Left ventricular function monitoring in heart failure

Abstract Imaging modalities are used for screening, risk stratification and monitoring of heart failure (HF). In particular, echocardiography represents the cornerstone in the assessment of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Despite the well-known limitations of LV ejection fraction, this parameter, repeated assessment of LV function is recommended for the diagnosis and care of patients with HF and provides prognostic information. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has an essential role in phenotyping and appropriate guiding of the therapy of patients with chronic HF. This document reflects the key points concerning monitoring LV function discussed at a consensus meeting on physiological monitoring in the complex multi-morbid HF patient under the auspices of the Heart Failure Association of the ESC.

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P1775Outcomes in patients with left ventricular non-compaction phenotype and normal left ventricular ejection fraction

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0527 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

L Rebellius ◽

R Berzins Schoenenberger ◽

S Anwer ◽

S Rogler ◽

N Kuzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Diastolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Echocardiographic Parameters ◽

Normal Lvef

Abstract Introduction Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy with a progressive clinical course, resulting in symptoms such as heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, or thrombo-embolic events. Little is known about the natural course of disease, in particular in individuals with normal LV ejection fraction (EF) at diagnosis. In this study, we aim to evaluate the outcome of this group of patients. Methods 48 LVNC patients with normal LV EF at diagnosis (defined as ≥50% by Simpson) were retrospectively analysed followed-up for median duration of 3656 days (2017–4965). All outcome data and conventional echocardiographic parameters were obtained; and in 27 patients, LV and right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) were also determined using TomTec Image Arena (v.4.6). Results Mean age was 25.5 years. Median LVEF was 58.5% [IQR: 52.75 - 65.25]). The localization of non-compacted segments displayed a typical distribution with apical and inferolateral midventricular segments most frequently involved. Although LVEF was normal at baseline, median LV GLS was 16.8% (IQR: 20.0 - 14.2) and RV GLS was 18.7% (23.3–15.6). Furthermore, only 30 patients (73.2%) had a normal diastolic function, while others showed impaired relaxation (19.5%; n=8) or restrictive filling pattern (7.3%; n=3). During follow-up, LVEF decreased slightly from the initial visit (59%, [53.3–65.0]) to last follow-up (56%, [53.0–61.8], p=0.0009), and LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes increased (p=0.009 and 0.001, respectively). The other echocardiographic parameters did not show any significant changes. During follow-up, 3 patients (7.7%) died, 5 (12.8%) were hospitalized for heart failure, 3 (7.7%) had a thromboembolic event, 5 (12.8%) a syncope, 3 (8.1%) a non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, 9 (22.5%) a supraventricular tachycardia, and 14 (35.9%) suffered other complications during follow-up. The change in LVEF and LV volumes during follow-up was not significantly associated with outcome. Conclusion Patients presenting with a LVNC phenotype and normal LVEF did not display a completely normal LV function as revealed by LV strain and LV diastolic function. LVEF decreased slightly during follow-up, but was surprisingly stable in most patients. Nevertheless, a significant number of individuals experienced a clinically relevant event. Hence, a LVNC phenotype is important even in individuals with normal LVEF and such patients should be followed-up regularly.

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P3540The predictive value of global longitudinal strain in patients with heart failure mid-range ejection fraction

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0403 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Wei-Ting ◽

C T Liao ◽

Z C Chen

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Longitudinal Strain ◽

Myocardial Dysfunction ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Predictive Values

Abstract Background Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) was defined as the typical symptoms of HF with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 41% to 49%. However, till now the progression of LV function and the subsequent prognosis remains largely unknown. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel method to detect the early myocardial dysfunction and has been used to differentiate the outcomes of different phenotypes of cardiovascular diseases. Purpose Herein, we aim to investigate the application of STE in HFmrEF and its predictive values. Methods Retrospectively, we collected the medical records and echocardiography imaging of 250 patients diagnosed as HFmrEF during 2014 to 2018. LV longitudinal strain at diagnosis was evaluated and compared with the changes of LV during the follow-up period. Also, mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including myocardial infarction, heart failure requiring admission were recorded. Results Our result indicated that a reduced LV longitudinal strain at baseline was significantly associated with a subsequent declined LVEF beneath 40%. Also, the lower strain a baseline implied the higher mortality and MACE. Using −12% as the cut-off value LV strain presented the most significant impact on the prognosis compared with the other echocardiographic parameters in the logistic regression Regarding the guideline directed medications, blockers of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system most significantly improved the cardiac remodeling compared with the others. Conclusion STE can predict the subsequent changes of LVEF and the cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HFmrEF.

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Sacubitril/valsartan is well tolerated in patients with longstanding heart failure and history of cancer and improves ventricular function: real-world data

Cardio-Oncology ◽

10.1186/s40959-021-00121-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Klara Frey ◽

Henrike Arfsten ◽

Noemi Pavo ◽

Emilie Han ◽

Stefan Kastl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lv Function ◽

Real World Data ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

History Of ◽

History Of Cancer

Abstract Background Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations due to heart failure in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) when compared to enalapril. Data about sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a history of cancer are scarce, as these patients were excluded from the pivotal trial, PARADIGM-HF. The aim of the current study was to assess tolerability of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with a history of cancer. Methods We identified 225 patients at our heart failure out-patient unit who fulfilled the indication criteria to receive sacubitril/valsartan. Out of these, 9.3% (n = 21) had a history of histologically confirmed cancer. Oncologic surgery was performed in 16 (76.2%) patients, 11 (52.4%) patients received previous antineoplastic therapy and 9 patients (42.9%) radiation. Results Sacubitril/valsartan was withdrawn in 3 of 21 patients (14.3%) because of dizziness (n = 2) or pruritus (n = 1). After a median follow-up of 12 months (range 1–34 months), NYHA functional class improved significantly from NYHA 3 to NYHA 2 (mean -0.6, p = 0.006) and left ventricular ejection fraction as assessed by echocardiography increased significantly from 26.8 ± 5.4% to 39.2 ± 10% (mean + 12%, CI 95% [8.4–16.4], p = 0.0004). NT-proBNP was significantly reduced (baseline median 2774 pg/ml, range 1441 – 12,982 vs follow-up 1266 pg/ml, range 199–6324, p = 0.009). There was no significant change in creatinine levels (1.18 ± 0.4 vs 1.22 ± 0.4 mg/dl; mean + 0.005 mg/dl, CI 95% [-0.21- 0.12], p = 0.566). Conclusions In our pilot study we show that sacubitril/valsartan is generally well tolerated in patients with HFrEF and history of cancer. Importantly, even patients with long-standing cardiotoxicity induced heart failure can be treated and up-titrated with sacubitril/valsartan to usual target dosages, leading to improvement in LV function and biomarkers. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings in cancer patients with cardiotoxicity.

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Aetiology of Heart Failure, Rather than Sex, Determines Reverse LV Remodelling Response to CRT

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10235513 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (23) ◽

pp. 5513

Author(s):

Fatema Said ◽

Jozine M. ter Maaten ◽

Pieter Martens ◽

Kevin Vernooy ◽

Mathias Meine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cardiac Resynchronization ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽

Female Sex

Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Women appear to respond differently to CRT, yet it remains unclear whether this is inherent to the female sex itself, or due to other patient characteristics. In this study, we aimed to investigate sex differences in response to CRT. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a prospective, multicenter study (MARC) in the Netherlands, studying HFrEF patients with an indication for CRT according to the guidelines (n = 240). Primary outcome measures are left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) at 6 months follow-up. Results were validated in an independent retrospective Belgian cohort (n = 818). Results: In the MARC cohort 39% were women, and in the Belgian cohort 32% were women. In the MARC cohort, 70% of the women were responders (defined as >15% decrease in LVESV) at 6 months, compared to 55% of men (p = 0.040) (79% vs. 67% in the Belgian cohort, p = 0.002). Women showed a greater decrease in LVESV %, LVESV indexed to body surface area (BSA) %, and increase in LVEF (all p < 0.05). In regression analysis, after adjustment for BSA and etiology, female sex was no longer associated with change in LVESV % and LVESV indexed to BSA % and LVEF % (p > 0.05 for all). Results were comparable in the Belgian cohort. Conclusions: Women showed a greater echocardiographic response to CRT at 6 months follow-up. However, after adjustment for BSA and ischemic etiology, no differences were found in LV-function measures or survival, suggesting that non-ischemic etiology is responsible for greater response rates in women treated with CRT.

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Abstract 15164: Impact of Conventional Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From Pursuit-hfpef Registry

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.15164 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Tetsuya Watanabe ◽

Shungo Hikoso ◽

Daisaku D Nakatani ◽

Masamichi Yano ◽

Shunsuke Tamaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Right Ventricular ◽

Pacemaker Implantation ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lv Function ◽

Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Patients With Heart Failure

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that conventional right ventricular (RV) pacing may have a deleterious effect on left ventricular (LV) function. However, there are no reports examining the effects of permanent pacemakers (PM) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Methods and Results: Patients' data were extracted from The Prospective mUlticenteR obServational stUdy of patIenTs with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (PURSUIT-HFpEF) study, which is a prospective multicenter observational registry for ADHF patients with LVEF ≥50% in Osaka. Echocardiographic measurements were performed just before and 1 year after discharge. We analyzed 623 patients (median age: 81[30-101] years) after exclusion of patients on dialysis. At the admission, 55 of 623 patients had a previously implanted pacemaker (PM(+)). There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics before discharge such as age, gender, renal function, echocardiographic parameters between PM(+) and PM(-) groups. One year after discharge, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in PM(+) group was significantly lower (58.3±8.6 vs 62.3±8.4%, p=0.005) than those in PM(-) group. During a mean follow-up period of 1.25±0.84years, 171patients had heart failure hospitalization (HFH). At the multivariate Cox analysis, pacemaker was significantly associated with HFH, independently of age, serum NT-proBNP level, and LVEF after the adjustment with NYHA functional class, sex, and hemoglobin. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that patients in PM(+) group had a significantly higher risk of HFH than those in PM(-) group. Conclusion: The development of cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction occurred in patients with HFpEF with a RV pacemaker implantation, which would be associated with poor outcome.

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Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction – A Review

US Cardiology Review ◽

10.15420/usc.2012.9.2.90 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 90-95 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Otto A Smiseth ◽

Anders Opdahl ◽

Espen Boe ◽

Helge Skulstad

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Diastolic Heart Failure ◽

The Elderly ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Filling Pressure ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽

Objective Evidence

Heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HF-PEF), sometimes named diastolic heart failure, is a common condition most frequently seen in the elderly and is associated with arterial hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Symptoms are attributed to a stiff left ventricle with compensatory elevation of filling pressure and reduced ability to increase stroke volume by the Frank-Starling mechanism. LV interaction with stiff arteries aggravates these problems. Prognosis is almost as severe as for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF), in part reflecting co-morbidities. Before the diagnosis of HF-PEF is made, non-cardiac etiologies must be excluded. Due to the non-specific nature of heart failure symptoms, it is essential to search for objective evidence of diastolic dysfunction which, in the absence of invasive data, is done by echocardiography and demonstration of signs of elevated LV filling pressure, impaired LV relaxation, or increased LV diastolic stiffness. Antihypertensive treatment can effectively prevent HF-PEF. Treatment of HF-PEF is symptomatic, with similar drugs as in HF-REF.

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