Secondary prevention advices after cardiovascular index event: From drug prescription to risk factors control in real world practice

The present study aims at evaluating the achievement of blood pressure, lipid and blood glucose targets, healthy lifestyle changes and appropriate drug prescription/adherence in patients attending secondary prevention/CR ambulatory visit after index cardiovascular event in a time period ranging 1 to 5 year. At ambulatory visit, a predetermined set of data collection was used, including demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle habits, type and time of index event, current symptoms, physical sign, biochemistry and current medical treatment (including type and dosage). Cardiovascular risk profile (smoking habits, physical activity and body weight), secondary prevention goals (LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure, resting heart rate, glycated haemoglobin level) and the use of recommended drugs were also evaluated and categorized. Study population consisted of 800 patients [644 men (84.5%), aged 69±10.9 years)]. Cardiovascular index events were coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (20%) ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (28%), non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (21%) and stable angina (13%) by unstable angina (13%) and stroke (5%). About 30% of patients was symptomatic (angina or dyspnoea) at the time of ambulatory visit. Major comorbidities were hypertension (73%), dyslipidaemia (64%) and diabetes (40%). More than 80% of patients achieved target levels for blood pressure. Patients that have participated to cardiac rehabilitation programmes after cardiovascular index event showed best achievement in blood pressure target (83.8% vs 76.8%, p=0.02). LDL-cholesterol target (<70 mg/dl) was achieved in about 2/3 of patients; HbA1c target (<7%) was achieved in 56.4% of diabetic population. About 75% of study cohort was treated with RAAS inhibitors, 85% with beta-blockers, 92% with statins and 87% with acetylsalicylic acid. All drugs were increasingly adopted from index event. Implementing secondary prevention guidelines into the 'real world' clinical practice in "late" interval from 1 to 5 years after a cardiovascular event improved risk factors control and appropriate drug prescription. Whether these improvements translated into prognostic advantages remains to be elucidated

Sex- and age-related differences in the management and outcomes of chronic heart failure: an analysis of patients from the ESC HFA EORP Heart Failure Long-Term Registry

Aims: This study aimed to assess age- and sex-related differences in management and 1-year risk for all-cause mortality and hospitalization in chronic heart failure (HF) patients. Methods and results: Of 16 354 patients included in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long-Term Registry, 9428 chronic HF patients were analysed [median age: 66 years; 28.5% women; mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 37%]. Rates of use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) were high (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists: 85.7%, 88.7% and 58.8%, respectively). Crude GDMT utilization rates were lower in women than in men (all differences: P\ua0 64 0.001), and GDMT use became lower with ageing in both sexes, at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Sex was not an independent predictor of GDMT prescription; however, age >75 years was a significant predictor of GDMT underutilization. Rates of all-cause mortality were lower in women than in men (7.1% vs. 8.7%; P\ua0=\ua00.015), as were rates of all-cause hospitalization (21.9% vs. 27.3%; P\ua075 years. Conclusions: There was a decline in GDMT use with advanced age in both sexes. Sex was not an independent predictor of GDMT or adverse outcomes. However, age >75 years independently predicted lower GDMT use and higher all-cause mortality in patients with LVEF 6445%

1021-57 Cardiac Involvement and Anticardiolipin Antibodies Levels in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Transesophageal Study

Myocardial involvement and valvular lesions are frequently observed in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS), particularly in patients (pts) with clinical manifestations (arterial and/or venous thrombosis or recurrent fetal loss). To evaluate whether high anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL-a) levels are able to produce severe cardiac involvement or embolic sources (spontaneous echocontrast, masses or vegetations), we studied 30 PAPS pts (3 M and 27 F; aged 37±10 yrs) by means of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). compared with 20-matched controls (C). We analyzed systo-diastolic LV function; abnormal leaflet thickness was &gt;3mm for mitral or tricuspid valve (MVT or TVT) and &gt;2mm for aortic (AVT). aCL-a measured using standard ELISA method were expressed in GPL U, (normal value &lt;15U).ResultsAll PAPS pts presented normal systo-diastolic LV function. We considered 3 groups (Gr) according to aCL-a levels: Gr I (low-positive, 15–35 U), mean MVT 2.7±0.5mm; Gr II (moderate-positive, 35–100 U), mean MVT 3.4±0.8mm; Gr III (high-positive,&gt;100 U), mean MVT 3.5±0.9mm.Gr I (n=9)Gr II (n=7)Gr III (n=14)MVT2 (22%)5 (71%)11 (78%)no MVT7 (78%)2 (29%)3 (22%)Chi square=7.74,P&lt;0.057/14 (50%) Gr III pts showed: 3 mild mitral stenosis, 2 TVT and 2 AVT. AVT was also found in Gr I (2) and Gr II (1). PAPS pts had high incidence of embolic sources: 11% Gr I, 2B% Gr II and 63% Gr III (chi square=6,95, p&lt;0.05).Conclusions1) Multiplane TEE is useful to detect significative valvular abnormalities and embolic sources in PAPS pts. 2) High levels (&gt;100U) of aCL-a are associated to MVT and embolic sources, indicative of high thromboembolic risk. 3) Follow-up studies are necessary to attribute to high aCL-a levels a predictive value in PAPS pts

Iron deficiency from the standpoint of cardiac rehabilitation: novel therapeutic opportunities

Anemia is one of the most frequent comorbidities found in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure (CHF) who are being followed in cardiac rehabilitation facilities. The more frequent type of anemia is caused by iron deficiency (IDA, iron-deficiency anemia): this review summarizes the state of the art of this topic. First of all, the mechanisms of IDA will be analyzed. Subsequently, a description of the main conditions where IDA can unfavorably affect the clinical course, and of its more frequent complications, will be presented (percutaneous interventions, heart surgery, CHF). Special attention will be paid in the description of anemia in the setting of CHF. To this regard, in recent years a relevant amount of research has been carried out, to determine whether treating anemia (either by directly stimulating erythropoiesis or by correcting iron deficiency by oral or intravenous route) is of any clinical and prognostic relevance in patients with CHF. The results of this research will, therefore, be summarized and critically discussed. Finally, we will outline the promising role of cardiac rehabilitation facilities and of its network of experts in the diagnosis, prognostic stratification, and treatment of anemia and iron deficiency.</jats:p

Abstract 4331: Elevated Albumin Excretion is an Independent Risk Factor in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure. Data from the GISSI-Heart Failure Trial

Elevated albuminuria, a marker of endothelial renal damage, is a risk factor for cardiovascular events in the general population and in patients with diabetes or hypertension. We report here on its association with mortality in a large population of patients with chronic HF. Albuminuria (albumin/creatinine concentration ratio in a morning spot sample, UACR) was determined in 2131 patients with chronic HF enrolled in 77 centers participating to the GISSI-HF trial. Patients were divided according to normal (UACR &lt;30 mg/g) and abnormal urinary excretion of albumin (≥30 mg/g). Association between elevated albuminuria and all-cause mortality was tested by univariable and multivariable analyses. Elevated albuminuria was found in 25.3% of the population (age 67±11 y, 78.9% males, 30.1% NYHA class III-IV, 55.5% hypertension, 26.1% diabetes) and was more frequent in older patients, those with reduced renal function, diabetes or high CRP. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with elevated albuminuria (20.1% at 1000 days) compared to normals (9.0%, p&lt;0.0001). Elevated albuminuria remained an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (HR [95%CI] 1.47 [1.18 –1.82]) in a Cox model adjusted for clinical risk factors such as age, gender, NYHA class, renal function, diabetes, BMI and blood pressure. About a quarter of the patients enrolled in the GISSI-HF trial had abnormal urinary albumin excretion, a marker for both renal and systemic vascular disease. We show for the first time in a large representative sample that elevated albuminuria is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with chronic HF. </jats:p

Secondary prevention advices after cardiovascular index event: From drug prescription to risk factors control in real world practice

The present study aims at evaluating the achievement of blood pressure, lipid and blood glucose targets, healthy lifestyle changes and appropriate drug prescription/adherence in patients attending secondary prevention/CR ambulatory visit after index cardiovascular event in a time period ranging 1 to 5 year. At ambulatory visit, a predetermined set of data collection was used, including demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle habits, type and time of index event, current symptoms, physical sign, biochemistry and current medical treatment (including type and dosage). Cardiovascular risk profile (smoking habits, physical activity and body weight), secondary prevention goals (LDL-cholesterol, blood pressure, resting heart rate, glycated haemoglobin level) and the use of recommended drugs were also evaluated and categorized. Study population consisted of 800 patients [644 men (84.5%), aged 69±10.9 years)]. Cardiovascular index events were coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) (20%) ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (28%), non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (21%) and stable angina (13%) by unstable angina (13%) and stroke (5%). About 30% of patients was symptomatic (angina or dyspnoea) at the time of ambulatory visit. Major comorbidities were hypertension (73%), dyslipidaemia (64%) and diabetes (40%). More than 80% of patients achieved target levels for blood pressure. Patients that have participated to cardiac rehabilitation programmes after cardiovascular index event showed best achievement in blood pressure target (83.8% vs 76.8%, p=0.02). LDL-cholesterol target (&lt;70 mg/dl) was achieved in about 2/3 of patients; HbA1c target (&lt;7%) was achieved in 56.4% of diabetic population. About 75% of study cohort was treated with RAAS inhibitors, 85% with beta-blockers, 92% with statins and 87% with acetylsalicylic acid. All drugs were increasingly adopted from index event. Implementing secondary prevention guidelines into the ‘real world’ clinical practice in "late" interval from 1 to 5 years after a cardiovascular event improved risk factors control and appropriate drug prescription. Whether these improvements translated into prognostic advantages remains to be elucidated.</jats:p

Prevalence and prognostic value of elevated urinary albumin excretion in patients with chronic heart failure data from the GISSI-Heart failure trial

Background-Increased urinary excretion of albumin is an early sign of kidney damage and a risk factor for progressive cardiovascular and renal diseases and heart failure. There is, however, only limited information on the prevalence and prognostic role of urinary albumin excretion in patients with established chronic heart failure. Methods and Results-A total of 2131 patients enrolled in 76 sites participating in the GISSI-Heart Failure trial provided a first morning spot sample of urine at any of the clinical visits scheduled in the trial to calculate the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. The relation between log-transformed urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and all-cause mortality (428 deaths, time from urine collection to event or censoring) was evaluated with Cox multivariable models adjusted for all significant risk factors at the time of urine collection, in the study population, and in patients without diabetes or hypertension. Almost 75% of the patients had normal urinary albumin excretion, but 19.9% had microalbuminuria (30 to 299 mg/g creatinine) and 5.4% had overt albuminuria ( 65300 mg/g). There was a progressive, significant increase in the adjusted rate of mortality in the study population (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.18 per 1-U increase of log(urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio), P=0.0002) and in the subgroup of patients without diabetes or hypertension. Randomized treatments (n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or rosuvastatin) had no major impact on albumin excretion. Conclusions-Independently of diabetes, hypertension, or renal function, elevated albumin excretion is a powerful prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure. \ua9 2010 American Heart Association, Inc

Serum uric acid and outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure through the whole spectrum of ejection fraction phenotypes: Analysis of the ESC-EORP Heart Failure Long-Term (HF LT) Registry

Background: Retrospective analyses of clinical trials indicate that elevated serum uric acid (sUA) predicts poor outcome in heart failure (HF). Uric acid can contribute to inflammation and microvascular dysfunction, which may differently affect different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) phenotypes. However, role of sUA across LVEF phenotypes is unknown. Objectives: We investigated sUA association with outcome in a prospective cohort of HF patients stratified according to LVEF. Methods: Through the Heart Failure Long-Term Registry of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC-EORP-HFLT), 4,438 outpatients were identified and classified into: reduced (&lt;40% HFrEF), mid-range (40-49% HFmrEF), and preserved (&gt;= 50% HFpEF) LVEF. Endpoints were the composite of cardiovascular death/HF hospitalization, and individual components. Results: Median sUA was 6.72 (IQ:5.48-8.20) mg/dl in HFrEF, 6.41 (5.02-7.77) in HFmrEF, and 6.30 (5.20-7.70) in HFpEF. At a median 372-day follow-up, the composite endpoint occurred in 648 (13.1%) patients, with 176 (3.6%) deaths and 538 (10.9%) HF hospitalizations. Compared with lowest sUA quartile (Q), Q-III and Q-IV were significantly associated with the composite endpoint (adjusted HR 1.68: 95% CI 1.11-2.54; 2.46: 95% CI 1.66-3.64, respectively). By univariable analyses, HFrEF and HFmrEF patients in Q-III and Q-IV, and HFpEF patients in Q-IV, showed increased risk for the composite endpoint (P&lt;0.05 for all); after model-adjustment, significant association of sUA with outcome persisted among HFrEF in Q-IV, and HFpEF in Q-III-IV. Conclusions: In a large, contemporary-treated cohort of HF outpatients, sUA is an independent prognosticator of adverse outcome, which can be appreciated in HErEF and HFpEF patients