Initiation and Up-titration of Guideline-directed Medical Therapy for Patients with Heart Failure: Better, Faster, Stronger!

Treatment for heart failure has experienced a major revolution in recent years, and current evidence shows that a combination of four medications (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors + ß-blockers + mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists + sodium.glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors) offer the greatest benefit to our patients with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalisations and all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, despite their proven benefits, the implementation of these therapies is still low. Clinical inertia, and unfounded fear of using these drugs might contribute to this. Recently, evidence from randomised clinical trials has shown that intensive implementation of these therapies in patients with heart failure is safe and effective. In this review, we attempt to tackle some of these misconceptions/fears regarding medical therapy for heart failure and discuss the available evidence showing the best strategies for implementation of these therapies.

Atorvastatin before percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Atorvastatin is widely recommended for long-term secondary prevention in STEMI patients with no contraindication. Although high-dose atorvastatin has been shown to reduce important patient outcomes such as MACE, there is still doubt that high-dose atorvastatin could have the same protective effect in patients undergoing PCI in the short and long term. We searched the following electronic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central considering studies that enrolled adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of STEMI or NSTEMI undergoing PCI. The intervention must have been atorvastatin alone compared to a placebo, standard care, or a different atorvastatin dose. A total of (n = 11) studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Information on (N = 5,399) patients was available; 2,654 were assigned to receive high-dose atorvastatin therapy, and 2,745 comprised the control group. High-dose atorvastatin pre-loading significantly reduced MACE at one month of follow-up (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.67-0.91; p = 0.014) in both STEMI and NSTEMI. All-cause mortality was reduced in patients with STEMI (RR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10-0.81; p = 0.029). The quality of the body of evidence was rated overall as moderate. Patients presenting with STEMI or NSTEMI benefit from high-dose atorvastatin pre-loading before PCI by reducing MACE at 30 days. The use of high-dose atorvastatin in STEMI patients reduced all-cause mortality. The beneficial effects of atorvastatin pre-loading are limited to 30 days post-PCI.

Failing in reverse: a case report of reverse Takotsubo syndrome complicating peripartum.

Background: Pregnancy and the peripartum are states of stress for the cardiovascular system. These conditions can trigger different cardiomyopathies. Among these, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) has been increasingly recognized as a cause of transient left ventricular dysfunction associated with pregnancy. Case summary: We present the case of a 31-year-old multiparous woman with an unusual variant of TC after caesarean delivery. Discussion: Peripartum cardiomyopathy and TC are particularly interesting differential diagnoses for new systolic dysfunction in pregnancy. Some features, such as the time of presentation, regional or diffuse wall motion abnormalities, evolution, and biomarkers, can guide the clinician to the right diagnosis.

Echocardiographic manifestations during the first 3 months after an episode of COVID-19 and their relationship with disease severity and persistence of symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular manifestations in patients with COVID-19 are associated with dire outcomes. Long COVID syndrome is the persistence of symptoms after acute disease and is found in up to 40% of subjects. There is little information regarding subacute echocardiographic manifestations after COVID-19, and no study has included a Mexican mestizo population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included subjects older than 18 with an episode of COVID-19 in the last 3 months. Those with previously known cardiovascular disease were excluded. The patient´s medical history and COVID-19 information were obtained from clinical charts. We performed a transthoracic echocardiogram in every subject and determined left ventricular (LV) index mass, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS), right ventricular (RV) GLS, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). A descriptive and comparative analysis was performed based on symptom severity and persistence. RESULTS: One hundred subjects were included; 63% were classified with mild and 37% with moderate to severe COVID-19. The median of LVEF was 60% (55-60), LV GLS and RV GLS was impaired in 34% and 74% of patients, respectively. Patients with moderate to severe disease had significantly lower LVEF (Mean Difference: -3.3), TAPSE (mean difference: -1.8), and higher (worse) LV GLS (Mean Difference: 2.5) and RV GLS (mean difference: 2.9). Persistent symptoms were associated with lower TAPSE and higher RVGLS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who recover from COVID-19 have a high prevalence of subtle RV and LV dysfunction using GLS analysis. A moderate to severe episode was associated with worse RV and LV function measured by RV GLS, TAPSE, and LV GLS. Subjects with persistent symptoms had worse RVGLS and TAPSE.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient regional ventricular abnormalities in the absence of coronary artery disease and is reported as a complication of COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION: It can have a diverse clinical presentation, occasionally resembling an acute coronary syndrome, and progress to acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock, adversely affecting patients' prognosis. A high index of suspicion and a thorough diagnostic approach supported by ancillary studies like echocardiography and coronary angiography is key for an accurate diagnosis and correct medical treatment. Herein, we report a patient with severe COVID-19 who developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION: We also present a detailed literature review regarding the relationship between COVID-19 and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

The Heart in Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Narrative Review Focusing on the Acute Cardiac Effects and Electrocardiographic Abnormalities.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances can directly affect the heart by inducing toxicity, impairing myocardial blood flow, autonomic dysfunction, and altering activation and conduction of electrical impulses throughout the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmias and ischemia. The electrocardiogram is useful in monitoring patients during and after an episode of DKA, as it allows the detection of arrhythmias and guides metabolic correction. Unfortunately, reports on electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with DKA are lacking. We found two electrocardiographic patterns that are frequently reported in the literature: a pseudo-myocardial infarction and a Brugada Phenocopy. Both are associated with DKA metabolic anomalies and they resolve after treatment. Because of their clinical relevance and the challenge they represent for clinicians, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of these patients and the mechanisms involved in these electrocardiographic findings.

Echocardiographic Manifestations in COVID-19: A Review.

COVID-19 has rapidly spread around the world and threatened global health. Although this disease mainly affects the respiratory system, there is increasing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 also has effects on the cardiovascular system. Echocardiography is a valuable tool in the assessment of cardiovascular disease. It is cost-effective, widely available and provides information that can influence management. Given the risk of personnel infection and equipment contamination during echocardiography, leading world societies have recommended performing echocardiography only when a clinical benefit is likely, favouring focussed evaluations and using smaller portable equipment. In the past months, multiple reports have described a wide pattern of echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with COVID-19. This review summarises these findings and discusses the possible mechanisms involved.

Pseudomyocardial Infarction in a Patient with Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Mild Hyperkalemia.

A 48-year-old male with a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department with malaise and nausea. On work-up, he was found with hyperglycemia and high anion gap metabolic acidosis, with a blood pH < 6.94. A diagnosis of severe diabetic ketoacidosis was established; serum electrolyte analysis showed mild hyperkalemia. On work-up, a 12-lead electrocardiogram was obtained, and it showed an ST-segment elevation on anterior leads that completely resolved with diabetic ketoacidosis treatment. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction can be a precipitant factor for diabetic ketoacidosis, and evaluation of diabetic patients with suspected myocardial infarction can be challenging since they can present with atypical or little symptoms. Hyperkalemia, which usually accompanies diabetic ketoacidosis, can cause electrocardiographic alterations that are well described, but ST-segment elevation is uncommon. A pseudomyocardial infarction pattern has been described in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis; of note, most of these patients presented severe hyperkalemia. We believe this is of great importance for clinicians because they must be able to recognize those patients that present with electrocardiographic abnormalities secondary to the metabolic alterations and those that can be experiencing actual ongoing ischemia, in order to establish an appropriate and prompt treatment.

Periodontal Disease, Systemic Inflammation and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.

Periodontal and cardiovascular disease are both major health issues. Poor oral health has long been associated with the development of systemic diseases, with the typical example being the risk of endocarditis posterior to dental procedures. Through the years, the association of periodontal disease with other non-infectious systemic diseases has been brought to attention. One of the most interesting associations is the one that exists with the development of cardiovascular disease. Many studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, suggest an important association between periodontal disease and ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease. Among the proposed mechanisms of this relationship, systemic inflammation appears to play a major role. Evidence suggests that periodontal inflammation triggers a systemic inflammatory state that, added to the damage mediated by antibodies that cross react between periodontal pathogens and components of the intimal wall, and the direct lesion of the intima by bacteria entering the circulation, promotes atheroma plaque development and progression. There are other studies that show a clear relationship between periodontal disease severity, elevations of inflammatory markers, and the presence of atherosclerosis. Here, we give a review of the available evidence supporting this association, and the possible mechanisms involved.

Thermal burn resulting from prolonged transcutaneous pacing in a patient with complete heart block.

Temporary transcutaneous pacing devices are used to treat symptomatic bradyarrhythmias that are unresponsive to medical therapy until it resolves or a more stable pacing device is established. Pain is the most common complication. Skin burns as a complication are uncommon. A female patient presented with a complete atrioventricular block that caused altered mental status and required orotracheal intubation. A temporary transcutaneous pacing device was used to treat the bradyarrhythmia and maintained for 12 h until a temporary transvenous pacemaker was placed. The patient developed a third degree skin burn in the area where the anterior pacing patch was placed. Bradycardia is a common complaint in the emergency department. Temporary transcutaneous cardiac pacing is a widely available treatment modality that serves as initial management for these cases and allows us to keep patients stable until a more stable pacing solution is available. Burns as a complication of transcutaneous pacing are uncommon.

Global longitudinal strain as a biomarker in diabetic cardiomyopathy. A comparative study with Gal-3 in patients with preserved ejection fraction / Deformación longitudinal global como un biomarcador en miocardiopatía diabética. Estudio comparativo con galectina-3 en pacientes con fracción de eyección preservada

Abstract: Objectives: To establish a relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) and Galectin-3 in pre-clinical heart failure in diabetic patients. Galectin-3 is a biomarker in heart failure with depressed ejection fraction (HFdEF). The hypothesis is presented that Galectin-3 is related to GLS and can detect left ventricular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Methods: Galectin-3 and GLS were measured in 121 asymptomatic individuals: 14 diabetics with mild depressed ejection fraction (mdEF) (LVEF 47.0 ± 6.9); 76 diabetics with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF 61 ± 5.5), and 31 controls (61.7 ± 5.1). Results: Galectin-3 was elevated in all diabetics vs controls (3.46 ± 1.36 ng/ml vs 2.78 ± 0.91 ng/ml; p = .003). It was also elevated in mdEF (3.76 ± 1.12 ng/ml vs 2.78 ± 0.9 ng/ml; p = .009) and pEF subjects (3.41 ± 1.40 ng/ml vs 2.78 ± 0.9 ng/ml; p = .058), respectively, vs controls. No difference in Gal-3 was found between diabetic groups (p = .603). Diabetics had lower GLS than controls (-18.5 ± 3.9 vs -20 ± 2.6; p = .022). Diabetics with mdEF had lower GLS than those with pEF (-13.3 ± 3.41 vs -19 ± 3.2; P<.001). There was no difference in GLS with pEF compared to controls (-19.4 ± 3.2 vs -20 ± 2.6; p = .70). Conclusions: Galectin-3 is elevated in diabetic patients with mdEF, and is associated with a diminished GLS. GLS could be an early marker of left ventricular dysfunction as well as evidence of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Resumen: Objetivos: Establecer una asociación entre deformación longitudinal global (DLG) y galectina-3 en insuficiencia cardiaca preclínica en pacientes diabéticos. Galectina-3 es un biomarcador en insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección deprimida. Nuestra hipótesis es que la DLG y galectina-3 correlacionan y pueden detectar disfunción ventricular en insuficiencia cardiaca con FEVI preservada. Métodos: Se midieron galectina-3 y DLG en 121 individuos asintomáticos: 14 diabéticos con FEVI deprimida leve (FEdl) (FEVI 47 ± 6.9); 76 diabéticos con FEVI preservada (FEp) (FEVI 61 ± 5.5) y 31 sujetos controles (FEVI 61.7 ± 5.1). Resultados: Galectina-3 se encontró elevada en todos los diabéticos vs controles (3.46 ± 1.36 ng/ml vs 2.78 ± 0.91 ng/ml; p = 0.003). Está elevada en sujetos con FEdl (3.76 ± 1.12 vs 2.78 ± 0.9 vs ng/ml p = 0.009) y FEp (3.41 ± 1.40 vs 2.78 ± 0.9 ng/ml p = 0.058), respectivamente vs controles; no encontramos diferencia en galectina-3 en ambos grupos de diabéticos (p = 0.603). Los diabéticos tienen menor DLG que los controles (-18.5 ± 3.9 vs -20 ± 2.6; p = 0.022). Los diabéticos con FEdl tienen DLG más disminuida que aquellos con FEp (-13.3 ± 3.41 vs -19 ± 3.2; p < 0.001). No existe diferencia en DLG con FEp y controles (-19.4 ± 3.2 vs -20 ± 2.6; p = 0.70). Conclusiones: Galectina-3 está elevada en diabéticos con FEdl y correlaciona DLG disminuida. DLG podría ser un marcador temprano de disfunción ventricular y evidencia en miocardiopatía diabética.

Congestive Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in a Patient with Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND Amyloidosis is characterized by tissue deposition of insoluble fibrillar proteins and it affects almost every organ; there are many types and the heart can be affected in all of them. CASE REPORT Our report describes a middle-aged man who presented to the Emergency Department with congestive heart failure. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic findings suggested the presence of an infiltrative disease, so an abdominal fat tissue biopsy was performed. A final diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis with heart involvement was made. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights the importance of combining clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic information in the diagnosis of complex diseases like amyloidosis with heart involvement.

Global longitudinal strain as a biomarker in diabetic cardiomyopathy. A comparative study with Gal-3 in patients with preserved ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a relationship between global longitudinal strain (GLS) and Galectin-3 in pre-clinical heart failure in diabetic patients. Galectin-3 is a biomarker in heart failure with depressed ejection fraction (HFdEF). The hypothesis is presented that Galectin-3 is related to GLS and can detect left ventricular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. METHODS: Galectin-3 and GLS were measured in 121 asymptomatic individuals: 14 diabetics with mild depressed ejection fraction (mdEF) (LVEF 47.0±6.9); 76 diabetics with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF 61±5.5), and 31 controls (61.7±5.1). RESULTS: Galectin-3 was elevated in all diabetics vs controls (3.46±1.36 ng/ml vs 2.78±0.91 ng/ml; p=.003). It was also elevated in mdEF (3.76±1.12 ng/ml vs 2.78±0.9 ng/ml; p=.009) and pEF subjects (3.41±1.40 ng/ml vs 2.78±0.9 ng/ml; p=.058), respectively, vs controls. No difference in Gal-3 was found between diabetic groups (p=.603). Diabetics had lower GLS than controls (-18.5±3.9 vs -20±2.6; p=.022). Diabetics with mdEF had lower GLS than those with pEF (-13.3±3.41 vs -19±3.2; P<.001). There was no difference in GLS with pEF compared to controls (-19.4±3.2 vs -20±2.6; p=.70). CONCLUSIONS: Galectin-3 is elevated in diabetic patients with mdEF, and is associated with a diminished GLS. GLS could be an early marker of left ventricular dysfunction as well as evidence of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

A comparative observational multicenter analysis of the clinical performance of vascular compression devices following transradial arterial access / Análisis comparativo multicéntrico observacional del desempeño clínico de dispositivos de compresión vascular posterior a acceso arterial transradial

Abstract: Introduction: Multiple vascular compression aimed for transradial access have been developed. We aimed to compare the time required to achieve hemostasis in three different radial vascular compression devices. Methods: ST and non-ST elevation MI, unstable and stable angina as well as diagnostic coronary angiograms patients with transradial vascular access (TVA) in 2 centers were enrolled between June 2010-November 2010. Patients were divided according the TVA compression device (TAVCD) used. Group I received TR Band(tm) (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan), Group II received Neptuno(tm) (Biotronik, Berlin, Deutschland) and Group III received Finale(tm) (Merit Medical, South Jordan, UT).Patients were evaluated immediately after TVACD implantation and 24 hour post-procedure follow up. Results: 60 patients were enrolled in this observational study (Group I = 22 patients; Group II = 18; Group III = 20). All patients demonstrated evidence of radial pulse after hemostasis. 28% developed a superficial hematoma (Group I, 31%; Group II, 30%; Group III, 22%). Pain at the access site was uncommon among patients in both immediate and follow-up evaluations, however, 3% (Group I and II) presented paresthesia immediately following the procedure that resolved by the 24-hour evaluation. Conclusion: In our study, all three evaluated radial compression devices successfully achieved hemostasis regardless of the slight alterations of mechanism, yet similarity in aim of non-occlusive compression. Group I (TR band) had a slight increase in compression time recorded but all groups required an approximate three hours to display no evidence of bleeding. None of the patients in the study presented major vascular complications. We consider that further investigation of radial compression devices as compared to manual compression are necessary to evaluate their advantages and may further simplify the procedure

Resumen: Introducción: Múltiples dispositivos de compresión vascular para el acceso radial han sido desarrollados. Nuestro objetivo es comparar el tiempo requerido para lograr la hemostasis con tres diferentes dispositivos de compresión vascular radial. Métodos: Pacientes de angiografía coronaria de diagnóstico, con elevación y no elevación del ST, con angina de pecho inestable y estable, así como pacientes con acceso vascular radial (AVR) en dos centros, fueron incluidos entre junio y noviembre de 2010. Los pacientes fueron divididos según el dispositivo de compresión AVR (DCAVR) usado. Al Grupo I se le dio el TR Band(tm) (Terumo, Tokio, Japón), el Grupo II recibió el Neptuno(tm) (Biotronik, Berlín, Alemania) y el grupo III recibió el Final(tm) (Merit Medica, South Jordan, UT). Los pacientes fueron evaluados inmediatamente después de la implantación del DCAVR y a las 24 horas de postprocedimiento para seguimiento. Resultados: 60 pacientes fueron incluidos en este estudio observacional (Grupo I = 22 pacientes; Grupo II = 18; Grupo III = 20). Todos los pacientes mostraron evidencia de pulso radial después de la hemostasis. 28% desarrolló un hematoma superficial (Grupo I, 31%; Grupo II, 30%; Grupo III, 22%). El dolor en el sitio de acceso fue poco común entre los pacientes de los dos evaluaciones inmediatas y de seguimiento, sin embargo, el 3% (Grupo I y II) presentó parestesias inmediatamente después del procedimiento que se resolvieron para la evaluación de 24 horas. Conclusión: En nuestro estudio, los tres dispositivos de compresión radiales evaluados lograron con éxito la hemostasis sin importar las pequeñas variaciones del mecanismo, dando resultados similares en el objetivo de la compresión no oclusiva. Grupo I (Banda TR) tuvo un ligero aumento en el tiempo de compresión registrado pero todos los grupos requieren un tiempo aproximado de tres horas para mostrar ninguna evidencia de sangrado. Ninguno de los pacientes en el estudio presentó mayores complicaciones vasculares. Consideramos necesario hacer investigación adicional de los dispositivos de compresión radiales, en comparación con la compresión manual para evaluar sus ventajas y poder simplificar aún más el procedimiento.

Intracoronary infusion of CD133+ endothelial progenitor cells improves heart function and quality of life in patients with chronic post-infarct heart insufficiency.

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of the intracoronary infusion of CD133+ hematopoietic stem cells to improve ventricular function and quality of life in candidates for heart transplantation due to post-infarct chronic heart failure. METHODS: We selected seven candidates for heart transplantation (six males/one female, age range 44-65 years) in whom all treatment alternatives were exhausted (angioplasty/stent and bypass surgery). These subjects had a symptomatic New York Heart Association (NYHA) scale of at least II and ejection fractions (EFs) below 35%. After obtaining informed consent, CD133+ cells were obtained by stimulation with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, apheresis, and separation with magnetic beads. Stem cells were implanted in the infarcted zone via intracoronary percutaneous angiography. Evaluations (NYHA scale classification, plasma concentration of pro-B-natriuretic-peptide and the risk of sudden death, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and gated-SPECT with MIBI) were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after cell infusion. RESULTS: Stem cell isolation was efficient and safe (around 10(7) cells/patient and >92% CD133+ viable cells). Two patients died during observation due to noncardiac conditions. In the five remaining subjects, the NYHA scale improved and no accounts of hospital admissions for heart failure were documented. Plasma concentrations of pro-B-natriuretic peptide and the risk of sudden death clearly decreased, while the EF increased significantly to 35% and 40% by echocardiography and cardiac MRI, respectively (P=.013 and .009, respectively) 24 months after treatment. No other major adverse events were noticed. CONCLUSIONS: The intracoronary inoculation of CD133+ stem cells was safe and effective to improve ventricular contraction and symptomatic class function in patients with refractory post-infarct heart failure.

[Mortality in cardiogenic shock]. / Choque cardiogénico. Las variables de mortalidad.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is one of principal causes of mortality after an acute myocardial infarction (MI). The objective of this study was to determine the principal causes that contribute to an increase in mortality in CS. METHODS: We studied 155 consecutive patients with CS admitted to the Coronary Care Unit of the Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia Ignacio Chávez from 1990-2002. RESULTS: Patients older than 60 years with MI and diabetes mellitus presented a higher cardiovascular mortality (p<0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures decreased the cardiovascular mortaly in CS as compared to those patients not submmitted to PCI (59% vs. 98%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality due to CS is still very high (80%). Previous MI and diabetes favor short-term mortality and the use of PCI suggests a clinical favourable trend in the reduction of mortality due to CS. PCI appears to be the most appropriate reperfusion procedure for treating CS.