Efficacy and safety of Yangxinshi tablet for chronic heart failure:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The specific benefits of Yangxinshi tablet(YXST)in the treating chronic heart failure(CHF)remain uncertain.AIM To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of YXST in the treatment of CHF.METHODS Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)investigating YXST for CHF treatment were retrieved from eight public databases up to November 2023.Meta-analyses of the included clinical studies were conducted using Review Manager 5.3.RESULTS Twenty RCTs and 1845 patients were included.The meta-analysis results showed that the YXST combination group,compared to the conventional drug group,significantly increased the clinical efficacy rate by 23%[relative risk(RR)=1.23,95%CI:1.17-1.29],(P<0.00001),left ventricular ejection fraction by 6.69%[mean difference(MD)=6.69,95%CI:4.42-8.95,P<0.00001]and 6-min walk test by 49.82 m(MD=49.82,95%C:38.84-60.80,P<0.00001),and reduced N-terminal pro-Btype natriuretic peptide by 1.03 ng/L[standardized MD(SMD)=-1.03,95%CI:-1.32 to-0.74,P<0.00001],brain natriuretic peptide by 80.95 ng/L(MD=-80.95,95%CI:-143.31 to-18.59,P=0.01),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter by 3.92 mm(MD=-3.92,95%CI:-5.06 to-2.78,P<0.00001),and left ventricular endsystolic diameter by 4.34 mm(MD=-4.34,95%CI:-6.22 to-2.47,P<0.00001).Regarding safety,neither group reported any serious adverse events during treatment(RR=0.54,95%CI:0.15-1.90,P=0.33).In addition,Egger's test results indicated no significant publication bias(P=0.557).CONCLUSION YXST effectively improves clinical symptoms and cardiac function in patients with CHF while maintaining a favorable safety profile,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for CHF.

Effect of Luhong formula on the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Current treatments for chronic heart failure(CHF)are therapeutically ineffective.The optimization of treatments for this disease needs to be explored and analyzed.AIM To analyze the effect of using Luhong Formula in the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with CHF and its influence on cardiopulmonary function(CPF)and prognosis.METHODS In total,160 patients with CHF admitted between June 2022 and June 2023 were selected,including 75 receiving perindopril(control group)and 85 receiving Luhong Formula(research group).We conducted comparative analyses on the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes and cardiac function,CPF[oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold(VO2 AT)and at peak exercise(peak VO2)],echocardiographic indexes[left atrial volume index(LAVI),left ventricular muscle mass index(LVMI),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)],and prognosis[major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)at 6 months follow-up].RESULTS The research group showed markedly higher curative effects of TCM syndromes and cardiac function than the control group.In addition,post-treatment VO2 AT,peak VO2,LVMI and LVEF in the research group were significantly higher,whereas LAVI was significantly lower,than those of the control group.Furthermore,fewer patients in the research group developed MACEs at the 6-month follow-up.CONCLUSION Luhong Formula is more therapeutically effective than perindopril for the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with CHF,specifically in enhancing CPF and prognosis.

Assessing myocardial indices and inflammatory factors to determine anxiety and depression severity in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)have a progressive disease that is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality.Many patients experience anxiety and depression(A&D)symptoms,which can further accelerate disease progression.We hypothesized that indicators of myocardial function and inflammatory stress may reflect the severity of A&D symptoms in patients with CHF.Changes in these biomarkers could potentially predict whether A&D symptoms will deteriorate further in these individuals.AIM To measure changes in cardiac and inflammatory markers in patients with CHF to determine A&D severity and predict outcomes.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients with CHF treated at the Jingzhou Hospital,Yangtze University between 2018-2022 and grouped them according to Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores.We compared clinical data in the no-A&D,mild-A&D,moderate-A&D,and severe-A&D groups,the SAS and SDS scores with the New York Heart Association(NYHA)functional classification,and cardiac markers and inflammatory factors between the no/mild-A&D and moderate/severe-A&D groups.Regression analysis was performed on the markers with P<0.05 to determine their ability to predict A&D severity in patients and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)was used to evaluate their accuracy.RESULTS In the inter-group comparison,the following variables had an effect on A&D severity in patients with CHF:NYHA class,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(P<0.05).Other variables did not differ significantly between the A&D groups(P>0.05).In addition,we found that higher NYHA classes were associated with higher the SAS and SDS scores(P<0.05).Regression analysis showed that LVEF,NTproBNP,and IL-6 were independent risk factors for A&D severity(P<0.05).Among them,NT-proBNP had the best predictive ability as a single indicator(AUROC=0.781).Furthermore,the combination of these three indicators exhibited a good predictive effect toward discriminating the extent of A&D severity among patients(AUROC=0.875).CONCLUSION Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers,such as LVEF,NT-proBNP,and IL-6,are correlated with A&D severity in patients with CHF and have predictive value.

Effect of dapagliflozin on uric acid in patients with chronic heart failure and hyperuricemia

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)frequently develop hyperuricemia,an elevated serum uric acid level,associated with adverse outcomes.Dapagliflozin,a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor,demonstrates reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization in patients with CHF and ejection fraction(HFrEF),irrespective of diabetes.However,dapagliflozin’s effect on the uric acid levels in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia remain unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on uric acid levels in CHF patients with hyperuricemia.METHODS We conducted a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial in 200 patients with CHF and hyperuricemia,with HFrEF and serum uric acid levels≥7 mg/dL(≥416μmol/L).The participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 10 mg dapagliflozin or placebo for 24 months.The primary endpoint was the change in serum uric acid level from baseline to 24 months.Secondary endpoints included changes in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),Nterminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),and quality of life(QoL)scores,as well as the incidence of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.RESULTS At 24 months,dapagliflozin significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by 1.2 mg/dL(71μmol/L)compared with placebo(95%CI:-1.5 to-0.9;P<0.001).Dapagliflozin also significantly improved LVEF by 3.5%(95%CI:2.1-4.9;P<0.001),NT-proBNP by 25%(95%CI:18-32;P<0.001),and QoL scores by 10 points(95%CI:7-13;P<0.001)and reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure by 35%(95%CI:15–50;P=0.002)compared with the placebo.Adverse events were similar between the two groups,except for a higher rate of genital infections in the dapagliflozin group(10%vs 2%,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin significantly lowered serum uric acid levels and improved the clinical outcomes in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia.Therefore,dapagliflozin may be a useful therapeutic option for this high-risk population.

Clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on chronic heart failure complicated with depression

BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)is challenging,with no ideal treatment at present.AIM To analyze the clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction(XFZYD)on CHF complicated with depression.METHODS The study cohort comprised 116 patients with CHF complicated with depression who received treatment from July 2020 to July 2023,of which 55 received Western medicine(control group)and 61 received XFZYD(research group).Data on clinical effectiveness,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome score,cardiac function,negative emotions,and serum inflammatory factors,were collected for comparative analyses.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the research group had an evidently higher total effective rate.Furthermore,there were marked reductions in TCM symptom score,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,left ventricular end-systolic diameter,Self-Rating Depression Scale,Hamilton Depression Scale,high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the research group after treatment,and these were lower than the corresponding values in the control group.Left ventricular ejection fraction was increased and higher in the research group compared with the control group after treatment.CONCLUSION Our findings conclusively proved that XFZYD was considerably superior to Western medicine for treating CHF complicated with depression because it significantly alleviated patients’symptoms,improved cardiac function,relieved negative emotions,and reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors.

Investigation on the mechanism of Qiangxinhuoli prescription in the treatment of chronic heart failure based on p38-MAPK signaling pathway

Background:The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of the national patent Chinese medicine compound“Qiangxinhuoli prescription(QXHLF)”on chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:In vitro,the H_(9)C_(2) cell model was induced by ANGII,and cell proliferation and related protein expression were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Western blot.In vivo,A rat model of CHF was prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The effects of QXHLF on cardiac function in CHF rats were evaluated by cardiac index,hemodynamic changes,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR.The expression of pro-apoptotic factors and anti-apoptotic factors,as well as TGFβ1,p-p38,TAK 1 mRNA,and protein,were detected.Results:In vitro,QXHLF has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H_(9)C_(2) cells.QXHLF can reduce the expression levels of TAK 1,TGFβ1,p-p38,Caspase3 and BAX proteins in H_(9)C_(2) cells,and increase the expression level of BCL_(2) protein.In vivo,QXHLF has the potential to increase left ventricular systolic pressure,m aximum rate of change in left ventricular pressure while decreasing left ventricular end diastolic pressure,and inhibiting the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide.Moreover,QXHLF exhibits significant improvements in the pathological alterations of myocardial cells and fibers in CHF rats,leading to enhanced myocardial tissue morphology and notable advantages in combating myocardial fibrosis.QXHLF can reduce the levels of BAX and Caspase3 and up-regulate the expression of BCL_(2),thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Furthermore,QXHLF demonstrates inhibitory effects on the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGFβ_(1),TAK_(1),and p-p38 in the heart tissue of the CHF rat model.Conclusion:These findings indicate that QXHLF has a therapeutic effect on CHF by inhibiting the p38-MAPK signaling pathway,reducing myocardial fibrosis,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting cell proliferation,and restoring myocardial injury.

Application and Promotion of Whole-Process Capacity Management Model for CHF Patients Led by Specialist Nurses in “Heart Failure Center Alliance Unit”

Objective: To implement the whole-process capacity management model led by specialist nurses, improve the capacity management behavior of medical staff, and build a standardized, standardized and operable CHF capacity management system. Methods: According to the evidence pyramid principle and search strategy, 2 evidence-based nursing backbone completed literature search in both Chinese and English, and finally included 7 literatures. Results: Around the three key links of capacity assessment, monitoring and management, stakeholders were invited to evaluate each evidence according to the FAME principle, that is, the feasibility, suitability, effectiveness and clinical significance of evidence. Finally, 11 best evidences were obtained and 5 clinical review indicators of the cost project were transformed. This study formulated the competence management plan for CHF patients based on the current situation, established competence load evaluation criteria for CHF patients, and determined the target “dry weight” value for CHF patients. Conclusion: The whole-course volume management model of CHF patients guided by specialist nurses should be established and applied and promoted in the “heart failure Center Alliance unit”, so as to improve the capacity management ability of medical staff for CHF patients, enhance the self-management ability of CHF patients, improve the capacity management behavior and health outcomes, and effectively reduce the hospitalization rate and mortality rate of CHF patients in the region.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide for chronic heart failure:Effects on cardiac function and inflammation

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a serious and prevalent condition characterized by impaired cardiac function and inflammation.Standard therapy for CHF has limitations,prompting the exploration of alternative treatments.Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)has emerged as a potential therapy,with evidence suggesting that it can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in patients with CHF.However,further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of lyophilized recombinant human BNP in CHF patients and its impact on microinflammatory status.This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized recombinant human BNP therapy on CHF patients’cardiac function and microinflammatory status.AIM To investigate the effects of freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy on cardiac function and microinflammatory status in patients with CHF.METHODS In total,102 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups(n=51 patients/group).The control patients were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d,whereas the observational patients were injected with the recombinant human BNP for 3 d.Clinical efficacy,inflammatory factor levels,myocardial damage,cardiac function before and after the treatment,and adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group.Compared with baseline,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal proBNP,and troponin I level,and physical,emotional,social,and economic scores were lower in both groups after treatment,with greater reductions in levels and scores noted in the observation group than in the control group.The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was not significantly different compared with that in the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy can improve heart function and enhance microinflammatory status,thereby improving overall quality of life without any obvious side effects.This therapy is safe and reliable.

A Cardiomyopeptin Preparation Protects against Isoproterenol-Induced Chronic Heart Failure in Rats

The present study investigated the effect of an herbal extract-supplemented cardiomyopeptin preparation (HECP), in the rat model of chronic heart failure. HECP pre-/co-treatment at a daily dose of 0.072 to 0.124 g/kg for 30 days protected against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced chronic myocardial damage in rats in a dose-dependent manner, with the extent of protection, as assessed by plasma cardiac troponin I level, being up to 76%. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was associated with the enhancement of myocardial mitochondrial antioxidant status, amelioration of plasma parameters on cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy, as well as an increase in myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Myocardial apoptotic and anti-apoptotic parameters were suppressed and stimulated, respectively. The cardioprotection afforded by HECP was accompanied by an increase in exercise capacity, an indirect functional index of the myocardium, in ISO-challenged rats. In conclusion, HECP may offer a promising prospect in preventing chronic heart failure in human subjects.

Analysis of the Status and Factors Influencing Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Their Primary Caregivers: Empirical Quantitative Research

Objective: This study examined the associations between anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure and their primary caregivers. Patients and Methods: Between May and September 2018, the data were collected from 61 patients and their caregivers. Demographic information of CHF patients was collected by questionnaires; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) were used to assess CHF patient’s anxiety, depression and quality of life (QOL); the HADS, the Family Caregiver Quality of Life (FAMQOL) were used to assess primary caregivers’ anxiety, depression and QOL. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, independent-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance and multiple stepwise regression were used in the statistical analysis. SPSS 17.0 was used to manage and perform statistical analyses. Results: Quality of life, anxiety, and depression of the patients and caregivers had significant positive correlations. Gender, quality of life, number of hospitalizations, duration of patients’ heart failure, and the quality of life of caregivers influenced patients’ anxiety. Gender, quality of life, relationship with the patient, and depression of caregivers influenced their anxiety. The quality of life and anxiety of patients influenced their depression. Daily caregiving time, anxiety, relationship with patients, and the patients’ heart function influenced caregivers’ depression. Conclusion: The patients and caregivers experienced anxiety and depression, which interacts and decreases their quality of life. It is important to regularly assess anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure and their primary caregivers.

Meta-analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine combined with Ivabradine in the Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure

Objective:To systemically evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with ivabradine(IVA)in the treatment of chronic heart failure(CHF).Method:We searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)datebase,Wanfang datebase,Chinese Scientifific Journal Database(VIP)datebase,PubMed,Conchrane Library and EMbase database to enroll the random control trials(RCTs)of TCM combined with IVA treating CHF.Meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.3 software.Results:A total of 10 RCTs involving 960 patients were included.The results of Meta-analysis showed that compared with control group,the experimental group could improve the efficiency of cardiac function improvement[RR=1.19,95%CI(1.12,1.27),P<0.00001],increase left ventricular ejection fraction[MD=4.36,95%CI(2.88,5.83),P<0.0001]and reduce heart rate[MD=-8.21,95%CI(-12.08,-4.34),P<0.00001],the incidence of adverse reactions was similar between two groups[RR=1.00,95%CI(0.62,1.61),P=1.00].Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine combined with ivabradine has significant efficacy and good safety in improving cardiac function,improving left ventricular ejection fraction and reducing heart rate in the treatment of chronic heart failure.

Efficacy and safety of oral Chinese patent medicine combined with sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of chronic heart failure:A Metaanalysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of oral Chinese patent medicine combined with sacubitril/valsartan in treating chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:CNKI,CSPD,CCD,CBM,PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library and EMbase were retrieved to screen out randomized controlled trials Chinese patent medicine and Western medicine in treating CHF.Manual retrieval was also applied as a supplement.The Cochrane Reviewers Handbook 5.1.0 was used to evaluate the bias risk of the included studies and RevMan 5.4 software was used for Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 1301 patients enrolled in the 13 RCTs were included.According to the results of Meta-analysis,a combination of oral Chinese patent medicine and sacubitril/valsartan could further improve total effectiveness rate(RR=1.23,95%CI[1.16,1.30],P<0.001),increase 6 minutes’walk distance(MD=53.04,95%CI[33.43,72.64],P<0.001),improve left ventricular ejection fraction(MD=6.67,95%CI[5.15,8.19],P<0.001)and stroke volume(MD=7.56,95%CI[3.94,11.18],P<0.001),reduce left ventricular end-diastolic dimension(MD=-3.68,95%CI[-4.57,-2.78],P<0.001)and N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide(MD=-434.08,95%CI[-518.95,-349.22],P<0.001)and no statistically significant difference in drug safety was found between the sacubitril/valsartan-only group and the combined treatment group(RR=0.73,95%CI[0.32,1.65],P=0.45).Conclusion:It’s indicated that a combination of traditional Chinese patent medicine and sacubitril/valsartan had a good clinical efficacy in the treatment of CHF,which had certain guiding significance for clinical practice.

Effects of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care on mood and quality of life in elderly patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND With the intensification of social aging,the susceptibility of the elderly population to diseases has attracted increasing attention,especially chronic heart failure(CHF)that accounts for a large proportion of the elderly.AIM To evaluate the application value of health concept model-based detailed behavioral care in elderly patients with CHF.METHODS This study recruited 116 elderly CHF patients admitted from October 2018 to October 2020 and grouped them according to the nursing care that they received.The elderly patients who underwent health concept model-based detailed behavioral care were included in a study group(SG;n=62),and those who underwent routine detailed behavioral nursing intervention were included as a control group(CG;n=54).Patients’negative emotions(NEs),quality of life(QoL),and nutritional status were assessed using the self-rating anxiety/depression scale(SAS/SDS),the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ),and the Modified Quantitative Subjective Global Assessment(MQSGA)of nutrition,respectively.Differences in rehabilitation efficiency,NEs,cardiac function(CF)indexes,nutritional status,QoL,and nursing satisfaction were comparatively analyzed.RESULTS A higher response rate was recorded in the SG vs the CG after intervention(P<0.05).After care,the left ventricular ejection fraction was higher while the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular end systolic diameter were lower in the SG compared with the CG(P<0.05).The post-intervention SAS and SDS scores,as well as MQSGA and MLHFQ scores,were also lower in the SG(P<0.05).The SG was also superior to the CG in the overall nursing satisfaction rate(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Health concept model-based detailed behavioral care has high application value in the nursing care of elderly CHF patients,and it can not only effectively enhance rehabilitation efficiency,but also mitigate patients’NEs and improve their CF and QoL.

An Assessment of Cardiovascular Functional Capacity of a Group of Chronic Heart Failure Patients Using the 6-Minute Walk Test in a Cameroonian Urban Setting

Background: Chronic heart failure is a public health problem worldwide. It has a high mortality rate and is accompanied by a decreased functional capacity and alteration of the quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular functional capacity of a group of patients suffering from heart failure using the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the cardiology unit of Douala’s general hospital for 4 months. We included all eligible patients aged 18 years or more who had stable chronic heart failure and gave informed consent. Those who had an acute coronary syndrome (≤1 month), tachycardia (HR ≥ 120 bpm), high blood pressure (SBP ≥ 180 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 100 mmHg) and reduced mobility due to orthopaedic reasons were excluded. A 6 MWT was done according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines. The 6 MWT result was considered poor for - 450 m and good for >450 m. Results: We recruited a total of 81 patients (61.7% women) with a mean age of 65.9 ± 10.6 years. The most frequent risk factor for heart failure was high blood pressure (77.8%), alcohol consumption(69.1%) and a sedentary lifestyle (53.1%). The left ventricular ejection fraction was mostly preserved (42.0%) or mildly altered (46.9). The 6 MWT results were poor in 55.6% of cases, average in 19.8% of cases and good in only 24.7% of cases. More than half (59.3%) of the participants perceived the effort as being difficult. The cardiovascular functional capacity was significantly associated with age, heart failure stage and physical activity (p Conclusion: Most patients suffering from chronic stable heart failure in the general hospital of Douala have poor cardiovascular functional capacity.

Shengmai Yin formula promotes ventricular remodeling in chronic heart failure rats by inhibiting excessive autophagy via activating AKT/mTOR pathway

Background:Shengmai Yin(SMY)formula,a traditional Chinese medicine,shows a definite therapeutic effect on chronic heart failure(CHF)in clinical practice,but the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown.The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is a classic pathway of autophagy and plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of CHF.Here,we aimed to investigate whether SMY formula treat CHF rats by inhibiting excessive autophagy.Methods:Echocardiography was conducted to evaluate cardiac function.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the arrangement of myocardial cells.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay analysis was performed to quantitative detecting the content of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,stromelysin-2,TNF-α in rat serum.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of AKT,p-AKT,mTOR,p-mTOR,light chain 3(LC3),and p62.In vitro,myocardial cells were treated with hypoxia reoxygenation and then intervened with SMY.Cell counting kit-8 method was used to measure the cell viability.The immunofluorescence expression of LC3 protein were also examined.Results:In vivo,SMY intervention assisted in the ventricular remodeling,reduced the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide,stromelysin-2,TNF-αin serum,and recovered myocardial cell structure in CHF rats.Treatment with SMY significantly promoted the ratio of p-AKT/AKT,p-mTOR/mTOR,and down-regulated the expression level of p62 and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ.In vitro,when the concentration of SMY containing serum reached 40% in the medium,the activity of myocardial cells reached the highest at 135.14%.SMY inhibited the expression of LC3 in hypoxic-reoxygenation embryonic ventricular myocytes cells.When the hypoxic reoxygenation cells treated with p-mTOR inhibitor,rapamycin,or p-AKT inhibitor,API-1,SMY could also down-regulated the LC3 expression level.Conclusions:SMY formula functions in restoring cardiac function and promoting myocardial ultrastructural recovery by reducing autophagy activity through up-regulating the ratio of p-AKT/AKT,p-mTOR/mTOR,and down-regulating the expression level of p62 and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ in CHF rats.

Analysis of the Diagnostic Value of Echocardiography in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Objective:This study aims to analyze the diagnostic value of echocardiography in patients with chronic heart failure.Methods:30 patients with chronic heart failure admitted to our hospital during January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the observation group,and 30 healthy people who received physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the reference group.Both groups received echocardiography,and the results of the ultrasound examination were compared,and the subjects in the observation group were grouped according to the New York Heart Association(NYHA)cardiac function grading standard.The results of echocardiography in patients with chronic heart failure of different cardiac function grades were compared.Results:The left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and ratio of maximum blood flow in the early diastole(E)to movement speed(A)(E/A)in the observation group were lower than those in the reference group,while the left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWd),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),left atrial diameter(LAD),and interventricular septal thickness(IVS)were higher than those of the reference group(P<0.05).With the continuous increase of cardiac function grades,the levels of LVEF and E/A in patients with chronic heart failure continued to decrease,while the levels of LVPWd,LVEDD,LVESD,LAD,and IVS continued to increase,and there were significant differences among the groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of echocardiography in the clinical diagnosis of chronic heart failure can accurately evaluate the changes of cardiac shape and cardiac function,and provide a reliable basis for clinical diagnosis with a high application value.

Value of N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide,High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein,and Homocysteine Levels in Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Heart Failure Patients After Discharge

Objective:To investigate the value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and homocysteine(Hcy)levels in predicting cardiovascular events(CV)in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 63 patients with CHF admitted to our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021 were selected.Their NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels were detected at discharge,and a 12-month follow-up was done after their discharge to collect clinical data.The collected data were inclusive of data from 21 CHF patients with cardiovascular disease and 42 CHF patients without cardiovascular disease.The effect of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels on the occurrence of CV was analyzed.Results:The levels of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy in the group with cardiovascular disease were significantly higher than those in the group without cardiovascular disease(P<0.05);the levels of serum NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy at discharge had certain value in predicting short-term CV in CHF patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels can be used to predict CV in CHF patients,thus having clinical application value.

Improved outcome with standardized plan for clinical management of acute decompensated chronic heart failure

Background Our overall goal is to improve clinical care for inpatients with chronic heart failure(CHF).A retrospective assessment of CHF patients admitted to our hospital over the past decade(2005 vs.2014)indicated a need for better strategies to evaluate clinical treatment,implement best practices and achieve optimal patient outcome.To that purpose,we developed a standardized plan to improve in-hospital treatment of acute decompensated CHF patients.Methods&Results Retrospective chart reviews were conducted to compare three cohorts of CHF patients admitted to the University Hospital of Lund at different time points over a 12-year period:2005(365 patients),2014(172 patients)and 2017-2018(57 patients).Little improvement was seen between 2005 and 2014 with respect to one-year mortality(35%vs.34%)and adequate treatment with recommended medications,e.g.,use of renin-angiotensin system blockers(45%vs.51%).A standardized treatment plan was devised to improve outcomes.A third cohort,treated under the plan(2017-2018),was compared with the 2014 cohort.One-year mortality(18%vs.34%)and 30-day readmission(5%vs.30%)were dramatically decreased,and adherence to medication guidelines was achieved.Key elements of the plan included well-defined treatment procedures,enhanced communication and teamwork,education,adequate time for treatment(5 days)and post-discharge follow-up as necessary.Natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)levels were useful for assessing patient status,prognosis and response to treatment.Conclusion Developmeof a standard plan for clinical management of acute decompensated CHF patients resulted in significant improvements in patient outcome,as reflected in decreased rates of 30-day readmission and one-year mortality.

Cardiac autonomic nerve fiber regeneration in chronic heart failure Do Akt gene-transduced mesenchymal stem cells promote repair?

BACKGROUND： Transplantation of Akt-over-expressing mesenchymal stem ceils （Akt-MSCs） has been shown to repair infarcted myocardium and improve cardiac function. However, little is known about the therapeutic effects of Akt-MSCs on cardiac autonomic neuropathy in chronic heart failure （CHF）. OBJECTIVE： The present study used adriamycin-induced CHF rat models to observe the effect of Akt-MSCs on cardiac autonomic nervous regeneration and the factors mediating this effect. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled animal experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Basic Medical College, China Medical University, between September 2008 and April 2009. MATERIALS： Rabbit anti-choline acetyltransferase （CHAT）, growth associated protein-43 （GAP-43） synaptophysin （SYN） polyclonal antibodies and the secondary antibody （goat anti-rabbit IgG） were purchased from Boster, China. Cat-A-Kit assay system was provided by Amersham, USA. METHODS： （1） Adult rat MSCs were isolated and cultured for the preparation of Akt-MSCs. （2） Forty male Wistar rats were intramyocardially administered adriamycin at 2 mg/kg over 3 days for a total of five times and once a week for additional five times thereafter to establish CHF models. At 2 weeks after final adriamycin treatment, 34 successful CHF rat models were randomized to three groups： Akt-MSCs （n = 11）, simple MSCs （s-MSCs, n =11）, and control （n = 12）. Each group was intravenously administered Akt-MSCs （2x106 cells in 100 IJL PBS）, s-MSCs （2×10^6 cells in 100 μL PBS） or equal volume of phosphate buffered saline, once a day for a total of three times. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At 4 weeks after final adriamycin treatment, myocardial norepinephrine （NE） content was detected using a Cat-A-Kit assay system. Myocardial CHAT, SYN and GAP-43 were performed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Prior to, 2 and 4 weeks after adriamycin treatment, echocardiographic examination was performed and left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） was determined. RESULTS： Myocardial NE content, as well as SYN-positive and GAP-43-positive nerve fiber density and expression, and LVEF, was the greatest in the Akt-MSCs group, followed by the s-MSCs group, and lastly the control group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. ChAT expression was similar between Akt-MSCs and s-MSCs groups, but it was higher compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）. NE contents were negatively correlated to LVEF （r = -0.64, P = 0.015）. CONCLUSION： Transplantation of MSCs, in particular Akt-MSCs, promotes cardiac nervous regeneration in failing heart, which might be mediated by GAP-43.

Application of self-care based on full-course individualized health education in patients with chronic heart failure and its influencing factors

BACKGROUND The treatment of heart failure not only needs to relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients but also needs to select scientific and reasonable ways to prevent or delay the progression of the disease,thus reducing the mortality and hospitalization rate.Although the previous regimen can effectively relieve symptoms in the early stage of treatment,long-term use may cause adverse events,such as arrhythmia,and even increase mortality.Therefore,conventional treatment cannot meet the actual health needs of patients,and scientific nursing intervention is very necessary.AIM To investigate the application of self-care based on full-course individualized health education (FCIHE) and its influencing factors in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).METHODS We enrolled CHF patients who were admitted to our center between September 2015 and June 2016 and divided them into an intervention group (n = 50) and control group (n = 50) using a random number table.Routine nursing care was applied to the control group,and FCIHE was offered to the intervention group.The self-care behavior,6-min walking distance (6MWD),and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scores were compared between the two groups.The influencing factors of the self-care were also analyzed.RESULTS The 6MWD was not significantly different between the two groups at admission (P > 0.05);however,at 3 and 6 mo after discharge,6MWD was significantly increased,and it was significantly longer in the intervention group (P < 0.05).The scores for self-care behavior showed no significant difference at admission between the two groups (P > 0.05);however,at 3 and 6 mo after discharge,the total scores for self-care maintenance,management,confidence,and behavior of the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05).There were no significant differences in the SF-36 scores at admission (P > 0.05);however,at 3 mo and 6 mo after discharge,the scores for all eight subscales,including physical functioning,role limitations due to physical problems,bodily pain,general health perceptions,vitality,social functioning,role-limitations due to emotional problems,and mental health,were significantly higher in the intervention group (P < 0.05).As shown by logistic regression analysis,the influencing factors of self-care mainly included age,cardiac function class,and education background (odds ratio > 1;all P < 0.05).CONCLUSION FCIHE improved self-care behavior and cardiac function in CHF patients.Age,cardiac function,and education level affected the implementation of self-care among CHF patients.