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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 -
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 -
International Journal of Cardiology Aug 2024Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited heart disease that can lead to sudden cardiac death. Impact of genetic testing for the prognosis and treatment of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited heart disease that can lead to sudden cardiac death. Impact of genetic testing for the prognosis and treatment of patients with HCM needs to be improved. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the characteristics and outcomes associated with sarcomere genotypes in index patients with HCM.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to Dec 31, 2023. Data on clinical characteristics, morphological and imaging features, outcomes and interventions were collected from published studies and pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 30 studies with 10,825 HCM index patients were included in the pooled analyses. The frequency of sarcomere genes in HCM patients was 41%. Sarcomere mutations were more frequent in women (p < 0.00001), and were associated with lower body mass index (26.1 ± 4.7 versus 27.5 ± 4.3; p = 0.003) and left ventricular ejection fraction (65.7% ± 10.1% vs. 67.1% ± 8.6%; p = 0.03), less apical hypertrophy (6.5% vs. 20.1%; p < 0.0001) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (29.1% vs. 33.2%; p = 0.03), greater left atrial volume index (43.6 ± 21.1 ml/m vs. 37.3 ± 13.0 ml/m; p = 0.02). Higher risks of ventricular tachycardia (23.4% vs. 14.1%; p < 0.0001), syncope (18.3% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.01) and heart failure (17.3% vs. 14.6%; p = 0.002) were also associated with sarcomere mutations.
CONCLUSIONS
Sarcomere mutations are more frequent in women, and are associated with worse clinical characteristics and poor outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Sarcomeres; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Mutation
PubMed: 38801835
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.132213 -
Transplantation Direct Jun 2024Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with end stage renal disease undergoing renal replacement is linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases....
BACKGROUND
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with end stage renal disease undergoing renal replacement is linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Dialysis does not completely prevent or correct this abnormality, and the evidence for kidney transplantation (KT) varies. This analysis aims to explore the relationship between KT and LVH.
METHODS
MEDLINE and Scopus were systematically searched in October 2023. All cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria were included. Outcome was left ventricular mass index (LVMI) changes. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Meta-regression was applied to examine the LVMI changes dependent on various covariates. Sensitivity analysis was used to handle outlying or influential studies and address publication bias.
RESULTS
From 7416 records, 46 studies met the inclusion criteria with 4122 included participants in total. Longitudinal studies demonstrated an improvement of LVMI after KT -0.44 g/m (-0.60 to -0.28). Blood pressure was identified as a predictor of LVMI change. A younger age at the time of KT and well-controlled anemia were also associated with regression of LVH. In studies longitudinally comparing patients on dialysis and renal transplant recipients, no difference was detected -0.09 g/m (-0.33 to 0.16). Meta-regression using changes of systolic blood pressure as a covariate showed an association between higher blood pressure and an increase in LVMI, regardless of the modality of renal replacement treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, our results indicated a potential cardiovascular benefit, defined as the regression of LVH, after KT. This benefit was primarily attributed to improved blood pressure control rather than the transplantation itself.
PubMed: 38769973
DOI: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001647 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Jul 2024Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain whether... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain whether maternal cardiac remodeling is more prevalent in HDP than normotensive pregnancy and if significant change in aortic root size is involved. The secondary objective was to determine the types of cardiac remodeling often associated with HDP.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE. The reference lists of selected articles were also searched to ensure no relevant studies were missed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in this systematic review.
RESULTS
Out of 5,278 articles identified by the search terms, 9 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The investigation unveiled a greater prevalence of maternal cardiac remodeling in HDP than normotensive pregnancies. The commonest type of maternal cardiac remodeling in both HDP and normotensive pregnancies was eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy, followed by concentric left ventricular remodeling which was more specific to HDP. Notably, left atrial diameter was significantly increased in HDP than normotensive pregnancies, suggesting higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction. Additionally, the aortic root dimension was significantly increased in HDP than normotensive pregnancies.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the importance of monitoring cardiac health in pregnancy, particularly in those with hypertensive disorders, in order to mitigate potential complications and improve maternal outcomes. Finally, the risk of aortic dissection that may occur as a long-term effect of aortic root enlargement in women with history of HDP ought to be investigated in future studies.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Ventricular Remodeling; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular
PubMed: 38749071
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.05.003 -
Heart, Lung & Circulation May 2024Recent reports of myocardial recovery after mechanical unloading with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have challenged the prevailing notion that end-stage heart... (Review)
Review
Exploring Changes in Myocyte Structure, Contractility, and Energetics From Mechanical Unloading in Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AIMS
Recent reports of myocardial recovery after mechanical unloading with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have challenged the prevailing notion that end-stage heart failure (HF) is irreversible. To improve our understanding of this phenomenon, we comprehensively analysed the structural, functional, and energetic changes in failing human cardiomyocytes after LVAD implantation.
METHODS
Based on a prospectively registered protocol (PROSPERO-CRD42022380214), 30 eligible studies were identified from 940 records with a pooled population of 648 patients predominantly with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.
RESULTS
LVAD led to a substantial regression in myocyte size similar to that of donor hearts (standardised mean difference, -1.29; p<0.001). The meta-regression analysis revealed that HF duration was a significant modifier on the changes in myocyte size. There were some suggestions of fibrosis reversal (-5.17%; p=0.009); however, this was insignificant after sensitivity analysis. Developed force did not improve in cardiac trabeculae (n=5 studies); however, non-physiological isometric contractions were tested. At the myocyte level (n=4 studies), contractile kinetics improved where the time-to-peak force reduced by 41.7%-50.7% and time to 50% relaxation fell by 47.4%-62.1% (p<0.05). Qualitatively, LVAD enhanced substrate utilisation and mitochondrial function (n=6 studies). Most studies were at a high risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
The regression of maladaptive hypertrophy, partial fibrosis reversal, and normalisation in metabolic pathways after LVAD may be a testament to the heart's remarkable plasticity, even in the advanced stages of HF. However, inconsistencies exist in force-generating capabilities. Using more physiological force-length work-loop assays, addressing the high risks of bias and clinical heterogeneity are crucial to better understand the phenomenon of reverse remodelling.
PubMed: 38704332
DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2024.01.039 -
Internal and Emergency Medicine Apr 2024The presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) may affect whether cardiac tamponade physiology develops from a pericardial effusion. Specifically, the increased...
The presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) may affect whether cardiac tamponade physiology develops from a pericardial effusion. Specifically, the increased intracardiac pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy associated with PH would seemingly increase the intrapericardial pressure threshold at which the right-sided chambers collapse. In this systematic review, we examined the impact of PH on the incidence, in-hospital and long-term mortality, and echocardiographic findings of patients with cardiac tamponade. Using the PRISMA guideline, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Academic Search Premier, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Database for studies investigating PH and cardiac tamponade. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to analyze the quality of returned studies. Primary outcomes included the incidence of cardiac tamponade, as well as in-hospital and long-term mortality rates. Secondary outcomes were the presence or absence of echocardiographic findings of cardiac tamponade in patients with PH. Forty-three studies (9 cohort studies and 34 case reports) with 1054 patients were included. The incidence of cardiac tamponade was significantly higher in patients with PH compared to those without PH, 2.0% (95% CI 1.2-3.2%) vs. 0.05% (95% CI 0.05-0.05%), p < 0.0001, OR 40.76 (95% CI 24.8-66.9). The incidence of tamponade in patients with a known pericardial effusion was similar in those with and without PH, 20.3% (95% CI 12.0-32.3%) and 20.9% (95% CI 18.0-24.1%), p = 0.9267, OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.50-1.87). In patients with tamponade, those with PH demonstrated a significantly higher in-hospital mortality than those without PH, 38.8% (95% CI 26.4-52.8%) vs. 14.4% (95% CI 14.2-14.6%), p < 0.0001, OR 3.77 (95% CI 2.12-6.70). Long-term mortality in patients with tamponade was significantly lower in those with PH than in those without PH, 45.5% (95% CI 33.0-58.5%) vs. 59.1% (95% CI 54.7-63.4%), p = 0.0258, OR 0.576 (95% CI 0.33-1.01). However, after stratifying by non-malignant etiologies, the long-term mortality benefit for those with PH disappeared. In the studies that described specific echocardiographic findings of cardiac tamponade, only 10.5% of patients with PH and tamponade showed right atrial and right ventricular collapse. When evaluating patients with pericardial effusions, physicians must recognize the effects of underlying PH on the incidence, in-hospital and long-term mortality rates, and potentially atypical echocardiographic presentation of cardiac tamponade.
PubMed: 38622465
DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03566-y -
Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism Jun 2024To conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) with regard to cardiac... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on cardiac function and structure in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
AIMS
To conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) with regard to cardiac function and structure in people with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic search using the PubMed, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov online databases. The primary outcome of interest was changes in mitral inflow E-velocity to tissue Doppler e' velocity (E/e') ratio. Secondary outcomes included other indicators of cardiac reverse remodelling and functional capacity comprising changes in left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular global longitudinal strain, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early to atrial mitral inflow velocity ratio, left atrial volume (LAV), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and 6-min walk test (6MWT) results.
RESULTS
A total of 15 trials involving 898 patients were included in this analysis. GLP-1RAs significantly improved E/e' ratio (mean difference [MD] = -0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.34, -0.13), LVM (MD = -3.86 g; 95% CI -7.60, -0.12), LAV (MD = -8.20 mL; 95% CI -12.37, -4.04), NT-proBNP level (standardized MD = -0.27; 95% CI -0.47, -0.06), and 6MWT result (MD = +22.31 m; 95% CI 1.64, 42.99). However, GLP-1RAs had no effect on LVEF (MD = +0.31%; 95% CI -1.02, 1.64).
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, GLP-1RAs were found to have a positive impact on left ventricle diastolic function, hypertrophy, and exercise capacity, but had no effect on systolic function.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Hypoglycemic Agents; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Remodeling; Stroke Volume; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Heart; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
PubMed: 38528818
DOI: 10.1111/dom.15557 -
Pharmacology Research & Perspectives Apr 2024Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition characterized by myocardial dysfunction that occurs in individuals with diabetes, in the absence of coronary artery disease,... (Review)
Review
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition characterized by myocardial dysfunction that occurs in individuals with diabetes, in the absence of coronary artery disease, valve disease, and other conventional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. It is considered a significant and consequential complication of diabetes in the field of cardiovascular medicine. The primary pathological manifestations include myocardial hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and impaired ventricular function, which can lead to widespread myocardial necrosis. Ultimately, this can progress to the development of heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock, with severe cases even resulting in sudden cardiac death. Despite several decades of both fundamental and clinical research conducted globally, there are currently no specific targeted therapies available for DCM in clinical practice, and the incidence and mortality rates of heart failure remain persistently high. Thus, this article provides an overview of the current treatment modalities and novel techniques pertaining to DCM, aiming to offer valuable insights and support to researchers dedicated to investigating this complex condition.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies; Heart Failure; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Infarction; Cardiovascular Agents; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38407563
DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1177 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024Overhydration (OH) is a prevalent medical problem that occurs in patients with kidney failure, but a specific marker has still not been found. Patients requiring kidney... (Review)
Review
Overhydration (OH) is a prevalent medical problem that occurs in patients with kidney failure, but a specific marker has still not been found. Patients requiring kidney replacement therapy suffer from a water imbalance, which is correlated with mortality rates in this population. Currently, clinicians employ techniques such as bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and ultrasound (USG) markers of overhydration or markers of heart and kidney function, namely NT-pro-BNP, GFR, or creatinine levels. New serum markers, including but not limited to Ca-125, galectin-3 (Gal-3), adrenomedullin (AMD), and urocortin-2 (UCN-2), are presently under research and have displayed promising results. Ca-125, which is a protein mainly used in ovarian cancer diagnoses, holds great potential to become an OH marker. It is currently being investigated by cardiologists as it corresponds to the volume status in heart failure (HF) and ventricular hypertrophy, which are also associated with OH. The need to ascertain a more precise marker of overhydration is urgent mainly because physical examinations are exceptionally inaccurate. The signs and symptoms of overhydration, such as edema or a gradual increase in body mass, are not always present, notably in patients with chronic kidney disease. Metabolic disruptions and cachexia can give a false picture of the hydration status. This review paper summarizes the existing knowledge on the assessment of a patient's hydration status, focusing specifically on kidney diseases and the role of Ca-125.
Topics: Humans; Biomarkers; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Water Intoxication; CA-125 Antigen
PubMed: 38396869
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042192