Sex Differences in Heart Failure

Sex disparities in cardiogenic shock: Insights from the FRENSHOCK registry

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most severe form of acute heart failure. Discrepancies have been reported between sexes regarding delays, pathways and invasive strategies in CS complicating acute myocardial infarction. However, effect of sex on the prognosis of unselected CS remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to analyze the impact of sex on aetiology, management and prognosis of CS.

METHODS

The FRENSHOCK registry included all CS admitted in 49 French Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU) between April and October 2016.

RESULTS

Among the 772 CS patients included, 220 were women (28.5%). Women were older, less smokers, with less history of ischemic cardiac disease (20.5% vs 33.6%) than men. At admission, women presented less cardiac arrest (5.5 vs 12.2%), less mottling (32.5 vs 41.4%) and higher LVEF (30 ± 14 vs 25 ± 13%). Women were more often managed via emergency department while men were directly admitted at ICU/ICCU. Ischemia was the most frequent trigger irrespective of sex (36.4% in women vs 38.2%) but women had less coronary angiogram and PCI (45.9% vs 54% and 24.1 vs 31.3%, respectively). We found no major difference in medication and organ support. Thirty-day mortality (26.4 vs 26.5%), transplant or permanent assist device were similar in both sexes.

CONCLUSION

Despite some more favorable parameters in initial presentation and no significant difference in medication and support, women shared similar poor prognosis than men. Further analysis is required to cover the lasting gap in knowledge regarding sex specificities to distinguish between differences and inequalities. NCT02703038.

Sympathetic dysfunction is associated with worse fatigue and early and subtle symptoms in heart failure: an exploratory sex-stratified analysis

AIMS

Physical symptoms impact patients with heart failure (HF) despite treatment advancements; however, our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying HF symptoms remains limited, including sex differences therein. The objective of this study was to quantify associations between sympathetic markers [norepinephrine (NE) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG)] and physical symptoms in patients with HF and to explore sex differences in these associations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a secondary analysis of combined data from two studies: outpatients with HF (n = 111), and patients prior to left ventricular assist device implantation (n = 38). Physical symptoms were measured with the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale (HFSPS) dyspnoea and early/subtle symptom subscales and the Functional Assessment in Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) to capture dyspnoea, early symptoms of decompensation, and fatigue. Norepinephrine and DHPG were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Multivariate linear regression was used to quantify associations between symptoms and sympathetic markers. The sample (n = 149) was 60.8 ± 15.7 years, 41% women, and 71% non-ischaemic aetiology. Increased plasma NE and NE:DHPG ratio were associated with worse FACIT-F scores (P = 0.043 and P = 0.013, respectively). Increased plasma NE:DHPG ratio was associated with worse HFSPS early/subtle symptoms (P = 0.025). In sex-stratified analyses, increased NE:DHPG ratio was associated with worse FACIT-F scores (P = 0.011) and HFSPS early/subtle scores (P = 0.022) among women but not men.

CONCLUSION

In patients with HF, sympathetic dysfunction is associated with worse fatigue and early/subtle physical symptoms with associations stronger in women than men.

US trends of in-hospital morbidity and mortality for acute myocardial infarctions complicated by cardiogenic shock

BACKGROUND

There is limited real-world data highlighting recent temporal in-hospital morbidity and mortality trends for cases of acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. The role of mechanical circulatory support within this patient population remains unclear.

METHODS

The US National Inpatient Sample database was sampled from 2011 to 2018 identifying 206,396 hospitalizations with a primary admission diagnosis of ST- or Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. The primary outcomes included trends of all-cause in-hospital mortality, mechanical circulatory support use, and sex-specific trends for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) over the study period.

RESULTS

The annual number of AMI-CS hospitalizations increased from 22,851 in 2011 to 30,015 in 2018 and in-hospital mortality trends remained similar (42.9 % to 43.7 %, ptrend < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving any temporary MCS device decreased (46.4 % to 44.4 %). The use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) decreased (44.9 % to 32.9 %) and the use of any other non-IABP MCS device increased (2.5 % to 15.6 %), ptrend<0.001. Sex-specific mortality indicate female in-hospital mortality remained similar (50.3 % to 51 %, ptrend<0.001), but higher than male in-hospital mortality, which increased non-significantly (38.8 % to 40.2 %, ptrend = 0.372).

CONCLUSIONS

From 2011 to 2018, hospitalizations for AMI-CS patients have increased in number. However, there has been no recent appreciable change in AMI-CS mortality despite a changing treatment landscape with decreasing use of IABPs and increasing use of non-IABP MCS devices. Further research is necessary to examine the appropriate use of MCS devices within this population.

Sex-related similarities and differences in responses to heart failure therapies

Although sex-related differences in the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics and outcomes of heart failure are well known, investigations in the past decade have shed light on an often overlooked aspect of heart failure: the influence of sex on treatment response. Sex-related differences in anatomy, physiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and psychosocial factors might influence the response to pharmacological agents, device therapy and cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure. In this Review, we discuss the similarities between men and women in their response to heart failure therapies, as well as the sex-related differences in treatment benefits, dose-response relationships, and tolerability and safety of guideline-directed medical therapy, device therapy and cardiac rehabilitation. We provide insights into the unique challenges faced by men and women with heart failure, highlight potential avenues for tailored therapeutic approaches and call for sex-specific evaluation of treatment efficacy and safety in future research.

Are Physical and Depressive Symptoms Different Between Women and Men With Heart Failure?: An Exploration Using Two Analytic Techniques

BACKGROUND

Adults with heart failure (HF) experience a constellation of symptoms; however, understanding of gender differences in HF symptoms remain elusive. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are gender differences in physical and depressive symptoms and symptom patterns in HF using 2 different analytic techniques.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of combined data from 6 studies of adults with HF. Physical symptoms were measured with the HF Somatic Perception Scale, and depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. First, we performed propensity matching with the nearest neighbor to examine the average treatment effect for HF Somatic Perception Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in the matched sample of women and men. Next, we used the entire data set in a latent class mixture model to determine patterns of symptoms. Finally, we calculated predictors of class membership with multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

The sample (n = 524, 86.5% systolic HF) was 37% women with a mean age of 58.3 ± 13.9 years and mean number of years with HF of 6.9 ± 6.9. Three hundred sixty-six participants were matched on propensity scores; there were no significant gender differences in symptom scores between matched women (n = 183) and men (n = 183). Among all 524 participants, 4 distinct latent classes of symptom patterns indicate that many patients with HF are fatigued, some have more depressive symptoms, and others have significantly more edema or cough. Gender did not predict membership to any symptom pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

There were significant gender differences in sociodemographics, health behaviors, and clinical characteristics, but not HF symptoms or symptom patterns, using either analytic technique.

Leveraging digital health technologies in heart failure self-care interventions to improve health equity

For patients with heart failure, self-care is crucial, but recommendations for self-care are often not adhered to. Digital health interventions have the potential to help patients improve their self-care and, ultimately, their health outcomes, but without careful examination, digital interventions may generate further inequality. In this study, we use a digital health equity framework to examine challenges and opportunities related to digital health interventions across many domains of influence that may affect health equity. We draw from our own experience in conducting a decentralized clinical trial with multiple sensors and apps to help patients with heart failure improve adherence to key self-care behaviors. Finally, we provide recommendations for leveraging digital health interventions in research and practice to address health equity.

Efficacy of Semaglutide by Sex in Obesity-Related Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: STEP-HFpEF Trials

BACKGROUND

More women than men have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess baseline characteristics and treatment effect of semaglutide by sex across the STEP-HFpEF (Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure and Obesity) program.

METHODS

In a prespecified secondary analysis of pooled data from STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM (Research Study to Look at How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes), patients with heart failure (HF), left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS) <90 points were randomized 1:1 to once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or matched placebo for 52 weeks. Dual primary endpoints (KCCQ-CSS change and percentage change in body weight) and confirmatory secondary endpoints (6-minute walking distance [6MWD] change; hierarchical composite endpoint comprising all-cause death, HF events, changes in KCCQ-CSS, and 6MWD; and C-reactive protein) were compared between sexes.

RESULTS

Of 1,145 patients, 570 (49.7%) were women. Women had higher body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, C-reactive protein, and worse HF symptoms, and were less likely to have atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease vs men. Semaglutide improved KCCQ-CSS regardless of sex (mean difference in women +7.6 points [95% CI: 4.5-10.7 points]; men +7.5 points [95% CI: 4.3-10.6 points]; P interaction = 0.94) but reduced body weight more in women (mean difference in women -9.6% [95% CI: -10.9% to -8.4%]; men -7.2% [95% CI: -8.4% to -6.0%]; P interaction = 0.006). Semaglutide improved 6MWD (P interaction = 0.21) and the hierarchical composite endpoint (P interaction = 0.66) in both sexes. Fewer serious adverse events were reported with semaglutide vs placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with obesity-related HFpEF, semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced body weight to a greater extent in women, and produced similar improvements in HF-related symptoms, physical limitations, and exercise function, regardless of sex. (Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure and Obesity [STEP-HFpEF]; NCT04788511; and Research Study to Look at How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes [STEP HFpEF DM]; NCT04916470).

Sex and Gender-related Disparities in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Heart Transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Limited research has been conducted on sex disparities in heart transplant (HT). The aim of this review is to analyse the available evidence on the influence of sex and gender-related determinants in the entire HT process, as well as to identify areas for further investigation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although women make up half of the population affected by heart failure and related mortality, they account for less than a third of HT recipients. Reasons for this inequality include differences in disease course, psychosocial factors, concerns about allosensitisation, and selection or referral bias in female patients. Women are more often listed for HT due to non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy and have a lower burden of cardiovascular risk factors. Although long-term prognosis appears to be similar for both sexes, there are significant disparities in post-HT morbidity and causes of mortality (noting a higher incidence of rejection in women and of malignancy and cardiac allograft vasculopathy in men). Additional research is required to gain a better understanding of the reasons behind gender disparities in eligibility and outcomes following HT. This would enable the fair allocation of resources and enhance patient care.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Women's Cardiovascular Health in the United States and Canada

Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States and Canada for decades. Although it affects millions of people across a multitude of backgrounds, notable disparities in cardiovascular health are observed among women and become more apparent when accounting for race and socioeconomic status. Although intrinsic sex-specific physiologic differences predispose women to poorer outcomes, social determinants of health (SDOH) and biases at both the individual provider and the larger health care system levels play an equal, if not greater, role. This review examines socioeconomic disparities in women compared with men regarding cardiovascular risk factors, treatments, and outcomes. Although various at-risk subpopulations exist, we highlight the impact of SDOH in specific populations, including patients with disabilities, transgender persons, and South Asian and Indigenous populations. These groups are underrepresented in studies and experience poorer health outcomes owing to structural barriers to care. These findings emphasise the significance of understanding the interplay of different socioeconomic factors and how their stacking can negatively affect women's cardiovascular health. To address these disparities, we propose a multipronged approach to augment culturally sensitive and patient-centred care. This includes increased cardiovascular workforce diversity, inclusion of underrepresented populations into analyses of cardiovascular metrics, and greater utilisation of technology and telemedicine to improve access to health care. Achieving this goal will necessitate active participation from patients, health care administrators, physicians, and policy makers, and is imperative in closing the cardiovascular health gap for women over the coming decades.

The Clinical Outcome of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Regard to the Presence of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Background: Despite the use of advanced treatment techniques, coronary artery disease (CAD) still remains the main cause of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and heart failure. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs can lead to a number of beneficial effects, but some patients do not demonstrate the expected improvement. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of CR on changes in exercise capacity with regard to the presence of LV dysfunction. Methods: A group of 428 patients with CAD were consecutively admitted to an outpatient comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program comprising 24 exercise sessions of interval training on cycle ergometers, three times a week for 45 min, and a health education. The patients were compared in two subgroups, i.e., with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 50%, n = 175) and LVEF ≥ 50% (n = 253). Results: In the LVEF < 50% group, the exercise capacity improved by 1 ± 0.78 MET (median 1.15 MET), and 0.86 ± 0.77 MET (median 1.08 MET) in the LVEF ≥ 50% group. Women with LVEF < 50% demonstrated a significant increase in exercise capacity by 1.2 MET, while those with LVEF ≥ 50% did not display any such increase. All men, regardless of LVEF, exhibited a similar improvement in exercise capacity greater than 1 MET. Conclusions: An outpatient eight-week cardiac rehabilitation program based on 45 min aerobic interval training sessions three times a week appears less effective for women with CAD and EF ≥ 50%. In this group, the proposed training intervention is insufficient in improving exercise capacity to an extent that could indicate a reduction in mortality risk.

Closing the sex gap in cardiovascular mortality by achieving both horizontal and vertical equity

Addressing sex differences and disparities in coronary heart disease (CHD) involves achieving both horizontal and vertical equity in healthcare. Horizontal equity in the context of CHD means that both men and women with comparable health statuses should have equal access to diagnosis, treatment, and management of CHD. To achieve this, it is crucial to promote awareness among the general public about the signs and symptoms of CHD in both sexes, so that both women and men may seek timely medical attention. Women often face inequity in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Current guidelines do not differ based on sex, but their applications based on gender do differ. Vertical equity means tailoring healthcare to allow equitable care for all. Steps towards achieving this include developing treatment protocols and guidelines that consider the unique aspects of CHD in women. It also requires implementing guidelines equally, when there is not sex difference rather than inequities in application of guideline directed care.

Sex-specific cardiovascular remodeling leads to a divergent sex-dependent development of heart failure in aged hypertensive rats

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is continuously rising and predominantly affects older women often hypertensive and/or obese or diabetic. Indeed, there is evidence on sex differences in the development of HF. Hence, we studied cardiovascular performance dependent on sex and age as well as pathomechanisms on a cellular and molecular level.

METHODS

We studied 15-week- and 1-year-old female and male hypertensive transgenic rats carrying the mouse Ren-2 renin gene (TG) and compared them to wild-type (WT) controls at the same age. We tracked blood pressure and cardiac function via echocardiography. After sacrificing the 1-year survivors we studied vascular smooth muscle and endothelial function. Isolated single skinned cardiomyocytes were used to determine passive stiffness and Ca2+-dependent force. In addition, Western blots were applied to analyse the phosphorylation status of sarcomeric regulatory proteins, titin and of protein kinases AMPK, PKG, CaMKII as well as their expression. Protein kinase activity assays were used to measure activities of CaMKII, PKG and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

RESULTS

TG male rats showed significantly higher mortality at 1 year than females or WT male rats. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was specifically reduced in male, but not in female TG rats, while LV diastolic dysfunction was evident in both TG sexes, but LV hypertrophy, increased LV ACE activity, and reduced AMPK activity as evident from AMPK hypophosphorylation were specific to male rats. Sex differences were also observed in vascular and cardiomyocyte function showing different response to acetylcholine and Ca2+-sensitivity of force production, respectively cardiomyocyte functional changes were associated with altered phosphorylation states of cardiac myosin binding protein C and cardiac troponin I phosphorylation in TG males only. Cardiomyocyte passive stiffness was increased in TG animals. On a molecular level titin phosphorylation pattern was altered, though alterations were sex-specific. Thus, also the reduction of PKG expression and activity was more pronounced in TG females. However, cardiomyocyte passive stiffness was restored by PKG and CaMKII treatments in both TG sexes.

CONCLUSION

Here we demonstrated divergent sex-specific cardiovascular adaptation to the over-activation of the renin-angiotensin system in the rat. Higher mortality of male TG rats in contrast to female TG rats was observed as well as reduced LV systolic function, whereas females mainly developed HFpEF. Though both sexes developed increased myocardial stiffness to which an impaired titin function contributes to a sex-specific molecular mechanism. The functional derangements of titin are due to a sex-specific divergent regulation of PKG and CaMKII systems.

Gender differences in the relationship between serum uric acid and the long-term prognosis in heart failure: a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Serum uric acid (SUA) is an important pathogenetic and prognostic factor for heart failure (HF). Gender differences are apparent in HF. Furthermore, gender differences also exist in the association between SUA and prognosis in various cardiovascular diseases. However, the gender difference for SUA in the prediction of long-term prognosis in HF is still ambiguous.

METHODS

A total of 1593 HF patients (897 men, 696 women) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 cycle were enrolled in our final analysis. Participants were categorized according to gender-specific SUA tertile. We assessed the association between SUA and long-term prognosis of HF patients, defined as all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, in different genders via Kaplan-Meier curve analysis, Cox proportional hazard model, and Fine-Gray competing risk model. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was performed to investigate the dose-response relationship between SUA and outcomes.

RESULTS

Gender differences exist in demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, laboratory tests, and medication of HF patients. After a median follow-up of 127 months (95% CI 120-134 months), there were 853 all-cause deaths (493 events in men, 360 events in women) and 361 cardiovascular deaths (206 events in men, 155 events in women). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that SUA had gender difference in the prediction of cardiovascular mortality (Log-rank p < 0.001, for male, Log-rank p = 0.150, for female), but not in all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that elevated SUA levels were associated with higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in men (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18, p < 0.001, for all-cause death; HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09-1.28, p < 0.001, for cardiovascular death), but not in women (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.98-1.12, p = 0.186, for all-cause death; HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91-1.12, p = 0.902, for cardiovascular death). Even using non-cardiovascular death as a competitive risk, adjusted Fine-Gray model also illustrated that SUA was an independent predictor of cardiovascular death in men (SHR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08-1.27, p < 0.001), but not in women (SHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.87 - 1.10, p = 0.690).

CONCLUSIONS

Gender differences in the association between SUA and long-term prognosis of HF existed. SUA was an independent prognostic predictor for long-term outcomes of HF in men, but not in women.

Impact of Frailty on Heart Failure Prognosis: Is Sex Relevant?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most frequent causes of hospital admission in elderly patients, especially in women, who present a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes like frailty. Studies have suggested that frailty and its impact may also differ between males and females. Understanding how frailty may differently affect HF patients depending on sex is therefore imperative for providing personalized care. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of sex in the prognostic impact of frailty in HF patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Numerous studies have identified frailty as a significant predictor of all-cause mortality and hospital readmissions. A recent study of elderly HF out-patients demonstrated that while women had a higher prevalence of frailty, it was an independent predictor of mortality and readmission only in men. Moreover, another study revealed that physical frailty was associated with time to first clinical event among men but not among women. These results raise the question about why frailty affects differently HF prognosis in men and women. Women with HF present a higher prevalence of frailty, especially when it is considered as physical decline. Nevertheless, frailty affects differently HF prognosis in men and women. Women with HF present lower mortality than men and frailty is related with prognosis only in men. The different severity of HF between men and women and other hormonal, psychosocial, and clinical factors might be involved in this fact.

Clinical Trial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Roadmap of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network

BACKGROUND

There is a recognized lack of diversity among patients enrolled in cardiovascular interventional and surgical trials. Diverse patient representation in clinical trials is necessary to enhance generalizability of findings, which may lead to better outcomes across broader populations. The Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network (CTSN) recently developed a plan of action to increase diversity among participating investigators and trial participants and is the focus of this review.

METHODS

A review of literature and enrollment data from CTSN trials was conducted.

RESULTS

CTSN completed more than a dozen major clinical trials (2008-2022), enrolling >4000 patients, of whom 30% were women, 11% were non-White, and 5.6% were Hispanic. CTSN also completed trials of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019, wherein enrollment was more diverse, with 42% women, and 58% were Asian, Black, Hispanic, or from another underrepresented racial group. The discrepancy in diversity of enrollment between cardiac surgery trials and coronavirus disease trials highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of (1) the prevalence of underlying disease requiring cardiac interventions across broad populations, (2) differences in access to care and referral for cardiac surgery, and (3) barriers to enrollment in cardiac surgery trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Committed to diversity, CTSN's multifaceted action plan includes developing site-specific enrollment targets, collecting social determinants of health data, understanding reasons for nonparticipation, recruiting sites that serve diverse populations, emphasizing greater diversity among clinical trial teams, and implicit bias training. The CTSN will prospectively assess how these interventions influence enrollment as we work to ensure trial participants are more representative of the communities we serve.

Incorporating reproductive system history data into cardiovascular nursing research to advance women's health

The lack of sex-specific variables, such as reproductive system history (RSH), in cardiovascular research studies is a missed opportunity to address the cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, especially among women who face sex-specific risks of developing CVD. Collecting RSH data from women enrolled in research studies is an important step towards improving women's cardiovascular health. In this paper, we describe two approaches to collecting RSH in CVD research: extracting RSH from the medical record and participant self-report of RSH. We provide specific examples from our own research and address common data management and statistical analysis problems when dealing with RSH data in research.

Redefining global cardiac surgery through an intersectionality lens

Although cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, six billion people lack access to safe, timely and affordable cardiac surgical care when needed. The burden of cardiovascular disease and disparities in access to care vary widely based on sociodemographic characteristics, including but not limited to geography, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, indigeneity, socioeconomic status and age. To date, the majority of cardiovascular, global health and global surgical research has lacked intersectionality lenses and methodologies to better understand access to care at the intersection of multiple identities and traditions. As such, global (cardiac) surgical definitions and health system interventions have been rooted in reductionism, focusing, at most, on singular sociodemographic characteristics. In this article, we evaluate barriers in global access to cardiac surgery based on existing intersectionality themes and literature. We further examine intersectionality methodologies to study access to cardiovascular care and cardiac surgery and seek to redefine the definition of 'global cardiac surgery' through an intersectionality lens.

Gender Effect on Clinical Profiles, Pharmacological Treatments and Prognosis in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a significant disease affecting 1-2% of the general population. Despite its general aspects, HF, like other cardiovascular diseases, presents various gender-specific aspects in terms of etiology, hemodynamics, clinical characteristics, therapy, and outcomes. As is well known, HF with preserved ejection fraction more frequently affects females, with diabetes and arterial hypertension representing the most critical determinants of HF. On the other hand, women are traditionally underrepresented in clinical trials and are often considered undertreated. However, it is not clear whether such differences reflect cultural behaviors and clinical inertia or if they indicate different clinical profiles and the impact of sex on hard clinical outcomes. We aimed to review the sex-related differences in patients affected by HF.

Sex differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes in the CLOROTIC (combining loop with thiazide diuretics for decompensated heart failure) trial

AIMS

The addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to furosemide improved the diuretic response in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) in the CLOROTIC trial. Our aim was to evaluate if there were differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes according to sex.

METHODS

This is a post-hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial, including 230 patients with AHF randomized to receive HCTZ or placebo in addition to an intravenous furosemide regimen. The primary and secondary outcomes included changes in weight and patient-reported dyspnoea 72 and 96 h after randomization, metrics of diuretic response and mortality/rehospitalizations at 30 and 90 days. The influence of sex on primary, secondary and safety outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven (48%) women were included in the study. Women were older and had higher values of left ventricular ejection fraction. Men had more ischemic cardiomyopathy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and higher values of natriuretic peptides. The addition of HCTZ to furosemide was associated to a greatest weight loss at 72/96 h, better metrics of diuretic response and higher 24-h diuresis compared to placebo without significant differences according to sex (all p-values for interaction were not significant). Worsening renal function occurred more frequently in women (OR [95%CI]: 8.68 [3.41-24.63]) than men (OR [95%CI]: 2.5 [0.99-4.87]), p = 0.027. There were no differences in mortality or rehospitalizations at 30/90 days.

CONCLUSION

Adding HCTZ to intravenous furosemide is an effective strategy to improve diuretic response in AHF with no difference according to sex, but worsening renal function was more frequent in women.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01647932; EudraCT Number: 2013-001852-36.

The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women - Chapter 9: Summary of Current Status, Challenges, Opportunities, and Recommendations

This final chapter of the Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance "ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women" presents ATLAS highlights from the perspective of current status, challenges, and opportunities in cardiovascular care for women. We conclude with 12 specific recommendations for actionable next steps to further the existing progress that has been made in addressing these knowledge gaps by tackling the remaining outstanding disparities in women's cardiovascular care, with the goal to improve outcomes for women in Canada.

Role of exercise therapy and cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a common cause of hospitalization and death, and the hallmark symptoms of HF, including dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise intolerance, contribute to poor patient quality of life (QoL). Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive disease management program incorporating exercise training, cardiovascular risk factor management, and psychosocial support. CR has been demonstrated to effectively improve patient functional status and QoL among patients with HF. However, CR participation among patients with HF is poor. This review details the mechanisms of dyspnea and exercise intolerance among patients with HF, the physiologic and clinical improvements observed with CR, and the key components of a CR program for patients with HF. Furthermore, unmet needs and future strategies to improve patient participation and engagement in CR for HF are reviewed.

Clinical Outcomes With a Fully Magnetically Levitated Left Ventricular Assist Device Among Women and Men

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are underused among women with advanced heart failure, but reasons remain unclear. Outcomes in women compared with men with contemporary fully magnetically levitated LVADs remain uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The authors examined differences in characteristics, 2-year outcomes, and risk for key adverse events among women and men.

METHODS

In 2,200 HeartMate3 (HM3) (Abbott Cardiovascular) LVAD recipients in the MOMENTUM 3 study (Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy with HeartMate 3), survival free of disabling stroke or reoperation to replace or remove a malfunctioning pump at 2 years was analyzed between women and men. Other outcomes included overall 2-year survival, adverse events, and functional measures.

RESULTS

Women comprised 20.4% (n = 448 of 2,200) of the study population and were younger, with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, and more often were Black persons compared with men. The primary endpoint (women 79.4% vs men 75.5% (adjusted [a]HR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.75-1.24]; P = 0.66) or survival at 2 years (women 82.4% vs men 80.2%; aHR: 1.06 [95% CI: 0.81-1.40]; P = 0.66) was no different. Women had an increased rate of stroke (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR]: 1.52 [95% CI: 1.09-2.11]; P = 0.012), major bleeding (aIRR: 1.28 [95% CI: 1.15-1.42]; P < 0.0001) and infection (aIRR 1.14 [95% CI: 1.03-1.55]; P = 0.01), but these differences were not seen among older (>65 years) patients. Both groups had similar gains in 6-minute walk distance and quality-of-life measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no differences in the primary composite endpoint or overall survival in women compared with men at 2 years of support. Reasons underlying increase in hemocompatibility-related events and infection-related morbidity in younger women deserves further study. (MOMENTUM 3 IDE [HM3], NCT02224755; MOMENTUM 3 Continued Access Protocol [MOMENTUM 3 CAP], NCT02892955).

Sex Differences in Cardiac Transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this review was to summarize contemporary evidence surrounding sex differences in heart transplantation (HT).

RECENT FINDINGS

Women have steadily comprised approximately 25% of waitlist candidates and HT recipients. This disparity is likely multifactorial with possible explanations including barriers in referral to advanced heart failure providers, implicit bias, and concerns surrounding sensitization. Women continue to experience higher waitlist mortality at the highest priority tiers. After HT, there are differences in post-transplant complications and outcomes. Future areas of study should include sex differences in noninvasive surveillance, renal outcomes after transplantation, and patient-reported outcomes. There are important sex-specific considerations that impact candidate selection, donor matching, waitlist and post-transplant outcomes. Concerted efforts are needed to improve referral patterns to ensure transplantation is allocated equally.

Exploring the diagnostic and prognostic value of the C-reactive protein/lymphocyte ratio for dilated cardiomyopathy based on a real-world study

To determine the risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and construct a risk model for predicting HF in patients with DCM, We enrolled a total of 2122 patients, excluding those who did not meet the requirements. A total of 913 patients were included in the analysis (611 males and 302 females) from October 2012 to May 2020, and data on demographic characteristics, blood biochemical markers, and cardiac ultrasound results were collected. Patients were strictly screened for DCM based on the diagnostic criteria. First, these patients were evaluated using propensity score matching (PSM). Next, unconditional logistic regression was used to assess HF risk. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine diagnostic efficiency, and a nomogram was developed to predict HF. Finally, the Kaplan‒Meier survival curve was plotted. Of the initial 2122 patients, the ejection fraction (EF) in males was worse. We included 913 patients after the final DCM diagnosis. The results showed that the levels of NT-proBNP, WBC, PLT, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and CRP/lymphocyte ratio (CLR) were higher in males than in females (P < 0.001-0.009). The nomogram showed that factors such as sex, WBC, neutrophils, PLR, and CLR could predict the risk of worsening cardiac function in patients with DCM before and after PSM (P < 0.05). The ROC curve showed that CLR with an 85.6% area demonstrated higher diagnostic efficacy than the NLR (77.0%) and PLR (76.6%, P < 0.05). Survival analysis showed a higher mortality risk in females with higher CLR levels (P < 0.001-0.009). However, high CLR levels indicated a higher mortality risk (P < 0.001) compared to sex. Male EF is lower in DCM patients. CLR could predict the risk of declined cardiac function in patients with DCM. The mortality in females with higher CLR levels was highest; however, the exact mechanism should be investigated.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in women with heart failure: a review of enrollment, adherence, and outcomes

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based recommendation for patients with stable heart failure (HF). Less clear is how effective exercise-based CR is for women with HF. The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence for the effects of exercise-based CR on mortality, hospitalizations, exercise capacity, and quality of life (QOL) among women with HF. We identified 18 studies comprising 4917 patients, of which 1714 were women. The interventions evaluated consisted of various combinations of supervised in-hospital and out-patient sessions as well as home-based programs that included aerobic (walking, treadmill, bicycle) and resistance training. The interventions ranged from 12 to 54 weeks, with a frequency of 2-7 sessions per week, lasting from 30 to 105 min per session. Because of a paucity of sex-specific analyses of the outcomes, it was not possible to draw conclusions for women. There was limited evidence for mortality benefit for men or women participating in exercise-based CR. There was more substantial evidence for reductions in hospitalizations for the participants. Generally, exercise training improved exercise capacity. The effects of exercise-based CR on QOL were mixed with most studies favoring CR at 3 months but not at 4, 5, and 12 months. Moreover, generally, the physical dimension of QOL but not the mental dimensions improved. Recommendations for future research to reduce the gap in knowledge about the effects of exercise-based CR for women are offered.

Heart Failure in the Elderly: the Role of Biological and Sociocultural Aspects Related to Sex

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heart failure (HF) entails poor prognosis, with high morbidity and mortality burden, particularly in elderly patients. Notably, important sex differences have been described between men and women with HF. In this regard, some biological and sociocultural aspects related to sex may play a key role in the different development and prognosis of HF in elderly men and women.

RECENT FINDINGS

Important differences between men and women with HF, especially in the elderly population, have been specifically addressed in recent studies. Consequently, specific differences in biological and sociocultural aspects have been found to associate differences in pathophysiology, baseline clinical profile, and prognosis according to sex. Moreover, differences in comorbidities and frailty and other geriatric conditions, frequent in elderly population with HF, have also been described. Biological and sociocultural differences related to sex are key in the different clinical presentation and prognosis of heart failure in elderly women. Further studies will be required to better understand some other underlying reasons that may differently impact prognosis in elderly patients with HF.

Tolerability and beneficial effects of sacubitril/valsartan on systemic right ventricular failure

OBJECTIVE

Patients with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) in the context of transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after atrial switch or congenitally corrected TGA (ccTGA) are prone to sRV dysfunction. Pharmacological options for sRV failure remain poorly defined. This study aims to investigate the tolerability and effects of sacubitril/valsartan on sRV failure in adult patients with sRV.

METHODS

In this two-centre, prospective cohort study, all consecutive adult patients with symptomatic heart failure and at least moderately reduced sRV systolic function were initiated on sacubitril/valsartan and underwent structured follow-up.

RESULTS

Data of 40 patients were included (40% female, 30% ccTGA, median age 48 (44-53) years). Five patients discontinued therapy during titration. Median follow-up was 24 (12-36) months. The maximal dose was tolerated by 49% of patients. No episodes of hyperkalaemia or renal function decline occurred. Six-minute walking distance increased significantly after 6 months of treatment (569±16 to 597±16 m, p=0.016). Serum N-terminal-prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels decreased significantly after 3 months (567 (374-1134) to 404 (226-633) ng/L, p<0.001). Small, yet consistent echocardiographic improvements in sRV function were observed after 6 months (sRV global longitudinal strain: -11.1±0.5% to -12.6±0.7%, p<0.001, and fractional area change: 20% (16%-24%) to 26% (19%-30%), p<0.001). The linear mixed-effects model illustrated that after first follow-up moment, no time effect was present for the parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan was associated with a low rate of adverse effects in this adult sRV cohort. Persisting improvement in 6-minute walking test distance, NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic parameters of sRV function was observed in an on-treatment analysis and showed no differential response based on sex or anatomy.

Sex differences in the impact of physical frailty on outcomes in heart failure

BACKGROUND

Physical frailty is strongly related to adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF), and women are more likely to be physically frail than men; however, it is unknown if this sex difference affects outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if there are sex differences in the associations between physical frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and clinical outcomes in HF.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of adults with HF. Physical frailty was assessed using the Frailty Phenotype Criteria. HRQOL was assessed using the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire. One-year clinical events (all-cause death or cardiovascular hospitalization or emergency department visit) were ascertained. We used generalized linear modeling to quantify associations between physical frailty and HRQOL, and Cox proportional hazards modeling to quantify associations between physical frailty and clinical events, adjusting for Seattle HF Model scores.

RESULTS

The sample (n = 115) was 63.5 ± 15.7 years old and 49% women. Physical frailty was associated with significantly worse total HRQOL among women (p = 0.005) but not men (p = 0.141). Physical frailty was associated with worse physical HRQOL among both women (p < 0.001) and men (p = 0.043). There was a 46% higher clinical event risk for every one-point increase in physical frailty score among men (p = 0.047) but not women (p = 0.361).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical frailty is associated with worse overall HRQOL among women and higher clinical event risk among men, indicating a need to better understand contributors to sex-specific health differences associated with physical frailty in HF.

Sex-Related Differences in Heart Failure Diagnosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The literature on the importance of sex in heart failure diagnosis is scarce. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on sex differences regarding the diagnosis of heart failure.

RECENT FINDINGS

Comorbidities are frequent in patients with heart failure, and their prevalence differs between sexes; some differences in symptomatology and diagnostic imaging techniques were also found. Biomarkers also usually show differences between sexes but are not significant enough to establish sex-specific ranges. This article outlines current information related to sex differences in HF diagnosis. Research in this field remains to be done. Maintaining a high diagnostic suspicion, actively searching for the disease, and considering the sex is relevant for early diagnosis and better prognosis. In addition, more studies with equal representation are needed.

Prevalence and prognostic impact of chronic kidney disease and anaemia across ACC/AHA precursor and symptomatic heart failure stages

BACKGROUND

The importance of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anaemia has not been comprehensively studied in asymptomatic patients at risk for heart failure (HF) versus those with symptomatic HF. We analysed the prevalence, characteristics and prognostic impact of both conditions across American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) precursor and HF stages A-D.

METHODS AND RESULTS

2496 participants from three non-pharmacological German Competence Network HF studies were categorized by ACC/AHA stage; stage C patients were subdivided into C1 and C2 (corresponding to NYHA classes I/II and III, respectively). Overall, patient distribution was 8.1%/35.3%/32.9% and 23.7% in ACC/AHA stages A/B/C1 and C2/D, respectively. These subgroups were stratified by the absence ( - ) or presence ( +) of CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] < 60 mL/min/1.73m2) and anaemia (haemoglobin in women/men < 12/ < 13 g/dL). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 5-year follow-up. Prevalence increased across stages A/B/C1 and C2/D (CKD: 22.3%/23.6%/31.6%/54.7%; anaemia: 3.0%/7.9%/21.7%/33.2%, respectively), with concordant decreases in median eGFR and haemoglobin (all p < 0.001). Across all stages, hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] for all-cause mortality were 2.1 [1.8-2.6] for CKD + , 1.7 [1.4-2.0] for anaemia, and 3.6 [2.9-4.6] for CKD + /anaemia + (all p < 0.001). Population attributable fractions (PAFs) for 5-year mortality related to CKD and/or anaemia were similar across stages A/B, C1 and C2/D (up to 33.4%, 30.8% and 34.7%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence and severity of CKD and anaemia increased across ACC/AHA stages. Both conditions were individually and additively associated with increased 5-year mortality risk, with similar PAFs in asymptomatic patients and those with symptomatic HF.

Sex-Related Differences in Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction-Related Cardiogenic Shock Receiving Impella Support in Japan: From the J-PVAD Registry

Background and Objectives: Sex-specific outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) receiving temporary mechanical circulatory support remains controversial. Materials and Methods: Patients with AMI-CS who received Impella support were prospectively enrolled in the Japanese registry for Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device. Patients enrolled between January 2021 and December 2022 were considered to be eligible. Patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and those without revascularization were excluded. The sex disparity in the 30-day survival after the initiation of Impella support was evaluated. Results: A total of 924 patients (median age 73 years; 21% female) were included. Female patients were older and had a smaller physiques than male patients (p < 0.05 for both). Female sex was significantly associated with a higher 30-day mortality after adjustment for four other potential confounders with a hazard ratio of 1.365 (95% confidence interval 1.026-1.816, p = 0.0324). In the female cohort, patients who received Impella prior to revascularization (N = 138) had a greater survival rate compared to those who received Impella after revascularization (68.1% versus 44.8%, p = 0.0015). Conclusions: Among the patients with AMI-CS who received Impella support and underwent revascularization, female sex was independently associated with a lower 30-day survival. For female patients, early initiation of Impella support prior to revascularization may improve their clinical outcomes.

Hypertensive heart disease: risk factors, complications and mechanisms

Hypertensive heart disease constitutes functional and structural dysfunction and pathogenesis occurring primarily in the left ventricle, the left atrium and the coronary arteries due to chronic uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertensive heart disease is underreported and the mechanisms underlying its correlates and complications are not well elaborated. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of hypertensive heart disease, we discuss in detail the mechanisms associated with development and complications of hypertensive heart disease especially left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and coronary artery disease. We also briefly highlight the role of dietary salt, immunity and genetic predisposition in hypertensive heart disease pathogenesis.

Do Women Physicians Accept and Follow Heart Failure Guidelines More Than Men?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Our aim was to assess the degree of acceptance of the European Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) on heart failure (HF) among Spanish physicians according to sex. This was a cross-sectional study, employing Google Forms, conducted by a group of HF experts from the Region of Madrid (Spain), between November 2021 and February 2022, among specialists and residents of Cardiology, Internal Medicine, and Primary Care from Spain.

RECENT FINDINGS

A total of 387 physicians-173 women (44.7%)-from 128 different centers completed the survey. Compared to men, women were significantly younger (38.2 ± 9.1 years vs. 40.6 ± 11.2 years; p = 0.024) and had fewer years of clinical practice (12.1 ± 8.1 years vs. 14.5 ± 10.7 years; p = 0.014). Briefly, women and men had a positive opinion of the guidelines and thought that implementing quadruple therapy is feasible in less than 8 weeks. Women followed more frequently than men the new paradigm of "4 pillars at lowest doses" and considered more frequently the establishment of quadruple therapy before implanting a cardiac device. Although they agreed about "low blood pressure" as the major limitation for achieving quadruple therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there were discrepancies on the second most frequent barrier, and women were more proactive when initiating SGLT2 inhibitors. In a large survey including nearly 400 doctors from all over Spain to provide real-world opinion on 2021 ESC HF Guidelines and experience with SGLT2 inhibitors, women follow more frequently the new paradigm of "4 pillars at lowest doses", consider more frequently the establishment of quadruple therapy before implanting a cardiac device, and were more proactive when initiating SGLT2 inhibitors. Further studies confirming an association of sex with a better compliance of HF guidelines are needed.

Sex chromosome mechanisms in cardiac development and disease

Many human diseases, including cardiovascular disease, show differences between men and women in pathology and treatment outcomes. In the case of cardiac disease, sex differences are exemplified by differences in the frequency of specific types of congenital and adult-onset heart disease. Clinical studies have suggested that gonadal hormones are a factor in sex bias. However, recent research has shown that gene and protein networks under non-hormonal control also account for cardiac sex differences. In this review, we describe the sex chromosome pathways that lead to sex differences in the development and function of the heart and highlight how these findings affect future care and treatment of cardiac disease.

Does sex affect the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in cardiogenic shock?

BACKGROUND

Mortality rates following CS have stagnated on an unacceptably high level. Limited data regarding the prognostic value of sex in patients suffering from CS is available. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prognostic value of sex in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS).

METHODS

Consecutive patients with CS of any cause were included from 2019 to 2021. Prognosis of females was compared to males regarding 30-day all-cause mortality. Further risk stratification was performed according to the presence or absence of CS related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were used for statistics.

RESULTS

From a total of 273 CS patients (AMI-CS: 49%; non-AMI-CS: 51%), 60% were males and 40% females. The risk of 30-day all-cause mortality did not differ among males and females (56% vs. 56%; log rank p = 0.775; HR = 1.046; 95% CI 0.756-1.447; p = 0.785). Even after multivariable adjustment, sex was not associated with prognosis in CS patients (HR = 1.057; 95% CI 0.713-1.564; p = 0.784). Comparable risks of short-term mortality in both sexes were observed irrespective of the presence of AMI-related CS (64.0% vs. 64.6%; log rank p = 0.642; HR = 1.103; 95% CI 0.710-1.713; p = 0.664) and non-AMI-related CS (46.2% vs. 49.2%; log rank p = 0.696; HR = 1.099; 95% CI 0.677-1.783; p = 0.704).

CONCLUSION

Sex was not associated with the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in CS patients irrespective of CS etiology. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05575856).

Sudden Death in Men Versus Women with Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents the most feared complication of heart failure (HF). This review intends to provide insight on our current knowledge of sex differences in SCD mechanisms, prevention, and management in HF patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Women with HF present a better prognosis than men and have a lower incidence of SCD, irrespective of the presence of ischemic heart disease and age. The influence of sex hormones, sex differences in intracellular calcium handling, and a differential myocardial remodeling may explain such a gap between men and women. Both HF drugs and ventricular arrhythmias ablation seems also useful for the management of women at risk of SCD, but special care must be taken with the use of antiarrhythmic QT-prolonging drugs. However, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) use has not been shown to be equally effective in women than men. Sex-specific recommendations regarding SCD in HF are still lacking due to the scarcity of information and the under-representation of women in clinical trials. Further investigation is required to provide specific risk stratification models in women. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, genetics development, and personalized medicine will probably play an increasing role in this evaluation.

Sex and gender differences in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy: An update

In the past decade there has been a growing interest in understanding sex and gender differences in myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and the purpose of this review is to provide an update on this topic including epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation, diagnosis and management. Recently, many clinical studies have been conducted examining sex differences in myocarditis. Studies consistently report that myocarditis occurs more often in men than women with a sex ratio ranging from 1:2-4 female to male. Studies reveal that DCM also has a sex ratio of around 1:3 women to men and this is also true for familial/genetic forms of DCM. Animal models have demonstrated that DCM develops after myocarditis in susceptible mouse strains and evidence exists for this progress clinically as well. A consistent finding is that myocarditis occurs primarily in men under 50 years of age, but in women after age 50 or post-menopause. In contrast, DCM typically occurs after age 50, although the age that post-myocarditis DCM occurs has not been investigated. In a small study, more men with myocarditis presented with symptoms of chest pain while women presented with dyspnea. Men with myocarditis have been found to have higher levels of heart failure biomarkers soluble ST2, creatine kinase, myoglobin and T helper 17-associated cytokines while women develop a better regulatory immune response. Studies of the pathogenesis of disease have found that Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 signaling pathways play a central role in increasing inflammation during myocarditis and in promoting remodeling and fibrosis that leads to DCM, and all of these pathways are elevated in males. Management of myocarditis follows heart failure guidelines and there are currently no disease-specific therapies. Research on standard heart failure medications reveal important sex differences. Overall, many advances in our understanding of the effect of biologic sex on myocarditis and DCM have occurred over the past decade, but many gaps in our understanding remain. A better understanding of sex and gender effects are needed to develop disease-targeted and individualized medicine approaches in the future.

Sex Differences in Acute Heart Failure Management: Is There a Gap in Treatment Quality?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Differences between men and women in demographics and clinical phenotype of heart failure have previously been described, as well as disparities in management and outcomes. This review summarizes the latest evidence concerning sex-related differences in acute heart failure and its most severe form, cardiogenic shock.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from the last 5 years reaffirm the previous observations, with women with acute heart failure being older, more often having preserved ejection fraction and less frequently having an ischemic cause of the acute decompensation. Despite women still receive less invasive procedures and a less optimized medical treatment, the most recent studies find similar outcomes regardless of sex. These disparities persist in the context of cardiogenic shock, where women receive less mechanical circulatory support devices even if they present with more severe forms. This review reveals a different clinical picture of women with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock compared to men, which translates into disparities in management. More female representation in studies would be needed in order to better understand the physiopathological basis of these differences and minimize inequalities in treatment and outcomes.

Endothelin type A receptor blockade increases renoprotection in congestive heart failure combined with chronic kidney disease: Studies in 5/6 nephrectomized rats with aorto-caval fistula

BACKGROUND

Association of congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) worsens the patient's prognosis and results in poor survival rate. The aim of this study was to examine if addition of endothelin type A (ET_A) receptor antagonist to the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) will bring additional beneficial effects in experimental rats.

METHODS

CKD was induced by 5/6 renal mass reduction (5/6 NX) and CHF was elicited by volume overload achieved by creation of aorto-caval fistula (ACF). The follow-up was 24 weeks after the first intervention (5/6 NX). The treatment regimens were initiated 6 weeks after 5/6 NX and 2 weeks after ACF creation.

RESULTS

The final survival in untreated group was 15%. The treatment with ET_A receptor antagonist alone or ACEi alone and the combined treatment improved the survival rate to 64%, 71% and 75%, respectively, however, the difference between the combination and either single treatment regimen was not significant. The combined treatment exerted best renoprotection, causing additional reduction in albuminuria and reducing renal glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury as compared with ACE inhibition alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that treatment with ET_A receptor antagonist attenuates the CKD- and CHF-related mortality, and addition of ET_A receptor antagonist to the standard blockade of RAS by ACEi exhibits additional renoprotective actions.

Remote Patient Monitoring for Patients with Heart Failure: Sex- and Race-based Disparities and Opportunities

Remote patient monitoring (RPM), within the larger context of telehealth expansion, has been established as an effective and safe means of care for patients with heart failure (HF) during the recent pandemic. Of the demographic groups, female patients and black patients are underenrolled relative to disease distribution in clinical trials and are under-referred for RPM, including remote haemodynamic monitoring, cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), wearables and telehealth interventions. The sex- and race-based disparities are multifactorial: stringent clinical trial inclusion criteria, distrust of the medical establishment, poor access to healthcare, socioeconomic inequities, and lack of diversity in clinical trial leadership. Notwithstanding addressing the above factors, RPM has the unique potential to reduce disparities through a combination of implicit bias mitigation and earlier detection and intervention for HF disease progression in disadvantaged groups. This review describes the uptake of remote haemodynamic monitoring, CIEDs and telehealth in female patients and black patients with HF, and discusses aetiologies that may contribute to inequities and strategies to promote health equity.

Cardiac Structure and Function Phenogroups and Risk of Incident Heart Failure (from the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

Indices of cardiac structure and function, such as left ventricular (LV) mass and ejection fraction, have been associated with risk of incident heart failure (HF), but the clinical relevance of data-driven grouping of a comprehensive set of cardiac parameters is unclear. In Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants, latent class analysis was applied in the sample stratified by gender to define phenogroups on the basis of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging parameters of right ventricular and LV structure and function at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models in gender-stratified analyses were used to assess the association between phenogroup membership and risk of HF subtypes adjusting for potential confounders. In the 4,204 participants (mean age 61 ± 10 years, 53% women), the mean follow-up time was 14 ± 4 years for men and 15 ± 4 years for women. For both genders, 4 distinct phenogroups were identified: (1) ideal cardiac mechanics; (2) higher output/hypertrophied LV; (3) impaired ejection fraction/dilated LV; and (4) higher output/hyperdynamic (LV). Men in phenogroups 4 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60 to 5.31, p = 0.0005), 3 (HR 3.52, 95% CI 1.90 to 6.53, p <0.0001), and 2 (HR 3.49, 95% CI 1.94 to 6.28, p <0.0001) had higher rates of incident HF than did men in phenogroup 1, in fully adjusted models. No significant associations were found between phenogroup membership and incident HF in women. In conclusion, phenogroup membership based on cardiac structure and function in men was significantly associated with incident HF. Integration of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging variables may help identify differential risk for HF in men.

Sex differences in left ventricular stroke work and cardiac power output per unit myocardium relate to blood pressure in apparently healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular stroke work per unit myocardium (LVSWM) and cardiac power output per unit myocardium (CPOM) are important measures of myocardial workload. The sex differences in the myocardial workload and its correlation with blood pressure remain largely unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to investigate the sex differences in LVSWM and CPOM, and to relate them to blood pressure in a cohort of apparently healthy adults.

METHODS

The LVSWM and CPOM were estimated in 596 age- and heart rate-matched apparently healthy adults (298 men) using transthoracic echocardiography combined with cuff-measured brachial blood pressure. The data were compared between sexes, and the sex differences in LVSWM and CPOM were related to blood pressure.

RESULTS

After adjustment for the blood pressure, the LVSWM and CPOM were higher in women than in men [75.0 (73.7-76.4) vs 64.9 (63.5-66.2) cJ/100g for LVSWM, and 912.4 (894.1-930.6) vs 780.2 (762.0-798.5) milliwatt/100g for CPOM, respectively; all P<0.001]. After adjustment for the LVSWM and CPOM, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 7.4 mm Hg and 5.2 mm Hg higher in men than in women, respectively (all P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For any given blood pressure, the workload per unit myocardium is higher in apparently healthy women than in their male counterparts. A sex-specific definition of normal blood pressure with a relatively lower threshold for women can minimize the sex differences in the myocardial workload, which might reduce the potentially comparatively higher risk of heart failure in women.