Growth differentiation factor 15 as an integral marker of the clinical and functional status of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Aim. To study the relationship between growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) level in blood serum and patient clinical and functional status parameters, and to determine predictors of GDF-15 level in pts with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and methods. Eighty-seven pts (with the mean age of 56.9±9.2 years) with non-valvular AF were studied. A general clinical examination, as well as echocardiography and laboratory tests were performed. These included fasting serum glucose (mmol/l), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (h/s CRP) (mg/l), creatinine level (μmol/l) and subsequent calculation of glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73m2), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (pg/ml). The level of GDF-15 (pg/ml) in blood serum was determined using an enzyme immunoassay with a human ELISA analytical kit.Results. An increase in GDF-15 level was associated with age, ischemic heart disease, severity of hypertension, and heart failure, resulting in a higher risk of stroke, according to the CHA2DS2 -VASc score, carbohydrate metabolism disorders and obesity, increased h/s CRP and NT-proBNP levels, enlargement of the right and left atria, signs of diastolic left ventricular dysfunction and structural remodeling in the form of eccentric hypertrophy. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed 2 independent predictors of GDF-15 levels: age and fasting glucose.Conclusion. GDF-15 is an integral biomarker of age-related metabolic disorders and structural and functional changes in the heart, which opens up prospects for further study of its prognostic significance in pts with non-valvular AF.

Features of structural and geometric remodeling of the heart and changes in the diastolic filling of the heart in patients with chronic heart failure of ischemic genesis with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the most common cardiovascular disease worldwide, estimated at 23 million. With the increase in the growing of the elderly population, the prevalence of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, obesity, diabetes, as well as the improvement of ultrasound diagnostic methods, a further increase in the number of cases of CHF with preserved left ventricular EF. Despite the large number of studies dedicated to analyzing the features of structural and geometric remodeling of the heart, changes in the systolic and diastolic function of the ventricles in patients with CHF, this issue hasn’t been definitively resolved and needs further improvement. The aim of the work – to investigate changes in structural and geometric parameters and diastolic function of the heart in patients with CHF of ischemic origin with preserved LV EF. Materials and methods. The study was included 43 patients (men – n = 19; women – n = 24) for CHF of ischemic origin with preserved LV EF, with sinus rhythm, stage II AB, II-IV FC for NYHA (main group), and 90 patients on coronary heart disease without signs of CHF (men – n = 40 (44.5 %); women – n = 50 (55.5 %)), (comparison group). Groups of patients were comparable in age, sex, height, weight, body surface area. Doppler echocardiographic examination was performed on the device Esaote MyLab Eight (Italy). Results. In patients with CHF preserved LV EF, the indicators prevailed: the size of the LA by 25 % (P = 0.005), the long axis of the LA by 11 % (P = 0.001), the LV EDV index of the LV by 13 % (P = 0.042), the LV mass index by 16 % (P = 0.013) according to the Penn Convention and (P = 0.004) the ASE. Eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy was diagnosed in 56 % of patients. Diastolic left ventricular dysfunction was absent in 2 % of patients with CHF. In 72 % of cases, the type of “relaxation disorder” was established, and in 26 % – “pseudonormal” LV filling profile. In none of the cases was a “restrictive” LV filling profile recorded. The following indicators of left ventricular diastolic function were lower in patients with CHF: e’ of the medial fibrous ring of the mitral valve by 26 % (P = 0.0001) and e’ lateral by 21 % (P = 0.0001), and the A’ the medial fibrous ring of mitral valve by 9 % (P = 0.022), and greater ratios of velocities E/e’ medial by 41 % (P = 0.0001), and E/e’ lateral fibrous ring of the mitral valve by 28 % (P = 0.0001), mean E/e’ by 36 % (P = 0.0001), which indicates a significant increase in end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle. Conclusions. Structural and geometric remodeling of the heart in patients with CHF with preserved LV EF was characterized by dilatation of the left atrium, a moderate increase in the LV EDV index by 13 % (P = 0.042), a 16 % increase (P = 0.013) in the LV mass index, with the formation eccentric (56 %) and concentric (18 %) LV hypertrophy. Diastolic left ventricular dysfunction was absent in 2 % of patients with CHF. Disorders of diastolic filling of the left ventricle (72 % “relaxation disorder” and 26 % “pseudonormal” type) were occurred due to an increase in end-diastolic pressure in the left ventricle (increase by 41 % (P = 0.0001) ratio E/e’ medial fibrous ring MK), in LA (increase of more than 2 times (P = 0.0001) pulmonary capillary wedge pressure), and was accompanied by the development of postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (increase by 34 % (P = 0.0001) systolic pressure in the pulmonary artery). Despite the preserved LV EF, patients with CHF had significantly lower left and right ventricular contractility (10 % MAPSE med (P = 0.031), 18 % S med (P = 0.001) and 19 % (P = 0.007) RV EF).

Sex differences in factors associated with heart failure and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction: a cross-sectional population-based study

Background Although sex differences in cardiovascular diseases are recognised, including differences in incidence, clinical presentation, response to treatments, and outcomes, most of the practice guidelines are not sex-specific. Heart failure (HF) is a major public health challenge, with high health care expenditures, high prevalence, and poor clinical outcomes. The objective was to analyse the sex-specific association of socio-demographics, life-style factors and health characteristics with the prevalence of HF and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction (DLVD) in a cross-sectional population-based study. Methods A random sample of 2001 65–84 year-olds underwent physical examination, laboratory measurements, including N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), electrocardiography, and echocardiography. We selected the subjects with no missing values in covariates and echocardiographic parameters and performed a complete case analysis. Sex-specific multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of the diseases, multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated to asymptomatic and symptomatic LVD, and spline curves to display the relationship between the conditions and both age and NT-proBNP. Results In 857 men included, there were 66 cases of HF and 408 cases of DLVD (77% not reporting symptoms). In 819 women, there were 51 cases of HF and 382 of DLVD (79% not reporting symptoms). In men, the factors associated with prevalence of HF were age, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and suffering from three or more comorbid conditions. In women, the factors associated with HF were age, lifestyles (smoking and alcohol), BMI, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Age and diabetes were associated to asymptomatic DLVD in both genders. NT-proBNP levels were more strongly associated with HF in men than in women. Conclusions There were sex differences in the factors associated with HF. The results suggest that prevention policies should consider the sex-specific impact on cardiac function of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Analysis of the left atrial function using two-dimensional strain in patients with recent diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis

BackgroundHereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic condition associated with a systemic iron overload. Heart failure is an important cause of mortality. It has been demonstrated early stages of systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in previous studies. The aim of the study is to compare the left atrial (LA) function between asymptomatic HH patients and a control group using 2D speckle tracking.MethodsProspective study. LA strain, LA strain rate and LA volumetric parameters during the reservoir, conduit and contraction phases were studied. The LA Stiffness Index was calculated by the ratio between E/e and LA reservoir strain.Results30 patients with HH (90% males, 47 ± 18 years old) and 30 healthy controls (85% males, 45 ± 13 years old) were included. LA volume was similar in both groups. No differences were observed in LA ejection fraction (EF), LA passive EF and LA active ejection fraction between both groups. On the contrary, the HH group had lower LA strain during the reservoir (31.5 ± 6.5% vs 38.3 ± 7.9%; p = 0.002), and conduit phases (-18 ± 7% vs -23.3 ± 6.4%; p = 0.01) and lower LA conduit strain rate (-1.7 ± 0.7 seg− 1 vs -2.1 ± 0.5 seg− 1; p = 0.02) than controls. The LA stiffness index was significantly higher in the HH group (0.25 ± 0.9 vs 0.19 ± 0.6; p = 0.01).ConclusionsEarly abnormalities in the LA function could be detected by using 2D speckle tracking study despite no evidence of changes in atrial size or volumetric parameters.

Analysis of the left atrial function using two dimensional strain in patients with recent diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic condition associated with a systemic iron overload caused by a reduction in the concentration of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin or the hepcidin-ferroportin complex activity. Heart failure is the leading cause of death. It has been demonstrated early stages of systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in previous studies. The main function of the left atrium (LA) is to modulate the left ventricular filling through the reservoir, conduct and bump phases. Purpose. To compare the LA function between asymptomatic and recently diagnosed HH patients and a control group using two-dimensional speckle tracking. Methods. In this prospective study, 30 patients with HH (90% males, 47 ± 18 years old) and 30 healthy controls with a normal echo stress test (85% males, 45 ± 13 years old) were included. A conventional echocardiogram was performed. LA strain, LA strain rate and LA volumetric parameters during the reservoir, conduit and bump phases were studied according to the current recommendations. The LA stiffness index was calculated by using the ratio between E/e´ ratio and LA strain during the reservoir phase. Results. LA volume was similar in both groups (36,5 ± 10 ml vs 32,3 ± 6,5 ml; p = 0.09). No differences were observed in LA ejection fraction (EF) (57.5 ± 10% vs 60 ± 5%; p = 0.32), LA passive EF (35 ± 12% vs 36 ± 9%; p = 0.82) or LA bump function (34 ± 11% vs 36 ± 9.9%; p = 0.41) between both groups. On the contrary, the HH group had lower LA reservoir strain (31.5 ± 6.5% vs 38.3 ± 7.9%; p = 0.002) and during the conduct phase (18 ± 7% vs 23.3 ± 6.4%; p = 0.01) than the control group. The LA stiffness index was significantly higher in the HH group (25.5 ± 9.1 vs 19.5 ± 6.4; p = 0.01). Conclusion. Early abnormalities in the LA function could be detected by using two-dimensional speckle tracking study despite no evidence of changes in atrial size or volumetric parameters. Abstract Figure.

Growth differentiation factor 15 as an integral marker of the clinical and functional status of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Introduction. Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is known to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, as well as major bleeding in patients (pts) with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Since GDF-15 is expressed by a wide array of cells in response to inflammation and myocardial stress, it is interesting to study which clinical and functional parameters are most associated with the level of GDF-15 in pts with non-valvular AF and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Aim. To study the relationship of GDF-15 level in blood serum with parameters of clinical and functional status and to determine independent predictors of GDF-15 level in pts with non-valvular AF. Material and methods. 87 pts with non-valvular AF were studied, with an average age of 56.9±9.2 years. A general clinical examination, echocardiography and laboratory tests were performed, including fasting serum glucose (mmol/l),highly sensitive C-reactive protein (h/s CRP) (mg/l), creatinine level (mkmol/l) and subsequent calculation of glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73m2), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (pg/ml). The level of GDF15 (pg/ml) in blood serum was determined using an enzyme immunoassay with the help of the human GDF-15/MIC-1 ELISA analytical kit (BioVender, Czech Republic). Results. The increase in the GDF-15 level was associated with ageing, ischemic heart disease, severity of arterial hypertension and heart failure, raising the risk of stroke, according to the scale CHA2DS2-VASc, disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism and obesity, increasing the levels h/s CRP and NT-proBNP, enlargement of the right and left atria, signs of diastolic left ventricular dysfunction and structural remodeling in the form of eccentric hypertrophy. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed 2 independent predictors of GDF-15 levels: age and fasting glucose. Conclusion. GDF-15 appears as an integral biomarker of age-related metabolic disorders and structural and functional changes in the heart, which opens up prospects for further study of its prognostic significance in pts with non-valvular AF.