Cardiovascular disease in women: Executive summary of the expert panel statement of women in cardiology of the hellenic cardiological society

The perception that women represent a low-risk population for cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) needs to be reconsidered. Starting from risk factors, women are more likely to be susceptible to unhealthy behaviors and risk factors that have different impact on CV morbidity and mortality as compared to men. Despite the large body of evidence as regards the effect of lifestyle factors on the CVD onset, the gender-specific effect of traditional and non-traditional risk factors on the prognosis of patients with already established CVD has not been well investigated and understood. Furthermore, CVD in women is often misdiagnosed, underestimated, and undertreated. Women also experience hormonal changes from adolescence till elder life that affect CV physiology. Unfortunately, in most of the clinical trials women are underrepresented, leading to the limited knowledge of CV and systemic impact effects of several treatment modalities on women's health. Thus, in this consensus, a group of female cardiologists from the Hellenic Society of Cardiology presents the special features of CVD in women: the different needs in primary and secondary prevention, as well as therapeutic strategies that may be implemented in daily clinical practice to eliminate underestimation and undertreatment of CVD in the female population.

Redox State in Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis and Relevant Therapeutic Approaches

BACKGROUND

Myocardial redox state is a critical determinant of atrial biology, regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis, ion channel function, and cardiac hypertrophy/fibrosis and function. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether the targeting of atrial redox state is a rational therapeutic strategy for atrial fibrillation prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To review the role of atrial redox state and anti-oxidant therapies in atrial fibrillation.

METHOD

Published literature in Medline was searched for experimental and clinical evidence linking myocardial redox state with atrial fibrillation pathogenesis as well as studies looking into the role of redoxtargeting therapies in the prevention of atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

Data from animal models have shown that altered myocardial nitroso-redox balance and NADPH oxidases activity are causally involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. Similarly experimental animal data supports that increased reactive oxygen / nitrogen species formation in the atrial tissue is associated with altered electrophysiological properties of atrial myocytes and electrical remodeling, favoring atrial fibrillation development. In humans, randomized clinical studies using redox-related therapeutic approaches (e.g. statins or antioxidant agents) have not documented any benefits in the prevention of atrial fibrillation development (mainly post-operative atrial fibrillation risk).

CONCLUSION

Despite strong experimental and translational data supporting the role of atrial redox state in atrial fibrillation pathogenesis, such mechanistic evidence has not been translated to clinical benefits in atrial fibrillation risk in randomized clinical studies using redox-related therapies.

Sex differences regarding the impact of physical activity on left ventricular systolic function in elderly patients with an acute coronary event

INTRODUCTION

Regular physical activity has been associated with less severity of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), lower in-hospital mortality rates, and an improved short term prognosis. This study evaluated the relationship between physical activity status and the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) according to inflammation and sex in elderly patients who had had an ACS.

METHODS

We analyzed prospectively collected data from 355 male (age 74 ± 6 years) and 137 female (76 ± 6 years) patients who were hospitalized with an ACS. LVSD was evaluated by echocardiography on the 5th day of hospitalization and physical activity status was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. Inflammatory response was evaluated by measuring C-reactive protein levels. Logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the effect of physical activity status on the development of LVSD and inflammatory response at entry.

RESULTS

Physical inactivity had a higher prevalence in women who developed LVSD than in the female patients with preserved systolic function (46% vs. 20%, p=0.02). There was a significant positive association between physical activity levels and ejection fraction in women (p=0.06), but not in men (p=0.30). Multiadjusted logistic regression showed that women who were physically active had 76% lower odds (95%CI: 1-94%) of developing LVSD compared to their sedentary counterparts. Furthermore, physical activity was inversely associated with C-reactive protein levels in both sexes (p=0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term involvement in a physically active lifestyle seems to confer further cardio-protection by reducing the inflammatory response and preserving left ventricular systolic function in elderly female, but not male patients with an ACS.

Left Atrial Function Predicts Heart Failure Events in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Left Ventricular Systolic Heart Failure During Short-Term Follow-Up

We assessed the effect of left atrial (LA) function index, LA ejection fraction, LA kinetic energy, and maximal LA volume on 6 months clinical outcome in patients with newly diagnosed systolic heart failure (HF). During a 36-month period, 179 consecutive patients (17% female, mean age 63 ± 14 years) were enrolled. During the follow-up, 46 patients had an event (32% event rate; 15 were fatal). Those with an adverse event were older, had lower creatinine clearance, advanced New York Heart Association stage, higher prevalence of ischemic HF, and lower values for right ventricle systolic wave in the tissue Doppler imaging evaluation, compared with those without an event. Multivariate analysis revealed that LA function and ischemic etiology of HF were the most significant prognostic indicators after index hospitalization. This study reveals the important role of LA function for the short-term prognosis of patients with newly diagnosed systolic HF in sinus rhythm.

Large left atrial myxoma in an oligosymptomatic young woman

We present the case of a young female with a large sporadic left atrial myxoma. Interestingly, despite the tumor's large size, this patient had only mild exertional dyspnea without any embolic events or constitutional symptoms.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation, patient selection process and procedure: two centres' experience of the intervention without general anaesthesia

INTRODUCTION

transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging technique for the treatment of aortic stenosis. With the advent of percutaneous suture devices for the access point and prosthesis delivery systems of smaller diameter, TAVI has become a truly percutaneous procedure: percutaneous aortic valve replacement (PAVR). Thus, PAVR may be conducted without general anaesthesia (GA).

METHODS

We report two centres' experience from PAVR without GA. CoreValve aortic bioprostheses were utilised. The patient selection process and PAVR procedure are described in detail.

RESULTS

a total of 30 patients (pts) were treated with PAVR. In 4 pts correction of the initial malposition of the prosthesis required a special technique (2 pts: "snare"; 2 pts: "removing and reinserting"). At 1-month follow up, haemodynamic and clinical improvements were observed: left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 50.8 ± 9.3% to 54.3 ± 8.3% (p=0.02); peak aortic valve gradient decreased from 90.3 ± 26.4 mmHg to 14.8 ± 9.7 mmHg, (p<0.001); NYHA functional class decreased from 3.53 ± 0.93 to 1.45 ± 0.94 (p<0.001). Overall 1-month mortality was 3.3% (1 patient died).

CONCLUSION

PAVR without general anaesthesia is a feasible technique, however the role of anaesthesiologists is still important.

Pseudo-aneurysm in ascending aorta detected 15 years after aortic valve replacement

We describe the case of a woman which was found incidentally on catheterization to have a pseudo-aneurysm of the ascending aorta at the site of a previously (15 years ago) implanted metallic prosthetic aortic valve. Angiographic and computed tomography images are provided, which demonstrate the pseudo- aneurysm.

Acute myocarditis from coxsackie infection, mimicking subendocardial ischaemia

Viral myocarditis may have various clinical presentations, sometimes mimicking acute myocardial infarction or ischaemia. We describe the case of a young man presenting with acute heart failure, who had electrocardiographic changes suggesting myocardial ischaemia and an episode of sustained ventricular tachycardia. The diagnosis of acute myocarditis was confirmed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Chronic systemic inflammation accompanies impaired ventricular diastolic function, detected by Doppler imaging, in patients with newly diagnosed systolic heart failure (Hellenic Heart Failure Study)

We sought to evaluate the relationship between plasma cytokine levels (sCD14, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha, and interleukin [IL]-6) and tissue Doppler derived indices of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. We enrolled 101 consecutive patients (mean age 65+/-13 years) with newly diagnosed heart failure who were hospitalized in our institute. Echocardiographic assessment was performed in all patients during the third day of their initial hospitalization. The pulsed tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of the systolic and diastolic function of mitral annulus was characterized by the systolic wave Smv, and the diastolic waves: Emv and Amv. Left atrial kinetic energy (LAKE), an index of left atrial function, was calculated using the equation 1/2 x LASV x 1.06 x Amv(2); where LASV is left atrial systolic volume. Furthermore the ratio E/Emv and the flow propagation velocity were also calculated; where E is the rapid mitral filling wave, detected by pulse Doppler. Soluble plasma levels of CD14, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 were measured in all patients during their third day of hospitalization. Linear regression analysis, after adjustment for sex, age, left ventricular ejection function, body mass index, arterial hypertension, smoking, physical activity, creatinine clearance, diabetes mellitus, and blood lipid levels, revealed that IL-6 levels were inversely associated with LAKE (b= - 5422.4+/-2031.5, P=0.03), Sm (b= -0.375+/-0.1, P=0.03), and flow propagation (b= -5.404+/-0.621, P=0.001). CD14 levels were inversely associated with flow propagation (b = -17.655+/-2.6, P=0.001), and positively associated with E/Emv ratio (b=2.58+/-3.6, P=0.002) and A/Amv ratio (b=0.629+/-0.6, P=0.04). TNF-alpha was inversely associated with Smv (b-1.189+/-0.3, P=0.005). This study reveals that increased plasma levels of CD14, IL-6 and TNF-alpha are associated with impaired left atrial function and more advanced left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction, in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure.

Serum uric acid levels correlate with left atrial function and systolic right ventricular function in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure: the hellenic heart failure study

The authors sought to investigate whether serum uric acid levels are associated with systolic left and right ventricular function, as well as left atrial function in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure. The authors enrolled 106 consecutive patients (mean age 65+/-13 years). Echocardiographic and biochemical assessment was performed during the third day of hospitalization. Pulsed tissue Doppler imaging of the systolic function of mitral and tricuspid annulus was characterized by the systolic waves (Smv and Stv, respectively), expressed in cm/s, and the left atrial function by the Amv wave. Left atrial kinetics was calculated using an equation. Serum uric acid levels were inversely correlated with Stv (P=.005) and left atrial kinetics (P=.05), after controlling for potential confounders. Uric acid levels appear to be correlated with more impaired right ventricular systolic function and decreased left atrial work in patients with heart failure.

Arteriovenous connection between the aorta and the coronary sinus through a giant fistulous right coronary artery

Coronary arteriovenous fistulas are rare. The right coronary artery (RCA) seems to be the most common site of origin, while the right ventricle, right atrium and the main pulmonary artery are the most common draining chambers. We report on a patient with fistulas in both coronary arteries: one arising from the circumflex artery and draining into the coronary sinus (CS), and a fistulous connection between the proximal aorta and the CS, represented by an enlarged and cirsoid RCA. Despite the factthat the non-invasive diagnosis of coronary fistulas has traditionally been difficult, in this case echocardiography led to the suspicion of the anomaly.

Changes in aortic root function after valve replacement in patients with aortic stenosis

BACKGROUND

Aortic elastic properties are compromised in various states that induce functional and histological changes in the aortic wall. Aortic stenosis is frequent and often requires replacement of the stenotic valve. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aortic valve replacement on the aortic root function.

METHODS

31 patients, mean+/-SD age 67.2+/-9.1 years with severe aortic stenosis, who underwent aortic valve replacement with a bileaflet mechanical prosthesis, were studied. Aortic root function indices such as aortic cross-sectional compliance (CSC), aortic root distensibility (ARD), and aortic stiffness index (ASI) were calculated with the use of M-mode echocardiography in three sessions: one preoperatively (pre-op), one on day 7 postoperatively (early post-op), and one 6 months postoperatively (late post-op).

RESULTS

Aortic root function deteriorated early post-op (p<0.001 for all) and returned towards pre-op levels late post-op (p=NS for all). CSC changed from 2.84+/-1.98 to 1.37+/-0.92, and 2.30+/-1.11 cm2/mmHg, ARD from 2.21+/-5.60 to 1.01+/-0.67, and 1.79+/-0.96 cm2/dyne, and ASI from 9.72+/-5.60 to 24.65+/-19.10, and 11.51+/-7.85, respectively. Correlations were found between early changes in some aortic root indices and the degree of aortic stenosis, denoting that aortic function deteriorated less in more severe cases of aortic stenosis. None of the late changes were related to aortic valve or left ventricular indices.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve results in a significant but transient impairment of aortic distensibility.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Right Atrial Extension in a Young Patient with Congenitally Unguarded Tricuspid Orifice

We report a case of a young female patient with congenitally unguarded tricuspid orifice and underdeveloped pulmonary valve leaflets, who had developed severe right-sided congestive heart failure and cardiac cirrhosis early in life. She was admitted to our hospital with deterioration of dyspnea and abdominal tenderness. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed on the basis of computed tomography findings, high plasma alpha-fetoprotein levels and evidence of chronic hepatitis B viral infection. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a mass into the right atrium, considered to be an extension of the tumor.

Diastolic Function in Young Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major: An Echocardiographic Study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate myocardial diastolic function in patients with beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM) using pulsed-tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and flow propagation (VP), in relation to BNP levels.

METHODS

We enrolled 192 consecutive patients with beta-TM (88 men (25 +/- 6 years) and 104 women (26 +/- 6 years), with normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function. By TDI, diastolic myocardial velocities were sampled at the lateral section of the mitral annulus (Smv, Emv, Amv). From the apical four-chamber view diastolic transmitral flow velocities, including measures of E- and A-waves were performed. The propagation velocity of early flow into the LV cavity was measured by color M-mode Doppler. Plasma BNP levels were measured in all patients.

RESULTS

A nonlinear relationship was found between BNP levels and E/A ratio (beta coefficient for the second-order term = 1.4 +/- 0.4, P = 0.001). We also found a positive association of BNP levels with Amv (r = 0.28, P = 0.023), and a reverse with Smv (r =-0.59, P = 0.01) and Emv/Amv (r =-0.36, P = 0.019). Moreover, an inverse relationship was observed between BNP and Vp (r =-0.43, P = 0.012) levels. Finally, a strong positive linear relationship was found between E/Vp ratio and BNP levels (r = 0.76, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A U-curved association of E/A ratio of transmitral Doppler velocity was revealed with BNP levels, while the tissue Doppler of the Emv/Amv of the mitral annulus movement showed a negative linear association with BNP levels.

Tissue Doppler Imaging and Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Adults with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot

BACKGROUND

Accurate estimation of right ventricular (RV) function in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (RTOF) is difficult, partly due to the presence of tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary regurgitation and/or stenosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate RV systolic and diastolic function of adult asymptomatic patients with RTOF by means of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) values.

METHODS

25 adult patients with RTOF and 25 healthy controls were studied. The following echocardiographic measurements were obtained: RV diameter/left ventricular (LV) diameter (RVD/LVD) and systolic (Sa) and diastolic (Ea, Aa) velocities at the RV free wall tricuspid annulus site. Serum BNP levels were measured as well.

RESULTS

Patients with RTOF demonstrated reduced TDI velocities: Sa, 8.16 +/- 1.15 versus 16.43 +/- 1.15 cm/sec (P < .001); Ea, 10.00 +/- 2.18 versus 18.99 +/- 1.00 cm/sec (P < .001); Aa, 5.64 +/- 1.77 vs. 13.69 +/- 0.86 cm/sec (P < .001). Patients with RTOF also had higher BNP levels than controls (85.0 +/- 87.0 vs 5.36 +/- 1.0 pg/mL; P < .001). The increased BNP levels in RTOF patients correlated with the RVD/LVD ratio (r = .521; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that although our cohort of patients was asymptomatic, using TDI and BNP allowed us to easily discriminate them from the healthy controls. The ability of TDI to assess ventricular function even in the presence of valvular lesions, as in RTOF patients, makes it a valuable tool in the investigation and follow-up of these patients.