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Kodur N, Tang WHW. Myocardial Recovery and Relapse in Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2024; 26:139-160. [PMID: 38993352 PMCID: PMC11238717 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-024-01038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to discuss myocardial recovery in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and to summarize the contemporary insights regarding heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF). Recent findings Improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 40%) with improved prognosis can be achieved in one out of three (10-40%) patients with HFrEF treated with guideline-directed medical therapy. Clinical predictors include non-ischemic etiology of HFrEF, less abnormal blood or imaging biomarkers, and lack of specific pathogenic genetic variants. However, a subset of patients may ultimately relapse, suggesting that many patients are merely in remission rather than having fully recovered. Summary Patients with HFimpEF have improved prognosis but nonetheless remain at risk of relapse and long-term adverse events. Future studies will hopefully chart the natural history of HFimpEF and identify clinical predictors such as blood or novel imaging biomarkers that distinguish subgroups of patients based on differential trajectory and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandan Kodur
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J3-4, Cleveland, OH, US
| | - W. H. Wilson Tang
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J3-4, Cleveland, OH, US
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, US
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Anwar AM. Incremental diagnostic and prognostic utility of left atrial deformation in heart failure using speckle tracking echocardiography. Heart Fail Rev 2024; 29:713-727. [PMID: 38466374 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-024-10392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Left atrium (LA) is a very important component of cardiovascular performance. The assessment of LA function has gathered the interest with expanding research supporting the utility as a biomarker for outcomes in heart failure (HF). Echocardiography is the main imaging modality which helps in a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the LA size and function. Recent advances in probe technology and software analysis have provided a better understanding of LA anatomy, physiology, pathology, and function. A variety of parameters have been defined as markers of LA function but there is no single parameter that best defines LA function. Speckle tracking echocardiography-derived analysis of LA deformation provides a window on all phases of LA function (reservoir, conduit, and booster pump). There is accumulative published data that supported the diagnostic and prognostic values of LA deformation integration during echo assessment of LA in HF. This review article summarized the clinical utility of LA deformation that may help in prediction, diagnosis, categorization, risk stratification, and guiding the proper selection of therapy in HF patients in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf M Anwar
- Department of Cardiology, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, P.O. Box: 9862, Jeddah, 21159, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Solymossi B, Muk B, Sepp R, Habon T, Borbély A, Heltai K, Majoros Z, Járai Z, Vágány D, Szatmári Á, Sziliczei E, Bánfi-Bacsárdi F, Nyolczas N. Incidence and predictors of heart failure with improved ejection fraction category in a HFrEF patient population. ESC Heart Fail 2024; 11:783-794. [PMID: 38124459 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.14619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and predictive factors of the development of heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF) category during a 1 year follow-up period in a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patient population managed in a heart failure outpatient clinic. METHODS AND RESULTS The study evaluated data from patients enrolled in the Hungarian Heart Failure Registry (HHFR). The incidence and predictive factors of the development of the HFimpEF category after 1 year follow-up were assessed in the group of patients who had HFrEF at baseline. We evaluated the incidence and predictors of the development of HFimpEF after a 1 year follow-up in relation to time since diagnosis of HFrEF in patients diagnosed within 3 months, between 3 months and 1 year, and beyond 1 year. The predictive factors of the development of HFimpEF were analysed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 833 HFrEF patients enrolled in the HHFR, the development of HFimpEF was observed in 162 patients (19.5%) during 1 year follow-up. In the whole patient population, independent predictors of the development of HFimpEF were female gender [odds ratio (OR): 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.96; P < 0.05], non-ischaemic aetiology (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.15-3.30; P < 0.05), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) <60 mm (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.18-3.51; P < 0.05). The 1 year incidence of HFimpEF decreased in relation to time since diagnosis of HFrEF. The incidence of HFimpEF was 27.1% in patients diagnosed within 3 months, 18.4% in patients diagnosed between 3 months and 1 year, and 12.2% in patients diagnosed beyond 1 year. Non-ischaemic aetiology (OR: 4.76; 95% CI: 1.83-12.4; P < 0.01) and QRS width (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.71-0.94; P < 0.01) for patients diagnosed within 3 months, LVEDD (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32-0.90; P < 0.05) and left atrial diameter ≤45 mm (OR: 5.44; 95% CI: 1.45-20.4; P < 0.05) for patients diagnosed between 3 months and 1 year, and LVEDD < 67 mm (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.07-6.88; P < 0.05) for patients diagnosed beyond 1 year were found to be independent predictive factors. CONCLUSIONS In our study, in this HFrEF patient population managed in a heart failure outpatient clinic, the 1 year incidence of HFimpEF was found to be ~20%. The 1 year incidence of HFimpEF decreased in relation to time since diagnosis of HFrEF. The most important predictors of the development of HFimpEF were female sex, non-ischaemic aetiology, narrower QRS width, and smaller diameter of the left ventricle and left atrium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Balázs Muk
- Gottsegen National Cardiovascular Center, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Sepp
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Habon
- Division of Cardiology, First Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Borbély
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Heltai
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Majoros
- Department of Cardiology, Central Hospital of Northern Pest-Military Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Járai
- South-Buda Center Hospital, St Imre University Teaching Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dénes Vágány
- Department of Cardiology, Central Hospital of Northern Pest-Military Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Szatmári
- Cardiology Outpatient Clinic, Institute for Aviation Medicine, Military Fitness, and Medicine, Hungarian Defence Forces, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Erzsébet Sziliczei
- Fejér County Szent György University Teaching Hospital, Székesfehérvár, Hungary
| | | | - Noémi Nyolczas
- Gottsegen National Cardiovascular Center, Budapest, Hungary
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Qi Z, Zheng Y, Chan JSK, Tse G, Liu T. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for left ventricular function in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102210. [PMID: 37993005 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102210] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the effect of exercise rehabilitation on the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase were searched until May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) providing data on changes in LV function, comparing exercise to no-exercise controls with HF of any type, were included. RESULTS A total of 16 studies including 1443 participants were included. LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was significantly improved in the exercise group [mean differences (MD), -2.67; 95 % confidence interval (CI) (-4.88, -0.46); P=0.02], but left atrial volume index (LAVI), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), E/e' E/A, end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV mass were unaltered compared to the non-exercise group. High intensity interval training (HIIT) or with moderate exercise (MT) led to improvement in LVEDD [MD, 3.62; 95 %CI (2.55, 4.69); P<0.00001], but not LAVI, E/e' and E/A. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses showed that the location, the type of HF and study duration may be the source of heterogeneity in LVEF. Age appears to be a source of heterogeneity in EDV and ESV. The Egger test indicated no significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Exercise can partially improve LV function in patients with HF, with improvements appearing to be dependent on study quality, the type of HF, and race. However, there are some indicators that do not seem to improve or are even worse than the control group. Among all exercise modalities, HIIT shows the greatest benefit for HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo Qi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Jeffrey Shi Kai Chan
- Heart Failure and Structural Heart Disease Research Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary Tse
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China; School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China.
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Gao P, Gao X, Xie B, Tse G, Liu T. Aging and atrial fibrillation: A vicious circle. Int J Cardiol 2024; 395:131445. [PMID: 37848123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the commonest sustained cardiac arrhythmia observed in clinical practice. Its prevalence increases dramatically with advancing age. This review article discusses the recent advances in studies investigating the relationship between aging and AF and the possible underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyi Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bingxin Xie
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gary Tse
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Pensa AV, Khan SS, Shah RV, Wilcox JE. Heart failure with improved ejection fraction: Beyond diagnosis to trajectory analysis. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 82:102-112. [PMID: 38244827 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction represents a highly treatable cause of heart failure (HF). A substantial proportion of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF;HFrEF) demonstrate improvement in LV systolic function (termed HF with improved EF [HFimpEF]), either spontaneously or when treated with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). Although it is a relatively new HF classification, HFimpEF has emerged in recent years as an important and distinct clinical entity. Improvement in LVEF leads to decreased rates of mortality and adverse HF-related outcomes compared to patients with sustained LV systolic dysfunction (HFrEF). While numerous clinical and imaging factors have been associated with HFimpEF, identification of which patients do and do not improve requires further investigation. In addition, patients improve at different rates, and what determines the trajectory of HFimpEF patients after improvement is incompletely characterized. A proportion of patients maintain improvement in LV systolic function, while others experience a recrudescence of systolic dysfunction, especially with GDMT discontinuation. In this review we discuss the contemporary guideline-recommended classification definition of HFimpEF, the epidemiology of improvement in LV systolic function, and the clinical course of this unique patient population. We also offer evidence-based recommendations for the clinical management of HFimpEF and provide a roadmap for future directions in understanding and improving outcomes in the care of patients with HFimpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony V Pensa
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Sadiya S Khan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ravi V Shah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Jane E Wilcox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
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Kasiakogias A, Ragavan A, Halliday BP. Your Heart Function Has Normalized-What Next After TRED-HF? Curr Heart Fail Rep 2023; 20:542-554. [PMID: 37999902 PMCID: PMC10746577 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-023-00636-8] [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: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With the widespread implementation of contemporary disease-modifying heart failure therapy, the rates of normalization of ejection fraction are continuously increasing. The TRED-HF trial confirmed that heart failure remission rather than complete recovery is typical in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who respond to therapy. The present review outlines key points related to the management and knowledge gaps of this growing patient group, focusing on patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. RECENT FINDINGS There is substantial heterogeneity among patients with normalized ejection fraction. The specific etiology is likely to affect the outcome, although a multiple-hit phenotype is frequent and may not be identified without comprehensive characterization. A monogenic or polygenic genetic susceptibility is common. Ongoing pathophysiological processes may be unraveled with advanced cardiac imaging, biomarkers, multi-omics, and machine learning technologies. There are limited studies that have investigated the withdrawal of specific heart failure therapies in these patients. Diuretics may be safely withdrawn if there is no evidence of congestion, while continued therapy with at least some disease-modifying therapy is likely to be required to reduce myocardial workload and sustain remission for the vast majority. Understanding the underlying disease mechanisms of patients with normalized ejection fraction is crucial in identifying markers of myocardial relapse and guiding individualized therapy in the future. Ongoing clinical trials should inform personalized approaches to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Kasiakogias
- Inherited Cardiac Conditions Care Group, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Aaraby Ragavan
- Inherited Cardiac Conditions Care Group, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Brian P Halliday
- Inherited Cardiac Conditions Care Group, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Dye C, Dela Cruz M, Larsen T, Nair G, Marinescu K, Suboc T, Engelstein E, Marsidi J, Patel P, Sharma P, Volgman AS. A review of the impact, pathophysiology, and management of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS : CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 33:100309. [PMID: 38510554 PMCID: PMC10946048 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2023.100309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) have increased mortality and increased risk of stroke. Due to the heterogeneous nature of both disease processes, it is difficult to ascertain whether the diagnosis and progression of AF is the cause of deterioration or if it is a symptom of worsening heart failure. This presents physicians with a clinical conundrum of whether optimizing their heart failure will decrease the overall AF burden or if restoration of sinus rhythm is necessary to optimize patients with HFpEF. In this paper, we will review the impact of AF in patients with HFpEF, the pathophysiology and heterogeneity of HFpEF and AF, and the management of these patients. As HFpEF and AF become more prevalent, managing these disease processes needs standardization to improve outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between AF and HFpEF to help determine the best management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cicely Dye
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mark Dela Cruz
- Advocate Heart Institute, Advocate Christ Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60453, USA
| | - Timothy Larsen
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Gatha Nair
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Karolina Marinescu
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Tisha Suboc
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Erica Engelstein
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jennifer Marsidi
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Priya Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Parikshit Sharma
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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