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Cavero-Redondo I, Saz-Lara A, Bizzozero-Peroni B, Núñez-Martínez L, Díaz-Goñi V, Calero-Paniagua I, Matínez-García I, Pascual-Morena C. Accuracy of the 6-Minute Walk Test for Assessing Functional Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Other Chronic Cardiac Pathologies: Results of the ExIC-FEp Trial and a Meta-Analysis. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:74. [PMID: 38886304 PMCID: PMC11183033 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart diseases, particularly heart failure, significantly impact patient quality of life and mortality rates. Functional capacity assessment is vital for predicting prognosis and risk in these patients. While the cardiopulmonary exercise test is considered the gold standard, the 6-minute walk test has emerged as a more accessible alternative. However, the screening accuracy and optimal cut-off points of the 6-minute walk test for detecting severely reduced functional capacity in cardiac pathologies, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, are unclear. The study aimed to analyse the diagnostic accuracy of the 6-minute walk test for detecting reduced functional capacity, defined as VO2max < 14 ml/kg/min, compared with the cardiopulmonary exercise test in participants with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using data from the "Ejercicio en Insuficiencia Cardiaca con Fracción de Eyección Preservada" (ExIC-FEp) trial; and to compare these results with previous studies investigating the screening accuracy for assessing functional capacity of the 6-minute walk test in participants with other chronic cardiac pathologies through a meta-analysis. RESULTS The ExIC-FEp trial involved 22 participants with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, who were not treated with beta-blockers, using the cardiopulmonary exercise test, specifically VO2max, as the reference test. The 6-minute walk test had a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 80%, and an area under the curve of 76% in the ExIC-FEp trial. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis showing a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 78%, and an area under the curve of 85%. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the 6-minute walk test holds promise as a screening tool for assessing functional capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and chronic heart diseases, with a VO2max < 14 ml/kg/min as a reference point. It demonstrates moderate to good screening accuracy. However, the screening accuracy and optimal cut-off points of the 6-minute walk test for detecting severely reduced functional capacity, regardless of aetiology, are unclear. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05726474. Registered 16 February 2023, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05726474 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Cavero-Redondo
- CarVasCare Research Group (2023-GRIN-34459), Faculta de Enfermería de Cuenca, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, 16001, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, 3460000, Chile
| | - Alicia Saz-Lara
- CarVasCare Research Group (2023-GRIN-34459), Faculta de Enfermería de Cuenca, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, 16001, Spain.
| | - Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni
- CarVasCare Research Group (2023-GRIN-34459), Faculta de Enfermería de Cuenca, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, 16001, Spain
- Instituto Superior de Educación Física, Universidad de la República, Rivera, 40000, Uruguay
| | | | - Valentina Díaz-Goñi
- CarVasCare Research Group (2023-GRIN-34459), Faculta de Enfermería de Cuenca, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, 16001, Spain
| | | | - Irene Matínez-García
- CarVasCare Research Group (2023-GRIN-34459), Faculta de Enfermería de Cuenca, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, 16001, Spain
| | - Carlos Pascual-Morena
- Health and Social Research Centre, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, 16001, Spain
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Wernhart S, Rassaf T. Relevance of Cardiovascular Exercise in Cancer and Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2024; 21:238-251. [PMID: 38696059 PMCID: PMC11090948 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-024-00662-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) has been identified as a threat to overall and cancer-related survival. Although aerobic exercise training (AET) has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), the relationship between specific exercise regimens and cancer survival, heart failure development, and reduction of CTRCD is unclear. In this review, we discuss the impact of AET on molecular pathways and the current literature of sports in the field of cardio-oncology. RECENT FINDINGS Cardio-oncological exercise trials have focused on variations of AET intensity by using moderate continuous and high intensity interval training, which are applicable, safe, and effective approaches to improve CRF. AET increases CRF, reduces cardiovascular morbidity and heart failure hospitalization and should thus be implemented as an adjunct to standard cancer therapy, although its long-term effect on CTRCD remains unknown. Despite modulating diverse molecular pathways, it remains unknown which exercise regimen, including variations of AET duration and frequency, is most suited to facilitate peripheral and central adaptations to exercise and improve survival in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wernhart
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart- and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart- and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Wernhart S, Michel L, Carpinteiro A, Luedike P, Rassaf T. (Non)-Exertional Variables of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Heart Failure with and Without Cardiac Amyloidosis. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2024; 21:224-237. [PMID: 38635117 PMCID: PMC11090960 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-024-00661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) constitutes an important etiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Since patients with CA show early exhaustion, we aimed to investigate whether non-exertional variables of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provide additional information in comparison to traditional peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). RECENT FINDINGS We retrospectively investigated CPET variables of patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF with (n = 21) and without (n = 21, HF) CA at comparable age and ejection fraction. Exertional and non-exertional CPET variables as well as laboratory and echocardiographic markers were analyzed. The primary outcome was the difference in CPET variables between groups. The secondary outcome was rehospitalization in patients with CA during a follow-up of 24 months. Correlations between CPET, NTproBNP, and echocardiographic variables were calculated to detect patterns of discrimination between the groups. HF patients with CA were inferior to controls in most exertional and non-exertional CPET variables. Patients with CA were hospitalized more often (p = 0.002), and rehospitalization was associated with VE/VCO2 (p = 0.019), peak oxygen pulse (p = 0.042), the oxygen equivalent at the first ventilatory threshold (p = 0.003), circulatory (p = 0.024), and ventilatory power (p < .001), but not VO2peak (p = 0.127). Higher performance was correlated with lower E/e' and NTproBNP as well as higher resting heart rate and stroke volume in CA. Patients with CA displayed worse non-exertional CPET performance compared to non-CA HF patients, which was associated with rehospitalization. Differences between correlations of resting echocardiography and CPET variables between groups emphasize different properties of exercise physiology despite comparable ejection fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wernhart
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Lars Michel
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Carpinteiro
- Clinic for Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter Luedike
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Kaddoura R, Madurasinghe V, Chapra A, Abushanab D, Al-Badriyeh D, Patel A. Beta-blocker therapy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (B-HFpEF): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102376. [PMID: 38184132 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While beta-blockers are considered the cornerstone of treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the same may not apply to patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). To date, the benefit of beta-blockers remains uncertain, and there is no current consensus on their effectiveness. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of beta-blockers on mortality and rehospitalization among patients with HFpEF. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized or observational cohort studies examined the efficacy of beta-blocker therapy in comparison with placebo, control, or standard medical care in patients with HFpEF, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50 %. The main endpoints were mortality (i.e., all-cause and cardiovascular), rehospitalization (i.e., all-cause and for heart failure) and a composite of the two. RESULTS Out of the 13,189 records initially identified, 16 full-text records met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed recruiting a total of 27,188 patients. The mean age range was 62-84 years old, predominantly female, with HFpEF in which 63.4 % of patients received a beta-blocker and 36.6 % did not. The pooled analysis of included cohort studies, of variable follow-up durations, showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality by 19 % (odds ratio (OR) 0.81; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.65-0.99, p = 0.044) whereas rehospitalization for heart failure (OR 1.13; 95 % CI: 0.91-1.41, p = 0.27) or its composite with all-cause mortality (OR 1.01; 95 % CI: 0.78-1.32, p = 0.92) were similar between the beta-blocker and control groups. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis showed that beta-blocker therapy has the potential to reduce all-cause mortality in patients with HFpEF based on observational studies. Nevertheless, it did not affect rehospitalization for heart failure or its composite with all-cause mortality. Large scale randomized trials are needed to clarify this uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Kaddoura
- Pharmacy Department, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | - Ammar Chapra
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Abushanab
- Drug Information Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ashfaq Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Wernhart S, Rassaf T. Exercise, cancer, and the cardiovascular system: clinical effects and mechanistic insights. Basic Res Cardiol 2024:10.1007/s00395-024-01034-4. [PMID: 38353711 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-024-01034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the leading causes of death in the Western world and share common risk factors. Reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a major determinant of cardiovascular morbidity and cancer survival. In this review we discuss cancer- induced disturbances of parenchymal, cellular, and mitochondrial function, which limit CRF and may be antagonized and attenuated through exercise training. We show the impact of CRF on cancer survival and its attenuating effects on cardiotoxicity of cancer-related treatment. Tailored exercise programs are not yet available for each tumor entity as several trials were performed in heterogeneous populations without adequate cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) prior to exercise prescription and with a wide variation of exercise modalities. There is emerging evidence that exercise may be a crucial pillar in cancer treatment and a tool to mitigate cardiotoxic treatment effects. We discuss modalities of aerobic exercise and resistance training and their potential to improve CRF in cancer patients and provide an example of a periodization model for exercise training in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wernhart
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Kaddoura R, Patel A. Revisiting Beta-Blocker Therapy in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023; 48:102015. [PMID: 37544622 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogenous disorder and tends to be predominant in elderly, female, and obese patients. HFpEF has been classified using various cut-offs of left ventricular ejection fraction in the published studies with a current cut-off of ≥50%. The evidence of beta-blocker therapy in HFpEF patients showed conflicting findings with variably reported efficacy. This review aims to examine the published studies on the use of beta blockers for the treatment of patients with HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Kaddoura
- Pharmacy Department, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ashfaq Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Wernhart S, Mincu R, Balcer B, Rammos C, Muentjes C, Rassaf T. The cardiorespiratory optimal point as a discriminator of lesion severity in adults with congenital heart disease. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023; 63:941-948. [PMID: 37166254 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.23.14835-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), which depends on maximal exertion and is reduced in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), is associated with lesion severity. The lowest ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (the minimum value of VE/VO2) reflects the cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP) as best possible respiration-circulatory interaction and may discriminate between lesion types without the need for maximal exertion. However, data on COP in ACHD is scarce. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed stable ACHD with moderate (N.=13) and severe lesions (N.=17) reporting to our outpatient clinic undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The primary outcome of the study was the difference of COP between moderate and severe lesions. Secondary outcomes were between group differences of the submaximal variable exercise oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and peak O2 pulse (O2pulsemax) as a surrogate for peripheral oxygen extraction and stroke volume increase during exercise. RESULTS The group of severe lesions displayed higher COP (29.5±7.0 vs. 25.2±6.2, P=0.028) as well as lower O2pulsemax (13.3±8.4 vs. 14.9±3.4 mL/beat/kg 102, P=0.038). VO2peak (17.4±6.5 vs. 20.8±8.5 mL/kg/min, P=0.286) and OUES (1.5±0.7 vs. 1.8±0.9, P=0.613) showed a trend towards lower values in severe lesions. COP was a better between group discriminator than O2pulsemax (area under the curve 73.8% vs. 72.4%). CONCLUSIONS As a submaximal variable, COP discriminated between moderate and severe lesions and may prove beneficial in a highly vulnerable population that is often unable to undergo exertional testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wernhart
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Hospital Essen University, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany -
| | - Raluca Mincu
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Hospital Essen University, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany
| | - Bastian Balcer
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Hospital Essen University, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany
| | - Christos Rammos
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Hospital Essen University, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten Muentjes
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Hospital Essen University, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- West German Heart- and Vascular Center, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Hospital Essen University, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany
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Heart failure classification based on resting ejection fraction does not display a unique exercise response pattern. Int J Cardiol 2023; 376:157-164. [PMID: 36716970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.01.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure with preserved (HFpEF), mildly reduced (HFmrEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction (EF) remains a controversial categorization. Whether these three categories reflect a distinct pattern of exercise limitation in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) needs to be investigated. We aimed to analyze whether CPET variables differ between all heart failure categories (HF). METHODS We analyzed CPET variables of stable HFpEF (n = 123), HFmrEF (n = 31), and HFrEF (n = 153; 74 patients with and 79 patients without left ventricular assist device, LVAD) patients. The association between HF and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was used as a primary outcome, while the association between HF, oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), and increase of O2 pulse (ΔO2 pulse) were analyzed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS VO2peak displayed a consistent decline across all HF categories (19.8 ml ± 6.2/kg/min vs. 17.5 ± 7.9 ml/kg/min vs. 13.7 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001). OUES only showed differences between HFpEF and HFrEF (1.8 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5, p < 0.001) as well as HFmrEF and HFrEF (1.9 ± 0.9 vs. 1.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.004). ΔO2 pulse differed between HFpEF and HFrEF (7.7 ± 3.5 ml/beat/kg*100 vs. 5.5 ± 3.0 ml/beat/kg*100, p < 0.001) as well as HFpEF and HFmrEF (7.7 ± 3.5 ml/beat/kg*100 vs. 6.3 ± 4.1 ml/beat/kg*100, p = 0.049). Outcome variables did not differ between HFrEF with and without LVAD support (VO2peak: p = 0.364, OUES: p = 0.129, ΔO2 pulse: p = 0.564). CONCLUSIONS HF did not display a distinct CPET profile. Thus, EF-based categorization does not entirely reflect exercise limitations. CPET variables could contribute to better characterize HF phenotypes.
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