Right ventricular performance in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction: the forgotten ventricle.

Right ventricular (RV) function is a major determinant of prognosis and adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). It is largely unknown if HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) patients have some special characteristics in RV function (RVF) that may distinguish them from HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF or HFpEF) patients. Standard echocardiography was performed to estimate RVF [tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TDSV), plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), TAPSE to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) and RV myocardial performance index (MPI-TEI index)] in a cross-sectional study. In 306 participants, the RV systolic function evaluated with TAPSE and TDSV was impaired in 39.1 and 24.2%, respectively. TAPSE, TAPSE/PASP and TDSV were lower in HFmrEF compared with HFpEF and higher compared with HFrEF (p < 0.001 for among-groups comparison). RV diastolic dysfunction varied between 12.6 and 43.8% depending on the echocardiographic parameter. Diastolic RVF determined by tricuspid inflow E/A wave ratio (Et/At) was impaired in less patients with HFmrEF compared with those with HFpEF or HFrEF (25.9% vs 48.4% vs 56.3%; p = 0.030, respectively). RV diastolic dysfunction by et'/at' (tissue Doppler tricuspid valve annulus e' and a' waves) was impaired in less patients with HFmrEF compared with HFrEF (11.8% vs 33.3%; p = 0.019). A multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant association between RV and LV systolic dysfunction. The present study shows a high prevalence of RV dysfunction in HFmrEF patients. Study findings provides some new insights on RV and LV systolic dysfunction coupling whereas RV diastolic dysfunction was not dependent on LV systolic dysfunction.

Impact of Primary Aldosteronism in Resistant Hypertension.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this narrative review, we aim to summarize the latest data on the association between primary aldosteronism and resistant hypertension, as well as to emphasize the necessity for screening for primary aldosteronism all patients with resistant hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS: Epidemiological data suggests that up to one out of five patients with resistant hypertension suffer from primary aldosteronism. Patients with primary aldosteronism have increased incidence of renal disease, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and obstructive sleep apnea, as well as they are characterized by an extended target organ damage and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Specific treatments for primary hyperaldosteronism (adrenalectomy and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) have significant impact on blood pressure, can reverse target organ damage, and mitigate cardiovascular risk. All patients with resistant hypertension should be evaluated for primary aldosteronism. Patients diagnosed with the disease may further undergo lateralization with adrenal vein sampling in order to receive the optimal therapeutic option which results in significant improvements in quality of life and cardiovascular profile.

Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Problem Hidden in the Shadows.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has been largely underdiagnosed and undertreated due to the lack of concrete definitions, validated assessment methods and efficient treatments. However, during the last few decades, there has been great progress in the clinical management and research of FSD. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology of FSD, report the prevalence of the disease in the setting of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease, and review current and under investigation treatment options. METHODS: A comprehensive review was performed to identify studies examining the association of FSD with CV risk factors and/or disease, as well studies reporting relevant management options. RESULTS: The prevalence of FSD is increased in the general population (approximately 40%) and is significantly higher in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. In patients with overt CV disease, FSD is even more prevalent (up to 90%). The cause of FSD is multifactorial and includes a variety of vascular, hormonal, interpersonal and psychological factors, which are all intertwined. Several treatment options exist that are efficient in improving female sexual function, while a cluster of other options has been shown to offer benefits. CONCLUSION: FSD is a major public health problem with great impact on the patients' quality of life. In the setting of increased CV burden, FSD is even more prevalent. Increased awareness is needed for the physician to establish a trustful environment with the patient, discuss such issues, and offer proper management options.

Recent advances in understanding and managing resistant/refractory hypertension.

The management of resistant hypertension presents several challenges in everyday clinical practice. During the past few years, several studies have been performed to identify efficient and safe pharmacological and non-pharmacological options for the management of such patients. The Spironolactone versus placebo, bisoprolol, and doxazosin to determine the optimal treatment for drug-resistant hypertension (PATHWAY-2) trial demonstrated significant benefits with the use of spinorolactone as a fourth-line drug for the treatment of resistant hypertension over doxazosin and bisoprolol. In addition, recent data support that spironolactone may demonstrate superiority over central acting drugs in such patients, as well. Based on the European guidelines, spironolactone is recommended as the fourth-line drug option, followed by amiloride, other diuretics, doxazosin, bisoprolol or clonidine.  Among several device-based approaches, renal sympathetic denervation had fallen into hibernation after the disappointing results of the Renal Denervation in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension (SYMPLICITY HTN) 3 trial. However, the technique re-emerged at the epicenter of the clinical and research interest after the favorable results of three sham-controlled studies, which facilitated novel catheters and techniques to perform the denervation. Significant results of iliac anastomosis on blood pressure levels have also been demonstrated. Nevertheless, the technique-related adverse events resulted in withdrawal of this interventional approach. Last, the sympatholytic properties of the carotid baroreceptor activation therapy were associated with significant blood pressure reductions in patients with resistant hypertension, which need to be verified in larger controlled trials. Currently device-based approaches are recommended only in the setting of clinical trials until more safety and efficacy data become available.

Right Ventricular Function and Sexual Function: Exploring Shadows in Male and Female Patients With Heart Failure.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual health plays an important role in heart failure (HF) patients, and the relationship between HF and sexual dysfunction is well established; however, the role of right ventricular function in sexual dysfunction has not been investigated sufficiently. AIM: To investigate the potential association between right ventricular dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in both male and female patients with HF. METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of HF were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Patients from the whole spectrum of HF were included in the study, regardless of cause, duration, and classification of HF. Sexual function in men was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function and in women with the Female Sexual Functioning Index. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We demonstrate that right ventricular dysfunction is associated with worse sexual function in both men and women. RESULTS: 306 consecutive patients with HF participated in the study. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction ranged from 24.2-39.1% and right ventricular diastolic dysfunction from 16.1-83.1%, depending on the echocardiographic parameter that was assessed. Right ventricular systolic dysfunction assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio, and right ventricular basal diameter was associated with a lower International Index of Erectile Function score (P = .031, P = .009, and P < .001, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that erectile function was independently associated only with TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio and tricuspid late tricuspid diastolic flow velocity wave (ß = 32.84, P = .006; and ß = -0.47, P = .026, respectively), whereas female sexual function was independently associated only with the early tricuspid diastolic flow velocity/late tricuspid diastolic flow velocity ratio (ß= -0.47, P = .026). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study demonstrates that right ventricular dysfunction in patients with HF reflects an impaired sexual function status. Physicians should be aware of this association and closely evaluate those patients for sexual dysfunction. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: We innovatively assessed the correlation between right ventricular dysfunction and sexual function using validated questionnaires. The main limitation is the relatively small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides some new insights into the relationship between sexual dysfunction and right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in HF patients, also suggesting potential interventions to improve sexual and right ventricular function and prognosis in this population. Koutsampasopoulos K, Vogiatzis I, Ziakas A, et al. Right Ventricular Function and Sexual Function: Exploring Shadows in Male and Female Patients With Heart Failure. J Sex Med 2019;16:1199-1211.

Diabetes and lipid metabolism.

The authors review the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and aberrations of lipid metabolism related to DM, diabetic dyslipidemia (DD). DM is considered as a major health burden worldwide and one of the most important modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This applies to both the developed and the developing countries, especially the latter. While patients with type 1 DM, 10% of all DM cases, usually do not have dyslipidemia, DD is frequent among patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) (prevalence > 75%) and is mainly a mixed dyslipidemia [increase in triglycerides (TGs), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and small-dense (atherogenic), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) particles]. The components of DD, which is characterized by quantitative (mentioned above), qualitative, and kinetic abnormalities all contributing to CVD risk, are mostly related to insulin resistance. Statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors can be used in monotherapy or consecutively in combinations if needed. Statins compose the main drug. For the residual CVD risk after statin treatment, the use of statin-fibrate combinations is indicated only in patients with mixed dyslipidemia. In conclusion, DD is a major health problem worldwide. It is a significant CVD risk factor and should be treated according to current guidelines. The means today exist to normalize all quantitative, qualitative, and kinetic aberrations of DD, thereby reducing CVD risk.

Primary aldosteronism in patients with adrenal incidentaloma: Is screening appropriate for everyone?

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common form of secondary hypertension. Several guidelines recommend that patients with adrenal incidentaloma have a high probability of suffering from PA. We conducted a prospective study of 269 consecutive adults with adrenal incidentaloma to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of PA. In total, 9 participants were detected with PA, suggesting a prevalence of 3.35% among the study population. PA participants had a higher blood pressure level by 14/20.8 mm Hg and a lower serum potassium level by 0.8 mmol/L (P < .05). Importantly, all patients with PA presented with concurrent indications (hypertension with or without hypokalemia) for screening of the disease, but they have not undergone relative screening by the referring physician, thus casting doubts about the appropriate implementation of current guidelines in real-life practice. Intense efforts are needed to familiarize physicians with recommendations for PA to minimize undiagnosed cases and the detrimental sequelae of this endocrine form of hypertension.

The potential role of statins in treating liver disease.

INTRODUCTION: Statins are commonly use for the management of dyslipidemia, worldwide. Various studies have demonstrated that statins offer significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, this class of drugs has been implicated in potential liver toxicity, thus has been considered as a 'forbidden-drug' in patients with increased liver enzymes. Areas covered: Studies have shown that statins might offer clinical benefits in the setting of viral hepatitis, progression of cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. More importantly, this class of drugs was shown to ameliorate liver histological (in both imaging and biopsy studies) and functional alterations in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In addition, two large survival studies have demonstrated reduction in the risk for cardiovascular events with statin use in patients with elevated transaminase levels at baseline. Expert commentary: These benefits were of greater extent compared with patients with normal liver function tests at baseline. However, current international guidelines seem to neglect these findings and are not including statins in the management algorithm of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or steatohepatitis. Future randomized studies providing biopsy-proven benefits will establish the use of statins in the prevention of cardiovascular events and therapeutic algorithm of these patients.