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Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La hiperpotasemia es una preocupacion creciente en el tratamiento de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fraccion de eyeccion reducida, pues limita el uso de farmacos eficaces. Este trabajo ofrece estimaciones de la magnitud de este problema en la practica clinica habitual en Espana, los cambios en las concentraciones de potasio en el seguimiento y los factores asociados. Metodos Pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (n = 881) y cronica (n = 3.587) seleccionados en 28 hospitales espanoles del registro europeo de insuficiencia cardiaca de la European Society of Cardiology y seguidos 1 ano para diferentes desenlaces, incluidos cambios en las cifras de potasio y su impacto en el tratamiento. Resultados La hiperpotasemia (K+ > 5,4 mEq/l) esta presente en el 4,3% (IC95%, 3,7-5,0%) y el 8,2% (6,5-10,2%) de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca cronica y aguda; causa el 28,9% de todos los casos en que se contraindica el uso de antagonistas del receptor de mineralocorticoides y el 10,8% de los que no alcanzan la dosis objetivo. Del total de 2.693 pacientes ambulatorios con fraccion de eyeccion reducida, 291 (10,8%) no tenian registrada medicion de potasio. Durante el seguimiento, 179 de 1.431 (12,5%, IC95%, 10,8-14,3%) aumentaron su concentracion de potasio, aumento relacionado directamente con la edad, la diabetes mellitus y los antecedentes de ictus e inversamente con los antecedentes de hiperpotasemia. Conclusiones Este trabajo destaca el problema de la hiperpotasemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca de la practica clinica habitual y la necesidad de continuar y mejorar la vigilancia de este factor en estos pacientes por su interferencia en el tratamiento optimo.

Aims Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a useful tool with which to assess subclinical pulmonary congestion and to stratify the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an LUS-guided follow-up protocol improves the outcomes of patients with HF. Methods and results In this single-blind clinical trial, 123 patients admitted for HF were randomized to either a standard follow-up (n = 62, control group) or a LUS-guided follow-up (n = 61, LUS group). The primary endpoint was a composite of urgent visit, hospitalization for worsening HF and death during follow-up. Visits were scheduled at 14, 30, 90 and 180 days after discharge. Treating physicians were encouraged to modify diuretic therapy in accordance with the number of B-lines recorded by LUS. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 69 ± 12 years and 72% were male. The mean ± SD left ventricular ejection fraction was 39 ± 14%. The hazard ratio for the primary outcome in the LUS group was 0.518 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.268-0.998; P = 0.049], mainly resulting from a decrease in the number of urgent visits for worsening HF. The number of patients needed to treat to avoid an event was 5 (95% CI 3-62). Other secondary endpoints such as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide reduction were not achieved. The safety parameters were similar in the two groups. Patients in the LUS group received more loop diuretics [51 (91%) vs. 42 (75%); P = 0.02] and showed an improvement in the distance achieved in the 6-min walking test [60 m (interquartile range: 29-125 m) vs. 37 m (interquartile range: 5-70 m); P = 0.023]. Conclusions Tailored LUS-guided diuretic treatment of pulmonary congestion in this proof-of-concept study reduced the number of decompensations and improved walking capacity in patients with HF. LUS is a non-invasive, safe and easy-to-use technique with potential clinical applicability to guide pulmonary congestion treatment in patients with HF.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To analyze differences between sexes in the clinical management of patients presenting with symptoms of chest pain and/or palpitations within a population-based study. METHODS The OFRECE study included a random sample of 8400 individuals from the Spanish population aged 40 years and older; 1132 (13.5%) had previously consulted for chest pain and 1267 (15.1%) had consulted for palpitations and were included in the present study. We calculated both the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) of undergoing certain tests and the results of consultations by sex. Adjustment was performed by classic cardiovascular risk factors, a personal history of cardiovascular disease, and a diagnosis of stable angina or atrial fibrillation confirmed in the OFRECE study in each case. RESULTS No differences were observed in history of consultation for chest pain between women and men (13% vs 14.1%; P=.159) but differences were found in palpitations (19% vs 10.4%, respectively; P

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos En un estudio de base poblacional, se analizaron las posibles diferencias en funcion del sexo en la atencion al dolor toracico o las palpitaciones como motivo de consulta. Metodos El estudio OFRECE incluyo una muestra aleatoria de la poblacion espanola de 8.400 participantes de edad ≥ 40 anos, de los que 1.132 (13,5%) tenian antecedentes de consulta por dolor en el pecho y 1.267 (15,1%), por palpitaciones y se incluyen en este estudio. Se calculo la odds ratio (OR) de que se practicaran determinadas pruebas y se comunicaran los resultados de las consultas en relacion con el hecho de ser mujer, tanto brutas como ajustadas por los factores de riesgo cardiovascular clasicos, antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular y diagnostico de angina estable o fibrilacion auricular confirmado en este estudio en cada caso. Resultados No se observaron diferencias en los antecedentes de consulta por dolor toracico entre mujeres y varones (el 13 y el 14,1%; p = 0,159) y si en las consultas por palpitaciones (el 19,0 y el 10,4% respectivamente; p Conclusiones Este trabajo no confirma un sesgo en razon del sexo en la atencion a estos sintomas, aunque no es descartable completamente un sesgo de genero en el diagnostico confirmado en el estudio que limite su capacidad para identificar diferencias en la atencion a las pacientes.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Las anomalias electrocardiograficas son muy comunes. El proposito de este estudio es analizar la prevalencia de hallazgos electrocardiograficos anormales y su significado clinico en la poblacion general espanola de 40 o mas anos. Metodos Subanalisis del estudio OFRECE; se selecciono una muestra representativa de la poblacion espanola de 40 o mas anos. Se dispuso de datos clinicos y electrocardiograma de todos los participantes. La lectura de los electrocardiogramas fue centralizada, los evaluaron de manera independiente 2 cardiologos expertos y se consulto con un tercero en caso de desacuerdo, para llegar al diagnostico final por consenso. Antes de iniciarse la lectura de los electrocardiogramas, se establecieron estrictamente los criterios diagnosticos de cada una de las anomalias analizadas. Se estudiaron la prevalencia y los factores clinicos asociados con: crecimiento de cavidades, trastornos de conduccion, anomalias de la repolarizacion, ondas Q patologicas, extrasistolia auricular y ventricular y preexcitacion. Resultados Se evaluo a 8.343 individuos (media de edad, 59,2 anos; el 52,4% mujeres). Solo 4.074 (51,2%) presentaron un electrocardiograma rigurosamente normal. Las anomalias mas frecuentes fueron las alteraciones inespecificas de la repolarizacion (16%) asociadas con enfermedad coronaria y fibrilacion auricular; el bloqueo de rama derecha (8,1%) asociado con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva cronica; el hemibloqueo anterosuperior izquierdo (6,5%) relacionado con la hipertension y la insuficiencia cardiaca y el intervalo PR largo (3,7%) se asociaron con enfermedad coronaria. Conclusiones Las anomalias electrocardiograficas son muy comunes en la poblacion general de 40 o mas anos. Tan solo la mitad de la poblacion tenia un electrocardiograma rigurosamente normal.

IntroductionSacubitril/valsartan (SV) promotes cardiac remodeling and improves prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the response to the drug may vary between patients and its implementation in daily clinical practice has been slower than expected. Our objective was to develop a score predicting the super-response to SV in HF outpatients.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 185 consecutive patients prescribed SV from two tertiary hospitals between September 2016 and February 2018. Super-responder was defined as a patient taking the drug and (i) without HF admissions, death, or heart transplant, and (ii) with a ≥50% reduction in NT-proBNP levels and/or an increase of ≥10 points in LVEF in a 12-month follow-up period after starting SV. Clinical, echocardiographic, ECG, and biochemical variables were used in a logistic regression analysis to construct a score for super-response to SV which was internally validated using bootstrap method.ResultsOut of 185 patients, 65 (35%) fulfilled the super-responder criteria. Predictors for super-response to SV were absence of both previous aldosterone antagonist and diuretic treatment, NYHA I-II class, female gender, previous 1-year HF admission, and sinus rhythm. An integrating score distinguished a low- (80%) for 1-year super-response to SV. The AUC for the model was 0.72 (95%CI: 0.64–0.80), remaining consistent after internal validation.ConclusionOne-third of our patients presented a super-response to SV. We propose an easy-to-calculate score to predict super-response to SV after 1-year initiation based on variables that are currently assessed in clinical practice.

Non-adherence after heart transplantation (HTx) is a significant problem. The main objective of this study was to evaluate if a mHealth strategy is more effective than standard care in improving adherence and patients’ experience in heart transplant recipients. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) in adult recipients &gt, 1.5 years post-HTx. Participants were randomized to standard care (control group) or to the mHeart Strategy (intervention group). For patients randomized to the mHeart strategy, multifaceted theory-based interventions were provided during the study period to optimize therapy management using the mHeart mobile application. Patient experience regarding their medication regimens were evaluated in a face-to-face interview. Medication adherence was assessed by performing self-reported questionnaires. A composite adherence score that included the SMAQ questionnaire, the coefficient of variation of drug levels and missing visits was also reported. Results: A total of 134 HTx recipients were randomized (intervention N = 71, control N = 63). Mean follow-up was 1.6 (SD 0.6) years. Improvement in adherence from baseline was significantly higher in the intervention group versus the control group according to the SMAQ questionnaire (85% vs. 46%, OR = 6.7 (2.9, 15.8), p-value &lt, 0.001) and the composite score (51% vs. 23%, OR = 0.3 (0.1, 0.6), p-value = 0.001). Patients’ experiences with their drug therapy including knowledge of their medication timing intakes (p-value = 0.019) and the drug indications or uses that they remembered (p-value = 0.003) significantly improved in the intervention versus the control group. Conclusions: In our study, the mHealth-based strategy significantly improved adherence and patient beliefs regarding their medication regimens among the HTx population. The mHeart mobile application was used as a feasible tool for providing long-term, tailor-made interventions to HTx recipients to improve the goals assessed.

Background Solid organ transplantation could be the only life-saving treatment for end-stage heart failure. Nevertheless, multimorbidity and polypharmacy remain major problems after heart transplant. A technology-based behavioral intervention model was established to improve clinical practice in a heart transplant outpatient setting. To support the new strategy, the mHeart app, a mobile health (mHealth) tool, was developed for use by patients and providers. Objective The primary objective of this study was to describe the implementation of the mHeart model and to outline the main facilitators identified when conceiving an mHealth approach. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the barriers, benefits, and willingness to use mHealth services reported by heart transplant recipients and cardiology providers. Methods This was an implementation strategy study directed by a multidisciplinary cardiology team conducted in four stages: design of the model and the software, development of the mHeart tool, interoperability among systems, and quality and security requirements. A mixed methods study design was applied combining a literature review, several surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The approach involved merging engineering and behavioral theory science. Participants were chronic-stage heart transplant recipients, patient associations, health providers, stakeholders, and diverse experts from the legal, data protection, and interoperability fields. Results An interdisciplinary and patient-centered process was applied to obtain a comprehensive care model. The heart transplant recipients (N=135) included in the study confirmed they had access to smartphones (132/135, 97.7%) and were willing to use the mHeart system (132/135, 97.7%). Based on stakeholder agreement (>75%, N=26), the major priorities identified of the mHealth approach were to improve therapy management, patient empowerment, and patient-provider interactions. Stakeholder agreement on the barriers to implementing the system was weak ( Conclusions The mHeart model will be applicable in distinct clinical and research contexts, and may inspire other cardiology health providers to create innovative ways to deal with therapeutic complexity and multimorbidity through health care systems. Professionals and patients are willing to use such innovative mHealth programs. The facilitators and key strategies described were needed for success in the implementation of the new holistic theory–based mHealth strategy.

Background Natriuresis is gaining growing interest in identifying diuretic resistance (DR) patients. However, it has not been proved useful beyond the first day with intravenous (iv) furosemide. Moreover, data regarding urinary chlorine (uCl) or urinary potassium (uK) are scarce. We sought to assess the urine electrolyte pattern in acute heart failure (AHF) outpatients to identify those who will present DR. Methods Single-center prospective registry of outpatients with AHF who need iv furosemide. In visit 1 (V1), baseline spot urine sample was collected. Furosemide iv bolus plus intensification of oral diuretics were performed. In control visit (V2), baseline spot urine sample was collected and congestion data were evaluated. Urine electrolytes were assessed in relation to DR (defined as need of iv furosemide in V2 due to persistent congestion). Results From June to December 2019, 76 patients were included: median age of 75.5 years (68.2–82), glomerular filtration 40 ml/min/1.73m2 (29.2–59.2) and NT-proBNP 3340 ng/L (1296–7044). In V1, DR patients showed higher levels of uK and lower uNa/uK than NDR (p=0.014 and p=0.007, respectively). In V2, after a median of 6 (6–15) days of intensified diuretic treatment, uNa and uCl dropped with adequate decongestion but not in DR patients (p=0.020 and p=0.001, respectively). Thus, DR patients showed in V2 higher uCl and similar uNa than NDR (table). Conclusions After several days of intensified diuretic treatment, uCl and uNa dropped during proper decongestion but not in DR patients, showing higher levels of uCl than NDR. Mantained levels of uCl could help to identify patients with persistent congestion. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

BACKGROUND Solid organ transplantation could be the only life-saving treatment for end-stage heart failure. Nevertheless, multimorbidity and polypharmacy remain major problems after heart transplant. A technology-based behavioral intervention model was established to improve clinical practice in a heart transplant outpatient setting. To support the new strategy, the mHeart app, a mobile health (mHealth) tool, was developed for use by patients and providers. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to describe the implementation of the mHeart model and to outline the main facilitators identified when conceiving an mHealth approach. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the barriers, benefits, and willingness to use mHealth services reported by heart transplant recipients and cardiology providers. METHODS This was an implementation strategy study directed by a multidisciplinary cardiology team conducted in four stages: design of the model and the software, development of the mHeart tool, interoperability among systems, and quality and security requirements. A mixed methods study design was applied combining a literature review, several surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The approach involved merging engineering and behavioral theory science. Participants were chronic-stage heart transplant recipients, patient associations, health providers, stakeholders, and diverse experts from the legal, data protection, and interoperability fields. RESULTS An interdisciplinary and patient-centered process was applied to obtain a comprehensive care model. The heart transplant recipients (N=135) included in the study confirmed they had access to smartphones (132/135, 97.7%) and were willing to use the mHeart system (132/135, 97.7%). Based on stakeholder agreement (>75%, N=26), the major priorities identified of the mHealth approach were to improve therapy management, patient empowerment, and patient-provider interactions. Stakeholder agreement on the barriers to implementing the system was weak ( CONCLUSIONS The mHeart model will be applicable in distinct clinical and research contexts, and may inspire other cardiology health providers to create innovative ways to deal with therapeutic complexity and multimorbidity through health care systems. Professionals and patients are willing to use such innovative mHealth programs. The facilitators and key strategies described were needed for success in the implementation of the new holistic theory–based mHealth strategy.

Visual Abstract, Highlights • CpcPH is a relatively common complication of chronic HF, is associated with poor survival, and has no specific pharmacological treatment. • ß3AR stimulation has shown improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics and RV performance in a translational large animal model mimicking this condition. • The SPHERE-HF trial is a Phase II randomized, double-blind clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron (oral β3 AR agonist) in patients with CpcPH secondary to HF. • The SPHERE-HF trial will include 80 patients treated with mirabegron or placebo for 16 weeks. • The main outcome is the change in PVR. Secondary outcomes include changes in RV performance, clinical status, NT-proBNP levels, and additional pulmonary hemodynamic parameters., Summary Combined pre-and post-capillary hypertension (CpcPH) is a relatively common complication of heart failure (HF) associated with a poor prognosis. Currently, there is no specific therapy approved for this entity. Recently, treatment with beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) agonists was able to improve pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) performance in a translational, large animal model of chronic PH. The authors present the design of a phase II randomized clinical trial that tests the benefits of mirabegron (a clinically available β3AR agonist) in patients with CpcPH due to HF. The effect of β3AR treatment will be evaluated on pulmonary hemodynamics, as well as clinical, biochemical, and advanced cardiac imaging parameters. (Beta3 Agonist Treatment in Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Heart Failure [SPHERE-HF]; NCT02775539)

Background: Testosterone deficiency is associated with heart failure (HF) progression and poor prognosis. Testosterone therapy has been shown to improve exercise capacity in patients with chronic HF, but no trial has evaluated the impact of replacement in patients with demonstrated testosterone deficiency. Methods: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group trial comparing testosterone replacement with placebo in males with chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and testosterone deficiency (NCT01813201). Long-acting undecanoate testosterone at a fixed dose of 1000 mg was supplied by intramuscular injection at inclusion and then every 3 months. The placebo group received isotonic saline serum. Patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to testosterone or placebo while receiving optimal medical therapy, and the study was conducted for 12 months. Results: The final sample comprised 29 patients, 15 in the placebo group and 14 in the testosterone group (aged 65 ± 8, 62% with an ischemic etiology, left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 30% ± 6%, 69% New York Heart Association functional [NYHA II]). After 12 months, testosterone replacement increased testosterone levels ( P = .002) but was not associated with benefit in terms of clinical symptoms and functional capacity including NYHA class, Framingham score, Minnesota Living Heart Failure Questionnaire, 6-minute walk test, or LVEF and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels. No significant side effects associated with testosterone treatment were observed. No effects were found in other hormonal, metabolic, and bone turnover biomarkers. Conclusion: In patients with HFrEF and testosterone deficiency, replacement therapy was not associated with any significant improvement.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess long-term safety of intravenous cardiovascular agents-vasodilators, inotropes and/or vasopressors-in acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long-Term (ESC-HF-LT) registry was a prospective, observational registry conducted in 21 countries. Patients with unscheduled hospitalizations for AHF (n = 6926) were included: 1304 (18.8%) patients received a combination of intravenous (i.v.) vasodilators and diuretics, 833 (12%) patients received i.v. inotropes and/or vasopressors. Primary endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality. Main secondary endpoints were in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) showed no association between the use of i.v. vasodilator and diuretic and long-term mortality [HR 0.784, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.596-1.032] nor in-hospital mortality (HR 1.049, 95% CI 0.592-1.857) in the matched cohort (n = 976 paired patients). By contrast, adjusted HR demonstrated a detrimental association between the use of i.v. inotrope and/or vasopressor and long-term all-cause mortality (HR 1.434, 95% CI 1.128-1.823), as well as in-hospital mortality (HR 1.873, 95% CI 1.151-3.048) in the matched cohort (n = 606 paired patients). No association was found between the use of i.v. inotropes and/or vasopressors and long-term mortality in patients discharged alive (HR 1.078, 95% CI 0.769-1.512). A detrimental association with inotropes and/or vasopressors was seen in all geographic regions and, among catecholamines, dopamine was associated with the highest risk of death (HR 1.628, 95% CI 1.031-2.572 vs. no inotropes). CONCLUSIONS: Vasodilators did not demonstrate any association with long-term clinical outcomes, while inotropes and/or vasopressors were associated with increased risk of all-cause death, mostly related to excess of in-hospital mortality in AHF.

Altres ajuts: This study was supported by Fundació d'Investigació Sant Pau (G-60136934). The prognostic value of biomarkers in patients with heart failure (HF) and mid-range (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has not been widely addressed. The aim of this study was to assess whether the prognostic value of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is superior to that of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with HFmrEF or HFpEF. Heart failure patients with either HFpEF or HFmrEF were included in the study. During their first visit to the HF unit, serum samples were obtained and stored for later assessment of GDF-15 and NT-proBNP concentrations. Patients were followed up by the HF unit. The main endpoint was all-cause mortality. A total of 311 patients, 90 (29%) HFmrEF and 221 (71%) HFpEF, were included. Mean age was 72 ± 13 years, and 136 (44%) were women. No differences were found in GDF-15 or NT-proBNP concentrations between both HF groups. During a median follow-up of 15 months (Q1-Q3: 9-30 months), 98 patients (32%) died, most (71%) of cardiovascular causes. Patients who died had higher median concentrations of GDF-15 (4085 vs. 2270 ng/L, P < 0.0001) and NT-proBNP (1984 vs. 1095 ng/L, P < 0.0001). A Cox multivariable model identified New York Heart Association Functional Class III (P = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), left atrial diameter (P = 0.03), age >65 years (P < 0.0001), and GDF-15 concentrations (P = 0.01) but not NT-proBNP as independent predictors of all-cause mortality. The area under the curve was 0.797 for the basic model including NT-proBNP, and the area under the curve comparing the overall model was 0.819, P = 0.016 (DeLong's test). Integrated discrimination improvement index after the inclusion of GDF-15 in the model with the mortality risk factors was 0.033; that is, the ability to predict death increased by 3.3% (P = 0.004). Net reclassification improvement was 0.548 (P < 0.001); that is, the capacity to improve the classification of the event (mortality) was 54.8%. GDF-15 concentrations were divided in tertiles (4330 ng/L), and survival curves were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier technique. Patients in the highest tertile had the poorest 5 year survival, at 16%, whereas the lowest tertile had the best survival, of 78% (P < 0.001). Growth differentiation factor 15 was superior to NT-proBNP for assessing prognosis in patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF. GDF-15 emerges as a strong, independent biomarker for identifying HFmrEF and HFpEF patients with worse prognosis.

Sacubitril/valsartan reduced heart failure (HF) admissions and cardiovascular mortality in the PARADIGM-HF trial. However, real-life studies are scarce comparing daily practice patients with those of the trial. The aim of our study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of the drug in an advanced heart failure cohort and to review systematically the previous real-life studies published to date. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients prescribed sacubitril/valsartan in a single tertiary HF clinic between September 2016 and February 2018. HF admissions before and after the initiation of the drug were assessed in a paired fashion. A systematic review of real-life studies published to date was also conducted. Sacubitril/valsartan was started in 108 patients who were in a more advanced NYHA class and more frequently treated with mineral receptor antagonists, internal cardiac defibrillator, and cardiac resynchronization therapy than in the PARADIGM-HF trial. After a 6-month follow-up, we observed a significant reduction in the HF hospitalizations, median levels of NT-proBNP, and need for levosimendan ambulatory perfusion. Likewise, we found a significant improvement in mean LVEF and end diastolic left ventricle diameter. Regarding safety, sacubitril/valsartan was well-tolerated without any severe adverse effect. Sacubitril/valsartan in real-life is prescribed to a more advanced HF population, which could be responsible for the difficulties in reaching high doses of the drug. However, after a 6-month follow-up, sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduces HF hospitalization and induces cardiac reverse remodeling, without remarkable adverse events.

Background Medication nonadherence in heart transplant recipients (HTxR) is related to graft loss and death. mHeart is a mobile app that uses electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) to identify and manage medication nonadherence in the outpatient heart transplant (HTx) population. Objective The study primarily aimed to validate mHeart to measure medication nonadherence in early stage HTxR by assessing the psychometric properties of ePROMs. The secondary aims were to (1) measure patient satisfaction with the mHeart tool and its usability and (2) explore the impact of a theory-based treatment on medication nonadherence rates to determine its scalability to larger research. Methods A prospective study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. All consecutive early stage HTxR ( Results We included 31 early stage HTxR (age: mean 54 years, SD 12 years), and 71% (22/31) of them were men. The HTxR were taking a mean 13 (SD 4; range 7-18) drugs per day. A total of 42% (13/31) of patients were unaware of the consequences of medication nonadherence, and 39% (12/31) of patients were nonadherent to immunosuppressive treatment. The content validity measure showed excellent levels of expert panel agreement for the Haynes-Sacket (14/14, 100%) and Morisky-Green-Levine (13/14, 93%) questionnaires. SMAQ and Morisky-Green-Levine ePROMs showed similar measurement domains (convergent validity, phi=0.6, P0.7, P Conclusions ePROMs adhered to the quality standards and successfully identified medication nonadherence in the HTx population, supporting their widespread use. The theory-based intervention program showed a promising improvement in medication adherence rates and produced excellent patient satisfaction and usability scores in HTxR.

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives: Hyperkalemia is a growing concern in the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction because it limits the use of effective drugs. We report estimates of the magnitude of this problem in routine clinical practice in Spain, as well as changes in potassium levels during follow-up and associated factors. Methods: This study included patients with acute (n=881) or chronic (n=3587) heart failure recruited in 28 Spanish hospitals of the European heart failure registry of the European Society of Cardiology and followed up for 1 year. Various outcomes were analyzed, including changes in serum potassium levels and their impact on treatment. Results: Hyperkalemia (K+> 5.4 mEq/L) was identified in 4.3% (95%CI, 3.7%-5.0%) and 8.2% (6.5%-10.2%) of patients with chronic and acute heart failure, respectively, and was responsible for 28.9% of all cases of contraindication to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use and for 10.8% of all cases of failure to reach the target dose. Serum potassium levels were not recorded in 291 (10.8%) of the 2693 chronic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. During follow-up, potassium levels increased in 179 of 1431 patients (12.5%, 95%CI, 10.8%-14.3%). This increase was directly related to age, diabetes, and history of stroke and was inversely related to history of hyperkalemia. Conclusions: This study highlights the magnitude of the problem of hyperkalemia in patients with heart failure in everyday clinical practice and the need to improve monitoring of this factor in these patients due to its interference with the possibility of receiving optimal treatment. [Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. La hiperpotasemia es una preocupación creciente en el tratamiento de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida, pues limita el uso de fármacos eficaces. Este trabajo ofrece estimaciones de la magnitud de este problema en la práctica clínica habitual en España, los cambios en las concentraciones de potasio en el seguimiento y los factores asociados. Métodos. Pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (n = 881) y crónica (n = 3.587) seleccionados en 28 hospitales españoles del registro europeo de insuficiencia cardiaca de la European Society of Cardiology y seguidos 1 año para diferentes desenlaces, incluidos cambios en las cifras de potasio y su impacto en el tratamiento. Resultados. La hiperpotasemia (K+ > 5,4 mEq/l) está presente en el 4,3% (IC95%, 3,7-5,0%) y el 8,2% (6,5-10,2%) de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica y aguda; causa el 28,9% de todos los casos en que se contraindica el uso de antagonistas del receptor de mineralocorticoides y el 10,8% de los que no alcanzan la dosis objetivo. Del total de 2.693 pacientes ambulatorios con fracción de eyección reducida, 291 (10,8%) no tenían registrada medición de potasio. Durante el seguimiento, 179 de 1.431 (12,5%, IC95%, 10,8-14,3%) aumentaron su concentración de potasio, aumento relacionado directamente con la edad, la diabetes mellitus y los antecedentes de ictus e inversamente con los antecedentes de hiperpotasemia. Conclusiones. Este trabajo destaca el problema de la hiperpotasemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca de la práctica clínica habitual y la necesidad de continuar y mejorar la vigilancia de este factor en estos pacientes por su interferencia en el tratamiento óptimo.

Introduction and objectives Abnormal electrocardiographic findings are highly common. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographic patterns in the general Spanish population aged 40 years or older. Methods This subanalysis of the OFRECE study selected a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 40 years or older. Clinical data and electrocardiograms were available in all participants. The electrocardiograms were read centrally. Each electrocardiogram was independently assessed by 2 trained cardiologists and, if there was disagreement, a third was consulted to reach a consensus-based diagnosis. Prior to reading the electrocardiograms, diagnostic criteria were strictly defined for each of the abnormalities analyzed. We analyzed the prevalence and clinical factors associated with cavity enlargement, conduction disorders, repolarization abnormalities, pathological Q waves, atrial and ventricular premature beats, and pre-excitation. Results A total of 8343 individuals were evaluated, (mean age, 59.2 years; 52.4% women). Only 4074 (51.2%) participants had a completely normal electrocardiogram. The most frequent abnormalities were nonspecific repolarization abnormalities (16%) associated with coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation; right bundle-branch block (8.1%) associated with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease; left anterior hemiblock (6.5%) related to hypertension and congestive heart failure; and long PR interval (3.7%), which was associated with coronary heart disease. Conclusions Electrocardiographic abnormalities are very common in the general population aged 40 years or older. Only about half of the population had a completely normal electrocardiogram.

BACKGROUND Multimorbidity is related to a high increase in costs for the health system and a poorer quality of life for patients. It is the professional’s responsibility to establish new care models oriented to improve health outcomes in high complexity patients. We have developed a comprehensive care program for these patients based on carrying out sustainable highly effective interventions for the health system through technology. The use of new technologies to improve health results is an unstoppable trend. The implementation in practice of new forms of healthcare based on telemedicine leads to a need for professionals to specialize in an often unfamiliar area. OBJECTIVE The main aim of the study is to design and Develop, Integrate and implement an mHealth tool to support monitoring of the chronic Patient with Polypharmacy (DIPP-mHeart Study). The secondary aim of our study is to make the development of these new technologies easier for other research groups through describing the limitations encountered by our team during the development of the project and the corresponding solutions implemented to overcome those limitations. METHODS The study was carried out in four stages: design, development, integration and implementation, followed by ensuring the quality, security and legal requirements of the mHeart® prototype. The design and development of the tool was based on a review of the bibliography and several surveys done to the main stakeholders (patients, health professionals, Health Authorities and experts in mHealth). All these findings allow us to focus mHeart functionalities on the user’s expectations and the polymedicated patient’s real needs as well as to discover realistic solutions to overcoming the main limitations of implementing the new tool within the health environment. The tool was adapted to the solid organ transplant population, a perfect example of the chronic patient of high complexity. RESULTS 133 chronic patients, 26 stakeholders, as well as health authorities, patients’ associations and scientific societies were interviewed. Based on the information gathered, the design of the new tool was focused on improving the management of polytherapy and the flow of communication between professionals, patients and care levels. After carrying out diverse tests, the final mHeart® platform prototype was obtained (website and mobile application). Its functionalities allow for the sustainable intervention of a multidisciplinary team in real time and in a patient’s habitual context, thus empowering the patient through clinician feedback. The main limitations encountered were the integration of the tool with our health system’s information technology system, ensuring quality and safety, as well as considering other legal aspects which the clinical team were not familiar with. CONCLUSIONS The DIPP-mHeart project resulted in a new holistic eHealth tool that will be extremely useful for the follow-up of chronic patients with polypharmacy. Not only was this platform to be designed and developed, but its safety and quality, its implementation in our environment, and its continued use in the long term were also to be ensured. Sharing the key aspects involved in overcoming the major difficulties encountered could be highly interesting for the scientific community and widely applicable in our setting.

Purpose Non-adherence to immunosuppressive medications following organ transplant ranges from 20-40% and is associated with episodes of acute rejection and graft loss. This would justify implementing multidisciplinary interventions designed to improve therapy management but also patient empowerment. New tools such as mobile Health (mHealth) could help manage chronic patients remotely. The aim of this study is to measure the therapeutical adherence (TA) improvement by means of a personalized care programme in a multidisciplinary environment, together with the support of Mobile Health Technology (mHealth) following heart transplant (HTx). Methods A prospective pilot study was carried out in a third-level hospital. Patients who had received a HTx in the past 18 months and had a mobile device were included. TA was assessed by the SMAQ validated test at the beginning and end of the two-months follow-up. Personalized interventions on-line via the mHeart platform were performed with the aim to improve TA. The mHeart platform is a mobile application and a website directed to facilitate communication with the patient and to record timing of medication intake, drug-interactions, vital signs, side effects and symptoms. An independent statistician analysed the data (IBM-SPSS V22.0). Results Of the 35 eligible recipients, 32 (91.4%) were included in the study; 23 (71.9%) were men of an average age of 52.4 years [42.9-63.7] taking a median of 12 [8.5-14] different daily drugs. The follow-up time was 2.03 months [1.3-2.5]. The effectiveness of the pharmaceutical interventions implemented through the mHeart tool was high: 83% of the nonadherent recipients in the first visit became adherent at the end of the study according to the SMAQ test. Medication adherence global rate in the first visit was 61%, increasing to 87% at the last visit according to the SMAQ test (p=0.039). The final TA figure was over 85%, the target medication adherence figure in solid organ transplants to avoid negative results due to non-adherence. Conclusion Personalized pharmaceutical interventions together with the support of the mHeart tool, permits effective supervision of nonadherent patients, resulting in the improvement in medication adherence. The final TA figure was over 85%, the target medication adherence figure in solid organ transplants to avoid negative results due to non-adherence.

We present the characteristics and outcomes of heart transplantation in Spain since it was first performed in 1984.A descriptive analysis of the characteristics of recipients, donors, the surgical procedure, and the outcomes of heart transplantations performed in Spain until 31 December 2014.In 2014, 266 procedures were performed, making a time series of 7289 transplantations. The temporal analysis confirmed a significant worsening of the clinical profile of recipients (higher percentage of older patients, patients with severe renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, previous cardiac surgery, and previous mechanical ventilation), of donors (higher percentage of older donors and greater weight mismatch), and of the procedure (higher percentage of emergency transplantations, reaching 41.4% in 2014, and ischemia time240min). Mechanical assist devices were used less than in 2013; in 2014 they were used in 18.8% of all transplant recipients. Survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 76%, 65%, 52%, and 38%, respectively, and has remained stable since 1995.Cardiac transplantation activity in Spain has remained stable in recent years, at around 250 procedures per year. Despite a clear deterioration in donor and recipient characteristics and surgical times, the mortality outcomes have remained comparable to those of previous periods in our environment. The growing use of circulatory assist devices before transplantation is also confirmed.

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives. To estimate the percentage of heart failure patients in Spain that received the European Society of Cardiology recommended treatments, and in those that did not, to determine the reasons why. Methods. The study included 2834 consecutive ambulatory patients with heart failure from 27 Spanish hospitals. We recorded general information, the treatment indicated, and the reasons why it was not prescribed in some cases. In patients who met the criteria to receive a certain drug, true undertreatment was defined as the percentage of patients who, without justification, did not receive the drug. Results. In total, 92.6% of ambulatory patients with low ejection fraction received angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, 93.3% beta-blockers, and 74.5% mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The true undertreatment rates were 3.4%, 1.8%, and 19.0%, respectively. Target doses were reached in 16.2% of patients receiving angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 23.3% of those with angiotensin receptor blockers, 13.2% of those prescribed beta-blockers, and 23.5% of those with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Among patients who could benefit from ivabradine, 29.1% received this drug. In total, 36% of patients met the criteria for defibrillator implantation and 90% of them had received the device or were scheduled for implantation, whereas 19.6% fulfilled the criteria for resynchronization therapy and 88.0% already had or would soon have the device. In patients who met the criteria, but did not undergo device implantation, the reasons were not cost-related. Conclusions. When justified reasons for not administering heart failure drugs were taken into account, adherence to the guideline recommendations was excellent. Exclusive use of the percentage of treated patients is a poor indicator of the quality of healthcare in heart failure. Measures should be taken to improve the attainment of optimal dosing in each patient. [Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Estimar la proporción de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca atendidos en España que reciben los tratamientos recomendados por la Sociedad Europea de Cardiología y razones de que no los reciban, en su caso. Métodos. Se incluyó a 2.834 pacientes ambulatorios consecutivos con insuficiencia cardiaca de 27 hospitales españoles. Se recogió información general, tratamiento indicado y causas de que no lo recibiera, en su caso. De los pacientes que cumplen criterios para recibir tratamiento, infratratamiento real es la proporción que, sin justificación, no lo recibe. Resultados. El 92,6% de los pacientes ambulatorios con fracción de eyección reducida recibieron inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina o antagonistas del receptor de la angiotensina II; el 93,3%, bloqueadores beta y el 74,5%, antagonistas del receptor mineralocorticoideo. El infratratamiento real es del 3,4, el 1,8 y el 19,0% respectivamente. Alcanzan dosis objetivo de inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina el 16,2% de los pacientes; de antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina II, el 23,3%; de bloqueadores beta, el 13,2% y de antagonistas del receptor mineralocorticoideo, el 23,5%. El 29,1% de los pacientes que podrían beneficiarse de ivabradina la reciben; el 36% cumple criterios para implantar desfibrilador; de ellos, el 90% lo tienen ya implantado o programado; las cifras correspondientes en resincronización son el 19,6 y el 88,0%; el porcentaje restante no se debe a causas económicas. Conclusiones. Considerando razones justificadas para no administrar fármacos a estos pacientes, el cumplimiento de las guías es excelente. Utilizar solo la proporción de pacientes tratados es un mal indicador de calidad de la asistencia en insuficiencia cardiaca. Es necesario introducir medidas que mejoren el logro de la dosis óptima para cada paciente.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Estimar la proporcion de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca atendidos en Espana que reciben los tratamientos recomendados por la Sociedad Europea de Cardiologia y razones de que no los reciban, en su caso. Metodos Se incluyo a 2.834 pacientes ambulatorios consecutivos con insuficiencia cardiaca de 27 hospitales espanoles. Se recogio informacion general, tratamiento indicado y causas de que no lo recibiera, en su caso. De los pacientes que cumplen criterios para recibir tratamiento, infratratamiento real es la proporcion que, sin justificacion, no lo recibe. Resultados El 92,6% de los pacientes ambulatorios con fraccion de eyeccion reducida recibieron inhibidores de la enzima de conversion de la angiotensina o antagonistas del receptor de la angiotensina II ; el 93,3%, bloqueadores beta y el 74,5%, antagonistas del receptor mineralocorticoideo. El infratratamiento real es del 3,4, el 1,8 y el 19,0% respectivamente. Alcanzan dosis objetivo de inhibidores de la enzima de conversion de la angiotensina el 16,2% de los pacientes; de antagonistas de los receptores de la angiotensina II , el 23,3%; de bloqueadores beta, el 13,2% y de antagonistas del receptor mineralocorticoideo, el 23,5%. El 29,1% de los pacientes que podrian beneficiarse de ivabradina la reciben; el 36% cumple criterios para implantar desfibrilador; de ellos, el 90% lo tienen ya implantado o programado; las cifras correspondientes en resincronizacion son el 19,6 y el 88,0%; el porcentaje restante no se debe a causas economicas. Conclusiones Considerando razones justificadas para no administrar farmacos a estos pacientes, el cumplimiento de las guias es excelente. Utilizar solo la proporcion de pacientes tratados es un mal indicador de calidad de la asistencia en insuficiencia cardiaca. Es necesario introducir medidas que mejoren el logro de la dosis optima para cada paciente.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El objetivo del estudio OFRECE fue estimar la prevalencia de angina estable en Espana. Esta es actualmente desconocida por falta de estudios recientes y cambios en la epidemiologia y el tratamiento de la cardiopatia isquemica. Metodos Estudio transversal. Se obtuvo una muestra representativa de la poblacion espanola de edad mayor o igual a 40 anos mediante muestreo aleatorio en dos etapas: la primera fue una seleccion aleatoria de medicos de atencion primaria de cada provincia y la segunda, una seleccion de 20 individuos de la poblacion asignada a cada medico. La prevalencia se pondero por edad, sexo y area geografica. Se clasifico a los participantes como pacientes con angina si cumplian criterios de «angina segura» del cuestionario de Rose y como angina confirmada si ademas tenian antecedentes de cardiopatia isquemica aguda, revascularizacion o confirmacion tras evaluacion cardiologica. Resultados Se analizo a 8.378 personas (media de edad, 59,2 anos), el 71% de las 11.831 invitadas a participar. La prevalencia ponderada de angina segura (Rose) fue del 2,6% (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 2,1-3,1%), mayor en mujeres (2,9%) que en varones (2,2%), y la de angina confirmada, del 1,4% (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 1,0-1,8%) sin diferencias entre varones (1,5%) y mujeres (1,3%). La prevalencia se incremento con la edad (angina segura, el 0,7% en el grupo de 40-49 anos y el 7,1% en el de edad mayor o igual a 70 anos), los antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular, salvo el tabaquismo. Conclusiones La prevalencia de angina segura (Rose) en la poblacion espanola de edad mayor o igual a 40 anos es del 2,6% y la de angina confirmada, del 1,4%, y ambas se incrementan con la edad, los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y los antecedentes cardiovasculares.

Primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation (HTx) has a very high mortality rate, especially if the left ventricle (PGD-LV) is involved. Early diagnosis is important to select the appropriate therapy to improve prognosis. The value of high-sensitivity troponin T (HS-TNT) measurement obtained at patient arrival at the intensive care unit was analyzed in 71 HTx patients. Mild or moderate PGD-LV was defined by hemodynamic compromise with one of the following criteria: left ventricular ejection fraction 15 mm Hg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure >20 mm Hg, cardiac index 10) or newly placed intra-aortic balloon pump. The mean recipient age was 54 +/- 12 years (73% men), and donor age was 47 +/- 11 years. Ischemic time was 200 +/- 51 minutes, and coronary bypass time was 122 +/- 31 minutes. Nine (13%) HTx patients were diagnosed with PGD-LV post-HTx, 8 with biventricular dysfunction. Four patients died, 2 with PGD-LV (22%) and 2 without PGD (4%). Mean HS-TNT before HTx was 158 +/- 565 ng/L, and post-HT was 1621 +/- 1269 ng/L. The area under the curve (receiver-operator characteristic) of HS-TNT to detect patients at risk of PGD-LV was 0.860 (P < .003). A cutoff value of HS-TNT >2000 ng/L had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 87% to identify patients at risk of PGD-LV. Multivariate analysis identified HS-TNT >2000 ng/L (P < .02) and coronary bypass-time (P < .01) as independent predictors of PGD-LV. HS-TNT >2000 ng/L at intensive care admission after HT and prolonged coronary bypass time were the most powerful predictors of PGD-LV. HS-TNT may be helpful for early detection of HTx patients at risk of PGD-LV.

The aim of this study was to assess long-term safety of intravenous cardiovascular agents-vasodilators, inotropes and/or vasopressors-in acute heart failure (AHF).The European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long-Term (ESC-HF-LT) registry was a prospective, observational registry conducted in 21 countries. Patients with unscheduled hospitalizations for AHF (n = 6926) were included: 1304 (18.8%) patients received a combination of intravenous (i.v.) vasodilators and diuretics, 833 (12%) patients received i.v. inotropes and/or vasopressors. Primary endpoint was long-term all-cause mortality. Main secondary endpoints were in-hospital and post-discharge mortality. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) showed no association between the use of i.v. vasodilator and diuretic and long-term mortality [HR 0.784, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.596-1.032] nor in-hospital mortality (HR 1.049, 95% CI 0.592-1.857) in the matched cohort (n = 976 paired patients). By contrast, adjusted HR demonstrated a detrimental association between the use of i.v. inotrope and/or vasopressor and long-term all-cause mortality (HR 1.434, 95% CI 1.128-1.823), as well as in-hospital mortality (HR 1.873, 95% CI 1.151-3.048) in the matched cohort (n = 606 paired patients). No association was found between the use of i.v. inotropes and/or vasopressors and long-term mortality in patients discharged alive (HR 1.078, 95% CI 0.769-1.512). A detrimental association with inotropes and/or vasopressors was seen in all geographic regions and, among catecholamines, dopamine was associated with the highest risk of death (HR 1.628, 95% CI 1.031-2.572 vs. no inotropes).Vasodilators did not demonstrate any association with long-term clinical outcomes, while inotropes and/or vasopressors were associated with increased risk of all-cause death, mostly related to excess of in-hospital mortality in AHF.

The present article reports the characteristics and outcome of heart transplantation in Spain since it was first performed in May 1984.We provide a descriptive analysis of the characteristics of the recipients, the donors, the surgical procedure, and results of the heart transplantations performed in Spain until 31 December 2013.During 2013, a total of 248 transplantation procedures were carried out, bringing the time series to a total of 7023 transplantations. The temporal analysis confirms a significant deterioration in the clinical profile of the recipients (higher percentage of older patients, severe renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, previous heart surgery, mechanical ventilation), of the donors (higher proportion of older donors and greater weight mismatch), and of the procedure (higher percentage of emergency transplantations which, in 2013, reached 49%, and with ischemia times240min). There was a marked increase in the use of circulatory assist devices prior to transplantation which, in 2013, were employed in 25.2% of all the patients. The survivals at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years were 76%, 65%, 52%, and 37%, respectively, and have remained stable since 1995.Heart transplantation activity in Spain remains stable in recent years, with around 250 procedures a year. Despite the clear deterioration in the clinical characteristics of the donors and recipients, and lengthening of the operative times, the results in terms of mortality continue to be comparable to those reported in our neighboring countries, and a growing use of circulatory assist devices prior to transplantation is confirmed.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La regurgitacion mitral sintomatica tiene un pronostico desfavorable sin tratamiento quirurgico. Sin embargo, segun el registro europeo de enfermedad cardiaca valvular, no se intervino al 49% de los pacientes en esa situacion. El tratamiento percutaneo de la regurgitacion mitral con MitraClip® se ha demostrado seguro y eficaz anadido al tratamiento medico en este perfil de pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia inicial con MitraClip® en Espana. Metodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluye a todos los pacientes tratados desde noviembre 2011 hasta julio 2013 por los cuatro hospitales espanoles con mayor numero de implantes. Resultados Se trato a 62 pacientes (el 77,4% varones), principalmente con regurgitacion mitral funcional restrictiva (85,4%), de gravedad grado III (37%) o IV (63%), fraccion de eyeccion media del 36 ± 14% y clase funcional de la New York Heart Association III (37%) o IV (63%). En el 98% de los pacientes, se implanto con exito el dispositivo. Al ano, el 81,2% tenia regurgitacion mitral ≤ 2 y el 90,9% en clase funcional de la New York Heart Association ≤ II . Hubo un solo caso de mortalidad periprocedimiento (sepsis 20 dias despues del implante) y otros 3 fallecimientos en el seguimiento (media, 9,1 meses). Fue necesario implantar un nuevo dispositivo por dehiscencia parcial del previo a 2 pacientes y se sometio a trasplante cardiaco a otros 2. Conclusiones El tratamiento con MitraClip® en Espana se ha dirigido principalmente a pacientes con insuficiencia mitral funcional, disfuncion ventricular sistolica significativa y elevado riesgo quirurgico, y se perfila como una opcion segura de tratamiento con capacidad de reducir la regurgitacion mitral y mejorar la capacidad funcional.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La fibrilacion auricular se asocia con elevadas morbilidad y mortalidad, y tanto su incidencia como su prevalencia son altas. No obstante, hay escasos datos poblacionales sobre su epidemiologia en Espana. El objetivo de este estudio es estimar la prevalencia de fibrilacion auricular en Espana. Metodos Estudio transversal en poblacion espanola de 40 o mas anos. Se realizo un muestreo en dos etapas, una primera seleccion aleatoria de medicos de atencion primaria de cada provincia espanola y, en segundo lugar, se selecciono aleatoriamente a 20 individuos de la poblacion asignada a cada medico participante. La prevalencia se pondero por edad, sexo y area geografica. Se realizo una lectura centralizada de los registros electrocardiograficos. Resultados Se evaluo a 8.343 personas (media de edad, 59,2 [intervalo de confianza del 95%, 58,6-59,8] anos; el 52,4% mujeres). La prevalencia total de fibrilacion auricular fue del 4,4% (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 3,8-5,1). La prevalencia fue similar en varones (4,4% [3,6-5,2]) y mujeres (4,5% [3,6-5,3]) y se incrementa progresivamente a partir de los 60 anos de edad. En los mayores de 80 anos, la prevalencia fue del 17,7% (14,1-21,3). En un 10% de pacientes se diagnostico una fibrilacion auricular no conocida. Conclusiones La prevalencia de fibrilacion auricular en la poblacion general espanola mayor de 40 anos es elevada, del 4,4%. La prevalencia es similar en varones y mujeres y se incrementa escalonadamente a partir de los 60 anos. Se estima en mas de 1 millon de pacientes con fibrilacion auricular en la poblacion espanola, de los que mas de 90.000 estan sin diagnosticar.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Analizar la asociacion entre el incremento del indice de masa corporal y el perimetro cintura, asi como el valor pronostico de ambos indicadores en la mortalidad total y cardiaca en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca cronica. Metodos El estudio incluyo a 2.254 pacientes seguidos durante 4 anos. La obesidad se clasifico como indice de masa corporal ≥ 30 y el sobrepeso, como indice de masa corporal 25,0-29,9; la obesidad central, como perimetro cintura ≥ 88 cm en mujeres y ≥ 102 cm en varones. Los predictores independientes de mortalidad total y cardiaca se evaluaron mediante un modelo multivariable de Cox ajustado por variables de confusion. Resultados Presento obesidad el 35% de los pacientes; sobrepeso, el 43% y obesidad central, el 60%. El indice de masa corporal y el perimetro de cintura fueron predictores independientes de menor mortalidad total — hazard ratio = 0,84 (p hazard ratio = 0,97 (p = 0,01) respectivamente— y menos muerte cardiaca (indice de masa corporal, hazard ratio = 0,84; p hazard ratio = 0,97; p = 0,01). La interaccion entre el indice de masa corporal y el perimetro cintura ( hazard ratio = 1,001; p 120 cm. Conclusiones Se confirma una mortalidad significativamente menor entre los pacientes que presentan un incremento del indice de masa corporal y del perimetro de cintura. Los resultados muestran ademas que esta proteccion desaparece al alcanzar valores elevados.

Purpose Palliative care in advanced heart failure (HF) patients is not standardized. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of a multidisciplinary team in patients with advanced HF. Methods Observational, prospective, single-center study performed in outpatients with advanced HF excluded for heart transplantation or LVAD. The multidisciplinary team includes a cardiologist and nurse specialized in advanced HF, a palliative care physician, case manager nurses and primary care physicians. Patients were identified as palliative according to the clinical clues reported in 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines. All patients and their relatives accepted to be included in the program. We evaluated the level of knowledge of the end-stage phase of the disease, the main non-cardiovascular symptoms and treatments, number of hospital admissions, time to death and place of death. Results From October 2016 to March 2018, 23 patients were included. Age 77 ± 5 years, 92% men;they had high comorbidity (Barthel 78.6 ± 15) and dependency (Charlson 6 ± 1.1). Ten patients had HFpEF.All patients knew the severity of their illness and 65% considered the possibility of dying soon. More than 70% of the patients had non cardiovascular (CV) symptoms. Main symptoms and palliative treatments are shown in Figure 1. During a mean follow-up of 4±2 months, 7 patients (30%) were admitted (4 patients for CV problems and 3 for non-CV). 16 patients died (14 CV deaths and 2 non-CV). Of those, twelve patients (75%) died at home or in long-stay centers Conclusion The multidisciplinary care for end-stage HF was feasible and well accepted for the patients and their relatives. The majority of the patientes knew the severity of the disease and the poor prognosis and received treatments for non-CVsymptoms. A high percentage of patients died outside the hospital. The high short-term mortality probably suggests that palliative care should be considered earlier in end-stage HF.

Purpose Pulmonary congestion is expressed in the form of B-lines detected by lung ultrasound (LUS) which has proven to be a potent prognostic predictor of hospitalization and mortality in heart failure (HF). However, it is still unknown if a treatment strategy guided by LUS in HF patients may improve outcomes. Hypothesis LUS guided treatment in ambulatory patients after an admission for HF will reduce the combined end-point of readmission or unexpected visit for HF worsening or death in a 6-month follow-up. Methods LUS-HF (NCT02959372 at ClinicalTrials.gov) is a randomized, single center, simple blind clinical trial. Eligible patients are patients older than 18 years of age who have been hospitalized for HF (defined as shortness of breath , pulmonary congestion in chest X ray, NT-proBNP in the first 24 hours of admission: 450 ng/L, 50-75 years: >900 ng/L; >75 years: >1800 ng/L). The exclusion criteria are life expectancy of less than 6 months or severe lung disease . Eligible patients are randomized into either the “LUS group” or the “control group”. The follow-up consists of visits to the HF clinic at periods of 15 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after the initial hospitalization. Only in relation to the “LUS group”, the treating physician will have the result of the examination. The final estimated sample is 102 patients. Results We present the results of the first 52 patients included (26 in each group). Clinical characteristics are summed-up in the table. With a median follow-up of 180 days, 11 events were registered in the control group and 5 in the LUS group (42.3% vs 19.2%, log-rank test 0.077, figure). Conclusion According to the preliminary results of the LUS-HF trial, LUS guided treatment may reduce readmissions in HF patients.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Este articulo presenta las caracteristicas y los resultados del trasplante cardiaco en Espana desde que empezo su actividad en mayo de 1984. Metodos Se realiza un analisis descriptivo de las caracteristicas de receptores, donantes, procedimiento quirurgico y resultados de los trasplantes cardiacos realizados en Espana hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2012. Resultados Durante 2012 se han realizado 247 procedimientos, con lo que en la serie historica constan 6.775 trasplantes. En los ultimos anos, se observa un empeoramiento del perfil clinico tanto de los receptores (el 34% mayores de 60 anos, el 22% con insuficiencia renal grave, el 17% con diabetes mellitus insulinodependiente, el 29% con cirugia cardiaca previa y el 16% con ventilacion mecanica), como de los donantes (el 38% mayores de 45 anos y el 26% con discordancia de peso > 20%) y del procedimiento (el 29% con tiempo de isquemia > 4 h y el 36% en procedimientos urgentes). La supervivencia a 1, 5, 10 y 15 anos ha sido del 78, el 67, el 53 y el 38% respectivamente. Estas cifras permanecen estables desde 1995. Conclusiones La actividad del trasplante cardiaco en Espana permanece estable en los ultimos anos, con alrededor de 250 procedimientos al ano. A pesar del claro empeoramiento en las caracteristicas de donantes, receptores y tiempos quirurgicos, se mantienen unos resultados en mortalidad comparables a los de nuestro entorno.

BACKGROUND: Primary graft failure (PGF) is the leading cause of early heart transplantation (HT) mortality. Our aim was to analyze PGF currently and explore the ability of a dedicated score for PGF risk stratification. METHODS: After applying a dedicated PGF definition, we analyzed its incidence, mortality, and associated factors in a multicenter cohort of 857 HTs performed in 2006 to 2009. We used the following criteria: recipient right (R) atrial pressure >= 10 mm Hg; age (A) >= 60 years; diabetes (D) mellitus, and inotrope (I) dependence; donor age (A) >= 30 years, and length (L) of ischemia >= 240 minutes to calculate the RADIAL score for PGF risk prediction. RESULTS: PGF incidence was 22%. The right ventricle was almost always affected, alone (45%) or as part of biventricular failure (47%). Mechanical circulatory support was used in 55%. Mortality attributable to PGF was 53% and extended through the third month after HT, but thereafter, PGF had little influence in long-term outcome. The RADIAL score was higher in PGF patients (2.78 +/- 1.1 vs 2.42 +/- 1.1, p = 0.001) and stratified 3 groups with incremental PGF incidence: low risk (12.1%), intermediate risk (19.4%), and high risk (27.5%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PGF had a strong impact, with an incidence of 22% and a mortality exceeding 50% that extends through the third post-HT month. The RADIAL score classified patients into 3 groups with incremental risk for PGF and may be useful for its prevention and early therapy. (C) 2013 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.

Background: Elevated heart rate (HR) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome in the general population and in patients with cardiovascular disease. Elevated HR due to graft denervation is often found in heart transplantation (HTx) patients; the effect on graft survival and vasculopathy is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of elevated HR at 12 months post-HTx and its power to predict HTx long-term outcome. Methods: We evaluated retrospectively a prospective database of 312 patients undergoing HTx at two centers. HR was registered at 12 months post-HTx. The median HR was used as a cutoff point. Cox regression analysis was performed with variables known to be clinically relevant to mortality and those selected from the univariate analysis. Results: During a mean follow-up of 5.5 +/- 2.8 years there were 58 deaths (19%). Patients with a HR >= 90 bpm (median HR) at 12 months had an increased risk for all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio = 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.5, p = 0.009) and mortality related to coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) (Hazard Ratio = 3.0, 95% CI 1.25-7.14, p = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that a HR >= 90 bpm independently predicted mortality (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.1, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Elevated HR measured at 12 months after HTx is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in HTx recipients. A HR >= 90 bpm identifies a group of patients at high risk of death and CAV-related mortality at mid- to long-term. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos: Hay patrones electrocardiográficos asociados a mayor riesgo de muerte súbita por arritmias ventriculares. En España no existe información acerca de su prevalencia en la población. El objetivo es estudiar la prevalencia de estos patrones, así como los factores clinicoepidemiológicos asociados a su presencia. Métodos: Subanálisis del estudio OFRECE en el que se estudió la prevalencia de patrones electrocardiográficos de síndrome de Brugada o anomalías del intervalo QT en una muestra representativa de la población española ≥ 40 años. Se dispuso de datos clínicos y electrocardiogramas de todos los participantes. Los electrocardiogramas fueron evaluados de forma independiente por 2 cardiólogos y, en caso de desacuerdo, se consultó con un tercero. Se analizaron las prevalencias ponderadas y los factores clínicos asociados a patrones tipo Brugada o a anomalías del segmento QT. Resultados: Se evaluó a 8.343 individuos (59,2 años, 52,4% mujeres) y se detectaron 12 casos de patrón Brugada (tipo 1, 2 casos; tipo 2, 10 casos; prevalencia ponderada, 0,13%). Para el análisis del QT corregido (QTc) se excluyó a los participantes con bloqueo de rama izquierda o ritmos no sinusales. Las prevalencias ponderadas fueron: QTc corto (< 340 ms) 0,18%, QTc borderline (441-469 ms) 8,33%, QTc largo (criterio ≥ 470 ms) 1,01% y QTc largo (criterio ≥ 480 ms) 0,42%. Conclusiones: El 0,6-1,1% de la población española de edad ≥ 40 años presenta un patrón electrocardiográfico de riesgo de muerte súbita (síndrome de Brugada, QT largo o QT corto). [Abstract] Introduction and objectives: Some electrocardiographic patterns are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias. There is no information on the prevalence of these patterns in the general population in Spain. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of these patterns and associated clinical and epidemiological factors. Methods: This subanalysis of the OFRECE study selected a representative sample of the Spanish population aged ≥ 40 years. We studied the presence or absence of electrocardiographic patterns of Brugada syndrome and QT interval abnormalities. Clinical data and electrocardiograms were available in all participants. Electrocardiograms were evaluated by 2 cardiologists and a third cardiologist was consulted if there was disagreement in the diagnosis. We calculated the weighted prevalence and clinical factors associated with the presence of Brugada-type patterns or QT segment abnormalities Results: Overall, 8343 individuals were evaluated (59.2 years, 52.4% female). There were 12 Brugada cases (type 1, 2 cases; type 2, 10 cases; weighted prevalence, 0.13%). For corrected QT (QTc) analysis, we excluded participants with left bundle branch block or without sinus rhythm. Weighted prevalences were as follows: short QTc ( < 340 ms) 0.18%, borderline QTc (441-469 ms) 8.33%, long QTc ( ≥ 470 ms criterion) 1.01% and long QTc ( ≥ 480 criterion) 0.42%. Conclusions: A total of 0.6% to 1.1% of the Spanish population aged ≥ 40 years has an electrocardiographic pattern associated with a higher risk of sudden death (Brugada syndrome, long QT, or short QT).

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to analyse baseline characteristics and outcome of patients with heart failure and mid-range left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40%–49%) and the effect of 1-year change in LVEF in this group.SettingMulticentre prospective observational study of ambulatory patients with HF followed up at four university hospitals with dedicated HF units.ParticipantsFourteen per cent (n=504) of the 3580 patients included had HFmrEF.InterventionsBaseline characteristics, 1-year LVEF and outcomes were collected. All-cause death, HF hospitalisation and the composite end-point were the primary outcomes.ResultsMedian follow-up was 3.66 (1.69–6.04) years. All-cause death, HF hospitalisation and the composite end-point were 47%, 35% and 59%, respectively. Outcomes were worse in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (LVEF>50%), without differences between HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (LVEF50%. While change in LVEF as continuous variable was not associated with better outcomes, those patients who evolved from HFmrEF to HFpEF did have a better outcome. Those who remained in the HFmrEF and HFrEF groups had higher all-cause mortality after adjustment for age, sex and baseline LVEF (HR 1.96 (95% CI 1.08 to 3.54, P=0.027) and HR 2.01 (95% CI 1.04 to 3.86, P=0.037), respectively).ConclusionsPatients with HFmrEF have a clinical profile in-between HFpEF and HFrEF, without differences in all-cause mortality and the composite end-point between the three groups. At 1 year, patients with HFmrEF exhibited the greatest variability in LVEF and this change was associated with survival.