Abstract 11015: Why Don’t Heart Failure Patients Respond to Worsening Symptoms?

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chin-Yen Lin ◽  
Kathleen Dracup ◽  
Michele M Pelter ◽  
Martha J Biddle ◽  
Debra K Moser

Background: Long delays in seeking medical care are common in patients with worsening symptoms of heart failure (HF) and lead to longer lengths of hospital stay, increased healthcare costs, and increased morbidity and mortality. However, patient-reported reasons for delay have rarely been explored. Objective: To describe patient-reported reasons for delay in seeking medical care for worsening symptoms. Methods: As part of a clinical trial designed to reduce HF readmission and mortality for worsening symptoms, we administered the HF Symptom Response Questionnaire to all patients prior to intervention. The instrument measures reasons why patients delay seeking treatment. All patients had a recent hospitalization for HF, were community dwelling in a rural location, and had no cognitive impairments as measured with the Mini-Cog. Results: A total of 614 HF patients (59% male, NYHA class III/IV 35%, 19% without a high school education, mean age 66±13 years, median b-type natriuretic peptide level 186 pg/ml [25th percentile = 72, 75th percentile = 462] were studied. The most common reasons for not seeking early treatment were symptom uncertainty (62.4%), symptoms seem vague or came on too gradually (67.4%), symptoms slightly different from last episode (55.2%) and the symptoms didn’t seem to be serious enough (62.2%). Other reasons include embarrassment at seeking treatment (23.9%), not wanting to second guess the doctor (21.7%), financial concerns (19.9%), transportation issues (16.4%), and other (10.7%). Reasons given in the other category included afraid/don’t like doctors or hospitals, care of pets at home, family needs them, not wanting to bother others, denial/don’t want to know/fear of knowing, and weather. Conclusions: Despite experiencing worsening HF symptoms of such intensity that hospitalization is required, most patients do not perceive that symptoms are intense or certain enough to warrant action. In many, treatment seeking decisions are superseded by factors not related to symptom appraisal such as family obligations, fear or denial, and embarrassment. Education to improve response to worsening HF symptoms requires skills in symptom appraisal, and counseling to overcome personal barriers to seeking treatment.

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aderville Cabassi ◽  
Simone Maurizio Binno ◽  
Stefano Tedeschi ◽  
Gallia Graiani ◽  
Cinzia Galizia ◽  
...  

Rationale. Heart failure (HF) is accompanied by the development of an imbalance between oxygen- and nitric oxide-derived free radical production leading to protein nitration. Both chlorinating and peroxidase cycle of Myeloperoxidase (MPO) contribute to oxidative and nitrosative stress and are involved in tyrosine nitration of protein. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) has antioxidant function through its ferroxidase I (FeOxI) activity and has recently been proposed as a physiological defense mechanism against MPO inappropriate actions.Objective. We investigated the relationship between plasma MPO-related chlorinating activity, Cp and FeOxI, and nitrosative stress, inflammatory, neurohormonal, and nutritional biomarkers in HF patients.Methods and Results. In chronic HF patients (n=81, 76±9 years, NYHA Class II (26); Class III (29); Class IV (26)) and age-matched controls (n=17, 75±11 years, CTR), plasma MPO chlorinating activity, Cp, FeOxI, nitrated protein, free Malondialdehyde, BNP, norepinephrine, hsCRP, albumin, and prealbumin were measured. Plasma MPO chlorinating activity, Cp, BNP, norepinephrine, and hsCRP were increased in HF versus CTR. FeOxI, albumin, and prealbumin were decreased in HF. MPO-related chlorinating activity was positively related to Cp (r= 0.363,P<0.001), nitrated protein, hsCRP, and BNP and inversely to albumin.Conclusions. Plasma MPO chlorinated activity is increased in elderly chronic HF patients and positively associated with Cp, inflammatory, neurohormonal, and nitrosative parameters suggesting a role in HF progression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Calero ◽  
E Hidalgo ◽  
R Marin ◽  
L Rosenfeld ◽  
I Fernandez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Self-care is a crucial factor in the education of patients with heart failure (HF) and directly impacts in the progression of the disease. However, little is published about its major clinical implications as admission or mortality in patients with HF. Aims and methods The aim of the study was to analyze time to admission due to acute heart failure and mortality associated with poor self-care in patients with chronic HF. We prospectively recruited consecutive patients with stable chronic HF referred to a nurse-led HF programme. Selfcare was evaluated at baseline with the 9 item European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale. Scores were standardized and reversed from 0 (worst selfcare) to 100 (better self care). For the purpose of this study we analyzed the associations of worse self-care (defined as scores below the lower tertile of the scale) with demographic, disease-related (clinical) and psychosocial factors in all patients at baseline. Results We included 1123 patients, mean age 72±11, 639 (60%) were male, mean LVEF 45±17 and 454 (40,4%) were in NYHA class III or IV. Mean score of the 9-item ESCBE was 69±28. Score below 55 (lower tertile) defined impaired selfcare behaviour. Those patients with worse self-care had more ischaemic heart disease, more COPD, and they achieved less distance in the 6 minute walking test. Regarding psychosocial items patients in lower tertile of self-care needed a caregiver more frequently, they present more cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms and worse score in terms of health self-perception. Multivariate Cox Models showed that a score below 55 points in 9-item ESCBE was independently associated with higher readmission due to acute heart failure [HR 1.26 (1.02–1.57), p value=0.034] and with mortality [HR 1.24 CI95% (1.02–1.50), p value=0.028] Conclusion Poor self-care measured with the modified 9-item ESCBE was associated with higher risk of admission due to acute decompensation and higher risk of mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. These results highlight the importance of assessing self-care and provide measures to improve them. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Hospital Univesitario de Bellvitge


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
U Zeymer ◽  
L.H Lund ◽  
V Barrios ◽  
C Fonseca ◽  
A.L Clark ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a major medical and economic burden that is often managed in office based practices. Recently, the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) was introduced as novel therapeutic option into European guidelines for the management of HF. The ARIADNE registry aims to provide information on how outpatients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are managed in Europe, in light of this novel treatment option. Methods ARIADNE was a prospective registry of patients with HFrEF treated by office-based cardiologists (OBC) or selected primary care physicians (recognized as HF specialists; PCP) in a real world setting. HFrEF patients were included prospectively, independently of whether treatment had been changed recently or not. 9069 patients were recruited from 687 centres in 17 European countries. Results The mean age of all patients was 68.1 years (S/V: 67.3 years, Non-S/V: 68.9 years). The majority of patients were in NYHA class II (61.3%), or NYHA class III (37.1%) overall, while more patients in the S/V group showed NYHA class III (S/V: 42.8%, Non-S/V: 30.9%). Mean LVEF was slightly lower in the S/V group than in the Non-S/V group (S/V: 32.7%, Non-S/V: 35.4%, overall 34.0%). The most frequently observed signs of HF were dyspnoea upon effort, followed by fatigue, palpitations on exertion at baseline. More patients tend to have more severe symptoms in the S/V groups (e.g. for dyspnoea on effort, Non-S/V: moderate 40.8%, severe 8.6%; S/V: moderate 46.4%, severe 14.1%). 44.0% of patients from the S/V group and 39.3% of non-S/V patients reported at least one hospitalization within 12 months prior to baseline, of which 73.3% in S/V and 69.9% in non-S/V patients were due to HF., At baseline, 44.7% of the patients used a CV device, of which most were implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD: Non-S/V 54.2%, S/V: 52.8%), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (CRT-ICD:Non-S/V 21.9%, S/V: 27.0%), and pacemaker (Non-S/V: 13.4%, S/V: 10.5%). The mean KCCQ overall summary score was 62.6 in the S/V group and 69.5 in the Non-S/V group at baseline. 83.9% of patients were treated with ARB or ACEi in Non-S/V group, (ACEi 57.3%, ARB 26.9%). The most frequently taken drug combinations in either group were ACEi/ ARB or S/V with β -blockers (Non-S/V 69.3%, S/V 67.3%). 40.2% in the Non-S/V group and 42.9% in S/V groups used a combination of ACEi/ARB or S/V, β-blocker and MRA. Conclusions The ARIADNE prospective registry provides insights and reflects variations in HF treatment practices in outpatients in Europe and the way S/V was introduced by OBCs and specialized PCPs in a real-world setting. In the observed population, S/V is more often prescribed to slightly younger patients with slightly lower LVEF, there was a greater observed percentage of S/V patients NYHA class III, with lower quality of life measurements and with more severe symptoms and recent hospitalizations for heart failure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novartis Pharma AG


EP Europace ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. B105-B105
Author(s):  
M. Heinke ◽  
H. Kuhnert ◽  
R. Surber ◽  
G. Dannberg ◽  
H.R. Figulla ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Timothy J Fendler ◽  
Michael E Nassif ◽  
Kevin F Kennedy ◽  
John A Spertus ◽  
Shane J LaRue ◽  
...  

Background: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy can improve survival and quality of life in advanced heart failure (HF), but some patients may still do poorly after LVAD. Understanding the likelihood of experiencing poorer outcomes after LVAD can better inform patients and calibrate their expectations. Methods: We analyzed patients receiving LVAD therapy from January 2012 to October 2013 at a single, high-volume, high-acuity center. We defined a poor global outcome at 1 year after LVAD as the occurrence of death, disabling stroke (precluding transplant), poor patient-reported health status (most recent KCCQ at 3, 6, or 12 months < 45, corresponding to NYHA class IV), or recurrent HF (≥2 HF readmissions post-implant). We compared characteristics of those with and without poor global outcome. Results: Among 164 LVAD recipients who had 1-year outcomes data, mean age was 56, 76.7% were white, 20.9% were female, and 85.9% were INTERMACS Profile 1 or 2 (cardiogenic shock or declining despite inotropes). Poor global outcome occurred in 58 (35.4%) patients at 1 year, of whom 37 (63.8%) died, 17 (29.3%) had a most recent KCCQ score < 45, 3 (5.2%) had ≥2 HF readmissions, and 1 (1.7%) had a disabling stroke (Figure). Eight of the patients who died also experienced one of the three other poor outcomes prior to death. Patients who experienced a poor global outcome were more likely to be designated for destination therapy (46.4% vs. 23.6%, p=0.01) than bridge to transplant, have longer index admissions (median [IQR]: 39 [24, 57] days vs. 25 [18, 35] days, p=0.003), and have major GI bleeding (44.2% vs. 27.7%, p=0.056), and were less likely to undergo LVAD exchange (0% vs. 12.3%, p=0.004). Conclusion: In this large, single-center study assessing global outcome after LVAD implantation, we found that about a third of all patients had experienced a poor global outcome at 1 year. While LVAD therapy remains life-saving and the standard of care for many patients with advanced heart failure, these findings could help guide discussions with eligible patients and families. Future work should compare patients’ pre-LVAD expectations with likely outcomes and create risk models to estimate the probability of poorer outcomes for individual patients using pre-procedural factors.


Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne W Stevenson ◽  
Yong K Cho ◽  
J. T Heywood ◽  
Robert C Bourge ◽  
William T Abraham ◽  
...  

Introduction : Elevated filling pressures are a hallmark of chronic heart failure. They can be reduced acutely during HF hospitalization but the hemodynamic impact of ongoing therapy to maintain optivolemia has not been established. Methods and Results : After recent HF hospitalization, 274 NYHA Class III or IV HF patients were enrolled in the COMPASS-HF study at 28 experienced HF centers and received intense HF management (average 24.7 staff contacts/ 6 months) ± access to filling pressure information to adjust diuretics to maintain optivolemia, usually defined as estimated pulmonary artery diastolic (PAD) pressure of 12±4 mmHg. Filling pressure information was available for half the patients during the first 6 months (the Chronicle group, <Access), and for all patients during the next 6 months. Diuretics were adjusted 12.7 times per patient in the Chronicle group and 8.2 times per patient in the Control (-Access) group during the first 6 months (p = 0.0001). Compared to baseline, decreases in RV systolic pressure (RVSP) and ePAD were significant for the +Access patients by one year (p=0.0012 and p =.04, respectively). The Control patients exhibited a similar trend 6 months after crossing to +Access (figure ). Conclusions: Targeted therapeutic adjustments, based on continuous filling pressures along with intensification of HF management contacts, are associated with a reduction in chronic left-sided filling pressures and right ventricular load.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethan J Rowin ◽  
Barry J Maron ◽  
Iacopo Olivotto ◽  
Susan A Casey ◽  
Anna Arretini ◽  
...  

Background: One-third of HCM patients without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction under resting conditions have the propensity to develop an outflow gradient with physiologic exercise. However, the natural history and management implications of exercise-induced (i.e., provocable) obstruction is unresolved. Methods: We prospectively studied 533 consecutive HCM patients without outflow obstruction at rest (<30mmHg) who underwent a symptom limiting stress (exercise) echocardiogram to assess development of outflow obstruction following physiologic provocation and followed for 6.5 ± 2.0 years. Of the 533 patients, obstruction ≥ 30 mmHg was present following exercise in 262 patients (49%; provocable obstruction), and was absent both at rest and with exercise in 271 (51%; nonobstructive). Results: Over the follow-up period, 43 out of 220 (20%) HCM patients with provocable obstruction and baseline NYHA class I/II symptoms developed progressive limiting heart failure symptoms to class III/IV, compared to 24 of 249 (10%) nonobstructive patients. Rate of heart failure progression was significantly greater in patients with provocable obstruction vs. nonobstructive patients (3.1%/year vs. 1.5%/year; RR=2.0, 95% CI of 1.3-3.2; p=0.003). However, the vast majority of patients with provocable obstruction who developed advanced heart failure symptoms achieved substantial improvement in symptoms to class I / II following relief of obstruction with invasive septal reduction therapy (n=30/32; 94%). In comparison, the majority of nonobstructive patients who developed advanced heart failure remained in class III/IV (16/24;67%), including 10 (42%) currently listed for heart transplant. Conclusions: Stress (exercise) echocardiogram identifies physiological provocable outflow tract obstruction in HCM, and is a predictor of future risk for progressive heart failure (3.1%/year), in patients who become candidates for invasive septal reduction therapy. Therefore, exercise echocardiography should be considered in all HCM patients without obstruction under resting conditions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti ◽  
Maria Sol Andres ◽  
Karla A Lee ◽  
Tharshini Ramalingam ◽  
Tamsin Nash ◽  
...  

Abstract PurposeTrastuzumab improves survival in patients with HER2+ early breast cancer. However, cardiotoxicity remains a concern, particularly in the curative setting, and there are limited data on its incidence outside of clinical trials. We retrospectively evaluated the cardiotoxicity rates (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] decline, congestive heart failure [CHF], cardiac death or trastuzumab discontinuation) and assessed the performance of a proposed model to predict cardiotoxicity in routine clinical practice.MethodsPatients receiving curative trastuzumab between 2011-2018 were identified. Demographics, treatments, assessments and toxicities were recorded. Fisher’s exact test, chi-squared and logistic regression were used.Results931 patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 54 years (range 24-83) and Charlson comorbidity index 0 (0-6), with 195 patients (20.9%) aged 65 or older. 228 (24.5%) were smokers. Anthracyclines were given in 608 (65.3%). Median number of trastuzumab doses was 18 (1-18). The HFA-ICOS cardiovascular risk was low in 401 patients (43.1%), medium in 454 (48.8%), high in 70 (7.5%) and very high in 6 (0.6%).Overall, 155 (16.6%) patients experienced cardiotoxicity: LVEF decline≥10% in 141 (15.1%), falling below 50% in 55 (5.9%), CHF NYHA class II in 42 (4.5%) and class III-IV in 5 (0.5%) and discontinuation due to cardiac reasons in 35 (3.8%). No deaths were observed.Cardiotoxicity rates increased with HFA-ICOS score (14.0% low, 16.7% medium, 30.3% high/very high; p=0.002). ConclusionsCardiotoxicity was relatively common (16.6%), but symptomatic heart failure on trastuzumab was rare in our cohort. The HFA-ICOS score identifies patients at high risk of cardiotoxicity


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Contaldi ◽  
Raffaella Lombardi ◽  
Alessandra Giamundo ◽  
Sandro Betocchi

Introduction: Peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) has a strong and independent prognostic value in systolic heart failure; in contrast no data support its prognostic role in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Hypothesis: We assess if peak VO 2 is a long-term predictor of outcome in HCM. Methods: We studied 92 HCM patients (40±15 years). Peak VO 2 was expressed as percentage (%) of the predicted value. Follow up was 76±57 months. The primary composite endpoint (CE) was atrial fibrillation, progression to NYHA class III or IV, myotomy-myectomy (MM), heart transplantation (HT) and cardiac death. An ancillary endpoint (HFE) included markers of heart failure (progression to NYHA class III or IV, MM and HT). Results: At baseline, 62% of patients were asymptomatic, 35% NYHA class II and 3% NYHA class III; 26% had left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. During follow up, 30 patients met CE with 43 events. By multivariate Cox survival analysis, we analyzed 2 models, using the CE, and in turn HFE. For CE, maximal left atrial diameter (LAD) (HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.22), maximal wall thickness (MWT) (HR: 0.14; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.23) and % predicted peak VO 2 (HR: -0.03; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99) independently predicted outcome (overall, p<0.0001). For HFE, maximal LAD (HR:0.31; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.70), MWT (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.84) and % predicted peak VO 2 (HR: -0.06; 95% CI: 0.89 to 0.98) independently predicted outcome (overall, p<0.0001). Only 19% of mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic patients with % predicted peak VO 2 >80% had events, as opposed to 53% of them with % predicted peak VO 2 < 55% (p= 0.04). Event-free survival for both endpoints was significantly lower in patients with % predicted peak VO 2 < 55% as compared to those with it between 55 and 80 and >80% , Figure. Conclusion: In mildly or asymptomatic patients severe exercise intolerance may precede clinical deterioration. In HCM, peak VO 2 provides excellent risk stratification with a high event rate in patients with % predicted value <55%.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document