Ventricular-arterial coupling changes as an early predictor of left ventricular remodelling in atrial fibrillation

Abstract Objective Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be associated with adverse atrial and ventricular remodelling also in the absence of persistently elevated heart rate. Ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC) plays a pivotal role in cardiac and aortic adaptation to pathophysiological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in conventional and novel VAC indexes in long lasting paroxysmal AF. Methods Participants with paroxysmal AF, in sinus rhythm on admission, with preserved left ventricle (LV) systolic function and carotid – femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) within normal range were carefully selected from consecutive patients admitted to University Hospital in Krakow for scheduled AF ablation. We excluded those with established coronary artery disease, moderate or severe heart valves disease, with uncontrolled hypertension or other comorbidities. The anthropometric and demographic data, medical history, and habits were collected using standardized questionnaire. A total of 51 (mean age 57.7 yrs; 37 men) patients underwent simultaneous echocardiographic and arterial data acquisition. End-systolic pressure was determined from central pulse wave analyses. Arterial elastance (Ea) and LV elastance (Ees) were calculated as end-systolic pressure/stroke volume and end-systolic pressure/end-systolic volume. Two-dimensional speckle tracking was used to derive LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), and then PWV to GLS ratio was calculated. Results Patient presented moderate (EHRA class median = 2b) and long-lasting symptoms (median of AF history 3 years). There was an association of Ees (parameter estimate (PE) 0.12; P=0.0004) and VAC (Ea/Ees) (PE=−0.13; P=0.33) with duration of AF history in the univariate linear regression model and this association retain statistically significant in a model including age, sex, history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Longer history of AF was related to lower PWV to GLS ratio, however this association reached statistical significance only among patients with AF lasting more than 3 years (PE=−0.14; P=0.024) and persisted significant after accounting for covariates. Conclusion The relationship between AF and LV dysfunction is complex and potentially bi-directional. Paroxysmal AF however, can contribute to abnormality in heart–vessel coupling, even when LV function remained within the normal range, indicating early stage of ventricular remodelling due to arrythmia. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Krakow

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Left ventricular ejection fraction reduction due to atrial fibrillation: clinical and echocardiographic predictors

European Heart Journal Acute Cardiovascular Care ◽

10.1093/ehjacc/zuab020.038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

E Marcusohn ◽

O Kobo ◽

M Postnikov ◽

D Epstein ◽

Y Agmon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Prosthetic Valves ◽

Ventricular Response ◽

History Of

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) induced cardiomyopathy can be challenging. It relies on ruling out other causes of dilated cardiomyopathy, upon recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following return to sinus rhythm (SR). Aim The aim of this study was to identify clinical and echocardiographic predictors for developing new dilated cardiomyopathy in patients with AF or atrial flutter (AFL). Methods This is a retrospective study conducted in a large tertiary care center. Patients that suffered deterioration of LVEF under 50% during AF demonstrated by pre-cardioversion trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) were compared to those with preserved LV function during AF. All patients had documented preserved LVEF at baseline (EF >50%) while in SR. Patients with a previous history of reduced LVEF during SR were excluded. Results From a total of 482 patients included in the final analysis, 80 (17%) patients had reduced LV function and 402 (83%) had preserved LV function during the pre-cardioversion TEE. Patients with reduced LVEF were more likely to be male and with a more rapid ventricular response during AF/AFL. A history of prosthetic valves was also identified as a risk factor for reduced LVEF. Patients with reduced LVEF also had higher incidence of TR and RV dysfunction. Conclusion In "real world" experience, male patients with rapid ventricular response during AF or AFL are more prone to LVEF reduction. Patients with prosthetic valves are also at risk for LVEF reduction during AF/AFL. Lastly, TR and RV dysfunction may indicate relatively long-standing AF with an associated reduction in LVEF.

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Application of the current HFA-ESC consensus guidelines on diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to a population referred for echocardiography

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jeaa356.038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

K Liang ◽

R Hearse-Morgan ◽

S Fairbairn ◽

Y Ismail ◽

AK Nightingale

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Diagnostic Algorithm ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽

Consensus Guidelines

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. BACKGROUND The recent Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) consensus guidelines on diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have developed a simple diagnostic algorithm for clinical use. PURPOSE To assess whether echocardiogram (echo) parameters needed to assess diastolic function are routinely collected in patients referred for assessment of heart failure symptoms. METHODS Retrospective analysis of echo referrals in January 2020 were assessed for parameters of diastolic function as per step 2 of the HF-PEFF diagnostic algorithm. Echo images and clinical reports were reviewed. Electronic records were utilised to obtain clinical history, blood results (NT-proBNP) and demographic data. RESULTS 1330 patients underwent an echo in our department during January 2020. 83 patients were referred with symptoms of heart failure without prior history of cardiac disease; 20 patients found to have impaired left ventricular (LV) function were excluded from analysis. Of the 63 patients with possible HFpEF, HF-PEFF score was low in 18, intermediate in 33 and high in 12. Median age was 68 years (range 32 to 97 years); 25% had a BMI >30. There was a high prevalence of hypertension (52%), diabetes (19%) and atrial fibrillation (40%) (cf. Table 1). Body surface area (BSA) was documented in 65% of echo reports. Most echo parameters were recorded with the exception of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and indexed LV mass (cf. image 1). NT-proBNP was recorded in only 20 patients (31.7%). 12 patients with an intermediate HF-PEFF score could have been re-categorised to a high score depending on GLS and NT-proBNP (which were not recorded). CONCLUSION More than three quarters of echoes acquired in our department obtained the relevant parameters to assess diastolic function. The addition of BSA, and inclusion of NT-proBNP, and GLS would have been additive to a third of ‘intermediate’ patients to determine definite HFpEF. Our study demonstrates that the current HFA-ESC diagnostic algorithm and HF-PEFF scoring system are easy to use, highly relevant and applicable to current clinical practice. Age >70 years 29 (46.0%) Obesity (BMI >30) 16 (25.4%) Diabetes 12 (19%) Hypertension 33 (52.4%) Atrial Fibrillation 25 (39.7%) ECG abnormalities 18 (28.5%) Table 1. Prevalence of Clinical Risk Factors Abstract Figure. Image 1. HFPEFF score & echo parameters

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Abstract 15523: Absence of Chordae Tendineae near Valve Coaptation Leads to Mitral Regurgitation in Lone Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.130.suppl_2.15523 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Yuji Itabashi ◽

Hirotsugu Mihara ◽

Javier Berdejo ◽

Hiroto Utsunomiya ◽

Ken Matsuoka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Mitral Valve ◽

Mitral Valve Regurgitation ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Correlation Factor ◽

Lv Function ◽

Chordae Tendineae ◽

Lone Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Coaptation Line ◽

History Of

Introduction: Mitral annuloplasty is performed to treat mitral valve regurgitation (MR) in lone atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The mechanisms of the significant MR in lone AF patients are not known well. We assessed the hypothesis that absence of chordae tendineae near the mitral valve (MV) coaptation could lead to the significant functional MR in the lone AF patients. Methods: We analyzed 64 patients with a history of AF with greater than 50 % of the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, and no organic abnormality of MV. Of these 31 has mild or lesser MR (AF Groups) and 33 has moderate or severe MR (AFMR Group). We also analyzed 33 sinus rhythm patients with normal echocardiographic findings (Sinus Group). Parameters concerning to MV morphology were measured with commercial software. Chordae attaching points (CAPs) nearest from the coaptation line were detected on the anterior mitral leaflet (Figure). Ratio of the length from CAP to coaptation line against that from anterior annulus to coaptation line was calculated as CAP-C/An-C ratio. Results: Mitral annular area (P < 0.05), leaflets surface area (P < 0.05), and CAP-C/An-C ratio (P < 0.05) were larger in the AFMR Group as compared with the AF Group (Table). With multivariate analysis, the correlation factor of significant MR in AF patients was increase in the CAP-C/An-C ratio (Odds ratio (per 1 % increase) = 1.70; p <0.05). Conclusion: The absence of chordae tendineae near the coaptation line represented by larger CAP-C/An-C ratio is related to the functional MR in AF patients with normal LV function.

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P970 Significant differences in atrial structural and functional parameters leading to differing mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes compared to non-athletes

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez319.602 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Trivedi ◽

G Claessen ◽

L Stefani ◽

D Flannery ◽

P Brown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Endurance Athletes ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Age And Gender ◽

History Of ◽

And Gender

Abstract Background/Introduction: There is an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in endurance athletes. We sought to evaluate the likely mechanistic basis for this phenomenon. Methods 36 endurance athletes in sinus rhythm, with a previous history of AF (ATH-AF) were compared to age and gender matched endurance athletes with no prior history of AF (ATH), non athletes with paroxysmal AF (NONATH-AF) and age and gender matched healthy controls (CONTROL). A detailed transthoracic echocardiogram was performed with all groups in sinus rhythm, with detailed left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) measurements, including strain analysis. Results All athletes had increased LA and LV size when compared with healthy controls (Table 1). Non athletes with paroxysmal AF had increased LA size when compared with controls. However, indexed LA/LV ratio was preserved in athletes and similar to healthy individuals, whilst AF patients had significantly increased LA/LV ratio. Athletes with AF had higher e’ velocity and lower E/e’, whereas e’ was reduced and E/e’ elevated in non-athlete AF patients. Athletes had impaired LA reservoir and contractile strain, and reduced LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) compared with healthy controls. Conclusions Compared to healthy controls, athletes have reduced LA and LV strain, with preserved LV diastolic function and LA/LV ratio. In contrast, altered diastolic function with differential increase in LA volume was observed in AF patients. The increased risk of AF in athletes is likely mediated by different mechanistic processes other than an atrial myopathy consequent to diastolic dysfunction as observed in non-athletes with AF. Table 1. LA and LV parameters Parameter ATH-AF ATH NONATH-AF CONTROL P value LVEDV indexed (ml/m2) 84 ± 12 79 ± 14 57 ± 10 51 ± 13 <0.001 LVESV indexed (ml/m2) 35 ± 6 34 ± 7 25 ± 8 27 ± 33 0.02 LV ejection fraction (%) 58 ± 4 56 ± 4 56 ± 10 58 ± 8 0.586 LV global longitudinal strain (%) 19.2 ± 1.7 18.9 ± 2.1 21 ± 3.1 21.7 ± 2.9 <0.001 e’ vel (cm/s) 10 ± 2 10 ± 3 8 ± 2 9 ± 2 0.007 E/e’ 5.7 ± 1.3 5.9 ± 1.8 9.1 ± 3.3 7.5 ± 1.5 <0.001 LAV max indexed (ml/m2) 45 ± 11 43 ± 12 38 ± 11 27 ± 8 <0.001 Indexed LAV/LVEDV ratio 0.5 ± 0.1 0.6 ± 0.2 0.7 ± 0.2 0.5 ± 0.1 <0.001 LA reservoir strain (%) 27.2 ± 4.8 28.2 ± 3.7 27.9 ± 8.4 33.2 ± 7.0 <0.001 LA conduit strain (%) 14.2 ± 4.5 14.4 ± 4.0 14.9 ± 5.5 16.6 ± 6.3 0.182 LA contractile strain (%) 13.0 ± 3.1 13.8 ± 3.6 13.0 ± 5.1 16.6 ± 3.1 <0.001 LV = left ventricular, LAV = left atrial volume, LA = left atrial

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P989Determinants of beat-to-beat left ventricular function during atrial fibrillation: a combined clinical-computational study

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euaa162.227 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Lyon ◽

M J W Van Mourik ◽

D K Linz ◽

L Cruts ◽

J Heijman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Computational Study ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Cardiac Mechanics ◽

Image Plane ◽

Aortic Pressure ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ventricular Contractility ◽

Non Linear

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO-ZonMw, VIDI grant 016.176.340) Background The rapid irregular atrial electrical activity during atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an irregular and variable left ventricular (LV) systolic pump function. The mechanisms determining LV function during AF remain incompletely understood. Purpose To assess the reliability of global longitudinal strain (GLS) as a measure of LV function during AF, and to elucidate how beat-to-beat changes in LV preload and afterload affect LV function during AF. Methods Beat-to-beat speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed in patients with persistent AF. A hundred consecutive beats in each patient were imaged during AF and we evaluated the relation between GLS in the image plane (4-chamber view) and (pre-)preceding cycle length (CL) in these patients. We used the CircAdapt cardiovascular system model to simulate cardiac mechanics and hemodynamics during AF for each individual patient 1) by imposing the exact irregular sequence of CL as measured in the patient and 2) by making the atrial myocardium non-contractile. These simulations enabled beat-to-beat quantification of preload (end-diastolic volume, EDV), afterload (systolic aortic pressure) and GLS during AF. Results Clinical data and simulations both showed a negative non-linear relation between preceding CL and GLS (Panel A). Non-linearity was more pronounced at low preceding CLs (<750ms), while GLS at preceding CLs >750ms showed less dependence on CL. Simulating ventricular failure by a reduction in ventricular contractility led to a lower overall GLS and a loss of non-linear response at low CL (Panel A, right, diamonds). Increased GLS at high preceding CL (purple box) was explained by a higher preceding EDV (higher preload) (p < 0.002, Panel B), reflecting the Frank-Starling mechanism of contractile myocardium. At a given preceding CL, variability in GLS was explained by the afterload of the preceding beat, with a lower preceding afterload (systolic aortic pressure) leading to higher GLS (Panel C, yellow box, p < 0.002), but not by changes in preceding preload (Panel C, p non-significant). Preload of the pre-preceding beat also correlated with changes in GLS (Panel C, p < 0.005). Conclusions During AF, GLS depends non-linearly on the preceding CL, with GLS measures performed at longer preceding CLs (>750ms in our cohort) showing a low beat-to-beat variability. Beat-to-beat hemodynamic changes in preceding afterload could explain differences in LV function at same preceding CL. Our combined clinical-computational study highlights the variability in GLS measurement during AF and provides new insight into the potential hemodynamic mechanisms determining LV function in AF patients. Abstract Figure.

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Myocardial work still reflect function while strain simply measure deformation when afterload increases

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0104 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

O J Sletten ◽

J M Aalen ◽

E W Remme ◽

F H Khan ◽

A Wajdan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Strain Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Public Institution ◽

Lv Function ◽

Stroke Work ◽

Clinical Tool ◽

Funding Sources ◽

European Society Of Cardiology

Abstract Introduction Global longitudinal strain is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology to detect subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, but is markedly load-dependent. Myocardial work was recently introduced as a clinical tool to study LV function by pressure-strain analysis. Since myocardial work incorporates afterload, it is assumed to be less afterload-dependent than strain, but the relationship with afterload is incompletely understood. Hypothesis Myocardial work is a better tool than strain, to measure myocardial function during elevated afterload. Methods In eleven anesthetized dogs, LV volume and longitudinal strain were measured by sonomicrometry, and pressure by micromanometry. Myocardial work was calculated by pressure-strain analysis. Additionally, stroke work was calculated as the area of the pressure-volume loop. Afterload was instantly increased by aortic constriction using a pneumatic cuff around the ascending aorta. Measurements were performed at baseline, during moderate- and marked afterload elevations. Results Table 1 summarizes the results. LV pressure (LVP) successively increased with moderate and marked afterload elevation, while longitudinal strain was successively reduced. Myocardial work and stroke work, on the other hand, increased with moderate afterload elevation, but was then reduced at marked afterload increase (Figure 1 and Table 1). Stroke volume and ejection fraction corresponded to strain and were reduced with afterload elevation. Conclusions Longitudinal strain and myocardial work have qualitatively different responses to increased afterload. While moderate changes in afterload cause reductions in strain that can be falsely interpreted as reductions in contractility, myocardial work increases as it incorporates the increased workload at moderately elevated afterload. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Norwegian Health Association

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Prognostic implications of longitudinal strain in hypertensive patients

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jeab090.123 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

N Taleb Bendiab ◽

S Benkhedda ◽

A Meziane Tani ◽

L Henaoui

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Cardiovascular Complications ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Cardiac Events ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): University Hospital of Tlemcen Introduction Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It causes left ventricular (LV) pressure overload, and, in turn, changes in cardiac geometry and LV hypertrophy (LVH). Early impairment of LV function, detected by a reduced GLS, is associated with long-lasting, uncontrolled HBP, overweight, related metabolic changes, and is more pronounced in patients with LVH. This decline in longitudinal function may be a determining factor in the occurrence of cardiovascular complications and therefore an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Purpose : This study sought to investigate the associations of left ventricular (LV) strain and its serial change with major adverse cardiac events in hypertensive patients. Methods We retrospectively studied 400 asymptomatic patients with hypertension of which, 182 patients had abnormal global longitudinal strain(GLS) and 218 patients had normal GLS, between 2016 and 2019. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was measured using speckle tracking. Patients were followed for admission because of heart failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and strokes, over median of 4 years. At the start of study, all patients had preserved LV ejection fraction. Résultats : The control of patients noted 25 cases (6.25%) of attacks of heart failure in the arm hypertension with low GLS against only 4 cases (1%) in the arm hypertension + normal GLS (P <0.001). The same, 19 ( 4.75%) hypertensive patients with low GLS had a stroke compared to only 5 (1.25%) hypertensive patients with normal GLS. A significant difference in the incidence of onset of acute coronary syndromes was also noted in the hypertension arm with abnormal GLS (P = 0.002). As for rhythmic complications, 26 (6.5%) hypertensive patients with abnormal GLS developed atrial fibrillation compared to only 9 (2.25%) hypertensive patients with normal GLS (P <0.0001). Conclusion : GLS and its deterioration are associated with cardiovascular complications in asymptomatic hypertensive heart disease. Although LVEF will remain a cornerstone of LV function assessment, the addition of GLS enables detailed phenotyping and improved risk assessment and is a tool for present and future therapeutic advancement. A risk score incorporating strain was useful for predicting risk of cardiac events.

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Cardiac magnetic resonance derived global longitudinal strain outperfoms established functional parameters in prognostication after ST-elevation myocardial infarction

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0234 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

M Holzknecht ◽

M Reindl ◽

C Tiller ◽

I Lechner ◽

T Hornung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Prognostic Value ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

St Elevation

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the parameter of choice for left ventricular (LV) function assessment and risk stratification of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); however, its prognostic value is limited. Other measures of LV function such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) might provide additional prognostic information post-STEMI. However, comprehensive investigations comparing these parameters in terms of prediction of hard clinical events following STEMI are lacking so far. Purpose We aimed to investigate the comparative prognostic value of LVEF, MAPSE and GLS by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the acute stage post-STEMI for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Methods This observational study included 407 consecutive acute STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Comprehensive CMR investigations were performed 3 [interquartile range (IQR): 2–4] days after PCI to determine LVEF, GLS and MAPSE as well as myocardial infarct characteristics. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of MACE defined as composite of death, re-infarction and congestive heart failure. Results During a follow-up of 21 [IQR: 12–50] months, 40 (10%) patients experienced MACE. LVEF (p=0.005), MAPSE (p=0.001) and GLS (p<0.001) were significantly related to MACE. GLS showed the highest prognostic value with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.79; p<0.001) compared to MAPSE (AUC: 0.67, 95% CI 0.58–0.75; p=0.001) and LVEF (AUC: 0.64, 95% CI 0.54–0.73; p=0.005). After multivariable analysis, GLS emerged as sole independent predictor of MACE (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.11–1.35; p<0.001). Of note, GLS remained associated with MACE (p<0.001) even after adjustment for infarct size and microvascular obstruction. Conclusion CMR-derived GLS emerged as strong and independent predictor of MACE after acute STEMI with additive prognostic validity to LVEF and parameters of myocardial damage. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Associations of the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet with cardiac remodelling in the community: the Framingham Heart Study

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521000660 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Maura E. Walker ◽

Adrienne A. O’Donnell ◽

Jayandra J. Himali ◽

Iniya Rajendran ◽

Debora Melo van Lent ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Root Diameter ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Remodelling ◽

Lv Function ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Diet Score ◽

Mind Diet

Abstract Normal cardiac function is directly associated with the maintenance of cerebrovascular health. Whether the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, designed for the maintenance of neurocognitive health, is associated with cardiac remodelling is unknown. We evaluated 2512 Framingham Offspring Cohort participants who attended the eighth examination cycle and had available dietary and echocardiographic data (mean age 66 years; 55 % women). Using multivariable regression, we related the cumulative MIND diet score (independent variable) to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, left atrial emptying fraction, LV mass (LVM), E/e’ ratio (dependent variables; primary), global longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain (GCS), mitral annular plane systolic excursion, longitudinal segmental synchrony, LV hypertrophy and aortic root diameter (secondary). Adjusting for age, sex and energy intake, higher cumulative MIND diet scores were associated with lower values of indices of LV diastolic (E/e’ ratio: logβ = −0·03) and systolic function (GCS: β = −0·04) and with higher values of LVM (logβ = 0·02), all P ≤ 0·01. We observed effect modification by age in the association between the cumulative MIND diet score and GCS. When we further adjusted for clinical risk factors, the associations of the cumulative MIND diet score with GCS in participants ≥66 years (β = −0·06, P = 0·005) and LVM remained significant. In our community-based sample, relations between the cumulative MIND diet score and cardiac remodelling differ among indices of LV structure and function. Our results suggest that favourable associations between a higher cumulative MIND diet score and indices of LV function may be influenced by cardiometabolic and lifestyle risk factors.

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Time saving, simple and reproducible method to quantify left ventricular function in patients with atrial fibrillation

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0543 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

K.V Bunting ◽

S Gill ◽

A Sitch ◽

S Mehta ◽

K O'Connor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Ventricular Function ◽

Ventricular Function ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Funding Source ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Introduction Echocardiography is essential for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but current methods are time consuming and lack any evidence of reproducibility. Purpose To compare conventional averaging of consecutive beats with an index beat approach, where systolic and diastolic measurements are taken once after two prior beats with a similar RR interval (not more than 60 ms difference). Methods Transthoracic echocardiography was performed using a standardized and blinded protocol in patients enrolled into the RAte control Therapy Evaluation in permanent AF randomised controlled trial (RATE-AF; NCT02391337). AF was confirmed in all patients with a preceding 12-lead ECG. A minimum of 30-beat loops were recorded. Left ventricular function was determined using the recommended averaging of 5 and 10 beats and using the index beat method, with observers blinded to clinical details. Complete loops were used to calculate the within-beat coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for Simpson's biplane left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and filling pressure (E/e'). Results 160 patients (median age 75 years (IQR 69–82); 46% female) were included, with median heart rate 100 beats/min (IQR 86–112). For LVEF, the index beat had the lowest CV of 32% compared to 51% for 5 consecutive beats and 53% for 10 consecutive beats (p<0.001). The index beat also had the lowest CV for GLS (26% versus 43% and 42%; p<0.001) and E/e' (25% versus 41% and 41%; p<0.001; see Figure for ICC comparison). Intra-operator reproducibility, assessed by the same operator from two different recordings in 50 patients, was superior for the index beat with GLS bias −0.5 and narrow limits of agreement (−3.6 to 2.6), compared to −1.0 for 10 consecutive beats (−4.0 to 2.0). For inter-operator variability, assessed in 18 random patients, the index beat also showed the smallest bias with narrow confidence intervals (CI). Using a single index beat did not impact on the validity of LVEF, GLS or E/e' measurement when correlated with natriuretic peptides. Index beat analysis substantially shortened analysis time; 35 seconds (95% CI 35 to 39 seconds) for measuring E/e' with the index beat versus 98 seconds (95% CI 92 to 104 seconds) for 10 consecutive beats (see Figure). Conclusion Index beat determination of left ventricular function improves reproducibility, saves time and does not compromise validity compared to conventional quantification in patients with heart failure and AF. After independent validation, the index beat method should be adopted into routine clinical practice. Comparison for measurement of E/e' Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute of Health Research UK

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