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.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of circulating micro RNAs in heart failure with preserved and reduced ejection fraction

micro RNAs(mi RNAs) are powerful regulators of posttranscriptional gene expression and play an important role in pathophysiological processes. Circulating mi RNAs can be quantified in body liquids and are promising biomarkers in numerous diseases. In cardiovascular disease mi RNAs have been proven to be reliable diagnostic biomarkers for different disease entities. In cardiac fibrosis(CF) and heart failure(HF) dysregulated circulating mi RNAs have been identified,indicating their promising applicability as diagnostic biomarkers. Some mi RNAs were successfully tested in risk stratification of HF implementing their potential use as prognostic biomarkers. In this respect mi RNAs might soon be implemented in diagnostic clinical routine. In the young field of mi RNA based research advances have been made in identifying mi RNAs as potential targets for the treatment of experimental CF and HF. Promising study results suggest their potential future application as therapeutic agents in treatment of cardiovascular disease. This article summarizes the current state of the various aspects of mi RNA research in the field of CF and HF with reduced ejection fraction as well as preserved ejection fraction. The review provides an overview of the application of circulating mi RNAs as biomarkers in CF and HF and current approaches to therapeutically utilize mi RNAs in this field of cardiovascular disease.

Therapies for patients with coexisting heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)are two common comorbidities that share similar pathophysiological mechanisms.There is a growing interest in the potential of targeted therapies to improve outcomes in patients with coexisting HFrEF and NAFLD.This manuscript reviews current and potential therapies for patients with coexisting HFrEF and NAFLD.Pharmacological therapies,including angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers,mineralocorticoids receptor antagonist,and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors,have been shown to reduce fibrosis and fat deposits in the liver.However,there are currently no data showing the beneficial effects of sacubitril/valsartan,ivabradine,hydralazine,isosorbide nitrates,digoxin,or beta blockers on NAFLD in patients with HFrEF.This study highlights the importance of considering HFrEF and NAFLD when developing treatment plans for patients with these comorbidities.Further research is needed in patients with coexisting HFrEF and NAFLD,with an emphasis on novel therapies and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for managing these complex comorbidities.

Impact of vericiguat on heart failure with reduced ejection fraction:a review

Introduction:Heart failure is a major public health issue with a prevalence of about 26 million people worldwide.Reduced nitric oxide availability,lower soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)activity,and decreased cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)production are the causes of HF's development.Vericiguat prescribed under the brand name Verquvo was approved by U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA)in January 2021.It is a novel agent and the first sGC stimulator which helps to treat patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF).Objective:The mechanism of action(cGMP pathway)of vericiguat,its clinical trials,its use in the treatment of heart failure,and its possible future aspects in therapeutic recommendations are all covered in this review.It will also raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals about the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters,dosing,administration,and drug-related problems of this new drug.Methods:Various databases for drug review were used in this review like PubMed,Medline,Google scholar,Drug bank,U.s.FDA,Medscape,and European society of cardiology guidelines.A total of 58 articles were screened out of which 39 articles were included in this review.Results:This review discusses vericiguat's mechanism of action(cGMP pathway),clinical studies,application in the treatment of heart failure,and potential future considerations in therapeutic recommendations.It will also educate healthcare professionals about the new drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics,dose,administration,and drug-related problems.Conclusion:After hospitalization for HFrEF,the 5-year survival rate is just 25%,and disease morbidity and death are stil significant.As adjunctive therapy for individuals with heart failure and a low ejection fraction,vericiguat has a moderate level of effectiveness.Vericiguat's efficacy as an adjunct therapy to different drugs used to cure HF has to be further investigated.Vericiguat's safety and dosage in patients who have severe renal or hepatic illness need to be studied further.

Air pollution and heart failure: Relationship with the ejection fraction

AIM: To study whether the concentrations of particulate matter in ambient air are associated with hospitaladmission due to heart failure in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and reduced ejection fraction. METHODS: We studied 353 consecutive patients admitted into a tertiary care hospital with a diagnosis of heart failure. Patients with ejection fraction of ≥ 45% were classified as having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and those with an ejection fraction of < 45% were classified as having heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. We determined the average concentrations of different sizes of particulate matter (< 10, < 2.5, and < 1 μm) and the concentrations of gaseous pollutants (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone) from 1 d up to 7 d prior to admission. RESULTS: The heart failure with preserved ejection fraction population was exposed to higher nitrogen dioxide concentrations compared to the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction population (12.95 ± 8.22 μg/m 3 vs 4.50 ± 2.34 μg/m 3 , P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that nitrogen dioxide was a significant predictor of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (odds ratio ranging from (1.403, 95%CI: 1.003-2.007, P = 0.04) to (1.669, 95%CI: 1.043-2.671, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that shortterm nitrogen dioxide exposure is independently associated with admission in the heart failure with preserved ejection fraction population.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A distinct heart failure phenotype?

The present work discusses the serious confusion resulting from the arbitrary nomenclature of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF),the presumed underlying pathophysiology,and the supposed features.A consequence of this misconception is that HFpEF trials have recruited patients with entirely different characteristics rendering the extrapolation of the results of one study to the other infeasible and dramatically affecting diagnosis and treatment.

Dapagliflozin in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction:A Real-World Study

Aims:We aimed to observe the improvements in cardiac function indexes and the occurrence of adverse events in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)after dapagliflozin administration in a real-world setting.Methods:We retrospectively included 201 patients with HFrEF who were treated at a tertiary hospital in Zhengzhou and started to take dapagliflozin(10 mg/d)from March 2020 to June 2021.Their New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional class,cardiac ultrasound indexes,laboratory indexes,and vital signs between baseline and the last follow-up visit were compared,and their adverse events during the follow-up period were recorded.Results:The follow-up period was 173(67–210)days.The cardiac function indexes of patients at follow-up,com-pared with baseline,indicated significant improvement(proportion of NYHA functional class I and II:40.8%vs.56.2%;left ventricular ejection fraction:28.4±5.3%vs.34.7±5.9%;left ventricular end-diastolic diameter:70.1±6.4 mm vs.64.7±5.6 mm;N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide:5421.9±2864.4 pg/mL vs.2842.8±1703.4 pg/mL at baseline vs.at follow-up;all P<0.05).The rates of hypotension,deterioration of renal function,and genital infection during the follow-up period were 6.5%,4.0%,and 3.5%,respectively.Conclusions:We believe that dapagliflozin is safe and effective in patients with HFrEF in the real world.

Clinical efficacy of dapagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of dapagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction(HFmrEF,40%≤LVEF<50%).Methods:A total of 84 patients with T2DM complicated with HFmrEF hospitalized in our hospital from October 2019 to October 2021 were selected,and random number table method was used to divide into the control group and the study group each 42 cases.Both groups used basal hypoglycemic and standardized anti-heart failure therapy,and the study group was treated with dapagliflozin simultaneously.Nine months later,the following indexes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment:the cardiac function indicators:N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF);exercise endurance:6-minute walk distance(6MWD),NYHA cardiac function class,the score of the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ)and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE).Results:Nine months later,the two groups showed decreased NT-proBNP level,increased LVEF,prolonged 6MWD,improved NYHA cardiac function grade,decreased MLHFQ score,and statistically significant differences within both groups compared with before treatment(P<0.05),after treatment significant differences were displayed between the two groups(P<0.05).Less patients had MACE events and adverse drug reactions in the study group compared with the control group.Conclusion:Dapagliflozin in the treatment of T2DM patients with HFmrEF can improve cardiac function indicators,improve exercise endurance,improve NYHA cardiac function class,improve patient's quality of life,and reduce the incidence of MACE events,with no obvious side effects.

Heterogeneity in cardiorenal protection by Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure across the ejection fraction strata:Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Gliflozins or Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors(SGLT2i)are relatively novel antidiabetic medications that have recently been shown to represent favorable effects on patients’cardiorenal outcomes.However,there is shortage of data on potential disparities in this therapeutic effect across different patient subpopulations.AIM To investigate differential effects of SGLT2i on the cardiorenal outcomes of heart failure patients across left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)levels.METHODS Literature was searched systematically for the large randomized double-blind controlled trials with long enough follow up periods reporting cardiovascular and renal outcomes in their patients regarding heart failure status and LVEF levels.Data were then meta-analyzed after stratification of the pooled data across the LVEF strata and New York Heart Associations(NYHA)classifications for heart failure using Stata software version 17.0.RESULTS The literature search returned 13 Large clinical trials and 13 post hoc analysis reports.Meta-analysis of the effects of gliflozins on the primary composite outcome showed no significant difference in efficacy across the heart failure subtypes,but higher efficacy were detected in patient groups at lower NYHA classifications(I2=46%,P=0.02).Meta-analyses across the LVEF stratums revealed that a baseline LVEF lower than 30%was associated with enhanced improvement in the primary composite outcome compared to patients with higher LVEF levels at the borderline statistical significance(HR:0.70,95%CI:0.60 to 0.79 vs 0.81,95%CI:0.75 to 0.87;respectively,P=0.06).Composite renal outcome was improved significantly higher in patients with no heart failure than in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)(HR:0.60,95%CI:0.49 to 0.72 vs 0.94,95%CI:0.74 to 1.13;P=0.04).Acute renal injury occurred significantly less frequently in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction who received gliflozins than in HFpEF(HR:0.67,95%CI:51 to 0.82 vs 0.94,95%CI:0.82 to 1.06;P=0.01).Volume depletion was consistently increased in response to SGLT2i in all the subgroups.CONCLUSION Heart failure patients with lower LVEF and lower NYHA sub-classifications were found to be generally more likely to benefit from therapy with gliflozins.Further research are required to identify patient subgroups representing the highest benefits or adverse events in response to SGLT2i.

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.

Comparative breakthrough: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells vs bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in heart failure treatment

In this article,we evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)derived from bone marrow(BM-MSCs)and umbilical cord(UC-MSCs)in the treatment of heart failure and myocardial infarction.MSCs have gained importance as living bio drug due to their regenerative potential,with BM-MSCs being the most extensively studied.However,UC-MSCs offer unique advantages,such as noninvasive collection and fewer ethical concerns.This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes data from 13 randomized controlled trials,which included a total of 693 patients.Their study shows that UC-MSCs significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction by 5.08%at 6 months and 2.78%at 12 months compared with controls,while BM-MSCs showed no significant effect.Neither cell type showed significant changes in 6-minute walk distance.In addition,UC-MSCs and BM-MSCs had comparable safety profiles,with no significant differences in major adverse cardiac events,except for a lower rehospitalization rate observed with BM-MSCs.These results position UC-MSCs as a promising alternative in MSC-based therapies for cardiac disease,offering potential improvements in cardiac function while maintaining a favorable safety profile.Future research should focus on optimizing adminis-tration protocols and further exploring the long-term benefits and mechanisms of UC-MSCs in cardiac repair.

CLINICAL RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE LEFT VENTRICULAR CONTRACTION FUNCTION IN SYMPTOMLESS CARDIAC FAILURE PATIENTS

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture therapy on the function of myocardial contraction in symptomless cardiac failure patients.Methods: A total of 60 cases of symptomless cardiac insufficiency inpatients were randomly divided into medication and acupuncture groups, with 30 cases in each group. For patients of acupuncture group, Neiguan (PC 6), Ximen (PC 4), Tanzhong (CV 17), Xinshu (BL 15), Jueyinshu (BL 14) and Geshu (BL 17) were punctured, twice daily, with 30 days being a therapeutic course. In medication group, patients were asked to take Capoten 25 mg (t.i.d.). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and its fractional shortening (FS) of the minor axis were used as the indexes for assessing the therapeutic effect and detected by using a color ultrasonic Doppler apparatus. Results: After one course of treatment, of the each 30 cases of acupuncture and medication groups, 13 (43.3%) and 16 (53.3%) had marked improvement, 16 (53.3%) and 14 (46.7%) had improvement, and 1 (3.3%) and 0 had no any effect respectively. No significant difference was found between two groups in the therapeutic effect. It shows acupuncture therapy can improve myocardial contraction function. Conclusion: Acupuncture has a similar effect in enhancing the systolic function of the myocardium.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction in elderly patients

Background The term heart failure with normal ejection fraction （HFNEF） is often used to describe the syndrome of heart failure with normal ejection fraction. Based on the previous studies, HFNEF has a significant morbidity and mortality and is associated with a similar prognosis to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction （HFREF）. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of HFNEF in elderly patients. Methods Consecutive elderly patients （〉60 years old） hospitalized for the first episode of heart failure （HF） in Beijing Hospital from January 2003 to December 2009 were retrospectively recruited. Three hundred and ten patients with HF were eligible for our study. As recently recommended, a cut-off value of 50% was used to distinguish HFNEF （LVEF〉50%） from HFREF （LVEF〈50%）. Data were retrospectively obtained from hospital records and databases. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone and from hospital records. For every eligible patient, the clinical characteristics and prognosis were collected and compared between the HFNEF and HFREF groups. Results Patients with HFNEF accounted for 54.5% of all cases of elderly patients with HF. Compared with HFREF, the elderly patients with HFNEF had a higher proportion of females （62.1% vs. 32.6%, P 〈0.001）, higher body mass index （BMI） （（24.9±4.7） vs. （23.5±4.0） kg/m2, P=0.011）, higher systolic blood pressure at admission （（141.5±22.6） vs. （134.3±18.6） mmHg, P=0.002）, but lower hemoglobin levels （（118.3±22.7） vs. （125.8±23.8） g/L, P=0.005）. The incidence of coronary heart disease （43.2% vs. 65.2%, P 〈0.001） and myocardial infarction （16.6% vs. 46.1%, P 〈0.001） were significantly lower in elderly patients with HFNEF than in those with HFREF （P 〈0.001）. With a mean follow-up of 33.5 （0.5-93） months, 120 patients （38.7%） died, including 94 （30.3%） cardiac deaths. The HFNEF group had fewer deaths than the HFREF group at the end of the first follow-up （46/169 （27.2%） vs. 58/141 （41.1%）） and at the end of the second follow-up （56/169 （33.1%） vs. 64/141 （45.4%））. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significantly higher survival rate in elderly patients with HFNEF than those with HFREF （P=0.021 for total mortality and P 〈0.001 for cardiac mortality）. Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that LVEF 〈50% was an independent risk factor for death in elderly patients with HF. Conclusions More than half of elderly patients with HF have a normal LVEF. The prognosis of the elderly patients with HFNEF is poor, though slightly better than the elderly patients with HFREF.

Preferred Revascularization Strategies in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis

Clinically,coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)is generally used to treat patients with ischemic heart failure.However, the optimal treatment strategy remains unknown.This study examined the efficacy of the two coronary revascularization strategies for severe ischemic heart failure by using a meta-analysis.Studies comparing the efficacy of CABG and PCI were obtained from PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).The quality of each eligible article was evaluated by Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS),and the meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 12.0 software.Eventually,12 studies involving 9248 patients (n=4872 in CABG group;n=4376 in PCI group)were subject to the meta-analysis for subsequent pooling calculation.The pooled hazard ratio (HR)[HR=0.83,95%CI (0.76,0.90),P<0.001; heterogeneity,P=0.218,I^2=22.9%]of CABG compared with that of PCI revealed a statistical superiority of CABG to PCI in terms of the long-term mortality.Furthermore, CABG showed more advantages over PCI with respect to the incidence of myocardial infarction [HR=0.51,95%CI (0.39,0.67),P<0.001;heterogeneity,P=-0.707,I^2=0%]and repeat revascularization [HR=0.40,95%CI (0.27,0.59),P<0.001;heterogeneity,P<0.001, I^2=80.1%].It was concluded that CABG appears to be more advantageous than PCI for the treatment of ischemic heart failure in the given clinical setting.

Association of frailty with in-hospital outcomes in elderly patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND Frailty is prevalent in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases.However,the association between frailty and in-hospital outcomes for elderly patients with heart failure and reduced ejection(HFrEF)remains unknown.AIM To evaluate the predictive efficacy of frailty,compared with pre-frailty,for adverse events in these patients.METHODS Elderly patients(≥60 years)with HFrEF were assessed.Frailty was evaluated with the Fried phenotype criteria,and physical performance was evaluated based on handgrip strength and the short physical performance battery(SPPB).The composite incidence of adverse events,including all-cause death,multiple organ failure,cardiac shock,and malignant arrhythmia,during hospitalization was recorded.RESULTS Overall,252 elderly individuals with HFrEF[mean age:69.4±6.7 years,male:169(67.0%)]were included.One hundred and thirty-five(53.6%)patients were frail and 93(36.9%)were pre-frail.Frail patients were older,more likely to be female,to have a lower blood pressure,and to present with left ventricular thrombosis(P all<0.05).Frail patients with HFrEF had a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality(11.9%vs 4.3%,P=0.048).Multivariate analyses showed that female gender(OR=0.422),aging(OR=1.090),poor cardiac functional class(OR=2.167),frailty(OR=2.379),and lower handgrip strength(OR=1.106)were independent predictors of in-hospital adverse events(P all<0.05).CONCLUSION Frailty may be associated with poor in-hospital outcomes for elderly patients with HFrEF.The influence of frailty on long-term prognosis in these patients deserves further investigation.

Digoxin and Heart Failure:Are We Clear Yet?

The Digoxin Investigation Group trial has multiple flaws in the trial design for the fi ndings to be universally applicable.Digoxin in low serum concentrations(0.5-0.9ng/mL)has been shown to decrease mortality in heart failure patients.Multiple trials in different patient populations also show benefit of digoxin in heart failure patients,including women,elderly patients,renal disease patients,and patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.Retrospective observational data linking digoxin use for treatment of atrial fi brillation to increased mortality is not seen in subgroups of randomized controlled trials or population registries.Digoxin remains a useful drug in the toolbox of physicians dealing with heart failure patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction: The Perspective of Echocardiography in Ghana

Introduction: Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa which is expected to undergo a significant epidemiologic transition because of industrialisation and economic development. Having transitioned from low to middle income status recently, this study investigated the epidemiology of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in patients who were referred for echocardiography. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on an out-patient population who were referred to the Precise Specialist Clinic in Kumasi, Ghana for echocardiography, from January 2016 to December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed and the results summarised in the proportions, tables and pie charts. Categorical variables and proportions were compared using Fisher’s exact test and test of proportions respectively. P-value Results: The results show that 61% of the out-patient population referred for echocardiography between 2016 and 2018 had LVD at a mean age of 59 years. In this LVD population, Heart Failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) accounted for 73% and 27% respectively. The majority of patients with HFrEF also had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation.Conclusion: This study shows that, HFpEF was seen in over 70% of patients with LVD, and it occurred at a relatively younger age. Efforts should be made for prevention, early detection and control of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity which have been shown to be associated with HFpEF.

The Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan in a Dialysis Patient with Severe Heart Failure*

Heart failure (HF) is a major comorbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The pathogenesis of HF in patients on renal replacement therapy represents the confluence of several traditional and nontraditional vascular risk factors, unique to the milieu of chronic kidney disease and the dialysis modality [1]. The purpose of this report is to describe the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan for an ESRD patient on hemodialysis therapy conmbined with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A 35-year-old woman was undergoing hemodialysis due to ESRD and suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Because of worsening heart failure and hypertension, she was prescribed with sacubitril/valsartan at a dose of 50 mg twice a day, spironolactone at a dose of 20 mg three times a day and metoprolol at a dose of 23.75 mg once daily. There was a symptomatic improvement with the heart failure and reduction in NT-proBNP level, accompanied by a decrease of blood pressure after using sacubitric/valsartan. In conclusion, it is safe and effective to take sacubitril/valsartan in this hemodialysis patient with severe heart failure.

Changes of Plasma Levels of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

To investigate the changes of plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNF） levels inpatients with chronic heart failure （CHF）. Methods Plasma BNP concentrations in patients with CHF （n=56） and in normal controls （n=60） were measured with specific radioimmunoassay. Left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with chronic heart failure was measured with 99mTc gated cardiac blood pool scintigraphy. Results The results showed that Plasma BNP concentrations in patients with CHF were significantly higher than normal controls （223±79 ng/L vs 40±15 ng/L, P 〈 0.01）. Plasma BNP concentrations had a significant negative correlation with left ventricular ejection fractions（r=-0.68, P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusions These results indicates that Plasma BNP levels are increased in patients with CHF, and they markedly increased according to the severity of heart failure classified by NYHA classifi- cation. The plasma BNP levels may be a biochemical parameter for evaluating the left ventricular function.

Left bundle branch area pacing:A new era of cardiac resynchronization therapy?

The recent systematic review and meta-analysis provided a comprehensive focus on the current state of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).The authors determined the feasibility of physiological left bundle branch area pacing(LBBAP)in patients indicated for CRT through a careful analysis of trials.They found that LBBAP was associated with significant reductions in QRS duration,New York Heart Association functional class,B-type natriuretic peptide levels,and pacing thresholds as well as improvements in echocardiographic parameters compared to biventricular pacing.