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Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent global condition affecting approximately 50% of the HF population. With the aging of the worldwide population, its incidence and prevalence are expected to rise even further. Unfortunately, until recently, no effective medications were available to reduce the high mortality and hospitalization rates associated with HFpEF, making it a significant unmet need in cardiovascular medicine. Although HFpEF is commonly defined as HF with normal ejection fraction and elevated left ventricular filling pressure, performing invasive hemodynamic assessments on every individual suspected of having HFpEF is neither feasible nor practical. Consequently, several clinical criteria and diagnostic tools have been proposed to aid in diagnosing HFpEF. Overall, these criteria and tools are designed to assist healthcare professionals in identifying and evaluating patients who may have HFpEF based on a combination of signs, symptoms, biomarkers, and non-invasive imaging findings. By employing these non-invasive diagnostic approaches, clinicians can make informed decisions regarding the best pharmacological and rehabilitation strategies for individuals with suspected HFpEF. This literature review aims to provide an overview of all currently available methods for diagnosing and monitoring this disabling condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute dyspnea (AD) is one of the main reasons for admission to the Emergency Department (ED). In the last years integrated ultrasound examination (IUE) of lung, heart and inferior vena cava (IVC) has become an extension of clinical examination for a fast differential diagnosis. The aim of present study is to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of E/A ratio for diagnosing acute heart failure (aHF) in patients with acute dyspnea. We included 92 patients presenting to the ED of CTO Hospital in Naples (Italy) for AD. All patients underwent IUE of lung-heart-IVC with a portable ultrasound device. Left ventricle diastolic function was assessed using pulse wave doppler at the tips of the mitral valve and E wave velocity and E/A ratio were recorded. The FINAL diagnosis was determined by two expert reviewers: acute HF or non-acute HF (non-aHF). We used 2 × 2 contingency tables to analyze sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value of ultrasound parameters for the diagnosis of AD, comparing with the FINAL diagnosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) showed high sensitivity, good specificity and accuracy in identification of patients with aHF. However, the highest accuracy was obtained by diastolic function parameters. The E/A ratio showed the highest diagnostic performance with an AUC for aHF of 0.93. In patients presenting with AD, E/A ratio is easy to obtain in a fast ultrasound protocol and showed an excellent accuracy for diagnosis of aHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still the leading cause of death and disability worldwide despite the availability of well-established and effective preventive strategies. Aim: We aim to assess patients awareness of the main modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in a population with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted in cardiac rehabilitation unit. Methods: 50 patients with recent ACS have been recruited. We used a 9-items questionnaire about awareness of CV risk factors and eating habits. Results: Many patients underestimate the role of physical activity (PA), cigarette smoking and diabetes as main CV risk factors. Although the importance of good eating habits as cardiovascular protector is well known, only few participants declare a healthy balanced diet. Conclusions: This study revealed low awareness of common CV risk factors among patients with recent ACS. Individual training plans and the use of technological development to improve awareness and adherence are needed especially in high risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]