scholarly journals Understanding Barriers to Healthcare Access for Heart Failure Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1027-1028
Author(s):  
Hanzhang Xu ◽  
Julie Miller ◽  
Roy Thompson ◽  
Bradi Granger ◽  
Matthew Dupre
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
Heart Center ◽  
Barriers To Healthcare Access

Abstract Early outpatient follow-up within two weeks after hospital discharge is an effective strategy for improving transitions of care in older patients with heart failure (HF). However, implementing timely follow-up care for HF patients has been challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This convergent mixed-methods study identified patients’ barriers to accessing care and ascertained their recommendations for addressing these barriers. We enrolled 264 HF patients admitted to the Duke Heart Center between May 2020 and August 2021. A standardized survey and electronic health records (EHR) were used to collect patients’ sociodemographic, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical data. For patients who reported some difficulty accessing their healthcare (n=30), semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand these barriers. Data were analyzed using rapid analysis techniques. Barriers to accessing care varied across participants, with scheduling an appointment being the most common barrier (12 of the 30 responses). Participants indicated that job-related conflicts, providers’ availability, or COVID-19 contributed most to the difficulty in scheduling an appointment. Some participants experienced more difficulties during the pandemic due to fewer appointments available for non-acute and non-COVID-19 related needs. Transportation was another critical barrier, which was often associated with the participants’ physical functional status. Participants identified the benefits of using telemedicine to address access to care barriers; however, they shared their concerns that telemedicine visits may not be sufficient to assess their HF conditions. Study findings highlight the need for more continual, tailored, and patient-centered interventions to improve access to care in older HF patients.

scholarly journals Prediction of all-cause mortality with malnutrition assessed by controlling nutritional status score in patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Huiyang Li ◽  
Peng Zhou ◽  
Yikai Zhao ◽  
Huaichun Ni ◽  
Xinping Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Conut Score

Abstract Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between malnutrition assessed by the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Settings: A comprehensively literature search of PubMed and Embase databases was performed until 30 November 2020. Studies reporting the utility of CONUT score in prediction of all-cause mortality among patients with heart failure were eligible. Patients with a CONUT score ≥2 are grouped as malnourished. Predictive values of the CONUT score were summarized by pooling the multivariable-adjusted risk ratios (RR) with 95 % CI for the malnourished v. normal nutritional status or per point CONUT score increase. Participants: Ten studies involving 5196 patients with heart failure. Results: Malnourished patients with heart failure conferred a higher risk of all-cause mortality (RR 1·92; 95 % CI 1·58, 2·34) compared with the normal nutritional status. Subgroup analysis showed the malnourished patients with heart failure had an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (RR 1·78; 95 % CI 1·29, 2·46) and follow-up mortality (RR 2·01; 95 % CI 1·58, 2·57). Moreover, per point increase in CONUT score significantly increased 16% risk of all-cause mortality during the follow-up. Conclusions: Malnutrition defined by the CONUT score is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Assessment of nutritional status using CONUT score would be helpful for improving risk stratification of heart failure.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
O.M Aldaas ◽  
F Lupercio ◽  
C.L Malladi ◽  
P.S Mylavarapu ◽  
D Darden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
One Year

Abstract Background Catheter ablation improves clinical outcomes in symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the role of catheter ablation in HF patients with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is less clear. Purpose To determine the efficacy of catheter ablation of AF in patients with HFpEF relative to those with HFrEF. Methods We performed an extensive literature search and systematic review of studies that compared AF recurrence at one year after catheter ablation of AF in patients with HFpEF versus those with HFrEF. Risk ratio (RR) 95% confidence intervals were measured using the Mantel-Haenszel method for dichotomous variables, where a RR<1.0 favors the HFpEF group. Results Four studies with a total of 563 patients were included, of which 312 had HFpEF and 251 had HFrEF. All patients included were undergoing first time catheter ablation of AF. Patients with HFpEF experienced similar recurrence of AF one year after ablation on or off antiarrhythmic drugs compared to those with HFrEF (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.69–1.10, p=0.24), as shown in Figure 1. Recurrence of AF was assessed with electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, and/or event monitoring at scheduled follow-up visits and final follow-up. Conclusion Based on the results of this meta-analysis, catheter ablation of AF in patients with HFpEF appears as efficacious in maintaining sinus rhythm as in those with HFrEF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio is associated with frailty and mortality in older patients with heart failure

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daichi Maeda ◽  
Nobuyuki Kagiyama ◽  
Kentaro Jujo ◽  
Kazuya Saito ◽  
Kentaro Kamiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Walk Distance ◽  
Failure Data ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
One Year ◽  
Independent Marker

AbstractFrailty is a common comorbidity associated with adverse events in patients with heart failure, and early recognition is key to improving its management. We hypothesized that the AST to ALT ratio (AAR) could be a marker of frailty in patients with heart failure. Data from the FRAGILE-HF study were analyzed. A total of 1327 patients aged ≥ 65 years hospitalized with heart failure were categorized into three groups based on their AAR at discharge: low AAR (AAR < 1.16, n = 434); middle AAR (1.16 ≤ AAR < 1.70, n = 487); high AAR (AAR ≥ 1.70, n = 406). The primary endpoint was one-year mortality. The association between AAR and physical function was also assessed. High AAR was associated with lower short physical performance battery and shorter 6-min walk distance, and these associations were independent of age and sex. Logistic regression analysis revealed that high AAR was an independent marker of physical frailty after adjustment for age, sex and body mass index. During follow-up, all-cause death occurred in 161 patients. After adjusting for confounding factors, high AAR was associated with all-cause death (low AAR vs. high AAR, hazard ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.42; P = 0.040). In conclusion, AAR is a marker of frailty and prognostic for all-cause mortality in older patients with heart failure.

Prevalence and prognostic impact of somatic mutations in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.J Vazquez Andres ◽  
A Hernandez Vicente ◽  
M Diez Diez ◽  
M Gomez Molina ◽  
A Quintas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Somatic Mutations ◽  
Myocardial Dysfunction ◽  
Study Endpoint ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure

Abstract Introduction Somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells are associated with age and have been associated with higher mortality in apparently healthy adults, especially due to atherosclerotic disease. In animal models, somatic mutations are associated with atherosclerosis progression and myocardial dysfunction, especially when gene TET2 is affected. Preliminary clinical data, referred to ischemic heart failure (HF), have associate the presence of these acquired mutations with impaired prognosis. Purpose To study the prevalence of somatic mutations in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and their impact on long-term prognosis. Methods We studied a cohort of elderly patients (more than 60 years old) hospitalized with HFrEF (LVEF&lt;45%). The presence of somatic mutations was assessed using next generation sequencing (Illumina HiSeq 2500), with a mutated allelic fraction of at least 2% and a panel of 55 genes related with clonal hematopoiesis. Patients were followed-up for a median of three years. The study endpoint was a composite of death or readmission for worsening HF. Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank test) and Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed adjusting for age, sex and LVEF. Results A total of 62 patients (46 males (74.2%), age 74±7.5 years) with HFrEF (LVEF 29.7±7.8%) were enrolled in the study. The ischemic etiology was present in 54% of patients. Somatic mutations in Dnmt3a or Tet2 were present in 11 patients (17.7%). No differences existed in baseline characteristics except for a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with somatic mutations (70% vs. 40%, p=0.007). During the follow-up period, 40 patients (64.5%) died and 38 (61.3%) had HF re-admission. The KM survival analysis for the combined event is shown in Figure 1. Compared with patients without somatic mutations and after adjusting for covariates, there was an increased risk of adverse outcomes when the somatic mutations were present (HR 3.6, 95% CI [1.6, 7.8], p=0.0014). This results remains considering death as a competing risk (Gray's test p=0.0097) and adjusting for covariates (HR = 2.21 95% CI [0.98, 5], p=0.0556). Conclusions Somatic mutation are present in patients with HFrEF and determine a higher risk of adverse events in the follow-up. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical implications of these findings. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Qualitative study to explore what patients with heart failure find significant during integrated palliative care sessions in a Danish clinic

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e043955
Author(s):  
Stine Gundtoft Roikjær ◽  
Charlotte Paaske Simonÿ ◽  
Helle Ussing Timm
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Interview Study ◽  
Exclusion Criterion ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
New Diagnosis ◽  
Medical Perspective

ObjectiveIn the field of palliative care (PC) as it is integrated into heart failure (HF) treatment, it is essential to explore the patient experience and build on this knowledge for the further development of PC practice and policy. Based on an intervention study, this paper explores what patients with HF find significant in integrated sessions using a narrative S’ approach.DesignWe conducted a semistructured interview study with a qualitative analysis focused on meaning making. The study follows the guidelines of Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.Participants and settingThe inclusion criteria for the PC intervention were (1) a new diagnosis of HF, (2) follow-up treatment at this local Danish HF clinic and (3) informed consent to participate in the integrated PC intervention. The only exclusion criterion was if the patient was already engaged in a PC programme. 20 patients agreed to participate in the intervention, and 12 of these completed the S’ approach sessions and participated in this interview study.ResultsOverall, the analysis showed that the integrated S’ approach sessions were successful in joining an embodied patient perspective with a medical perspective. The thematic analysis resulted in three themes supporting the overall findings: sessions bring comfort, telling your story provides a sense of meaningfulness, and integrating perspectives of HF into everyday life.ConclusionThe method using the S’ approach in integrated PC and HF sessions was significant in various ways. First, patients experienced a calm and safe atmosphere and perceived that the nurse was truly interested in them. Second, the integrated sessions based on the S’ approach were able to bring comfort to lived physical, psychosocial and existential issues. Last, it allowed patients to combine their embodied understanding of HF with a medical perspective, thereby finding meaning in the sense of how everything is connected.

Abstract 13497: Prognostic Value of the Combination of the Echocardiographic Derived Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure and Body Mass Index in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From PURSUIT-HFpEF Registry

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumpei Ueda ◽  
Shungo Hikoso ◽  
Daisaku D Nakatani ◽  
Shunsuke Tamaki ◽  
Masamichi Yano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
Wedge Pressure

Background: An elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), a surrogate of left ventricular filling pressure, is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). In addition, obesity paradox is well recognized in HF patients and body mass index (BMI) also provides a prognostic information. However, there is little information available on the prognostic value of the combination of the echocardiographic derived PAWP and BMI in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). 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 acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients with HFpEF. We analyzed 548 patients after exclusion of patients undergoing hemodialysis, patients with in-hospital death, missing follow-up data, or missing data to calculate PAWP or BMI. Body weight measurement and echocardiography were performed just before discharge. PAWP was calculated using the Nagueh formula [PAWP = 1.24* (E/e’) + 1.9] with e’ = [(e’ septal + e’ lateral ) /2]. During a mean follow up period of 1.5±0.8 years, 86 patients had all-cause death (ACD). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that both PAWP (p=0.020) and BMI (p=0.0001) were significantly associated with ACD, independently of age and previous history of HF hospitalization, after the adjustment with gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, NT-proBNP and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the risk of ACD when patients were stratified into 3 groups based on the median values of PAWP (17.3) and BMI (21.4). Conclusions: The combination of the echocardiographic derived PAWP and BMI might be useful for stratifying ADHF patients with HFpEF at risk for the total mortality.

Abstract 12849: Changes in N-terminal Pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels Predicts Mortality and Heart Failure Hospitalization in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluigi Savarese ◽  
Camilla Hage ◽  
Ulf Dahlström ◽  
Pasquale Perrone-Filardi ◽  
Lars H Lund
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Brain Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Natriuretic Peptide ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Changes in N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been demonstrated to correlate with outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (EF). However the prognostic value of a change in NT-proBNP in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is unknown. Hypothesis: To assess the impact of changes in NT-proBNP on all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization and their composite in an unselected population of patients with HFPEF. Methods: 643 outpatients (age 72+12 years; 41% females) with HFPEF (ejection fraction ≥40%) enrolled in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry between 2005 and 2012 and reporting NT-proBNP levels assessment at initial registration and at follow-up were prospectively studied. Patients were divided into 2 groups according the median value of NT-proBNP absolute change that was 0 pg/ml. Median follow-up from first measurement was 2.25 years (IQR: 1.43 to 3.81). Adjusted Cox’s regression models were performed using total mortality, HF hospitalization (with censoring at death) and their composite as outcomes. Results: After adjustments for 19 baseline variables including baseline NT-proBNP, as compared with an increase in NT-proBNP levels at 6 months (NT-proBNP change>0 pg/ml), a reduction in NT-proBNP levels (NT-proBNP change<0 pg/ml) was associated with a 45.2% reduction in risk of all-cause death (HR: 0.548; 95% CI: 0.378 to 0.796; p:0.002), a 50.1% reduction in risk of HF hospitalization (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.362 to 0.689; p<0.001) and a 42.6% reduction in risk of the composite outcome (HR: 0.574; 95% CI: 0.435 to 0.758; p<0.001)(Figure). Conclusions: Reductions in NT-proBNP levels over time are independently associated with an improved prognosis in HFPEF patients. Changes in NT-proBNP could represent a surrogate outcome in phase 2 HFPEF trials.

Evaluation of a multimarker panel in chronic heart failure: a 10-year follow-up

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Bauer ◽  
Christina Strack ◽  
Ekrem Ücer ◽  
Stefan Wallner ◽  
Ute Hubauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Prognostic Role ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Long Time

Aim: We assessed the 10-year prognostic role of 11 biomarkers with different pathophysiological backgrounds. Materials & methods/results: Blood samples from 144 patients with heart failure were analyzed. After 10 years of follow-up (median follow-up was 104 months), data regarding all-cause mortality were acquired. Regarding Kaplan–Meier analysis, all markers, except TIMP-1 and GDF-15, were significant predictors for all-cause mortality. We created a multimarker model with nt-proBNP, hsTnT and IGF-BP7 and found that patients in whom all three markers were elevated had a significantly worse long-time-prognosis than patients without elevated markers. Conclusion: In a 10-year follow-up, a combination of three biomarkers (NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, IGF-BP7) identified patients with a high risk of mortality.

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