Establishing a cardiac training group for patients with heart failure: the "HIP-in-Würzburg" study

A scoping review on advancements in noninvasive wearable technology for heart failure management

Wearables offer a promising solution for enhancing remote monitoring (RM) of heart failure (HF) patients by tracking key physiological parameters. Despite their potential, their clinical integration faces challenges due to the lack of rigorous evaluations. This review aims to summarize the current evidence and assess the readiness of wearables for clinical practice using the Medical Device Readiness Level (MDRL). A systematic search identified 99 studies from 3112 found articles, with only eight being randomized controlled trials. Accelerometery was the most used measurement technique. Consumer-grade wearables, repurposed for HF monitoring, dominated the studies with most of them in the feasibility testing stage (MDRL 6). Only two of the described wearables were specifically designed for HF RM, and received FDA approval. Consequently, the actual impact of wearables on HF management remains uncertain due to limited robust evidence, posing a significant barrier to their integration into HF care.

Utility of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in Assessing Quality of Life among Patients with Heart Failure Undergoing Exercise Training Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) in assessing quality of life improvements among patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing various forms of exercise training rehabilitation, including telemedicine and in-person modalities, across all stages of HF, irrespective of ejection fraction (EF) and clinical status. The aim was to collate evidence from studies employing the KCCQ as a measure of quality of life (QoL). A comprehensive search strategy was implemented across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, including literature up until October 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies on patients diagnosed with HF undergoing exercise training rehabilitation assessed by KCCQ. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 3905 patients from various global locations and conducted between 2012 and 2022. Results indicated significant heterogeneity in exercise interventions and patient characteristics. Notably, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) showed a marked improvement in KCCQ scores (from 68.0 to 80.0) compared to moderate continuous training (MCT) and control groups, underscoring its potential for enhancing QoL. Additionally, a significant improvement in the 6-min walking test (6MWT) outcomes was observed, with an average increase of 106 m (95% CI: 60, 152) in one study, reflecting physical capacity enhancements. However, the difference in KCCQ scores between intervention and control groups was not statistically significant in several studies. In conclusion, the KCCQ's effectiveness is highlighted by its ability to detect clinically meaningful improvements in QoL across diverse exercise modalities, including HIIT and MCT, tailored to the specific needs of HF populations. The consistent correlation between KCCQ score improvements and enhanced physical outcomes, such as the 6MWT, supports its reliability in capturing the nuanced benefits of exercise interventions on patient well-being.

Habitual physical activity levels of adults with heart failure: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify habitual physical activity (PA) levels of patients with heart failure (HF) and assess the quality of reporting of device-assessed PA.

METHODS

Eight electronic databases were searched up to 17 November 2021. Data on the study and population characteristics, method of PA measurement and PA metrics were extracted. A random-effects meta-analysis (restricted maximum likelihood with Knapp-Hartung SE adjustment) was conducted.

RESULTS

Seventy-five studies were included in the review (n=7775 patients with HF). Meta-analysis was restricted to mean steps per day, encompassing 27 studies (n=1720 patients with HF). Pooled mean steps per day were 5040 (95% CI: 4272 to 5807). The 95% prediction interval for mean steps per day in a future study was 1262 to 8817. Meta-regression at the study level revealed that a 10-year increment in the mean age of patients was associated with 1121 fewer steps per day (95% CI: 258 to 1984).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HF are a low-active population. These findings have implications for the way in which PA is targeted in patients with HF, and interventions should focus on addressing the age-related decline observed as well as increasing PA to improve HF symptoms and quality of life.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020167786.

Multidisziplinärer Teamansatz in der Versorgung von Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz

Die Versorgung von Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz durch multidisziplinäre Teams wird von (inter-)nationalen Leitlinien seit Jahren mit höchstem Nachdruck empfohlen, ist aber bislang nicht hinreichend implementiert. Im deutschen Gesundheitssystem gibt es bisher nur für den hochspezialisierten Bereich konkrete Vorgaben zur Zusammensetzung dieser Teams (z. B. Heart Team oder Heart Failure Team), während sie für den ambulanten Sektor fehlen. Zur Verbesserung der Versorgungssituation herzinsuffizienter Patienten konzipierten DGK und die DGTHG im Jahr 2016 die Einführung von zertifizierten Herzinsuffizienz-Netzwerken. Diese fokussierten allerdings auf die kardiologisch-kardiochirurgisch unterstützte intersektorale Betreuung. Um die Primärversorger adäquat in das Netzwerk mit einzubinden, bedarf es einer Erweiterung dieses Konzepts und einer regional angepassten, individuellen Ausgestaltung. Eine gemeinsame, barrierefrei bedienbare Kommunikationsplattform in Form einer elektronischen Fallakte ist dabei eine zentrale Voraussetzung für eine moderne, erfolgreiche Interaktion. Die aktualisierte Fassung des Disease-Management-Programms Herzinsuffizienz (DMP-HI) könnte die strukturierte Interaktion gezielt stärken, indem sie diese zur Bedingung macht und dafür Anreize schafft.