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Despite constant medical evolution, the reimbursement policy of Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) for the study and risk stratification of coronary heart disease has remained unchanged for several decades. Lack of adjustment to contemporary clinical practice has long been evident. However, the recent publication of the European Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic coronary syndromes further highlighted this gap and the urgent need for a change. Prompted by these Guidelines, the Working Group on Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Cardiac CT, the Working Group on Echocardiography and the Working Group on Stress Pathophysiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, began a process of joint reflection on the current limitations and how these recommendations could be applied in Portugal. To this end, the authors suggest that the new imaging methods (stress echocardiogram, cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance), should be added to exercise treadmill stress test and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the available exam portfolio within the Portuguese NHS. This change would allow full adoption of European guidelines and a better use of tests, according to clinical context, availability and local specificities. The adoption of clinical guidance standards, based on these assumptions, would translate into a qualitative improvement in the management of these patients and would promote an effective use of the available resources, with potential health and financial gains.

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While there have been major advances in this field, these patients are still a higher risk subgroup. As such, strategies to mitigate risk and tailor secondary prevention measures are of the utmost relevance. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR), encompassing several domains including exercise training, cardiovascular risk factor optimization, nutritional and psychological assessments, as well as other ancillary interventions has shown to be one of the pillars in the contemporary management of patients with IHD. Indeed, CR is associated with several benefits in this population, ranging from functional capacity to improvements in outcomes. Whilst this, there are still several issues concerning the optimal application of CR which are still not fully ascertained, such as lack of referral and completion, as well as questions related to programme design (particularly among patients with multiple comorbidities). In this review, we aim at presenting a pragmatic overview on the current role of CR in the management of individuals with IHD, while also discussing some of the caveats in the current data, as well as future concepts which could help improve the uptake and personalization of this pivotal time-tested intervention.

Previous studies have suggested that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) could exert a paracrine effect in the myocardium. However, few studies have assessed its role in the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the association between EAT volume, and its attenuation, with the risk of AF recurrence after AF ablation.A total of 350 consecutive patients who underwent AF ablation were included. The median age was 57 [IQR 48-65] years and 21% had persistent AF. Epicardial fat was quantified by multidetector computed tomography using Syngo.via Frontier-Cardiac Risk Assessment software, measuring pericardial fat volume (PATV), EAT volume, and attenuation of EAT posterior to the left atrium. AF recurrence was defined as any documented episode of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia more than 3 months after the procedure.After a median follow-up of 34 [range, 12-57] months, 114 patients (33%) had AF recurrence. Univariable Cox regression showed that patients with an EAT volume ≥ 80 mL had an increased risk of AF recurrence (HR, 1.65; 95%CI, 1.14-2.39; P = .007). However, after multivariable adjustment, EAT volume did not remain an independent predictor of AF recurrence (HR, 1.24; 95%CI, 0.83-1.87; P = .3). Similar results were observed with PATV. Patients with lower attenuation of EAT did not have a higher risk of AF recurrence (log-rank test, P = .75).EAT parameters including the evaluation of EAT volume, PATV and EAT attenuation were not independent predictors of AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Introduction and objectives: In severe aortic stenosis (AS), the impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on left ventricular (LV) systolic function assessed by strain and measured by echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been controversial. We aimed to investigate LV systolic myocardial function changes six months after AVR using global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) strain derived from CMR imaging. Methods: We included 39 severe AS patients (69.3±7.8 years; 61.5% male) with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) who were recruited as part of the EPICHEART study and underwent successful AVR (aortic valvular area: 0.8 cm2 (IQR: 0.2) pre- to 1.8 cm2 (IQR:0.5) post-AVR). Structural and functional parameters were assessed at baseline and six months after AVR, including LV GRS, GCS and GLS analysis by CMR, using cine short-axial and two-, three-, and four-chamber long-axial view. Comparison between baseline and postoperative LV remodeling was performed using Student t-test and Wilcoxon test. Results: At six-month follow-up, LV mass, end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volume, cardiac output, lateral E/e’, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right ventricular (RV) S wave velocity, GLS [-15.6% (IQR: 4.39) to -13.7% (IQR: 4.62)] and GCS [-17.8±3.58% to -16.1±2.94%] reduced significantly, while LVEF and GRS remained unchanged and lateral e’ velocity increased. Conclusions: Despite favorable reverse LV structural and diastolic functional remodeling six months following AVR, GLS and GCS assessed by CMR reduced compared to baseline, LVEF remained unchanged. The clinical utility and timing of assessment of postoperative strain changes as a marker of systolic function progression needs further research. Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: Na estenose aórtica (EA), o impacto da substituição da válvula aórtica (SVA) na função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo (VE), avaliado por strain medido por ecografia ou ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC), ainda é controverso. Neste estudo, pretendemos investigar as alterações na função sistólica do VE seis meses após SVA, avaliadas por strain global longitudinal (SGL), circunferencial (SGC) e radial (SGR) medidos por RMC. Métodos: Foram incluídos 39 doentes com EA severa (69,3±7,8 anos; 61,5% sexo masculino) com fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE) preservada, recrutados no estudo EPICHEART, que foram submetidos a SVA bem-sucedida [área valvular aórtica (AVA): 0,8 cm2 (VIQ:0,2) pré-SVA para 1,8 cm2 (VIQ:0,5) pós-SVA]. Foram avaliados parâmetros de estrutura e função, incluindo SGL, SGC e SGR do VE por RMC, através da avaliação de imagens de eixo-curto e de eixo-longo de duas, três e quatro câmaras, antes e seis meses após SVA. Os valores pré e pós-operatórios da função e estrutura do VE foram comparados com o teste t de Student e com o teste de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Aos seis meses após SVA, verificou-se redução significativa da massa do VE, volumes telediastólico e telessistólico, volume de ejeção, débito cardíaco, rácio E/e’ lateral, TAPSE e onda S do ventrículo direito (VD), tal como do SGL [-15,6% (VIQ:4,39) para -13,7% (VIQ:4,62)] e do SGC [-17,8±3,58% para -16,1 ± 2,94%), enquanto a FEVE e o SGR não sofreram alterações significativas e a velocidade e’ aumentou. Conclusões: Apesar de uma remodelagem reversa estrutural e funcional diastólica favorável seis meses após SVA, o SGL e SGC medidos por RMC diminuíram e a FEVE não sofreu alterações significativas. A utilidade clínica e o tempo após intervenção para avaliar as alterações pós-operatórias do strain, como marcador de função sistólica, requerem investigação adicional.

Aims Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare abnormality, which may cause aortic regurgitation (AR) requiring surgical intervention in some patients. The characteristics associated with aortic valve functional degeneration in patients with QAV are still unknown. The aim of this study is to describe QAV prevalence, characterize the disease by multimodality imaging, evaluate predictors of severe AR, and assess mid-term prognosis. Methods and results Retrospective search in imaging exams database of one tertiary centre, for patients diagnosed with QAV between January 2007 and September 2019. QAV was characterized by cardiac computed tomography, transthoracic/transoesophageal echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance. A total of 160 004 exams were reviewed and eight patients with QAV were identified (50% men, mean age 53.5 ± 10.7 years). The prevalence of QAV was 0.005%. During a median follow-up of 52 months (interquartile range 16–88), there were no deaths. Seven patients (88%) had pure AR (three severe, one moderate, and three mild) and one patient (12%) had moderate AR and moderate aortic stenosis. Three patients (38%) with severe AR underwent valve surgery (two replacements and one repair). Analysis of predictors of severe AR was not statistically significant. Conclusion QAV is a rare congenital cardiac defect, with a prevalence of 0.005% in our study. Its predominant functional abnormality was regurgitation and about one-third of the patients required aortic valve surgery. Multimodality imaging may play a pivotal role in assessing patients with QAV with significant valve dysfunction or associated congenital heart disease and improve their treatment strategy.

Social media increasingly impact both the private and professional lives of the majority of the population, including individuals engaged in cardiovascular healthcare and research. Healthcare providers across the world use social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook to find medical and scientific information, to follow scientific meetings, to discuss individual clinical cases with colleagues, and to engage with patients. While social media provide a means for fast, interactive and accessible communication without geographic boundaries, their use to obtain and disseminate information has limitations and the potential threats are not always clearly understood. Governance concerns include a lack of rigorous quality control, bias due to the pre-selection of presented content by filter algorithms, and the risk of inadvertent breach of patient confidentiality. This article provides information and guidance regarding the role and use of social media platforms in cardiovascular medicine, with an emphasis on the new opportunities for the dissemination of scientific information and continuing education that arise from their responsible use.

Introduction and Objectives: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent has emerged as a predictor of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), however little is known about the arrhythmogenic relevance of its specific location in the left ventricle. Our aim was to analyze the influence of LGE location on the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and SCD in patients with HCM. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and Holter records of HCM patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance at our center. LGE extent and distribution were assessed using the American Heart Association 17-segment model. VA was defined as non-sustained or sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or SCD. Results: Sixty-one patients (age 57.0±16.7 years) were included and VA occurred in 24.6% (n=15). Patients with VA showed greater LGE extent than those without (7.40±5.3 vs. 3.52±3.0 segments, p=0.007). Analyzing the distribution of LGE, a set of arrhythmogenic segments (apex/basal inferior/basal anterolateral/mid inferoseptal) was found. The extent of LGE involvement in these segments was also greater in patients with VA (2.07±1.03 vs. 0.65±0.71 segments, p

AIMS The diagnostic performance of the new Peguero-Lo Presti ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has not been validated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of Peguero-Lo Presti, Cornell and Sokolow--Lyon voltage criteria for LVH as defined by CMR in an all-comers European population. METHODS A total of 240 consecutive patients referred for CMR who had a concomitant electrocardiogram for review were evaluated. LVH group patients were defined according to the reference values for sex and age of left ventricular mass index (LVMi). A control group, adjusted by sex, was randomly selected from a population without LVH. We applied the ECG voltage criteria to both groups and evaluated their diagnostic accuracy. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were compared. RESULTS Two hundred and forty patients (mean age 63 years; 65% men) were divided into two groups (LVH n = 149; control n = 91). The main causes of LVH were hypertension (24.8%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (21.5%). The remaining patients of this group had a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (14.8%), valvular heart disease (7.4%) and infiltrative cardiomyopathy (2.0%). Overall, the sensitivity for LVH diagnosis of the Peguero-Lo Presti criteria outperformed both the Cornell (47 vs. 29%, P

Aims The association between the dissemination of scientific articles on Twitter and online visibility (including Altmetric score) is still controversial and the impact on citation rates has never been addressed for cardiovascular medicine journals. Methods and Results The ESC Journals Study randomized 696 papers published in the ESC Journals family (March 2018–May 2019) for promotion on Twitter or to a control arm (with no active tweeting from ESC channels) and aimed to assess if Twitter promotion was associated with an increase in citation rate (primary endpoint) and Altmetric score. This is a preliminary analysis of 536 articles (77% of total) published until December 2018 (therefore, papers published at least 6 months before collecting citation and Altmetrics data). In the analysis of the primary endpoint, Twitter promotion of articles was associated with a 1.43 (95% confidence interval 1.29–1.58) higher rate of citations, and this effect was independent of the type of article. Both Altmetric score and number of users tweeting were positively associated with the number of citations in both arms, with evidence of a stronger association (interaction) in the Twitter arm. Conclusion Therefore, a social media strategy of Twitter promotion for cardiovascular medicine papers seems to be associated with increased online visibility and higher number of citations. The final analysis will include 696 papers and 2-year scientific citation rate and is estimated to be concluded in March 2021.

The association between the dissemination of scientific articles on Twitter and online visibility (as assessed by the Altmetric Score) is still controversial, and the impact on citation rates has never been rigorously addressed for cardiovascular medicine journals using a randomized design. The ESC Journals Study randomized 695 papers published in the ESC Journal Family (March 2018–May 2019) for promotion on Twitter or to a control arm (with no active tweeting from ESC channels) and aimed to assess whether Twitter promotion was associated with an increase in citation rates (primary endpoint) and of the Altmetric Score. This is the final analysis including 694 articles (one paper excluded due to retraction). After a median follow-up of 994 days (interquartile range: 936–1063 days), Twitter promotion of articles was associated with a 1.12 (95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.15) higher rate of citations, and this effect was independent of the type of article. Altmetric Attention Score and number of users tweeting were positive predictors for the number of citations. A social media strategy of Twitter promotion for cardiovascular medicine papers seems to be associated with increased online visibility and higher numbers of citations.

Background: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) plays a pivotal role in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Studies have shown that older individuals have a worse prognosis after an AMI, attesting to the importance of risk reduction strategies. We aimed at assessing the impact of age (patients dichotomized as ≥65 years old or Design: Observational, retrospective cohort study. Participants: All patients admitted due to an AMI who completed a phase II EBCR program after discharge, between November 2012 and April 2017. Intervention: EBCR program. Measurements: Functional parameters were assessed by a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test. Results: A total of 379 patients were included (30% aged ≥65 years). After the EBCR program, peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) and exercise duration increased significantly. Patients aged ≥65 years presented with more comorbidities and a lower functional capacity. Those aged ≥65 years presented significantly smaller improvements in pVO2 (0.79 ± 2.61 vs. 1.60 ± 3.11 mL/kg/min, p = 0.016) and exercise duration [75 (59–120) vs. 120 s (60–180), p = 0.002]. This was maintained after adjusting for several potential confounders. Conclusion: Older patients have a worse functional capacity than their younger counterparts. Still, a contemporary EBCR program was associated with significant functional improvements among those aged ≥65 years. The smaller improvements even after adjustments for potential confounders suggest that physiological differences may contribute to this finding. These results highlight the relevance of EBCR among this higher-risk subgroup.

Introduction: Diastolic dysfunction is highly prevalent and a key pathophysiological contributor to several cardiovascular diseases, especially heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In addition, some evidence suggests diastolic dysfunction is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence and to quantify the association between diastolic dysfunction and risk of cardiovascular events and death. Methods: MEDLINE was systematically searched from 1974 up to October 2017. We included cohort studies that assessed diastolic function in adults in the community, providing a definition of diastolic dysfunction regarding the occurrence of any cardiovascular event or mortality. For the quantitative analysis, relative risk estimates comparing individuals with versus without diastolic dysfunction were combined using a random effects model. Results: Nineteen studies were identified for inclusion in the systematic review, assessing a total of 63 802 participants. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Diagnostic criteria and classification of diastolic dysfunction differed substantially between studies. The median prevalence of diastolic dysfunction in studies including individuals with and without diastolic dysfunction was 35.1% (range 5.3-65.2%). Comparing diastolic dysfunction with normal diastolic function, the summary relative risk estimate for cardiovascular events or mortality was 3.53 (95% CI: 2.75-4.53; I2=85.5%; nine studies). Conclusions: Although the definitions found in the literature differ, the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction is associated with a 3.53-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events or death. This finding highlights the importance of developing easily applicable and consensual diagnostic criteria, as well as fostering research on effective treatment strategies when diastolic dysfunction is identified in the subclinical stage. Resumo: Introdução: A disfunção diastólica (DD) é muito prevalente e representa um mecanismo fisiopatológico central para várias doenças cardiovasculares, especialmente para a insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção preservada. Além disso, alguns estudos sugerem que a DD se associa a um aumento do risco de eventos cardiovasculares. Este estudo pretende determinar se a DD é um preditor de eventos cardiovasculares e mortalidade através de uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na Medline, desde 1974 até outubro de 2017. Foram incluídos estudos de coorte que avaliassem a função diastólica em adultos da comunidade, comparando participantes com e sem DD, no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento de eventos cardiovasculares ou morte. Na meta-análise, os riscos relativos foram combinados usando um modelo de random-effects analysis. Resultados: Foram identificados dezanove estudos para a revisão sistemática, avaliando um total de 63 802 participantes, dos quais nove foram incluídos na meta-análise. Observámos que os critérios de diagnóstico e classificação de DD foram bastante diferentes entre os estudos. A prevalência mediana de DD foi 35,1% (variabilidade 5,3%-65,2%). A presença de DD associou-se a um aumento significativo do risco relativo combinado de evento cardiovascular ou mortalidade (3,53; IC 95%: 2,75-4,53; I2=85,5%; 9 estudos). Conclusões: Apesar da heterogeneidade na definição de DD, a sua presença está associada a um aumento marcado do risco de eventos cardiovasculares ou morte. Este resultado realça a importância de desenvolver critérios objetivos e consensuais para o diagnóstico de DD, de modo a promover a sua identificação numa fase subclínica e eventualmente estimular uma investigação dirigida à abordagem terapêutica precoce. Keywords: Diastole, Myocardial relaxation, Diastolic dysfunction, Prognosis, Cardiovascular events, Heart failure, Palavras-chave: Diástole, Relaxamento miocárdico, Disfunção diastólica, Prognóstico, Eventos cardiovasculares, Insuficiência cardíaca

Introduction and Objectives: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-based tissue tracking (TT) enables quantification of myocardial deformation and may be used as an objective measure of myocardial involvement in myocarditis. The aims of this study were to characterize myocardial deformation alterations in myocarditis and to determine their relationship with the extent of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), regional wall motion abnormalities (WMA) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted by identifying patients with clinically suspected myocarditis who underwent CMR between 2012 and 2016. The myocardial deformation parameters were derived by TT and correlated with LVEF, LGE and WMA, through Spearman's coefficient. Results: A cohort of 78 patients with myocarditis (aged 42.7±17.2 years) were included. CMR characteristics including morphologic parameters (LVEF 52.1±12.8%), extent of WMA (29.3±41.0%) and of LGE (30.5±21.8%) were assessed. Significant correlations were found between all deformation parameters (strain, strain rate, velocity and displacement) and both LVEF and extent of WMA. LGE was significantly correlated with systolic radial strain (r: -0.32, p=0.004), strain rate (r: -0.27, p=0.017) and displacement (r: -0.32, p=0.004) as well as systolic circumferential strain (r: 0.28, p=0.013). Conclusion: Deformation parameters are an objective method for quantification of myocardial function in myocarditis. They correlate with LVEF, extent of WMA and degree of myocardial damage. Further studies are needed to assess their incremental beneficial value for the diagnosis and risk stratification of myocarditis. Resumo: Introdução e objetivos: A avaliação de tissue tracking (TT) por ressonância magnética cardíaca (RMC) permite quantificar a deformação miocárdica e pode ser usada como uma medida objetiva em doentes com miocardite. O objetivo deste estudo foi caraterizar as alterações de deformação miocárdica na miocardite e determinar a sua relação com a quantidade de realce tardio (RT), alterações da contractilidade segmentar (ACS) e fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda (FEVE). Métodos: Conduzimos um estudo unicêntrico, retrospectivo, que incluiu doentes com suspeita de miocardite, submetidos a RMC de 2012 a 2016. Os parâmetros de deformação miocárdica derivados por TT foram correlacionados com a FEVE, o RT e as ACS, através do coeficiente de Spearman. Resultados: Foram avaliadas as RMC de 78 doentes com miocardite (42,7±17,2 anos), incluindo parâmetros morfológicos (FEVE: 52,1±12,8%), quantidade de ACS (29,3±41,0%) e extensão de RT (30,5±21,8%). Encontrámos correlações significativas de todos os parâmetros de deformação (strain, strain rate, velocidade e deslocamento) com a FEVE e com a quantidade de ACS. O RT correlacionou-se de forma significativa apenas com o strain (r: -0,32, p=0,004), strain rate (r: -0,27, p=0,017) e deslocamento radial sistólico (r: -0.32, p=0.004), assim como com o strain circunferencial sistólico (r: 0,28, p=0,013). Conclusão: Os parâmetros de deformação representam uma medida objetiva para quantificar a função nos doentes com miocardite. Relacionam-se com a FEVE, quantidade de ACS e extensão de lesão miocárdica. São necessários estudos adicionais que avaliem o benefício destes parâmetros no diagnóstico e estratificação do risco nos doentes com miocardite. Keywords: Cardiac magnetic resonance, Tissue tracking, Myocarditis, Palavras-chave: Ressonância magnética cardíaca, Tissue tracking, Miocardite

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, arterial hypertension and abnormal glucose homeostasis, which occur together more frequently than by chance. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is one of the most frequent manifestations of subclinical cardiac involvement of MetS, ultimately leading to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Metformin's new potential therapeutic actions include prevention of cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. Purpose We aimed to evaluate if metformin improves diastolic function (DF) in non-diabetic patients with MetS. Methods A prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial was conducted over 24 months. Fifty-four non-diabetic adults with MetS and DD (defined as mean e' Results Forty-nine patients (mean age=51.8±6.4; 55% males) were included in the mITT analysis. Metformin use, on top of lifestyle counseling, led to an increase in mean e' velocity during follow-up (figure 2), with results at 24 months of +0.67±1.90cm/s (vs. −0.33±1.50cm/s in the control group, p=0.056), which reached statistical significance in PP analysis (+0.80±1.99cm/s vs. −0.37±1.52cm/s, p=0.039). In a random intercept linear mixed model adjusting for age, gender, treatment with drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, presence of heart failure and baseline degree of DD, both mITT and PP analysis showed a statistically significant improvement of DF with metformin over time (β-coefficient=0.28, standard error (SE)=0.13, p=0.034, and β-coefficient=0.35, SE=0.14, p=0.011, respectively). This effect was independent of the observed reduction in insulin resistance. There were no differences regarding peak VO2 nor SF-36 score. Conclusions Treatment with metformin of non-diabetic MetS patients with DD, on top of lifestyle counseling, was associated with improved diastolic function. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Merck Study algorithmPrimary endpoint results

Introduction Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is routinely performed for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) planning in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This imaging method can also identify coronary artery calcium (CAC). Purpose To evaluate the prevalence of CAC in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation. Methods Cross-sectional study including patients with AF/atrial flutter (AFL) undergoing CCT for ablation procedure planning from 2017 to 2019. Baseline clinical and demographic data were collected and CAC score was assessed using the Agatston method. Patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF/AFL (defined according to 2020 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the diagnosis and management of AF) were compared. Results A total of 474 patients were included (441 with AF and 33 with AFL), with a mean age of 57±12 years, of which 295 (62%) were males. CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥1 (male) or ≥2 (female) in 278 (64%) patients and most patients had a low to moderate cardiovascular risk (259, 80%). CAC was identified in 254 (54%) patients. AF/AFL was paroxysmal in 348 (75%) patients and persistent in 116 (25%). Baseline characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors were similar between groups except for diabetes mellitus (33 [10%] vs 22 [20%], p=0.012) and valvular heart disease (13 [4%] vs 18 [16%], p100 (58 [17%] vs 35 [30%], p=0.002). After multivariate analysis, CAC score>100 remained an independent predictor of persistent AF/AFL (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.18–3.82, p=0.013) along with higher left atrial volume (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.08, p Conclusion In this study, coronary artery calcium was present in more than half of AF/FLA patients undergoing catheter ablation. Patients with persistent AF/AFL showed higher calcium scores and this could derive from chronic, more advanced disease. Especially in those patients, opportunistic CV risk screening and CAC-guided clinical management might be clinically useful. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The correct determination of aortic annulus dimensions is a crucial step to avoid complications in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Currently, the gold standard method for the evaluation of the aortic annulus is Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT), which is limited by the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography automated software (3DTEEa) have been used as an alternative in patients with contra-indications to MDCT. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of 3DTEEa-derived aortic annulus dimensions; to assess the influence of calcification in the agreement between 3DTEEa and MDCT; and to determine reclassification in prosthesis size choice if 3DTEEa was the only imaging method. One hundred and seven consecutive patients referred for TAVR were studied. Aortic annulus dimensions were determined using MDCT and 3DTEE manual (3DTEEm) and automated measurements. Valve calcification was assessed with MDCT. Limits of agreement (LOA) were narrower for 3DTEEa (minimum diameter: mean bias 0.60; LOA - 2.94 to 4.14; maximum diameter: mean bias 0.20; LOA - 3.82 to 4.22) as compared to 3DTEEm (minimum diameter: mean bias 0.22; LOA - 3.84 to 4.28; maximum diameter: mean bias - 1.25; LOA - 6.37; 3.86). Compared to MDCT, 3DTEEa overestimated while 3DTEEm underestimated most parameters. No differences were found in average bias between methods according to quartiles of valve calcification. Most patients would have received the same size valve (63.9%) if 3DTEEa was the only available method. Measurement of aortic annulus dimensions using a 3DTEE automatic software is feasible and not influenced by valve calcification. It may be an alternative for patients who cannot undergo MDCT.

Introduction Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is part of the management of patients who have suffered an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients with a reduced ejection fraction (EF) comprise a higher-risk subgroup and are referred less often for these programmes. This study aimed at assessing the impact of the baseline EF on the functional benefits, as assessed by peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) and exercise duration, of an EBCR programme in AMI survivors. Methods Observational, retrospective cohort study including all patients admitted to a tertiary centre due to an AMI who completed a phase II EBCR programme after discharge, between November 2012 and April 2017. Functional parameters were assessed by a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test. Results A total of 379 patients were included [40.9% with reduced EF (

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La hipertension causa cambios subclinicos en la estructura y la funcion del ventriculo izquierdo, es decir, disfuncion diastolica. La disfuncion diastolica es un predictor de insuficiencia cardiaca, pues participa en la asociacion entre hipertension e insuficiencia cardiaca con fraccion de eyeccion conservada. El objetivo es evaluar en una gran cohorte poblacional de adultos asintomaticos si los pacientes con prehipertension tienen cambios precoces en la funcion diastolica. Metodos Se evaluo de manera transversal una cohorte poblacional consistente en 925 adultos de 45 anos o mas sin enfermedad cardiovascular conocida. Todos los participantes se sometieron a un examen clinico y ecocardiografico detallado. Se clasifico a los participantes, segun las guias europeas para la clasificacion de la presion arterial (PA) en la consulta, como optima, prehipertension (normal y normal-alta) e hipertension. La funcion diastolica se evaluo mediante ecocardiografia usando las velocidades de e’ y la razon E/e’. La disfuncion diastolica se definio utilizando las recomendaciones conjuntas de ASE/EACVI de 2016 y un algoritmo de orientacion clinica de 2017. Resultados En esta cohorte (61,5 ± 10,5 anos; el 37% varones), tenia prehipertension el 30,4% e hipertension el 51,0%. Se utilizo la PA optima como referencia, y se observo una disminucion progresiva de la velocidad e’ en los individuos prehipertensos e hipertensos (12,2 ± 3,5 frente a 11,3 ± 3,1 frente a 9,6 ± 2,9 cm/s respectivamente; p de tendencia Conclusiones En esta cohorte poblacional, los adultos con prehipertension mostraron una relajacion cardiaca alterada antes del inicio de la hipertension.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Merck Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects one out of 3 adults in the western world and is associated with preclinical diastolic dysfunction that impairs functional capacity and quality of life (QoL). Purpose This randomized trial was designed to evaluate if the addition of metformin to the standard treatment of non-diabetic patients with MetS improves diastolic dysfunction. Methods Prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint trial. Fifty-four non-diabetic adults with MetS and diastolic dysfunction were randomized to lifestyle counseling or lifestyle counseling plus metformin (target dose 1000 mg bid). The primary endpoint was the change in mean e’ velocity (assessed at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months). Secondary endpoints were improvements in insulin resistance, functional capacity and QoL. Linear mixed effects modelling was used for longitudinal data analysis using modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and per-protocol (PP) approaches. Results Forty-nine patients were included in the mITT analysis (mean age = 51.8 ± 6.4; 55% males). Metformin treatment was associated with a significant decrease in HOMA-IR. There was a significantly different mean change in e’ velocity during the study period between trial arms, both in the mITT (at 24 months, change of +0.67 ± 1.90cm/s in metformin arm vs. -0.33 ± 1.50cm/s in control arm) and PP populations (+0.80 ± 1.99cm/s in metformin arm vs. -0.37 ± 1.52cm/s in control arm), using a random intercept linear mixed model. There were no significant differences in peak oxygen uptake and SF-36 scores between trial arms. Conclusion Treatment with metformin of non-diabetic MetS patients with diastolic dysfunction, on top of lifestyle counseling, is associated with improved diastolic function. Abstract Figure.

Introduction Coronary computed tomography angiography (cCTA) is widely considered the optimal non-invasive test to rule out coronary artery disease (CAD) and the gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, its diagnostic utility in elderly patients (pts) and in cases of high pre-test probability (PTP) is still questioned. Aim To determine whether older age and high PTP are correlated with non-diagnostic cCTA scans in pts with suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Methods Single-centre retrospective study of 302 pts with suspected CAD assigned to two groups: (A) 207 pts aged ≥70 years (y); (B) 95 aged Results Overall, mean age was 68±9y and 53% were male. Elderly pts presented more co-morbidities (hypertension: 78.3 vs 54.7%, p Conclusion In this comparison study of elderly and young pts undergoing cCTA for suspected CCS, age ≥70y and high PTP were not associated with non-diagnostic tests while multiple calcified lesions and severe LCX calcification predicted inconclusive studies. Our results cast hope on the applicability of cCTA to elderly pts and cases with high PTP, although larger studies are required. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Digital flashcards are used to review factual knowledge through active-recall and spaced-repetition, while allowing subsequent self-assessment. Purpose To assess if using digital flashcards is associated with cardiovascular physiology academic success and better knowledge retention in short- and medium-terms, through a dose-dependent effect. Methods We conducted a single-faculty cohort study of 2nd-year medical students enrolling in cardiovascular physiology course, using a platform comprising 676 original flashcards. The grades from 0–20 scale of three exams were analyzed, being the latest optional and performed 1 month after the end of the course. One-sample t-test was used to compare the grades between flashcard users versus non-users, and the amount of training was correlated with the exams results using Pearson's correlation. Also, multiple linear regression models were created, using the respective grades as the dependent variable. A p value of Results From 312 students enrolled, 279 agreed to participate in this study, and 87% used the platform. Flashcard-users exhibited higher grades versus non-users (11.83±3.57 vs. 9.50±3.55, p Conclusion Studying cardiovascular physiology through digital flashcards has a moderate correlation with the exams results, exhibiting a positive and consistent dose-dependent effect, both in short- and medium-terms. Therefore, this strategy seems to improve academic success by increasing knowledge retention. Study algorithm Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Introduction: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) programs are of paramount importance in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors. Albeit this, female patients tend to be less referred for these programs, while also having a poorer prognosis. We aimed at assessing the impact of a contemporary EBCR program on functional parameters after an AMI, and specifically the impact of gender on its potential benefits. Methods: Observational, retrospective cohort study including all patients admitted to a tertiary center due to an AMI who completed a phase II EBCR program after discharge, between November 2012 and April 2017. Functional parameters were assessed by a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Patients were dichotomized according to gender. Results: A total of 379 patients were included, 19% of whom were women. After the program, peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) and exercise duration increased significantly (P

Aims The heart is constantly challenged with acute bouts of stretching or overload. Systolic adaptations to these challenges are known but adaptations in diastolic stiffness remain unknown. We evaluated adaptations in myocardial stiffness due to acute stretching and characterized the underlying mechanisms. Methods and results Left ventricles (LVs) of intact rat hearts, rabbit papillary muscles and myocardial strips from cardiac surgery patients were stretched. After stretching, there was a sustained >40% decrease in end-diastolic pressure (EDP) or passive tension (PT) for 15 min in all species and experimental preparations. Stretching by volume loading in volunteers and cardiac surgery patients resulted in E/E’ and EDP decreases, respectively, after sustained stretching. Stretched samples had increased myocardial cGMP levels, increased phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation, as well as, increased titin phosphorylation, which was reduced by prior protein kinase G (PKG) inhibition (PKGi). Skinned cardiomyocytes from stretched and non-stretched myocardia were studied. Skinned cardiomyocytes from stretched hearts showed decreased PT, which was abrogated by protein phosphatase incubation; whereas those from non-stretched hearts decreased PT after PKG incubation. Pharmacological studies assessed the role of nitric oxide (NO) and natriuretic peptides (NPs). PT decay after stretching was significantly reduced by combined NP antagonism, NO synthase inhibition and NO scavenging, or by PKGi. Response to stretching was remarkably reduced in a rat model of LV hypertrophy, which also failed to increase titin phosphorylation. Conclusions We describe and translate to human physiology a novel adaptive mechanism, partly mediated by titin phosphorylation through cGMP–PKG signalling, whereby myocardial compliance increases in response to acute stretching. This mechanism may not function in the hypertrophic heart.