scholarly journals Role of ratio-based metrics in cardiology

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 3929
Author(s):  
A. O. Konradi ◽  
A. L. Maslyansky ◽  
E. P. Kolesova ◽  
E. V. Shlyakhto ◽  
P. L.M. Kerkhof

In cardiovascular studies, two related parameters that determine the same physical variable are often recorded. Interpretation of the calculated indicators presented in the form of ratios and differences is difficult, since they can be associated with several combinations of primary data giving the same value.Aim. To find a way to overcome this limitation and take a more comprehensive approach.Material and methods. We analyzed the data on left ventricular volume and blood pressure (BP) in 275 patients (women — 207), obtained using echocardiography and BP monitor. To calculate a lost companion (c) value based on a difference or dimensionless ratio, we applied the Pythagorean theorem. The lost companion isdefined as the hypotenuse in each study area. To calculate the pulse pressure companion (PP), the following formula was used: PP(c)=Ö(SBP2+SBP2). Similar methods were applied to ejection fraction (EF), augmentation pressure (AG) and AG/PP ratio, resulting in the ratio called augmentation index (AIx).Results. 1. Mean blood pressure (MBP) acts as a surrogate for the PP companion (PPc) values (R=0,970, N=257). 2. We have identified correlations between PPc and pulse wave velocity (R=0,397, N=193), and AGc with AIx (75) (R=0,662, N=198). 3. EF has an inverse relationship with the end diastolic volume (EDV) (R=-0,559, N=187), and the ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) correlates with ESV (r=-0,627, N=180). 4. Comparison of EDV and VACc revealed R of 0,949.Conclusion. Companions calculated from the available data can have significant additional diagnostic value without the need for additional measurements. It is important to note that the combination of traditional ratio-based and suggested companions allows for more accurate data on individual patients.

Author(s):  
J. Hoevelmann ◽  
E. Muller ◽  
F. Azibani ◽  
S. Kraus ◽  
J. Cirota ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an important cause of pregnancy-associated heart failure worldwide. Although a significant number of women recover their left ventricular (LV) function within 12 months, some remain with persistently reduced systolic function. Methods Knowledge gaps exist on predictors of myocardial recovery in PPCM. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is the only clinically established biomarker with diagnostic value in PPCM. We aimed to establish whether NT-proBNP could serve as a predictor of LV recovery in PPCM, as measured by LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDD) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Results This study of 35 women with PPCM (mean age 30.0 ± 5.9 years) had a median NT-proBNP of 834.7 pg/ml (IQR 571.2–1840.5) at baseline. Within the first year of follow-up, 51.4% of the cohort recovered their LV dimensions (LVEDD < 55 mm) and systolic function (LVEF > 50%). Women without LV recovery presented with higher NT-proBNP at baseline. Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that NT-proBNP of ≥ 900 pg/ml at the time of diagnosis was predictive of failure to recover LVEDD (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05–0.95, P = 0.043) or LVEF (OR 0.20 [95% CI 0.04–0.89], p = 0.035) at follow-up. Conclusions We have demonstrated that NT-proBNP has a prognostic value in predicting LV recovery of patients with PPCM. Patients with NT-proBNP of ≥ 900 pg/ml were less likely to show any improvement in LVEF or LVEDD. Our findings have implications for clinical practice as patients with higher NT-proBNP might require more aggressive therapy and more intensive follow-up. Point-of-care NT-proBNP for diagnosis and risk stratification warrants further investigation.


Author(s):  
Willemijn H. F. Huijgen ◽  
Paul F. Gründeman ◽  
Tycho van der Spoel ◽  
Maarten-Jan Cramer ◽  
Paul Steendijk ◽  
...  

Objective Endoventricular circular patch plasty is a method used to reconstruct the ventricular cavity in patients with (post) ischemic left ventricular aneurysm or global dilatation. However, late redilatation with mitral regurgitation has been reported, in which postoperative apex shape seems to play an important role. We studied the feasibility of ventricular volume downsizing with a variably shaped patch in porcine hearts. Methods In five in vitro and two acute animal experiments, a dyskinetic aneurysm was simulated with a pericardial insert. Reducing patch surface by changing patch shape diminished end-diastolic volume. In vitro, static end-diastolic volume was determined for each patch shape using volumetry and echocardiography. In the acute animal experiments, preliminary observations of patch behavior in live material were made, and pressure/time relationship, dPdTmax, was registered. Results In vitro, bringing the convex patch into a flat plane reduced LV volume from 66 ± 7 mL (aneurysm) to 49 ± 5 mL. Four of 5 patch shapes further reduced volume to a mean of 38 ± 7 mL (P = 0.03). The in vitro echocardiographic measurements correlated with volumetry findings (r = 0.81). In the acute animal experiments, dPdTmax varied with patch shape, independent of volume changes. Conclusions In this pilot study, in vitro shape configuration of the resizable ventricular patch resulted in a calibrated end-diastolic volume reduction. The data of the two in vivo pilot experiments clearly indicate that change in patch configuration in the situation of more or less unchanged end-diastolic volume had impact on cardiac performance. Future studies must substantiate the results of this observation.


Author(s):  
Federica Nista ◽  
Federico Gatto ◽  
Manuela Albertelli ◽  
Natale Musso

Salt intake is too high for safety nowadays. The main active ion in salt is sodium. The vast majority of scientific evidence points out the importance of sodium restriction for decreasing cardiovascular risk. International Guidelines recommend a large reduction in sodium consumption to help reduce blood pressure, organ damage, and cardiovascular risk. Regulatory authorities across the globe suggest a general restriction of sodium intake to prevent cardiovascular diseases. In spite of this seemingly unanimous consensus, some researchers claim to have evidence of the unhealthy effects of a reduction of sodium intake, and have data to support their claims. Evidence is against dissenting scientists, because prospective, observational, and basic research studies indicate that sodium is the real villain: actual sodium consumption around the globe is far higher than the safe range. Sodium intake is directly related to increased blood pressure, and independently to the enlargement of cardiac mass, with a possible independent role in inducing left ventricular hypertrophy. This may represent the basis of myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure, and cardiac mortality. Although debated, a high sodium intake may induce initial renal damage and progression in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Conversely, there is general agreement about the adverse role of sodium in cerebrovascular disease. These factors point to the possible main role of sodium intake in target organ damage and cardiovascular events including mortality. This review will endeavor to outline the existing evidence.


2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (Suppl. 2) ◽  
pp. S102-S103
Author(s):  
G. Sakalyte ◽  
A. Kavoliuniene ◽  
R. Jurkevicius ◽  
A. Vainoras

2000 ◽  
Vol 39 (03) ◽  
pp. 249-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Iida ◽  
T. Ishihara ◽  
S. Waku

AbstractBrain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increased in patients with heart failure due to myocardial infarction and cardiac hypertrophy, in proportion to the severity of left ventricular dysfunction. The aims of this study were to clarify the clinical features of BNP and to determine the diagnostic value of BNP for mass screening.The subjects were 818 office workers (565 males and 253 females; mean age 47 ± 12 years) who participated in a 1996 routine health check at Kansai University All individuals were examined for blood pressure, serological findings, ECG and plasma BNP level. Thirty-three males underwent 2-D echocardiography. Plasma BNP levels were measured using IRMA (immunoradiometric assay).The results were as follows: (1) BNP levels in females were higher than those in males for healthy subjects (N = 551), in each age group from 20 to 60 years. (2) BNP levels increased with age. (3) There were significant correlations between BNP level and systolic blood pressure and creatinine level. (4) There were significant differences in BNP level between the hypertensive groups with and without hypertensive ECG changes and the age-matched healthy control group. (5) Marked correlations were observed between BNP level and left ventricular wall thickness, fractional shortening, deceleration time and peak early filling velocity. (6) A BNP cut-off-point of 25 pg/ml was best for detecting LV diastolic dysfunction and LV hypertrophy. Measurement of BNP is useful for detecting asymptomatic heart failure in the general population, and is a clinical marker useful in preventing symptomatic heart failure.


1999 ◽  
Vol 276 (4) ◽  
pp. H1339-H1345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Korvald ◽  
Odd P. Elvenes ◽  
Lars M. Ytrebø ◽  
Dag G. Sørlie ◽  
Truls Myrmel

In the “virtual work model,” left ventricular total mechanical energy (TME) is linearly related to myocardial oxygen consumption (MV˙o2). This relationship (MV˙o2-TME) is supposedly independent of inotropic stimulation, vascular loading, and heart rate variations. We reexamined the effect of inotropic stimulation (dopamine) on the metabolic to mechanical energy transfer in nine open-chest anesthetized pigs. Left ventricular mechanical energy was calculated using TME (mean ejection pressure × end-diastolic volume + stroke work), TMEW(end-diastolic volume reduced by unstressed ventricular volume), and the pressure-volume area (PVA). A highly linear relationship between MV˙o2and mechanical energy was found for all three indexes during control and dopamine runs ( r = 0.87–0.99). The slopes were unaltered by dopamine. y-Axis intercepts were (control vs. dopamine) as follows (in J ⋅ beat−1⋅ 100 mg−1; means ± SD): TME, 0.36 ± 0.12 vs. 0.61 ± 0.30 ( P< 0.02); TMEW, 0.43 ± 0.16 vs. 0.72 ± 0.32 ( P < 0.02); and PVA, 0.34 ± 0.13 vs. 0.60 ± 0.30 ( P < 0.02). We conclude that the virtual work model is dependent on inotropic stimulation and that new insight into myocardial chemomechanical coupling is not added by this concept.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ashraf Hossain ◽  
Khurshed Ahmed ◽  
Md Faisal Ibn Kabir ◽  
Md Fakhrul Islam Khaled ◽  
Rakibul H Rashed ◽  
...  

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the most common and prognostically unfavorable outcome of many diseases of the cardiovascular system. Recent data suggest that beta-blockers are beneficial in patients with CHF. Among β-blocker class of drugs, bisoprolol is a highly selective β1-adrenergic receptor blocker whereas Carvedilol is non-selective. Many large-scale trials have confirmed that both these β-blockers are superior to placebo and other β-blockers. This study was designed to compare the effects of carvedilol and bisoprolol in patients with chronic HF in a single center.Methods: It was a quasi experimental study. A total of 288 cases of heart failure were selected by purposive sampling, from January 2017 to June 2017. Each patient was allocated into either of the two groups, and was continued receiving treatment with either bisoprolol (Group-I) or carvedilol (Group-II). Each patient was evaluated clinically and echocardiographically at the beginning of treatment (baseline) and at the end of 3rd month. Echocardiography was performed to find out change in left ventricular systolic function.Result: After 3 months of treatment, ejection fraction was found higher in the bisoprolol group (42.6 ± 6.5 versus 38.3 ± 4.6%; P < 0.05). Ejection fraction (EF) changes were 8.4% in bisoprolol group and 4.1% in carvedilol group. A significant reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (21.9±2.5 in group I versus 14.9±5.7 in group II; P < 0.05) and left ventricular systolic diameter (3.2±0.1 in group I versus 2.3±0.5 in group II; P<0.05) occurred after 3 months of treatment. But no significant differences were observed in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (10.1±3.2 versus 6.1±6.4; P=0.101) and left ventricular diastolic diameter (1.7±0.8 versus 1.3±0.8; P=0.081) between groups. Three months after treatment, heart rate was reduced in the bisoprolol group from 87.7±9 to 74.5±8.1 and carvedilol group from 88.8±9.1 to 80.1±8.7. Differences in heart rate responses between 2 groups were not statistically significant (P=0.113). Assessment of blood pressure three months later of treatment shows, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were improved in both group but difference between two groups were statistically non significant (p>0.05).Conclusion: In this study, bisoprolol was superior to carvedilol in increasing left-ventricular ejection fraction, improving left ventricular end systolic volume and left ventricular end systolic diameter but no significant difference was observed in LV end diastolic volume, LV end diastolic diameter, heart rate and blood pressure.University Heart Journal Vol. 14, No. 1, Jan 2018; 3-8


VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 349-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Lyck Hansen ◽  
Marie Dahl Thomsen ◽  
Lars Melholt Rasmussen ◽  
Jes S. Lindholt

Abstract. Summary: Background: Measures of arterial stiffness could be affected by the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and especially an intraluminal thrombus (ILT). We, therefore, sought to study this possible connection by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse wave analysis (PWA) including augmentation index adjusted to heart rate 75(Aix75) in patients with AAA +/- ILT. Patients and methods: PWV and PWA were measured in male patients with AAA from an ongoing Danish AAA screening trial. Information on blood pressure, medications, BMI and smoking status was obtained at inclusion. Results: In total, 157 patients were included. Mean age was 73 years. Mean AAA size was 42.2 mm. Fifty-six of the patients had an intraluminal thrombus, and patients with AAA and ILT had a significantly higher Aix75 than patients with AAA but without ILT (Mean = 28.3 ± 1.4 SEM vs. 24.9 ± 0.81, p=0.027), a difference that was also significant when adjusting for AAA size, blood pressure and age. There was no difference in PWV between the groups. Conclusions: Haemodynamic properties of the aorta are affected by the presence of ILT in patients with AAA that is not explained by aortic size. Alternatively, these findings could be explained by associations between ILT and properties of the left ventricle.


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