Showing papers in "European Heart Journal in 2004"

Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of pericardial diseases executive summary; The Task force on the diagnosis and management of pericardial diseases of the European society of cardiology.

Abstract: Guidelines and Expert Consensus documents aim to present all the relevant evidence on a particular issue in order to help physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. They should be helpful in everyday clinical decision-making. A great number of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents have been issued in recent years by different organisations, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by other related societies. By means of links to web sites of National Societies several hundred guidelines are available. This profusion can put at stake the authority and validity of guidelines, which can only be guaranteed if they have been developed by an unquestionable decision-making process. This is one of the reasons why the ESC and others have issued recommendations for formulating and issuing Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents. In spite of the fact that standards for issuing good quality Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents are well defined, recent surveys of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 1998 have shown that methodological standards were not complied within the vast majority of cases. It is therefore of great importance that guidelines and recommendations are presented in formats that are easily interpreted. Subsequently, their implementation programmes must also be well conducted. Attempts have been made to determine whether guidelines improve the quality of clinical practice and the utilisation of health resources. The ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines ( CPG ) supervises and coordinates the preparation of new Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents produced by Task Forces, expert groups or consensus panels. The Committee is also responsible for the endorsement of these Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents or statements. The strength of evidence related to a particular diagnostic or treatment option depends on the available data: (1) level of evidence A: multiple …

Quantifying the heart failure epidemic: prevalence, incidence rate, lifetime risk and prognosis of heart failure The Rotterdam Study.

Abstract: Aims To determine the prevalence, incidence rate, lifetime risk and prognosis of heart failure. Methods and Results The Rotterdam Study is a prospective population-based cohort study in 7983 participants aged ⩾55. Heart failure was defined according to criteria of the European Society of Cardiology. Prevalence was higher in men and increased with age from 0.9% in subjects aged 55–64 to 17.4% in those aged ⩾85. Incidence rate of heart failure was 14.4/1000 person-years (95% CI 13.4–15.5) and was higher in men (17.6/1000 man-years, 95% CI 15.8–19.5) than in women (12.5/1000 woman-years, 95% CI 11.3–13.8). Incidence rate increased with age from 1.4/1000 person-years in those aged 55–59 to 47.4/1000 person-years in those aged ⩾90. Lifetime risk was 33% for men and 29% for women at the age of 55. Survival after incident heart failure was 86% at 30 days, 63% at 1 year, 51% at 2 years and 35% at 5 years of follow-up. Conclusion Prevalence and incidence rates of heart failure are high. In individuals aged 55, almost 1 in 3 will develop heart failure during their remaining lifespan. Heart failure continues to be a fatal disease, with only 35% surviving 5 years after the first diagnosis.

Guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. The Task Force on Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension of the European Society of Cardiology.

Abstract: ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG): Silvia G. Priori (Chairperson) (Italy), Maria Angeles Alonso Garcia (Spain), Jean-Jacques Blanc (France), Andrzej Budaj (Poland), Martin Cowie (UK), Veronica Dean (France), Jaap Deckers (The Netherlands), Enrique Fernandez Burgos (Spain), John Lekakis (Greece), Bertil Lindahl (Sweden), Gianfranco Mazzotta (Italy), Keith McGregor (France), Joao Morais (Portugal), Ali Oto (Turkey), Otto A. Smiseth (Norway) Document reviewers: Gianfranco Mazzotta (CPG Review Coordinator) (Italy), Joan Albert Barbera (Spain), Simon Gibbs (UK), Marius Hoeper (Germany), Marc Humbert (France), Robert Naeije (Belgium), Joanna Pepke-Zaba (UK) Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents aim to present all the relevant evidence on a particular issue in order to help physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. They should be helpful in everyday clinical decision-making. A great number of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents have been issued in recent years by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by different organisations and other related societies. This profusion can put at stake the authority and validity of guidelines, which can only be guaranteed if they have been developed by an unquestionable decision-making process. This is one of the reasons why the ESC and others have issued recommendations for formulating and issuing Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents. In spite of the fact that standards for issuing good quality Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents are well defined, recent surveys of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 1998 have shown that methodological standards were not complied with in the vast majority of cases. It is therefore of great importance that guidelines and recommendations are presented in formats that are easily interpreted. Subsequently, their implementation programmes must also be well conducted. Attempts have been made to determine whether guidelines improve the quality of clinical practice and the …

Obstructive sleep apnoea is independently associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome

Abstract: Aims Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although it was previously assumed that this was due to its relation with obesity, recent data suggest that OSA is independently associated with the cardiovascular risk factors that comprise metabolic syndrome, including hypertension, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidaemia. However, as previous studies have only considered these variables individually, it has not been possible to determine the overall association of OSA with this syndrome. Methods and results We recruited 61 male subjects with OSA and 43 controls. Glucose, insulin, lipids, and blood pressure (BP) were measured following an overnight fast. Insulin resistance was estimated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria. Subjects with OSA were more obese, had higher BP and fasting insulin, were more insulin resistant, had lower HDL cholesterol, and an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (87% vs. 35%, \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(p{<}0.0001\) \end{document}). In order to determine whether these associations were independent of obesity and other known covariates, a regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption was performed. This demonstrated that OSA was independently associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher fasting insulin and triglyceride concentrations, decreased HDL cholesterol, increased cholesterol:HDL ratio, and a trend towards higher HOMA values. Metabolic syndrome was 9.1 (95% confidence interval 2.6, 31.2: \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(p{<}0.0001\) \end{document}) times more likely to be present in subjects with OSA. Conclusions OSA is independently associated with an increase in the cardiovascular risk factors that comprise the metabolic syndrome and its overall prevalence. This may help explain the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Clinical indications for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR): Consensus Panel report.

Abstract: This paper was guest edited by Dr. E. Fleck. Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Germany Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is established in clinical practice for the diagnosis and management of diseases of the cardiovascular system. However, current guidelines for when this technique should be employed in clinical practice have not been revised since a Task Force report of 1998.1 Considerable technical and practice advances have been made in the intervening years and the level of interest from clinicians in this field is at an unprecedented level. Therefore the aim of this report from a Consensus Panel of established experts in the field of CMR is to update these guidelines. As CMR is a multi-disciplinary technique with international interest, the Consensus Panel was composed of European and American cardiologists and radiologists with major input from members with additional established expertise in paediatric cardiology, nuclear cardiology, magnetic resonance physics and spectroscopy, as well as health economics. The Consensus Panel was originated, approved and funded in its activities by the Working Group on CMR of the European Society of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. The Consensus Panel recommendations are based on evidence compiled from the literature and expert experience. If there is insufficient evidence in the literature, this is indicated in the report but usually no recommendations are made under these circumstances. The appropriateness of using CMR is described for the frequent disease entities where imaging information may be warranted. The diagnostic use of CMR will be described in the context of other, competing imaging techniques, with particular emphasis on the differential indications with respect to echocardiography. The usefulness of CMR in specific diseases is summarized by means of the following classification:

Guidelines on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infective endocarditis executive summary; the task force on infective endocarditis of the European society of cardiology.

Abstract: Guidelines and Expert Consensus documents aim to present all the relevant evidence on a particular issue in order to help physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. They should be helpful in everyday clinical decision-making. A great number of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents have been issued in recent years by different organizations, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by other related societies. By means of links to web sites of National Societies several hundred guidelines are available. This profusion can put at stake the authority and validity of guidelines, which can only be guaranteed if they have been developed by an unquestionable decision-making process. This is one of the reasons why the ESC and others have issued recommendations for formulating and issuing Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents. In spite of the fact that standards for issuing good quality Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents are well defined, recent surveys of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 1998 have shown that methodological standards were not complied within the vast majority of cases. It is therefore of great importance that guidelines and recommendations are presented in formats that are easily interpreted. Subsequently, their implementation programmes must also be well conducted. Attempts have been made to determine whether guidelines improve the quality of clinical practice and the utilisation of health resources. The ESC …

The prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation in patients with coronary artery disease across Europe. The Euro Heart Survey on diabetes and the heart.

Abstract: Aim The objective behind the Euro Heart Survey on diabetes and the heart was to study the prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and results The survey engaged 110 centres in 25 countries recruiting 4196 patients referred to a cardiologist due to CAD out of whom 2107 were admitted on an acute basis and 2854 had an elective consultation. Patient data were collected via a web-based case record form. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was used for the characterisation of the glucose metabolism. Thirty-one per cent of the patients had diabetes. An OGTT was performed on the 1920 patients without known diabetes, of whom 923 had acute and 997 had a stable manifestation of CAD, respectively. In patients with acute CAD, 36% had impaired glucose regulation and 22% newly detected diabetes. In the stable group these proportions were 37% and 14%. Conclusion This survey demonstrates that normal glucose regulation is less common than abnormal glucose regulation in patients with CAD. OGTT easily discloses the glucometabolic state and should be a routine procedure. The knowledge of glucometabolic state among these patients should influence their future management because it has great potential to improve the outcome.

Acarbose reduces the risk for myocardial infarction in type 2 diabetic patients: meta-analysis of seven long-term studies.

Abstract: Aims To assess if treatment with the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose can reduce cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods and results This meta-analysis included seven randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled acarbose studies with a minimum treatment duration of 52 weeks. Type 2 diabetic patients valid for safety were randomized to either acarbose ( n =1248) or placebo ( n =932). The primary outcome measure was the time to develop a cardiovascular event. Primary analysis was conducted using Cox regression analysis. The effect of acarbose on metabolic parameters was also investigated. Acarbose therapy showed favourable trends towards risk reduction for all selected cardiovascular event categories. The treatment significantly reduced the risk for ‘myocardial infarction’ (hazards ratio=0.36 [95% Cl 0.16–0.80], P =0.0120) and ‘any cardiovascular event’ (0.65 [95% Cl 0.48–0.88], P =0.0061). Glycaemic control, triglyceride levels, body weight and systolic blood pressure also improved significantly during acarbose treatment. Conclusion Intervention with acarbose can prevent myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients while most of them are already on intensive concomitant cardiovascular medication.

Guidelines on management (diagnosis and treatment) of syncope-update 2004. Executive Summary.

Abstract: Executive Summary ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG): Silvia G. Priori (Chairperson) (Italy), Maria Angeles Alonso Garcia (Spain), Jean-Jacques Blanc (France), Andrzej Budaj (Poland), Martin Cowie (UK), Jaap Deckers (The Netherlands), Enrique Fernandez Burgos (Spain), John Lekakis (Greece), Bertil Lindhal (Sweden), Gianfranco Mazzotta (Italy), JoA£o Morais (Portugal), Ali Oto (Turkey), Otto Smiseth (Norway) Document reviewers: Silvia G. Priori (CPG Review Coordinator) (Italy), Martin Cowie (UK), Carlo Menozzi (Italy), Hugo Ector (Belgium), Ali Oto (Turkey), Panos Vardas (Greece) Guidelines and Expert Consensus documents aim to present all the relevant evidence on a particular issue in order to help physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. They should be helpful in everyday clinical decision-making. A great number of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents have been issued in recent years by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by different organisations and other related societies. This profusion can put at stake the authority and validity of guidelines, which can only be guaranteed if they have been developed by an unquestionable decision-making process. This is one of the reasons why the ESC and others have issued recommendations for formulating and issuing Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents. In spite of the fact that standards for issuing good quality Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents are well defined, recent surveys of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 1998 have shown that methodological standards were not complied with in the vast majority of cases. It is therefore of great importance that guidelines and recommendations are presented in formats that are easily interpreted. Subsequently, their implementation programmes must also be well conducted. Attempts have been made to determine whether guidelines improve the quality of clinical practice and the utilization of health resources. The ESC Committee for …

Terminology for high-risk and vulnerable coronary artery plaques

Abstract: A group of investigators met for two days in Santorini, Greece, to discuss progress in the field of identification and treatment of high risk/vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and patients. Many differences in the manner in which terms are being utilized were noted. It was recognized that increased understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary thrombosis and onset of acute coronary syndromes has created the need for agreement on nomenclature. The participants spent considerable time discussing the topic and reached agreement on their own usage of the terms as described below. It is the hope that this usage might be of value to the larger community of scientists working in this field, and that widespread adoption of a common nomenclature would accelerate progress in the prevention of acute coronary events.

Expert consensus document on beta-adrenergic receptor blockers.

Abstract: Guidelines and Expert Consensus documents aim to present all the relevant evidence on a particular issue in order to help physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. They should be helpful in everyday clinical decision-making. A great number of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents have been issued in recent years by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by different organisations and other related societies. This profusion can put at stake the authority and validity of guidelines, which can only be guaranteed if they have been developed by an unquestionable decision-making process. This is one of the reasons why the ESC and others have issued recommendations for formulating and issuing Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents. In spite of the fact that standards for issuing good quality Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents are well defined, recent surveys of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 1998 have shown that methodological standards were not complied with in the vast majority of cases. It is therefore of great importance that guidelines and recommendations are presented in formats that are easily interpreted. Subsequently, their implementation programmes must also be well conducted. The ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG) supervises and coordinates the preparation of new Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents produced by Task Forces, expert groups or consensus panels. The chosen experts in these writing panels are asked to provide disclosure statements of all relationships they may have which might be perceived as real or potential conflicts of interest. These disclosure forms are kept on file at the European Heart House, headquarters of the ESC. The Committee is also responsible for the endorsement of these Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents or statements. The Task Force has classified and ranked the usefulness or …

The effectiveness of disease management programmes in reducing hospital re-admission in older patients with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published reports

Abstract: Aims To systematically evaluate the published evidence regarding the effectiveness of disease management programmes (DMPs) reducing hospital re-admissions among elderly patients with heart failure (HF). Methods and Results Computerised search of MEDLINE (1966 to 31 August 2003) and EMBASE (1966 to 31 August 2003). The Cochrane Library was also searched, and reference lists of review articles on the topic, and of all relevant studies identified, were scanned. Search and selection of studies, data-extraction using standardised forms, and assessment of study quality was performed by two reviewers. The end-point was the proportion of persons who underwent hospital re-admission, and pooled relative risks (RR) were used to summarise the effectiveness of DMPs. The meta-analysis included 54 articles, comprising 27 randomised and 27 non-randomised controlled studies. Randomised studies consistently suggested that, in comparison with usual care, DMP reduced the frequency of re-admission for HF or cardiovascular disease by 30% (pooled RR 0.70; confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.62–0.79), all-cause re-admission by 12% (pooled RR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79–0.97), and the combined event of re-admission or death by 18% (pooled RR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72–0.94). The results displayed no substantial variation when only DMPs with home visits, out-patient visits to a clinic, or patient follow-up longer than 6 months were included. For DMPs with out-patient clinical visits, however, the reduction in re-admission for HF or cardiovascular disease, and for all causes, did not attain statistical significance. The magnitude of DMP benefits reported by non-randomised studies was more than double that reported by randomised studies. Practically all the non-randomised studies failed to control for confounding factors, such as severity, co-morbidity and drug therapy. Conclusion DMPs are effective at reducing re-admissions among elderly patients with HF. Their effectiveness is close to that observed in clinical trials evaluating drugs for HF, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers or digoxin. However, since none of the DMP studies compared different interventions directly, we do not know the relative effectiveness of types of healthcare delivery within the DMP.

Expert Consensus Document on the Use of Antiplatelet Agents The Task Force on the Use of Antiplatelet Agents in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease of the European Society of Cardiology

Abstract: Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents aim to present all the relevant evidence on a particular issue in order to help physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. They should be helpful in everyday clinical decision-making. A great number of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents have been issued in recent years by different organizations, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by other related societies. By means of links to web sites of National Societies several hundred guidelines are available. This profusion can put at stake the authority and validity of guidelines, which can only be guaranteed if they have been developed by an unquestionable decision-making process. This is one of the reasons why the ESC and others have issued recommendations for formulating and issuing Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents. In spite of the fact that standards for issuing good quality Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents are well defined, recent surveys of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 1998 have shown that methodological standards were not complied within the vast majority of cases. It is therefore of great importance that guidelines and recommendations are presented in formats that are easily interpreted. Subsequently, their implementation programmes must also be well conducted. Attempts have been made to determine whether guidelines improve the quality of clinical practice and the utilization of health resources. The ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines ( CPG ) supervises and coordinates the preparation of new Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents produced by Task Forces, expert groups or consensus panels. The Committee is also responsible for the endorsement of these Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents or statements. The role of aspirin and other platelet-active drugs in the treatment and prevention of atherothrombosis has been reviewed recently by the Sixth American …

Mild and moderate aortic stenosis. Natural history and risk stratification by echocardiography.

Abstract: AIMS To define the natural history and predictors of outcome in mild and moderate aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS AND RESULTS One hundred and seventy-six consecutive asymptomatic patients (73 women, age 58+/-19 years) with mild to moderate AS (jet velocity 2.5 to 3.9m/s) were followed for 48+/-19 months. Haemodynamic progression and clinical outcome was analysed. Event-free survival with end-points defined as death (n=34) or aortic valve surgery (n=33), was 95+/-2%, 75+/-3% and 60+/-5% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Both, cardiac and non-cardiac mortality were significantly increased, resulting in a 1.8 times higher mortality than expected (P<0.005). By multivariate analysis, moderate to severe aortic valve calcification, coronary artery disease (CAD) and peak jet velocity were independent predictors of outcome. Event-free survival for patients with moderate or severe valve calcification was 92+/-4%, 61+/-7% and 42+/-7% at 1, 3 and 5 years versus 100%, 90+/-4% and 82+/-5% for patients with no or mild calcification. Patients with calcified aortic valves, CAD or with an event had a significantly faster haemodynamic progression. Of 129 patients with a follow-up echocardiographic exam, 59 (46%) developed severe stenosis during follow-up. CONCLUSION Outcome of mild and moderate AS is worse than commonly assumed. Rapid progression and excess mortality have to be considered. Significant valve calcification, CAD and rapid progression of aortic jet velocity indicate poor outcome. Patients with these characteristics may require closer follow-up than generally assumed.

Benefits of obstructive sleep apnoea treatment in coronary artery disease: a long-term follow-up study

Abstract: Aim The aim of this long-term prospective study was to evaluate the effect of treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) on the rate of cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and results We prospectively studied 54 patients (mean age 57.3±10.1 years) with both CAD (⩾70% coronary artery stenosis) and OSA (apnoea–hypopnoea index ⩾15). In 25 patients, OSA was treated with continuous positive airway pressure \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \((n=21)\) \end{document} or upper airway surgery \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \((n=4)\) \end{document}; the remaining 29 patients declined treatment for their OSA. The median follow-up was 86.5±39 months. The two groups were similar at baseline in age, body mass index, smoking history, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes mellitus, number of diseased vessels, left ventricular ejection fraction, and CAD therapy. Treatment of risk factors other than OSA was similar in the two groups. The endpoint (a composite of cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome, hospitalisation for heart failure, or need for coronary revascularisation) was reached in 6 (6/25, 24%) and 17 (17/29, 58%) patients with and without OSA treatment, respectively \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \((P{<}0.01)\) \end{document}. OSA treatment significantly reduced the risk of occurrence of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.62; \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(p{<}0.01\) \end{document}) and of each of its components. Conclusions Our data indicate that the treatment of OSA in CAD patients is associated with a decrease in the occurrence of new cardiovascular events, and an increase in the time to such events.

Differences between patients with a preserved and a depressed left ventricular function: a report from the EuroHeart Failure Survey

Abstract: Aims Due to a lack of clinical trials, scientific evidence regarding the management of patients with chronic heart failure and preserved left ventricular function (PLVF) is scarce. The EuroHeart Failure Survey provided information on the characteristics, treatment and outcomes of patients with PLVF as compared to patients with a left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Methods and results We performed a secondary analysis using data from the EuroHeart Failure Survey, only including patients with a measurement of LV function \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \((n=6806)\) \end{document}. We selected two groups: patients with LVSD (54%) and patients with a PLVF (46%). Patients with a PLVF were, on average, 4 years older and more often women (55% vs. 29%, respectively, p <0.001) as compared to LVSD patients, and were more likely to have hypertension (59% vs. 50%, \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(p{<}0.001\) \end{document}) and atrial fibrillation (25% vs. 23%, \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(p=0.01\) \end{document}). PLVF patients received less cardiovascular medication compared to PLVF patients, with the exception of calcium antagonists. Multivariate analysis revealed that LVSD was an independent predictor for mortality, while no differences in treatment effect on mortality between the two groups was observed. A sensitivity analysis, using different thresholds to separate patients with and without LVSD revealed comparable findings. Conclusions In the EuroHeart Failure Survey, a high percentage of heart failure patients had PLVF. Although major clinical differences were seen between the groups, morbidity and mortality was high in both groups.

Increased heart rate and reduced heart-rate variability are associated with subclinical inflammation in middle-aged and elderly subjects with no apparent heart disease

Abstract: Aim Elevation of inflammation markers, high heart rate, and reduced heart-rate variability are all strong markers of mortality in a broad spectrum of patients. The association between these markers has not been clarified thoroughly. We investigated the associations between markers of inflammation, heart rate, and heart-rate variability. Methods and results Six hundred and forty-three healthy men and women between 55 and 75 years of age and with no prior history of cardiovascular disease or stroke were included in the study. The baseline study included a physical examination, fasting laboratory tests, and 24-h ambulatory ECG monitoring. We selected the time-domain components of heart-rate variability for further analyses. C-reactive protein concentration and white blood cell count were selected as markers of inflammation. After identifying parameters related to measures of heart-rate variability, we used regression analyses to evaluate independent associations. Heart-rate variability, as measured by the standard deviation of the time between normal-to-normal complexes or the standard deviation of the average of normal-to-normal intervals for each 5-min period, was negatively associated with smoking, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, blood sugar and triglyceride concentration, female gender, and diabetes. In contrast, physical activity was strongly associated with higher heart-rate variability. In multivariate regression analyses, increased heart-rate and reduced heart-rate variability were significantly and independently related to white blood cell count or C-reactive protein concentration. Conclusion Increased heart rate and reduced heart-rate variability are associated with subclinical inflammation in healthy middle-aged and elderly subjects. The increased mortality that has been reported in these settings may thus have a common aetiology. An autonomic imbalance in favour of the sympathetic system may interact with inflammatory processes to play a more important role in the process of atherosclerosis than previously thought.

The comparative prognostic value of plasma neurohormones at baseline in patients with heart failure enrolled in Val-HeFT

Abstract: Aims Plasma levels of individual neurohormones (NH) have been proposed as reliable indicators for risk stratification of patients with heart failure (HF). Mainly because of small sample size, the predictive value of different NH has never been compared, while taking into account demographic, clinical and echocardiographic markers of risk in HF. Methods and results Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), norepinephrine (NE), renin activity (PRA), aldosterone (aldo) and endothelin were measured in 4300 patients before randomization in Val-HeFT. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between NH and two primary study outcomes, mortality and combined mortality and morbidity (M/M). Higher baseline values for all NH were related to mortality and M/M, with univariate hazard ratios ranging from 1.13 \[95% CI 0.99–1.30\] (aldo) to 2.47 \[2.13–2.87\] (BNP) for mortality, and from 1.24 \[1.11–1.39\] (aldo) to 2.56 \[2.28–2.89\] (BNP) for M/M. In multivariate analyses, BNP had the strongest association with outcome, followed by NE and PRA. Patients with more activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system tended to show greater benefit from valsartan; but the trend was not statistically significant. Conclusion All the NHs evaluated in 4300 patients with stable moderate to severe HF were found to be significant markers of outcome, despite therapy with ACEi, BB and randomization to an angiotensin receptor blocker or placebo. Several of these markers have been implicated as contributors to progression of HF, but BNP, which is thought to be protective, was the most powerful indicator for poor outcome.

Joint effects of physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio with the risk of cardiovascular disease among middle-aged Finnish men and women

Abstract: Aims To assess joint associations of physical activity and different indicators of obesity (body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio) with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods and results The study comprised 18,892 Finnish men and women aged 25–74 years without history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart failure at baseline. Physical activity, different indicators of obesity, education, smoking, blood pressure, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and history of diabetes were measured at baseline. An incident CVD event was defined as the first stroke or coronary heart disease event or CVD death based on national hospital discharge and mortality register data. The median follow-up time was 9.8 years. Physical activity had a strong, independent, and inverse association with CVD risk in both genders. All obesity indicators had a significant direct association with CVD risk after adjustment for age, smoking, education and physical activity. Further adjustment for the obesity-related risk factors weakened the associations and they remained statistically significant in men only. Physical activity and the obesity indicators both predicted CVD risk in men, but in women the joint effect was inconsistent. Conclusion Both regular physical activity and normal weight can reduce the risk of CVD. Physical inactivity seems to have an independent effect on CVD risk, whereas obesity increases the risk partly through the modification of other risk factors.

Interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony are common in heart failure patients, regardless of QRS duration

Abstract: Aims The study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of interventricular and intraventricular contractile dyssynchrony in heart failure patients with either normal or prolonged QRS duration. Methods and results Echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were performed in 158 consecutive patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF<35%); 61 patients had a normal QRS duration (Group 1), 21 patients had left bundle branch block with a QRS duration between 120 and 150 ms (Group 2) and 76 patients had a QRS duration ⩾150 ms (Group 3). Interventricular dyssynchrony (defined by the presence of an interventricular mechanical delay greater than 40 ms) was found in 12.5%, 52.4% and 72% of patients in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively (\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(p{<}0.001\) \end{document}). Intraventricular dyssynchrony (defined by the presence of one or more differences greater than 50 ms among regional pre-ejection periods) was observed in 29.5%, 57.1% and 71% of patients in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively (\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(p{<}0.001\) \end{document}). No relationship was found between interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony. Conclusions A substantial proportion of heart failure patients with a slightly prolonged QRS or even with normal conduction may exhibit ventricular dyssynchrony. Both standard echocardiography and TDI are necessary to describe the entire spectrum of mechanical abnormalities due to dyssynchrony.

Expert consensus document on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in cardiovascular disease. The Task Force on ACE-inhibitors of the European Society of Cardiology.

Abstract: ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG), Silvia G. Priori (Chairperson) (Italy), Maria Angeles Alonso Garcia (Spain), Jean-Jacques Blanc (France), Andrzej Budaj (Poland), Martin Cowie (UK), Veronica Dean (France), Jaap Deckers (The Netherlands), Enrique Fernandez Burgos (Spain), John Lekakis (Greece), Bertil Lindahl (Sweden), Gianfranco Mazzotta (Italy), Keith McGregor (France), Joao Morais (Portugal), Ali Oto (Turkey), Otto A. Smiseth (Norway) Document Reviewers, Maria Angeles Alonso Garcia (CPG Review Coordinator) (Spain), Diego Ardissino (Italy), Cristina Avendano (Spain), Carina Blomstrom-Lundqvist (Sweden), Denis Clement (Belgium), Helmut Drexler (Germany), Roberto Ferrari (Italy), Keith A. Fox (UK), Desmond Julian (UK), Peter Kearney (Ireland), Werner Klein (Austria), Lars Kober (Denmark), Giuseppe Mancia (Italy), Markku Nieminen (Finland), Witold Ruzyllo (Poland), Maarten Simoons (The Netherlands) Kristian Thygesen (Denmark), Gianni Tognoni (Italy), Isabella Tritto (Italy), Lars Wallentin (Sweden) Guidelines and Expert Consensus documents aim to present all the relevant evidence on a particular issue in order to help physicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a particular diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. They should be helpful in everyday clinical decision-making. A great number of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents have been issued in recent years by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and by different organisations and other related societies. This profusion can put at stake the authority and validity of guidelines, which can only be guaranteed if they have been developed by an unquestionable decision-making process. This is one of the reasons why the ESC and others have issued recommendations for formulating and issuing Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents. In spite of the fact that standards for issuing good quality Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents are well defined, recent surveys of Guidelines and Expert Consensus Documents published in peer-reviewed journals between 1985 and 1998 have shown that methodological standards were not complied with in the vast majority of cases. It …

Low physical activity as a predictor for total and cardiovascular disease mortality in middle-aged men and women in Finland.

Abstract: Aims To investigate separately for men and women whether moderate or high leisure time physical activity, occupational physical activity, and commuting activity are associated with a reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality, independent of CVD risk factors and other forms of physical activity. Methods and results Prospective follow-up of 15,853 men and 16,824 women aged 30–59 years living in eastern and south-western Finland (median follow-up time 20 years). CVD and all-cause mortality were lower (9–21%) in men and women (2–17%) who were moderately or highly physically active during leisure time. Moderate and high levels of occupational physical activity decreased CVD and all-cause mortality by 21–27% in both sexes. Women spending daily 15 min or more in walking or cycling to and from work had a reduced CVD and all-cause mortality before adjustment for occupational and leisure time physical activity. Commuting activity was not associated with CVD or all-cause mortality in men. Conclusion Moderate and high levels of leisure time and occupational physical activity are associated with a reduced CVD and all-cause mortality among both sexes. Promoting already moderate levels of leisure time and occupational physical activity are essential to prevent premature CVD and all-cause mortality.

Prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion: results of the PAFAC trial

Abstract: Aims In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), the efficacy and safety of two anti-arrhythmic drugs in preventing the recurrence of AF after successful direct current (DC) cardioversion was prospectively assessed in a multi-centre double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial using daily trans-telephonic monitoring. Methods and results 1182 patients with persistent AF were prospectively enrolled, 848 patients were successfully cardioverted and then randomised to either sotalol (383 patients), quinidine plus verapamil (377 patients) or placebo (88 patients). The primary outcome parameter was AF recurrence or death. All patients received an event recorder (Tele-ECG) and had to record and transmit via telephone at least one ECG per day during follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 266 days. A total of 191,103 Tele-ECGs were recorded and transmitted. The primary outcome parameter (AF recurrence of any kind or death) was observed in 572 patients (67%) in whom at least one episode of AF recurrence was documented during follow-up, in 348 patients (41%) AF recurrence was persistent. The recurrence rates after one year for any AF were 83% for placebo, 67% for sotalol and 65% for quinidine plus verapamil, the latter being statistically superior to placebo but not different from sotalol. The recurrence rates for the secondary outcome parameter persistent AF were 77%, 49% and 38%, respectively. Quinidine plus verapamil was significantly superior to placebo and to sotalol. About 95% of all AF recurrences were initially detected in the daily Tele-ECG, about 70% of all AF recurrences occurred completely asymptomatic. Adverse events on sotalol and quinidine plus verapamil were comparable with the exception that all torsade de pointes tachycardias occurred on sotalol. Conclusion Anti-arrhythmic treatment after DC cardioversion of persistent AF significantly decreases the recurrence rates of persistent AF compared to placebo with superiority of quinidine plus verapamil compared to sotalol. Symptoms were not reliable as clinical surrogates to detect episodes of AF.

High clopidogrel loading dose during coronary stenting: effects on drug response and interindividual variability

Abstract: Aim To assess platelet inhibitory effects, interindividual variability in platelet inhibition as well as response to a 600 mg, compared to a standard 300 mg, clopidogrel loading dose (LD) after coronary stenting Methods and results Platelet function profiles were assessed in 50 patients undergoing coronary stenting receiving either a 300 mg ( n =27) or 600 mg clopidogrel LD. ADP (6 I¼M) and collagen (6 I¼g/mL) induced platelet aggregation, as well as ADP (2 I¼M) induced glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa activation and P-selectin expression were assessed at baseline and 4, 24, and 48 h following clopidogrel front-loading. A more intense and rapid inhibition of platelet activation (both GP IIb/IIIa activation and P-selectin expression) were achieved using a 600 mg, compared to a 300 mg, LD throughout the entire 48 hours ( p <0.001). Although there were no differences in platelet aggregation, overall a 600 mg LD increased the number of clopidogrel responders and this was also achieved earlier compared to a 300 mg LD. A 600 mg LD did not reduce interindividual variability of platelet response. Conclusion The use of a 600 mg clopidogrel LD in patients undergoing coronary stenting optimises platelet inhibitory effects early after intervention and may provide a more effective protection against early thrombotic complications.

Atherothrombosis: A widespread disease with unpredictable and life-threatening consequences

Abstract: Atherothrombosis, characterised by atherosclerotic lesion disruption with superimposed thrombus formation, is the major cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and cardiovascular death. It is the leading cause of mortality in the industrialised world. Atherosclerosis is a diffuse process that starts early in childhood and progresses asymptomatically through adult life. Later in life, it is clinically manifested as coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischaemic attack, and peripheral arterial disease. From the clinical point of view, we should envision this disease as a single pathologic entity that affects different vascular territories. Available antithrombotic therapy is very safe and efficient but the morbidity and mortality due to atherothrombosis is still unacceptably high. Recent evidence suggests that inhibition of tissue factor or elements in the tissue factor pathway (i.e., factors VIIa and Xa, or thrombin) has the potential to further improve outcomes in atherothrombosis. Here, we will review the most important concepts and advances in the pathogenesis, prevention, and antithrombotic treatment of this widespread disease.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of permanent cardiac pacing for the treatment of recurrent tilt-induced vasovagal syncope. The vasovagal syncope and pacing trial (SYNPACE)

Abstract: Aims Recently, some studies revealed the efficacy of pacemaker implantation in decreasing recurrences in patients with vasovagal syncope. As these studies were not blinded or placebo-controlled, the benefits observed might have been due to a bias in the assessment of outcomes or to a placebo effect of the pacemaker. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in order to ascertain if pacing therapy reduces the risk of syncope relapse. Methods and results Twenty-nine patients (53±16 years; 19 women) with severe recurrent tilt-induced vasovagal syncope (median 12 syncopes in the lifetime) and 1 syncopal relapse after head-up tilt testing underwent implantation of a pacemaker, and were randomized to pacemaker ON or to pacemaker OFF. During a median of 715 days of follow-up, 8 (50%) patients randomized to pacemaker ON had recurrence of syncope compared to 5 (38%) of patients randomized to pacemaker OFF ( p =n.s.); the median time to first syncope was longer in the pacemaker ON than in pacemaker OFF group, although not significantly so (97 [38–144] vs 20 [4–302] days; p =0.38). There was also no significant difference in the subgroups of patients who had had a mixed response and in those who had had an asystolic response during head-up tilt testing. Conclusion Our data were unable to show a superiority of active pacing versus inactive pacing in preventing syncopal recurrence in patients with severe recurrent tilt-induced vasovagal syncope.

The Metabolic Syndrome is associated with advanced vascular damage in patients with coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease or abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract: Aims The metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients without a cardiovascular history. We investigated whether the metabolic syndrome is related to the extent of vascular damage in patients with various manifestations of vascular disease. Methods and results The study population of this cross-sectional survey consisted of 502 patients recently diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD), 236 with stroke, 218 with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and 89 with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Carotid Intima Media Thickness (IMT), Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) and albuminuria were used as non-invasive markers of vascular damage and adjusted for age and sex if appropriate. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the study population was 45%. In PAD patients this was 57%; in CHD patients 40%, in stroke patients 43% and in AAA patients 45%. Patients with the metabolic syndrome had an increased mean IMT (0.98 vs 0.92mm, P -value <0.01), more often a decreased ABPI (14% vs 10%, P -value 0.06) and increased prevalence of albuminuria (20% vs 15%, P -value 0.03) compared to patients without this syndrome. An increase in the number of components of the metabolic syndrome was associated with an increase in mean IMT ( P -value for trend <0.001), lower ABPI ( P -value for trend <0.01) and higher prevalence albuminuria ( P -value for trend <0.01). Conclusion In patients with manifest vascular disease the presence of the metabolic syndrome is associated with advanced vascular damage.

Primary hyperparathyroidism and heart disease - a review.

Abstract: Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), caused by solitary parathyroid adenomas in 85% of cases and diffuse hyperplasia in most of the remaining cases, overproduces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which mobilizes calcium to the blood stream. Renal stones, osteoporosis and diffuse symptoms of hypercalcaemia, such as constipation, fatigue and weakness are well-known complications. However, in Western Europe and North America, patients with pHPT are nowadays usually discovered during an early, asymptomatic phase of the disease. It has been reported that patients suffering from symptomatic pHPT have increased mortality, mainly due to an overrepresentation of cardiovascular death. pHPT is reported to be associated with hypertension, disturbances in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and structural and functional alterations in the vascular wall. Recently, studies have indicated an association between pHPT and heart disease, and studies in vitro have produced a number of theoretical approaches. An increased prevalence of cardiac structural abnormalities such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and valvular and myocardial calcification has been observed. Associations have been found between PTH and LVH, and between LVH and serum calcium. LV systolic function does not seem to be affected in patients with pHPT, whereas any influence on LV diastolic performance needs further evaluation. The aim of this review is to clarify the connection between pHPT and cardiac disease.

Newly detected abnormal glucose tolerance: an important predictor of long-term outcome after myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Aims Recent data revealed that patients with myocardial infarction (MI) have a high prevalence of previously unknown diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). The added prognostic importance of this finding has not been prospectively explored. To investigate whether a newly detected abnormal glucose tolerance (IGT or DM) assessed early after an MI, is related to long-term prognosis. Methods and results Patients ( n =168; age 63.5±9.3 years) with MI, no previous DM and admission blood glucose <11.0 mmol/l were followed for major cardiovascular events defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke or severe heart failure (HF). According to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before hospital discharge, 55 patients had normal and 113 abnormal glucose tolerance (GT). During the follow-up of median 34 months there were eight cardiovascular deaths, 15 patients had a recurrent MI, six had a stroke and ten severe HF. All patients who died from cardiovascular causes had abnormal GT. The composite cardiovascular event occurred in 31 (18%) patients. The probability of remaining free from cardiovascular events was significantly higher in patients with normal than abnormal GT ( p =0.002). Together with previous MI, abnormal GT was the strongest predictor of future cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 4.18; CI 1.26-13.84; p =0.019). Conclusions Abnormal glucose tolerance is a strong risk factor for future cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction. Since it is common and possible to detect even during the hospital phase it may be a target for novel secondary preventive efforts.