scholarly journals «Grey zone» of heart failure

2018 ◽  
Vol 99 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-656
Author(s):  
P Yu Galin ◽  
S A Kulbaisova ◽  
N Erov

The review is devoted to modern understanding of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. The formation of the paradigm of «two phenotypes» of heart failure began around the end of the last century. As a result of a number of large epidemiological studies on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, so-called «grey zone» of ejection fraction values was formed in the range of about 40-50%. This situation arose because of the lack of clearly established level of normal ejection fraction and underlines imperfection of this parameter as the only classification criterion. But no more convenient «tool» for research work was offered. In the past decade, «grey zone» of heart failure has been actively explored by clinical epidemiologists and clinicians. Should we classify these patients as one of the existing phenotypes of heart failure or present them as a new, separate phenotype? Both the first and second decisions require information about the population «portrait» of subgroup, about their response to treatment, and presumptive pathophysiological mechanisms of heart failure. In 2016 European society of cardiology guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure, heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction was determined as a separate subgroup to stimulate the search for such data. At the moment mid-range ejection fraction is known to be recorded in about 10-20% of patients with heart failure. They have substantial comorbidities as patients with preserved ejection fraction but the prevalence of ischemic heart disease in this subgroup makes it similar to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The response to treatment with beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists is similar to that of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. It is important that the mortality rates in all three groups of patients are approximately the same. This circumstance underlines the importance of further searche. Perhaps the research of «grey zone» of the syndrome will help to better understand pathophysiology of the existing heart failure phenotypes and confirm the validity of their identification based on ejection fraction.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas B. Gevaert ◽  
Katrien Lemmens ◽  
Christiaan J. Vrints ◽  
Emeline M. Van Craenenbroeck

Although the burden of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasing, there is no therapy available that improves prognosis. Clinical trials using beta blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, cardiac-targeting drugs that reduce mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), have had disappointing results in HFpEF patients. A new “whole-systems” approach has been proposed for designing future HFpEF therapies, moving focus from the cardiomyocyte to the endothelium. Indeed, dysfunction of endothelial cells throughout the entire cardiovascular system is suggested as a central mechanism in HFpEF pathophysiology. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF. We discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction and the extent, presence, and prognostic importance of clinical endothelial dysfunction in different vascular beds. We also consider implications towards exercise training, a promising therapy targeting system-wide endothelial dysfunction in HFpEF.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S498-S499
Author(s):  
Salil K Chowdhury ◽  
Jung M Seo ◽  
Steven Keller ◽  
Pallavi Solanki ◽  
Diana Finkel

Abstract Background With antiretroviral therapy, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection has become a life-long chronic condition. Persons Living with HIV (PLWH) have increased risk of cardiovascular diseases including congestive heart failure (CHF) and increased morbidity and mortality from these diseases due to factors such as HIV-induced chronic inflammation. This study will assess if providers at University Hospital in Newark, NJ are providing standard of care for CHF in PLWH. Methods This study was approved by Rutgers IRB (Pro2020000391). A database of 154 charts including all patients with diagnoses of both HIV and CHF was generated using ICD-10 codes for HIV and CHF. After screening, 79 patient charts were eligible. Patients were excluded if their CHF was managed elsewhere, if they were misdiagnosed or deceased. Nine were diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) defined as an ejection fraction above 50%. Seventy were diagnosed with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) defined as an ejection fraction below 40%. Treatment was assessed using the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Recommendations for treatment of HFrEF Recommendations for treatment of HFpEF Results For patients with HFrEF, 10% of eligible patients were not prescribed aldosterone antagonists due to an incorrect contraindication. Thirty eight percent of patients requiring consideration for device therapy were not considered. Fourteen percent of patients did not have NYHA/ACC/AHA class documented. Three additional charts were found to not follow class-based management. Thirty five percent of patients with hypertension did not have guideline-based titrated therapy. In terms of HFpEF, 43% of patients did not have proper hypertension treatment. Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Conclusion Adherence to evidence-based guidelines for CHF in PLWH is important due to their increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Improvements such as documentation of heart failure class, contraindications to medications, and consideration for devices may improve outcomes going forward. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Somy Yoon ◽  
Gwang Hyeon Eom

AbstractThe clinical importance of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has recently become apparent. HFpEF refers to heart failure (HF) symptoms with normal or near-normal cardiac function on echocardiography. Common clinical features of HFpEF include diastolic dysfunction, reduced compliance, and ventricular hypokinesia. HFpEF differs from the better-known HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Despite having a “preserved ejection fraction,” patients with HFpEF have symptoms such as shortness of breath, excessive tiredness, and limited exercise capability. Furthermore, the mortality rate and cumulative survival rate are as severe in HFpEF as they are in HFrEF. While beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system modulators can improve the survival rate in HFrEF, no known therapeutic agents show similar effectiveness in HFpEF. Researchers have examined molecular events in the development of HFpEF using small and middle-sized animal models. This review discusses HFpEF with regard to etiology and clinical features and introduces the use of mouse and other animal models of human HFpEF.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Francois ◽  
Mohammed AlSadawi ◽  
Christian Abrahim ◽  
Romy R Ortega ◽  
Inna Bukharovich

Introduction: Despite the clinical and economic impact of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), understanding surrounding factors associated with resolution of ejection fraction (EF) as well as its prognostic value, remains elusive. Hypothesis: Predictors for Recovery of EF may differ in African Americans compared to the general population. Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective chart review on patients following up in the adult heart failure clinic at our inner city hospital located in Central Brooklyn. Chart review of 312 patients was performed and data including, demographics, comorbidities, medications and echocardiographic parameters. Patients not on an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) were excluded as were those with a diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Results: Of 312 patients identified, 158 (50.6%) were male and 289 (92.6%) identified as African in ancestry. Mean time since diagnosis was 86.2 months (SEM 4.9). There were 113 (36.2%) patients who had recovery of ejection fraction to greater than 50%. There were 59 patients on Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) therapy. Patients on ARNI were less likely to have ventricular recovery with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 0.484. The duration of heart failure in the patients with ARNI was significantly less than those on ACE/ARB therapy, 29.15 months versus 99.49 months respectively (2 tailed P value for difference of means <0.0001). Beta blocker use and Aldosterone antagonism were also associated with a reduced likelihood of recovery in ejection fraction (OR 0.177 and 0.294) respectively. Other classes of medication as well as comorbidities including an ischemic etiology had no statistically significant impact. Conclusion: In our predominantly African American cohort of patients, key GDMT medication including ARNI, Beta blockers and aldosterone antagonists reduced the odds of EF recovery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazunori Omote ◽  
Frederik H. Verbrugge ◽  
Barry A. Borlaug

Approximately half of all patients with heart failure (HF) have a preserved ejection fraction, and the prevalence is growing rapidly given the aging population in many countries and the rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Functional capacity and quality of life are severely impaired in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and morbidity and mortality are high. In striking contrast to HF with reduced ejection fraction, there are few effective treatments currently identified for HFpEF, and these are limited to decongestion by diuretics, promotion of a healthy active lifestyle, and management of comorbidities. Improved phenotyping of subgroups within the overall HFpEF population might enhance individualization of treatment. This review focuses on the current understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying HFpEF and treatment strategies for this complex syndrome. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Medicine, Volume 73 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayesha Azmeen ◽  
Naga Vaishnavi Gadela ◽  
Vergara Cunegundo

Introduction: Heart failure(HF) is a clinical syndrome that is widely prevalent affecting approximately 6.5 million people in the United States. It accounts for the ever-rising health care costs in the US due to recurrent hospitalizations. Despite advancements in medical management, the mortality and the rate of hospitalizations continues to be high with geographic variations and racial disparities. Through this descriptive study, we sought to analyze the health disparities among Hispanic, African American (AA) and Caucasian population in a single-center. Methods: We identified a total of 178 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction from our outpatient clinic by utilizing the ICD-10 codes. Patients with ejection fraction >50% have been excluded. A retrospective chart review of their ethnic background, medications, and number of heart failure exacerbations per year has been performed. Results: 178 patients (mean age 62 years, 35.56% of females) including Hispanics (n=102), AA(n=44), and Caucasians (n=32) were included in the study. Although all patients were started on Beta-blockers, only 76.4% and 37.2% of Hispanics were started on ACEi/ARBs and spironolactone respectively. Similarly, 72.7% and 45.4% of AA were started on ACEi/ARBs and spironolactone respectively. This is in contrast to Caucasians population, where a majority of patients were on started on GDMT; 90% and 75% were started on ACEi/ARBs and spironolactone respectively. This was also reflected by the number of admissions due to HF exacerbations which ranged from 2-4/year for Hispanics and AA populations and 0-1/year for Caucasians. Conclusions: GDMT for HF is known to reduce heart failure exacerbations, mortality and the ever rising cost of the healthcare system. We have observed that despite recommendations to initiate GDMT in all patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, racial disparities exist. Physicians should be mindful of initiating GDMT in all patients.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluigi Savarese ◽  
Camilla Hage ◽  
Ulf Dahlström ◽  
Pasquale Perrone-Filardi ◽  
Lars H Lund

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.


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