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.

Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Establishing delivery route-dependent safety and efficacy of living biodrug mesenchymal stem cells in heart failure patients

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)as living biopharmaceuticals with unique properties,i.e.,stemness,viability,phenotypes,paracrine activity,etc.,need to be administered such that they reach the target site,maintaining these properties unchanged and are retained at the injury site to participate in the repair process.Route of delivery(RoD)remains one of the critical determinants of safety and efficacy.This study elucidates the safety and effectiveness of different RoDs of MSC treatment in heart failure(HF)based on phase II randomized clinical trials(RCTs).We hypothesize that the RoD modulates the safety and efficacy of MSCbased therapy and determines the outcome of the intervention.AIM To investigate the effect of RoD of MSCs on safety and efficacy in HF patients.METHODS RCTs were retrieved from six databases.Safety endpoints included mortality and serious adverse events(SAEs),while efficacy outcomes encompassed changes in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),6-minute walk distance(6MWD),and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(pro-BNP).Subgroup analyses on RoD were performed for all study endpoints.RESULTS Twelve RCTs were included.Overall,MSC therapy demonstrated a significant decrease in mortality[relative risk(RR):0.55,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.33-0.92,P=0.02]compared to control,while SAE outcomes showed no significant difference(RR:0.84,95%CI:0.66-1.05,P=0.11).RoD subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in SAE among the transendocardial(TESI)injection subgroup(RR=0.71,95%CI:0.54-0.95,P=0.04).The pooled weighted mean difference(WMD)demonstrated an overall significant improvement of LVEF by 2.44%(WMD:2.44%,95%CI:0.80-4.29,P value≤0.001),with only intracoronary(IC)subgroup showing significant improvement(WMD:7.26%,95%CI:5.61-8.92,P≤0.001).Furthermore,the IC delivery route significantly improved 6MWD by 115 m(WMD=114.99 m,95%CI:91.48-138.50),respectively.In biochemical efficacy outcomes,only the IC subgroup showed a significant reduction in pro-BNP by-860.64 pg/mL(WMD:-860.64 pg/Ml,95%CI:-944.02 to-777.26,P=0.001).CONCLUSION Our study concluded that all delivery methods of MSC-based therapy are safe.Despite the overall benefits in efficacy,the TESI and IC routes provided better outcomes than other methods.Larger-scale trials are warranted before implementing MSC-based therapy in routine clinical practice.

Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors effects on myocardial function in patients with type 2 diabetes and asymptomatic heart failure

BACKGROUND Sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)have shown efficacy in reducing heart failure(HF)burden in a very heterogeneous groups of patients,raising doubts about some contemporary assumptions of their mechanism of action.We previously published a prospective observational study that evaluated mechanisms of action of SGLT2i in patients with type 2 diabetes who were in HF stages A and B on dual hypoglycemic therapy.Two groups of patients were included in the study:the ones receiving SGLT2i as an add-on agent to metformin and the others on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors as an add-on to metformin due to suboptimal glycemic control.AIM To evaluate the outcomes regarding natriuretic peptide,oxidative stress,inflammation,blood pressure,heart rate,cardiac function,and body weight.METHODS The study outcomes were examined by dividing each treatment arm into two subgroups according to baseline parameters of global longitudinal strain(GLS),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide,myeloperoxidase(MPO),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP),and systolic and diastolic blood pressure.To evaluate the possible predictors of observed changes in the SGLT2i arm during follow-up,a rise in stroke volume index,body mass index(BMI)decrease,and lack of heart rate increase,linear regression analysis was performed.RESULTS There was a greater reduction of MPO,hsCRP,GLS,and blood pressure in the groups with higher baseline values of mentioned parameters irrespective of the therapeutic arm after 6 months of follow-up.Significant independent predictors of heart rate decrease were a reduction in early mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the interventricular septal annulus ratio and BMI,while the predictor of stroke volume index increase was SGLT2i therapy itself.CONCLUSION SGLT2i affect body composition,reduce cardiac load,improve diastolic/systolic function,and attenuate the sympathetic response.Glycemic control contributes to the improvement of heart function,blood pressure control,oxidative stress,and reduction in inflammation.

Cardiovascular mechanisms of thyroid hormones and heart failure:Current knowledge and perspectives

A multiple hormonal imbalance that accompanies heart failure(HF)may have a significant impact on the clinical course in such patients.The non-thyroidal illness syndrome(NTIS),also referred to as euthyroid sick syndrome or low triiodothyronine syndrome,can be found in about 30%of patients with HF.NTIS represents a systemic adaptation to chronic illness that is associated with increased cardiac and overall mortality in patients with HF.While conclusions on thyroid-stimulating hormone,free triiodothyronine,total and free thyroxine are currently unresolved,serum total triiodothyronine levels and the ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine seem to provide the best correlates to the echocardiographic,laboratory and clinical parameters of disease severity.HF patients with either hyper-or hypothyroidism should be treated according to the appropriate guidelines,but the therapeutic approach to NTIS,with or without HF,is still a matter of debate.Possible treatment options include better individual titration of levothyroxine therapy,combined triiodothyronine plus thyroxine therapy and natural measures to increase triiodothyronine.Future research should further examine the cellular and tissue mechanisms of NTIS as well as new therapeutic avenues in patients with HF.

A Chinese Multi-Specialty Delphi Consensus to Optimize RAASi Usage and Hyperkalaemia Management in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure

Objective Variations are present in common clinical practices regarding best practice in managing hyperkalaemia(HK),there is therefore a need to establish a multi-specialty approach to optimal renin angiotension-aldosterone system inhibitors(RAASi)usage and HK management in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)&heart failure(HF).This study aimed to establish a multi-speciality approach to the optimal use of RAASi and the management of HK in patients with CKD and HF.Methods A steering expert group of cardiology and nephrology experts across China were convened to discuss challenges to HK management through a nominal group technique.The group then created a list of 41 statements for a consensus questionnaire,which was distributed for a further survey in extended panel group of cardiologists and nephrologists across China.Consensus was assessed using a modified Delphi technique,with agreement defined as"strong"(≥75%and<90%)and"very strong"(≥90%).The steering group,data collection,and analysis were aided by an independent facilitator.Results A total of 150 responses from 21 provinces across China were recruited in the survey.Respondents were comprised of an even split(n=75,50%)between cardiologists and nephrologists.All 41 statements achieved the 75%consensus agreement threshold,of which 27 statements attained very strong consensus(≥90%agreement)and 14 attained strong consensus(agreement between 75%and 90%).Conclusion Based on the agreement levels from respondents,the steering group agreed a set of recommendations intended to improve patient outcomes in the use of RAASi therapy and HK management in China.

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in the management of heart failure:Veni,Vidi,and Vici

Heart failure(HF)is a chronic disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers(including angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors),beta-blockers,and mineralocorticoid receptor blockers remain the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF).However,despite the use of guideline-directed medical therapy,the mortality from HFrEF remains high.HF with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)comprises approximately half of the total incident HF cases;however,unlike HFrEF,there are no proven therapies for this condition.Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2is)represent a new class of pharmacological agents approved for diabetes mellitus(DM)that inhibit SGLT-2 receptors in the kidney.A serendipitous finding from seminal trials of SGLT-2is in DM was the significant improvement in renal and cardiovascular(CV)outcomes.More importantly,the improvement in HF hospitalization(HHF)in the CV outcomes trials of SGLT-2is was striking.Multiple mechanisms have been proposed for the pleiotropic effects of SGLT-2is beyond their glycemic control.However,as patients with HF were not included in any of these trials,it can be considered as a primary intervention.Subsequently,two landmark studies of SGLT-2is in patients with HFrEF,namely,an empagliflozin outcome trial in patients with chronic HF and a reduced ejection fraction(EMPEROR-Reduced)and dapagliflozin and prevention of adverse outcomes in HF(DAPA-HF),demonstrated significant improvement in HHF and CV mortality regardless of the presence of DM.These impressive results pitchforked these drugs as class I indications in patients with HFrEF across major guidelines.Thereafter,empagliflozin outcome trial in patients with chronic HF with preserved ejection fraction(EMPEROR-Preserved)and dapagliflozin evaluation to improve the lives of patients with preserved ejection fraction HF(DELIVER)trials successively confirmed that SGLT-2is also benefit patients with HFpEF with or without DM.These results represent a watershed as they constitute the first clinically meaningful therapy for HFpEF in the past three decades of evolution of HF management.Emerging positive data for the use of SGLT-2is in acute HF and post-myocardial infarction scenarios have strengthened the pivotal role of these agents in the realm of HF.In a short span of time,these classes of drugs have captivated the entire scenario of HF.

Kill two birds with one stone:Hapatologist’s approach to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and heart failure

Heart failure(HF)is a major global public health concern,and one of the less commonly known risk factors for HF development is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),as they share a similar pathophysio-logical background.In this article,we evaluated a recently published review article by Arriola-Montenegro et al.This article briefly summarizes the common pathophysiology of HF and MASLD development and evaluates the available therapeutic options to treat both conditions.Clinical practice guidelines highlight the importance of initiating and titrating guideline-directed medication therapy(GDMT)for patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction.GDMT is comprised of the four pillars currently proposed in most clinical practice guidelines,namely angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEIs),angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs),angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors,beta-blockers,mineralocor-ticoid receptor antagonists,and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i).Given the similarity of pathophysiology and risk factors,recent studies for GDMT regarding ACEIs,ARBs,mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists,and SGLT-2i have shown beneficial effects on MASLD.Nonetheless,other medications for both conditions and novel therapies require more robust data and well-designed clinical studies to demonstrate their efficacies in both conditions.

Iron and Heart Failure: Current Concepts and Emerging Pharmacological Paradigms

Background: Emerging evidence has recognized that anemia and iron deficiency are recurrent comorbidities in chronic heart failure (HF) and several trials have established that iron administration improves myocardial asset and clinical scenario in HF. Purpose: Recent acquisitions suggest that iron deficiency represents a concrete bias in the pathogenetic mechanism of chronic HF, so we have investigated the putative role of the hepcidin/ferroportin axis in the cardiovascular setting to advocate novel pharmacological and clinical approaches. Methods: Here, after an excursus on iron metabolism, we first reviewed the ongoing studies on novel iron targeted compounds. Then, we summarize large clinical interventional studies conducted on patient suffering from iron deficiency and HF which have tested the effects of drugging iron regard QoL, hospitalizations and cardiovascular death. Results: Novel compounds such as hepcidin agonist (PTG 300), synthetic human hepcidin (LJPC-401) and anti FPN (Vamifeport) are ongoing in iron overloaded patients, while the hepcidin blocker (PRS-080) is under investigation in anemic patients. Noteworthy, novel insights could arise from the results of a Phase IV interventional study regarding the modification of hepcidin pathway in a large cohort of HF patients (n = 1992) by sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. To date, several studies highlight the beneficial effect of iron administration in cardiovascular setting and latest evidences consider hepcidin level as a novel biomarker of cardiac injury and atherosclerosis. Conclusions: We advocate that data from ongoing studies will suggest novel iron targeted therapies for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy transferable in selected heart failed patients.

Epidemiological, Clinical, Therapeutic, and Evolutionary Aspects of Heart Failure in the Medical Department at Gao Regional Hospital

Introduction: Heart failure is a major public health pandemic, particularly in Africa, where its prevalence continues to increase. In northern Mali, few data exist, hence the interest of this study with the objective of studying the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of Heart failure at the regional hospital of Gao. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study that took place from July 2022 to June 2023 in the medical department at Gao Hospital. Results: The hospital prevalence of heart failure was 44.1%. The mean age was 47.30 ± 20 years (range: 16-88). Hypertension was the most common with 46.1%, followed by a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes with 18.2% and 8.3% respectively;NYHA stage III-IV dyspnea was found in 83.9%. Reduced EF heart failure was present in 110 patients (76.9%), seventeen cases with moderately reduced EF (11.9%) and sixteen patients had preserved EF (11.2%). Global heart failure was the dominant (91.6%). The main etiologies of heart failure were dominated by hypertensive heart disease in 46 patients (32.2%), followed by postpartum cardiomyopathy with 43 cases (30.1%), primary dilated cardiomyopathy in 18 patients (12.6%), ischemic heart disease in 16 patients with 11.2%. Seven cases of valvular heart disease, or 4.9%. The evolution was favorable under treatment in 104 patients or 72.7%. In-hospital mortality was 14.7%. Conclusion: Heart failure is a common condition in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in our country.

Dapagliflozin in heart failure and type 2 diabetes:Efficacy,cardiac and renal effects,safety

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),especially HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF),presents complex challenges,particularly in the aging population where it often coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).AIM To analyze the effect of dapagliflozin treatment on cardiac,renal function,and safety in patients with HFrEF combined with T2DM.METHODS Patients with T2DM complicated with HFrEF who underwent treatment in our hospital from February 2018 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed as the subjects of this study.The propensity score matching method was used,and a total of 102 eligible samples were scaled.The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated at the end of the treatment,comparing the results of blood glucose,insulin,cardiac function,markers of myocardial injury,renal function indexes,and 6-min walk test(6MWT)before and after the treatment.We compared the occurrence of adverse effects on the treatment process of the two groups of patients.The incidence of adverse outcomes in patients within six months of treatment was counted.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy rate of patients in the study group was significantly higher than that of patients in the control group(P=0.013).After treatment,the pancreatic beta-cell function index,left ventricular ejection fraction,and glomerular filtration rate of patients in the study group were significantly higher than control group(P<0.001),while their fasting plasma glucose,2-h postprandial glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,insulin resistance index,left ventricular end-systolic diameter,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,cardiac troponin I,creatine kinase-MB,N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide,serum creatinine,and blood urea nitrogen were significantly lower than those of the control group.After treatment,patients in the study group had a significantly higher 6MWT than those in the control group(P<0.001).Hypoglycemic reaction(P=0.647),urinary tract infection(P=0.558),gastrointestinal adverse effect(P=0.307),respiratory disturbance(P=0.558),and angioedema(P=0.647)were not statistically different.There was no significant difference between the incidence of adverse outcomes between the two groups(P=0.250).CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin significantly enhances clinical efficacy,cardiac and renal function,and ambulatory capacity in patients with HFrEF and T2DM without an increased risk of adverse effects or outcomes.

The Problem of Rehospitalisation for Heart Failure at the Cardiology Department of the Hôpital National Ignace Deen

Introduction: Despite current therapeutic advances, heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa remains a common, serious and costly disease, particularly due to rehospitalizations. The objective of this work was to determine the proportion of rehospitalizations for heart failure and to identify etiological factors. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study with a duration of 8 months from April 1 to November 30, 2021. This study included all patients rehospitalized in the department for Heart Failure and who agreed to participate in our study. Results: During the period of our study, 437 patients were hospitalized in the HF department, among which we collected 126 cases of rehospitalization for HF with a frequency of 28.83%. The mean age of our patients was 46.32 ± 18.98 years with the extremes of 15 to 84 years. The most affected age group was between 35 and 44 years old in 24 cases, i.e. a frequency of 19%. We observed a female predominance of 64 cases, i.e. a frequency of 50.8% compared to 62 cases, i.e. a frequency of 49.2% with a sex ratio (M/F) equal to 0.96. 98 cases of our patients, i.e. a frequency of 77.8%, were mutual insurance companies who felt they had the necessary support from those around them. In our sample, the underlying heart disease was mainly represented by valvular heart disease in 59 cases, followed by hypertensive heart disease in 42 cases with the respective frequencies of 46.82% and 33.33%. The majority of our patients were rehospitalized (1 - 3) times after a first episode of HF flare-up in 117 cases or 92.9%. Irregularity at control and therapeutic break were the most common decompensation factors with frequencies of 75.8% and 74.2% respectively. The majority of our patients were rehospitalized (1 - 3) times after a first episode of HF flare-up in 117 cases or 92.9%. Irregularity at control and therapeutic break were the most common decompensation factors with frequencies of 75.8% and 74.2% respectively. Conclusion: It appears in this study that rehospitalizations for heart failure are frequent, linked to irregularity in control and the lack of therapeutic education.

Failure to Rescue as a Quality Metric in Congenital Heart Surgeries in a High-Complexity Service Provider Institution Located in a Middle-Income Country

Background:Failure to rescue has been an effective quality metric in congenital heart surgery.Conversely,mor-bidity and mortality depend greatly on non-modifiable individual factors and have a weak correlation with better-quality performance.We aim to measure the complications,mortality,and risk factors in pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart surgery in a high-complexity institution located in a middle-income country and compare it with other institutions that have conducted a similar study.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted in a high-complexity service provider institution,in Cali,Colombia.All pediatric patients undergoing any congenital heart surgery between 2019 and 2022 were included.The main outcomes evaluated in the study were complication,mortality,and failure to rescue rate.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with mortality as the outcome variable.Results:We evaluated 308 congenital heart sur-geries.Regarding the outcomes,201(65%)complications occurred,23(7.5%)patients died,and the FTR of the entire cohort was 11.4%.The presence of a postoperative complication(OR 14.88,CI 3.06–268.37,p=0.009),age(OR 0.79,CI 0.57–0.96,p=0.068),and urgent/emergent surgery(OR 8.14,CI 2.97–28.66,p<0.001)were the most significant variables in predicting mortality.Conclusions:Failure to rescue is an effective and comparable quality measure in healthcare institutions and is the major contributor to postoperative mortality in congenital heart surgeries.Despite our higher mortality and complication rate,we obtained a comparable failure to rescue rate to high-income countries’health institutions.

Living biodrugs and how tissue source influences mesenchymal stem cell therapeutics for heart failure

In this editorial we comment on the article by Safwan M et al.We especially fo-cused on the cardiac function restoration by the use of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)therapy for heart failure(HF),which has emerged as a new treatment approach as“Living Biodrugs”.HF remains a significant clinical challenge due to the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively,despite advancements in medical and device-based therapies.MSCs have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach,offering benefits beyond traditional treatments through their ability to modulate inflammation,reduce fibrosis,and promote endogenous tissue rege-neration.MSCs can be derived from various tissues,including bone marrow and umbilical cord.Umbilical cord-derived MSCs exhibit superior expansion ca-pabilities,making them an attractive option for HF therapy.Conversely,bone marrow-derived MSCs have been extensively studied for their potential to im-prove cardiac function but face challenges related to cell retention and delivery.Future research is focusing on optimizing MSC sources,enhancing differentiation and immune modulation,and improving delivery methods to overcome current limitations.

Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Physical Capacity of Heart Failure Patients in Senegal

Background: Heart failure is a chronic and severe condition that often results from various heart diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is currently a crucial component in managing this condition. The aim was to assess the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on physical capacity of heart failure patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from February 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. We included all patients with heart failure who underwent cardiac rehabilitation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24.0, with a significance level set at p Results: The study included 87 heart failure patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8. Mean age was 57.10 years (±11.75). Coronary artery disease was the primary cause of heart failure, accounting for 75.9% of cases. Atrial fibrillation was present in 4.7% of cases. Following cardiac rehabilitation, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction increased from 40.15% to 49.48% (p = 0.001). Resting heart rate decreased significantly from 81.4 bpm to 68.3 bpm (p = 0.000), and the number of METS increased from 4.3 to 6.57 (+56.8%;p = 0.000). The mean distance covered in the 6-minute walk test significantly increased from 337.8 meters to 522.7 meters (p = 0.000), reflecting a gain of 183.5 meters. Moreover, the increase in the number of METS was more pronounced in females (p = 0.001), non-obese individuals (p = 0.000), non-diabetics (p = 0.001), non-sedentary individuals (p = 0.000), and non-smokers (p = 0.000). The study reported a low readmissions rate of 2.2% and a mortality rate of 1.1%. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial for black African heart failure patients, resulting in significant improvements in symptoms, physical and capacity.

The potential of herbal drugs to treat heart failure:The roles of Sirt1/AMPK

Heart failure(HF)is a highly morbid syndrome that seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients and generates an enormous socio-economic burden.In addition to cardiac myocyte oxidative stress and apoptosis,which are considered mechanisms for the development of HF,alterations in cardiac energy metabolism and pathological autophagy also contribute to cardiac abnormalities and ultimately HF.Silent information regulator 1(Sirt1)and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD+)-dependent deacetylases and phosphorylated kinases,respectively.They play similar roles in regulating some pathological processes of the heart through regulating targets such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator 1α(PGC-1α),protein 38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors(PPARs),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR).We summarized the synergistic effects of Sirt1 and AMPK in the heart,and listed the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)that exhibit cardioprotective properties by modulating the Sirt1/AMPK pathway,to provide a basis for the development of Sirt1/AMPK activators or inhibitors for the treatment of HF and other cardiovascular diseases(CVDs).

Heart Failure-Like Reaction Is Likely Involved in the Feeding Behaviour of Blood-Sucking Leeches

Medicinal leeches have been utilized in therapy for thousands of years. However, the adaptation physiology between leeches and hosts is not fully understand. To disclose the molecular mechanisms of adaptation between leech and host, the body transcriptomes of hunger and fed blood-sucking Poecilobdella javanica, Haemadipsa cavatuses, and Hirudo nipponia leeches were obtained by RNA sequencing, after comparison, a stratified unigenes group was obtained, which closely correlated to body distension. In the group, Rfamide receptor decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while serotonin receptor increased significantly (P < 0.05). Moreover, four KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, including cardiac muscle contraction, complement and coagulation cascades, renin-angiotensin system, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were significantly enriched. The unigenes annotation, neuroregulators correlation analysis and induced function of the KEGG pathways, were consistently supported the same result as: vasoconstriction and systole reaction enhance in hunger leeches and vice versa vasodilation and diastole increase in fed leeches, meanwhile, Interspecific comparison and correlative analyses of physiological function showed that the strongest reaction of induced heart failure from four KEGG occur in strongest reaction of systole in hungry P. javanica and in strongest reaction of diastole in fed H. nipponia. Overall, heart failure is likely a physiological function involved in feeding behaviour.

Congestive Heart Failure: Treatment of Symptoms or Causes

This paper is based on the author’s 20+ years of experience treating patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) as a cardiologist. In the 20+ years, 64 patients were treated, including both with reduced and preserved left ventricular function. Most patients had a 4 - 5 days hospitalization in their first admission with one readmission (1.6%) over seven years. This paper will help us understand the physiology and pathophysiology of congestive heart failure, especially how to use beta blockers and diuretics. It will shorten the length of hospitalization and lower the readmission rate and cost of CHF treatment. This paper will help us to open another research direction for CHF.

Assessment of the Physical Capabilities of Heart Failure Patients before and after Cardiovascular Rehabilitation: A Study of 125 Patients from West Africa, Dakar, Senegal

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation represents a critical therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from chronic heart failure. The physical capacity of patients with heart failure, assessed using the exercise test and the 6-minute walk test, is the measure of the patient’s overall functional ability to perform physical activities and tolerate exercise loads. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cardiac rehabilitation on patients’ physical capabilities and to conduct a thorough comparison of data obtained via exercise testing and the 6-minute walk test before and after the rehabilitation programme. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from 1 February 2021 to 31 June 2022. Included were heart failure patients who had participated in an outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation programme. The collected data included anamnestic, clinical, paraclinical data, and the 6-minute walk test. Informed consent was obtained. Data analysis, word processing, and charting were performed using Microsoft Word 2016, Excel 2013, and Sphinx version 5.1.0.2. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 24.0. Any difference less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In a Senegalese study, heart failure patients undergoing rehabilitation in a cardiac unit represented 45.59% of all cases, with a prevalence rate of 3.21%. The average participant was 57.97 years old, with those aged 61 to 70 forming the largest group (35.5%). The study noted a male predominance (sex ratio of 2.1) and identified dyslipidaemia (80.6%) and sedentarism (71%), as prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. All participants initially suffered from NYHA stage 2 or 3 dyspnoea, yet 80.65% showed no symptoms following rehabilitation. Significant improvements were recorded in resting heart rate (from 79 to 67 bpm), and the 6-minute walk test distance (from 328 m to 470 m). Enhanced exercise tolerance and walking test outcomes were particularly notable in patients with LVEF ≥ 50%, women, non-obese individuals, those initially walking less than 300 m, achieving more than 3 METs, and non-smokers. Conclusion: The findings underscore the effectiveness of cardiovascular rehabilitation in improving symptoms, physical capability, and overall quality of life for heart failure patients in Senegal.

Predictive Effect of CA125 on Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Objective: To study the expression of CA125 in the serum of patients with CHF and the relationship between CA125 level and the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events. Methods: The clinical data of 132 patients with CHF admitted to Shizuishan Second People’s Hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were collected and divided into heart function II group, heart function III group, heart function IV group according to cardiac function. 44 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The clinical data of CA125, NT-proBNP, echocardiography and other clinical data of the four groups were compared, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was followed up for 12 months. Results: Compared with the control group, the CA125 level in the CHF group was significantly increased (P Conclusion: Serum CA125 level is related to the cardiac function level in CHF patients and increases with the deterioration of cardiac function. The increase of the index is related to the mortality rate and re-hospitalization rate, suggesting that CA125 can be used as an indicator to reflect the severity of heart failure and prognosis monitoring.