Characteristics, treatments and 1-year prognosis of hospitalized and ambulatory heart failure patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long-Term Registry

Association between comorbid COPD or chronic bronchitis and the prognosis of patients with Dilated cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by unilateral or bilateral ventricular enlargement and reduced ventricular systolic function, with or without heart failure. In previous studies, we found that a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis is a high risk factor for DCM combined with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Therefore, we propose that the comorbidity of COPD or chronic bronchitis will increase the cardiogenic mortality of patients with DCM.

METHODS

Data were collected from patients with DCM who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from October 2008 to April 2020. The primary endpoint was cardiac death. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were employed to assess the associations between the comorbidities COPD or chronic bronchitis with the study endpoints. Different adjusting models were used to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 305 DCM patients were ultimately enrolled, among whom 46 patients had COPD or chronic bronchitis. The median follow-up was 50 months. The rate of cardiac death in the COPD or chronic bronchitis group was significantly greater than that in the non-COPD or nonchronic bronchitis group (p < 0.001). The associations between comorbid COPD or chronic bronchitis and cardiac death remained robust after eliminating the possible effects of confounders. After grouping by PH, the risk difference was mainly derived from the intermediate- or high-probability PH group.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbid COPD or chronic bronchitis increased the risk of cardiac death among DCM patients with an intermediate or high PH probability.

Phenotyping patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure

AIMS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) are prevalent comorbidities associated with significant morbidity/mortality. We assessed prevalence of, patient profiles and outcomes associated with COPD across the ejection fraction (EF) spectrum.

METHODS

HF patients enrolled in the Swedish HF registry between 2005 and 2021 were considered. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess patient characteristics independently associated with COPD and Cox regression models for investigating the associations between COPD and outcomes, that is, morbidity/mortality.

RESULTS

Among 97 904 HF patients, COPD prevalence was 13%, highest in HF with preserved EF [HFpEF: 16%, HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF): 12%, HF with reduced EF (HFrEF): 11%]. Key patient characteristics independently associated with a diagnosis of COPD included higher EF, female sex, smoking, obstructive sleep disorder, peripheral artery disease, a lower educational level, more severe HF, more likely mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and diuretic use but less likely use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (not in HFrEF), beta-blockers, HF device therapies, and follow-up in HF nurse-led clinics. COPD was independently associated with a 15% higher risk of cardiovascular (CV) death/HF hospitalization [hazard ratio: 1.15 (95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.18)], CV death, non-CV death, all-cause death and HF hospitalizations, regardless of EF.

CONCLUSIONS

COPD was present in every eight patient with HF, and more common with preserved EF. Patients with COPD had more severe HF, heavier comorbidity burden and worse morbidity/mortality regardless of EF. Our results call for improved diagnostic and management strategies in patients with HF and COPD.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Takotsubo syndrome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome characterized by a relevant comorbid background, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, TTS patients with COPD are still not well characterized.

AIM

to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with TTS and COPD.

METHODS

n = 440 TTS patients were dichotomized according to the presence of COPD. Endpoint of the study were in-hospital complications (composite of death, major arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock and acute pulmonary edema), TTS recurrence and long-term mortality at follow-up.

RESULTS

mean age of the population was 72±11, 10 % males. COPD prevalence was 16 % (n = 69). On subgroup analysis, patients with COPD were more likely smokers (41 % vs 13 %, p < 0.001), with higher rates of dyspnea and physical triggers at presentation (52 % vs 18 %, p < 0.001 and 52 % vs 32 %, p = 0.001 respectively) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (36 % vs 39 %, p = 0.035) In-hospital complications were more common in patients with COPD (26 % vs 13 %, p = 0.006), driven by higher rates of acute pulmonary edema (19 % vs 6 %, p < 0.001) and cardiogenic shock (10 % vs 4 %, p = 0.023). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, COPD was independently associated with in-hospital complications occurrence (Odds Ratio 2.10, 95 % CI 1.09-4.05; p = 0.027). At univariable Cox regression analysis COPD was associated with TTS recurrence (Hazard Ratio (HR 9.82, 95 % CI 3.2-30.12; p < 0.001)), at multivariable Cox regression analysis with long-term mortality (HR 2.97, 95 % CI 1.44-6.12; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

COPD marks a vulnerable TTS phenotype including higher risk of in-hospital complications, long-term recurrence and mortality.

An Italian Delphi Consensus on the Triple inhalation Therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

The management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lacks standardization due to the diverse clinical presentation, comorbidities, and limited acceptance of recommended approaches by physicians. To address this, a multicenter study was conducted among Italian respiratory physicians to assess consensus on COPD management and pharmacological treatment.

METHODS

The study employed the Delphi process using the Estimate-Talk-Estimate method, involving a scientific board and expert panel. During a 6-month period, the scientific board conducted the first Delphi round and identified 11 broad areas of COPD management to be evaluated while the second Delphi round translated all 11 items into statements. The statements were subsequently presented to the expert panel for independent rating on a nine-point scale. Consensus was considered achieved if the median score was 7 or higher. Consistently high levels of consensus were observed in the first rating, allowing the scientific board to finalize the statements without requiring further rounds.

RESULTS

Topics generating substantial discussion included the pre-COPD phase, patient-reported outcomes, direct escalation from a single bronchodilator to triple therapy, and the role of adverse events, particularly pneumonia, in guiding triple therapy prescriptions. Notably, these topics exhibited higher standard deviations, indicating greater variation in expert opinions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study emphasized the significance that Italian pulmonologists attribute to managing mortality, tailoring treatments, and addressing cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD patients. While unanimous consensus was not achieved for all statements, the results provide valuable insights to inform clinical decision-making among physicians and contribute to a better understanding of COPD management practices in Italy.

Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: A comprehensive and up-to-date review on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with COPD is needed. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the risk of a range of CVD in patients with COPD. Methods: We searched three databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, SCOPUS) from inception to September 2023 using terms related to COPD and CVD. Observational studies were included if they (1) were conducted in adults with a diagnosis of COPD based on the GOLD criteria, spirometry, physician diagnosis, or review of electronic health records; (2) reported the risk of CVD, namely of myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease, compared with a control population using a measure of risk. A narrative synthesis was used. Results: Twenty-four studies from 2015 to 2023, mainly from Europe (n = 17), were included. A total of 3,485,392 patients with COPD (43.5-76.0% male; 63.9-73.5 yrs) and 31,480,333 (40.0-55.4% male, 49.3-70.0 yrs) controls were included. A higher risk of CVD in patients with COPD was evident regarding overall CVD, MI, IHD, heart failure, and angina. Higher risks of arrhythmia and AF, stroke, sudden cardiac death/arrest, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease were also found, although based on a small amount of evidence. Conclusions: Patients with COPD have a higher risk of CVD than the general population or matched controls. This review underscores the need for vigilant and close monitoring of cardiovascular risk in individuals with COPD to inform more precise preventive strategies and targeted interventions to enhance their overall management.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Heart Failure: Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment for HFpEF and HFrEF

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common in heart failure (HF), and it has a significant impact on the prognosis and quality of life of patients. Additionally, COPD is independently associated with lower adherence to first-line HF therapies. In this review, we outline the challenges of identifying and managing HF with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction with coexisting COPD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Spirometry is necessary for COPD diagnosis and prognosis but is underused in HF. Therefore, misdiagnosis is a concern. Also, disease-modifying drugs for HF and COPD are usually safe but underprescribed when HF and COPD coexist. Patients with HF-COPD are poorly enrolled in clinical trials. Guidelines recommend that HF treatment should be offered regardless of COPD presence, but modern registries show that undertreatment persists. Treatment gaps could be attenuated by ensuring an accurate and earlier COPD diagnosis in patients with HF, clarifying the concerns related to pharmacotherapy safety, and increasing the use of non-pharmacologic treatments. Acknowledging the uncertainties, this review aims to provide key clinical resources to support better physician-patient co-decision-making and improve collaboration between health professionals.

How to tackle therapeutic inertia in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) reduces morbidity and mortality, but its implementation is often poor in daily clinical practice. Barriers to implementation include clinical and organizational factors that might contribute to clinical inertia, i.e. avoidance/delay of recommended treatment initiation/optimization. The spectrum of strategies that might be applied to foster GDMT implementation is wide, and involves the organizational set-up of heart failure care pathways, tailored drug initiation/optimization strategies increasing the chance of successful implementation, digital tools/telehealth interventions, educational activities and strategies targeting patient/physician awareness, and use of quality registries. This scientific statement by the Heart Failure Association of the ESC provides an overview of the current state of GDMT implementation in HFrEF, clinical and organizational barriers to implementation, and aims at suggesting a comprehensive framework on how to overcome clinical inertia and ultimately improve implementation of GDMT in HFrEF based on up-to-date evidence.

Traditional and Advanced Echocardiographic Evaluation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Forgotten Relation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant preventable and treatable clinical disorder defined by a persistent, typically progressive airflow obstruction. This disease has a significant negative impact on mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the complex interaction between the heart and lungs is usually underestimated, necessitating more attention to improve clinical outcomes and prognosis. Indeed, COPD significantly impacts ventricular function, right and left chamber architecture, tricuspid valve functionality, and pulmonary blood vessels. Accordingly, more emphasis should be paid to their diagnosis since cardiac alterations may occur very early before COPD progresses and generate pulmonary hypertension (PH). Echocardiography enables a quick, noninvasive, portable, and accurate assessment of such changes. Indeed, recent advancements in imaging technology have improved the characterization of the heart chambers and made it possible to investigate the association between a few cardiac function indexes and clinical and functional aspects of COPD. This review aims to describe the intricate relation between COPD and heart changes and provide basic and advanced echocardiographic methods to detect early right ventricular and left ventricular morphologic alterations and early systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In addition, it is crucial to comprehend the clinical and prognostic significance of functional tricuspid regurgitation in COPD and PH and the currently available transcatheter therapeutic approaches for its treatment. Moreover, it is also essential to assess noninvasively PH and pulmonary resistance in patients with COPD by applying new echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, echocardiography should be used more frequently in assessing patients with COPD because it may aid in discovering previously unrecognized heart abnormalities and selecting the most appropriate treatment to improve the patient's symptoms, quality of life, and survival.

The role of multimorbidity in patients with heart failure across the left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum: Data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry

AIMS

The aim of this analysis was to provide data on the overall comorbidity burden, both cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV, in a large real-world heart failure (HF) population across the ejection fraction (EF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with HF from the Swedish HF Registry between 2000 and 2021 were included. Of 91 463 patients (median age 76 years [interquartile range 67-82]), 98% had at least one among the 17 explored comorbidities (94% at least one CV and 85% at least one non-CV comorbidity). All comorbidities, except for coronary artery disease (CAD), were more frequent in HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Patients with multiple comorbidities were older, more likely female, inpatients, with HFpEF, worse New York Heart Association class and higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels. In a multivariable Cox model, 12 comorbidities were independently associated with a higher risk of death from any cause. The highest risk was associated with dementia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-1.65), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.34-1.41), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.28-1.35). Obesity was associated with a lower risk of all-cause death (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.79-0.84). CAD and valvular heart disease were associated with a higher risk of all-cause and CV mortality, but not non-CV mortality, whereas cancer and musculo-skeletal disease increased the risk of non-CV mortality. A significant interaction with EF was observed for several comorbidities. Occurrence of CV and non-CV outcomes was related to the number of CV and non-CV comorbidities, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The burden of both CV and non-CV comorbidities was high in HF regardless of EF, but overall higher in HFpEF. Multimorbidity was associated with a high risk of death with a different burden on CV or non-CV outcomes.

A roadmap for therapeutic discovery in pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart failure. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC and the ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation & Right Ventricular Function

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with left heart failure (LHF) (PH-LHF) is one of the most common causes of PH. It directly contributes to symptoms and reduced functional capacity and negatively affects right heart function, ultimately leading to a poor prognosis. There are no specific treatments for PH-LHF, despite the high number of drugs tested so far. This scientific document addresses the main knowledge gaps in PH-LHF with emphasis on pathophysiology and clinical trials. Key identified issues include better understanding of the role of pulmonary venous versus arteriolar remodelling, multidimensional phenotyping to recognize patient subgroups positioned to respond to different therapies, and conduct of rigorous pre-clinical studies combining small and large animal models. Advancements in these areas are expected to better inform the design of clinical trials and extend treatment options beyond those effective in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Enrichment strategies, endpoint assessments, and thorough haemodynamic studies, both at rest and during exercise, are proposed to play primary roles to optimize early-stage development of candidate therapies for PH-LHF.

Implementation of the Care Bundle for the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with/without Heart Failure

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often part of a more complex cardiopulmonary disease, especially in older patients. The differential diagnosis of the acute exacerbation of COPD and/or heart failure (HF) in emergency settings is challenging due to their frequent coexistence and symptom overlap. Both conditions have a detrimental impact on each other's prognosis, leading to increased mortality rates. The timely diagnosis and treatment of COPD and coexisting factors like left ventricular overload or HF in inpatient and outpatient care can improve prognosis, quality of life, and long-term outcomes, helping to avoid exacerbations and hospitalization, which increase future exacerbation risk. This work aims to address existing gaps, providing management recommendations for COPD with/without HF, particularly when both conditions coexist. During virtual meetings, a panel of experts (the authors) discussed and reached a consensus on the differential and paired diagnosis of COPD and HF, providing suggestions for risk stratification, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate therapy for inpatients and outpatients. They emphasize that when COPD and HF are concomitant, both conditions should receive adequate treatment and that recommended HF treatments are not contraindicated in COPD and have favorable effects. Accurate diagnosis and therapy is crucial for effective treatment, reducing hospital readmissions and associated costs. The management considerations discussed in this study can potentially be extended to address other cardiopulmonary challenges frequently encountered by COPD patients.

Prognostic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma in patients with heart failure

PURPOSE

To analyze the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma on therapeutic management and prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

Analysis of the information collected in a clinical registry of patients referred to a specialized HF unit from January-2010 to June-2012. Clinical profile, treatment and prognosis of patients was evaluated, according to the presence of COPD or asthma. Survival analyses were conducted by means of Kaplan-Meier and Cox's methods. Median follow-up was 1493 days.

RESULTS

We studied 2577 patients, of which 251 (9.7%) presented COPD and 96 (3.7%) bronchial asthma. Significant differences among study groups were observed regarding to the prescription of beta-blockers (COPD=89.6%; asthma=87.5%; no bronchopathy=94.1%; p=0.002) and SGLT2 inhibitors (COPD=35.1%; asthma=50%; no bronchopathy=38.3%; p=0.036). Also, patients with bronchial disease received less frequently a defibrillator (COPD=20.3%; asthma=20.8%; no broncopathy=29%; p=0.004). COPD was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.64; 95% CI 1.33-2.02), all-cause death or HF admission (HR=1.47; 95% CI 1.22-1.76) and cardiovascular death or heart transplantation (HR=1.39; 95% CI 1.08-1.79) as compared with patients with no bronchopathy. Bronchial asthma was not significantly associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

COPD, but not asthma, is an adverse independent prognostic factor in patients with HF.

Epidemiology and treatment of heart failure with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Canadian primary care

AIMS

Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are largely managed in primary care, but their intersection in terms of disease burden, healthcare utilization, and treatment is ill-defined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined a retrospective cohort including all patients with HF or COPD in the Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network from 2010 to 2018. The population size in 2018 with HF, COPD, and HF with COPD was 15 778, 27 927, and 4768 patients, respectively. While disease incidence declined, age-sex-standardized prevalence per 100 population increased for HF alone from 2.33 to 3.63, COPD alone from 3.44 to 5.96, and COPD with HF from 12.70 to 15.67. Annual visit rates were high and stable around 8 for COPD alone but declined significantly over time for HF alone (9.3-8.1, P = 0.04) or for patients with both conditions (14.3-11.9, P = 0.006). For HF alone, cardiovascular visits were common (29.4%), while respiratory visits were infrequent (3.5%), with the majority of visits being non-cardiorespiratory. For COPD alone, respiratory and cardiovascular visits were common (16.4% and 11.3%) and the majority were again non-cardiorespiratory. For concurrent disease, 39.0% of visits were cardiorespiratory. The commonest non-cardiorespiratory visit reasons were non-specific symptoms or signs, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and mental health. In patients with HF with and without COPD, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor use was similar, while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use was marginally higher with concurrent COPD. Beta-blocker use was initially lower with concurrent COPD compared with HF alone (69.3% vs. 74.0%), but this progressively declined by 2018 (74.5% vs. 73.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HF and COPD continues to rise. Although patients with either or both conditions are high utilizers of primary care, the majority of visits relate to non-cardiorespiratory comorbidities. Medical therapy for HF was similar and the initially lower beta-blocker utilization disappeared over time.

Heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and dapagliflozin: a patient-level meta-analysis of DAPA-HF and DELIVER

AIMS

Because an increased risk of amputation with canagliflozin was reported in the CANVAS trials, there has been a concern about the safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who are at higher risk of amputation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A patient-level pooled analysis of the DAPA-HF and DELIVER trials, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced, mildly reduced/preserved ejection fraction, respectively, was conducted. In both trials, the primary outcome was the composite of worsening HF or cardiovascular death, and amputation was a prespecified safety outcome. Peripheral artery disease history was available for 11 005 of the total 11 007 patients. Peripheral artery disease was reported in 809 of the 11 005 patients (7.4%). Median follow-up was 22 months (interquartile range 17-30). The rate of the primary outcome (per 100 person-years) was higher in PAD patients than that in non-PAD patients: 15.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 13.1-17.3) vs. 10.6 (10.2-11.1]; adjusted hazard ratio 1.23 (95% CI 1.06-1.43). The benefit of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome was consistent in patients with [hazard ratio 0.71 (95% CI 0.54-0.94)] and without PAD [0.80 (95% CI 0.73-0.88)] (Pinteraction = 0.39). Amputations, while more frequent in PAD patients, were not more common with dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, irrespective of PAD status (PAD, placebo 4.2% vs. dapagliflozin 3.7%; no PAD, placebo 0.4% vs. dapagliflozin 0.4%) (Pinteraction = 1.00). Infection rather than ischaemia was the main trigger for amputation, even in patients with PAD.

CONCLUSION

The risk of worsening HF or cardiovascular death was higher in patients with PAD, as was the risk of amputation. The benefits of dapagliflozin were consistent in patients with and without PAD, and dapagliflozin did not increase the risk of amputation.

Cardiovascular Diseases in COPD: From Diagnosis and Prevalence to Therapy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered one of the leading causes of mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities are diagnosed often in COPD patients, not only because of the common risk factors these two diseases share, but also because of the systemic inflammation which characterizes COPD and has deleterious effects in the cardiovascular system. The comorbid cardiovascular diseases in COPD result in several difficulties in the holistic treatment of these patients and affect outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Several studies have reported that mortality from cardiovascular causes is common among COPD patients, while the risk for acute cardiovascular events increases during COPD exacerbations and remains high for a long time even after recovery. In this review, we focus on the prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD patients, presenting the evidence regarding the interaction of the pathophysiological pathways which characterize each disease. Furthermore, we summarize information regarding the effects of cardiovascular treatment on COPD outcomes and vice versa. Finally, we present the current evidence regarding the impact of cardiovascular comorbidities on exacerbations, quality of life and survival of COPD patients.

Clinical features and outcomes of elderly hospitalised patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure or both

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) mutually increase the risk of being present in the same patient, especially if older. Whether or not this coexistence may be associated with a worse prognosis is debated. Therefore, employing data derived from the REPOSI register, we evaluated the clinical features and outcomes in a population of elderly patients admitted to internal medicine wards and having COPD, HF or COPD + HF.

METHODS

We measured socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, severity and prevalence of comorbidities, clinical and laboratory features during hospitalization, mood disorders, functional independence, drug prescriptions and discharge destination. The primary study outcome was the risk of death.

RESULTS

We considered 2,343 elderly hospitalized patients (median age 81 years), of whom 1,154 (49%) had COPD, 813 (35%) HF, and 376 (16%) COPD + HF. Patients with COPD + HF had different characteristics than those with COPD or HF, such as a higher prevalence of previous hospitalizations, comorbidities (especially chronic kidney disease), higher respiratory rate at admission and number of prescribed drugs. Patients with COPD + HF (hazard ratio HR 1.74, 95% confidence intervals CI 1.16-2.61) and patients with dementia (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.06-2.90) had a higher risk of death at one year. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed a higher mortality risk in the group of patients with COPD + HF for all causes (p = 0.010), respiratory causes (p = 0.006), cardiovascular causes (p = 0.046) and respiratory plus cardiovascular causes (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

In this real-life cohort of hospitalized elderly patients, the coexistence of COPD and HF significantly worsened prognosis at one year. This finding may help to better define the care needs of this population.

Optimal Management of Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical Challenges

Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common causes of breathlessness which frequently co-exist; one potentially exacerbating the other. Distinguishing between the two can be challenging due to their similar symptomatology and overlapping risk factors, but a timely and correct diagnosis is potentially lifesaving. Modern treatment for HF can substantially improve symptoms and prognosis for many patients and may have beneficial effects for patients with COPD. Conversely, while many inhaled treatments for COPD can improve symptoms and reduce exacerbations, there is conflicting evidence regarding the safety of some inhaled treatments for COPD in patients with HF. Here we explore the overlap between HF and COPD, examine the effect of one condition on the other, and address the challenges of managing patients with both conditions.

Comprehensive care for people living with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—Integration of palliative care with disease-specific care: From guidelines to practice

Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the leading global epidemiological, clinical, social, and economic burden. Due to similar risk factors and overlapping pathophysiological pathways, the coexistence of these two diseases is common. People with severe COPD and advanced chronic HF (CHF) develop similar symptoms that aggravate if evoking mechanisms overlap. The coexistence of COPD and CHF limits the quality of life (QoL) and worsens symptom burden and mortality, more than if only one of them is present. Both conditions progress despite optimal, guidelines directed treatment, frequently exacerbate, and have a similar or worse prognosis in comparison with many malignant diseases. Palliative care (PC) is effective in QoL improvement of people with CHF and COPD and may be a valuable addition to standard treatment. The current guidelines for the management of HF and COPD emphasize the importance of early integration of PC parallel to disease-modifying therapies in people with advanced forms of both conditions. The number of patients with HF and COPD requiring PC is high and will grow in future decades necessitating further attention to research and knowledge translation in this field of practice. Care pathways for people living with concomitant HF and COPD have not been published so far. It can be hypothesized that overlapping of symptoms and similarity in disease trajectories allow to draw a model of care which will address symptoms and problems caused by either condition.

Frequency, characteristics and prognostic impact of hospital readmissions in elderly patients with heart failure: A population study from 2013 to 2017 in Liguria, Northern Italy

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmissions are a key determinant of prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated their frequency, predictors and prognostic impact using a large administrative database from Liguria, the oldest region of Italy.

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 years with at least one hospitalization with HF and being prescribed a diuretic medication between January 2013 and December 2017 were included in the analysis. Their demographics and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were collected. Patients were grouped by number of readmissions, and negative binomial and Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore independent predictors of readmissions and mortality, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 207,130 hospital admissions from 35,316 patients (mean age 81.6 years, 43.7% ≥85 years of age, 47.2% male, mean CCI 1.7, overall mortality 52.8%). About a quarter of patients (8.878, 25.1%) had more than eight readmissions during follow-up, for a total of 108.146 admissions (52.2% of admissions). Male gender, lower educational level and higher CCI were independently associated with increased number of readmissions and increased mortality. There was an independent inverse relationship between number of admissions and survival, with patients hospitalized 8 or more times displaying a 3-fold increase in mortality, and a significant interaction between older age and readmissions on mortality.

CONCLUSION

A quarter of older comorbid HF patients contributed to more than half of HF hospital readmissions recorded over a 5-year period in Liguria, with a dismal impact on prognosis. Aging societies should pay greater attention to this matter and personalized disease-management programs should be implemented.

Informal Caregivers’ Experiences with Performing Telemonitoring in Heart Failure Care at Home—A Qualitative Study

Informal caregivers have an important role in caring for family members at home. Supporting persons with a chronic illness such as heart failure (HF) in managing their self-care is reported to be a challenge and telemonitoring has been suggested to be of support. Aim: to explore informal caregivers’ experiences with performing non-invasive telemonitoring to support persons with HF at home for 30 days following hospital discharge in Norway and Lithuania. Methods: A qualitative explorative study of informal caregivers performing non-invasive telemonitoring using lung-impedance measurements and short message service (SMS). Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers of persons with HF in NYHA class III-IV in Norway and Lithuania. Results: Nine interviews were conducted with informal caregivers of persons with HF who performed non-invasive telemonitoring at home. A sequential process of three categories emerged from the data: access to support, towards routinizing, and mastering non-invasive telemonitoring. Conclusion: Informal caregivers performed non-invasive telemonitoring for the first time in this study. Their experiences were of a sequential process that included access to support from health care professionals, establishing a routine together, and access to nurses or physicians in HF care as part of mastering. This study highlights involving informal caregivers and persons with HF together in the implementation and future research of telemonitoring in HF care.

Impact of COPD and asthma on in-hospital mortality and management of patients with heart failure in England and Wales: an observational analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between having concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, and in-patient mortality and post-discharge management among patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (HF).

SETTING

Data were obtained from patients enrolled in the National Heart Failure Audit.

PARTICIPANTS

217 329 patients hospitalised for HF in England-Wales between March 2012 and 2018.

OUTCOMES

In-hospital mortality, referrals to cardiology follow-up and prescriptions for HF medications were compared between patients with comorbid COPD (COPD-HF) or asthma (asthma-HF) versus HF-alone using mixed-effects logistic regression.

RESULTS

Patients with COPD-HF were more likely to die during hospitalisation, and those with asthma-HF had a reduced likelihood of death, compared with patients who had HF-alone ((adjusted)OR_adj, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.06 to 1.14 and OR_adj, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.79 to 0.88). In patients who survived to discharge, referral to HF follow-up services differed between groups: patients with COPD-HF had reduced odds of cardiology follow-up (OR_adj, 95% CI 0.79, 0.77 to 0.81), while cardiology referral odds for asthma-HF were similar to HF-alone. Overall, proportions of HF medication prescriptions at discharge were low for both COPD-HF and asthma-HF groups, particularly prescriptions for beta-blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide analysis, we showed that COPD and asthma significantly impact the clinical course in patients hospitalised for HF. COPD is associated with higher in-patient mortality and lower cardiology referral odds, while COPD and asthma are both associated with lower use of prognostic HF therapies on discharge. These data highlight therapeutic gaps and a need for better integration of cardiopulmonary services to improve healthcare provision for patients with HF and coexisting respiratory disease.

Beta-Blocker Use in Older Hospitalized Patients Affected by Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Italian Survey From the REPOSI Register

Beta (β)-blockers (BB) are useful in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, the use of BBs could induce bronchoconstriction due to β2-blockade. For this reason, both the ESC and GOLD guidelines strongly suggest the use of selective β1-BB in patients with HF and COPD. However, low adherence to guidelines was observed in multiple clinical settings. The aim of the study was to investigate the BBs use in older patients affected by HF and COPD, recorded in the REPOSI register. Of 942 patients affected by HF, 47.1% were treated with BBs. The use of BBs was significantly lower in patients with HF and COPD than in patients affected by HF alone, both at admission and at discharge (admission, 36.9% vs. 51.3%; discharge, 38.0% vs. 51.7%). In addition, no further BB users were found at discharge. The probability to being treated with a BB was significantly lower in patients with HF also affected by COPD (adj. OR, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.37–0.67), while the diagnosis of COPD was not associated with the choice of selective β1-BB (adj. OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 0.76–2.34). Despite clear recommendations by clinical guidelines, a significant underuse of BBs was also observed after hospital discharge. In COPD affected patients, physicians unreasonably reject BBs use, rather than choosing a β1-BB. The expected improvement of the BB prescriptions after hospitalization was not observed. A multidisciplinary approach among hospital physicians, general practitioners, and pharmacologists should be carried out for better drug management and adherence to guideline recommendations.

Effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in EMPHASIS-HF and RALES

AIMS

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) individually cause significant morbidity and mortality. Their coexistence is associated with even worse outcomes, partly due to suboptimal heart failure therapy, especially underutilisation of beta-blockers. Our aim was to investigate outcomes in HFrEF patients with and without COPD, and the effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) on outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied the effect of MRA therapy in a post-hoc pooled analysis of 4397 HFrEF patients in the RALES and EMPHASIS-HF trials. The primary endpoint was the composite of heart failure hospitalisation or cardiovascular death. A total of 625 (14.2%) of the 4397 patients had COPD. Patients with COPD were older, more often male, and smokers, but less frequently treated with a beta-blocker. In patients with COPD, event rates (per 100 person-years) for the primary endpoint and for all-cause mortality were 25.2 (95% confidence interval 22.1-28.7) and 17.2 (14.9-19.9), respectively, compared with 19.9 (18.8-21.1) and 12.8 (12.0-13.7) in participants without COPD. The risks of all-cause hospitalisation and sudden death were also higher in patients with COPD. The benefit of MRA, compared with placebo, was consistent in patients with or without COPD for all outcomes, e.g. hazard ratio for the primary outcome 0.66 (0.50-0.85) for COPD and 0.65 (0.58-0.73) for no COPD (interaction p = 0.93). MRA-induced hyperkalaemia was less frequent in patients with COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

In RALES and EMPHASIS-HF, one-in-seven patients with HFrEF had coexisting COPD. HFrEF patients with COPD had worse outcomes than those without. The benefits of MRAs were consistent, regardless of COPD status.

2021 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: Developed by the Task Force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). With the special contribution of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC

Document Reviewers: Rudolf A. de Boer (CPG Review Coordinator) (Netherlands), P. Christian Schulze (CPG Review Coordinator) (Germany), Magdy Abdelhamid (Egypt), Victor Aboyans (France), Stamatis Adamopoulos (Greece), Stefan D. Anker (Germany), Elena Arbelo (Spain), Riccardo Asteggiano (Italy), Johann Bauersachs (Germany), Antoni Bayes-Genis (Spain), Michael A. Borger (Germany), Werner Budts (Belgium), Maja Cikes (Croatia), Kevin Damman (Netherlands), Victoria Delgado (Netherlands), Paul Dendale (Belgium), Polychronis Dilaveris (Greece), Heinz Drexel (Austria), Justin Ezekowitz (Canada), Volkmar Falk (Germany), Laurent Fauchier (France), Gerasimos Filippatos (Greece), Alan Fraser (United Kingdom), Norbert Frey (Germany), Chris P. Gale (United Kingdom), Finn Gustafsson (Denmark), Julie Harris (United Kingdom), Bernard Iung (France), Stefan Janssens (Belgium), Mariell Jessup (United States of America), Aleksandra Konradi (Russia), Dipak Kotecha (United Kingdom), Ekaterini Lambrinou (Cyprus), Patrizio Lancellotti (Belgium), Ulf Landmesser (Germany), Christophe Leclercq (France), Basil S. Lewis (Israel), Francisco Leyva (United Kingdom), AleVs Linhart (Czech Republic), Maja-Lisa Løchen (Norway), Lars H. Lund (Sweden), Donna Mancini (United States of America), Josep Masip (Spain), Davor Milicic (Croatia), Christian Mueller (Switzerland), Holger Nef (Germany), Jens-Cosedis Nielsen (Denmark), Lis Neubeck (United Kingdom), Michel Noutsias (Germany), Steffen E. Petersen (United Kingdom), Anna Sonia Petronio (Italy), Piotr Ponikowski (Poland), Eva Prescott (Denmark), Amina Rakisheva (Kazakhstan), Dimitrios J. Richter (Greece), Evgeny Schlyakhto (Russia), Petar Seferovic (Serbia), Michele Senni (Italy), Marta Sitges (Spain), Miguel Sousa-Uva (Portugal), Carlo G. Tocchetti (Italy), Rhian M. Touyz (United Kingdom), Carsten Tschoepe (Germany), Johannes Waltenberger (Germany/Switzerland) All experts involved in the development of these guidelines have submitted declarations of interest. These have been compiled in a report and published in a supplementary document simultaneously to the guidelines. The report is also available on the ESC website www.escardio.org/guidelines For the Supplementary Data which include background information and detailed discussion of the data that have provided the basis for the guidelines see European Heart Journal online.

Cardiovascular Morbidity in Individuals with Impaired FEV1

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review is intended to give an overview of the epidemiology of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with impaired lung function with an emphasis on patients with COPD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite shared risk factors, lung disease is an emerging independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cardio-vascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Both CVD and chronic lung disease contribute significantly to overall mortality. Especially patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at high risk for CVD-related mortality. In patients with chronic lung disease, a low index of suspicion should be maintained to assess for CVD and vice versa. Early detection of chronic lung disease as a potentially modifiable CVD risk factor could have important impact on patient outcomes.

Cardiac biomarkers retain prognostic significance in patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIMS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). We assessed the influence of COPD on circulating levels and prognostic value of three HF biomarkers: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2).

METHODS

Individual data from patients with chronic HF, known COPD status, NT-proBNP and hs-TnT values (n = 8088) were analysed. A subgroup (n = 3414) had also sST2 values.

RESULTS

Patients had a median age of 66 years (interquartile interval 57-74), 77% were men and 82% had HF with reduced ejection fraction. NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and sST2 were 1207 ng/l (487-2725), 17 ng/l (9-31) and 30 ng/ml (22-44), respectively. Patients with COPD (n = 1249, 15%) had higher NT-proBNP (P = 0.042) and hs-TnT (P < 0.001), but not sST2 (P = 0.165). Over a median 2.0-year follow-up (1.5-2.5), 1717 patients (21%) died, and 1298 (16%) died from cardiovascular causes; 2255 patients (28%) were hospitalized for HF over 1.8 years (0.9-2.1). NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and sST2 predicted the three end points regardless of COPD status. The best cut-offs from receiver-operating characteristics analysis were higher in patients with COPD than in those without. Patients with all three biomarkers higher than or equal to end-point- and COPD-status-specific cut-offs were also those with the worst prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with HF, those with COPD have higher NT-proBNP and hs-TnT, but not sST2. All these biomarkers yield prognostic significance regardless of the COPD status.

Differences in Outcomes between Heart Failure Phenotypes in Patients with Coexistent COPD: A Cohort Study

RATIONALE

Differences in clinical presentation and outcomes between HF phenotypes in patients with COPD have not been assessed.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and healthcare resource use (HRU) between patients with COPD and HF with preserved (HFpEF), mildly-reduced (HFmrEF), and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS

Patients with COPD and HF were identified in the United States (US) administrative claims database OptumLabs® DataWarehouse between 2008-2018. All-cause and cause-specific (HF) hospitalization, acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD, severe and moderate combined), mortality and HRU were compared between HF phenotypes.

RESULTS

From 5,419 patients with COPD, 70% had HFpEF, 20% had HFrEF and 10% had HFmrEF. All-cause hospitalization did not differ across groups, however patients with COPD and HFrEF had a greater risk of HF-specific hospitalization (HR 1.54, 95%CI 1.29-1.84) and mortality (HR: 1.17, 95%CI 1.03-1.33) compared to patients with COPD and HFpEF. Conversely, patients with COPD and HFrEF had a lower risk of AECOPD compared with those with COPD and HFpEF (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.66-0.87). Rates of long-term stays (in skilled-nursing facilities) and emergency room visits were lower for those with COPD and HFrEF than for those with COPD and HFpEF.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes in patients with comorbid COPD and HFpEF are largely driven by COPD. Given the paucity in treatments for HFpEF, better differentiation between cardiac and respiratory symptoms may provide an opportunity to reduce the risk of AECOPD. Risk of death and HF hospitalization were highest among patients with COPD and HFrEF, emphasizing the importance of optimizing guideline-recommended HFrEF therapies in this group.

Relação da Função Pulmonar e da Força Inspiratória com Capacidade Aeróbica e com Prognóstico na Insuficiência Cardíaca

Fundamento

A espirometria é subutilizada na insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e não está claro o grau de associação de cada defeito com a capacidade de exercício e com o prognóstico desses pacientes.

Objetivo

Determinar a relação da %CVF prevista (ppCVF) e do VEF₁/CVF contínuos com: 1) pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx), fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) e desempenho ao exercício; e 2) prognóstico, para o desfecho composto de morte cardiovascular, transplante cardíaco ou implante de dispositivo de assistência ventricular.

Métodos

Coorte de 111 participantes com IC (estágios AHA C/D) sem pneumopatia; foram submetidos a espirometria, manovacuometria e teste cardiopulmonar máximo. As magnitudes de associação foram verificadas por regressões lineares e de Cox (HR; IC 95%), ajustadas para idade/sexo, e p <0,05 foi considerado significativo.

Resultados

Com idade média 57±12 anos, 60% eram homens, 64% em NYHAIII. A cada aumento de 10% no VEF₁/CVF [β 7% (IC 95%: 3-10)] e no ppCVF [4% (2-6)], foi associado à reserva ventilatória (VRes); no entanto, apenas o ppCVF associado à PImáx [3,8cmH₂O (0,3-7,3)], à fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) [2,1% (0,5-3,8)] e ao VO₂ pico [0,5mL/kg/min (0,1-1,0)], considerando idade/sexo. Em 2,2 anos (média), ocorreram 22 eventos; tanto FEV1/FVC (HR 1,44; IC 95%: 0,97-2,13) quanto ppCVF (HR 1,13; 0,89-1,43) não foram associados ao desfecho. Apenas no subgrupo FEVE ≤50% (n=87, 20 eventos), VEF₁/CVF (HR 1,50; 1,01-2,23), mas não ppCVF, foi associado a risco.

Conclusão

Na IC crônica, ppCVF reduzido associou-se a menor PImáx, FEVE, VRes e VO₂ pico, mas não distinguiu pior prognóstico em 2,2 anos de acompanhamento. Entretanto, VEF₁/CVF associou-se apenas com VRes, e, em participantes com FEVE ≤50%, o VEF₁/CVF reduzido mostrou pior prognóstico proporcional. Portanto, VEF₁/CVF e ppFVC contribuem para melhor fenotipagem de pacientes com IC.

Effects of WeChat platform-based health management on health and self-management effectiveness of patients with severe chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have found that the prevalence of chronic heart failure in China is 0.9%, the number of people affected is more than 4 million, and the 5-year survival rate is even lower than that of malignant tumors.

AIM

To determine the impact of WeChat platform-based health management on severe chronic heart failure patients’ health and self-management efficacy.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients suffering from chronic heart failure with cardiac function grade III-IV, under the classification of the New York Heart Association, were admitted to our hospital in May 2017. In January 2020, they were divided into two groups: A control group (with routine nursing intervention) and an observation group (with WeChat platform-based health management intervention). Changes in cardiac function, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT), and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were detected in both groups. The Self-Care Ability Scale (ESCA) score, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score, and compliance score were used to evaluate self-management ability, quality of life, and compliance of the two groups. During a follow-up period of 12 mo, the occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events in both the groups was counted.

RESULTS

The left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke output, and 6MWD increased, and the hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP decreased in both the groups, as compared to those before the intervention. Further, cardiac function during the 6MWD, hs-cTnT, and NT-proBNP improved significantly in the observation group after intervention (P < 0.05). The scores of self-care responsibility, self-concept, self-care skills, and self-care health knowledge in the observation group were higher than those of the control group before intervention, and their ESCA scores were significantly improved after intervention (P < 0.05). The Minnesota heart failure quality of life (LiHFe) scores of physical restriction, disease symptoms, psychological emotion, social relations, and other items were decreased compared to those of the control group before intervention, and the LiHFe scores of the observation group were significantly improved compared to those of the control group (P < 0.05). With intervention, the compliance scores of rational diet, regular medication, healthy behavior, and timely reexamination were increased, thereby leading to the compliance scores of the observation group being significantly improved compared to those of the control group (P < 0.05). During the 12 mo follow-up, the incidence rates of acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic rehospitalization in the observation group were lower than those of the control group, and the hospitalization time in the observation group was shorter than that of the control group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

WeChat platform-based health management can improve the self-care ability and compliance of patients with severe chronic heart failure, improve the cardiac function and related indexes, reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular adverse events, and enable the avoidance of rehospitalization.

Prognostic score based on physical frailty in patients with heart failure: a multicenter prospective cohort study (FLAGSHIP)

BACKGROUND

In patients with heart failure (HF), physical frailty should be assessed to enable risk stratification. No conventional frailty criteria have so far been developed considering HF-specific outcomes. This study aimed to propose a frailty-based prognostic score using a nationwide cohort study of Japanese patients with HF.

METHODS

We analysed 2721 patients hospitalized for HF and capable of walking at discharge (median age: 76 years [interquartile range 67-83], men: 60.5%). Physical frailty was evaluated at discharge using four quantitative measures: usual walking speed, grip strength, Performance Measure for Activities of Daily Living-8 (PMADL-8), and Self-Efficacy for Walking-7 (SEW-7). The primary outcome was a composite of HF rehospitalization and all-cause mortality within 2 years. A cut-off point was identified for each measure using receiver operating characteristic analysis in a derivation cohort (n = 1778). Cox proportional hazards model was used to assign a score to each frailty domain according to the correlation with the endpoint. Patients were divided into four categories according to the sum score, and survival was compared by analysing the Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional hazards model. Cumulative incidences of the events according to frailty categories were compared between the derivation cohort and a validation cohort (n = 943).

RESULTS

The cut-off value and assigned score of each indicator was determined as follows: usual walking speed < 0.98 m/s = 4 points; grip strength < 30.0 kg (men) or 17.5 kg (women) = 5 points; PMADL-8 ≥ 21 points = 2 points; SEW-7 ≤ 20 points = 3 points. We stratified patients into four categories according to the sum score: Category I, ≤3 points; Categories II, 4-8 points; Category III, 9-13 points; and Category IV, 14 points. The prevalence and cumulative incidence of the composite outcome for Categories I to IV in the derivation cohort were 27.4%, 25.2%, 26.4%, and 21.0%, and 9.5, 16.3, 26.3, and 36.8/100 person-years, respectively. Similar results were confirmed in the validation cohort. In Cox proportional hazards model, frailty categories were associated with the composite outcome independent of potential confounders (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] in reference to Category I: Categories II, 1.51 [0.84-2.72], P = 0.169; Category III, 2.37 [1.32-4.23], P = 0.004; Category IV, 2.66 [1.45-4.89], P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The frailty-based prognostic score proposed in this study was well associated with prognosis and will serve for risk stratification in patients with HF.

Certainties fading away: β-blockers do not worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

For many years, β-blockers have been considered contraindicated in patients with heart failure (HF) and in those with bronchial asthma or even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) although without clear evidence of asthma. Today, despite overwhelming evidence of the usefulness of β-blockers, especially in HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF), and in ischaemic heart disease, some reluctance persists in using these drugs when COPD coexists. Such resistance is due to the fear that a possible worsening of bronchospasm induced by β-blockers could induce negative effects greater than the benefits. The Guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology clearly suggest that: (i) implantation of a cardiac defibrillator (ICD) are not contraindicated in COPD without clear evidence of bronchial asthma; (ii) β-blockers are only ‘relatively’ contraindicated when there is certainty of bronchial asthma with a documented bronchodilator response to the β2 stimulant. Therefore, bronchial asthma is not an absolute contraindication to β-blockers. The cardiologist should not limit the diagnosis of COPD to clinical suspicion, but should rely on a spirometry examination associated with any bronchodilation tests. In any case, selective β1 blockers are preferred, starting at a basic dose, which ensure a better dilator response to bronchodilators and in any case cause less bronchospasm than non-selective β-blockers. Unfortunately, there is still some reluctance to the use of β-blockers in patients with COPD associated with HF, which should be eliminated.

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.

Impact of beta-blocker use on the long-term outcomes of heart failure patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIMS

The number of patients with both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) is increasing in Asia, and these conditions often coexist. We previously revealed a tendency of beta-blocker underuse among patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and COPD in Asian countries other than Japan. Here, we evaluated the impact of cardio-selective beta-blocker use on the long-term outcomes of patients with HF and COPD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Among the 5232 patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction of <40%) prospectively enrolled from 11 Asian regions in the ASIAN-HF registry, 412 (7.9%) had a history of COPD. We compared the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of the patients with HF and COPD according to the use and type of beta-blockers used: cardio-selective beta-blockers (n = 149) vs. non-cardio-selective beta-blockers (n = 124) vs. no beta-blockers (n = 139). The heart rate was higher, and the outcome was poorer in the no beta-blocker group than in the beta-blocker groups. The 2 year all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the non-cardio-selective beta-blocker group than in the no beta-blocker group. Further, the cardiovascular mortality significantly decreased in the non-cardio-selective beta-blocker group before (hazard ratio: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.73; P = 0.004) and after adjustments (hazard ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.19-0.73; P = 0.005), but not in the cardio-selective beta-blocker group.

CONCLUSIONS

Beta-blockers reduced the all-cause mortality of patients with HFrEF and COPD after adjusting for age and heart rate, although the possibility of selection bias could not be completely excluded due to multinational prospective registry.

The use of β-blockers in patients with heart failure and comorbidities: Doubts, certainties and unsolved issues

β-blockers represent a mainstay in the pharmacological approach to patients affected by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, underuse of this class of drugs is still reported, especially in the presence of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular comorbidities, even if they are not contraindications for prescription of a β-blocker. The prognostic benefit of β-blockers is relevant in the presence of comorbidities, and achievement of the maximum tolerated dose is an important goal to increase their favorable prognostic role. The aim of the present review is to analyze the available evidence on the use of β-blockers in HFrEF patients with the most common comorbidities. In particular, we will discuss the role and most appropriate beta-blocker in patients with pulmonary disease (bisoprolol, metoprolol, nebivolol), diabetes (carvedilol and nebivolol), atrial fibrillation (all indicated for rate control, with metoprolol as the first choice followed by bisoprolol, nebivolol, and carvedilol), erectile dysfunction (bisoprolol and nebivolol), peripheral arterial disease (nebivolol), and other conditions, in order to clarify the correct use of this class of drugs in the clinical practice.

Metabolism and Chronic Inflammation: The Links Between Chronic Heart Failure and Comorbidities

Heart failure (HF) patients often suffer from multiple comorbidities, such as diabetes, atrial fibrillation, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease. The coexistance of comorbidities usually leads to multi morbidity and poor prognosis. Treatments for HF patients with multi morbidity are still an unmet clinical need, and finding an effective therapy strategy is of great value. HF can lead to comorbidity, and in return, comorbidity may promote the progression of HF, creating a vicious cycle. This reciprocal correlation indicates there may be some common causes and biological mechanisms. Metabolism remodeling and chronic inflammation play a vital role in the pathophysiological processes of HF and comorbidities, indicating metabolism and inflammation may be the links between HF and comorbidities. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the major underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications for comorbidities of HF. We first summarize the potential role of metabolism and inflammation in HF. Then, we give an overview of the linkage between common comorbidities and HF, from the perspective of epidemiological evidence to the underlying metabolism and inflammation mechanisms. Moreover, with the help of bioinformatics, we summarize the shared risk factors, signal pathways, and therapeutic targets between HF and comorbidities. Metabolic syndrome, aging, deleterious lifestyles (sedentary behavior, poor dietary patterns, smoking, etc.), and other risk factors common to HF and comorbidities are all associated with common mechanisms. Impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, are among the major mechanisms of both HF and comorbidities. Gene enrichment analysis showed the PI3K/AKT pathway may probably play a central role in multi morbidity. Additionally, drug targets common to HF and several common comorbidities were found by network analysis. Such analysis has already been instrumental in drug repurposing to treat HF and comorbidity. And the result suggests sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, IL-1β inhibitors, and metformin may be promising drugs for repurposing to treat multi morbidity. We propose that targeting the metabolic and inflammatory pathways that are common to HF and comorbidities may provide a promising therapeutic strategy.

Variation in use and dosing escalation of renin angiotensin system, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor and beta-blocker therapies in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: Association of comorbidities

BACKGROUND

In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), or angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and beta-blockers (βB) are underutilized. It is unknown if patients with and without comorbidities have similar ACEi/ARB/ARNI, MRA, and βB prescription patterns.

METHODS

Baseline data from the CHAMP-HF (Change the Management of Patients with Heart Failure) registry were categorized by history of atrial fibrillation, asthma/chronic lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and depression. Using multivariate hierarchical logistic models, associations of ACEi/ARB/ARNI, MRA and βB medication use and dose by comorbidities were assessed after adjusting for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 4,815 HFrEF patients from 152 CHAMP-HF sites, ACEi/ARB/ARNI use was lower in patients with more comorbidities, and generally, MRA use was low and βB use was high. In adjusted analyses, patients with HFrEF and comorbid obstructive sleep apnea, vs. without, were more likely to be prescribed ARNI (OR [95% CI]: 1.25 [1.00, 1.55]); P = .047 and MRA (1.31 [1.11, 1.55]); P = .002 and less likely to be prescribed ACEi (0.74 [0.63, 0.88]); P < .001. Patients with atrial fibrillation, vs. without, were less likely to receive ACEi/ARB (0.82 [0.71, 0.95]); P = .006 and any study medication (0.81 [0.67, 0.97]); P = .020. Comorbid lung disease and history of depression were not associated with HFrEF prescriptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blockade therapy prescription and dose varied by comorbidity status, but βB therapy did not. In quality efforts, leaders need to consider use and dosing of prescriptions in light of prevalent comorbidities.

Relationship between heart failure and the risk of acute exacerbation of COPD

RATIONALE

Heart failure (HF) management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often delayed or suboptimal.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of HF and HF medication use on moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations.

METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS

Retrospective cohort studies from 2006 to 2016 using nationally representative English primary care electronic healthcare records linked to national hospital and mortality data. Patients with COPD with diagnosed and possible HF were identified. Possible HF was defined as continuous loop diuretic use in the absence of a non-cardiac indication. Incident exposure to HF medications was defined as ≥2 prescriptions within 90 days with no gaps >90 days during ≤6 months of continuous use; prevalent exposure as 6+ months of continuous use. HF medications investigated were angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, loop diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Cox regression, stratified by sex and age, further adjusted for patient characteristics, was used to determine the association of HF with exacerbation risk.

MAIN RESULTS

86 795 patients with COPD were categorised as no evidence of HF (n=60 047), possible HF (n=8476) and newly diagnosed HF (n=2066). Newly diagnosed HF (adjusted HR (aHR): 1.45, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.62) and possible HF (aHR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.58 to 1.72) similarly increased exacerbation risk. Incident and prevalent use of all HF medications were associated with increased exacerbation risk. Prevalent use was associated with reduced exacerbation risk compared with incident use.

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier opportunities to improve the diagnosis and management of HF in the COPD population are missed. Managing HF may reduce exacerbation risk in the long term.

Effects of dapagliflozin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an analysis of DAPA-HF

Aims

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important comorbidity in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), associated with worse outcomes and often suboptimal treatment because of under‐prescription of beta‐blockers. Consequently, additional effective therapies are especially relevant in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes related to COPD in a post hoc analysis of the Dapagliflozin And Prevention of Adverse‐outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA‐HF) trial.

Methods and results

We examined whether the effects of dapagliflozin in DAPA‐HF were modified by COPD status. The primary outcome was the composite of an episode of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. Overall, 585 (12.3%) of the 4744 patients randomized had a history of COPD. Patients with COPD were more likely to be older men with a history of smoking, worse renal function, and higher baseline N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide, and less likely to be treated with a beta‐blocker or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. The incidence of the primary outcome was higher in patients with COPD than in those without [18.9 (95% confidence interval 16.0–22.2) vs. 13.0 (12.1–14.0) per 100 person‐years; hazard ratio (HR) for COPD vs. no COPD 1.44 (1.21–1.72); P < 0.001]. The effect of dapagliflozin, compared with placebo, on the primary outcome, was consistent in patients with [HR 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.48–0.93)] and without COPD [0.76 (0.65–0.87); interaction P‐value 0.47].

Conclusions

In DAPA‐HF, one in eight patients with HFrEF had concomitant COPD. Participants with COPD had a higher risk of the primary outcome. The benefit of dapagliflozin on all pre‐specified outcomes was consistent in patients with and without COPD.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03036124.