Left bundle branch pacing vs biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Left bundle branch pacing(LBBP)is a novel pacing modality of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)that achieves more physiologic native ventricular activation than biventricular pacing(BiVP).AIM To explore the validity of electromechanical resynchronization,clinical and echocardiographic response of LBBP-CRT.METHODS Systematic review and Meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the standard guidelines as mentioned in detail in the methodology section.RESULTS In our analysis,the success rate of LBBP-CRT was determined to be 91.1%.LBBP CRT significantly shortened QRS duration,with significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters,including left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter in comparison with BiVP-CRT.CONCLUSION A significant reduction in New York Heart Association class and B-type natriuretic peptide levels was also observed in the LBBP-CRT group vs BiVP-CRT group.Lastly,the LBBP-CRT cohort had a reduced pacing threshold at follow-up as compared to BiVP-CRT.

Dapagliflozin and sacubitril on myocardial microperfusion in patients with post-acute myocardial infarction heart failure and type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)frequently coexist,creating a complex and challenging clinical scenario,particularly when complicated with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).AIM To examine the effects of dapagliflozin combined with sakubactrovalsartan sodium tablets on myocardial microperfusion.METHODS In total,98 patients were categorized into control(n=47)and observation(n=51)groups.The control group received noxital,while the observation group was treated with dapagliflozin combined with noxital for 6 months.Changes in myocardial microperfusion,blood glucose level,cardiac function,N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)level,growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15)level,and other related factors were compared between the two groups.Additionally,the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and adverse reactions were calculated.RESULTS After treatment,in the observation and control groups,the corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame counts were 37.12±5.02 and 48.23±4.66,respectively.The NT-proBNP levels were 1502.65±255.87 and 2015.23±286.31 pg/mL,the N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide(NT-proANP)levels were 1415.69±213.05 and 1875.52±241.02 ng/mL,the GDF-15 levels were 0.87±0.43 and 1.21±0.56 g/L,and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)levels were 6.54±1.56 and 8.77±1.94 mg/L,respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The cumulative incidence of MACEs in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was 13.73%(7/51)in the observation group and 10.64%(5/47)in the control group,with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin combined with nocinto can improve myocardial microperfusion and left ventricular remodeling and reduce MACE incidence in patients with post-AMI heart failure and T2DM.The underlying mechanism may be related to the reduction in the expression levels of NT-proANP,GDF-15,and hs-CRP.

Effects of rh BNP after PCI on non-invasive hemodynamic in acute myocardial infarction patients with left heart failure

Objective: To investigate the effects of exogenous recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rh BNP) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) on non-invasive hemodynamic in acute myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular failure. Methods: A number of 96 acute myocardial infarction patients accompanied with heart failure after PCI hospitalized in the People's Hospital of Sanya during February 2012 to October 2015 were selected. They were randomly divided into the therapy group(n = 50) and control group(n = 46). On the basis of routine treatment, patients in the therapy group were treated with intravenous rh BNP(1.5 μg/kg was intravenous injection with uniform speed of 3 min, followed by continuous infusion 0.007 5 μg/kg·min for 72 h), while the control group received conventional treatment. Bio Z-2011 non-invasive hemodynamic real-time monitoring system was used to monitor the hemodynamic parameters changes and the leves of plasma pro-BNP, serum creatinine, serum potassium, serum sodium and urine volume of each group before and after treating for 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h. Results: Patients in the therapy group showed no effect on heart rate, while after 30 min of intravenous injection of rh BNP, CO, CI, SV, and SI increased significantly and LVET and TFC reduced at the same time, which had certain effect on blood pressure(SBP/DBP). Compared with the control group, the therapy group showed a faster and more effective improvement on haemodynamics. Conclusions: Acute myocardial infarction patients complicated with left heart failure after primary PCI can significantly improve hemodynamics by treating with rh BNP.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Emergency Ventilator Treatment for Severe Acute Left Ventricular Heart Failure

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of emergency ventilator therapy in severe acute left heart failure.Methods:A total of 75 patients with severe acute left ventricular heart failure who were admitted to the hospital from July 2020 to July 2023 were randomly divided into two groups.Group A received additional emergency ventilator treatment,and group B received conventional treatment.The efficacy was compared.Results:The curative effect of patients with severe acute left heart failure in group A was higher than that in group B(P<0.05);all blood gas indicators in group A were better than those in group B(P<0.05);all vital signs indicators in group A were better than those in group B(P<0.05);group A was more satisfied with the treatment of severe acute left ventricular heart failure than group B(P<0.05).Conclusion:Patients with severe acute left heart failure who receive emergency ventilator treatment can stabilize vital signs,improve blood oxygen supply,and enhance curative effect.

Diagnosis and treatment of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Nearly six million people in United States have heart failure.Fifty percent of these people have normal left ventricular(LV)systolic heart function but abnormal diastolic function due to increased LV myocardial stiffness.Most commonly,these patients are elderly women with hypertension,ischemic heart disease,atrial fibrillation,obesity,diabetes mellitus,renal disease,or obstructive lung disease.The annual mortality rate of these patients is 8%-12%per year.The diagnosis is based on the history,physical examination,laboratory data,echocardiography,and,when necessary,by cardiac catheterization.Patients with obesity,hypertension,atrial fibrillation,and volume overload require weight reduction,an exercise program,aggressive control of blood pressure and heart rate,and diuretics.Miniature devices inserted into patients for pulmonary artery pressure monitoring provide early warning of increased pulmonary pressure and congestion.If significant coronary heart disease is present,coronary revascularization should be considered.

Heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in older patients with chronic kidney disease: the China Hypertension Survey (2012‒2015)

Background Heart failure(HF)is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality for older chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.However,the epidemiological data is scarce.We aimed to determine the prevalence of left ventricular(LV)dysfunction and HF,and to explore the risk factors for HF among those patients.Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the China Hypertension Survey conducted between October 2012 and December 2015.A total of 5,808 participants aged≥65 years were included in the analysis.Self-reported history of HF and any other cardiovascular diseases was acquired.2-D and Doppler echocardiography were used to assess LV dysfunction.CKD was defined as either estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or urinary albumin to creatinine ratio(ACR)≥30 mg/g.Results Among CKD patients aged≥65 years,the weighted prevalence of HF,heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF),heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction(HFmrEF),and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)was 4.8%,2.5%,0.8%,and 1.7%,respectively.The weighted prevalence of HF was 5.0%in patients with eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2,and was 5.9%in patients with ACR≥30 mg/g.The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction was 3.1%,and while it was 8.9%for moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking was significantly associated with the risk of HF.Furthermore,age,smoking,and residents in rural areas were significantly associated with a risk of LV diastolic dysfunction.Conclusions The prevalence of HF and LV dysfunction was high in older patients with CKD,suggesting that particular strategies will be required.

Prediction model of in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with acute heart failure based on retrospective study

Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a clinical risk model that is predictive of in-hospital mortality in elderly patients hos- pitalized with acute heart failure （AHF）. Methods 2486 patients who were 60 years and older from intensive care units of Cardiology De- partment in the hospital were analyzed. Independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality were obtained by binary logistic regression and then used to establish the risk prediction score system （RPSS）. The area under the curve （AUC） of receiver operator characteristic and C-statistic test were adopted to assess the performance of RPSS and to compare with previous get with the guidelines-heart failure （GWTG-HF）. Re- sults By binary logistic regression analysis, heart rate （OR： 1.043, 95% CI： 1.030-1.057, P 〈 0.001）, left ventricular ejection fraction （OR： 0.918, 95% CI： 0.833~）.966, P 〈 0.001）, pH value （OR： 0.001, 95% CI： 0.000-0.002, P 〈 0.001）, renal dysfunction （OR： 0.120, 95% CI： 0.066M）.220, P 〈 0.001） and NT-pro BNP （OR： 3.463, 95% CI： 1.870-6.413, P 〈 0.001） were independent risk factors of in-hospital mortal- ity for elderly AHF patients. Additionally, RPSS, which was composed of all the above-mentioned parameters, provided a better risk predic- tion than GWTG-THF （AUC： 0.873 vs. 0.818, P = 0.016）. Conclusions Our risk prediction model, RPSS, provided a good prediction for in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with A/IF.

Electrophysiological changes of autonomic cells in left ventricular outflow tract in guinea pigs with iron deficiency anemia complicated with chronic heart failure

Objective: To investigate the electrophysiological changes of autonomic cells in left ventricular outflow tract in guinea pigs with iron deficiency anemia complicated with chronic heart failure.Methods: Guinea pigs model of iron deficiency anemia complicated with chronic heart failure in 10 guinea pigs of the experimental group was made by feeding a low iron diet,pure water and subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. The control group consisting of 11 guinea pigs was given normal food, normal water and injected with normal saline. The left ventricular outflow tract model specimen was also prepared. The standard microelectrode technique was used to observe electrophysiological changes of autonomic cells in the outflow tract of left ventricular heart failure complicated with iron deficiency anemia in guinea pig model. The indicators of observation were maximal diastolic potential, action potential amplitude, 0 phase maximal depolarization velocity, 4 phase automatic depolarization velocity, repolarization 50% and 90%, and spontaneous discharge frequency.Results: Compared with the control group, 4 phase automatic depolarization velocity,spontaneous discharge frequency and 0 phase maximal depolarization velocity decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and action potential amplitude reduced(P < 0.01) in model group. Moreover, repolarization 50% and 90% increased(P < 0.01).Conclusions: There are electrophysiological abnormalities of the left ventricular outflow tract in guinea pigs with iron deficiency anemia complicated with heart failure.

Post-myocardial infarction giant left ventricular pseudoaneurysm presenting with severe heart failure

Left ventricle(LV) pseudoaneurysm is a late mechanical complication of myocardial infarction.A giant LV pseudoaneurysm is a rare presentation.We report a case of giant LV pseudoaneurysm in a post-MI patient who presented with gross congestive heart failure.The patient had a successful surgical repair of the aneurysm and had a favorable 3-mo outcome.The imaging modality and surgical treatment of the pseudoaneurysm are discussed.

Predicting mortality in patients with acute heart failure:Role of risk scores

Acute heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalization and death,and it is an increasing burden on health care systems. The correct risk stratification of patients could improve clinical outcome and resources allocation,avoiding the overtreatment of low-risk subjects or the early,inappropriate discharge of high-risk patients. Many clinical scores have been derived and validated for in-hospital and post-discharge survival; predictive models include demographic,clinical,hemodynamic and laboratory variables. Data sets are derived from public registries,clinical trials,and retrospective data. Most models show a good capacity to discriminate patients who reach major clinical end-points,with C-indices generally higher than 0.70,but their applicability in realworld populations has been seldom evaluated. No study has evaluated if the use of risk score-based stratification might improve patient outcome. Some variables(age,blood pressure,sodium concentration,renal function) recur in most scores and should always be considered when evaluating the risk of an individual patient hospitalized for acute heart failure. Future studies will evaluate the emerging role of plasma biomarkers.

Characteristics of Patients with Decreased Cognitive Function Undergoing Treatment for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Heart Failure—Basic Survey for Standardization of Nursing to Prevent Discontinuation of Treatment

The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of patients with decreased cognitive function undergoing treatment for acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure as a basic survey with a view to the standardization of nursing to prevent discontinuation of treatment of patients with declining cognitive function in the acute exacerbation phase of chronic heart failure. As the first stage of the research, using the interview guide created based on the background of discontinuation of treatment and symptomatic monitoring from 33 target literature sources, seven certified chronic heart failure nurses and 15 certified dementia nurses were given semi-structured interviews. Data obtained from the interviews was analyzed by qualitative induction. As a result, we obtained opinions/views on 8 situations namely, “cognitive function at hospitalization”, “characteristics at hospitalization, “characteristics when receiving examinations, procedures or treatment”, “characteristics of course of treatment”, “characteristics related to difficulties in grasping the symptoms of chronic heart failure and indices of deterioration”, “characteristics when using diuretics”, “characteristics concerning compliance with dietary restrictions” and “support required for discharge from hospital” concerning patients with declining cognitive function. In the future, it is necessary to prepare nursing protocols incorporating these contents for standardization of nursing.

Role of Ultrasound Lung Comets in the Diagnosis of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective A new technique of transthoracic lung ultrasonography(TLS) has emerged and demonstrated promising results in acute heart failure diagnosis at an early stage. However, the diagnostic value of ultrasound lung comets(ULCs) for acute heart failure(AHF) performed in busy emergency department(ED) is uncertain. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic efficiency of ULCs in AHF. Methods We conducted a search on online journal databases to collect the data on TLS performed for diagnosing AHF published up to the end of July 2017. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio(PLR), negative likelihood ratio(NLR), and summary receiver operating characteristic(SROC) curve were calculated. The post-test probability of AHF was calculated by using Bayes analysis. Results We enrolled a total of 15 studies involving 3,309 patients. The value of sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, area under the SROC curve, and Q* index was 85%, 91%, 8.94, 0.14, 67.24, 0.9587, and 0.9026, respectively. We detected significant heterogeneity among included studies, and therefore, all these results were analyzed under the random-effect model. We also explored possible sources of heterogeneity among the studies by using meta-regression analysis. Results suggest that the time interval between patient’s admission to bedside TLS examination was closely related to TLS accuracy. Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrated that detecting ULCs is a convenient bedside tool and has high accuracy for early AHF diagnosis in ED. TLS could be recommended to be applied for early diagnosis of AHF in ED.

Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease

Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac and major non-cardiac diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with AF makes it a major healthcare burden. The objective of our article is to determine the prognostic impact of AF on acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine if AF has an independent role in the overall mortality of such patients. Our review suggests that AF has an independent adverse prognostic impact on the clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Cardiorenal biomarkers in acute heart failure

Managing patients with heart failure （HF） is a challenging task within itself, but the presence of associated worsening renal function can greatly increase mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to prevent re-hospitalizations and reduce healthcare costs. Biomarkers have long been established as highly sensitive and specific tools in diagnosing and prognosticating patients with HF. Reflecting distinct pathophysiological events and ongoing cellular insult, biomarkers have been proven superior to conventional laboratory tests. Availability of better assays and rapid analysis has allowed the use of biomarkers as point-of-care tests in the emergency department and at the patient＇s bed-side. Acute HF patients often go on to develop worsening renal function, termed as acute cardiorenal syndrome. The growing breadth of studies has shown the implications of combining multiple biomarkers to better chart outcomes and produce desirable results in such patients.

Shortness of breath in clinical practice: A case for left atrial function and exercise stress testing for a comprehensive diastolic heart failure workup

The symptom cluster of shortness of breath(SOB) contributes significantly to the outpatient workload of cardiology services. The workup of these patients includes blood chemistry and biomarkers, imaging and functional testing of the heart and lungs. A diagnosis of diastolic heart failure is inferred through the exclusion of systolic abnormalities, a normal pulmonary function test and normal hemoglobin, coupled with diastolic abnormalities on echocardiography. Differentiating confounders such as obesity or deconditioning in a patient with diastolic abnormalities is difficult. While the most recent guidelines provide more avenues for diagnosis, such as incorporating the left atrial size, little emphasis is given to understanding left atrial function, which contributes to at least 25% of diastolic left ventricular filling; additionally, exercise stress testing to elicit symptoms and test the dynamics of diastolic parameters, especially when access to the "gold standard" invasive tests is lacking, presents clinical translational gaps. It is thus important in diastolic heart failure work up to understand left atrial mechanics and the role of exercise testing to build a comprehensive argument for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure in a patient presenting with SOB.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure induced by left bundle branch block after transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect

A 54-year-old female patient with congenital heart disease had a persistent complete left bundle branch block three months after closure by an Amplatzer ventricular septal defect occluder. Nine months later, the patient suffered from chest distress, palpitation, and sweating at daily activities, and her 6-min walk distance decreased significantly （155 m）. Her echocardiography showed increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter with left ventricular ejection fraction of 37%. Her symptoms reduced significantly one week after received cardiac resynchronization therapy. She had no symptoms at daily activities, and her echo showed left ventricular ejection fraction of 46%and 53%. Moreover, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased 6 and 10 months after cardiac resynchronization therapy, and 6-min walk dis-tance remarkably increased. This case demonstrated that persistent complete left bundle branch block for nine months after transcatheter closure with ventricular septal defect Amplatzer occluder could lead to left ventricular enlargement and a significant decrease in left ventricular systolic function. Cardiac resynchronization therapy decreased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and increased left ventricular ejection fraction, thereby improving the patient’s heart functions.

The use of diuretics in acute heart failure: Evidence based therapy?

The evidence base for the use of diuretics in acute heart failure is limited, with no large double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trials. However, their use as a first line treatment of acute heart failure is firmly established in clinical practice, and endorsed in clinical guidelines. Loop diuretics are typically the first line diuretic strategy for the treatment of acute heart failure. For patients with considerable fluid retention, there is some evidence that initial treatment with continuous infusion or boluses of high dose loop diuretic is superior to an initial lower dose strategy. In patients who are diuretic resistant, the addition of an oral thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic to induce sequential nephron blockade can be beneficial. Intravenous low-dose dopamine has also been used to assist diuresis and preserve renal function in such circumstances, but trials are underway to confirm the clinical value of this agent. Mechanical ultrafiltration has been used to treat patients with heart failure and fluid retention, but the evidence base is not secure, and its place in clinical practice is yet to be established.

Left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy in stage D heart failure

1 Introduction? Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has increasingly become an important management opportunity for patients with stage D heart failure (HF) with remarkable impact on patient survival and quality of life. Early clinical trials have demonstrated improved outcomes of durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support compared with optimal medical management.[1] As technology advanced, continuous flow LVADs outperformed pulsatile flow devices in clinical trials and the field migrated to HeartMate (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) and HeartWare (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) devices due to their clinical superiority. Among the continuous flow devices.

Cardioprotective effects of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in heart failure: Myth or truth?

Therapy with glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP1)receptor agonists has raised great interest for its beneficial cardiovascular effects in preventing atherosclerosis and heart failure-related outcomes.However,while evidence about atherosclerosis consistently suggests a cardioprotective potential with class effect,controversies remain on its impact on heart failure.GLP1 receptor agonists appear to prevent hospitalization for new-onset heart failure and reduce symptoms in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(as demonstrated by the recent STEP-HFpEF Trial).Still,GLP1 agonism has resulted in neutral or even harmful effects in patients with established heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(the LIVE trial).GLP1 receptor agonists benefit the cardiovascular system indirectly through their marked metabolic effects(improved weight management,glycemic control,blood pressure,systemic and tissue inflammation),while direct effects on the heart have been questioned.Nonetheless,weight loss alone achieved through GLP1 receptor agonists has failed in improving left ventricular functions.Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of GLP1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide,representing an innovative treatment option in diabetes with a major impact on weight loss and promising cardiovascular benefits.Whether this class of therapies is going to change the history of heart failure is an ongoing debate.

Development of Nursing Protocol for Preventing Interruptions during Clinical Examinations and Treatments in the Early Days of Hospitalization for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Heart Failure in Patients with Impaired Cognitive Function

The purpose of this study is to prepare a nursing protocol for preventing interruptions during clinical examinations and treatments performed in the early days of hospitalization for acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure in patients with impaired cognitive function. For the first stage of the research, we prepared a draft of the nursing protocol based on a basic survey. For the second stage, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 nurses specialized in chronic heart failure and 11 nurses in dementia care to ensure content validity of the draft protocol. For the third stage, we examined the possibility of clinical application of the revised version of the protocol draft prepared in the second stage of the study. For assessment items, significant points of nursing care, and specific nursing care practice in this revised version, 73 subjects (84.9%) considered effective for patients, in terms of prevention of interruptions during clinical examinations and treatments in the early days of hospitalization. All items and contents were considered useful by more than 60% of the nurses. Considering that the nurses working in the clinical setting reported 84.9% of usefulness, we concluded that this nursing protocol remained valid at a certain level. We consider that this nursing protocol will be useful especially for newly graduated/employed nurses as a procedure manual which can reduce their anxiety or stress caused by lack of knowledge or experiences.