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Life
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Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure
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Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (13 April 2023) | Viewed by 26089

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Cristian Mornoş

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Cardiology Department, “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timişoara, Str. G.Adam, 13A, 300310 Timișoara, Romania
Interests: heart failure; acute coronary syndrome; speckle tracking; tissue doppler imaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world, and within this group, myocardial ischemia and heart failure are some of the most important entities. Heart failure is a complex syndrome responsible for high rates of death and hospitalization. Ischemic heart disease is one of the most frequent causes of heart failure and it is normally attributed to coronary artery disease, defined by the presence of one or more obstructive plaques, which determine a reduced coronary blood flow, causing myocardial ischemia and consequent heart failure. Coronary microvascular dysfunction determines an inability of coronary circulation to satisfy myocardial metabolic demands, due to the imbalance of coronary blood flow regulatory mechanisms, including ion channels, leading to the development of hypoxia, fibrosis, and tissue death, which may determine a loss of myocardial function, even beyond the presence of atherosclerotic epicardial plaques.

The aim of this Special Issue is to analyze and discuss the major unsolved issues from basic research to new medical and interventional options, to provide the best management strategies. The invited papers focus on left ventricular remodeling, reperfusion injury (potential targets for treatment), prognostic markers, timing, and tools to achieve optimal management in patients with ischemia and heart failure, and concepts to improve heart failure networks.

Dr. Cristian Mornoş
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • heart failure
  • myocardial ischemia
  • left ventricular remodeling
  • prognosis

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 423 KiB  
Article
Acute Limb Ischaemia during ECMO Support: A 6-Year Experience
by Ihor Krasivskyi, Clara Großmann, Marit Dechow, Ilija Djordjevic, Borko Ivanov, Stephen Gerfer, Walid Bennour, Elmar Kuhn, Anton Sabashnikov, Parwis Baradaran Rahmanian, Navid Mader, Kaveh Eghbalzadeh and Thorsten Wahlers
Life 2023, 13(2), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020485 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for cardiogenic shock is rising. Acute limb ischaemia remains one of the main complications after ECMO initiation. We analysed 104 patients from our databank from January 2015 to December 2021 who were supported with mobile [...] Read more.
The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for cardiogenic shock is rising. Acute limb ischaemia remains one of the main complications after ECMO initiation. We analysed 104 patients from our databank from January 2015 to December 2021 who were supported with mobile ECMO therapy. We aimed to identify the impact of acute limb ischaemia on short-term outcomes in patients placed on ECMO in our institution. The main indication for ECMO therapy was left ventricular (LV) failure with cardiogenic shock (57.7%). Diameters of arterial cannulas (p = 0.365) showed no significant differences between both groups. Furthermore, concomitant intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP, p = 0.589) and Impella (p = 0.385) implantation did not differ significantly between both groups. Distal leg perfusion was established in approximately 70% of patients in two groups with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.960). Acute limb ischaemia occurred in 18.3% of cases (n = 19). In-hospital mortality was not significantly different (p = 0.799) in both groups. However, the bleeding rate was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in the limb ischaemia group compared to the no-limb ischaemia group. Therefore, early diagnosis and prevention of acute limb ischaemia might decrease haemorrhage complications in patients during ECMO therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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10 pages, 541 KiB  
Article
ECMO Retrieval Program: What Have We Learned So Far
by Ihor Krasivskyi, Clara Großmann, Marit Dechow, Ilija Djordjevic, Borko Ivanov, Stephen Gerfer, Walid Bennour, Elmar Kuhn, Anton Sabashnikov, Navid Mader, Kaveh Eghbalzadeh and Thorsten Wahlers
Life 2023, 13(1), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010157 - 5 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used for patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. However, survival rates remain low. It is unclear to what extent ECMO patients benefit from the ECMO team learning curve. Therefore, we aimed to analyze our mobile [...] Read more.
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used for patients with cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. However, survival rates remain low. It is unclear to what extent ECMO patients benefit from the ECMO team learning curve. Therefore, we aimed to analyze our mobile ECMO program patients from the past seven years to evaluate if a learning curve benefits patients’ outcomes. We analyzed 111 patients from our databank who were supported with a VA-ECMO and brought to our hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: survival (n = 70) and non-survival (n = 41). As expected, complications after ECMO implantation were more severe in the non-survivor group. The incidence of thromboembolic events (p = 0.002), hepatic failure (p < 0.001), renal failure (p = 0.002), dialysis (p = 0.002) and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS, p = 0.044) occurred significantly more often compared with the survivor group. We were able to show that despite our extensive experience in terms of ECMO retrieval program the high mortality and morbidity rates stay fairly the same over the years. This displays that we have to focus even more on patient selection and ECMO indication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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11 pages, 1933 KiB  
Article
Identification of miRNAs as Biomarkers of Cardiac Protection in Non-Genetically Modified Primary Human Cardiomyocytes Exposed to Halogenated Hypnotics in an In Vitro Model of Transfection and Ischemia/Reperfusion: A New Model in Translational Anesthesia
by Maria Dolores Carmona-Luque, Laura Gonzalez-Alvarez and José Luis Guerrero Orriach
Life 2023, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010064 - 25 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1663
Abstract
Background: Many clinical studies have identified some circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers with regard to the cardioprotective effects of halogenated agents administered perioperatively during myocardial conditioning procedures. However, there is a major methodological difficulty in identifying these potential miRNA targets in cardiac [...] Read more.
Background: Many clinical studies have identified some circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers with regard to the cardioprotective effects of halogenated agents administered perioperatively during myocardial conditioning procedures. However, there is a major methodological difficulty in identifying these potential miRNA targets in cardiac cells. Methods: We developed an in vitro protocol to analyze the differential expression of target miRNAs at the intracellular level in non-genetically modified primary human cardiomyocytes (HCMs) through their exposure to different hypnotic compounds (i.e., halogenated versus non-halogenated). For this purpose, we performed a validated in vitro model of “ischemia and reperfusion” with the transfection of specific miRNA mimics (MIMICs) designed to simulate naturally occurring mature miRNAs as a functional study. Afterwards, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to identify and quantify miRNAs and elucidate their function. The differences in miRNA expression between HCMs exposed to different hypnotic drugs, along with the prediction of functional miRNA targets, were assessed using a meticulous in-house bioinformatics pipeline in order to derive diagnostic biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets. Conclusion: In brief, this methodological procedure was designed to investigate whether the cardioprotective effects of halogenated agents are a phenomenon mediated by either the activation or the suppression of miRNAs targeted by halogenated anesthetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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10 pages, 966 KiB  
Article
Outcomes of Emergent Isolated Coronary Bypass Grafting in Heart Failure Patients
by Giacomo Bianchi, Edoardo Zancanaro, Rafik Margaryan, Giovanni Concistré, Egidio Varone, Simone Simeoni and Marco Solinas
Life 2022, 12(12), 2124; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122124 - 16 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1197
Abstract
Patients with previously diagnosed HF are at greater risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality when hospitalized for an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The purpose of our study was to describe the time trend of the incidence of emergent CABG in patients with and [...] Read more.
Patients with previously diagnosed HF are at greater risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality when hospitalized for an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The purpose of our study was to describe the time trend of the incidence of emergent CABG in patients with and without HF, the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and the risk factors for mortality of surgical revascularization in the short and medium term. This was a single-center retrospective observational study of patients who underwent isolated emergency CABG from January 2009 to January 2020. A propensity-score matching analysis yielded two comparable groups (n = 430) of patients without (n = 215) and with (n = 215) heart failure. In-hospital mortality did not differ in the two groups (2.8%; p > 0.9); the patients with heart failure presented more frequently with cardiogenic shock, and there was an association with mortality and mechanical circulatory support (OR 16.7–95% CI 3.31–140; p = 0.002) and postoperative acute renal failure (OR 15.9–95% CI 0.66–203; p = 0.036). In the early- and mid-term, heart failure and NSTEMI were associated with mortality (HR 3.47–95% CI 1.15–10.5; p = 0.028), along with age (HR 1.28–95% CI 1.21–1.36; p < 0.001). Surgical revascularization offers an excellent solution for patients with acute coronary syndrome, leading to a good immediate prognosis even in those with chronic heart failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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20 pages, 1647 KiB  
Article
A Rising Star of the Multimarker Panel: Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Levels Are an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Acute Heart Failure Patients Admitted to an Emergency Clinical Hospital from Eastern Europe
by Radu-Stefan Miftode, Daniela Constantinescu, Corina-Maria Cianga, Antoniu-Octavian Petris, Irina-Iuliana Costache, Ovidiu Mitu, Ionela-Larisa Miftode, Ivona Mitu, Amalia-Stefana Timpau, Stefania-Teodora Duca, Alexandru-Dan Costache, Petru Cianga and Ionela-Lacramioara Serban
Life 2022, 12(12), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12121948 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1669
Abstract
(1) Background: Acute heart failure (HF) represents one of the most common yet extremely severe presentations in emergency services worldwide, requiring prompt diagnosis, followed by an adequate therapeutic approach, and a thorough risk stratification. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are currently the most widely implemented [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Acute heart failure (HF) represents one of the most common yet extremely severe presentations in emergency services worldwide, requiring prompt diagnosis, followed by an adequate therapeutic approach, and a thorough risk stratification. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are currently the most widely implemented biomarkers in acute HF, but due to their lack of specificity, they are mainly used as ruling-out criteria. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a novel molecule expressing different pathophysiological pathways in HF, such as fibrosis, remodeling, and oxidative stress. It is also considered a very promising predictor of mortality and poor outcome. In this study, we aimed to investigate the GDF-15’s expression and particularities in patients with acute HF, focusing mainly on its role as a prognosis biomarker, either per se or as part of a multimarker panel. (2) Methods: This unicentric prospective study included a total of 173 subjects, divided into 2 subgroups: 120 patients presented in emergency with acute HF, while 53 were ambulatory-evaluated controls with chronic HF. At admission, all patients were evaluated according to standard clinical echocardiography and laboratory panel, including the assessment of GDF-15. (3) Results: The levels of GDF-15 were significantly higher in patients with acute HF, compared to controls [596 (305–904) vs. 216 (139–305) ng/L, p < 0.01]. GDF-15 also exhibited an adequate diagnostic performance in acute HF, expressed as an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.883 [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.828–0.938], similar to that of NT-proBNP (AUC: 0.976, CI 95%: 0.952–1.000), or troponin (AUC: 0.839, CI 95%: 0.733–0.944). High concentrations of GDF-15 were significantly correlated with mortality risk. In a multivariate regression model, GDF-15 was the most important predictor of a poor outcome, superior to NT-proBNP or troponin. (4) Conclusions: GDF-15 proved to be a reliable tool in the multimarker assessment of patients with acute HF. Compared to the gold standard NT-proBNP, GDF-15 presented a similar diagnostic performance, doubled by a significantly superior prognostic value, making it worth being included in a standardized multimarker panel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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9 pages, 624 KiB  
Article
Impact of Initial Operative Urgency on Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Treated with ECMO Due to Postcardiotomy Cardiogenic Shock
by Borko Ivanov, Ihor Krasivskyi, Stephen Gerfer, Anton Sabashnikov, Mirko Doss, David Holzhey, Kaveh Eghbalzadeh, Christian Rustenbach, Elmar Kuhn, Parwis Baradaran Rahmanian, Navid Mader, Ilija Djordjevic and Thorsten Wahlers
Life 2022, 12(11), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111872 - 13 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1100
Abstract
The outcomes of patients with PCS and following ECMO therapy are associated with several preoperative risk factors. Our aim was to compare clinical presentation, ECMO-related data and in-hospital outcomes of patients treated with ECMO due to PCS after cardiac surgery, in regard to [...] Read more.
The outcomes of patients with PCS and following ECMO therapy are associated with several preoperative risk factors. Our aim was to compare clinical presentation, ECMO-related data and in-hospital outcomes of patients treated with ECMO due to PCS after cardiac surgery, in regard to elective or emergent cardiac surgery procedures. Between April 2006 and October 2016, 164 consecutive patients that received VA-ECMO therapy due to PCS were identified and included in this retrospective cohort study. The patients were divided into groups based on the urgency of the initial procedures performed: elective group (ELG; n = 95) and an emergency group (EMG; n = 69). To compare the unequal patient groups, a propensity score-based matching (PSM) was applied (ELG, n = 56 vs. EMG, n = 56). The EMG primarily received ECMO intraoperatively (p ≤ 0.001). In contrast, the ELG were needed ECMO support more frequently postoperatively (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality accounted for 71% (n = 40) in the ELG and 76% (n = 43) in the EMG (p = 0.518). Outcome data showed no major differences in the (abdominal ischemia (p = 0.371); septic shock (p = 0.393): rhythm disturbances (p = 0.575); emergency re-thoracotomy (p = 0.418)) between the groups. The urgency of the initial procedures performed is secondary in patients suffering PCS and following ECMO. In this regard, PCS itself seems to trigger outcomes in cardiac surgery ECMO patients substantially. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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13 pages, 1617 KiB  
Article
Concomitant Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping Significantly Reduces Left Ventricular Pressure during Central Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation—Results from a Large Animal Model
by Ilija Djordjevic, Oliver Liakopoulos, Mara Elskamp, Johanna Maier-Trauth, Stephen Gerfer, Thomas Mühlbauer, Ingo Slottosch, Elmar Kuhn, Anton Sabashnikov, Pia Rademann, Alexandra Maul, Adnana Paunel-Görgülü, Thorsten Wahlers and Antje Christin Deppe
Life 2022, 12(11), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111859 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1702
Abstract
(1) Introduction: Simultaneous ECMO and IABP therapy is frequently used. Haemodynamic changes responsible for the success of the concomitant mechanical circulatory support system approach are rarely investigated. In a large-animal model, we analysed haemodynamic parameters before and during ECMO therapy, comparing central and [...] Read more.
(1) Introduction: Simultaneous ECMO and IABP therapy is frequently used. Haemodynamic changes responsible for the success of the concomitant mechanical circulatory support system approach are rarely investigated. In a large-animal model, we analysed haemodynamic parameters before and during ECMO therapy, comparing central and peripheral ECMO circulation with and without simultaneous IABP support. (2) Methods: Thirty-three female pigs were divided into five groups: (1) SHAM, (2) (peripheral)ECMO(–)IABP, (3) (p)ECMO(+)IABP, (4) (central)ECMO(–)IABP, and (5) (c)ECMO(+)IABP. Pigs were cannulated in accordance with the group and supported with ECMO (±IABP) for 10 h. Systemic haemodynamics, cardiac index (CI), and coronary and carotid artery blood flow were determined before, directly after, and at five and ten hours on extracorporeal support. Systemic inflammation (IL-6; IL-10; TNFα; IFNγ), immune response (NETs; cf-DNA), and endothelial injury (ET-1) were also measured. (3) Results: IABP support during antegrade ECMO circulation led to a significant reduction of left ventricular pressure in comparison to retrograde flow in (p)ECMO(–)IABP and (p)ECMO(+)IABP. Blood flow in the left anterior coronary and carotid artery was not affected by extracorporeal circulation. (4) Conclusions: Concomitant central ECMO and IABP therapy leads to significant reduction of intracavitary cardiac pressure, reduces cardiac work, and might therefore contribute to improved recovery in ECMO patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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10 pages, 650 KiB  
Article
Sex-Related Differences in Short-Term Outcomes after Mobile VA-ECMO Implantation: Five-Year Experience of an ECMO Retrieval Program
by Ihor Krasivskyi, Borko Ivanov, Johannes Vehrenberg, Kaveh Eghbalzadeh, Stephen Gerfer, Christopher Gaisendrees, Elmar Kuhn, Anton Sabashnikov, Navid Mader, Ilija Djordjevic and Thorsten Wahlers
Life 2022, 12(11), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111746 - 31 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1385
Abstract
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) represents an increasingly used method for circulatory support. Despite the ongoing research, survival following VA-ECMO therapy remains low. Sex-related differences might impact the outcome of therapeutic measures. We aimed to compare all-cause mortality among female and male patients [...] Read more.
Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) represents an increasingly used method for circulatory support. Despite the ongoing research, survival following VA-ECMO therapy remains low. Sex-related differences might impact the outcome of therapeutic measures. We aimed to compare all-cause mortality among female and male patients who underwent VA-ECMO as a bridge to recovery investigating sex-related differences. From January 2015 until August 2020, 87 patients were supported by VA-ECMO as a part of our out-of-center mobile ECMO program. In order to analyze sex-associated differences in early clinical outcomes, patients were divided into two sex categories: men (n = 62) and women (n = 25). All relevant data (in-hospital mortality, ICU and hospital stay, renal failure requiring dialysis, lung failure, bleeding, stroke and septic shock) were analyzed retrospectively after the extraction from our institutional database. Mean age of the study population was 53 ± 14 years. Mean EuroSCORE II predicted mortality was 6.5 ± 3.7. In-hospital mortality rate was not significantly lower in the female group (58.3%) vs. the male group (71.2%), p = 0.190. The mean length of ICU and hospital stay was 9 ± 11 in the male group vs. 10 ± 13 in the female group, p = 0.901, and 10 ± 12 (male group) vs. 11 ± 13 (female group), p = 0.909, respectively. Renal failure requiring hemodialysis (36.2% (males) vs. 28.6% (females), p = 0.187) was comparable between both groups. Respiratory failure was diagnosed in 31 (56.4%) male vs. 8 (34.8%) female patients, p = 0.068, while 16 (28.6%) male vs. 3 (13.0%) female patients (p = 0.118) suffered from septic shock. Based on our data, there were no sex-specific outcome discrepancies in patients treated with mobile VA-ECMO implantation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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14 pages, 1453 KiB  
Article
Left Ventricular Remodeling and Heart Failure Predictors in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients with Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction after Successful Percutaneous Intervention in Western Romania
by Diana-Aurora Arnautu, Minodora Andor, Bogdan-Flaviu Buz, Mirela-Cleopatra Tomescu, Cristina Vacarescu, Simina Crisan, Dan Gaita, Constantin-Tudor Luca and Dragos Cozma
Life 2022, 12(10), 1636; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12101636 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1726
Abstract
(1) Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are at risk of left ventricular (LV) remodeling and heart failure (HF), even after successful revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We wanted to assess the independent predictors of these outcomes in AMI patients. (2) Methods: The [...] Read more.
(1) Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are at risk of left ventricular (LV) remodeling and heart failure (HF), even after successful revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We wanted to assess the independent predictors of these outcomes in AMI patients. (2) Methods: The study enrolled patients with a LVEF ≥50% after a successful PCI for their first AMI. After 24 months, patients were separated into two groups based on whether their LVEF remained ≥50% (group I), or decreased to <50% (group II). (3) Outcomes: 26% of the patients experienced a decrease in LVEF below 50%, 41% showed LV remodeling, and 8% had experienced HF hospitalizations. HF hospitalizations were significantly more frequent in group II patients (p < 0.0001). The Killip class at admission >2, infarct-related longitudinal strain ≤−12.5%, and the presence of LV remodeling were identified as independent predictors of HF hospitalizations. (4) Conclusions: About 26% of AMI patients with normal LV function after a successful PCI developed HF. More sensitive techniques are required that allow for a more efficient risk-stratification and preventive therapy to reduce LV remodeling and HF in AMI patients with LVEF ≥50% after a successful PCI. The detection of abnormal ventricular deformation patterns after PCI by speckle-tracking echocardiography might be a valuable method in this approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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Review

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33 pages, 491 KiB  
Review
Emerging Biomarkers for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Heart Disease
by Krisztina Pál, Ion-Bogdan Mănescu, Silvia Lupu and Minodora Dobreanu
Life 2023, 13(1), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13010230 - 13 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2356
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is most frequently caused by the development and progression of atherosclerosis. When coronary arteries are afflicted, and the stenoses caused by atherosclerotic plaques are severe enough, the metabolic supply-and-offer balance is disturbed, leading to myocardial ischemia. If atherosclerotic plaques become unstable [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular disease is most frequently caused by the development and progression of atherosclerosis. When coronary arteries are afflicted, and the stenoses caused by atherosclerotic plaques are severe enough, the metabolic supply-and-offer balance is disturbed, leading to myocardial ischemia. If atherosclerotic plaques become unstable and local thrombosis develops, a myocardial infarction occurs. Sometimes, myocardial ischemia and infarction may result in significant and irreversible heart failure. To prevent severe complications, such as acute coronary syndromes and ischemia-related heart failure, extensive efforts have been made for developing biomarkers that would help identify patients at increased risk for cardiovascular events. In this two-part study, we attempted to provide a review of existing knowledge of blood biomarkers that may be used in this setting. The first part of this work was dedicated to conventional biomarkers, which are already used in clinical practice. In the second part, here presented, we discuss emerging biomarkers which have not yet become mainstream. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
17 pages, 328 KiB  
Review
Conventional Biomarkers for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Heart Disease
by Ion-Bogdan Mănescu, Krisztina Pál, Silvia Lupu and Minodora Dobreanu
Life 2022, 12(12), 2112; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122112 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1758
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. The progression of coronary atherosclerosis leads to coronary artery disease, with impaired blood flow to the myocardium and subsequent development of myocardial ischemia. Acute coronary syndromes and post-myocardial infarction heart failure are two of [...] Read more.
Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. The progression of coronary atherosclerosis leads to coronary artery disease, with impaired blood flow to the myocardium and subsequent development of myocardial ischemia. Acute coronary syndromes and post-myocardial infarction heart failure are two of the most common complications of coronary artery disease and are associated with worse outcomes. In order to improve the management of patients with coronary artery disease and avoid major cardiovascular events, several risk assessment tools have been developed. Blood and imaging biomarkers, as well as clinical risk scores, are now available and validated for clinical practice, but research continues. The purpose of the current paper is to provide a review of recent findings regarding the use of humoral biomarkers for risk assessment in patients with heart disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
16 pages, 3037 KiB  
Review
The Therapeutic Role of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Acute Heart Failure: From Pathophysiologic Mechanisms to Clinical Evidence with Pooled Analysis of Relevant Studies across Safety and Efficacy Endpoints of Interest
by Dimitrios Patoulias, Nikolaos Fragakis and Manfredi Rizzo
Life 2022, 12(12), 2062; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12122062 - 8 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2117
Abstract
(1) Background: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors constitute a novel drug class with remarkable cardiovascular benefits for patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Recently, this class has been utilized in acute HF as an additional treatment option to classic diuretics, which remain the cornerstone [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors constitute a novel drug class with remarkable cardiovascular benefits for patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Recently, this class has been utilized in acute HF as an additional treatment option to classic diuretics, which remain the cornerstone of treatment. (2) Methods: We attempted to identify those pathophysiologic mechanisms targeted by SGLT-2 inhibitors, which could be of benefit to patients with acute HF. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the literature within the PubMed database in order to identify relevant studies, both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, assessing the safety and efficacy of SGLT-2 inhibitors in acute HF. (3) Results: SGLT-2 inhibitors induce significant osmotic diuresis and natriuresis, decrease interstitial fluid volume and blood pressure, improve left ventricular (LV) function, ameliorate LV remodeling and prevent atrial arrhythmia occurrence, mechanisms that seem to be beneficial in acute HF. However, currently available studies, including six RCTs and two real-world studies, provide conflicting results concerning the true efficacy of SGLT-2 inhibitors, including “hard” surrogate endpoints. (4) Conclusions: Current evidence appears insufficient to substantiate the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in acute HF. Further trials are required to shed more light on this issue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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29 pages, 1937 KiB  
Review
Myocardial Viability Testing in the Management of Ischemic Heart Failure
by Elena Emilia Babes, Delia Mirela Tit, Alexa Florina Bungau, Cristiana Bustea, Marius Rus, Simona Gabriela Bungau and Victor Vlad Babes
Life 2022, 12(11), 1760; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111760 - 1 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5405
Abstract
Although major advances have occurred lately in medical therapy, ischemic heart failure remains an important cause of death and disability. Viable myocardium represents a cause of reversible ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Coronary revascularization may improve left ventricular function and prognosis in patients with [...] Read more.
Although major advances have occurred lately in medical therapy, ischemic heart failure remains an important cause of death and disability. Viable myocardium represents a cause of reversible ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Coronary revascularization may improve left ventricular function and prognosis in patients with viable myocardium. Although patients with impaired left ventricular function and multi-vessel coronary artery disease benefit the most from revascularization, they are at high risk of complications related to revascularization procedure. An important element in selecting the patients for myocardial revascularization is the presence of the viable myocardium. Multiple imaging modalities can assess myocardial viability and predict functional improvement after revascularization, with dobutamine stress echocardiography, nuclear imaging tests and magnetic resonance imaging being the most frequently used. However, the role of myocardial viability testing in the management of patients with ischemic heart failure is still controversial due to the failure of randomized controlled trials of revascularization to reveal clear benefits of viability testing. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the concept of viable myocardium, depicts the role and tools for viability testing, discusses the research involving this topic and the controversies related to the utility of myocardial viability testing and provides a patient-centered approach for clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Ischemia and Heart Failure)
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