Palliative Care Use in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Do-Not-Resuscitate Status From a Nationwide Inpatient Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the predictors, treatments, and outcomes of the use of palliative care in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who had a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sampling database for 2015-2018, we examined the predictors, in-hospital procedures, and outcomes of palliative care recipients among patients with AMI who had a DNR order. RESULTS: We identified 339,270 admissions with AMI that had a DNR order, including patients who received palliative care (n=113,215 [33.4%]). Compared with patients who did not receive palliative care, these patients were more frequently younger (median age, 81 vs 83 years; P<.001), were less likely to be female (50.9% [57,626 of 113,215] vs 54.7% [123,652 of 226,055]; P<.001), and were more likely to present with cardiac arrest (11.6% [13,133 of 113,215] vs 6.9% [15,598 of 226,055]; P<.001). Patients were more likely to receive palliative care at a large (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.44 to 1.50) or teaching (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 2.04 to 2.16) hospitals compared with small or rural ones. Patients receiving palliative care were less likely to be treated invasively, with reduced rates of invasive coronary angiography (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.47) and percutaneous coronary intervention (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.48), and were more likely to die in the hospital (52.4% [59,325 of 113,215] vs 22.9% [51,766 of 226,055]). CONCLUSION: In patients who had a DNR status and were hospitalized and received a diagnosis of AMI, only one-third received palliative care.

Predictors, Treatments, and Outcomes of Do-Not-Resuscitate Status in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients (from a Nationwide Inpatient Cohort Study).

Little is known about how frequently do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are placed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the types of patients in which they are placed, treatment strategies or clinical outcomes of such patients. Using the United States (US) National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2015 to 2018, we identified 2,767,549 admissions that were admitted to US hospitals and during the hospitalization received a principle diagnosis of AMI, of which 339,270 (12.3%) patients had a DNR order (instigated both preadmission and during in-hospital stay). Patients with a DNR status were older (median age 83 vs 65, p < 0.001), more likely to be female (53.4% vs 39.3%, p < 0.001) and White (81.0% vs 73.3%, p < 0.001). Predictors of DNR status included comorbidities such as heart failure (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.45 to 1.48), dementia (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 2.50 to 2.55), and cancer. Patients with a DNR order were less likely to undergo invasive management or be discharged home (13.5% vs 52.8%), with only 1/3 receiving palliative consultation. In hospital mortality (32.7% vs 4.6%, p < 0.001) and MACCE (37.1% vs 8.8%, p < 0.001) were higher in the DNR group. Factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality among patients with a DNR order included a STEMI presentation (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 2.84 to 2.96) and being of Black (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.33), Hispanic (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.41) or Asian/Pacific Islander (OR: 1.56, 95% CI:1.49-race. In conclusion, AMI patients with a DNR status were older, multimorbid, less likely to receive invasive management, with only one third of patients with DNR status referred for palliative care.

Shared Decision Making and Effective Communication in Heart Failure-Moving from "Code Status" to Decisional Readiness.

Despite advances in treatment options, heart failure (HF) remains a progressive, symptomatic, and terminal disease for a large number of patients. The need for enhanced discussions regarding prognosis and goals of care has been recognised by multiple professional societies and public health policy, yet these conversations rarely occur in a timely manner. Shared decision making (SDM) is the process through which clinicians and patients work toward treatment decisions that are aligned with the patients' values, goals, and preferences. SDM is especially appropriate when treatments carry an uncertain benefit and potential risk, and it emphasises the fact that neither medical evidence nor patient values alone can determine the best treatment for a patient. The foundation of these discussions should focus on a general understanding of disease trajectory and prognosis, with a clear acknowledgment of prognostic uncertainty. These discussions should include not only the risks of death but also the potential burden of worsening symptoms and decreased quality of life. The goal of these discussions should not be to rule in or rule out specific therapies in a future hypothetical scenario, but instead to prepare our patients and their loved ones to make "in-the-moment" treatment decisions when faced with an acute decompensation, taking into context the state of their illness at that time.

Lack of Equity in the Cardiology Physician Workforce: A Narrative Review and Analysis of the Literature.

The gender and racial diversity in the cardiology workforce in Canada does not reflect that of the population we serve. As social awareness of the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion rises, our profession must rise to meet the challenges they present. We detail contemporary examples of publication bias in the cardiac sciences literature and describe the factors that led to oversight in the peer-review process. We performed a narrative review to summarize the published literature on equity and diversity among cardiac physicians. We also summarize the challenges faced by women and racial-minority physicians when pursuing and thriving in a career in cardiology, and the systemic barriers to their success. In the past decade, social justice movements have advanced. Professionalism standards are changing, and awareness and understanding of these advances in terminology is imperative for all physicians. In this review, we summarize key language and concepts, with cardiology-specific examples, and propose a new paradigm of professionalism.

Au Canada, la diversité des genres et des races au sein de la main-d'œuvre en cardiologie ne reflète pas celle qui existe dans la population que nous servons. La prise de conscience sociale des principes d'équité, de diversité et d'inclusion gagne du terrain, et notre profession doit se montrer à la hauteur des défis qui s'y rattachent. Nous abordons des exemples contemporains de biais de publication dans la littérature cardiologique et décrivons les facteurs qui ont mené à des omissions dans le processus d'examen par les pairs. Une revue narrative de la littérature publiée sur l'équité et la diversité parmi les cardiologues nous a permis de résumer l'information publiée sur le sujet. Nous résumons également les difficultés auxquelles sont confrontés les femmes et les médecins issus des minorités raciales qui choisissent et mènent avec brio une carrière en cardiologie, de même que les obstacles systémiques à leur réussite. Au cours de la dernière décennie, les mouvements de justice sociale ont progressé. Les normes de professionnalisme évoluent, et tous les médecins doivent connaître et comprendre les avancées terminologiques. Dans le présent article, nous résumons les termes et les concepts clés, en y adjoignant des exemples propres au domaine de la cardiologie. Nous proposons aussi un nouveau paradigme de professionnalisme.

2020 Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society Position Statement on the Management of Ventricular Tachycardia and Fibrillation in Patients With Structural Heart Disease.

This Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement is focused on the management of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) that occurs in patients with structural heart disease (SHD), including previous myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other forms of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. This patient population is rapidly increasing because of advances in care and improved overall survival of patients with all forms of SHD. In this position statement, the acute and long-term management of VT/VF are outlined, and the many unique aspects of care in this population are emphasized. The initial evaluation, acute therapy, indications for chronic suppressive therapy, choices of chronic suppressive therapy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator programming, alternative therapies, and psychosocial care are reviewed and recommendations for optimal care are provided. The target audience for this statement includes all health professionals involved in the continuum of care of patients with SHD and VT/VF.

Management of the Dying Cardiac Patient in the Last Days and Hours of Life.

Five decades ago, heart disease was associated with significant early morbidity and mortality. Many patients succumbed shortly after myocardial infarctions. If they survived, they were at great risk for cardiac arrest. With significant improvements in medical and device therapy, cardiac patients can now survive for multiple decades. Variable clinical courses are observed, with some patients having long periods of relative stability and others having frequent clinical decompensations necessitating recurrent hospitalizations. Invariably, all patients will decline over time, reaching the terminal phases of their lives. This phase is associated with unique care needs. With appropriate management, patients can be guided through the dying phase with the dignity and comfort they deserve.

New Dimensions in Palliative Care Cardiology.

The landscape of patient care at the beginning of the 19th century was dramatically different than it is today. With few good treatment options, illness courses were generally brief. Near the end of life, patients were attended to by spiritual advisors, not health care professionals. Death typically occurred at home, surrounded by friends and family. Moving to the present time, decades of medical advances have significantly improved life expectancy. Cardiology has particularly benefited from many of these advances. Cardiac patients are initiated on optimal medication regimens. As disease burdens progress, interventions such as implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization pacing systems become options for many patients. With further clinical deterioration, select patients might be candidates for ventricular assist devices and heart transplants. These advances have unquestionably improved the prognosis with advanced cardiovascular illnesses. However, they have also changed patient and family attitudes about death and dying, to the point where we have effectively "medicalized our mortality." The importance of introducing palliative care to the cardiac patient population is now well recognized, with the major cardiovascular societies incorporating palliative care principles into their guideline and consensus statement documents. However, despite this recognition, few cardiac patients get access to palliative care and other resources such as hospice. In this article the existing literature on this topic is reviewed and opportunities for developing and fostering a more collaborative relationship between the disciplines of cardiology and palliative care are discussed.

Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society 2016 Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Guidelines.

Sudden cardiac death is a major public health issue in Canada. However, despite the overwhelming evidence to support the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in the prevention of cardiac death there remains significant variability in implantation rates across Canada. Since the most recent Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement on ICD use in Canada in 2005, there has been a plethora of new scientific information to assist physicians in their discussions with patients considered for ICD implantation to prevent sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias. We have reviewed, critically appraised, and synthesized the pertinent evidence to develop recommendations regarding: (1) ICD implantation in the primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with and without ischemic heart disease; (2) when it is reasonable to withhold ICD implantation on the basis of comorbidities; (3) ICD implantation in patients listed for heart transplantation; (4) implantation of a single- vs dual-chamber ICD; (5) implantation of single- vs dual-coil ICD leads; (6) the role of subcutaneous ICDs; and (7) ICD implantation infection prevention strategies. We expect that this document, in combination with the companion article that addresses the implementation of these guidelines, will assist all medical professionals with the care of patients who have had or at risk of sudden cardiac death.

Post-exercise assessment of cardiac repolarization alternans in patients with coronary artery disease using the modified moving average method.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the utility of T-wave alternans (TWA) assessment in the immediate post-exercise period to identify and validate cutpoints for the modified moving average (MMA) assessment method. BACKGROUND: The presence of TWA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death (CVD). The immediate post-exercise period, where increased physiologic stress and minimal surface artifact coexist, appears ideal to implement the MMA method. METHODS: A test (n = 322) and validation cohort (n = 681) provided 1,003 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We assessed TWA immediately after exercise. The outcomes, CVD and mortality, were adjudicated independent of the TWA results. RESULTS: During 48 months of follow-up 85 deaths, 54 categorized as CVD (64%), were observed. A linear relationship between the magnitude of TWA and the risk of CVD was identified. As a continuous measure TWA voltage was equivalent to ejection fraction in predicting the risk of CVD. To facilitate clinical application, a sensitive, modest predictive accuracy (20 microV) and a specific, greater predictive accuracy MMA cutpoint (60 microV) were identified and validated. Each cutpoint was associated with a 2.5-fold greater risk of CVD, independent of other important variables, including ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Post-exercise assessment of TWA using the MMA method is a strong, independent predictor of risk in patients with CAD. The 20-microV cutpoint (87% sensitivity) appears to be most suitable in higher-risk patients, whereas the 60-microV cutpoint (95% specificity) appears more appropriate when TWA is used as a single screening test in those at lower risk. (Assessment of Noninvasive Methods to Identify Patients at Risk of Serious Arrhythmias After a Heart Attack; NCT00399503).

Noninvasive risk assessment early after a myocardial infarction the REFINE study.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether combined assessment of autonomic tone plus cardiac electrical substrate identifies most patients at risk of serious events after myocardial infarction (MI) and to compare assessment at 2 to 4 weeks versus 10 to 14 weeks after MI. BACKGROUND: Methods to identify most patients at risk of serious events after MI are required. METHODS: Patients (n = 322) with an ejection fraction (EF) <0.50 in the initial week after MI were followed up for a median of 47 months. Serial assessment of autonomic tone, including heart rate turbulence (HRT), electrical substrate, including T-wave alternans (TWA), and EF was performed, interpreted blinded, and categorized using pre-specified cut-points where available. The primary outcome was cardiac death or resuscitated cardiac arrest. All-cause mortality and fatal or nonfatal cardiac arrest were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Mean EF significantly increased over the initial 8 weeks after MI. Testing 2 to 4 weeks after MI did not reliably identify patients at risk, whereas testing at 10 to 14 weeks did. The 20% of patients with impaired HRT, abnormal exercise TWA, and an EF <0.50 beyond 8 weeks post-MI had a 5.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4 to 11.3, p < 0.001) higher adjusted risk of the primary outcome. This combination identified 52% of those at risk, with good positive (23%; 95% CI 17% to 26%) and negative (95%; 95% CI 93% to 97%) accuracy. Similar results were observed for the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired HRT, abnormal TWA, and an EF <0.50 beyond 8 weeks after MI reliably identify patients at risk of serious events. (Assessment of Noninvasive Methods to Identify Patients at Risk of Serious Arrhythmias After a Heart Attack; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00399503?order=1; NCT00399503).

Statistical motor unit number estimation: from theory to practice.

Statistical motor unit number estimation (MUNE) is one of several experimental techniques used to estimate the number of lower motor neurons innervating a given muscle. All are fairly reproducible and have been applied successfully in monitoring neurogenic disease progression. Quantitating the number of lower motor neurons is important, since the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and strength may not change as rapidly over time due to the confounding effect of reinnervation. MUNE techniques differ in the way they obtain samples of surface-recorded motor unit potentials (SMUP). Statistical MUNE is based on Poisson statistics, uses surface stimulation, and is useful in testing distal, superficial nerves. This review focuses on the theory behind the development of the technique, critiques the publications resulting from applying the technique in control and disease subjects, and discusses the future developments needed for clinical utility.