Search

Background: Despite successful mitral valve replacement (MVR), many patients remain in AF. Flecainide can be useful in these patients but has not been used because of underlying structural heart disease. Methods: We assessed oral flecainide for conversion and maintenance of SR in 25 patients of chronic rheumatic AF following MVR (age 34.4 yrs, mean AF duration: 3.6 yrs). Non-converters underwent DC cardioversion at 24 h and 4 weeks. Patients received flecainide and bb/diltiazem at discharge. Results: Single oral dose of Flecainide achieved SR in 6/25 (24%) while 19/25 achieved SR after DCC; at 24 h 21/25 (84%) were in SR. With mean flecainide dose (93.10 ± 9.40 mg), successful maintenance of SR at 6 months was seen in 16/23 (69.5%). No significant changes in PR interval, QRS duration or QTc were noted; flecainide was well tolerated. Patients in SR had significantly better functional status, QOL scores and higher LA strain at 6 months (25.25 vs 17.43%, p 21% for predicting SR were 87.5/71.43% and 100/85.71% respectively. Conclusion: Oral flecainide was safe and effective in post MVR rheumatic AF patients; maintenance of SR was achieved in 76% of initial converters and 64% of overall population, with better LA strain values. More studies are needed to validate these results.

Objectives: The presentation and outcomes of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) during COVID times (June 2020 to Dec 2020) were compared with the historical control during the same period in 2019. Methods: Data of 4806 consecutive patients of acute HF admitted in 22 centres in the country were collected during this period. The admission patterns, aetiology, outcomes, prescription of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and interventions were analysed in this retrospective study. Results: Admissions for acute heart failure during the pandemic period in 2020 decreased by 20% compared to the corresponding six-month period in 2019, with numbers dropping from 2675 to 2131. However, no difference in the epidemiology was seen. The mean age of presentation in 2019 was 61.75 (±13.7) years, and 59.97 (±14.6) years in 2020. There was a significant decrease in the mean age of presentation (p = 0.001). Also. the proportion of male patients decreased significantly from 68.67% to 65.84% (p = 0.037). The in-hospital mortality for acute heart failure did not differ significantly between 2019 and 2020 (4.19% and 4.,97%) respectively (p = 0.19). The proportion of patients with HFrEF did not change in 2020 compared to 2019 (76.82% vs 75.74%, respectively). The average duration of hospital stay was 6.5 days. Conclusion: The outcomes of ADHF patients admitted during the Covid pandemic did not differ significantly. The length of hospital stay remained the same. The study highlighted the sub-optimal use of GDMT, though slightly improving over the last few years.

Objectives: Ivabradine may have a role in rate control of atrial fibrillation (AF) due to effects on HCN channels in AV node. We studied role of Ivabradine in rate control of rheumatic AF. Methods: 80 patients, rheumatic AF, HR > 100 bpm (age 47 ± 11 yrs, AF duration 6.8 ± 2.9 years, rate 131 ± 16 bpm) on maximally tolerated ββ or CCB's, randomized to Ivabradine or escalated ββ/CCB. Ivabradine started @ 2.5 mg BD; increased to 5 mg BD if inadequate response at 1 week (failure to decrease HR 1 EHRA class; baseline 60% vs 17%3Better LA Strain (22.8 ± 2.8% vs 20.6 ± 2.5%)Ivabradine was well tolerated and there was no drug withdrawal. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Ivabradine can be an option for rate control in rheumatic AF.

Objective: To find out differences in the presentation, management and outcomes of COVID-19 infected STEMI patients compared to age and sex-matched non-infected STEMI patients treated during the same period. Methods: This was a retrospective multicentre observational registry in which we collected data of COVID-19 positive STEMI patients from selected tertiary care hospitals across India. For every COVID-19 positive STEMI patient, two age and sex-matched COVID-19 negative STEMI patients were enrolled as control. The primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital mortality, re-infarction, heart failure, and stroke. Results: 410 COVID-19 positive STEMI cases were compared with 799 COVID-19 negative STEMI cases. The composite of death/reinfarction/stroke/heart failure was significantly higher among the COVID-19 positive STEMI patients compared with COVID-19 negative STEMI cases (27.1% vs 20.7% p value = 0.01); though mortality rate did not differ significantly (8.0% vs 5.8% p value = 0.13). Significantly lower proportion of COVID-19 positive STEMI patients received reperfusion treatment and primary PCI (60.7% vs 71.1% p value=< 0.001 and 15.4% vs 23.4% p value = 0.001 respectively). Rate of systematic early PCI (pharmaco-invasive treatment) was significantly lower in the COVID-19 positive group compared with COVID-19 negative group. There was no difference in the prevalence of high thrombus burden (14.5% and 12.0% p value = 0.55 among COVID-19 positive and negative patients respectively) Conclusions: In this large registry of STEMI patients, we did not find significant excess in in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 co-infected patients compared with non-infected patients despite lower rate of primary PCI and reperfusion treatment, though composite of in-hospital mortality, re-infarction, stroke and heart failure was higher.

Plain Language Summary The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been studied previously in several settings, including reducing childhood mortalities due to viral infections and induction of trained immunity and reducing upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia in older adults. This multi-centre trial has tried to evaluate the efficacy of BCG revaccination in reducing the incidence and severity of COVID-19 infections in adults between 18 and 60 years of age belonging to the high-risk group owing to the presence of comorbidities including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease and chronic lung diseases. A single dose of BCG vaccine produced significantly high titres of BCG antibodies lasting for six months. While there was no significant reduction in the incidence of COVID-19 infection, there was an 8.4% reduction in the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 disease at the end of 9 months of follow-up. In addition, there were significantly fewer severe COVID-19 infections requiring hospital stay and oxygen support. However, the overall numbers of severe COVID-19 infections were low. Thus, the study shows that BCG can protect against symptomatic and severe COVID-19 disease. However, it might not reduce the incidence of new infections. The study results are significant for low- and middle-income countries without adequate coverage of primary doses of COVID-19 vaccination, let alone the booster doses. Future studies should evaluate the BCG vaccine’s efficacy as a booster compared with routine COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Coronary artery anomalies are often asymptomatic and detected incidentally during coronary angiography, cardiac surgery, or autopsy. However, sometimes in chronic total occlusion, the distal part of a vessel is well collateralized from the contralateral vessel that it appears almost as an anomalous coronary artery. Here, we discuss a rather interesting angiogram which at first instance, looked like a case of a dual left anterior descending (LAD) artery with anomalous origin of the LAD from the proximal right coronary artery, but after further evaluation appeared to be a case of an occluded LAD filling through Vieussens' arterial ring.

Introduction: Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection contributes to a significant clinical and financial burden. We sought to assess CIED postimplant infection rates and the effect of different treatment modalities on reinfection over a long-term follow-up. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed CIED recipients presenting with complications during 2010–2019 at our center. Data related to the different management modalities used as per the discretion of treating physician, were collected and patients were followed up telephonically. Results: A total of 3394 patients underwent CIED implantation of which 122 (3.5%) patients developing complications were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 66.4 ± 12.5 years. Single-chamber ventricular pacing (VVI), dual-chamber (DDD) pacing, and biventricular pacing were seen in 68 (56.2%), 51 (41%), and 3 (2.8%) patients, respectively. CIED infection was seen in 61 patients (1.8%). Strategies used for CIED infection management included: new device implantation on contralateral side (n = 34; 55.7%), old device repositioning on same side (n = 14; 22.8%), antibiotic therapy alone (n = 5; 8.5%), resterilized device implantation on contralateral side (n = 3; 4.9%), epicardial lead placement (n = 3; 4.9%), and permanent device removal (n = 2; 3.3%). The CIED reinfection rates for the above strategies were 2.9%, 71.4%, 80%, 100%, 0% and 0%, respectively. Conclusion: Multiple strategies are being used in real-world practice for the management of CIED infection. Previously advocated strategy of reimplanting resterilized CIED is associated with high recurrence rates. The best practice still remains to implant a new device on the contralateral side post extraction of infected hardware.

Introduction: Asymptomatic hypothyroidism is endemic in most regions of our country. We planned a study to observe the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in otherwise asymptomatic for hypothyroidism patients, on outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted between January 2017 and December 2019. A total of 449 patients undergoing CABG were included in the study. Patients with redo operations, combined procedures, and emergency operations were excluded from the study. The groups were formed on the level of TSH (normal, subclinical elevation, and clinical elevation) as follows: TSH normal (Group 1, n = 309), TSH subclinical elevation (Group 2, n = 122), and TSH clinical elevation (Group 3, n = 12). One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the groups. Results: There was an increase in the use of inotrope, appearance of atrial fibrillation, and use of intra-aortic balloon pump in Group 3 when compared to that in Groups 1 and 2, P = 0.0001. Higher mortality was observed in group 3 (25%) when compared to group 1 (2.91%) and group 2 (2.45%). There was no difference in the level of free T4, between groups. T3 was similar in TSH normal, TSH subclinical elevation, and clinical elevation group. TSH level of >10 mIU/l predicted mortality with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 99.8% in predicting mortality. Conclusion: About 2.67% of the patients undergoing CABG had asymptomatic but clinical elevation of TSH, and it is associated with higher mortality.

Background: There is a need to identify novel markers for CAD, independent of traditional CV risk factors. One of these is gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), a marker of increased oxidative stress. Given the high prevalence of CAD in Asian Indians, the link of GGT and CAD in them needs to be studied. Aim: To assess GGT in patients with angiographically documented CAD. Methods and Results: Two hundred patients aged 58.1 ± 9.95 years, 73% males, hypertension 56%, diabetes 40% were included. Mean GGT was 63.6 ± 44.33 (10–269 U/L). The levels of GGT progressively increased in those with single/double or triple-vessel CAD (36.5, 61.5, and 87 U/L, respectively, P < 0.001). Using objective criteria of CAD burden (SYNTAX and Gensini scores), we reaffirmed these findings. GGT in patients with SYNTAX tertiles 0–22, 23–32, and ≥ 33 was 33, 62, and 97 U/L, respectively and in Gensini tertiles 0–17.65, 17.66–56.65, ≥56.66 was 32, 52, and 88 U/L, respectively, all P < 0.001. SYNTAX score ≥ 23 was present in only 23% patients in GGT tertile 1 (

Background: The pathophysiology of an atherosclerotic plaque is mediated by the mechanisms involving thrombus formation and systemic inflammation. While C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are useful in predicting a cardiovascular event in intermediate risk population, the usefulness of routinely measuring fibrinogen in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is debatable. Also, data on the association of these markers with periprocedural outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is scarce. Aims: The study aimed to determine whether the levels of fibrinogen and CRP vary across the different spectra of CAD and whether they have any correlation with cardiac Troponin I levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 284 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were included in the study. Complete blood count, serum lipid profile, serum CRP, fibrinogen, and troponin I were measured for all patients. Results: Patients with STEMI had significantly higher levels of CRP as compared to those with unstable angina (USA) and chronic stable angina (CSA). Patients presenting with ACS had significantly higher baseline fibrinogen as compared to those with CSA. A significant positive correlation between CRP and admission Troponin I (r = 0.50; P < 0.05) as well as fibrinogen and admission troponin I (r = 0.30; P < 0.05) was observed. The CRP levels were significantly higher in 15 patients with periprocedural MI as compared to those who did not develop periprocedural MI. Conclusions: The levels of the markers of inflammation and atherothrombosis vary with presentation across varied spectra of CAD with generally higher levels in acute presentation and in those who develop periprocedural MI.

Background: Left atrial volume indexed to body surface area (LAVi) is the recommended method for LA size quantification. Assessing LAVi in Indian patients undergoing coronary interventions for acute coronary syndrome (STEMI, NSTEMI, and UA) is clinically relevant. Methods and Results: Amongst 190 patients (66.4 yrs, 68.4% males), 29.5%, 40.5%, and 30% respectively had STEMI, NSTEMI and UA. Mean LAVi was 32.29 ± 12.06 ml/m2 and 111 (58.4%) had LAVi ≥32 while 79 (41.6%) had LAVi 32 and group 2 LAVi 36.3 ml/m2) demonstrated that 30 day MACE increased across quartiles (4.16%, 4.25%, 22.44%, and 28.26%, respectively, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Amongst patients with ACS undergoing revascularization, those with higher LAVi had more severe CAD, diastolic dysfunction and higher 30 day MACE. LAVi provides superior prognostic information as compared to conventional LV systolic and diastolic parameters in patients with ACS and should be incorporated in routine echocardiographic analysis. More studies with larger numbers and longer follow up are required to further elucidate on this.

Objective: To serially evaluate the effect of trans-radial coronary angioplasty (TRA) on the vascular function of radial artery (RA) and upstream brachial artery (BA) and to find out the relative contribution of endothelial dependent flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and endothelial independent nitrate mediated dilatation (NMD). Methods: Forty patients of chronic stable angina with successful TRA were studied. FMD and NMD of bilateral RA and BA were measured with high-resolution ultrasound, before and at 24 h and at 3 months, after catheterization. Results: FMD as well as NMD were significantly decreased in right RA (16.3 ± 3.6% to 5.7 ± 1.8%; p = 0.001, and 24.1 ± 5.3% to 9.7 ± 2.8%; p = 0.001, respectively) as well as in upstream BA (17.0 ± 1.6% to 9.4 ± 0.5%; p = 0.001,and 26.5 ± 6.8% to 20.5 ± 3.7%; p = 0.001, respectively) at 24 h. FMD/NMD ratio was also decreased in RA (70 ± 10% to 60 ± 10%; p = 0.04) and as well as in BA (70 ± 20% to 50 ± 10%; p = 0.03). The endothelial dysfunctions returned to normal at 3 months. Control arm did not show any change in vascular function at any point of time. Radial artery diameter/sheath ratio 2 were the independent predictors for >50% decrease in FMD. Conclusions: TRA results in reversible depression in FMD as well as NMD in the radial artery as well as upstream brachial artery. These vascular dysfunctions are limited to the catheterized arm only and return to normal after 3 months.

Acromegaly is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 49 acromegaly patients were evaluated for presence of cardiovascular risk factors and manifestations using 2D-Echocardiography, strain, strain-rate, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and correlated with disease activity. 32 patients with growth hormone (GH) level >1 ng/ml were considered active. Patients with active disease have more LV dysfunction as assessed by strain(p-0.031) and strain rate(p-0.001); trend towards lower ejection fraction(p-0.11) with significant correlation to GH(cc −0.252,p-0.05). Patient with active disease have reduced FMD(p- 0.042); with no difference in prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and CIMT inrelation to disease activity.

Aim: Studies on the changes in the presentation and management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the COVID-19 pandemic from low- and middle-income countries are limited. We sought to determine the changes in the number of admissions, management practices, and outcomes of AMI during the pandemic period in India. Methods & Results: In this two-timepoint cross-sectional study involving 187 hospitals across India, patients admitted with AMI between 15th March to 15th June in 2020 were compared with those admitted during the corresponding period of 2019.We included 41,832 consecutive adults with AMI. Admissions during the pandemic period (n = 16414) decreased by 35·4% as compared to the corresponding period in 2019 (n = 25418). We observed significant heterogeneity in this decline across India. The weekly average decrease in AMI admissions in 2020 correlated negatively with the number of COVID cases (r = −0·48; r2 = 0·2), but strongly correlated with the stringency of lockdown index (r = 0·95; r2 = 0·90). On a multi-level logistic regression, admissions were lower in 2020 with older age categories, tier 1 cities, and centers with high patient volume. Adjusted utilization rate of coronary angiography, and percutaneous coronary intervention decreased by 11·3%, and 5·9% respectively. Conclusions: The magnitude of reduction in AMI admissions across India was not uniform. The nature, time course, and the patient demographics were different compared to reports from other countries, suggesting a significant impact due to the lockdown. These findings have important implications in managing AMI during the pandemic.

Background: Cardiac diseases are seen in 1–3% of pregnancies. In developing countries rheumatic heart disease (RHD) contributes a major cause of cardiac disorders. Objective: To study the maternal and fetal outcome in women with valvular heart disease or prosthetic heart valve replacement secondary to RHD in a tertiary care center. Method: The consecutive pregnant women with RHD attending our institute from May 2018 to August 2019 were included. A maternal adverse outcome was defined as cardiac death, new onset arrhythmia, heart failure, thromboembolic event, hospitalization for other cardiac reasons or cardiac intervention, aortic dissection, infective endocarditis and acute coronary syndrome. Fetal adverse outcome defined as fetal death, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Result: Total 80 patients were included in this study, native RHD in 60(75%) and 20(25%) had mechanical prosthetic valve replacement. Maternal adverse event occurred in 34(42.5%), comprising of death in 1(1.2%), new onset AF 2(2.5%), 20(25%) underwent balloon mitral valvotomy, 3(3.7%) underwent mitral valve replacement, heart failure hospitalization in 7(8.7%). 1(1.2%) patient developed mitral valve infective endocarditis. Preterm delivery occurred in 19(23.7%), 7(8.7%) abortions and 1(1.2%) intrauterine death. Fetuses with low birth weight were 43(53.7%). Pregnancy with live birth occurred in 57(95%) women with valvular heart disease but no prosthesis and 16(80%) women with prosthetic valve disease. Conclusion: Women with rheumatic heart disease carry a high risk both for mother and fetus. Early diagnosis, close follow-up during pregnancy, early recognition of deterioration in symptoms and timely cardiac intervention can lead to good maternal or fetal outcome.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has affected around 20million patients worldwide and 2.0 million cases from India. The lockdown was employed to delay the pandemic. However, it had an unintentional impact on acute cardiovascular care, especially acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Observational studies have shown a decrease in hospital admissions for AMI in several developed countries during the pandemic period. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the AMI admissions patterns across India. Methods: In this multicentric, retrospective, cross-sectional study, we included all AMI cases admitted to participating hospitals during the study period 15th March to 15th June 2020 and compared them using a historical control of all cases of AMI admitted during the corresponding period in the year 2019. Major objective of the study is to analyze the changes inthe number of hospital admissions for AMI in hospitals across India. In addition, we intend to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the weekly AMI admission rates, and other performance measures like rates of thrombolysis/primary percutaneous interventions (PCI), window period, door to balloon time, and door to needle time. Other objectives include evaluation of changes in the major complications and mortality rates of AMI and its predictors during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: This CSI-AMI study will provide scientific evidence about the impact of COVID-19 on AMI care in India. Based on this study, we may be able to suggest appropriate changes to the existing MI guidelines and to educate the public regarding emergency care for AMI during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Achievement of sinus rhythm (SR) is an important goal in rheumatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Studies in rheumatic AF have often used amiodarone for rhythm control. Flecainide has not been studied in these patients due to concerns of underlying structural heart disease. Methods: Pharmacological cardioversion by oral single loading dose (SLD) of Flecainide (4 mg/kg, ≤300 mg) was tested in 50 patients with rheumatic AF (MVA 1.51 ± 0.19 mm2, age 46.2 ± 10.28 yrs, AF duration 3.10 ± 1.7 yrs, LA size: 44.42 ± 7.48 mm). Non-converters underwent DC cardioversion (DCC) at 24 h. All patients received oral flecainide and ββ/diltiazem at discharge. Results: At 24 h, 38/50 (76%) achieved SR (2 with SLD; 36 after DCC). At 30 days (mean Flecainide dose 116.5 ± 10.5 mg) successful maintenance of SR was noted in 31/38 (89%). At 1 year, 30/38 (79%) of the initial converters and 60% of the overall population maintained SR. Those in SR had significantly better NYHA Class (1.1 ± 0.12 vs 1.3 ± 0.10, p = 0.03) and mean PCS8 score (50.11 ± 5.337 vs 46.84 ± 5.379, p = 0.02). AF duration (OR 0.594 CI 0.375–0.940, p = 0.02) and LA size (OR 0.840, CI 0.757–0.933, p = 0.001) were found to be the only significant predictors of successful outcomes. Patients with AF duration

Objectives: To study the immediate maternal and fetal outcomes and long term maternal outcomes in pregnant women undergoing balloon mitral valvotomy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed balloon mitral valvotomy during pregnancy performed between January 2008 and July 2018. Results: BMV was carried out in 97 pregnant women with mean age of 26.1 ± 4.5 years, at mean gestational age of 23.1 ± 4.6 weeks. The procedure was successful in 95 patients (97.9%). There was one maternal death post procedure due to intra-uterine death and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Adverse immediate fetal outcome was seen in 2 cases with one intra-uterine fetal demise and one preterm labour. Mitral valve area increased from mean of 0.82 ± 0.12 cm to 1.66 ± 0.14 cm (p

Background: Isolated aortic valve disease (IAVD) has traditionally been a disease of elderly, etiology being either senile degeneration of a tricuspid aortic valve or calcification of a bicuspid aortic valve. However, there is scarcity of Indian data regarding demographic distribution and etiological patterns of IAVD in context of emerging therapies like transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR). Methods & results: A retrospective observational analysis of 60,560 echocardiograms over three years revealed 3728 newly diagnosed cases of valvular heart disease (VHD). Isolated mitral valve disease (IMVD) constituted 48.7% (n = 1815) of all VHD, including 1104 (29.6%) cases of pure mitral stenosis (MS) which was the commonest single lesion followed by combined mitral and aortic valve disease (CMAVD) (n = 1320, 34.5%), mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) (n = 349, 9.4%), isolated aortic stenosis (IAS) (n = 179, 4.8%) and isolated aortic regurgitation (IAR) (n = 75, 2.0%). IAS patients had bimodal age distribution with peaks in first and sixth decade, contributed by congenital and acquired IAS respectively. Acquired IAS comprised of degenerative tricuspid aortic valve (n = 79, 58.1%; mean age: 63.2 ± 8.8 years), bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) (n = 34, 25.0%; mean age: 36.0 ± 8.3 years), rheumatic (n = 4, 2.9%; mean age: 55.3 ± 3.4 years) and non-rheumatic IAS with unclear morphology (n = 19, 14%; mean age: 48.5 ± 9.3 years). 65.6% patients with acquired non-rheumatic isolated aortic stenosis were less than 60 years of age. Conclusion: In Indian population, senile valvular degeneration is the commonest cause of acquired IAS with majority of them presenting before 60 years of age, thereby bereaving them with the option of TAVR as a treatment modality.

Background: Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) reduces morbidity and mortality in patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the use of ARNI in real-world practice is limited by safety issues, especially in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. Methods and Results: Forty-seven hospitalized ADHF inpatients and 53 chronic compensated heart failure (CCHF) outpatients were enrolled in the study. ARNI was initiated and aimed to be up-titrated to a target dose of 97 mg of sacubitril with 103 mg of valsartan twice daily. Efficacy endpoints were New York Heart Association functional class, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), change in N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline with follow-up at 1 month, 6 months, and 2 years. Safety endpoints were the rates of worsening serum creatinine, hyperkalemia, symptomatic hypotension, angioedema, and need for drug discontinuation. Cumulative adverse drug effect was observed in 42.6% and 13.2% patients of ADHF and CCHF groups, respectively. The most common side-effect was symptomatic hypotension that occurred in 10 (21.3%) patients of ADHF group and 3 (5.7%) patients of CCHF group. Drug discontinuation rate was 19.1% in ADHF group and 3.8% in CCHF group. Significant improvement was seen in both the groups with respect to 6 MWD, functional class, change in NT-pro BNP levels and LVEF. At 2-year follow-up, 3 (6.4%) deaths occurred in ADHF group while none was reported from CCHF group. Conclusion: ARNI results in a significant clinical, biochemical, and functional improvement in HFrEF patients but at the cost of worsening renal function and hypotension especially in ADHF setting.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a connective tissue disorder with cardiovascular involvement associated with high morbidity and mortality. Routine echocardiography often misses early myocardial involvement. We intend to use tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), strain and strain rate imaging to reveal subclinical myocardial dysfunction in asymptomatic females with SLE; and its correlation with disease activity and anticardiolipin antibodies. Materials and Methods: Forty-three female SLE patients without cardiac symptoms or signs and matched healthy control group (n = 20) underwent standard echocardiography, TDI, strain and strain rate imaging. Disease activity of SLE was assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI); ≥6 points were considered active. Results: Mean age of SLE patients was 29.86 years with a mean SLEDAI score of 4.36 ± 4.5. Standard two dimensional-Echocardiogram parameters were similar to healthy controls. SLE was associated with significantly impaired systolic myocardial velocities of left ventricle measured by TDI; medial S': 8.5 ± 1.2 versus 9.6 ± 1.0 cm/s, P = 0.007; lateral S': 9.2 ± 1.7 versus 11.4 ± 1.6 cm/s, P = 0.012); and decrease in strain (−17.2% ± 2.2% vs. −20.95% ± 2.1%; P < 0.001) and strain rate (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with the presence of anti-cardiolipin antibodies. Patients with higher disease activity had decreased systolic myocardial velocity on TDI and strain imaging as compared to low activity patients. Conclusion: Asymptomatic SLE patients showed impairment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function compared to healthy controls. TDI and strain imaging detects early subclinical myocardial involvement that correlates with disease activity. Such evidence of early myocardial involvement needs further evaluation to reclassify SLE disease activity and guide management.

Objectives: Statins confer protection from ischemia/reperfusion through various pathways including pleiotropic mechanisms. Following chronic administration, activation of intrinsic cellular mechanisms causes attenuation of these pleiotropic effects. Methods: Since coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) represents a reversible ischemia-reperfusion sequence, we assessed if statin reload is effective in patients undergoing off-pump CABG (n = 100) in limiting myocardial injury. Patients received loading dose of rosuvastatin (40 mg initiated 7 days before surgery) while nonloaded patients continued whatever statin dose they were receiving and served as controls. Cardiac biomarkers (Troponin-I, creatine kinase muscle/brain [CK-MB], and B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP]) were measured at 8, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. The primary end-point was the extent of perioperative myocardial injury (area under the curve [AUC]: AUC of each biomarker). Results: Despite similar baseline levels, all biomarkers at 8, 24, and 48 h were significantly lower in the loaded group. The AUC for each biomarker was also significantly lower in the loaded group (cTnI 37.96 vs. 70.12 ng. hr/ml, CK-MB 229.64 vs. 347.04 ng. hr/ml, and BNP 5257.56 vs. 15606.68 pg. hr/ml, all P < 0.001). Delta cTnI (change from baseline to peak level) (1.00 ± 1.34 vs. 2.25 ± 2.59), delta CK-MB (4.54 ± 5.89 vs. 10.68 ± 9.95), and delta BNP (120.41 ± 172.48 vs. 449.23 ± 790.95) all P < 0.001 were also significantly lower in the loaded group. Those loaded with rosuvastatin had lower inotrope duration (22.9 ± 23.33 vs. 31.26 ± 25.39 h, P = 0.04) and ventilator support time (16.94 ± 6.78 vs. 23.8 ± 20.53 h, P = 0.03). Conclusion: In patients undergoing off-pump CABG, statin reload can “recapture” cardioprotection in patients already on statins with favorable effect on release kinetics of biomarkers and postoperative outcomes.

Background: Heart rate (HR) reduction is of benefit in chronic heart failure (HF). The effect of heart rate reduction using Ivabradine on various echocardiographic parameters in dilated cardiomyopathy has been less investigated. Methods: Of 187 patients with HF (DCM, NYHA II–IV, baseline HR > 70/min), 125 patients were randomized to standard therapy (beta blockers, ACEI, diuretics, n = 62) or add-on Ivabradine (titrated to maximum 7.5 mg BD, n = 63). Beta-blockers were titrated in both the groups. Results: At 3 months both groups had improvement in NYHA class, 6 min walk test, Minnesota Living With Heart Failure (MLWHF) scores and fall in BNP, however the magnitude of change was greater in Ivabradine group. Those on Ivabradine also had lower LV volumes, higher LVEF (28.8 ± 3.6 vs 27.2 ± 0.5, p = 0.01) and more favorable LV global strain (11 ± 1.7vs 12.2 ± 1.1, p =

Objective: The accuracy of various 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk calculators in Indians may not be the same as in other populations. Present study was conducted to compare the various calculators for CVD risk assessment and statin eligibility according to different guidelines. Methods: Consecutive 1110 patients who presented after their first myocardial infarction were included. Their CVD risk was calculated using Framingham Risk score- Coronary heart disease (FRS-CHD), Framingham Risk Score- Cardiovascular Disease (FRS-CVD), QRISK2, Joint British Society risk calculator 3 (JBS3), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and WHO risk charts, assuming that they had presented one day before cardiac event for risk assessment. Eligibility for statin uses was also looked into using ACC/AHA, NICE and Canadian guidelines. Results: FRS-CVD risk assessment model has performed the best as it could identify the highest number of patients (51.9%) to be at high CVD risk while WHO and ASCVD calculators have performed the worst (only 16.2% and 28.3% patients respectively were stratified into high CVD risk) considering 20% as cut off for high risk definition. QRISK2, JBS3 and FRS-CHD have performed intermediately. Using NICE, ACC/AHA and Canadian guidelines; 76%, 69% and 44.6% patients respectively were found to be eligible for statin use. Conclusion: FRS-CVD appears to be the most useful for CVD risk assessment in Indians, but the difference may be because FRS-CVD estimates risk for several additional outcomes as compared with other risk scores. For statin eligibility, however, NICE guideline use is the most appropriate.

Background: Global ventricular function often remains normal in patients with beta-thalassemia major. (β-TM) until late. Tissue Doppler and strain imaging may be useful to assess regional myocardial function abnormalities in these patients. Methods: Systolic (Sm), early diastolic (Em), and late diastolic (Am) (Em/Am) myocardial velocities at basal lateral and septal left ventricular (LV) segments, strain (S), and strain rate (SR) in basal and mid LV, right ventricular (RV) and septum were measured in 30 patients (β-TM, 12.4 ± 5.2 years, serum ferritin 2603.1 μg/L) and twenty controls (12.5 ± 5.2 years). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) vasodilatation as a measure of endothelial function was also assessed. Results: Patients had significantly higher LV mass index (169.45 ± 61.14 vs. 104.66 ± 24.42; P = 0.009) while global LV Sm and diastolic function was similar to controls. Patients had significantly lower lateral Em velocity, Em (10.12 ± 1.16 vs. 17.9 ± 2.11; P = 0.002), Em/Am ratio (0.811 ± 0.192 vs. 2.06 ± 0.62; P = 0.001) at the basal lateral LV, lower strain values at the basal lateral LV (19.5 ± 4.17 vs. 24.196 ± 1.81; P = 0.002), mid lateral LV (19.07 ± 3.98 vs. 25.56 ± 2.62; P = 0.042), basal septum (17.04 ± 3.44 vs. 25.43 ± 2.53; P = 0.001), and mid septum (20.49 ± 5.34 vs. 24.45 ± 2.20; P = 0.001) as compared to controls. SR at the basal and mid segment of the lateral LV wall and at the basal and mid septum was also significantly lower in patients. SR in basal and mid RV although lower was not significantly different from controls. Patients also had significantly lower FMD (7.57 ± 3.16 vs. 18.08 ± 1.9, P = 0.018) implying endothelial dysfunction. Conclusions: Tissue Doppler, strain and SR imaging are useful to quantify regional myocardial function in asymptomatic α-TM patients with preserved global Sm and diastolic function.

Objectives: To study the role of metabolic modulator (trimetazidine: TMZ) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Optimizing altered substrate metabolism in heart failure (HF) with metabolic modulators allows more efficacious energy production from glucose than from free fatty acids. Methods: 100 patients of DCM (47.7 years, NYHA class 2.17, LVEF 27.3%) were randomized to TMZ (20 mg tid, n = 50) vs conventional therapy (n = 50). Functional status, BNP and various echocardiographic parameters were assessed at 3–6 months. Results: At 3 months, TMZ group had significantly improved NYHA class (2.25 vs 1.85), 6 min walk test (349.7 vs 402 m), LVD-36 score (25.5 vs 21) and BNP (744.7 vs 248.3 pg/ml), all p 0.001. Significant improvement was also seen in LV end-systolic (LVESV, 87.1 ± 27.5 vs 78.5 ± 24.9 ml/m2, p 0.001), LV end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV, 117.6 ± 29.3 vs 110.9 ± 27.4 ml/m2, p 0.001), LVEF (27 vs 30.9%, p 0.001) and LV wall stress (90.2 ± 18.9 vs 71.1 ± 13.2 dyn/cm2, p 0.0001). The % change in LVESV, LVEDV, LVEF and LV wall stress was −9.5%, −5.4%, +8.4% and −21.8%. Other echo parameters also improved after 3 months of TMZ (E/A ratio 1.9 vs 1.2, p = 0.001, E/A VTI 2.7 vs 1.6, p = 0.001, myocardial performance index, MPI 0.8 vs 0.7, p = 0.0001), Tissue Doppler parameters (E/E′ septal (19.7 vs 12.5, p = 0.001) and E/E′ lateral (13.3 vs 9.4, p = 0.0001)). Patients in control group had no change in NYHA class, LVD-36 scores, LV volumes or LVEF at 3 months although BNP and LV wall stress reduced to a slight extent. Patients on TMZ had further improvement in NYHA class, walk test, BNP levels and echocardiographic parameters at 6 months. Conclusions: Metabolic modulators (TMZ) may help in improving LV function in DCM. In this study, benefit was noted by 3 months with further improvement at 6 months.

Background: Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic modulator that shifts substrate utilization from fatty acid to carbohydrates, thereby, increasing myocardial glucose oxidation and improving myocardial ischemia. We evaluated whether TMZ is effective in reducing myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Patients with stable angina undergoing elective PCI were divided into two groups, one who received oral TMZ (35 mg BD) started 7 days before PCI (n = 48) and second who did not receive any TMZ (in addition to the standard therapy (n = 52)). Troponin-I (cTnI) and creatine kinase–MB (CK-MB) were measured before, 8, and 24 h after PCI. The primary end point was a difference in post-PCI cTnI and CK-MB levels (vs baseline). Frequency of cTnI release in the two groups, total amount of cTnI release, and difference in TIMI flow grade before and after the procedure were also assessed. Results: Baseline demographics in the groups were comparable. Despite similar baseline levels, post-procedural cTnI was lower at 8 h (0.13 vs 0.56 ng/ml, p = 0.03) and 24 h (0.2 vs 1.13 ng/ml, p = 0.004) in the TMZ group. Decline or no change in cTnI was significantly more common in the TMZ group (26% vs 2%, p

Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) is emerging as a promising marker for assessing cardiovascular risk. GGT predicts cardiovascular mortality in the population and is positively associated with traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was undertaken on 200 north Indian CAD patients diagnosed with coronary angiography to study relation of GGT with risk factors for CAD and severity of CAD. GGT values ranged from 5 to 69U/L and were divided in 4 quartiles. GGT was positively associated with triglyceride (p = 0.008) and VLDL cholesterol (p = 0.002) in our subjects. Also an increase in total cholesterol from GGT quartile I to quartile IV (p = 0.28) was noted.

Even though, the incidence of Mitral Stenosis (MS) has reduced grossly, it still remains a health problem in developing countries and is the most common rheumatic valvular lesion encountered in pregnant patients. The already compromised cardiac status of a pregnant female deteriorates further by the presence of MS. So, pregnancy is a common situation during which untreated and frequently poorly tolerated MS are first diagnosed. Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty (BMV) may be life saving in such a setting and a multidisciplinary approach in the management reduces the mortality and morbidity during the procedure. Anaesthetic management of such a procedure has hardly ever been reported. We report a case of a 23-year-old woman presenting at 28 weeks gestation with severe MS and severe pulmonary hypertension (52 mmHg) who underwent successful percutaneous BMV under monitored anaesthesia Care. The anaesthetic considerations in such situations are being discussed.

Introduction: Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICABG) is a less invasive method of performing surgical revascularization. This technique coupled with use of off pump technique of surgical revascularization makes it truly less invasive. This method is highly effective even in high-risk patients. Results of this procedure are comparable to standard off pump technique and are better than percutaneous coronary intervention utilizing drug-eluting stent. We present an early and mid-term result of the use of this technique. Method: We enrolled 33 patients for analysis operated between 2008 and 2012. Operation was performed utilizing off-pump technique of coronary artery bypass grafting through a minimal invasive incision. Left internal mammary artery graft was done for single vessel disease and radial artery was utilized for other grafts if required. Median follow up of 2.5 years (6 months–4 years) is available. Results: Median age was 58.5 years (41–77) and all were male. Single vessel disease was present in 7, double vessel in 14 and triple vessel disease in 12 patients. All the patients had normal left ventricular size and function. There was no operative and 30-day mortality. Conversion to median sternotomy to complete the operation was done in 6.6% (2 out of 33 patients). One patient had acute myocardial infarction and there were no deaths during follow up. Conclusion: MICABG is a safe and effective method of revascularization in low risk candidates for coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: With the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary artery procedures have become even more important. Our study has compared transradial to transfemoral artery approach for coronary procedures in Indian population. Aims and objective: Comparison of transradial and transfemoral artery approach for percutaneous coronary procedures. Material & methods: 26,238 patients, who underwent percutaneous coronary artery procedures, were divided into two groups depending upon transradial and transfemoral artery approach and compared for the various demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors profile, vascular access and procedural details. Results: 26,238 patients underwent percutaneous coronary procedures at our center. 81% were male and 19% were female. 55.65% and 44.35% procedures were done through transfemoral and transradial approach, respectively. 17,417 (66.38%) coronary angiographies were done, out of which 53.92% were transradial and 46.08% were transfemoral procedures. 8821 (33.62%) Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) were done, out of which 25.46% and 74.54% were done through transradial and transfemoral approach, respectively. Mean fluoroscopy time was 4.40 ± 3.55 min for transradial and 3.30 ± 3.66 min for transfemoral CAG (p

Right atrial myxomas are rare. Its occurrence in a previously operated patient of rheumatic mitral stenosis posed clinical diagnostic challenge. We herein report a case of right atrial myxoma who had undergone mitral valve repair 20 years ago and now presented in congestive heart failure. The tumor was arising from the ostium of the coronary sinus and prolapsed into the right ventricle causing significant right ventricular inflow and outflow obstruction. Urgent repeat cardiac surgery was successfully performed to remove the tumor along with mitral valve replacement. We review the diagnostic and therapeutic problems resulting from this unusual association.

The implications of the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and the level of homocysteine in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) have been extensively studied in various ethnic groups. Our aim was to discover the association of MTHFR (C677T) polymorphism and homocysteine level with CAD in north Indian subjects. The study group consisted of 329 angiographically proven CAD patients, and 331 age and sex matched healthy individuals as controls. MTHFR (C677T) gene polymorphism was detected based on the polymerase chain reaction and restriction digestion with HinfI. Total homocysteine plasma concentration was measured using immunoassay. T allele frequency was found to be significantly higher in patients than in the control group. We found significantly elevated levels of mean homocysteine in the patient group when compared to the control group (p = 0.00). Traditional risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking habits, a positive family history and lipid profiles (triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol), were found significantly associated through univariate analysis. Furthermore, multivariable logistics regression analysis revealed that CAD is significantly and variably associated with diabetes, hypertension, smoking, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. Our findings showed that MTHFR C677T polymorphism and homocysteine levels were associated with coronary artery disease in the selected population.

Aneurysm of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIF) is an exceptionally rare but a potentially catastrophic complication, commonly following aortic valve endocarditis. We present a 24-year-old male presenting with acute onset dyspnea secondary to MAIF aneurysm rupturing into a left atrium causing large shunt which was diagnosed on echocardiography. The MAIF aneurysm in the absence of infective endocarditis rupturing into left atrium is extremely rare.

Cardiovascular manifestations of tertiary syphilis include aortitis, aortic root dilation, aneurysm formation, aortic regurgitation, and coronary ostial stenosis. Coronary ostial lesions have been detected in as many as 26% of patients with syphilitic aortitis. However nonostial coronary stenosis and coronary aneurysms in same patient is rarely described in cardiovascular syphilis.