones, evaluated at a tertiary referral centre for HF from 1999 to 2016.

RESULTS

Patients (n=1477) were aged 66±13 years, 75% were men, median LVEF was 32% (IQR 25-38), 77% had LVEF <40% and 44% ischaemic HF. At the time of sampling, 69% were on beta-blockers, 75% on ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and 48% on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists vs 88%, 87% and 66%, respectively, after therapy optimisation. Median NT-proBNP, NE, E, PRA and aldosterone were 1441 ng/L, 494 ng/L, 30 ng/L, 1.2 ng/mL/hour and 130 ng/dL, respectively. Over a 4.8-year follow-up (2.4-8.2), 376 patients died from cardiovascular causes (26%). NT-proBNP and PRA predicted cardiovascular mortality after adjusting for all other univariable predictors. The risk of cardiovascular death increased by 8% or 7% per each doubling of PRA in 2 models considering therapies at the time of sampling or after therapy optimisation. PRA improved metrics of reclassification and discrimination, and independently predicted outcome even in the LVEF <40% subgroup.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HF with LVEF <50% or <40%, PRA shows independent prognostic significance from a model that includes NT-proBNP, and might represent an additive tool for risk stratification.

Optimizing Guideline-directed Medical Therapies for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction During Hospitalization

Heart failure remains a huge societal concern despite medical advancement, with an annual direct cost of over $30 billion. While guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is proven to reduce morbidity and mortality, many eligible patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are not receiving one or more of the recommended medications, often due to suboptimal initiation and titration in the outpatient setting. Hospitalization serves as a key point to initiate and titrate GDMT. Four evidence-based therapies have clinical benefit within 30 days of initiation and form a crucial foundation for HFrEF therapy: renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors with or without a neprilysin inhibitor, β-blockers, mineralocorticoid-receptor-antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors. The authors present a practical guide for the implementation of these four pillars of GDMT during a hospitalization for acute heart failure.

Resting Heart Rate as an Important Predictor of Mortality and Morbidity in Ambulatory Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Resting heart rate is a risk factor of adverse heart failure outcomes; however, studies have shown controversial results. This meta-analysis evaluates the association of resting heart rate with mortality and hospitalization and identifies factors influencing its effect.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We systematically searched electronic databases in February 2019 for studies published in 2005 or before that evaluated the resting heart rate as a primary predictor or covariate of multivariable models of mortality and/or hospitalization in adult ambulatory patients with heart failure. Random effects inverse variance meta-analyses were performed to calculate pooled hazard ratios. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess evidence quality. Sixty-two studies on 163,445 patients proved eligible. Median population heart rate was 74 bpm (interquartile range 72-76 bpm). A 10-bpm increase was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.08-1.13, high quality). Overall, subgroup analyses related to patient characteristics showed no changes to the effect estimate; however, there was a strongly positive interaction with age showing increasing risk of all-cause mortality per 10 bpm increase in heart rate.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality evidence demonstrates increasing resting heart rate is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality in ambulatory patients with heart failure on optimal medical therapy, with consistent effect across most patient factors and an increased risk trending with older age.

Cardiac cachexia: the mandate to increase clinician awareness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure is a frequent problem in an ageing population, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Today, it is important to not only treat heart failure itself but also the related comorbidities. Among them, cardiac cachexia is one of the major challenges. It is a complex multifactorial disease with a negative impact on quality of life and prognosis. Therefore, prevention, early recognition and treatment of cardiac cachexia is essential.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cardiac cachexia frequently presents with skeletal as well as heart muscle depletion. Imaging-based diagnostic techniques can help to identify patients with cardiac cachexia and muscle wasting. Several blood biomarkers are available to detect metabolic changes in cardiac cachexia.

SUMMARY

Several studies are currently ongoing to better comprehend the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac cachexia and to find new treatments. It is essential to diagnose it as early as possible to initiate therapy.

Meditation for Improved Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Implantable Defibrillators for Heart Failure- Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Sympathetic activation is associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) and leads to adverse clinical events.We hypothesized that meditation by reducing emotional reactivity would have beneficial effect in reducing arrhythmias compared to control patients.

METHODS

Patients known to have CHF and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) were randomized to Vipassana meditation or usual care control group. Meditation group underwent meditation classes three times during the first week, thereafter every once two weeks. They were encouraged to practice meditation at least once everyday. The ICD was followed by clinic/ remote visits. Atrial (AA) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) as well cardiac events were assessed in follow up. Chi square test was used to compare nominal variables and t test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Patients (n=25, 65% male, mean LVEF 25%, HTN 38%, Diabetes 12%, coronary artery disease 38%, NYHA class 2.2) were followed for 79 + 36 months. Comparing meditation vs control, survival was higher (88%vs 67%); there was less cumulative sustained AF episodes (mean 0.9, IQR 0-1 vs 2.5, IQR 2-4, p=0.045), sustained VT occurred (25% vs 55%, amiodarone use (none vs 44%), and VT ablation in 6.6% vs 33% in the meditation group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this first pilot study of meditation in CHF patients with ICD, during long term follow up, there is a trend for improved survival and reduced arrhythmias in patients randomized to meditation.

Mechanisms of Urgently Presenting Acute Heart Failure

The mechanisms of urgently presenting acute heart failure (AHF) are not clear. We evaluated the serum catecholamine values of AHF patients immediately after admission. A total of 1,475 AHF patients were screened, and 484 who were admitted from their homes and in whom serum catecholamine could be evaluated immediately after admission were analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to the time interval from the onset of symptoms to admission (OA): < 3 hours (early-OA group; n = 283), 3-24 hours (middle-OA group; n = 142), and ≥24 hours (late-OA group; n = 59). In the early-OA group, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher, orthopnea was more frequent, the pH value was significantly decreased, and the use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation was required significantly more often than in the other groups. The serum noradrenaline level was significantly increased in the early-OA group (1.96 [1.02-3.60] ng/mL) than in the middle-OA (1.49 [0.73-3.41] ng/mL) and late-OA (1.40 [0.91-2.42] ng/mL) groups, and the adrenaline level was significantly increased in the early-OA group (0.36 [0.13-1.17] ng/mL) than in the late-OA (0.22 [0.09-0.52] ng/mL) group. A multivariate logistic regression model indicated the early-OA group was independently associated with the SBP > 140 mmHg (odds ratio [OR]: 2.219, 95% CI: 1.375-3.581), midnight/early morning admission (OR: 3.158, 95% CI: 2.048-4.868), and high serum catecholamine value (adrenaline > 0.96 ng/mL, noradrenaline > 3.39 ng/mL, and dopamine > 0.21 ng/mL) (OR 2.091, 95% CI: 1.161-3.767). In conclusion, urgently presented AHF might be induced by an endogenous catecholamine surge, which causes an excessive rise in blood pressure leading to increased after-overload and volume-shift lung congestion.

The difference in referencing in Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar

AIMS

How often a medical article is cited is important for many people because it is used to calculate different variables such as the h-index and the journal impact factor. The aim of this analysis was to assess how the citation count varies between Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and Google Scholar in the current literature.

METHODS

We included the top 50 cited articles of four journals ESC Heart Failure; Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle; European Journal of Preventive Cardiology; and European Journal of Heart Failure in our analysis that were published between 1 January 2016 and 10 October 2019. We recorded the number of citations of these articles according to WoS, Scopus, and Google Scholar on 10 October 2019.

RESULTS

The top 50 articles in ESC Heart Failure were on average cited 12 (WoS), 13 (Scopus), and 17 times (Google Scholar); in Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle 37 (WoS), 43 (Scopus), and 60 times (Google Scholar); in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 41 (WoS), 56 (Scopus), and 67 times (Google Scholar); and in European Journal of Heart Failure 76 (WoS), 108 (Scopus), and 230 times (Google Scholar). On average, the top 50 articles in all four journals were cited 41 (WoS), 52 (Scopus, 26% higher citations count than WoS, range 8-42% in the different journals), and 93 times (Google Scholar, 116% higher citation count than WoS, range 42-203%).

CONCLUSION

Scopus and Google Scholar on average have a higher citation count than WoS, whereas the difference is much larger between Google Scholar and WoS.

Open access efforts begin to bloom: ESC Heart Failure gets full attention and first impact factor

In 2014, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) founded the first open access journal focusing on heart failure, called ESC Heart Failure (ESC-HF). In the first 5 years, in ESC-HF we published more than 450 articles. Through ESC-HF, the HFA gives room for heart failure research output from around the world. A transfer process from the European Journal of Heart Failure to ESC-HF has also been installed. As a consequence, in 2018 ESC-HF received 289 submissions, and published 148 items (acceptance rate 51%). The journal is listed in Scopus since 2014 and on the PubMed website since 2015. In 2019, we received our first impact factor from ISI Web of Knowledge / Thomson-Reuters, which is 3.407 for 2018. This report reviews which papers get best cited. Not surprisingly, many of the best cited papers are reviews and facts & numbers mini reviews, but original research is also well cited.

Sympathetic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation in heart failure with preserved, mid-range and reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Evidence of sympathetic and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation provided a rationale for neurohormonal antagonism in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), while no data are available in patients with milder degree of systolic dysfunction. We aimed to investigate neurohormonal function in HF with preserved and mid-range EF (HFpEF/HFmrEF).

METHODS

Three cohorts (n = 189/each) of stable HFpEF, HFmrEF and HFrEF patients were selected (median age 70, 67 and 67 years; male 56%, 73% and 74%, respectively). Patients received a baseline clinical assessment including plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone, catecholamines, and N-terminal fraction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) assays, and were followed-up for all-cause death.

RESULTS

Neuroendocrine profile was similar between HFpEF and HFmrEF, while all neurohormones except epinephrine were higher in HFrEF than in HFmrEF (NT-proBNP 2332 ng/L, IQR 995-5666 vs 575 ng/L, 205-1714; PRA 1.7 ng/mL/h, 0.4-5.6 vs 0.6 ng/mL/h, 0.2-2.6; aldosterone 153 ng/L, 85-246 vs 113 ng/L, 72-177; norepinephrine 517 ng/L, 343-844 vs 430 ng/L, 259-624; all p < 0.001, epinephrine 31 ng/L, 10-63 vs 25 ng/L, 10-44; p = 0.319). These findings were unrelated to treatment heterogeneity. Ten percent of HFpEF patients had elevated PRA, aldosterone and norepinephrine vs. 8% in HFmrEF and 21% in HFrEF. During a 5-year follow-up, survival decreased with the number of neurohormones elevated (HFpEF: log-rank 7.8, p = 0.048; HFmrEF: log-rank 11.8, p = 0.008; HFrEF: log-rank 8.1, p = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurohormonal activation is present only in a subset of patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF, and may hold clinical significance. Neurohormonal antagonism may be useful in selected HFpEF/HFmrEF population.

Exercise test is essential in LV-only fusion CRT pacing without right ventricle lead

Purpose: Left ventricle (LV)-only pacing is non-inferior to biventricular pacing but permanent fusion pacing is needed to ensure cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) responsiveness. The role of systematic exercise testing (ET) in these patients has not been established. This study was designed to assess clinical and therapeutic implications (device programming/drugs) of systematic ET in patients requiring fusion-pacing CRT without an right ventricle (RV) lead. Methods: Consecutive patients with a right atrium/LV-only dual-chamber (DDD) pacing system were included. Prospective data were obtained: device interrogation, ET, and echocardiography at every 6-month follow-up visit. CRT assessment during ET included maximal heart rate, beat-to-beat echocardiography analysis of LV fusion pacing, LV loss of capture, and improvement in exercise capacity. If LV loss of capture or unsatisfactory LV fusion pacing occurred, reprogramming was individualized for each patient and ET redone. Results: A total of 55 patients (29 male) aged 62±11 years were included. During follow-up (39±18 months), a total of 235 ETs were performed, with mean exercise load 6.4±1.3 metabolic equivalents of task (118±35 W, maximal heart rate 119±17 beats/min). Twenty patients (36%) had inadequate pacing or loss of LV capture during ET, due to exceeding the maximum tracking rate (11%), chronotropic incompetence (7%), and LV pacing outside the fusion-pacing band (18%), caused by physiological shortening of the PR interval or exagerated LV preexcitation during maximum exercise. Post-ET CRT-device optimization included reprogramming of rate-adaptive atrioventricular interval (total decrease 23±8 ms), individualized programming of maximum tracking rate, or rate-response function. Drug optimization was performed in 32% of patients, and ET redone in 36%. Conclusion: In one of three ETs, an intervention in device and medication optimization was done to ensure a better outcome. Routine ET should be a standard approach to maximize fusion-pacing CRT response during follow-up.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation attenuates cardiac sympathetic drive in heart failure: a 123MIBG myocardial scintigraphy randomized controlled trial

Cardiac sympathetic overdrive provides inotropic support to the failing heart. However, as myocardial insult evolves, this compensatory response impairs contractile function and constitutes an independent mortality predictor and a primary target in the treatment of heart failure (HF). In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial, we proposed cervicothoracic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (CTENS) as a nonpharmacological therapy on cardiac sympathetic activity in patients with HF. Seventeen patients with HF were randomly assigned to an in-home CTENS (30 min twice daily, 80-Hz frequency, and 150-μs pulse duration) or a control intervention (Sham) for 14 consecutive days. Following a 60-day washout phase, patients were crossed over to the opposite intervention. The heart-to-mediastinum ratio (HMR) and washout rate (WR) (indexes of sympathetic innervation density and activity from planar ¹²³iodo-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy images, respectively), as well as blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), were quantified before and after each intervention. HMR, BP, and HR did not change throughout the study. Nonetheless, CTENS reduced WR (CTENS -4 ± 10 vs. Sham +5 ± 15%, P = 0.03) when compared with Sham. When allocated in two independent groups, preserved (PCSI, HMR > 1.6, n = 10) and impaired cardiac sympathetic innervation (ICSI, HRM ≤1.6, n = 7), PCSI patients showed an important attenuation of WR (-11 ± 9 vs. Sham +8 ± 19%, P = 0.007) after CTENS. Nonetheless, neither Sham nor CTENS evoked changes in WR of the ICSI patients (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that CTENS attenuates the cardiac sympathetic overdrive in patients with HF and a preserved innervation constitutes an essential factor for this beneficial neuromodulatory impact. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Identifier: NCT03354689. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that short-term cervicothoracic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (CTENS) attenuates cardiac sympathetic overdrive in patients with heart failure and a preserved autonomic innervation may constitute an essential factor to maximize this beneficial neuromodulatory effect. CTENS then emerges as an alternative noninvasive and nonpharmacological strategy to attenuate exaggerated cardiac sympathetic drive in patients with heart failure.

Cardiac sympathetic innervation scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine. Basis, protocols and clinical applications in Cardiology

Imaging of cardiac sympathetic innervation is only possible by nuclear cardiology techniques and its assessment is key in the evaluation of and decision-making for patients with cardiac sympathetic impairment. This review includes the basis of cardiac sympathetic scintigraphy with ¹²³I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (¹²³I-MIBG), recommended protocols, patient preparation, image acquisition and quantification, reproducibility, dosimetry, etc., and also the clinical indications for cardiac patients, mainly with regard to heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiotoxicity, including its contribution to establishing the indication for and monitoring the response to implantable cardiac devices, pharmacological treatment, heart transplantation and other.

Chronic vagal nerve stimulation exerts additional beneficial effects on the beta-blocker-treated failing heart

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) induces bradycardia in chronic heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that beta-blocker would cover the beneficial effects of VNS on CHF if the anti-beta-adrenergic effect was the main VNS effect. This study investigated the effects of VNS on cardiac remodeling in rats with CHF treated with metoprolol. Two weeks after myocardial infarction, surviving rats were randomly assigned to groups of sham stimulation (SS), sham stimulation with metoprolol (SSM), or VNS with metoprolol (VSM). Compared to the SS group, heart rate was significantly reduced in the SSM and VSM groups. Hemodynamic assessments showed that VSM rats maintained better cardiac pump function and presented higher cardiac index and lower heart weight than SSM rats. VSM was also associated with lower plasma brain natriuretic peptide and norepinephrine levels than SSM. VSM but not SSM improved the 50-day survival rate compared with the SS group. The results suggest that VNS may exert its beneficial effects on the failing heart independently of its anti-beta-adrenergic mechanism.

Resting Oxygen Consumption and Heart Failure: Importance of Measurement for Determination of Cardiac Output With the Use of the Fick Principle

BACKGROUND

Resting oxygen consumption (VO₂) is often estimated and frequently used to guide therapeutic decisions in symptomatic heart failure (HF) patients. The relationship between resting VO₂ and symptomatic HF and the accuracy of estimations of VO₂ in this population are unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a cross-sectional study of HF patients (n = 691) and healthy control subjects (n = 77). VO₂ was measured with the use of a metabolic cart, and estimated VO₂ was calculated with the use of the Dehmer, LaFarge, and Bergstra formulas and the thermodilution method. The measured and estimated VO₂ were compared and the potential impact of estimations determined. In the multivariable model, resting VO₂ decreased with increasing New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class in a stepwise fashion (β NYHA functional class IV vs control = -36 mL O₂/min; P < .001). Estimations of VO₂ with the use of derived equations diverged from measured values, particularly for patients with NYHA functional class IV limitations. The percentage difference of measured VO₂ versus estimated VO₂ was >25% in 39% (n = 271), 25% (n = 170), 82% (n = 566), and 39% (n = 271) of HF patients when using the Dehmer, LaFarge, Bergstra, and thermodilution-derived estimations of VO₂ respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Resting VO₂ decreases with increasing NYHA functional class and is lower than in control subjects. Using estimations of VO₂ to calculate CO may introduce clinically important error.

Modern-day cardio-oncology: a report from the 'Heart Failure and World Congress on Acute Heart Failure 2018'

During the ‘Heart Failure and World Congress on Acute Heart Failure 2018’, many sessions and lectures focused on cardio‐oncology. This important field of research is constantly growing, and therefore, a great amount of time during the congress focused on it. Prevention and early recognition of side effects is very important in cancer patients. One of the most common and potentially severe problems during antineoplastic therapy is cardiotoxicity. Hence, cardio‐oncology is vital in managing cancer patients. This paper will summarize the topics discussed in three main sessions and many additional lectures throughout the ‘Heart Failure and World Congress on Acute Heart Failure 2018’. The covered topics included pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of heart failure, risk factors, and early signs of cardiotoxicity detectable with different circulating and imaging biomarkers, as well as cardioprotective treatments recommended by different guidelines and position papers.

Beta-Blockers and ACE Inhibitors Are Associated with Improved Survival Secondary to Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia

OBJECTIVE

The study sought to assess the impact of treatment with beta-blocker (BB) or ACE inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) on secondary survival in patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmia.

BACKGROUND

Data regarding outcome of patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmia treated with BB and ACEi/ARB is limited.

METHODS

A large retrospective registry was used including consecutive patients presenting with ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation from 2002 to 2016 on admission. Applying propensity-score matching for harmonization, the impact of "BB" and "ACEi/ARB" was comparatively evaluated. The primary prognostic outcome was long-term all-cause death at 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 972 matched patients were included. Both patients with BB (long-term mortality rate 18 versus 27%; log rank p = 0.041; HR = 0.661; 95% CI = 0.443-0.986; p = 0.043) and with ACEi/ARB (long-term mortality rate 13 versus 23%; log rank p = 0.004; HR = 0.544; 95% CI = 0.359-0.824; p = 0.004) revealed better secondary survival compared to patients without after presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmia on admission. The prognostic benefit of BB was comparable to ACEi/ARB (long-term mortality rate 21 versus 26%; log rank p = 0.539).

CONCLUSION

BB and ACEi/ARB were associated with improved secondary survival in patients surviving ventricular tachyarrhythmia on admission.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02982473.

Preventive use of carvedilol for anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Clinical or subclinical cardiotoxicity is a concern for cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Carvedilol is promising for preventing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC). This review appraised the preventive effects of carvedilol against AIC based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

The Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched from inception to March 27, 2018. RCTs using carvedilol for the prevention of AIC were selected. Risk of bias and methodological quality were assessed. Meta-analysis was conducted, when applicable, for the trial endpoints; otherwise the data were analyzed descriptively.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs comprising 717 patients were selected. The risk of bias was unclear and the methodological quality differed substantially. Data pooling of five eligible studies indicated no decreased mortality in patients receiving carvedilol (risk difference = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.07-0.04, p = 0.57, I² = 44%). The impact on the incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was inconsistently reported but meta-analysis was not applicable due to discordant LVSD definitions. Data pooling of eight studies and a subgroup analysis indicated a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with substantial heterogeneity in the carvedilol group (mean difference [MD] = 5.23, 95% CI: 2.20-8.27, p = 0.0007, I² = 95%, and MD = 4.65, 95% CI: 0.67-8.64, p = 0.02, I² = 90%, respectively). Further analysis of echocardiographic parameters and biomarkers showed weak evidence of improvement in diastolic function and troponin I level by carvedilol administration.

CONCLUSION

Preventive use of carvedilol in patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy may be associated with a reduced incidence of LVSD, higher LVEF value, better diastolic function, and lower troponin I level. RCTs with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to verify these findings.

Association between beta-adrenoceptor antagonist-induced sympathicolysis and severity of coronary artery disease as assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)

Enhanced sympathetic nervous system activity is associated with increased mortality in many cardiac conditions including heart failure and coronary artery disease (CAD). To ensure adequate image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA), pre-scan β-adrenergic blockers (BB) are routinely administered. It is currently unknown whether sensitivity to sympathicolytic compounds is associated with severity of CAD. A total of 2633 consecutive patients (1733 [65.8%] men and 900 [34.2%] women, mean age 56.7 ± 11.5 years) undergoing CCTA for exclusion of significant CAD at our department between 06/2013 and 12/2016 were evaluated. Acute heart rate (HR) responses to BB administration were recorded in all patients. Coronary plaque burden as indicated by segment severity score (SSS), segment involvement score (SIS), and significant CAD (i.e. > 50% luminal narrowing) was higher in weak responders to BB as compared to strong responders to BB (p = 0.001 for SSS and SIS, and p = 0.021 for significant CAD). Accordingly, in a multiple linear regression model adjusted for known risk factors of CAD such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, as well as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), glomerular filtration rate, and HR during CCTA scan, a strong response to BB was selected as a significant independent negative predictor of coronary plaque burden (beta coefficient - 0.08, p = 0.001). We demonstrate that individuals with a weak acute response to BB administration encounter an increased risk of severe CAD. Taking into account sensitivity to sympatho-inhibition may add complementary information in patients undergoing CCTA for evaluation of CAD.

Metabolic disorders in heart failure and cancer

In an aging population, the number of patients affected by heart failure and cancer is constantly increasing and together these two conditions account for more than 50% of all deaths worldwide. Both diseases share similar risk factors including smoking, obesity, and hypertension. Presenting symptoms may also be similar, with patients frequently complaining of dyspnea, fatigue, and anorexia. Many affected patients, especially those with more advanced heart failure or cancer, suffer also from metabolic disorders. These can lead eventually to muscle wasting, sarcopenia, and cachexia. These complications are associated with increased morbidity, a poorer quality of life, a worse prognosis and indeed they represent an independent risk factor for the advancement of the underlying disease itself. Very few therapeutic options have been established to treat these co-morbidities. For sarcopenia the only validated treatment is resistance training. Moreover, there is currently no guideline recommended therapy for the treatment of cachexia. New treatment strategies are urgently needed to prevent and treat muscle and wasting disorders in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and chronic heart failure.

Increased levels of substance P in patients taking beta-blockers are linked with a protective effect on oropharyngeal dysphagia

BACKGROUND

We have recently found a potential protective effect of beta-blockers on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). The action mechanism by which beta-blockers could wield this protective effect is unknown, but the neurotransmitter substance P (SP) could play a key role. The aim of this study was to analyze serum and saliva SP levels in patients taking beta-blockers (TBB), and to explore its relationship with OD.

METHODS

Adult (>50 year) patients TBB were randomly recruited from the primary care setting and 1:1 matched by age, sex, and Barthel Index (BI) with patients not taking beta-blockers (NTBB). Serum and saliva samples were taken and analyzed for their SP levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected. Dysphagia was evaluated in all patients using the clinical volume-viscosity swallow test (V-VST).

KEY RESULTS

We studied 28 patients TBB (64.96 ± 7.31 years, 57.1% women, BI 99.6 ± 1.31, carvedilol-equivalent dose 24.11 ± 18.12 mg) and 28 patients NTBB (65.61 ± 6.43 years, 57.1% women, BI 99.6 ± 1.31). SP serum levels were significantly higher in patients TBB (260.68 ± 144.27 vs 175.46 ± 108.36 pg/mL, P = .009) as were SP saliva levels (170.34 ± 146.48 vs 102.73 ± 52.28 pg/mL, P < .001) compared with patients NTBB. The prevalence of OD was 32.1% in patients TBB and 67.9% in patients NTBB (P = .015). Moreover, patients with OD had significantly lower SP saliva levels in comparison with patients without clinical signs of OD (98.39 ± 43.25 vs 174.69 ± 147.21 pg/mL) P < .001.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

We have found that serum and saliva SP levels are greater in patients TBB. This increase in SP levels could be the action mechanism by which beta-blockers protect patients from OD.

Beta blocker dose and markers of sympathetic activation in heart failure patients: interrelationships and prognostic significance

Aims

Extent of cardiac sympathetic activation can be estimated from physiological parameters, blood biomarkers, and imaging findings. This study examined the prognostic value of three markers of sympathetic activity and their relationship to beta blocker dose in heart failure patients.

Methods and results

A post hoc analysis of 858 heart failure subjects in the ADMIRE‐HF trial was performed. Variables related to sympathetic activity were plasma norepinephrine, baseline heart rate, the heart to mediastinum (H/M) ratio of ¹²³I‐mIBG uptake, and beta blocker dose. Univariate and multivariate analyses for occurrence of mortality (all‐cause and cardiac) and arrhythmic events were performed. Beta blocker dose was significantly related to age, heart rate, b‐type natriuretic peptide (negatively), body mass index, body weight and plasma norepinephrine. Univariate predictors of all‐cause and cardiac mortality were baseline heart rate (χ² = 4.5, P = 0.029 and χ² = 5 .2, P = 0.022, respectively), plasma norepinephrine level (χ² = 8.9, P = 0.0006 and χ² = 8.6, P = 0.003, respectively), and H/M (χ = 22.4, P < 0.0001 and χ² = 17.8, P < 0.0001, respectively). In multivariate analyses, carvedilol‐equivalent dose (P = 0.017), plasma norepinephrine (P = 0.002), and H/M (P = 0.0001) were significant predictors of all‐cause mortality. In separate analyses using multiple measurements of heart rate, mean heart rate >67 b.p.m. was associated with significantly higher cardiac mortality.

Conclusions

Higher beta blocker dose was associated with lower mortality, but of the variables associated with sympathetic activity examined, cardiac ¹²³I‐mIBG uptake was the most powerful prognostic marker in heart failure patients. Elevated heart rate was associated with greater risk for cardiac death.