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Frontiers in Surgery 2022Septal myectomy (SM) has been the gold standard therapy for most patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Endocardial radiofrequency ablation of...
BACKGROUND
Septal myectomy (SM) has been the gold standard therapy for most patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Endocardial radiofrequency ablation of septal hypertrophy (ERASH) is a novel treatment for septal reduction. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety between two treatment strategies.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify relevant studies published up to March 2021. Random-effect models were used to calculate standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) and septal thickness.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies are included in this review, eighteen studies for SM and seven studies for ERASH. During follow-up, there were significant reductions of the mean resting LVOTG in adults (SM groups: SMD = -3.03, 95% CI [-3.62 to -2.44]; ERASH groups: SMD = -1.95, 95% CI [-2.45 to -1.45]) and children (SM groups: SMD = -2.67, 95% CI [-3.21 to -2.12]; ERASH groups: SMD= -2.37, 95% CI [-3.02 to -1.73]) after the septal reduction therapies. For adults, SM groups contributed to more obvious reduction than ERASH groups in interventricular septal thickness (SM groups: SMD = -1.82, 95% CI [-2.29 to -1.34]; ERASH groups: SMD = -0.43, 95% CI [-1.00 to 0.13]). The improvement of the New York Heart Association class was similar in the two groups (SM groups: 46.4%; ERASH groups: 46.7%). The periprocedural mortality in SM and ERASH were 1.1 and 1.8%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review suggests that SM is superior to ERASH in the treatment of HOCM. But for the patients who are at risk for open cardiac surgeries or prefer a less invasive approach, ERASH might be an optional approach.
PubMed: 35558385
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.859205 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2022Blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) has become a common method to increase skeletal muscle strength and hypertrophy for individuals with a variety of conditions. A...
Blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE) has become a common method to increase skeletal muscle strength and hypertrophy for individuals with a variety of conditions. A substantial literature of BFRE in older adults exists in which significant gains in strength and functional performance have been observed without report of adverse events. Research examining the effects of BFRE in heart disease (HD) and heart failure (HF) appears to be increasing for which reason the Muscle Hypothesis of Chronic Heart Failure (MHCHF) will be used to fully elucidate the effects BFRE may have in patients with HD and HF highlighted in the MHCHF. A comprehensive literature review was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane library through February 2022. Inclusion criteria were: 1) the study was original research conducted in human subjects older than 18 years of age and diagnosed with either HD or HF, 2) study participants performed BFRE, and 3) post-intervention outcome measures of cardiovascular function, physical performance, skeletal muscle function and structure, and/or systemic biomarkers were provided. Exclusion criteria included review articles and articles on viewpoints and opinions of BFRE, book chapters, theses, dissertations, and case study articles. Seven BFRE studies in HD and two BFRE studies in HF were found of which four of the HD and the two HF studies examined a variety of measures reflected within the MHCHF over a period of 8-24 weeks. No adverse events were reported in any of the studies and significant improvements in skeletal muscle strength, endurance, and work as well as cardiorespiratory performance, mitochondrial function, exercise tolerance, functional performance, immune humoral function, and possibly cardiac performance were observed in one or more of the reviewed studies. In view of the above systematic review, BFRE has been performed safely with no report of adverse event in patients with a variety of different types of HD and in patients with HF. The components of the MHCHF that can be potentially improved with BFRE include left ventricular dysfunction, inflammatory markers, inactivity, a catabolic state, skeletal and possibly respiratory muscle myopathy, dyspnea and fatigue, ANS activity, and peripheral blood flow. Furthermore, investigation of feasibility, acceptability, adherence, adverse effects, and symptoms during and after BFRE is needed since very few studies have examined these important issues comprehensively in patients with HD and HF.
PubMed: 35874535
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.924557 -
Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology... Jan 2020Little is known about ECG abnormalities in patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction (HeFNEF) and how they relate to different etiologies or outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Little is known about ECG abnormalities in patients with heart failure and normal ejection fraction (HeFNEF) and how they relate to different etiologies or outcomes.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We searched the literature for peer-reviewed studies describing ECG abnormalities in HeFNEF other than heart rhythm alone. Thirty five studies were identified and 32,006 participants. ECG abnormalities reported in patients with HeFNEF include atrial fibrillation (prevalence 12%-46%), long PR interval (11%-20%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH, 10%-30%), pathological Q waves (11%-18%), RBBB (6%-16%), LBBB (0%-8%), and long JTc (3%-4%). Atrial fibrillation is more common in patients with HeFNEF compared to those with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HeFREF). In contrast, long PR interval, LVH, Q waves, LBBB, and long JTc are more common in patients with HeFREF. A pooled effect estimate analysis showed that QRS duration ≥120 ms, although uncommon (13%-19%), is associated with worse outcomes in patients with HeFNEF.
CONCLUSIONS
There is high variability in the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in patients with HeFNEF. Atrial fibrillation is more common in patients with HeFNEF compared to those with HeFREF. QRS duration ≥120 ms is associated with worse outcomes in patients with HeFNEF. Further studies are needed to address whether ECG abnormalities correlate with different phenotypes in HeFNEF.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Electrocardiography; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Stroke Volume
PubMed: 31603593
DOI: 10.1111/anec.12710 -
PloS One 2023Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are increasingly being reported among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the exact prevalence of ECG abnormalities among...
INTRODUCTION
Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are increasingly being reported among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the exact prevalence of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region with one of the highest burdens of HIV, is not known. Through a systematic review, we determined the prevalence and patterns of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in SSA.
METHODS
We conducted a search in online databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Research for Life for studies published between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2020. Studies reporting any form of ECG abnormalities published in English were screened and reviewed for eligibility. Retrieved studies were assessed for validity using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data was summarized qualitatively, and ECG abnormalities were further subcategorized into rate, conduction, and rhythm abnormalities as well as atrial and ventricular enlargements.
RESULTS
We retrieved seventeen of the 219 studies assessed for eligibility published between 2001 and 2020, with a total of 2,572 eligible participants. The mean age of the participants ranged between 6.8 years and 58.6 years. Of the 17 studies, 8 (47%) were case-control, 6 (35.3%) cross-sectional and 3 (17.6%) were cohort in design. Thirteen studies were conducted in the adult population while four were conducted in the pediatric population. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities ranged from 10% to 81% and 6.7% to 26.5% in the adult and pediatric population respectively. Among studies done in the adult population, conduction abnormalities were the most reported (9 studies) with a prevalence ranging from 3.4% to 53.5%. In the pediatric population, rate abnormalities were the most reported (4 studies) with a prevalence ranging from 3.9% to 20.9%. The heterogeneity in results could be attributed to the absence of uniform criteria to define ECG abnormalities.
CONCLUSION
Our findings highlight a high prevalence of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in SSA. Consideration of ECG in the comprehensive evaluation of cardiac dysfunction among PLWH in SSA maybe warranted.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; HIV Infections; Cross-Sectional Studies; Africa South of the Sahara; Prevalence; Cardiomegaly
PubMed: 36952493
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283419 -
European Journal of Clinical... Dec 2021Transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis (TTR-CA) is thought to be particularly common in specific at-risk conditions, including aortic stenosis (AS), heart failure...
BACKGROUND
Transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis (TTR-CA) is thought to be particularly common in specific at-risk conditions, including aortic stenosis (AS), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and left ventricular hypertrophy or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (LVH/HCM).
METHODS
We performed a systematic revision of the literature, including only prospective studies performing TTR-CA screening with bone scintigraphy in the above-mentioned conditions. Assessment of other forms of CA was also evaluated. For selected items, pooled estimates of proportions or means were obtained using a meta-analytic approach.
RESULTS
Nine studies (3 AS, 2 HFpEF, 2 CTS and 2 LVH/HCM) accounting for 1375 screened patients were included. One hundred fifty-six (11.3%) TTR-CA patients were identified (11.4% in AS, 14.8% in HFpEF, 2.6% in CTS and 12.9% in LVH/HCM). Exclusion of other forms of CA and use of genetic testing was overall puzzled. Age at TTR-CA recognition was significantly older than that of the overall screened population in AS (86 vs. 83 years, p = .04), LVH/HCM (75 vs. 63, p < .01) and CTS (82 vs. 71), but not in HFpEF (83 vs. 79, p = .35). In terms of comorbidities, hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation were highly prevalent in TTR-CA-diagnosed patients, as well as in those with an implanted pacemaker.
CONCLUSIONS
Screening with bone scintigraphy found an 11-15% TTR-CA prevalence in patients with AS, HFpEF and LVH/HCM. AS and HFpEF patients were typically older than 80 years at TTR-CA diagnosis and frequently accompanied by comorbidities. Several studies showed limitations in the application of recommended TTR-CA diagnostic algorithm, which should be addressed in future prospective studies.
Topics: Amyloid Neuropathies, Familial; Amyloidosis; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Cardiomyopathies; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Radionuclide Imaging; Stroke Volume
PubMed: 34390490
DOI: 10.1111/eci.13665 -
Cureus May 2024Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are a type of cell signaling proteins that are mostly produced by macrophages. They are essential for a variety of biological activities... (Review)
Review
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are a type of cell signaling proteins that are mostly produced by macrophages. They are essential for a variety of biological activities involved in normal development. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is the newest and youngest member of the FGF endocrine subfamily, along with fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). In this study, we conduct a systematic review of all known literature to identify the risk of elevated FGF23 in the cardiovascular system. The analysis includes the risk of cardiovascular disease for both primary and secondary causes of elevated FGF23, such as chronic renal insufficiency. This systematic literature review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) standards. A total of 4,793 records were identified across different databases. After that, 273 records were retrieved and reviewed. After carefully examining the titles and summaries of each report, 249 additional entries were eliminated. About 24 studies from the remaining records were chosen by primary and secondary authors for screening, and they performed a quality assessment using common quality check tools. Finally, this review included 11 studies. Following a thorough analysis, we came to the conclusion that FGF23 can be regarded as a novel biomarker and should be included in the group of heart biomarkers that have already been identified, such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), for the early identification of a variety of highly prevalent cardiovascular disorders.
PubMed: 38846254
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59820 -
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical... 2024We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to examine the efficacy of intensive blood pressure lowering on the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
The effect of intensive blood pressure lowering on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to examine the efficacy of intensive blood pressure lowering on the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and EMBASE for all relevant randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was the incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. We used the risk ratio (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval as our effect sizes.
RESULTS
Four studies, comprising 20,747 patients, were included. Intensive blood pressure lowering was linked with a diminished LVH incidence (RR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.56-0.77]). We also found that intensive blood pressure lowering increased the risk of LVH regression in patients with baseline LVH (RR: 1.21, 95% CI [1.11-1.32]). Finally, intensive blood pressure lowering was linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (HR: 0.71, 95% CI [0.60-0.85]). No significant heterogeneity was seen in either outcome.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that intensive blood pressure lowering effectively reduces the risk of LVH and cardiovascular disease. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/lvh_hypertophy/.
PubMed: 38910799
DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2024.2346409 -
Preventive Medicine Mar 2020With increasing age, associations between traditional risk factors (TRFs) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) shift. It is unknown which mid-life risk factors remain...
With increasing age, associations between traditional risk factors (TRFs) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) shift. It is unknown which mid-life risk factors remain relevant predictors for CVD in older people. We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE on August 16th 2019 for studies assessing predictive ability of >1 of fourteen TRFs for fatal and non-fatal CVD, in the general population aged 60+. We included 12 studies, comprising 11 unique cohorts. TRF were evaluated in 2 to 11 cohorts, and retained in 0-70% of the cohorts: age (70%), diabetes (64%), male sex (57%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (50%), smoking (36%), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (33%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (33%), total cholesterol (22%), diastolic blood pressure (20%), antihypertensive medication use (AHM) (20%), body mass index (BMI) (0%), hypertension (0%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0%). In studies with low to moderate risk of bias, systolic blood pressure (SBP) (80%), smoking (80%) and HDL cholesterol (60%) were more often retained. Model performance was moderate with C-statistics ranging from 0.61 to 0.77. Compared to middle-aged adults, in people aged 60+ different risk factors predict CVD and current prediction models perform only moderate at best. According to most studies, age, sex and diabetes seem valuable predictors of CVD in old-age. SBP, HDL cholesterol and smoking may also have predictive value. Other blood pressure and cholesterol related variables, BMI, and LVH seem of very limited or no additional value. Without competing risk analysis, predictors are overestimated.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Body Mass Index; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cholesterol; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Diabetes Mellitus; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Humans; Hypertension; Middle Aged; Netherlands
PubMed: 31958478
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.105986 -
European Journal of Preventive... Jan 2024Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased risks of developing a range of vascular disorders in later life. Understanding when hypertensive target organ damage...
AIMS
Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased risks of developing a range of vascular disorders in later life. Understanding when hypertensive target organ damage first emerges could guide optimal timing of preventive interventions. This review identifies evidence of hypertensive target organ damage across cardiac, vascular, cerebral, and renal systems at different time points from pregnancy to postpartum.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Systematic review of Ovid/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to and including February 2023 including review of reference lists. Identified articles underwent evaluation via a synthesis without meta-analysis using a vote-counting approach based on direction of effect, regardless of statistical significance. Risk of bias was assessed for each outcome domain, and only higher quality studies were used for final analysis. From 7644 articles, 76 studies, including data from 1 742 698 pregnancies, were identified of high quality that reported either blood pressure trajectories or target organ damage during or after a hypertensive pregnancy. Left ventricular hypertrophy, white matter lesions, proteinuria, and retinal microvasculature changes were first evident in women during a hypertensive pregnancy. Cardiac, cerebral, and retinal changes were also reported in studies performed during the early and late post-partum period despite reduction in blood pressure early postpartum. Cognitive dysfunction was first reported late postpartum.
CONCLUSION
The majority of target organ damage reported during a hypertensive pregnancy remains evident throughout the early and late post-partum period despite variation in blood pressure. Early peri-partum strategies may be required to prevent or reverse target organ damage in women who have had a hypertensive pregnancy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Postpartum Period; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Time Factors
PubMed: 37607255
DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad275