scholarly journals 443 Arterial hypertension in aortic valve stenosis: a critical update

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Basile ◽  
Ilaria Fucile ◽  
Maria Virginia Manzi ◽  
Federica Ilardi ◽  
Anna Franzone ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Aortic stenosis (AS) is a very common valve disease and is associated with high mortality once it becomes symptomatic. Arterial hypertension (HT) has a high prevalence among patients with AS leading to worst left ventricle remodelling and faster degeneration of the valve. HT also seems to interfere with the assessment of the severity of AS leading to an underestimation of the real degree of stenosis. Treatment of HT in AS has historically been associated with reluctance due to both the lack of clear guidelines and the fear of adverse effects, but the most recent evidence shows as several drugs that can be used. Methods The pathophysiology of the combination of AS and HT is the association of a first fixed mechanical obstruction of the aortic root and a second obstruction due to systemic vascular resistance. Consequently, a decrease in systemic vascular resistance through, for example, the administration of vasodilators could theoretically cause a drop in systemic pressure due to the fixed mechanical obstruction given by the stenosis which prevents an increase in cardiac output. This theory was the basis for avoiding vasodilators in patients with AS. Results There is a unanimous opinion on maintaining blood pressure values of 130–139 mmHg of systolic and 70–90 mmHg of diastolic, but there is not the same agreement on which drugs to adopt to achieve the aforementioned values. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system inhibitors are certainly the first-line treatment thanks to their cardioprotective, plaque stabilizing, and antiarrhythmic effect since they are also associated with increased survival rates and greater left ventricular mass reduction in patients after surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe AS. If blood pressure is not yet controlled, the addition of a beta-blocker should be considered: metoprolol has the greatest literature, showing not only an improvement in haemodynamic and metabolic performance but also a reduction in mortality in patients who already presented with coronary artery disease. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist can be used, among them eplerenone has been studied and can be useful to relieve symptoms of patients with a flare-up of heart failure by reducing the preload, provided that a close fluid and echocardiographic monitoring is implemented. Conclusions The use of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors can improve the haemodynamic status of patients with aortic stenosis and reduce the level of left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as improve pulmonary circulation and exercise tolerability of patients with AS, however it should be considered that in other studies sildenafil was associated with a worse clinical outcome. Calcium channel blocker are one the most used medications in patients with HT, but their use was associated with a 7-fold relative risk of all-cause mortality independent of known confounders and was also associated with an adverse effect on treadmill exercise and higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with AS.

1991 ◽  
Vol 261 (1) ◽  
pp. H172-H180 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Sassen ◽  
K. Bezstarosti ◽  
W. J. Van der Giessen ◽  
J. M. Lamers ◽  
P. D. Verdouw

Effects of pretreatment with L-propionylcarnitine (50 mg/kg, n = 9) or saline (n = 10) were studied in open-chest anesthetized pigs, in which ischemia was induced by decreasing left anterior descending coronary artery blood flow to 20% of baseline. After 60 min of ischemia, myocardium was reperfused for 2 h. In both groups, flow reduction abolished contractile function of the affected myocardium and caused similar decreases in ATP (by 55%) and energy charge [(ATP + 0.5ADP)/(ATP + ADP + AMP); decrease from 0.91 to 0.60], mean arterial blood pressure (by 10-24%), the maximum rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (by 26-32%), and cardiac output (by 20-30%). During reperfusion, “no-reflow” was attenuated by L-propionylcarnitine, because myocardial blood flow returned to 61 and 82% of baseline in the saline- and L-propionylcarnitine-treated animals, respectively. Cardiac output of the saline-treated animals further decreased (to 52% of baseline), and systemic vascular resistance increased from 46 +/- 3 to 61 +/- 9 mmHg.min.l-1, thereby maintaining arterial blood pressure. In L-propionylcarnitine-treated pigs, cardiac output remained at 75% of baseline, and systemic vascular resistance decreased from 42 +/- 3 to 38 +/- 4 mmHg.min.l-1. In both groups, energy charge but not the ATP level of the ischemic-reperfused myocardium tended to recover, whereas the creatine phosphate level showed significantly more recovery in saline-treated animals. We conclude that L-propionylcarnitine partially preserved vascular patency in ischemic-reperfused porcine myocardium but had no immediate effect on “myocardial stunning.” Potential markers for long-term recovery were not affected by L-propionylcarnitine.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S M Pio ◽  
M R Amanullah ◽  
K Y Sin ◽  
N Ajmone Marsan ◽  
Z P Ding ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The frequency of discordant mean valve gradient (MG) and aortic valve area (AVA) in patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) has not been investigated. Objectives Determine the occurrence of discordant gradient in patients with moderate AS (defined by MG <20 mmHg), and how these patients compare with concordant gradient moderate AS (MG >20 mmHg) in terms of patients' characteristics and the impact on long term prognosis. Methods Based on the echocardiographic findings at the time of diagnosis of moderate AS (valve area >1.0 and ≤1.5 cm2), they were re-classified into discordant or concordant gradients, MG <20 mmHg or >20 mmHg, respectively. The clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results Of 522 patients with moderate AS, 95 (18.2%) had discordant gradient moderate AS (MG <20 mmHg). Patients with discordant mean gradient were older, had higher prevalence of previous myocardial infarct, larger left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume index, lower LV ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume index and higher LV filling pressure. Compared to patients with concordant gradients, these patients had higher mortality rates (57.9% vs 46.6%, p=0.05) and lower aortic valve replacement rates (33.7% vs 54.9%, p<0.001) during a median follow-up of 6.2 [IQR 3.2–9.0] years. The results of Cox regression analysis are shown on the table. Cox proportional hazard analysis All-cause mortality Univariate analysis Multivariate analysis Hazard ratio (95% CI) P value Hazard ratio (95% CI) P value Age (per 1 year increase) 1.05 (1.03–1.06) <0.001 1.04 (1.02–1.06) <0.001 Diabetes (yes/no) 1.34 (1.03–1.74) 0.031 1.33 (0.97–1.82) 0.072 Previous myocardial infarction (yes/no) 1.73 (1.29–2.34) <0.001 1.01 (0.70–1.46) 0.980 eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 (yes/no) 2.15 (1.68–2.76) <0.001 1.71 (1.25–2.33) 0.001 Left ventricular hypertrophy (yes/no) 1.74 (1.31–2.30) <0.001 1.50 (1.07–2.09) 0.018 Indexed LA volume (per 1 mL/m2 increase) 1.005 (1.001–1.009) 0.008 1.006 (1.001–1.012) 0.040 Tricuspid regurgitation >moderate (yes/no) 2.02 (1.29–3.16) 0.002 1.36 (0.73–2.54) 0.337 Discordant moderate AS (yes/no) 1.81 (1.34–2.45) <0.001 1.42 (1.01–2.01) 0.049 AS, aortic stenosis; CI, confidence interval; eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate; HR, hazard ratio; LA, Left atrial. Conclusion Discrepant aortic mean gradient in moderate AS is not uncommon and occurs more often in older patients, with higher LV filling pressure and lower EF and stroke volume index. The lower gradient values lead to underestimation of AS severity, and is associated with greater cardiac extra-valvular damage and higher mortality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Costa ◽  
B Oliveiros ◽  
L Goncalves ◽  
R Teixeira

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend aortic-valve replacement (AVR) as the only effective therapy for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Nevertheless, management and timing of intervention in asymptomatic AS remains a controversial topic, with sparse evidence to support the recommendations (level C). Purpose To assess an early-AVR strategy in asymptomatic severe AS, comparing it with a watchful waiting (WW) strategy Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases, in February 2020, for both interventional or observational studies comparing early-AVR with WW in the treatment of asymptomatic severe AS. Random-effects meta-analysis for early-AVR and WW were performed. Meta-regression was used to assess the influence of study characteristics on the outcome. Results Eight studies were included (seven registry-based or unrandomized studies and one randomized clinical trial) providing a total of 3985 patients, and 1232 pooled all-cause deaths (172 in early-AVR and 1060 in watchful waiting). Meta-analysis showed a significantly lower all-cause mortality for the early-AVR compared with WW group (pooled OR 0.24 [0.17, 0.32], P&lt;0.01) although with a moderate amount of heterogeneity between studies in the magnitude of effect (I2=57%, P=0.02). The early-AVR patients also displayed a lower cardiovascular mortality (pooled OR 0.27 [0.15, 0.48], P&lt;0.01) plus a lower heart failure hospitalization rate (pooled OR 0.27 [0.06, 0.65], P&lt;0.007). No difference in clinical thromboembolic event rate (stroke or myocardial infarction) was noted. The meta-regression for all cause mortality based on possible confounders such as time of follow-up, age, gender, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, and mean peak aortic jet velocity showed that effect sizes reported by the individual studies seem to be independent from the covariates considered (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions Our 2020 pooled data reinforces the previous evidence suggesting the benefit of early-AVR in asymptomatic patients with severe AS. Early AVR vs WW, All-cause death Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damien Mandry ◽  
Nicolas Girerd ◽  
Zohra Lamiral ◽  
Olivier Huttin ◽  
Laura Filippetti ◽  
...  

Introduction: This cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study aims to determine whether changes in systemic vascular resistance (SVR), obtained from CMR flow sequences, might explain the significant long-term changes in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) observed in subjects with no cardiac disease history.Methods: Cohort subjects without any known cardiac disease but with high rates of hypertension and obesity, underwent CMR with phase-contrast sequences both at baseline and at a median follow-up of 5.2 years. Longitudinal changes in EF were analyzed for any concomitant changes in blood pressure and vascular function, notably the indexed SVR given by the formula: mean brachial blood pressure / cardiac output x body surface area.Results: A total of 118 subjects (53 ± 12 years, 52% women) were included, 26% had hypertension, and 52% were obese. Eighteen (15%) had significant EF variations between baseline and follow-up (7 increased EF and 11 decreased EF). Longitudinal changes in EF were inversely related to concomitant changes in mean and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.030 and p = 0.027, respectively) and much more significantly to SVR (p &lt; 0.001). On average, these SVR changes were −8.08 ± 9.21 and +8.14 ± 8.28 mmHg.min.m2.L−1, respectively, in subjects with significant increases and decreases in EF, and 3.32 ± 7.53 mmHg.min.m2.L−1 in subjects with a stable EF (overall p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions: Significant EF variations are not uncommon during the long-term CMR follow-up of populations with no evident health issues except for uncomplicated hypertension and obesity. However, most of these variations are linked to SVR changes and may therefore be unrelated to any intrinsic change in LV contractility. This underscores the benefits of specifically assessing LV afterload when EF is monitored in populations at risk of vascular dysfunction.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01716819 and NCT02430805.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dmitry Petukhov ◽  
Leonie Korn ◽  
Marian Walter ◽  
Dmitry Telyshev

A novel control method for rotary blood pumps is proposed relying on two different objectives: regulation of pump flow in accordance with desired value and the maintenance of partial support with an open aortic valve by the variation of pump speed. The estimation of pump flow and detection of aortic valve state was performed with mathematical models describing the first- and second generation of Sputnik rotary blood pumps. The control method was validated using a cardiovascular system model. The state of the aortic valve was detected with a mean accuracy of 91% for Sputnik 1 and 96.2% for Sputnik 2 when contractility, heart rate, and systemic vascular resistance was changed. In silico results for both pumps showed that the proposed control method can achieve the desired pump flow level and maintain the open state of the aortic valve by periodically switching between two objectives under contractility, heart rate, and systemic vascular resistance changes. The proposed method showed its potential for safe operation without adverse events and for the improvement of chances for myocardial recovery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Agerlund Povlsen ◽  
Vibeke Guldbrand Rasmussen ◽  
Henrik Vase ◽  
Kaare Troels Jensen ◽  
Christian Juhl Terkelsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The aim of present study was to examine the preoperative prevalence and distribution of impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in elderly patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to determine the predictive value of LVGLS on survival. Methods We included 411 patients with symptomatic severe AS treated with TAVR during a 5-year period, where a baseline echocardiography including LVGLS assessment was available. Results Mean age was 80.1 ± 7.1 years and aortic valve area (AVA) index 0.4 ± 0.1 cm2. 78 patients died during a median follow-up of 762 days. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50 ± 13% and mean LVGLS was − 14.0%. LVEF was preserved in 60% of patients, while impaired LVGLS > − 18% was seen in 75% of the patients. Previous myocardial infarction, LVEF < 50%, LVGLS > − 14%, low gradient AS (< 4.0 m/s), tricuspid regurgitant gradient > 30 mmHg were identified as significant univariate predictors of all-cause mortality. On multivariate analysis LVGLS > − 14% (HR 1.79 [1.02–3.14], p = 0.04) was identified as the only independent variable associated with all-cause mortality. Reduced survival was observed with an impaired LVGLS > − 14% in the total population (p < 0.002) but also in patients with high AS gradient with preserved LVEF. LVGLS provided incremental prognostic value with respect to clinical characteristics, AVA and LVEF (χ2 19.9, p = 0.006). Conclusions In patients with symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR, impaired LVGLS was highly prevalent despite preserved LVEF. LVGLS > − 14% was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, and survival was reduced if LVGLS > − 14%.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Beladan ◽  
A Calin ◽  
A D Mateescu ◽  
M Rosca ◽  
R Enache ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Anemia is common in patients (pts) with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Untreated anemia and severe AS are individually associated with the development of heart failure, however data regarding the potential detrimental effect of anemia on left ventricular (LV) function and prognosis in pts with severe AS are controversial. Aim To investigate the impact of anemia on clinical status, echocardiographic parameters and prognosis in pts with severe AS and preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods Consecutive patients with severe AS (aortic valve area [AVA] index ≤ 0.6 cm2/m2) and preserved LVEF (&gt;50%) referred to our echocardiography laboratory were prospectively screened. All patients underwent complete clinical examination and comprehensive echocardiography, including speckle tracking-derived measurements of LV and left atrial (LA) strain. Baseline clinical variables included NYHA class, cardiac risk factors, haemoglobin (Hb) level and glomerular filtration rates (GFR, by MDRD formula). The definition of anemia was based on gender-specific cut-off values, as recommended by the WHO (Hb &lt;13.0 g/dL for men, &lt;12.0 g/dL for women). Patients with more than mild aortic regurgitation or mitral valve disease, atrial fibrillation or cardiac pacemakers were excluded. Results The study population included 264 patients (pts) (66 ± 11 yrs, 147 men). Anemia was present in 64 pts (24%). Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed in 151 pts. Dividing the study population into 2 groups, according to the presence/absence of anemia, no significant differences were found between groups regarding: age (p = 0.09), body surface area (p = 0.6), LVEF (62 ± 7 vs 63 ± 6%, p = 0.2), LV Global Longitudinal Strain (-15.2 ± 4 vs -14.7 ± 3 %, p = 0.4), LV mass index (p = 0.9), mean aortic gradient (p = 0.2) and indexed AVA (0.40 ± 0.09 vs 0.39 ± 0.09 cm2/m2, p = 0.6), or presence of significant coronary artery disease (p = 0.9). Compared to pts with normal Hb level, in pts with anemia NYHA class (p = 0.03), brain natriuretic peptide values (p = 0.004), lateral E/e’(16.2 ± 6.9 vs 13.7 ± 6.3, p = 0.01) and average E/e" ratio (15.9 ± 5.9 vs 14.1 ± 5.3, p = 0.03), LA volume index (54.3 ± 16.9 vs 45.0 ± 12.1 ml/m2, p &lt; 0.001), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (38 ± 13 vs 33 ± 8, p = 0.009) were all significantly higher. During a 3–years follow-up 47 pts died. Age, NYHA class, BNP serum level, baseline anemia, LA volume index and systolic pulmonary pressure were associated with all-cause mortality in the whole study group (p &lt; 0.03 for all). In the group of pts who underwent AVR, NYHA class was the only independent predictor of all-cause mortality. Conclusions In our study including pts with severe AS and preserved LVEF, patients with baseline anemia presented worse functional status and LV diastolic dysfunction and increased 3-year all-cause mortality compared to those with normal Hb levels. However, in pts who underwent surgical AVR, there was no impact of baseline anemia on 3-year survival.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Chew ◽  
N Ngiam ◽  
B.Y.Q Tan ◽  
C.H Sia ◽  
H.W Sim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) plays an important role in risk stratifying and guiding therapy for patients with aortic stenosis (AS). This study aims to describe the clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of AS patients with preserved (ASpEF), mid-range (ASmrEF) and reduced (ASrEF) EF. Methods 713 consecutive patients with index echocardiographic diagnosis of moderate-severe AS (aortic valve area &lt;1.5cm2) were allocated according to the EF into three groups: ASrEF (EF&lt;40%), ASmrEF (EF 40–50%), and ASpEF (EF&gt;50%). The study outcomes were defined as 5-year all-cause mortality, heart failure admissions, and aortic valve replacement (AVR). Results In comparison to patients with ASpEF, those with ASrEF were more frequently male, and systolic blood pressure was significantly lower on enrolment (p&lt;0.001). Diabetes, ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were more commonly seen in the ASrEF and ASmrEF groups, compared to ASpEF group. All-cause mortality rates were 30.5% for ASpEF, 50.8% for ASmrEF, 55.0% for ASrEF groups (p&lt;0.001). Increased rates of heart failure admissions were seen in the ASmrEF and ASrEF groups (30.5% and 33.9%, respectively, vs. 14.9% in ASpEF group). Patients with ASrEF had significantly higher rates of AVR as compared to those in the ASmrEF and ASpEF groups (p=0.032). Conclusion Echocardiographic and clinical outcomes of ASmrEF patients resembled those of ASrEF more closely than the ASpEF patients. Stratifying AS patients according to the different EF groups may improve risk assessment and treatment strategies. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Agerlund Povlsen ◽  
Vibeke Guldbrand Rasmussen ◽  
Henrik Vase ◽  
Kaare Troels Jensen ◽  
Christian Juhl Terkelsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The aim of present study was to examine the preoperative prevalence and distribution of impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in elderly patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to determine the predictive value of LVGLS on survival.Methods We included 411 patients with symptomatic severe AS treated with TAVR during a 5-year period, where a baseline echocardiography including LVGLS assessment was available. Results Mean age was 80.1±7.1 years and aortic valve area (AVA) index 0.4±0.1 cm2. 78 patients died during a median follow-up of 762 days. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50±13% and mean LVGLS was -14.0%. LVEF was preserved in 60% of patients, while impaired LVGLS >-18% was seen in 75% of the patients. Previous myocardial infarction, LVEF < 50%, LVGLS >-14%, low gradient AS (< 4.0 m/s), tricuspid regurgitant gradient >30 mmHg were identified as significant univariate predictors of all-cause mortality. On multivariate analysis LVGLS >-14% (HR 1.79 [1.02-3.14], p=0.04) was identified as the only independent variable associated with all-cause mortality. Reduced survival was observed with an impaired LVGLS >-14% in the total population (p<0.002) but also in patients with high AS gradient with preserved LVEF. LVGLS provided incremental prognostic value with respect to clinical characteristics, AVA and LVEF (χ2 19.9, p=0.006).Conclusions In patients with symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR, impaired LVGLS was highly prevalent despite preserved LVEF. LVGLS >-14% was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, and survival was reduced if LVGLS >-14 %.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Agerlund Povlsen ◽  
Vibeke Guldbrand Rasmussen ◽  
Henrik Vase ◽  
Kaare Troels Jensen ◽  
Christian Juhl Terkelsen ◽  
...  

Abstract AimsThe aim of present study was to examine the preoperative prevalence and distribution of impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in elderly patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to determine the predictive value of LVGLS on survival.MethodsWe included 411 patients with symptomatic severe AS treated with TAVR during a 5-year period, where a baseline echocardiography including LVGLS assessment was available.ResultsMean age was 80.1±7.1 years and aortic valve area (AVA) index 0.4±0.1 cm2. 78 patients died during a median follow-up of 762 days. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50±13% and mean LVGLS was -14.0%. LVEF was preserved in 60% of patients, while impaired LVGLS >-18% was seen in 75% of the patients. Previous myocardial infarction, LVEF < 50%, LVGLS >-14%, low gradient AS (< 4.0 m/s), tricuspid regurgitant gradient >30 mmHg were identified as significant univariate predictors of all-cause mortality. On multivariate analysis LVGLS >-14% (HR 1.79 [1.02-3.14], p=0.04) was identified as the only independent variable associated with all-cause mortality. Reduced survival was observed with an impaired LVGLS >-14% in the total population (p<0.002) but also in patients with high AS gradient with preserved LVEF. LVGLS provided incremental prognostic value with respect to clinical characteristics, AVA and LVEF (χ2 19.9, p=0.006).ConclusionsIn patients with symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR, impaired LVGLS was highly prevalent despite preserved LVEF. LVGLS >-14% was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, and survival was reduced if LVGLS >-14 %.


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