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Contains fulltext : 291048.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is key in the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, non-invasive assessment of diastolic function is complex, cumbersome, and largely based on consensus recommendations. Novel imaging techniques may help detecting DD. Therefore, we compared left ventricular strain-volume loop (SVL) characteristics and diastolic (dys-)function in suspected HFpEF patients. METHOD AND RESULTS: 257 suspected HFpEF patients with sinus rhythm during echocardiography were prospectively included. 211 patients with quality-controlled images and strain and volume analysis were classified according to the 2016 ASE/EACVI recommendations. Patients with indeterminate diastolic function were excluded, resulting in two groups: normal diastolic function (control; n = 65) and DD (n = 91). Patients with DD were older (74.8 ± 6.9 vs. 68.5 ± 9.4 years, p

Contains fulltext : 291436.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Clinical factors are used to estimate late complication risk in adults after atrial switch operation (AtrSO) for transposition of the great arteries (TGA), but heterogeneity in clinical course remains. We studied whether common genetic variants are associated with outcome and add value to a clinical risk score in TGA-AtrSO patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multicenter study followed 133 TGA-AtrSO patients (aged 28 [IQR 24-35] years) for 13 (IQR 9-16) years and examined the association of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a composite endpoint of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure hospitalization, ventricular assist device implantation, heart transplantation, or mortality. Thirty-two patients (24%) reached the endpoint. The genome-wide association study yielded one genome-wide significant (p 20%) risk. Stratified by the combined score, observed 5-year event-free survival was 100%, 79% and 31% for low, intermediate, and high-risk patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Common genetic variants may explain some variation in the clinical course in TGA-AtrSO and improve risk stratification over clinical factors alone, especially in patients at intermediate clinical risk. These findings support the hypothesis that including genetic variants in risk assessment may be beneficial.

Women with Turner syndrome (TS) have high prevalence of cardiovascular anomalies. Literature suggests pregnancy is associated with a higher dissection risk, presumably preceded by aortic dilatation. Whether the aortic diameter truly changes during pregnancy in TS is not well investigated. This study aims to evaluate ascending aortic diameter change during pregnancy and reports on cardiac events during and directly after pregnancy. This tertiary hospital retrospective study investigated all TS women pregnancies (2009 to 2018). Outcome parameters included aortic diameter growth and aortic complications, specifically dissection. Thirty-five pregnancies in 30 TS women, 57% assisted by oocyte donation. Mean age at delivery 32 ± 5 years. In 27 pregnancies of 22 women imaging was available. From over 350 childless TS women a comparison group of 27 was individually matched. The median ascending aortic diameter growth between pre- and postpregnancy imaging was 1.0 mm (IQR −1.0; 2.0), no significant change (p = 0.077). Whether the patient had a bicuspid aortic valve (p = 0.571), monosomy X or mosaic karyotype (p = 0.071) or spontaneous pregnancy or resulting from oocyte donation (p = 0.686) had no significant influence on diameter change. Aortic growth between pregnancy and matched childless group (0.23 vs 0.32 mm/year, p = 0.788) was not significant over 3.3 ± 2 versus 4.4 ± 1 years. During pregnancy or the first 6 months after delivery no aortic complications were observed. In conclusion, this study suggests pregnancy in TS women does not induce faster ascending aortic diameter increase. Also not in presence of a bicuspid aortic valve, monosomy X karyotype, and oocyte donation. No aortic complications occurred. Based on current study pregnancy in TS women seems safe.

Aims Patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) show poor survival, often related to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. In this study, we assessed the 5-year prognostic value of a novel echocardiographic measure that examines RV function through the temporal relation between RV strain (ϵ) and area (i.e. RV ϵ-area loop) for all-cause mortality in PH patients. Methods and results Echocardiographic assessments were performed in 143 PH patients (confirmed by right heart catheterization). Transthoracic echocardiography was utilized to assess RV ϵ-area loop. Using receiver operating characteristic curve-derived cut-off values, we stratified patients in low- vs. high-risk groups for all-cause mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and uni-/multivariable cox-regression models were used to assess RV ϵ-area loop’s prognostic value (independent of established predictors: age, sex, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, 6-min walking distance). During follow-up 45 (31%) patients died, who demonstrated lower systolic slope, peak ϵ, and late diastolic slope (all P Conclusion Our data demonstrate the potential for RV ϵ-area loops to independently predict all-cause mortality in patients with pre-capillary PH. The non-invasive nature and simplicity of measuring the RV ϵ-area loop, support the potential clinical relevance of (repeated) echocardiography assessment of PH patients.

BackgroundType D personality has been previously shown to increase the risk for mortality in patients with acquired heart disease.ObjectiveWe aimed to compare mortality in adult patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) with and without type D.MethodsSurvival was assessed using prospective data from the Dutch national Congenital Corvitia registry for adults with CHD. Patients were randomly selected from the registry and characterized at inclusion in 2009 for the presence of type D using the DS14 questionnaire.ResultsOne thousand fifty-five patients, with 484 (46%) males, a mean (SD) age of 41 (14) years, 613 (58%) having mild CHD, 348 (33%) having moderate CHD, and 94 (9%) having severe CHD, were included. Type D personality was present in 225 patients (21%). Type D was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality independent of age, sex, New York Heart Association class, number of prescribed medications, depression, employment status, and marital status (hazard ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.57; P = .033).ConclusionType D personality was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality in adult patients with CHD.

Aims Heart failure is the main threat to long-term health in adults with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) corrected by an atrial switch operation (AtrSO). Current guidelines refrain from recommending heart failure medication in TGA-AtrSO, as there is insufficient data to support the hypothesis that it is beneficial. Medication is therefore prescribed based on personal judgements. We aimed to evaluate medication use in TGA-AtrSO patients and examine the association of use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and β-blockers with long-term survival. Methods and results We identified 150 TGA-AtrSO patients [median age 30 years (interquartile range 25–35), 63% male] included in the CONCOR registry from five tertiary medical centres with subsequent linkage to the Dutch Dispensed Drug Register for the years 2006–2014. Use of RAAS inhibitors, β-blockers, and diuretics increased with age, from, respectively, 21% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14–40], 12% (95% CI 7–21), and 3% (95% CI 2–7) at age 25, to 49% (95% CI 38–60), 51% (95% CI 38–63), and 41% (95% CI 29–54) at age 45. Time-varying Cox marginal structural models that adjusted for confounding medication showed a lower mortality risk with use of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers in symptomatic patients [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.13 (95% CI 0.03–0.73); P = 0.020 and HR = 0.12 (95% CI 0.02–0.17); P = 0.019, respectively]. However, in the overall cohort, no benefit of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers was seen [HR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.24–3.63); P = 0.92 and HR = 0.98 (0.23–4.17); P = 0.98, respectively]. Conclusion The use of heart failure medication is high in TGA-AtrSO patients, although evidence of its benefit is limited. This study showed lower risk of mortality with use of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers in symptomatic patients only. These findings can direct future guidelines, supporting use of RAAS inhibitors and β-blockers in symptomatic, but not asymptomatic patients.

Background: Predicting heart failure events in patients with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) due to transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is important for timely intensification of follow-up. This study assessed the value of strain compared with currently used parameters as predictor for heart failure–free survival in patients with sRV. Methods: In participants of a multicentre trial, speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) was performed to assess global longitudinal strain (GLS), mechanical dispersion (MD), and postsystolic shortening (PSS). Cox regression was used to determine the association of STE parameters with the combined end point of progression of heart failure and death, compared with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT) derived parameters. Results: Echocardiograms of 60 patients were analyzed (mean age 34 ± 11 years, 65% male, 35% congenitally corrected TGA). Mean GLS was −13.5 ± 2.9%, median MD was 49 (interquartile range (IQR) 30-76) ms, and 14 patients (23%) had PSS. During a median 8 (IQR 7-9) years, 15 patients (25%) met the end point. GLS, MD, and PSS were all associated with heart failure–free survival in univariable analysis. After correction for age, only GLS (optimal cutoff > −10.5%) and CMR/CT-derived sRV ejection fraction (optimal cutoff < 30%) remained associated with heart failure–free survival: hazard ratio (HR) 8.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.50-27.41 (P < 0.001), and HR 4.34, 95% CI 1.48-12.74 (P = 0.007), respectively). Combining GLS and ejection fraction improved prediction, with patients with both GLS > −10.5% and sRV ejection fraction < 30% at highest risk (HR 19.69, 95% CI 4.90-79.13; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The predictive value of GLS was similar to that of CMR/CT-derived ejection fraction. The combination of GLS and ejection fraction identified patients at highest risk of heart failure and death. Easily available STE parameters can be used to guide follow-up intensity and can be integrated into future risk prediction scores.

Background The long‐term burden of cardiovascular disease after repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has not been elucidated. We aimed to determine the incidence of and risk factors for cardiovascular events in adult patients with repaired CoA. Additionally, mortality rates were compared between adults with repaired CoA and the general population. Methods and Results Using the Dutch Congenital Corvitia (CONCOR) registry, patients aged ≥16 years with previous surgical or transcatheter CoA repair from 5 tertiary referral centers were included. Cardiovascular events were recorded, comprising coronary artery disease, stroke/transient ischemic attack, aortic complications, arrhythmias, heart failure hospitalizations, endocarditis, and cardiovascular death. In total, 920 patients (median age, 24 years [range 16–74 years]) were included. After a mean follow‐up of 9.3±5.1 years, 191 patients (21%) experienced at least 1 cardiovascular event. A total of 270 cardiovascular events occurred, of which aortic complications and arrhythmias were most frequent. Older age at initial CoA repair (hazard ratio [HR], 1.017; 95% CI, 1.000–1.033 [ P =0.048]) and elevated left ventricular mass index (HR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.005–1.013 [ P P Conclusions This large, prospective cohort of adults with repaired CoA showed a high burden of cardiovascular events, particularly aortic complications and arrhythmias, during long‐term follow‐up. Older age at initial CoA repair and elevated left ventricular mass index were independent risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Mortality was 3.3‐fold higher compared with the general population. These results advocate stringent follow‐up after CoA repair and emphasize the need for improved preventive strategies.

Objectives: In the VAL-SERVE (Valsartan in Systemic Right Ventricle) trial, three-year valsartan treatment improved systemic ventricular function only in symptomatic patients with congenitally or with an atrial switch corrected transposition of the great arteries. The aim of the current study was to investigate the longer-term clinical outcomes after valsartan treatment.Methods: From 2006 to 2009, 88 adults were randomly allocated 1:1 to either valsartan or placebo for three consecutive years. Endpoints were defined as overall survival and freedom from clinical events (arrhythmia, heart failure, tricuspid valve surgery, death).Results: Cardiac drug use andmedian follow-up after trial close-out (8.3 years) was similar between the randomization groups. Six patients (valsartan n = 3, placebo n = 3) died in 364 and 365 person-years (P = 0.999). No difference in the composite or separate clinical endpoints was found between the randomization groups, with corresponding long-term event-free survival rates of 50% and 34%. Nevertheless, in symptomatic patients valsartan significantly reduced the risk for events compared to placebo (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.92). Analysis for repeated events and on-treatment analysis with any renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system-inhibitor did not alter these results.Conclusions: Valsartan treatment in systemic RV patients did not result in improved survival at longer-term follow-up, but was associated with decreased risk of events in symptomatic patients. (c) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aims To assess medication use in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients compared to the age- and sex-matched general population, identify patterns of pharmacotherapy, and analyse associations between pharmacotherapy and adverse outcomes in ACHD. Methods and results Data of 14 138 ACHD patients from the CONCOR registry [35 (24–48) years, 49% male] and age- and sex-matched referents (1:10 ratio) were extracted from the Dutch Dispensed Drug Register for the years 2006–14. Adult congenital heart disease patients had more cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular drugs than referents (median 3 vs. 1, P Conclusion Both cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular medication use is high in ACHD with twice as much polypharmacy compared with the matched general population. Patients with polypharmacy had a four-fold increased risk of mortality and adverse drug events. Recognition of distinct medication patterns can help identify patients at highest risk. Drug regimens need repeating evaluation to assess the appropriateness of all prescriptions. More high-quality studies are needed to improve ACHD care with more evidence-based pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVESOur goals were to compare the outcome of the intra-atrial lateral tunnel (ILT) and the extracardiac conduit (ECC) techniques for staged total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) and to compare the current modifications of the TCPC technique, i.e. the prosthetic ILT technique with the current ECC technique with a ≥18-mm conduit.METHODSWe included patients who had undergone a staged TCPC between 1988 and 2008. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, operative details and events during follow-up (death, surgical and catheter-based reinterventions and arrhythmias).RESULTSOf the 208 patients included, 103 had the ILT (51 baffle, 52 prosthetic) technique and 105 had the ECC technique. Median follow-up duration was 13.2 years (interquartile range 9.5–16.3). At 15 years after the TCPC, the overall survival rate was comparable (81% ILT vs 89% ECC; P = 0.12). Freedom from late surgical and catheter-based reintervention was higher for patients who had ILT than for those who had ECC (63% vs 44%; P = 0.016). However, freedom from late arrhythmia was lower for patients who had ILT than for those who had ECC (71% vs 85%, P = 0.034). In a subgroup of patients who had the current TCPC technique, when we compared the use of a prosthetic ILT with ≥18-mm ECC, we found no differences in freedom from late arrhythmias (82% vs 86%, P = 0.64) or in freedom from late reinterventions (70% vs 52%, P = 0.14).CONCLUSIONSA comparison between the updated prosthetic ILT and current ≥18-mm ECC techniques revealed no differences in late arrhythmia-free survival or late reintervention-free survival. Overall, outcomes after the staged TCPC were relatively good and reinterventions occurred more frequently in the ECC group, whereas late arrhythmias were more common in the ILT group.

BackgroundIn response to an increased need for patient information in congenital heart disease, we previously developed an online, evidence-based information portal for patients with congenital aortic and pulmonary valve disease. To assess its effectiveness, a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial was conducted.MethodsAdult patients and caregivers of paediatric patients with congenital aortic and/or pulmonary valve disease and/or tetralogy of Fallot who visited the outpatient clinic at any of the four participating centres in the Netherlands between 1 March 2016–1 July 2017 were prospectively included. The intervention (information portal) was introduced in the outpatient clinic according to a stepped-wedge randomised design. One month after outpatient clinic visit, each participant completed a questionnaire on disease-specific knowledge, anxiety, depression, mental quality of life, involvement and opinion/attitude concerning patient information and involvement.Results343 participants were included (221 control, 122 intervention). Cardiac diagnosis (p=0.873), educational level (p=0.153) and sex (p=0.603) were comparable between the two groups. All outcomes were comparable between groups in the intention-to-treat analyses. However, only 51.6% of subjects in the intervention group (n=63) reported actually visiting the portal. Among these subjects (as-treated), disease-specific knowledge (p=0.041) and mental health (p=0.039) were significantly better than in control subjects, while other baseline and outcome variables were comparable.ConclusionEven after being invited by their cardiologists, only half of the participants actually visited the information portal. Only in those participants that actually visited the portal, knowledge of disease and mental health were significantly better. This underlines the importance of effective implementation of online evidence-based patient information portals in clinical practice.

Contains fulltext : 249141.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Whilst the athlete's heart has been extensively described, less work has focused on the potential for elite athletes to demonstrate further cardiac remodelling upon an increase in training volume. Moreover, little work explored potential side-specific cardiac remodelling. Therefore, we examined the impact of an increase in training volume across 9-months in elite rowers on left- and right-sided cardiac structure, function and mechanics (i. e. longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain, twist and strain-volume loops). As part of the preparations to the 2012 Olympic Games, twenty-seven elite rowers (26.4±3.7years, 19 male) underwent echocardiography prior to and post (9 months) an increase in training volume (24 to 30-35 h weekly). Training increased left ventricular structure, including wall thickness, diameter, volume, mass and LV twist (all p0.05). The 9-month intervention showed no change in right ventricular/atrial structure, function or mechanics (all p>0.05). In conclusion, our data revealed that 9-month increased training volume in elite rowers induced left-sided (but not right-sided) structural remodelling, concomitant with an increase in left ventricular twist, with some changes larger in women. 01 februari 2022

Contains fulltext : 233804.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) 01 april 2021

Repeated ventricular exposure to alterations in workload may relate to subsequent cardiac remodeling. We examined whether baseline acute changes in right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) function relate to chronic cardiac adaptation to 12-week exercise training. Twenty-one healthy individuals performed 12-week high-intensity endurance running training under hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen: 14.5%). Resting transthoracic echocardiography was performed before and after the training programme to assess ventricular structure, function and mechanics (including strain-area/volume loops). In addition, we examined systolic cardiac function during recumbent exercise under hypoxia at baseline (heart rate of 110-120 bpm, 'stress echocardiography'). Fifteen individuals completed training (22.0±2.4y, 10 male). Hypoxic exercise training increased RV size, including diameter and area (all p0.05). Regarding the RV strain-area loop, lower systolic and diastolic slopes were found post-training (p0.05). To answer our primary aim, we found that a greater increase in RV fractional area change during baseline stress echocardiography (r=-0.67, P=0.01) inversely correlated with adaptation in RV basal diameter following 12-week training. In conclusion, 12-week high-intensity running hypoxic exercise training induced right-sided structural remodeling, which was, in part, related to baseline increase in RV fractional area change to acute exercise. These data suggest that acute cardiac responses to exercise may relate to subsequent RV remodeling after exercise training in healthy individuals.

Contains fulltext : 235286.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Acute exercise promotes transient exercise-induced cardiac fatigue, which affects the right ventricle and to a lesser extent the left ventricle. Hypoxic exposure induces an additional increase in right ventricular (RV) afterload. Therefore, exercise in hypoxia may differently affect both ventricles. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a bout of high-intensity exercise under hypoxia versus normoxia in healthy individuals on right- and left-sided cardiac function and mechanics. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy individuals (mean age, 22.2 ± 0.6 years; 14 men) performed 45-min high-intensity running exercise under hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen 14.5%) and normoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen 20.9%) in a randomized order. Pre- and post-exercise echocardiography, at rest and during low-to-moderate intensity recumbent exercise ("stress"), was performed to assess RV and left ventricular (LV) cardiac function and mechanics. RV structure, function, and mechanics were assessed using conventional two-dimensional, Doppler, tissue Doppler, speckle-tracking echocardiographic, and novel strain-area loops. RESULTS: Indices of RV systolic function (RV fractional area change, Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV s', and RV free wall strain) and LV function (LV ejection fraction and LV global longitudinal strain) were significantly reduced after high-intensity running exercise (P .05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no impact of hypoxia on the magnitude of exercise-induced cardiac fatigue in the right and left ventricles after a 45-min bout of high-intensity exercise. This finding suggests that any potential increase in loading conditions does not automatically exacerbate exercise-induced cardiac fatigue in this setting.

Background Patients with transposition of the great arteries corrected by an atrial switch operation experience major clinical events during adulthood, mainly heart failure (HF) and arrhythmias, but data on the emerging risks remain scarce. We assessed the risk for events during the clinical course in adulthood, and provided a novel risk score for event‐free survival. Methods and Results This multicenter study observed 167 patients with transposition of the great arteries corrected by an atrial switch operation (61% Mustard procedure; age, 28 [interquartile range, 24–36] years) for 13 (interquartile range, 9–16) years, during which 16 (10%) patients died, 33 (20%) had HF events, defined as HF hospitalizations, heart transplantation, ventricular assist device implantation, or HF‐related death, and 15 (9%) had symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. Five‐year risk of mortality, first HF event, and first ventricular arrhythmia increased from 1% each at age 25 years, to 6% (95% CI, 4%–9%), 23% (95% CI, 17%–28%), and 5% (95% CI, 2%–8%), respectively, at age 50 years. Predictors for event‐free survival were examined to construct a prediction model using bootstrapping techniques. A prediction model combining age >30 years, prior ventricular arrhythmia, age >1 year at repair, moderate or greater right ventricular dysfunction, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and mild or greater left ventricular dysfunction discriminated well between patients at low (20%) 5‐year risk (optimism‐corrected C‐statistic, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.82–0.90]). Observed 5‐ and 10‐year event‐free survival rates in low‐risk patients were 100% and 97%, respectively, compared with only 31% and 8%, respectively, in high‐risk patients. Conclusions The clinical course of patients undergoing atrial switch increasingly consists of major clinical events, especially HF. A novel risk score stratifying patients as low, intermediate, and high risk for event‐free survival provides information on absolute individual risks, which may support decisions for pharmacological and interventional management.

Objective: Little is known about the course of echocardiographic parameters used for the evaluation of valvular heart disease (VHD) during pregnancy, hampering interpretation of possible changes (physiological vs. pathophysiological). Therefore we studied the course of these parameters and ventricular function in pregnant women with aortic and pulmonary VHD.Methods: The cohort comprised 66 pregnant women enrolled in the prospective ZAHARA studies or evaluated by an identical protocol who had pulmonary VHD or aortic VHD (stenosis/prosthetic valve). The control group comprised 46 healthy pregnant women. Echocardiography was performed preconception, during pregnancy and 1 year postpartum. Peak gradient, mean gradient, aortic valve area (AVA)/effective orifice area (EOA), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular function (RVF; TAPSE) were assessed.Results: Peak and mean gradients increased during pregnancy compared to preconception inwomen with aortic VHD and controls (p < 0.0125), but not in women with pulmonary VHD. AVA/EOA remained unchanged. Preconception and postpartum gradients were comparable in all groups. Mean LVEF was normal in pregnant women with VHD and controls. Mean TAPSE was lower (p < 0.001) in women with pulmonary VHD compared to women with aortic VHD and controls (= 23 mm; p < 0.001). In women with pulmonary VHD a decrease of TAPSE was observed during pregnancy (p = 0.005).Conclusion: Physiological changes during pregnancy lead to increased Doppler gradients in women with aortic VHD. This increase was not found inwomen with pulmonary VHD, probably caused by impaired RVF. Therefore, evaluation of RVF during pregnancy might be important to prevent underestimation of the degree of stenosis. (c) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Acute exercise leads to an immediate drop in blood pressure (BP), also called post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Exercise in hypoxia is related to additional vasodilation, potentially contributing to more profound PEH. Therefore, we investigated the impact of hypoxia versus normoxia on the magnitude of PEH. Second, we examined whether these changes in PEH relate to the BP-lowering effects of 12-week exercise training under hypoxia. METHODS: In this prospective study, 21 healthy individuals (age 22.2 ±â€Š3.0 years, 14 male) performed a 45-minute high-intensity running exercise on 2 different days in a random order, under hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen 14.5%) and normoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen 20.9%). BP was examined pre-exercise (t = 0) and at t = 15, t = 30, t = 45, and t = 60 minutes post-exercise. Afterward, subjects took part in a 12-week hypoxic running exercise training program. Resting BP was measured before and after the 12-week training program. RESULTS: Acute exercise induced a significant decrease in systolic BP (systolic blood pressure [SBP], P = .001), but not in diastolic BP (diastolic blood pressure [DBP], P = .113). No significant differences were observed in post-exercise BP between hypoxic and normoxic conditions (SBP, P = .324 and DBP, P = .204). Post-exercise changes in SBP, DBP, and mean arterial pressure significantly correlated to the 12-week exercise training-induced changes in SBP (r = 0.557, P = .001), DBP (r = 0.615, P 

Contains fulltext : 219274.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Chronic changes in left ventricular (LV) hemodynamics, such as those induced by increased afterload (i.e., hypertension), mediate changes in LV function. This study examined the proof of concept that 1) the LV longitudinal strain (epsilon)-volume loop is sensitive to detecting an acute increase in afterload, and 2) these effects differ between healthy young versus older men. Thirty-five healthy male volunteers were recruited, including 19 young (24 +/- 2 yr) and 16 older participants (67 +/- 5 yr). Tests were performed before, during, and after 10-min recovery from acute manipulation of afterload. Real-time hemodynamic data were obtained and LV longitudinal epsilon-volume loops were calculated from four-chamber images using two-dimensional echocardiography. Inflation of the anti-gravity (anti-G) suit resulted in an immediate increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and systemic vascular resistance and a decrease in stroke volume (all P < 0.05). This was accompanied by a decrease in LV peak epsilon, slower slope of the epsilon-volume relationship during early diastole, and an increase in uncoupling (i.e., compared with systole; little change in epsilon per volume decline during early diastole and large changes in epsilon per volume decline during late diastole) (all P < 0.05). All values returned to baseline levels after recovery (all P > 0.05). Manipulation of cardiac hemodynamics caused comparable effects in young versus older men (all P > 0.05). Acute increases in afterload immediately change the diastolic phase of the LV longitudinal epsilon-volume loop in young and older men. This supports the potency of the LV longitudinal epsilon-volume loop to provide novel insights into dynamic cardiac function in humans in vivo.

Objective: The combination of aortic coarctation (CoA) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is assumed to be associated with a higher risk of ascending aortic dilatation and type A dissection, and current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines advise therefore to operate at a lower threshold in the presence of CoA. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether the coexistence of CoA in BAV patients is indeed associated with a higher risk of ascending aortic events (AAE). Methods: In a retrospective study, all adult BAV patients visiting the outpatient clinic of our tertiary care center between February 2003 and February 2019 were included. The primary end point was an ascending aortic event (AAE) defined as ascending aortic dissection/rupture or preventive surgery. The secondary end points were aortic dilatation and aortic growth. Results: In total, 499 BAV patients (43.7% female, age 40.3 &plusmn, 15.7 years) were included, of which 121 (24%) had a history of CoA (cBAV). An aortic event occurred in 38 (7.6%) patients at a mean age of 49.0 &plusmn, 13.6 years. In the isolated BAV group (iBAV), significantly more AAE occurred, but this was mainly driven by aortic valve dysfunction as indication for aortic surgery. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of dissection or severely dilated ascending aorta (&gt, 50mm) between the iBAV and cBAV patients (p = 0.56). The aortic diameter was significantly smaller in the cBAV group (30.3 &plusmn, 6.9 mm versus 35.7 &plusmn, 7.6 mm, p &lt, 0.001). The median aortic diameter increase was 0.23 (interquartile range (IQR): 0.0&ndash, 0.67) mm/year and was not significantly different between both groups (p = 0.74). Conclusion: Coexistence of CoA in BAV patients was not associated with a higher risk of aortic dissection, preventive aortic surgery, aortic dilatation, or more rapid aorta growth. This study suggests that CoA is not a risk factor in BAV patients, and the advice to operate at lower diameter should be reevaluated.

Objective: To describe the efficacy and safety in all patients with systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension who started selexipag between 09-2016 and 06-2018 in two pulmonary arterial hypertension expert centers. Methods: All patients with systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosed by right heart catheterization and treated with selexipag were included. Every 12 weeks, treatment effect was assessed by (1) the opinion of the expert team and (2) the abbreviated risk assessment, consisting of functional class, six-minute walking distance, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide level at baseline and during follow-up. Side effects and adverse events were registered. Results: We included 13 systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, 10 patients were female, median age (interquartile range) of 68 (58–75) years, median systemic sclerosis disease duration of 7.4 (4.7–13.5) years, and median pulmonary arterial hypertension duration of 4 (2.5–7.5) years. Two patients discontinued selexipag within 4 weeks due to side effects. The remaining 11 patients had a median follow-up duration of 48 (interquartile range = 24–72) weeks. Two patients died (one pulmonary arterial hypertension–related, the other systemic sclerosis–related). According to the expert team, 8 of 11, 9 of 10, and 5 of 7 patients stabilized or improved at 12, 24, and 48 weeks, respectively. According to the abbreviated risk assessment at study end, 3 of 11 patients had 1 low-risk criterion. No previously unrecorded side effects were reported. Conclusion: Adding selexipag to background therapy in a high-risk cohort of systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients provided sustained stabilization of symptoms with an acceptable safety profile. Improvement was reached in only two of our patients. Further research should focus on systemic sclerosis–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients treated with multiple targeted treatments, preferably these patients should be prospectively followed in international registries.

Background During uncomplicated pregnancy, left ventricular remodeling occurs in an eccentric way. In contrast, during preeclamptic gestation, the left ventricle hypertrophies concentrically, concurrent with loss in circulatory volume and increased blood pressure. Concentric cardiac structure persists in a substantial proportion of women and may be associated with pressure and volume load after preeclampsia. We hypothesize that low volume load, as indicated by plasma volume (PV) after preeclampsia and increased pressure load, is associated with remote concentric remodeling. Methods and Results In this longitudinal cohort study, we included 100 formerly preeclamptic women. Two visits were performed: at 0.8 years postpartum and at 4.8 years postpartum. During visit 1, we measured blood pressure and PV (I 125 dilution technique, low PV ≤48 mL/kg lean body mass). During the second visit, we assessed cardiac geometry by cardiac ultrasound. Concentric remodeling was defined as relative wall thickness >0.42 and left ventricular mass index ≤95 g/m 2 . We adjusted multivariable analysis for primiparity, systolic blood pressure, PV mL/kg lean body mass, and antihypertensive medication at visit 1. Low PV is associated with remote concentric remodeling (odds ratio [OR], 4.37; 95% CI, 1.06–17.40; and adjusted OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.02–21.42). Arterial pressure load (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure) is also associated with development of concentric remodeling (OR, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.99–1.35]; OR, 1.24 [95% CI, 0.98–1.58]; and OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 0.98–1.47], respectively). Conclusions In former preeclamptic women, development toward left ventricular concentric remodeling is associated with low volume load and increased pressure load.

Associated cardiovascular malformations in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) should not be missed when a patient requires surgical correction. We present a case of an adult CCTGA patient who required redo surgery for recurrent tricuspid (left atrioventricular) valve regurgitation and previously unidentified partial anomalous pulmonary venous return.

OBJECTIVES Our goal was to report the long-term serial follow-up after transatrial–transpulmonary repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and to describe the influence of the timing of the repair on outcome. METHODS We included all patients with TOF who had undergone transatrial–transpulmonary repair between 1970 and 2012. Records were reviewed for patient demographics, operative details and events during the follow-up period (death, pulmonary valve replacement, cardiac reinterventions and hospitalization/intervention for arrhythmias). In patients with elective early primary repair of TOF after 1990, a subanalysis of the optimal timing of TOF repair was performed. RESULTS A total of 453 patients were included (63% male patients; 65% had transannular patch); 261 patients underwent primary elective repair after 1990. The median age at TOF repair was 0.7 years (25th–75th percentile 0.3–1.3) and decreased from 1.7 to 0.4 years from before 1990 to after 2000, respectively (P CONCLUSIONS Transatrial–transpulmonary repair of TOF before the age of 6 months may be associated with more events during the long-term follow-up period.

Background Maternal right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (measured by echocardiography) is associated with impaired uteroplacental circulation, however echocardiography has important limitations in the assessment of RV function. We therefore aimed to investigate the association of pre-pregnancy RV and left ventricular (LV) function measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance with uteroplacental Doppler flow parameters in pregnant women with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). Methods Women with repaired ToF were examined, who had been enrolled in a prospective multicenter study of pregnant women with congenital heart disease. Clinical data and CMR evaluation before pregnancy were compared with uteroplacental Doppler parameters at 20 and 32 weeks gestation. In particular, pulsatility index (PI) of uterine and umbilical artery were studied. Results We studied 31 women; mean age 30 years, operated at early age. Univariable analyses showed that reduced RV ejection fraction (RVEF; P = 0.037 and P = 0.001), higher RV end-systolic volume (P = 0.004) and higher LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively) were associated with higher uterine or umbilical artery PI. With multivariable analyses (corrected for maternal age and body mass index), reduced RVEF before pregnancy remained associated with higher umbilical artery PI at 32 weeks (P = 0.002). RVEF was lower in women with high PI compared to women with normal PI during pregnancy (44% vs. 53%, p = 0.022). LV ejection fraction was not associated with uterine or umbilical artery PI. Conclusions Reduced RV function before pregnancy is associated with abnormal uteroplacental Doppler flow parameters. It could be postulated that reduced RV function on pre-pregnancy CMR (≤2 years) is a predisposing factor for impaired placental function in women with repaired ToF.

Background Tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation (TR) is a common complication of pulmonary hypertension and right-sided congenital heart disease, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Estimation of TR severity by echocardiography and conventional cardiovasvular magnetic resonance (CMR) is not well validated and has high variability. 4D velocity-encoded (4D-flow) CMR was used to measure tricuspid flow in patients with complex right ventricular (RV) geometry and varying degrees of TR. The aims of the present study were: 1) to assess accuracy of 4D-flow CMR across the TV by comparing 4D-flow CMR derived TV effective flow to 2D-flow derived effective flow across the pulmonary valve (PV); 2) to assess TV 4D-flow CMR reproducibility, and 3) to compare TR grade by 4D-flow CMR to TR grade by echocardiography. Methods TR was assessed by both 4D-flow CMR and echocardiography in 21 healthy subjects (41.2 ± 10.5 yrs., female 7 (33%)) and 67 RV pressure-load patients (42.7 ± 17.0 yrs., female 32 (48%)). The CMR protocol included 4D-flow CMR measurement across the TV, 2D-flow measurement across the PV and conventional planimetric measurements. TR grading on echocardiographic images was performed based on the international recommendations. Bland-Altman analysis and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to asses correlations and agreement. Results TV effective flow measured by 4D-flow CMR showed good correlation and agreement with PV effective flow measured by 2D-flow CMR with ICC = 0.899 (p

There is no published evidence on pregnancy after right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction with an allograft.The aim of this study was to describe pregnancy outcomes in women with allografts in the RVOT position.A retrospective cohort study of consecutive female patients who received allografts in the RVOT position was conducted. All patients between 18 and 50 years of age were screened for cardiac, obstetric, and fetal outcomes of completed (≥20 weeks' gestation) pregnancies.In total, 196 women met the inclusion criteria, of whom 56 had 89 completed pregnancies. Information could be retrieved in 84 cases (94.4%). Mean maternal age was 29.6 ± 4.3 years, with 80 patients (95.2%) in New York Heart Association functional class I or II. The most common diagnosis was tetralogy of Fallot. All women survived pregnancy. There were 2 cases (2.4%) of heart failure (arrhythmic and diastolic dysfunction), 1 case (1.2%) of infection (chorioamnionitis), and 3 cases (3.6%) of pre-eclampsia. No other cardiac or obstetric events were reported. All children were born alive at a median gestational age of 38.4 weeks (interquartile range: 36.9 to 39.6 weeks), with a median birthweight of 2,930 g (interquartile range: 2,535 to 3,385 g). Seventeen (20.2%) were small for gestational age, and 20 (23.8%) were premature. Neonatal death was reported in 2 children (2.5%). Preconception pulmonary regurgitation was associated with an increased probability of pre-term labor (odds ratio: 2.610; 95% confidence interval: 1.318 to 5.172). Compared with the general Dutch population, pre-term delivery (25.0% vs. 7.4%, p 0.001) and children small for gestational age (20.2% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.002) were more common.Women in good cardiac health after RVOT reconstruction with allografts can safely experience pregnancy and labor. The higher incidence of pre-term delivery and children small for gestational age warrants special attention.

Objectives: To describe the use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in the evaluation of patients with anomalous coronary arteries originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS). Background: ACAOS of the right and left coronary are rare, but may lead to symptoms and impose a risk for sudden cardiac death, depending on several anatomical features. Assessment and risk estimation is challenging in (nonathlete) adults, especially if they present without symptoms or with atypical complaints. Methods: The team retrospectively studied 30 consecutive patients with ACAOS with interarterial course, who received IVUS- and FFR-guided treatment at our institution between October 2010 and September 2017. Results: FFR was abnormal in only seven patients. IVUS showed the typical slit-like anatomy of the orifice in 23 patients. Based on FFR and/or IVUS results, in conjunction with the clinical presentation, clinical decision was made. A decision for intervention was made if at least two out of three entities were abnormal. Intervention implied unroofing of the coronary artery (n = 10) or coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 1). In all other patients a conservative strategy was followed. No adverse events occurred in the total population after a median of 37 (0–62) months of follow-up. Conclusions: Conservative treatment may be justifiable in adult patients with ACAOS in the presence of normal FFR and nonsuspicious symptoms, despite the presence of an interarterial course and/or slitlike orifice on IVUS. We recommend the use of FFR and IVUS in the standard work-up for adult patients with ACAOS and propose the use of a flowchart to aid in decision-making.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine left ventricular (LV) strain (ԑ)-volume loops to provide novel insight into the haemodynamic cardiac consequences of aortic valve stenosis (AS) and aortic valve regurgitation (AR). Methods 27 participants were retrospectively recruited: AR (n = 7), AS (n = 10) and controls (n = 10). Standard transthoracic echocardiography was utilised to obtain apical 4 chamber images to construct ԑ-volume relationships were assessed by: Early systolic ԑ (ԑ_ES), slope of ԑ-volume relation during systole (Sslope), End-systolic peak ԑ (peak ԑ), Diastolic uncoupling (systolic ԑ-diastolic ԑ at same volume) during early diastole (UNCOUP_ED) and late diastole (UNCOUP_LD). ROC-curves were used to determine the ability to detect impaired LV function. Results Whilst LV ejection fraction was comparable between groups, longitudinal peak ԑ was similarly reduced compared to controls. In contrast, ԑ_ES and Sslope were lower in both pathologies compared to controls (P 0.05) to distinguish AS vs Controls, AR vs Controls and AS vs AR, respectively. Conclusions Temporal changes in ԑ-volume characteristics provide novel insight into the haemodynamic cardiac impact of AS and AR. Contrary to traditional measures (i.e. ejection fraction, peak ԑ), these novel measures successfully distinguish between the haemodynamic cardiac impact of AS and AR. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Item does not contain fulltext Background Endurance exercise training induces cardio-protective effects, but athletes are not exempted from a myocardial infarction. Evidence from animal studies suggests that exercise training attenuates pathological left ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction. We tested the hypothesis that lifelong exercise training is related to attenuated pathological left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction as evidenced by better left ventricular systolic function in veteran athletes compared to sedentary peers. Design This was a cross-sectional study. Methods Sixty-five males (60 +/- 6 years) were included and allocated to four groups based on lifelong exercise training volumes: (a) athletes ( n = 18), (b) post-myocardial infarction athletes (athletes + myocardial infarction, n = 20), (c) sedentary controls ( n = 13), and (d) post-myocardial infarction controls (sedentary controls + myocardial infarction, n = 14). Athletes were lifelong (>/=20 years) highly physically active (>/=30 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h/week), whereas sedentary controls did not meet the exercise guidelines (

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a frequent complication in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and a major cause of death despite the available treatments (1). Until the availability of the oral prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag in 2016, parenteral medication targeting the prostacyclin pathway was often not feasible for patients with SSc -PAH due to practical barriers. Selexipag added to background therapy improves prognosis of PAH in the published pivotal trial (2). However, to date information on results of SSc-PAH patients treated with any combination of targeted therapies including selexipag in daily clinical practice are lacking. Objectives Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of selexipag in SSc-PAH patients in a real life case series. Methods All patients with SSc associated PAH (WHO group 1) diagnosed by right heart catheterization who started with selexipag between 09-2016 and 06-2018 from two PAH expert centres were included. Data on demographics, concurrent medication, functional class, 6 minute walking distance and NT-pro-BNP level were recorded at baseline and during follow-up. Every 12 weeks we recorded the opinion of the treating expert team, resulting in a conclusion “improvement”, “stabilization” or “deterioration”. Additionally treatment effect was assessed according to the abbreviated risk assessment described by Boucly (3). Side effects and adverse events were registered and evaluated. Results We included 13 SSc-PAH patients, all classified as limited cutaneous SSc. Ten patients were female. Median age was 68 years (IQR 58-75), median SSc disease duration 7.4 years (IQR 4.7-13.5) and median PAH duration 4 years (IQR 2.5-7.5). All patients were on double background therapy. At baseline 1 patient had two low risk criteria, 1 patient had one low risk criterion, the other patients had no low risk criteria. Two patients discontinued selexipag within 4 weeks due to side effects. The eleven patients reaching maintenance dosage had a median follow up of 48 weeks (IQR 24-72). At the end of follow up, 2/11 patients improved, 4/11 stabilized, and 5/11 deteriorated as evaluated by their expert team. Two of these deteriorated patients died due to right ventricular failure and gastro-intestinal bleeding respectively. Of the patients deteriorating, 3 initially stabilized for a period of 24 to 60 weeks. None of the patients achieved 3 low risk criteria, three patients achieved 1 low risk criterion. No unknown side effects were reported. Conclusion Adding selexipag to double background therapy in a high risk cohort stabilized symptoms in the majority of these patients with an acceptable safety profile. Sustained improvement of PAH symptoms is reached in only a minority of our SSc-PAH patients. Further research examining multiple target therapy, including selexipag, in patients with early SSc-associated PAH is warranted. References [1] Lefevre G, et al. Survival and prognostic factors in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Rheum. 2013;65(9):2412-23. [2] Sitbon O, et al. Selexipag for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(26):2522-33. [3] Boucly A, et al. Risk assessment, prognosis and guideline implementation in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir J. 2017;50(2). Disclosure of Interests Jacqueline Lemmers: None declared, Havard Fretheim Grant/research support from: Travel bursary from Actelion and GSK, Hanneke Knaapen-Hans: None declared, Frank van den Hoogen: None declared, Jolanda van Haren-Willems: None declared, Toon Duijnhouwer: None declared, C.H.M. van den Ende: None declared, Arie van Dijk Grant/research support from: Unrestricted grant for PhD student from Actelion, Consultant for: Actelion, Speakers bureau: Actelion, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold Grant/research support from: Received research funding or other remuneration from Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, and Actelion, Consultant for: Received consulting fees or other remuneration from Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, and Actelion, Speakers bureau: Actelion and Boehringer Ingelheim, Madelon Vonk Grant/research support from: Madelon Vonk has received unrestricted research funds from Actelion and Therabel, Consultant for: Madelon Vonk was a consultant for Actelion, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Speakers bureau: Actelion, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Roche

Background In Fontan patients with atrial arrhythmias (AA), non-Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants(NOACs) have a class III recommendation according to the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES)/Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) guideline in 2014, due to lack of data on outcomes as opposed to evidence of harm. To address this gap in data, we investigated the safety and efficacy of NOACs in adults with a Fontan circulation in a worldwide study. Methods This is an international multicentre prospective cohort study, using data from the NOTE (non-Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for thromboembolic prevention in patients with congenital heart disease) registry. The study population comprised consecutive adults with a Fontan circulation using NOACs. Follow-up took place at 6 months and yearly thereafter. The primary endpoints were thromboembolism and major bleeding. Secondary endpoint was minor bleeding. Results From April 2014 onward, 74 patients (mean age 32±10 years (range 18-68), 54% male) with a Fontan circulation using NOACs were included. During a median follow-up of 1.2 (IQR 0.8-2.0) years, three thromboembolic events (2.9 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 0.7 to 7.6)) and three major bleedings (2.9 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 0.7 to 7.6)) occurred in five atriopulmonary Fontan and one total cavopulmonary connection Fontan patients with AA. Fifteen patients experienced minor bleeding episodes (15.8 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 9.1 to 25.2)). In patients (n=37) using Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) prior to the initiation of NOAC, annual incidence of historical thromboembolic events and major bleeding were 2.4% (95% CI 0.4% to 7.4%) (n = 2) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.7% to 5.1%) (n = 1), respectively. Conclusions In this review of the largest Fontan cohort using NOACs with prospective follow-up, NOACs appear to be well tolerated and their efficacy and safety during short-term follow-up seem comparable to VKAs. Longer term data are required to confirm these promising short-term results., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Introduction: Reperfusion is required to salvage ischaemic tissue, but also causes further damage (i.e., ischaemia/reperfusion-injury). Heart failure patients reveal exaggerated ischaemia/reperfusion-injury, whilst traditional ischaemic preconditioning cannot prevent ischaemia/reperfusion-injury. Exercise training may be a more powerful preconditioning stimulus, especially high-intensity interval training given the similarities with ischaemic preconditioning. Therefore, we examined the impact of 12-week continuous training vs. high-intensity interval training on brachial artery endothelial ischaemia/reperfusion-injury in heart failure patients New York Heart Association-class II-III.Methods: Twenty heart failure patients (male:female 19:1, 64 ± 8 years, ejection fraction 38 ± 6%) were allocated to 12-weeks of high-intensity interval training (10∗1-min 90% maximal workload – 2.5-min 30% maximal workload) or continuous training (30-min 60–75% maximal workload). Before and after the intervention, we measured brachial artery endothelial function with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) before and after ischaemia/reperfusion (5-min ischemic exercise, 15-min reperfusion).Results: Ischaemia/reperfusion caused a significant decline in FMD (continuous training (n = 10): 5.2 ± 2.5 to 3.4 ± 1.6%, high-intensity interval training (n = 10): 5.3 ± 2.6 to 3.5 ± 1.6%, P = 0.01), which was not different between groups (P > 0.05). Training improved maximal workload and fitness (P < 0.05), with no differences between groups (P > 0.05). Exercise training did not alter FMD (P > 0.05), whilst ischaemia/reperfusion did not impair FMD after exercise training (continuous training: 4.8 ± 3.0 to 4.2 ± 2.3%, high-intensity interval training: 4.7 ± 2.5 to 3.8 ± 2.3%, P > 0.05). No changes were found in FMD before or after ischaemia/reperfusion after 12-weeks in controls (n = 9).Conclusion: We found that 12-week exercise training in heart failure patients mitigated endothelial ischaemia-reperfusion injury, an effect independent of the type of exercise. These changes may contribute to the cardioprotective effects of exercise training, whilst our findings highlight the potency of exercise as a preconditioning stimulus.

Most studies concerning valve replacement in congenital heart disease (CHD) focus on surgical morbidity and mortality. However, with the increased life expectancy of these patients, the focus shifts to quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to report and compare the QOL of CHD patients after valve replacement with the general population and to find factors associated with QOL. In a multicenter cross-sectional observational study of adults with CHD, QOL was measured with the RAND-36 questionnaire (a health-related QOL questionnaire, with 8 domains scoring from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate a better QOL). Functional status was measured with exercise capacity testing. Uni- and multivariable linear regression was used to find associations with QOL. In total, 324 patients with CHD and a prosthetic valve were included in this study. CHD patients with a valve replacement scored significantly lower than the general population on the general health, vitality, and social functioning domains (P < 0.05). On the bodily pain domain, they scored significantly higher (less pain) (P < 0.001). Higher NYHA class was associated with a lower QOL for all domains, reflecting the importance of functional capacity. Other variables related to aspects of QOL were age, gender, exercise capacity, and employment status. Adult patients with CHD and a prosthetic valve have lower scores on the QOL domains general health, vitality, and social functioning as compared to the general population. NYHA class was negatively associated with all QOL domains. Health care professionals should be aware of these patterns in counseling patients.

BackgroundWomen with Turner syndrome (TS) are at increased risk of aortic dissection, which is related to ascending aortic diameter. However, the relation between aortic diameter and outcome is not well determined. This study evaluates the prevalence of aortic dilatation, the growth rate of the aorta and the risk of aortic complications in adults with TS.MethodsSingle centre, retrospective study of all women with TS followed with a strict protocol in an outpatient TS clinic. Aortic diameters were analysed using advanced imaging. The primary outcome was a combined endpoint of aortic-related mortality, aortic dissection and preventive aortic surgery. The secondary endpoint was aortic growth and prevalence of aortic dilatation, defined as an aortic size index >20 mm/m2 at baseline.ResultsAt least one cardiac MR/CT was available in 268 women with TS, having median age of 28.7 (IQR: 21.3–39.7) years. Aortic dilatation was present in 22%. Linear regression identified independent factors associated with larger aortic diameters: age (coefficient=0.23; pConclusionsAortic dilatation is common and known associations were confirmed in large adult TS cohort However, aortic dissection, related mortality and preventive aortic surgery are rare. Growth hormone treatment in childhood was associated with aortic dimensions.

Aortic valve replacement (AVR) leads to remodeling of the left ventricle (LV). Adopting a novel technique to examine dynamic LV function, our study explored whether post-AVR changes in dynamic LV function and/or changes in aortic valve characteristics are associated with LV mass regression during follow-up. We retrospectively analyzed 30 participants with severe aortic stenosis who underwent standard transthoracic echocardiographic assessment before AVR [88 (IQR or interquartile range: 22–143) days], post-AVR [13 (6–22) days], and during follow-up [455 (226–907) days]. We assessed standard measures of LV structure, function, and aortic valve characteristics. Novel insight into dynamic LV function was provided through a four-chamber image by examination of the temporal relation between LV longitudinal strain (ε) and volume (ε-volume loops), representing the contribution of LV mechanics to volume change. AVR resulted in immediate changes in structural valve characteristics, alongside a reduced LV longitudinal peak ε and improved coherence between the diastolic and systolic part of the ε-volume loop (all P < 0.05). Follow-up revealed a decrease in LV mass ( P < 0.05) and improvements in LV ejection fraction and LV longitudinal peak ε ( P < 0.05). A significant relationship was present between decline in LV mass during follow-up and post-AVR improvement in coherence of the ε-volume loops ( r = 0.439, P = 0.03), but not with post-AVR changes in aortic valve characteristics or LV function (all P > 0.05). We found that post-AVR improvements in dynamic LV function are related to long-term remodeling of the LV. This highlights the potential importance of assessing dynamic LV function for cardiac adaptations in vivo. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Combining temporal measures of left ventricular longitudinal strain and volume (strain-volume loop) provides novel insights in dynamic cardiac function. In patients with aortic stenosis who underwent aortic valve replacement, postsurgical changes in the strain-volume loop are associated with regression of left ventricular mass during follow-up. This provides novel insight into the relation between postsurgery changes in cardiac hemodynamics and long-term structural remodeling, but also supports the potential utility of the assessment of dynamic cardiac function.

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) with right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction need sequential pulmonary valve replacements throughout their life in the majority of cases. Since their introduction in 2000, the number of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantations (PPVI) has grown and reached over 10,000 procedures worldwide. Overall, PPVI has been proven safe and effective, but some anatomical variations can limit procedural success. This review discusses the current status and future perspectives of the procedure.

Contains fulltext : 171773.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) have a poor prognosis. Identifying patients with a high risk for clinical events and death is important because their prognosis can be improved by intensifying their treatment. Cystatin C, a novel cardiac biomarker, correlates with right ventricular dimensions in patients with idiopathic PAH, giving it potential to determine prognosis in PAH-CHD patients. We investigated the predictive value of cystatin C for long-term mortality and clinical events. METHODS: Fifty-nine PAH-CHD patients (mean age 42 SD 13 years, 42% male) were included in this prospective observational study, with cystatin C measurements between 2005 and 2015 on the outpatient clinic. Patients were evaluated with a standardized evaluation protocol including laboratory, functional and echocardiographic variables. Clinical events comprised worsening functional classification, worsening heart failure, symptomatic hyperviscosity, haemoptysis and arrhythmia. We used Cox regression to determine predictors for mortality and clinical events. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 4.4years, during which 12 (20%) patients died. Cystatin C (HR 1.3, p

To report the prevalence of aortic valve prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) in an adult population with congenital heart disease (CHD) and its impact on exercise capacity. Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) with a history of aortic valve replacement may outgrow their prosthesis later in life. However, the prevalence and clinical consequences of aortic PPM in ACHD are presently unknown. From the national Dutch Congenital Corvitia (CONCOR) registry, we identified 207 ACHD with an aortic valve prosthesis for this cross-sectional cohort study. Severe PPM was defined as an indexed effective orifice area ≤0.65 cm2/m2 and moderate PPM as an indexed orifice area ≤0.85 cm2/m2 measured using echocardiography. Exercise capacity was reported as percentage of predicted exercise capacity (PPEC). Of the 207 patients, 68% was male, 71% had a mechanical prosthesis and mean age at inclusion was 43.9 years ±11.4. The prevalence of PPM was 42%, comprising 23% severe PPM and 19% moderate PPM. Prevalence of PPM was higher in patients with mechanical prostheses (p

__Background:__ Pulmonary artery (PA) aneurysms are rare and their related complications like dissection or rupture have been so far reported in a few reports, and a systematic description of the disease is lacking. To identify patients with PA aneurysm, at high-risk for complications, is critical. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine characteristics that could identify high-risk patients. __Method:__ A systematic search strategy was established and executed in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google scholar. Case reports were included if a minimal set of data were described. __Results:__ After executing the search strategy and exclusion of non-relevant or duplicate articles, 38 original articles, reviews and 169 case reports could be included. Articles were classified in high and low-pressure PA aneurysms and subdivided in six groups on basis of the causative mechanisms. PA dilatation was most common in association with pulmonary hypertension, but only one dissection was reported in 6 original articles containing 153 patients. Analysis of the case reports suggests that predictors of high-risk patients are: pulmonary hypertension in congenital heart disease, fast PA diameter growth (>2 mm/year), tissue weakness due to infection and possibly pregnancy especially in combination. Except for 2 cases, PA dissection did not occur, when the PA diameter was

Formerly preeclamptic women are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Low plasma volume may reflect latent hypertension and potentially links preeclampsia with chronic cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that low plasma volume in normotensive formerly preeclamptic women predisposes to hypertension. We longitudinally studied n=104 formerly preeclamptic women in whom plasma volume was measured 3 to 30 months after the preeclamptic pregnancy. Cardiovascular variables were assessed at 2 points in time (3–30 months postpartum and 2–5 years thereafter). Study population was divided into low plasma volume (≤1373 mL/m 2 ) and normal plasma volume (>1373 mL/m 2 ). Primary end point was hypertension at the second visit: defined as ≥140 mm Hg systolic or ≥90 mm Hg diastolic. Secondary outcome of this study was change in traditional cardiovascular risk profile between visits. Variables correlating univariately with change in blood pressure between visits were introduced in regression analysis. Eighteen of 104 (17%) formerly preeclamptic women who were normotensive at first visit had hypertension at second evaluation 2 to 5 years later. Hypertension developed more often in women with low plasma volume (10/35 [29%]) than in women with normal plasma volume (8/69 [12%]; odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–8.6). After adjustments, relationship between plasma volume status and subsequent hypertension persisted (adjusted odds ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–8.5). Mean arterial pressure at second visit correlated inverse linearly with plasma volume ( r =−0.49; P

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the value of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography combined with computed tomography (F-18-FDG-PET/CT) in diagnosing native valve endocarditis (NVE). Patients and methods All patients with bacteremia and suspicion of NVE between January 2013 and June 2016 were identified from the hospitals' register and retrospectively included if echocardiography and F-18-FDG-PET/CT were performed within 14 days. F-18-FDG-PET/CT scans were scored independently by two nuclear medicine physicians. F-18-FDG-PET/CT was compared with the modified-Duke criteria and a multidisciplinary consensus. Results A total of 88 patients were included. In 10 patients with definite NVE according to the modified-Duke criteria, three (30.0%) patients had increased F-18-FDG uptake in or around the heart valves and seven (70.0%) patients had no increased F-18-FDG uptake. In patients without definite NVE according to the modified-Duke criteria, 89.7% (70/78) of the patients had no increased F-18-FDG uptake in or around the heart valves. Of all 20 patients with NVE according to multidisciplinary consensus, nine (45.0%) patients had increased F-18-FDG uptake in or around the heart valves and 11 (55.0%) patients had a normal F-18-FDG-PET/CT result. Conclusion A negative F-18-FDG-PET/CT result should not be interpreted as an exclusion of NVE. In patients with possible or rejected NVE according to the modified-Duke criteria, F-18-FDG-PET/CT could be used in case of sustained suspicion of NVE owing to its high specificity in case of abnormal FDG uptake at the valve region. F-18-FDG-PET/CT is important for detecting metastatic infection which already warrants the need to perform F-18-FDG-PET/CT in all patients with suspected NVE.

Background: The effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers on right ventricular (RV) function is still unknown. Angiotensin II receptor blockers are beneficial in patients with acquired left ventricular dysfunction, and recent findings have suggested a favorable effect in symptomatic patients with systemic RV dysfunction. The current study aimed to determine the effect of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, on subpulmonary RV dysfunction in adults after repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Methods: The REDEFINE trial (Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Tetralogy of Fallot: Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, prospective, 1:1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and RV dysfunction (RV ejection fraction [EF] Results: Of 95 included patients, 47 patients received 150 mg losartan daily (age, 38.0±12.4 years; 74% male), and 48 patients received placebo (age, 40.6±11.4 years; 63% male). Overall, RV EF did not change in patients allocated to losartan (n=42) (44.4±5.1% to 45.2±5.0%) and placebo (n=46) (43.2±6.3% to 43.6±6.9%). Losartan did not significantly improve RV EF in comparison with placebo (+0.51%; 95% confidence interval, –1.0 to +2.0; P =0.50). No significant treatment effects were found on secondary outcomes: left ventricular EF, peak aerobic exercise capacity, and N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide ( P >0.30 for all). In predefined subgroup analyses, losartan did not have a statistically significant impact on RV EF in subgroups with symptoms, restrictive RV, RV EFP =0.045). Conclusions: Losartan had no significant effect on RV dysfunction or secondary outcome parameters in repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Future larger studies may determine whether there might be a role for losartan in specific vulnerable subgroups. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02010905.

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is often observed in the presence of left side heart disease and lung disease, it is rare in the presence of all other possible causes, like PHT associated with atrial septal defect. Regardless of the cause of PHT it is always a sign of poorer prognosis. Echocardiography can help making the diagnosis of PHT, keeping in mind that only invasive pressure measurements can confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Echocardiography plays an important role in the screening and can simultaneously determine the possible cardiac cause of the PHT.

BACKGROUND: The various conditions causing a chronic increase of RV pressure greatly differ in the occurrence of RV failure, and in clinical outcome. To get a better understanding of the differences in outcome, RV remodeling, longitudinal function, and transverse function are compared between patients with pulmonary stenosis (PS), those with a systemic RV and those with pulmonary hypertension (PH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled subjects for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), functional echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The study included: controls (n = 37), patients with PS (n = 15), systemic RV (n = 19) and PH (n = 20). Statistical analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with posthoc Bonferroni. RESULTS: PS patients had smaller RV volumes with higher RV ejection fraction (61.1±9.6%; p