Search

The treatment of patients with advanced acute heart failure is still challenging. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has widely been used in the management of patients with cardiogenic shock. However, according to international guidelines, its routinary use in patients with cardiogenic shock is not recommended. This recommendation is derived from the results of the IABP-SHOCK II trial, which demonstrated that IABP does not reduce all-cause mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock. The present position paper, released by the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists, reviews the available data derived from clinical studies. It also provides practical recommendations for the optimal use of IABP in the treatment of cardiogenic shock and advanced acute heart failure.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented event that has brought deep changes in hospital facilities with reshaping of the health system organization, revealing inadequacies of current hospital and local health systems. When the COVID-19 emergency will end, further evaluation of the national health system, new organization of acute wards, and a further evolution of the entire health system will be needed to improve care during the chronic phase of disease. Therefore, new standards for healthcare personnel, more efficient organization of hospital facilities for patients with acute illnesses, improvement of technological approaches, and better integration between hospital and territorial services should be pursued. With experience derived from the COVID-19 pandemic,new models, paradigms, interventional approaches, values and priorities should be suggested and implemented.

In 2018, the position paper ‘Imaging the adult with congenital heart disease: a multimodality imaging approach’ was published. The paper highlights, in the first part, the different imaging modalities applied in adult congenital heart disease patients. In the second part, these modalities are discussed more detailed for moderate to complex anatomical defects. Because of the length of the paper, simple lesions were not touched on. However, imaging modalities to use for simple shunt lesions are still poorly known. One is looking for structured recommendations on which they can rely when dealing with an (undiscovered) shunt lesion. This information is lacking for the initial diagnostic process, during repair and at follow-up. Therefore, this paper will focus on atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and persistent arterial duct. Pre-, intra-, and post-procedural imaging techniques will be systematically discussed. This position paper will offer algorithms that might help at a glance. The document is prepared for general cardiologists, trainees, medical students, imagers/technicians to select the most appropriate imaging modality and to detect the requested information for each specific lesion. It might serve as reference to which researchers could refer when setting up a (imaging) study.

The aims of this paper were to provide an overview of available activity monitors used in research in patients with heart failure and to identify the key criteria in the selection of the most appropriate activity monitor for collecting, reporting, and analysing physical activity in heart failure research. This study was conducted in three parts. First, the literature was systematically reviewed to identify physical activity concepts and activity monitors used in heart failure research. Second, an additional scoping literature search for validation of these activity monitors was conducted. Third, the most appropriate criteria in the selection of activity monitors were identified. Nine activity monitors were evaluated in terms of size, weight, placement, costs, data storage, water resistance, outcomes and validation, and cut-off points for physical activity intensity levels were discussed. The choice of a monitor should depend on the research aims, study population and design regarding physical activity. If the aim is to motivate patients to be active or set goals, a less rigorously tested tool can be considered. On the other hand, if the aim is to measure physical activity and its changes over time or following treatment adjustment, it is important to choose a valid activity monitor with a storage and battery longevity of at least one week. The device should provide raw data and valid cut-off points should be chosen for analysing physical activity intensity levels. Other considerations in choosing an activity monitor should include data storage location and ownership and the upfront costs of the device. Funding Agencies|European Society of Cardiology Funding Source: Medline

International audience; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the reference imaging for the management of a large number of diseases. The number of MR examinations increases every year, simultaneously with the number of patients receiving a cardiac electronic implantable device (CEID). A CEID was considered an absolute contraindication for MRI for years. The progressive replacement of conventional pacemakers and defibrillators by MR-conditional CEIDs and recent data on the safety of MRI in patients with "MR-nonconditional" CEIDs have progressively increased the demand for MRI in patients with a CEID. However, some risks are associated with MRI in CEID carriers, even with "MR-conditional" devices because these devices are not "MR-safe". A specific programing of the device in "MR-mode" and monitoring patients during MRI remain mandatory for all patients with a CEID. A standardized patient workflow based on an institutional protocol should be established in each institution performing such examinations. This joint position paper of the Working Group of Pacing and Electrophysiology of the French Society of Cardiology and the Société française d'imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) describes the effect and risks associated with MRI in CEID carriers. We propose recommendations for patient workflow and monitoring and CEID programming in MR-conditional, "MR-conditional nonguaranteed" and MR-nonconditional devices.

Nonischemic-dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) is an entity that gathers extremely heterogeneous diseases. This awareness, although leading to continuous improvement in survival, has increased the complexity of NIDCM patients' management. Even though the endorsed 'red-flags' approach helps clinicians in pursuing an accurate etiological definition in clinical practice, it is not clear when and how peripheral centers should interact with referral centers with specific expertise in challenging scenarios (e.g. postmyocarditis and genetically determined dilated cardiomyopathy) and with easier access to second-line diagnostic tools and therapies. This position paper will summarize each step in NIDCM management, highlighting the multiple interactions between peripheral and referral centers, from first-line diagnostic workup and therapy to advanced heart failure management and long-term follow-up.

Author(s): Anker, Stefan D; Butler, Javed; Khan, Muhammad Shahzeb; Abraham, William T; Bauersachs, Johann; Bocchi, Edimar; Bozkurt, Biykem; Braunwald, Eugene; Chopra, Vijay K; Cleland, John G; Ezekowitz, Justin; Filippatos, Gerasimos; Friede, Tim; Hernandez, Adrian F; Lam, Carolyn SP; Lindenfeld, JoAnn; McMurray, John JV; Mehra, Mandeep; Metra, Marco; Packer, Milton; Pieske, Burkert; Pocock, Stuart J; Ponikowski, Piotr; Rosano, Giuseppe MC; Teerlink, John R; Tsutsui, Hiroyuki; Van Veldhuisen, Dirk J; Verma, Subodh; Voors, Adriaan A; Wittes, Janet; Zannad, Faiez; Zhang, Jian; Seferovic, Petar; Coats, Andrew JS | Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has important implications for the safety of participants in clinical trials and the research staff caring for them and, consequently, for the trials themselves. Patients with heart failure may be at greater risk of infection with COVID-19 and the consequences might also be more serious, but they are also at risk of adverse outcomes if their clinical care is compromised. As physicians and clinical trialists, it is our responsibility to ensure safe and effective care is delivered to trial participants without affecting the integrity of the trial. The social contract with our patients demands no less. Many regulatory authorities from different world regions have issued guidance statements regarding the conduct of clinical trials during this COVID-19 crisis. However, international trials may benefit from expert guidance from a global panel of experts to supplement local advice and regulations, thereby enhancing the safety of participants and the integrity of the trial. Accordingly, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology on 21 and 22 March 2020 conducted web-based meetings with expert clinical trialists in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Asia. The main objectives of this Expert Position Paper are to highlight the challenges that this pandemic poses for the conduct of clinical trials in heart failure and to offer advice on how they might be overcome, with some practical examples. While this panel of experts are focused on heart failure clinical trials, these discussions and recommendations may apply to clinical trials in other therapeutic areas.

Heart failure is a complex syndrome affecting several organs including kidney, lungs, liver, brain muscles and sympathetic system. Each of these organs might contribute to its severity and prognosis. The prognosis assessment is critical for a correct heart failure management. It has already been demonstrated that a single parameter is weaker for prognosis than different parameters combined. The Metabolic Exercise test data combined with Cardiac and Kidney Indexes (MECKI) score has been built and validated for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients by considering cardiopulmonary exercise test data combined with clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic measurements. The betablockers treatment is a milestone in the HFrEF management. In the MECKI score database, the association of betablockers treatment with outcome has been investigated in different settings.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to preventive measures worldwide. With the decline of infection rates, less stringent restrictions for sports and exercise are being implemented. COVID-19 is associated with significant cardiovascular complications; however there are limited data on cardiovascular complications and long-term outcomes in both competitive (elite) athletes and highly active individuals. Based on different categories of disease severity (asymptomatic, regional/systemic symptoms, hospitalisation, myocardial damage, and/or myocarditis), in this point-of-view article we offer the (sports) cardiologist or sports physician in the Netherlands a practical guide to pre-participation screening, and diagnostic and management strategies in all athletes >16 years of age after COVID-19 infection.

The management of patients with stroke is often multidisciplinary, involving various specialties and healthcare professionals. Given the common shared risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease, input may also be required from the cardiovascular teams, as well as patient caregivers and next-of-kin. Ultimately, the patient is central to all this, requiring a coordinated and uniform approach to the priorities of post-stroke management, which can be consistently implemented by different multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, as part of the patient ‘journey’ or ‘patient pathway,’ supported by appropriate education and tele-medicine approaches. All these aspects would ultimately aid delivery of care and improve patient (and caregiver) engagement and empowerment. Given the need to address the multidisciplinary approach to holistic or integrated care of patients with heart disease and stroke, the European Society of Cardiology Council on Stroke convened a Task Force, with the remit to propose a consensus on Integrated care management for optimizing the management of stroke and associated heart disease. The present position paper summarizes the available evidence and proposes consensus statements that may help to define evidence gaps and simple practical approaches to assist in everyday clinical practice. A post-stroke ABC pathway is proposed, as a more holistic approach to integrated stroke care, would include three pillars of management: A: Appropriate Antithrombotic therapy.B: Better functional and psychological status.C: Cardiovascular risk factors and Comorbidity optimization (including lifestyle changes).

Contains fulltext : 220920.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) Patients with myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), defined as angiographic stenosis

Improvements in survival among cancer patients have revealed the clinical impact of cardiotoxicity on both cardiovascular and hematological and oncological outcomes, especially when it leads to the interruption of highly effective antitumor therapies. Atrial fibrillation is a common complication in patients with active cancer and its treatment poses a major challenge. These patients have an increased thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risk but standard stroke prediction scores have not been validated in this population. The aim of this expert consensus-based document is to provide a multidisciplinary and practical approach to the prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with active cancer. This is a position paper of the Spanish Cardio-Oncology working group and the Spanish Thrombosis working group, drafted in collaboration with experts from the Spanish Society of Cardiology, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology, and the Spanish Society of Hematology.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CCT) are advanced imaging modalities that recently revolutionized the conventional diagnostic approach to congenital heart diseases (CHD), supporting echocardiography and often replacing cardiac catheterization. Nevertheless, correct execution and interpretation require in-depth knowledge of all technical and clinical aspects of CHD, a careful assessment of risks and benefits before each exam, proper imaging protocols to maximize diagnostic information, minimizing harm. This position paper, written by experts from the Working Group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology and from the Italian College of Cardiac Radiology of the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology, is intended as a practical guide for applying CCT and CMR in children and adults with CHD, wishing to support Radiologists, Pediatricians, Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons in the multimodality diagnostic approach to these patients. The first part provides a review of the most relevant literature in the field, describes each modality's advantage and drawback, making considerations on the main applications, image quality, and safety issues. The second part focuses on clinical indications and appropriateness criteria for CMR and CCT, considering the level of CHD complexity, the clinical and logistic setting and the operator expertise.

1School of Medicine, Division of Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; 2Slovenia Academic Research Center, Slovenian Medical Academy, Medical Association of Slovenia and SMA, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 3Department of Vascular Surgery, Apollo-CVHF Hospital, Ahmedabad, India; 4Clinic of Angiology, Zentrum f iota ir Innere Medizin II, Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum, Potsdam, Germany; 5Unit of Angiology, Department of Biomedical Science, Research Center on Vascular Disease, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; 6Department of Vascular Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman; 7Division of Vascular Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 8Varicose Veins and Vascular Polyclinic (VVVC), Damascus, Syria; 9National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh; 10Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; 11Department of Vascular Surgery, St. James's Hospital/Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; 12Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Mekur, Zagreb, Croatia; 13Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Ramaiah Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, India; 14Unit of Vascular Surgery, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; 15Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; 16Department of Angiology, St. Imre University Teaching Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; 17Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, UK; 18Hematology and Thrombosis Center, Hopitaux Universitaires de l'Est Parisien, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, Faculty of Medicine

We aim to provide a critical appraisal of basic concepts underlying signal recording and processing technologies applied for (i) atrial fibrillation (AF) mapping to unravel AF mechanisms and/or identifying target sites for AF therapy and (ii) AF detection, to optimize usage of technologies, stimulate research aimed at closing knowledge gaps, and developing ideal AF recording and processing technologies. Recording and processing techniques for assessment of electrical activity during AF essential for diagnosis and guiding ablative therapy including body surface electrocardiograms (ECG) and endo- or epicardial electrograms (EGM) are evaluated. Discussion of (i) differences in uni-, bi-, and multi-polar (omnipolar/Laplacian) recording modes, (ii) impact of recording technologies on EGM morphology, (iii) global or local mapping using various types of EGM involving signal processing techniques including isochronal-, voltage- fractionation-, dipole density-, and rotor mapping, enabling derivation of parameters like atrial rate, entropy, conduction velocity/direction, (iv) value of epicardial and optical mapping, (v) AF detection by cardiac implantable electronic devices containing various detection algorithms applicable to stored EGMs, (vi) contribution of machine learning (ML) to further improvement of signals processing technologies. Recording and processing of EGM (or ECG) are the cornerstones of (body surface) mapping of AF. Currently available AF recording and processing technologies are mainly restricted to specific applications or have technological limitations. Improvements in AF mapping by obtaining highest fidelity source signals (e.g. catheter–electrode combinations) for signal processing (e.g. filtering, digitization, and noise elimination) is of utmost importance. Novel acquisition instruments (multi-polar catheters combined with improved physical modelling and ML techniques) will enable enhanced and automated interpretation of EGM recordings in the near future.

This position paper provides a comprehensive guide for optimal follow-up of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), covering multiple relevant aspects of patient counselling. It serves as a practical guide to treating patients with acute PE complementary to the formal 2019 European Society of Cardiology guidelines developed with the European Respiratory Society. We propose a holistic approach considering the whole spectrum of serious adverse events that patients with acute PE may encounter on the short and long run. We underline the relevance of assessment of modifiable risk factors for bleeding, of acquired thrombophilia and limited cancer screening (unprovoked PE) as well as a dedicated surveillance for the potential development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension as part of routine practice; routine testing for genetic thrombophilia should be avoided. We advocate the use of outcome measures for functional outcome and quality of life to quantify the impact of the PE diagnosis and identify patients with the post-PE syndrome early. Counselling patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle mitigates the risk of the post-PE syndrome and improves cardiovascular prognosis. Therefore, we consider it important to discuss when and how to resume sporting activities soon after diagnosing PE. Additional patient-relevant topics that require Focused counselling are travel and birth control., Graphical Abstract Graphical AbstractOverview of main conclusions of the position paper. APS, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time; CTEPH, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; PE, pulmonary embolism.

Echocardiography is a reliable and reproducible method to assess non-invasively cardiac function in clinical and experimental research. Significant progress in the development of echocardiographic equipment and transducers has led to the successful translation of this methodology from humans to rodents, allowing for the scoring of disease severity and progression, testing of new drugs, and monitoring cardiac function in genetically modified or pharmacologically treated animals. However, as yet, there is no standardization in the procedure to acquire echocardiographic measurements in small animals. This position paper focuses on the appropriate acquisition and analysis of echocardiographic parameters in adult mice and rats, and provides reference values, representative images, and videos for the accurate and reproducible quantification of left ventricular function in healthy and pathological conditions. ispartof: CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH vol:117 issue:1 pages:43-59 ispartof: location:England status: published

Background Brugada syndrome is a rare inherited arrhythmic syndrome with a coved type 1 ST-segment elevation on ECG and an increased risk of sudden death. Many studies have evaluated risk stratification performance based on ECG-derived parameters. However, since historical Brugada patient cohorts included mostly paper ECGs, most studies have been based on manual ECG parameter measurements. We hypothesized that it would be possible to run automated algorithm-based analysis of paper ECGs. We aimed: 1) to validate the digitization process for paper ECGs in Brugada patients; and 2) to quantify the acute class I antiarrhythmic drug effect on relevant ECG parameters in Brugada syndrome. Methods A total of 176 patients (30% female, 43 ± 13 years old) with induced type 1 Brugada syndrome ECG were included in the study. All of the patients had paper ECGs before and during class I antiarrhythmic drug challenge. Twenty patients also had a digital ECG, in whom printouts were used to validate the digitization process. Paper ECGs were scanned and then digitized using ECGScan software, version 3.4.0 (AMPS, LLC, New York, NY, USA) to obtain FDA HL7 XML format ECGs. Measurements were automatically performed using the Bravo (AMPS, LLC, New York, NY, USA) and Glasgow algorithms. Results ECG parameters obtained from digital and digitized ECGs were closely correlated (r = 0.96 ± 0.07, R2 = 0.93 ± 0.12). Class I antiarrhythmic drugs significantly increased the global QRS duration (from 113 ± 20 to 138 ± 23, p Conclusions Automated algorithm-based measurements of depolarization and repolarization parameters from digitized paper ECGs are reliable and could quantify the acute effects of class 1 antiarrhythmic drug challenge in Brugada patients. Our results support using computerized automated algorithm-based analyses from digitized paper ECGs to establish risk stratification decision trees in Brugada syndrome.

Morbidity and mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and heart failure (HF) remain significant in Europe and are increasing worldwide. Patients with IHD or HF might benefit from novel therapeutic strategies, such as cell-based therapies. We recently discussed the therapeutic potential of cell-based therapies and provided recommendations on how to improve the therapeutic translation of these novel strategies for effective cardiac regeneration and repair. Despite major advances in optimizing these strategies with respect to cell source and delivery method, the clinical outcome of cell-based therapy remains unsatisfactory. Major obstacles are the low engraftment and survival rate of transplanted cells in the harmful microenvironment of the host tissue, and the paucity or even lack of endogenous cells with repair capacity. Therefore, new ways of delivering cells and their derivatives are required in order to empower cell-based cardiac repair and regeneration in patients with IHD or HF. Strategies using tissue engineering (TE) combine cells with matrix materials to enhance cell retention or cell delivery in the transplanted area, and have recently received much attention for this purpose. Here, we summarize knowledge on novel approaches emerging from the TE scenario. In particular, we will discuss how combinations of cell/bio-materials (e.g. hydrogels, cell sheets, prefabricated matrices, microspheres, and injectable matrices) combinations might enhance cell retention or cell delivery in the transplantation areas, thereby increase the success rate of cell therapies for IHD and HF. We will not focus on the use of classical engineering approaches, employing fully synthetic materials, because of their unsatisfactory material properties which render them not clinically applicable. The overall aim of this Position Paper from the ESC Working Group Cellular Biology of the Heart is to provide recommendations on how to proceed in research with these novel TE strategies combined with cell-based therapies to boost cardiac repair in the clinical settings of IHD and HF. © Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved.

On December 18, 2020, an expert council was held with the participation of members of the Russian Society of Cardiology, the Eurasian Association of Ther-apists, the National Society for Atherothrombosis, the National Society for Evi-dence-Based Pharmacotherapy, and the Russian Heart Failure Society. The event was devoted to the discussion of the correct use of research data of "real clinical practice" in decision making.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a valid and effective alternative to endoatherectomy when performed by experienced operators. The conventional approach used is the transfemoral one, but in the last 10 years a transradial (TR) approach, the standard access for cardiac catheterization, became widely adopted for peripheral vascular interventions, included the extracranial carotids. Preliminary experiences suggest this approach as safe and effective, especially in specific anatomical and clinical settings that have been shown to be associated with high risk of complications from the femoral route. Lacking international guidelines, this document, promoted by the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology - Gruppo Italiano Studi Emodinamici (SICI-GISE), was drawn-up by a panel of interventional cardiologists with a documented experience on the subject, focusing on the indications, techniques and materials that should be used for this type of intervention and the most recent literature on the subject.

Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging owns a pivotal role in the preoperative assessment of patient candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), providing a wide range of crucial information to select the patients who will benefit the most and have the procedure done safely. This document has been developed by a joined group of experts of the Italian Society of Cardiology and the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology and aims to produce an updated consensus statement about the pre-procedural imaging assessment in candidate patients for TAVI intervention. The writing committee consisted of members and experts of both societies who worked jointly to develop a more integrated approach in the field of cardiac and vascular radiology. Part 2 of the document will cover CT and MR angiography, standard medical reporting, and future perspectives.

This article discusses some of the key issues outlined in the latest experts position paper regarding the ventricular ablation.

Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting multiple arterial territories. Patients with clinical atherosclerotic disease in one vascular bed are likely to have asymptomatic or symptomatic atherosclerotic lesions in other vascular beds. Specifically, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often coexists with coronary and carotid disease. With progression of atherosclerotic disease in one vascular bed, the risk of clinical manifestations in other territories increases and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events increases substantially with the number of affected vascular beds. Classical risk factors are associated with the development of polyvascular atherosclerotic disease (PVD) in different territories; however, to a different extent. Risk modification represents basic treatment of patients with PVD. All modifiable risk factors should be aggressively controlled by lifestyle modification and medication. Particular attention should be directed to patients with PAD who are often undertreated in spite of the proven benefits of guideline-based approach. There is currently no proof that identification of asymptomatic atherosclerosis and PVD improves clinical outcomes in patients who are already in prevention programs. Revascularization should be performed only in symptomatic vascular beds, using the least aggressive method according to consensual decision of a multidisciplinary vascular team.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as new mainstream technique for the evaluation of patients with cardiac diseases, providing unique information to support clinical decision-making. This document has been developed by a joined group of experts of the Italian Society of Cardiology and Italian society of Radiology and aims to produce an updated consensus statement about the current state of technology and clinical applications of CMR. The writing committee consisted of members and experts of both societies who worked jointly to develop a more integrated approach in the field of cardiac radiology. Part 1 of the document will cover ischemic heart disease, congenital heart disease, cardio-oncology, cardiac masses and heart transplant.

COVID-19 is also manifested with hypercoagulability, pulmonary intravascular coagulation, microangiopathy, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) or arterial thrombosis. Predisposing risk factors to severe COVID-19 are male sex, underlying cardiovascular disease, or cardiovascular risk factors including noncontrolled diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension, obesity, and advanced age. The VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine draws attention to patients with vascular disease (VD) and presents an integral strategy for the management of patients with VD or cardiovascular risk factors (VD-CVR) and COVID-19. VAS recommends (1) a COVID-19-oriented primary health care network for patients with VD-CVR for identification of patients with VD-CVR in the community and patients' education for disease symptoms, use of eHealth technology, adherence to the antithrombotic and vascular regulating treatments, and (2) close medical follow-up for efficacious control of VD progression and prompt application of physical and social distancing measures in case of new epidemic waves. For patients with VD-CVR who receive home treatment for COVID-19, VAS recommends assessment for (1) disease worsening risk and prioritized hospitalization of those at high risk and (2) VTE risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban, betrixaban, or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for those at high risk. For hospitalized patients with VD-CVR and COVID-19, VAS recommends (1) routine thromboprophylaxis with weight-adjusted intermediate doses of LMWH (unless contraindication); (2) LMWH as the drug of choice over unfractionated heparin or direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of VTE or hypercoagulability; (3) careful evaluation of the risk for disease worsening and prompt application of targeted antiviral or convalescence treatments; (4) monitoring of D-dimer for optimization of the antithrombotic treatment; and (5) evaluation of the risk of VTE before hospital discharge using the IMPROVE-D-dimer score and prolonged post-discharge thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban, betrixaban, or LMWH.

The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) last published its comprehensive expert panel report of clinical indications for CMR in 2004. This new Consensus Panel report brings those indications up to date for 2020 and includes the very substantial increase in scanning techniques, clinical applicability and adoption of CMR worldwide. We have used a nearly identical grading system for indications as in 2004 to ensure comparability with the previous report but have added the presence of randomized controlled trials as evidence for level 1 indications. In addition to the text, tables of the consensus indication levels are included for rapid assimilation and illustrative figures of some key techniques are provided. ispartof: JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE vol:22 issue:1 ispartof: location:England status: published

Non-invasive cardiovascular imaging owns a pivotal role in the preoperative assessment of patients for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), providing a wide range of crucial information to select the patients who will benefit the most and have the procedure done safely. Although advanced cardiac imaging with cardiac computed tomography is routinely used for a detailed anatomic assessment before TAVI, echocardiography remains the first imaging modality to assess aortic stenosis severity and to provide essential functional information. This document results from the collaboration between the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC) and the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), aiming to produce an updated consensus statement about the pre-procedural imaging assessment in patient for TAVI. The writing committee is composed of radiologists and cardiologists, experts in the field of cardiac imaging and structural heart diseases. Part 1 of the document, after a brief overview of the clinical indication and basic technical aspects of TAVI, will focus on the role of echocardiography in TAVI pre-procedural planning.

International audience; Acute cardiovascular care has progressed considerably since the last position paper was published 10 years ago. It is now a well-defined, complex field with demanding multidisciplinary teamworking. The Acute Cardiovascular Care Association has provided this update of the 2005 position paper on acute cardiovascular care organisation, using a multinational working group. The patient population has changed, and intensive cardiovascular care units now manage a large range of conditions from those simply requiring specialised monitoring, to critical cardiovascular diseases with associated multi-organ failure. To describe better intensive cardiovascular care units case mix, acuity of care has been divided into three levels, and then defining intensive cardiovascular care unit functional organisation. For each level of intensive cardiovascular care unit, this document presents the aims of the units, the recommended management structure, the optimal number of staff, the need for specially trained cardiologists and cardiovascular nurses, the desired equipment and architecture, and the interaction with other departments in the hospital and other intensive cardiovascular care units in the region/area. This update emphasises cardiologist training, referring to the recently updated Acute Cardiovascular Care Association core curriculum on acute cardiovascular care. The training of nurses in acute cardiovascular care is additionally addressed. Intensive cardiovascular care unit expertise is not limited to within the unit's geographical boundaries, extending to different specialties and subspecialties of cardiology and other specialties in order to optimally manage the wide scope of acute cardiovascular conditions in frequently highly complex patients. This position paper therefore addresses the need for the inclusion of acute cardiac care and intensive cardiovascular care units within a hospital network, linking university medical centres, large community hospitals, and smaller hospitals with more limited capabilities.

Brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) makeup approximately one third of prevalent dialysis vascular accesses. The most common cause of malfunction with this access is cephalic arch stenosis (CAS). The accepted requirement for treatment of a venous stenosis lesion is ⩾50% stenosis associated with hemodynamically abnormalities. However, the correlation between percentage stenosis and a clinically significant decrease in access blood flow (Qa) is low. The critical parameter is the absolute minimal luminal diameter (MLD) of the lesion. This is the parameter that exerts the key restrictive effect on Qa and results in hemodynamic and functional implications for the access. CAS is the result of low wall shear stress (WSS) resulting from the effects of increased blood flow and the unique anatomical configuration of the CAS. Decrease in WSS has a linear relationship to increased blood flow velocity and neointimal hyperplasia exhibits an inverse relationship with WSS. The result is a stenotic lesion. The presence of downstream venous stenosis causes an inflow-outflow mismatch resulting in increased pressure within the access. Qa in this situation may be decreased, increased, or within a normal range. Over time, the increased intraluminal pressure can result in marked aneurysmal changes within the AVF, difficulties with cannulation and the dialysis treatment, and ultimately, increasing risk of access thrombosis. Complete characterization of the lesion both hemodynamically and anatomically should be the first step in developing a strategy for management. This requires both access flow measurement and angiographic imaging. Patients with CAS present a relatively broad spectrum as relates to both of these parameters. These data should be used to determine whether primary treatment of CAS should be directed toward the anatomical lesion (small MLD and low Qa) or the pathophysiology (large MLD and high Qa).

Critical bleeding causes over 2 million deaths a year. Early hypofibrinogenemia is a strong predictor of mortality in critically bleeding patients. The early replenishment of fibrinogen can significantly improve outcomes. However, over replenishment can also be dangerous. Furthermore, there is no rapid, cheap, hand-held diagnostic that can aid critically bleeding patients in fibrinogen replacement therapy. In this study, we have developed a hand-held paper diagnostic that measures plasma fibrinogen concentrations. The diagnostic has the potential to be used as a point of care device both inside and outside of hospital settings. It can vastly reduce the time to treatment for fibrinogen replacement therapy. The diagnostic is a two-step process. First, thrombin and plasma are added onto horizontially-orientated paper strips where the fibrinogen is converted into fibrin, drastically increasing the plasma's hydrophobicity. Second, an aqueous blue dye is pipetted onto the strips and allowed to wick through the fibrin. The distance the blue dye wicks through the strip correlates precisely to the fibrinogen concentration. The diagnostic can provide results within a minute. It can distinguish low fibrinogen concentrations (ie.2 g/L) from normal fibrinogen concentrations. It shows remarkable reproducibility between healthy individuals. It is unaffected by common blood conditions such as acidosis, blood alcohol, severe hypertriglyceridemia, severe haemolysis and warfarin administration. Finally, it is unaffected by humidity and can withstand cold temperatures.

Heart failure (HF) and frailty are two distinct yet commonly associated conditions. The interplay between the two conditions is complex, due to overlaps in underlying mechanisms, symptoms and prognosis. The assessment of frailty in patients with HF is crucial, as it is associated with both unfavourable outcomes and reduced access and tolerance to treatments. However, to date a consensus definition of frailty in patients with HF remains lacking and the need for a validated assessment score, for identifying those HF patients with frailty, is high and timely. This position paper proposes a new definition of frailty for use by healthcare professionals in the setting of HF and creates a foundation for the design of a tailored and validated score for this common condition.

As heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) rises to epidemic proportions, major steps in patient management and therapeutic development are badly needed. With the current position paper we seek to update our view on HFpEF as a highly complex systemic syndrome, from risk factors and mechanisms to long-term clinical manifestations. We will revise recent advances in animal model development, experimental set-ups and basic and translational science approaches to HFpEF research, highlighting their drawbacks and advantages. Directions are provided for proper model selection as well as for integrative functional evaluation from the in vivo setting to in vitro cell function testing. Additionally, we address new research challenges that require integration of higher-order inter-organ and inter-cell communication to achieve a full systems biology perspective of HFpEF.

This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced version of an article accepted for publication in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology following peer review. The version of record Piepoli, M.F., Abreu, A., Albus, C., Ambrosetti, M., Brotons, C., Catapano, A.L. ... Tiberi, M. (2020). Update on cardiovascular prevention in clinical practice: A position paper of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology*. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology (EJPC), 27(2), 181-205 is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487319893035. European guidelines on cardiovascular prevention in clinical practice were first published in 1994 and have been regularly updated, most recently in 2016, by the Sixth European Joint Task Force. Given the amount of new information that has become available since then, components from the task force and experts from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology were invited to provide a summary and critical review of the most important new studies and evidence since the latest guidelines were published. The structure of the document follows that of the previous document and has six parts: Introduction (epidemiology and cost effectiveness); Cardiovascular risk; How to intervene at the population level; How to intervene at the individual level; Disease-specific interventions; and Settings: where to intervene? In fact, in keeping with the guidelines, greater emphasis has been put on a population-based approach and on disease-specific interventions, avoiding re-interpretation of information already and previously considered. Finally, the presence of several gaps in the knowledge is highlighted.

Sexual health is an integral part of overall health, and an active and healthy sexual life is an essential aspect of a good life quality. Cardiovascular disease and sexual health share common risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, and smoking) and common mediating mechanisms (endothelial dysfunction, subclinical inflammation, and atherosclerosis). This generated a shift of thinking about the pathophysiology and subsequently the management of sexual dysfunction. The introduction of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors revolutionized the management of sexual dysfunction in men. This article will focus on erectile dysfunction and its association with arterial hypertension. This update of the position paper was created by the Working Group on Sexual Dysfunction and Arterial Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension. This working group has been very active during the last years in promoting the familiarization of hypertension specialists and related physicians with erectile dysfunction, through numerous lectures in national and international meetings, a position paper, newsletters, guidelines, and a book specifically addressing erectile dysfunction in hypertensive patients. It was noted that erectile dysfunction precedes the development of coronary artery disease. The artery size hypothesis has been proposed as a potential explanation for this observation. This hypothesis seeks to explain the differing manifestation of the same vascular condition, based on the size of the vessels. Clinical presentations of the atherosclerotic and/or endothelium disease in the penile arteries might precede the corresponding manifestations from larger arteries. Treated hypertensive patients are more likely to have sexual dysfunction compared with untreated ones, suggesting a detrimental role of antihypertensive treatment on erectile function. The occurrence of erectile dysfunction seems to be related to undesirable effects of antihypertensive drugs on the penile tissue. Available information points toward divergent effects of antihypertensive drugs on erectile function, with diuretics and beta-blockers possessing the worst profile and angiotensin receptor blockers and nebivolol the best profile.

Introduction MINOCA (myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries) has been recently redefined by the last ESC guidelines. The aim of this study is to analyze clinical profile and long-term prognosis of these patients. Methods Retrospectively, between 1/2010 and 12/2016 all consecutive patients with the definitive diagnosis of MI in tertiary center were included in this observational study. Patients with unstable angina with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and those who died in-hospital were excluded. Patients were stratified according to the number of significant coronary vessel disease seen by coronary angiography into: 0 (MINOCA); 1; 2; ≥3 vessels. The definition of MINOCA was based on dedicated the 2016 ESC Working Group position paper. Patients with MINOCA were compared to their counterpounds (MIOCA; MI with obstructive CAD) regarding baseline clinical characteristics, on-admission and laboratory data and treatment at hospital discharge. The prognostic meaning of MINOCA vs MIOCA was ascertained by comparing the composite endpoint (re-ACS, stroke and death) rate among groups, using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results 13.8% (n=597) pts were classified as MINOCA. They were older and more frequently women than the obstructive group. MINOCA group also had a worse cardiovascular risk profile than pts with obstructive coronary lesions. They were associated more frequently with atrial fibrillation during hospitalization (11.2% vs. 6.8%, p During 15 months (IQR: 12,3–25,5), 613 (14.2) pts had a new ACS, stroke or died (251 pts developed a new ACS, 81 had stroke, and 281 died). The incidence of the composite endpoint was 4.2% in the MINOCA pts, 4.1% in pts with 1-significant coronary vessel disease, 6.3% in the 2-significant coronary vessel disease, and 9.5% in the ≥3-significant coronary vessel disease (p Figure 1. Composite endpoint Conclusions In the present cohort MINOCA was approximately found in one of each 14 patients admitted with MI. These patients had worse CV risk profile and more history of depression. MINOCA pts have similar prognostic impact in terms of hospitalization for a new ACS, stroke and death than the obstructive group.

Physical activity is important in heart failure to improve functional capacity, quality of life and prognosis, and is a class IA recommendation in the European Society of Cardiology guidelines (Ponikowski et al., 2016). The benefits of exercise training are widely recognized. Cardiac rehabilitation centres offer tailored exercise training to patients with heart failure, as part of specialized multidisciplinary care, alongside pharmacological treatment optimization and patient education. After cardiac rehabilitation, maintenance of regular physical activity long term is essential, as the benefits of exercise training vanish within a few weeks. Unfortunately, only 10% of patients benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation programme after hospitalization for acute heart failure, and the majority of patients do not pursue long-term physical activity. In this paper, two Working Groups of the French Society of Cardiology (the heart failure group [Groupe Insuffisance Cardiaque et Cardiomyopathies; GICC] and the cardiac rehabilitation group [Groupe Exercice Readaptation Sport et Prevention; GERS-P]) discuss the obstacles to broader access to cardiac rehabilitation centres, and propose ways to improve the diffusion of cardiac rehabilitation programmes and encourage long-term adherence to physical activity.

Myocardial infarction (MI) causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Early diagnosis of MI by detecting the concentration of troponin I in plasma can help limit mortality rates. However, plasma separation and early diagnosis are particularly difficult to achieve in resource-limited settings. In this study, we demonstrate a manual and portable centrifuge along with a paper analytical device to measure troponin I for early MI diagnosis. With this so-called “Handfuge,” pure plasma can be achieved with a yield of up to 47.1% and purity as high as 99.9% in less than 3 min without electricity. The resulting plasma can then be directly used for detecting troponin I using a paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with a detection limit as low as 0.03 ng/mL. The whole detection process consumes just 10 µL of blood, which is similar to the volume obtained by a clinical finger-prick. The proposed centrifuge together with the paper analytical device possesses the potential to replace existing techniques in troponin I detection for early MI diagnoses in resource-limited regions of the world.

Radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is among the most commonly performed diagnostic tests in cardiology. Although the diagnostic and prognostic applications of radionuclide MPI are supported by a wealth of observational and clinical trial data, its performance is limited by two

The ability to diagnose and treat critically bleeding patients can save more than 2 million lives a year. Diagnosing hypofibrinogenemia is essential in these patients. Recently, with the development of new handheld diagnostics, fibrinogen concentration can be measured rapidly at the point of care. However, these diagnostics can only work with plasma and hence need blood cells to be separated before use. In this study, we demonstrate a handheld fibrinogen diagnostic that works with whole blood. The test works by (1) forming a premixed droplet of a whole blood sample and thrombin solution on a solid surface, (2) allowing it to clot, and (3) dropping a paper strip on top. The further that blood moves down the strip, the lower the fibrinogen concentration. The diagnostic can easily measure plasma fibrinogen concentrations below 1.6 g/L for blood samples with hematocrits between 40 and 50%. Furthermore, diluting blood samples not only increases the test's sensitivity but also eliminates the effect of hematocrit and thrombin inhibitors. The test can be completed in 3-4 min, making it suitable for diagnosing early hypofibrinogenemia and allowing for fibrinogen replacement therapy in critically bleeding patients.

The prevalence and public health burden of chronic heart failure (CHF) in Europe is steadily increasing mainly caused by the ageing population and prolonged survival of patients with CHF. Frequent hospitalizations, high morbidity and mortality rates, and enormous healthcare costs contribute to the health-related burden. However, multidisciplinary frameworks that emphasize effective long-term management and the psychological needs of the patients are sparse. The present position paper endorsed by the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) provides a comprehensive overview on the scientific evidence of psychosocial aspects of heart failure (HF). In order to synthesize newly available information and reinforce best medical practice, information was gathered via literature reviews and consultations of experts. It covers the evidence for aetiological and prospective psychosocial risk factors and major underlying psycho-biological mechanisms. The paper elucidates the need to include psychosocial aspects in self-care concepts and critically reviews the current shortcomings of psychotherapeutic and psycho-pharmacological interventions. It also highlights the need for involvement of psychological support in device therapy for patients with HF and finally calls for better palliative care in the final stage of HF progression.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. Thromboembolism from the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the most feared complication in patients with AF. The cornerstone for the management of AF is oral anticoagulation to reduce the incidence of cardioembolic stroke. There is, however, a significant proportion of patients who cannot undergo long-term oral anticoagulation. Transcatheter LAA occlusion is an evolving technology with proven benefits in terms of AF-related stroke prevention, representing a valid alternative to anticoagulation for high-risk patients with contraindications for long-term oral anticoagulation. This has resulted in the development of a plethora of transcatheter devices to achieve endocardial occlusion or epicardial exclusion of the LAA.A panel of expert Italian cardiologists gathered under the aegis of the Italian Society of Interventional Cardiology (SICI-GISE) with the aim of reviewing the most relevant aspects of LAA occlusion, underlying anatomy and pathophysiology, summarizing current clinical knowledge, and discussing the practicalities of available devices and imaging techniques. Finally, the position paper highlights the importance of an adequate environment and of an appropriate organization in order to optimize all steps of the procedure.

Minimization of hospital lengths of stay has always been a key goal for healthcare systems. More so during the current COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we have faced a reduction in no-COVID-19 admissions with the generation of huge backlogs. Low-risk patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can be candidate for short-term hospitalization, with consequent reduction of waiting lists. Several single-center and multicenter observational studies, multiple randomized trials and some meta-analyses have addressed this topic.In this position paper, we present a proposal for short hospitalization for elective PCI procedures in selected patients who present complications only exceptionally and exclusively immediately after the procedure, if the inclusion and exclusion criteria are met. Each Center can choose between admission in day surgery or one day surgery, extending hospital length of stay only for patients who present complications or who are candidate for urgent surgery. Short-term hospitalization considerably reduces costs even if, with the current model, it generally results in a parallel reduction in reimbursement. Hence, we present an actual model, already tested successfully in an Italian hospital, that warrants sustainability. This approach can then be tailored to single Centers.

Psychosocial factors in cardiovascular diseases are increasingly acknowledged by patients, health care providers and payer organizations. Due to the rapidly increasing body of evidence, the German Cardiac Society has commissioned an update of its 2013 position paper on this topic. The German version was published in 2018 and the current manuscript is an extended translation of the original version. This position paper provides a synopsis of the state of knowledge regarding psychosocial factors in the most relevant cardiovascular diseases and gives recommendations with respect to their consideration in clinical practice. Psychosocial factors such as low socioeconomic status, acute and chronic stress, depression, anxiety and low social support are associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Psychosocial problems and mental comorbidities should be assessed routinely to initiate targeted diagnostics and treatment. For all patients, treatment should consider age and gender differences as well as individual patient preferences. Multimodal treatment concepts should comprise education, physical exercise, motivational counseling and relaxation training or stress management. In cases of mental comorbidities, brief psychosocial interventions by primary care providers or cardiologists, regular psychotherapy and/or medications should be offered. While these interventions have positive effects on psychological symptoms, robust evidence for possible effects on cardiac outcomes is still lacking. For coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, arterial hypertension, and some arrhythmias, there is robust evidence supporting the relevance of psychosocial factors, pointing to a need for considering them in cardiological care. However, there are still shortcomings in implementing psychosocial treatment, and prognostic effects of psychotherapy and psychotropic drugs remain uncertain. There is a need for enhanced provider education and more treatment trials.

An increasing number of authors devote their work to the study of circumpolar hypoxia. Conclusions about the mechanisms of its occurrence based on the results of the work are ambiguous. Some researchers believe that hypoxia in the North is due to oxygen defi ciency and rarefi ed air. Others believe that hypoxia in the North is not associated with a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the air, since it diff ers little from other regions, except for the highlands. Also, a number of authors are of the opinion that circumpolar hypoxia is associated with increased tissue oxygen consumption. It is believed that the main cause of hypoxemia in the North is a violation of the diff usion of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the alveolar-capillary membrane of the lungs. It has been established that the genesis of circumpolar hypoxia is of a mixed nature and is a systemic phenomenon, which must be taken into account when developing measures to accelerate adaptation for living in the North.

Over the past decades, South Africa has undergone rapid demographic changes, which have led to marked increases in specific cardiac disease categories, such as rheumatic heart disease (now predominantly presenting in young adults with advanced and symptomatic disease) and coronary artery disease (with rapidly increasing prevalence in middle age). The lack of screening facilities, delayed diagnosis and inadequate care at primary, secondary and tertiary levels have led to a large burden of patients with heart failure. This leads to suffering of the patients and substantial costs to society and the healthcare system. In this position paper, the South African Heart Association (SA Heart) National Council members have summarised the current state of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and paediatric cardiology reigning in South Africa. Our report demonstrates that there has been minimal change in the number of successfully qualified specialists over the last decade and, therefore, a de facto decline per capita. We summarise the major gaps in training and possible interventions to transform the healthcare system, dealing with the colliding epidemic of communicable disease and the rapidly expanding epidemic of non-communicable disease, including cardiac disease.