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BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying drug treatment in heart failure (HF) reduces blood pressure. Titration of these agents is guided by clinic blood pressure readings; however, the impact of such treatment on blood pressure is unknown because diurnal blood pressure patterns remain poorly described. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of additional neurohumoral modulating agents on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) control in patients with systolic HF and examine the relationship between the burden of hypotension and clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective analysis on 45 patients undergoing initiation and optimization of additional medications (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or beta-blockers), mean daytime systolic (P = .035) and mean daytime and nocturnal diastolic hypotensive episodes (both P < .001) increased significantly posttitration. There was no change in clinic blood pressure before and after titration. In a cross-sectional analysis on 144 patients, those with the most diastolic hypotensive episodes had higher rates of HF readmissions (P = .01) and the composite end point of all-cause mortality and all-cause readmissions (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Additional neurohumoral modulating agents could produce significant increases in 24-hour hypotension burden despite reassuring clinic blood pressure readings. The burden of diastolic hypotension is independently predictive of HF readmissions and the composite end point of all-cause mortality and emergency readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term cardiovascular consequences of angina in a large epidemiological study. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study conducted between 1972 and 1976 with 20 years of follow-up (the Renfrew-Paisley Study). SETTING: Renfrew and Paisley, West Scotland, UK. PARTICIPANTS: 7048 men and 8354 women aged 45-64 years who underwent comprehensive cardiovascular screening at baseline, including the Rose Angina Questionnaire and electrocardiography (ECG). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All deaths and hospitalisations for cardiovascular reasons occurring over the subsequent 20 years, according to the baseline Rose angina score and baseline ECG. RESULTS: At baseline, 669 (9.5%) men and 799 (9.6%) women had angina on Rose Angina Questionnaire. All-cause mortality for those with Rose angina was 67.7% in men and 43.3% in women at 20 years compared with 45.4% and 30.4%, respectively, in those without angina (p<0.001). Values are expressed as hazards ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI). In a multivariate analysis, men with Rose angina had an increased risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation (1.49 (1.33 to 1.66), myocardial infarction (1.63 (1.41 to 1.85)) or heart failure (1.54 (1.13 to 2.10)) compared with men without angina. The corresponding HR (95% CI) for women were 1.38 (1.23 to 1.55), 1.56 (1.31 to 1.85) and 1.92 (1.44 to 2.56). An abnormality on the electrocardiogram (ECG) increased risk further, and both angina and an abnormality on the ECG increased risk most of all compared with those with neither angina nor ischaemic changes on the ECG. Compared with men, women with Rose angina were less likely to have a cardiovascular event (0.54 (0.46 to 0.64)) or myocardial infarction (0.44 (0.35 to 0.56)), although there was no sex difference in the risk of stroke (1.11 (0.75 to 1.65)), atrial fibrillation (0.84 (0.38 to 1.87)) or heart failure (0.79 (0.51 to 1.21)). CONCLUSIONS: Angina in middle age substantially increases the risk of death, myocardial infarction, heart failure and other cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To analyse short- and long-term outcomes and prognostic factors in a large population-based cohort of unselected patients with a first emergency admission for suspected acute coronary syndrome between 1990 and 2000 in Scotland. METHODS: All first emergency admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and all first emergency admissions for angina (the proxy for unstable angina) between 1990 and 2000 in Scotland (population 5.1 million) were identified. Survival to five years was examined by Cox multivariate modelling to examine the independent prognostic effects of diagnosis, age, sex, year of admission, socioeconomic deprivation and co-morbidity. RESULTS: In Scotland between 1990 and 2000, 133,429 individual patients had a first emergency admission for suspected acute coronary syndrome: 96 026 with AMI and 37,403 with angina. After exclusion of deaths within 30 days, crude five-year case fatality was similarly poor for patients with angina and those with AMI (23.9% v 21.6% in men and 23.5% v 26.0% in women). The longer-term risk of a subsequent fatal or non-fatal event in the five years after first hospital admission was high: 54% in men after AMI (53% in women) and 56% after angina (49% in women). Event rates increased threefold with increasing age and 20-60% with different co-morbidities, but were 11-34% lower in women. CONCLUSIONS: Longer-term case fatality was similarly high in patients with angina and in survivors of AMI, about 5% a year. Furthermore, half the patients experienced a fatal or non-fatal event within five years. These data may strengthen the case for aggressive secondary prevention in all patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Papillary fibroelastomas are rare primary cardiac tumours with a prevalence of 0.01% at autopsy. They are histologically benign tumours but have been demonstrated through case series to confer an increased risk of thrombo-embolism resulting in: transient ischaemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary and systemic embolization., Case Summary: A 54-year-old woman presented with central chest pain radiating to her left arm. At presentation there was a significant troponin rise; initial high-sensitivity troponin-I (hsTn-I) 660 pg/mL increased to 3340 pg/mL at 6 h. Coronary angiogram did not reveal any obstructing coronary artery disease. Echocardiography revealed a rounded, mobile mass on the left coronary cusp of the aortic valve suspicious for papillary fibroelastoma. The patient underwent shave excision of the lesion. Intra-operatively it was noted that the mass intermittently sat within the ostium of the left main resulting in its occlusion. Histology confirmed a papillary fibroelastoma., Discussion: Primary cardiac tumours are rare but can cause life-threatening complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrest. In the literature, the mechanism of these complications is mainly attributed to thrombo-embolism. This case demonstrates the utility of echocardiogram in investigating and diagnosing a rare cause of myocardial infarction and highlights an unusual mechanism, that is tumour causing obstruction of the coronary ostium., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Introduction: A significant paravalvular leak (PVL) is estimated in at least 1-3% of patients undergoing surgical aortic and/or mitral valve replacement. Surgical repair of a PVL is associated with a 30-day mortality of approximately 10%. Percutaneous closure of PVL has emerged as an alternative to surgical repair., Aim: We sought to examine the clinical outcomes of patients treated with percutaneous closure of PVL at an Irish tertiary referral centre., Methods: A prospective registry was used to record patient and procedural characteristics at the time of the PVL procedure. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to assess clinical outcomes during the index hospitalisation and at follow-up., Results: A total of 26 PVL procedures were performed in 21 patients (mean age 68 ± 13 years, 76% male). Heart failure (HF), haemolysis (HL) or a combination of both was the presenting symptoms in 62%, 24% and 14% of patients, respectively. In the entire cohort, clinical success was achieved in 18 patients (86%). Clinical success was achieved more frequently when HF was the clinical indication compared to HL (100% versus 66%). Among patients presenting with isolated HF (n = 13), the mean NYHA class at baseline and follow-up was 2.5± 0.7 and 1.4± 0.7, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. There was one (3.8%) major adverse procedural complication (stroke). A total of six deaths (28%) occurred during follow-up (22 ± 13.4 months)., Conclusions: Patients with PVL represent a high-risk patient cohort. Percutaneous PVL offers a safe alternative to surgical PVL repair and appears particularly effective in those patients who present primarily with HF.

Aim: To examine the prognostic importance of absolute values and change in values of BNP in patients with stable heart failure (HF)., Methods: Five-hundred and fifty-nine patients attending a disease management programme were categorized into tertiles of BNP (group 1; ≤ 95 pg/ml, group 2; 96-249 pg/ml and group 3; ≥ 250 pg/ml). A change in BNP between two stable visits was recorded. Patients were followed up for 1 year for death and a composite morbidity measure of HF hospitalization, all-cause hospitalization, unscheduled visits for clinical deterioration(UC) of HF using survival analysis., Results: The risk of the combined morbidity outcome increased with increasing tertiles of BNP (Log rank = 17.8 (2), p < 0.001). Furthermore, a 50 and 25% increase in BNP predicted morbidity in stable HF patients with an initial BNP > 200 pg/ml (p = 0.02) and > 450 pg/ml (p = 0.03), respectively., Conclusion: In a stable community HF population, an elevated BNP or an increase in BNP predicts an adverse prognosis thereby potentially identifying a population in need of closer clinical follow-up.

Aims: ICD implantation for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤ 35%) has increased since the publication of the SCD-HEFT and MADIT-II data. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic ICD use in a community heart failure population and to assess the impact on patient's quality of life., Methods and Results: Seventy-one ICDs were inserted between the years 2002 and 2006. The mean follow-up from time of insertion was 24 ± 11 months. Eighteen patients (25%) had potentially life-saving therapy. Seven (10%) patients received inappropriate shocks. Complications were encountered in five patients (7%)., Conclusion: In a community heart failure population, prophylactic ICD implantation is associated with a high incidence of life-saving therapy, a low complication rate and a high level of tolerability. These data indicate translation of clinical trial benefits to the general heart failure population.

Background: Chronic heart failure (HF) is associated with a poor Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). HRQoL has been shown to be a predictor of HF outcomes however, variability in the study designs make it difficult to apply these findings to a clinical setting. The aim of this study was to establish if HRQoL is a predictor of long-term mortality and morbidity in HF patients followed-up in a disease management program (DMP) and if a HRQoL instrument could be applied to aid in identifying high-risk patients within a clinical context., Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of HF patients attending a DMP with 18+/-9 months follow-up. Clinical and biochemical parameters were recorded on discharge from index HF admission and HRQoL measures were recorded at 2 weeks post index admission., Results: 225 patients were enrolled into the study (mean age=69+/-12 years, male=61%, and 78%=systolic HF). In multivariable analysis, all dimensions of HRQoL (measured by the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire) were independent predictors of both mortality and readmissions particularly in patients <80 years. A significant interaction between HRQoL and age (Total((HRQoL))age: p<0.001) indicated that the association of HRQoL with outcomes diminished as age increased., Conclusions: These data demonstrate that HRQoL is a predictor of outcome in HF patients managed in a DMP. Younger patients (<65 years) with a Total HRQoL score of > or =50 are at high risk of an adverse outcome. In older patients > or =80 years HRQoL is not useful in predicting outcome., (Copyright 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of eplerenone on collagen turnover in preserved systolic function heart failure (HFPSF)., Background: Despite growing interest in abnormal collagen metabolism as a feature of HFPSF with diastolic dysfunction, the natural history of markers of collagen turnover and the impact of selective aldosterone antagonism on this natural history remains unknown., Methods: We evaluated 44 patients with HFPSF, randomly assigned to control (n = 20) or eplerenone 25 mg daily (n = 24) for 6 months, increased to 50 mg daily from 6 to 12 months. Serum markers of collagen turnover and inflammation were analyzed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months and included pro-collagen type-I and -III aminoterminal peptides, matrix metalloproteinase type-2, interleukin-6 and -8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Doppler-echocardiographic assessment of diastolic filling indexes and tissue Doppler analyses were also obtained., Results: The mean age of the patients was 80 +/- 7.8 years; 46% were male; 64% were receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, 34% an angiotensin-II receptor blocker, and 68% were receiving beta-blocker therapy. Pro-collagen type-III and -I aminoterminal peptides, matrix metalloproteinase type-2, interleukin-6 and -8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased with time in the control group. Eplerenone treatment had no significant impact on any biomarker at 6 months but attenuated the increase in pro-collagen type-III aminoterminal peptide at 12 months (p = 0.006). Eplerenone therapy was associated with modest effects on diastolic function without any impact on clinical variables or brain natriuretic peptide., Conclusions: This study demonstrates progressive increases in markers of collagen turnover and inflammation in HFPSF with diastolic dysfunction. Despite high background utilization of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone modulators, eplerenone therapy prevents a progressive increase in pro-collagen type-III aminoterminal peptide and may have a role in management of this disease. (The Effect of Eplerenone and Atorvastatin on Markers of Collagen Turnover in Diastolic Heart Failure; NCT00505336).

Aims: Studies suggest that patients with advanced heart failure (HF) have unmet palliative care (PC) needs. However, many of these studies have been retrospective or based on patients receiving poorly coordinated ad hoc care. We aimed to demonstrate whether the PC needs of patients with advanced HF receiving specialist multidisciplinary coordinated care are similar to cancer patients deemed to have specialist PC needs; thereby justifying the extension of specialist PC services to HF patients., Methods and Results: This was a cross-sectional comparative cohort study of 50 HF patients and 50 cancer patients, using quantitative and qualitative methods. Both patient cohorts were statistically indistinguishable in terms of symptom burden, emotional wellbeing, and quality-of-life scores. HF patients had good access to community and social support. HF patients particularly valued the close supervision, medication monitoring, ease of access to service, telephone support, and key worker provided at the HF unit. A small subset of patients had unmet PC needs. A palliative transition point is described., Conclusion: HF patients should not be excluded from specialist PC services. However, the majority of their needs can be met at a HF unit. Recognition of the palliative transition point may be key to ensuring that end-of-life issues are addressed. The palliative transition point needs further evaluation.

Aims: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF) can be difficult to diagnose in clinical practice. Myocardial fibrosis is a major determinant of diastolic dysfunction (DD), potentially contributing to the progression of HF-PEF. The aim of this study was to analyse whether serological markers of collagen turnover may predict HF-PEF and DD., Methods and Results: We included 85 Caucasian treated hypertensive patients (DD n=65; both DD and HF-PEF n=32). Serum carboxy (PICP), amino (PINP), and carboxytelo (CITP) peptides of procollagen type I, amino (PIIINP) peptide of procollagen type III, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of MMP levels were assayed. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, MMP-2 (AUC=0.91; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.98), CITP (0.83; 0.72, 0.92), PICP (0.82; 0.72, 0.92), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (0.82; 0.73, 0.91), MMP-9 (0.79; 0.68, 0.89), and PIIINP (0.78; 0.66, 0.89) levels were significant predictors of HF-PEF (P<0.01 for all). Carboxytelo peptides of procollagen type I (AUC=0.74; 95% CI: 0.62, 0.86), MMP-2 (0.73; 0.62, 0.84), PIIINP (0.73; 0.60, 0.85), BNP (0.69; 0.55, 0.83) and PICP (0.66; 0.54, 0.78) levels were significant predictors of DD (P<0.05 for all). A cutoff of 1585 ng/mL for MMP-2 provided 91% sensitivity and 76% specificity for predicting HF-PEF and combinations of biomarkers could be used to adjust either sensitivity or specificity., Conclusion: Markers of collagen turnover identify patients with HF-PEF and DD. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 may be more useful than BNP in the identification of HF-PEF. This suggests that these new biochemical tools may assist in identifying patients with these diagnostically challenging conditions.

Anemia is a prevalent comorbidity in chronic heart failure (CHF). As studies have demonstrated close links between anemia and a poorer prognosis, there has been an interest in developing treatment strategies for this condition. Anemia is closely associated with disease severity and may be secondary to multiple modifiable causes; therefore, the initial strategies should always include a thorough search for etiology and should focus on optimizing heart failure treatment. Recently, more specific therapies have been assessed, namely erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron supplementation therapy. Studies evaluating erythropoietin in heart failure have demonstrated conflicting results to date, with smaller, single-center studies seeming to show a clinical benefit and larger, multicenter trials demonstrating no significant effect on clinical outcome aside from improvement in selected quality-of-life indices. Similarly, studies evaluating iron therapy alone in anemic patients with heart failure have so far shown promising results with regard to clinical and quality-of-life outcomes, but these studies are limited in that they involved small patient numbers. Ongoing studies such as the Reduction of Events With Darbepoetin Alfa in Heart Failure (RED-HF), Iron Supplementation in Heart Failure Patients With Anemia (IRON-HF), and Ferinject Assessment in Patients With Iron Deficiency and Chronic Heart Failure (FAIR-HF) trials will determine the value of darbepoetin alfa and intravenous iron replacement therapy in anemic CHF patients.

Background: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) may help general practitioners (GPs) to "rule-out" heart failure (HF) and reduce referral burden on specialist assessment clinics., Aims: To determine the diagnostic value of BNP in HF referrals by GPs to a specialist unit., Methods: From 2003 to 2007, 327 GP referrals were made to a HF new patient diagnostic clinic (NDC) with a provisional diagnosis of HF. The NDC provides rapid assessment of potential HF patients and ensures appropriate therapy and follow-up for those with a confirmed diagnosis. HF diagnosis was confirmed by the Framingham criteria., Results: HF was present in 39% of cases referred (mean age 75 +/- 10 years, 49% male). The inclusion of BNP as a "rule-out" test with a cut-off value of 100 pg/mL would have reduced the number of patients originally referred to the NDC by 175. However, this would have resulted in delayed diagnosis and treatment of 20 (16%) "false-negative" patients., Conclusions: Availability of BNP to GPs would improve referral patterns but with high risk of delayed diagnosis. The data underline the need for a shared-care approach to the new diagnosis of HF.

Objective: To examine the long-term outcome of patients evaluated in a rapid assessment chest pain clinic (RACPC): are "low-risk" patients safely reassured?, Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Staff grade-led RACPC in an urban teaching hospital., Participants: 3378 patients (51% male), attending the RACPC between April 1996 and February 2000., Main Outcome Measures: Death, coronary mortality, morbidity and revascularisation over a median follow-up of 6 years. Coronary standardised mortality ratio (SMR)., Results: 2036 (60.3%) patients were categorised as "low risk", 957 (28.3%) as having "stable coronary artery disease" and 214 (6.3%) as being an "acute coronary syndrome". During the study, 3.6% of patients in the low risk category, 11.9% in the stable coronary artery disease category and 24.6% in the acute coronary syndrome category died from coronary artery disease or had a myocardial infarction. 5.5%, 18.2% and 18.4%, respectively, died from any cause. Compared to the local population (coronary SMR = 100), our "low risk/non-coronary chest pain" cohort had a coronary SMR of 51 (95% CI 31 to 83), the "stable coronary artery disease" cohort 240 (187 to 308) and the "acute coronary syndrome" cohort 780 (509 to 1196)., Conclusion: The RACPC was effective at triaging patients with chest pain. Patients identified as at "low risk" were unlikely to have an adverse coronary outcome and were appropriately reassured.

Background: Heart failure patients have frequent readmissions for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)., Aims: To examine the feasibility, safety and outcomes of outpatient intravenous (IV) diuretic therapy in treating ADHF., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients included in a hospital-based heart failure disease management programme, who received outpatient IV diuretic therapy for the management of ADHF between 2002 and 2006. Changes in clinical and biochemical parameters from time of therapy to stability were measured., Results: One hundred and seven patients (mean age 71+/-11 years) received outpatient IV diuretic therapy for ADHF IV diuretic administration reduced weight (p<0.001), blood pressure (p<0.01) and BNP (p=0.01). It increased urea (p=0.01) and creatinine (p=0.07). Seventy-two percent of patients stabilised following IV diuretics and did not require admission. No patients were hospitalised for hypotension or hypokalaemia. One patient was hospitalised for renal failure. Two patients died post admission., Conclusion: Outpatient IV diuretic administration for ADHF is safe, cost effective and reduces hospitalisations. This service may expand the potential of a disease management programme to manage ADHF out of hospital and thereby reduce the hospital dependency of this condition.

Background: Although pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is widely accepted as deadly, if not a rare disease, its prognostic impact beyond reports from specialist centres is unknown., Methods: Using the unique Scottish Morbidity Record Scheme and linked survival data, we tracked the survival of all Scottish adults aged < or =65 years admitted for the first time during the period of 1986 to 2001 with a probable diagnosis of Idiopathic PAH and a PAH related to connective tissue disorders (Connective PAH) and congenital abnormalities (Congenital PAH) - the three most common forms of PAH., Results: Overall, 374 Scottish men and women were discharged from the hospital with incident PAH during the period 1986 to 2001. On an unadjusted basis, Congenital PAH (40-45%) was associated with the lowest case fatality at 5 years in both men and women. In both sexes, Idiopathic PAH and Connective PAH were associated with high initial one-year case fatality (20-30%) with a steady accumulation of fatal events in the four years thereafter (60-75% case fatality at 5 years). Overall, the adjusted risk of dying within one year in the period 1986 to 1989 was 2.22-fold greater (OR 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.85) than in 1998 to 2001 (P<0.001). The greatest falls in one year case fatality were seen in those with Connective PAH (18-fold increased risk of dying in 1986 to 1989 versus 1998 to 2001: P=0.013). Similarly, women (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.63: P<0.001) and the most deprived individuals (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.82: P<0.05) were at greater risk of dying within 5 years. Alternatively, those patients discharged in 1997 were less likely to die during this period compared to their 1986 counterparts, although this difference did not quite reach statistical significance (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.06: P=0.056)., Conclusion: This population-based study has confirmed the deadly impact of the three most common forms of PAH. Overall, there are encouraging trends in relation to one and five year adjusted survival rates; particularly in relation to PAH related to connective tissue disorders.

Background: Recent advances in pharmacological and pacemaker-based treatments for heart failure (HF) have brought about significant improvements in left ventricular function., Aims: To identify the proportion of treated systolic HF patients in whom left ventricular systolic function improves and/or returns to normal., Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 221 HF patients. Improvement in left ventricular function was defined as an improvement in ejection fraction (LVEF) of > or =10% on echocardiography. Return to normal was defined as an improvement of LVEF to > or =50% and a reduction in left ventricular end diastolic diameter to < or =55 mm. Changes in BNP were also recorded., Results: Improvement in LVEF was observed in 44.3% of patients and return to normal systolic function in 10.9%, only 2.3% had both a return to normal echocardiographic parameters and a BNP<100 pg/ml. A higher percentage of the improved group were on target doses of beta-blockers (p=0.004). Baseline BNP was not a predictor of improvement. There was a trend towards a reduction in HF readmissions in the improved group (p=0.07) but no difference in the risk of death or all-cause readmission., Conclusion: While a substantial proportion of treated HF patients have an improvement in left ventricular function over time, only a small proportion return to normal dimensions and LVEF, underlining the permanent nature of ventricular damage in the vast majority of patients.

All hospitalisations for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in the Scottish population were examined to determine the epidemiological features of PAH. These data were compared with expert data from the Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit (SPVU). Using the linked Scottish Morbidity Record scheme, data from all adults aged 16-65 yrs admitted with PAH (idiopathic PAH, pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart abnormalities and pulmonary hypertension associated with connective tissue disorders) during the period 1986-2001 were identified. These data were compared with the most recent data in the SPVU database (2005). Overall, 374 Scottish males and females aged 16-65 yrs were hospitalised with incident PAH during 1986-2001. The annual incidence of PAH was 7.1 cases per million population. On December 31, 2002, there were 165 surviving cases, giving a prevalence of PAH of 52 cases per million population. Data from the SPVU were available for 1997-2006. In 2005, the last year with a complete data set, the incidence of PAH was 7.6 cases per million population and the corresponding prevalence was 26 cases per million population. Hospitalisation data from the Scottish Morbidity Record scheme gave higher prevalences of pulmonary arterial hypertension than data from the expert centres (Scotland and France). The hospitalisation data may overestimate the true frequency of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the population, but it is also possible that the expert centres underestimate the true frequency.

Objective: To examine the epidemiology, primary care burden and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)., Design: Cross-sectional data from primary care practices participating in the Scottish Continuous Morbidity Recording scheme between April 2001 and March 2002., Setting: 55 primary care practices (362 155 patients)., Participants: 3135 patients with AF., Results: The prevalence of AF in Scotland was 9.4/1000 in men and 7.9/1000 in women (p<0.001) and increased with age (to 71/1000 in individuals aged >85 years). The prevalence of AF decreased with increasing socioeconomic deprivation (9.2/1000 least deprived and 7.5/1000 most deprived category, p = 0.02 for trend). 71% of patients with AF received rate-controlling medication: beta-blocker 28%, rate-limiting calcium-channel blocker 42% and digoxin 43%. 42% of patients received warfarin, 44% received aspirin and 78% received more than one of these. Multivariable analysis showed that men and women aged > or =75 years were more likely (than those aged <75 years) to be prescribed digoxin (men OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.74; women OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.37) and aspirin (2.04, 1.66 to 2.51; 1.79, 1.42 to 2.25) and less likely to receive an antiarrhythmic drug (0.62, 0.48 to 0.81; 0.52, 0.39 to 0.70) or warfarin (0.74, 0.60 to 0.91; 0.58, 0.46 to 0.73). Adjusted analysis showed no socioeconomic gradient in prescribing., Conclusions: AF is a common condition, more so in men than in women. Deprived individuals are less likely to have AF, a finding raising concerns about socioeconomic gradients in detection and prognosis. Recommended treatments for AF were underused in women and older people. This is of particular concern, given the current trends in population demographics and the evidence that both groups are at higher risk of stroke.

Aims: Spironolactone improves prognosis in severe heart failure (HF). We investigated its effects in patients with mild-moderate HF treated with an ACE inhibitor and beta-blocker., Methods and Results: Randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, 3-month comparison of placebo and spironolactone (25 mg daily) in 40 patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I (20%), II (70%) or III (10%), with a left ventricular ejection fraction of <40%. The mean (standard error) changes from baseline in the spironolactone and placebo groups were, respectively: i) B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) -53.4(22.2) pg/mL and +3.3(12.1) pg/mL, P=0.04, ii) pro-collagen type III N-terminal amino peptide (PIIINP) -0.6(0.2) micromol/L and +0.02(0.2) micromol/L, P=0.02 and iii) creatinine +10.7(3.2) micromol/L and -0.3(2.6) micromol/L, P=0.01. Compared with placebo, spironolactone therapy was associated with a reduction in self-reported health-related quality of life: change in visual analog score: -6 (3) vs. +6 (4); P=0.01. No differences were observed on other biochemical, neurohumoral, exercise and autonomic function assessments., Conclusion: In patients with mild-moderate HF, spironolactone reduced neurohumoral activation (BNP) and a marker of collagen turnover (PIIINP) but impaired renal function and quality of life. The benefit-risk ratio of aldosterone blockade in mild HF is uncertain and requires clarification in a large randomised trial.

Background: To examine the clinical effect of fluid restriction in patients admitted to the hospital with class IV heart failure (HF)., Methods and Results: This is a single-blind randomized controlled study. Time to clinical stability was compared between the fluid restricted (FR: n = 34) and free fluid (FF: n = 33) groups respectively showing no significant difference (8.3 +/- 6.3 days versus 7.0 +/- 6.0 days, P = .17). There was no significant difference between groups in time to discontinuation of intravenous diuretic therapy (FR: 2.7 +/- 4.5 days, FF: 3.2 +/- 5.6 days, P = .70). Changes from baseline to achievement of clinical stability in serum urea (P = .23), serum creatinine (P = .14), BNP (P = .42), and sodium (P = .14) did not differ between the FF and FR groups. Baseline serum sodium levels did not predict the time to clinical stability (beta = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.60, 0.23)., Conclusions: Fluid restriction is not an evidence-based therapy although it is occasionally applied in the management of HF. These results suggest that FR is not of any clinical benefit in patients with acute decompensated HF and this hypothesis should be tested in a larger randomized controlled study.

Background: There are few data describing the effect of socioeconomic deprivation on the risk of developing heart failure (HF)., Aims: To examine the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and hospitalisation with HF over 20 years., Methods: Between 1972 and 1976, 15,402 individuals, aged 45-64 years, residing in two towns in Scotland, underwent cardiovascular screening. We report hospitalisations with HF over the subsequent 20 years according to Carstairs deprivation category and Social Class., Results: Following screening, 628 men and women (4.1%) were hospitalised with a primary diagnosis of HF. There was a gradient in the risk of HF hospitalisation with increasing socioeconomic deprivation (P=0.003). Of the most deprived individuals, 6.4% were hospitalised for HF compared to 3.5% of the most affluent group. Cox-proportional Hazard models showed that independent of age, sex and baseline risk factors for cardio-respiratory status, greater socioeconomic deprivation increased the risk of HF admission (P<0.001, overall). The adjusted risk of admission for HF was 39% greater in the most versus least deprived subjects (RR 1.39 95% CI 1.04-2.01; P=0.04)., Conclusion: These data show a link between social deprivation and the risk of developing HF, irrespective of baseline cardio-respiratory status and cardiovascular risk factors.

Objective: To examine the epidemiology, primary care burden and treatment of angina in Scotland., Design: Cross-sectional data from primary care practices participating in the Scottish continuous morbidity recording scheme between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002., Setting: 55 primary care practices (362 155 patients)., Participants: 9508 patients with angina., Results: The prevalence of angina in Scotland was 28/1000 in men and 25/1000 in women (p < 0.05) and increased with age. The prevalence of angina also increased with increasing socioeconomic deprivation from 18/1000 in the least deprived category to 31/1000 in the most deprived group (p < 0.001 for trend). The incidence of angina was higher in men (1.8/1000) than in women (1.4/1000) (p = 0.004) and increased with increasing age and socioeconomic deprivation. Socioeconomically deprived patients (0.48 contacts/patient among the most deprived) were less likely than affluent patients (0.58 contacts/patient among the least deprived) to see their general practitioner on an ongoing basis p = 0.006 for trend). Among men, 52% were prescribed beta blockers, 44% calcium channel blockers, 72% aspirin, 54% statins and 36% angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. The corresponding prescription rates for women were 46% (p < 0.001), 41% (p = 0.02), 69% (p < 0.001), 45% (p < 0.001) and 30% (p < 0.001). Among patients < 75 years old 52% were prescribed a beta blocker and 58% a statin. The corresponding figures for patients >or= 75 years were 42% (p < 0.001) and 31% (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Angina is a common condition, more so in men than in women. Socioeconomically deprived patients are more likely to have angina but are less likely to consult their general practitioner. Guideline-recommended treatments for angina are underused in women and older patients. These suboptimal practice patterns, which are worst in older women, are of particular concern, as in Scotland more women (and particularly older women) than men have angina.

Aims: To examine the long-term cardiovascular consequences of obesity and project the cardiovascular consequences of the recent increase in prevalence of obesity., Methods and Results: Between 1972 and 1976, 15 402 individuals aged 45-64, living in two towns in the west of Scotland underwent comprehensive cardiovascular screening. We analysed all deaths and hospitalizations for cardiovascular reasons occurring over the subsequent 20 years according to baseline body mass index (BMI) category. Compared with normal weight individuals (BMI 18.5-24.9), obesity (BMI > or =30) was associated with an increased adjusted risk of coronary heart disease (hazard ratio for death or hospital admission: 1.60, 95% CI 1.45-1.78), heart failure (2.09, 1.68-2.59), stroke (1.41, 1.21-1.65), venous thrombo-embolism (2.29, 1.60-3.30), and atrial fibrillation (1.75, 1.17-2.65). Obesity was associated with nine additional cardiovascular deaths and 36 additional cardiovascular hospital admissions for every 100 affected middle-aged men over the subsequent 20 years (seven deaths and 28 admissions in women). Assuming no change in cardiovascular risk profile and outcomes related to obesity, the increase in prevalence in 1998, when compared with 1972, is projected to lead to an additional four cardiovascular deaths and 14 admissions per 100 middle-aged men and women over the next 20 years., Conclusion: Obesity is associated with an increase in a broad range of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Consideration of only coronary, only fatal, and only first events greatly underestimates the cardiovascular consequences of obesity.

Objectives: To re-examine interhospital variation in 30 day survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) 10 years on to see whether the appointment of new cardiologists and their involvement in emergency care has improved outcome after AMI., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Acute hospitals in Scotland., Participants: 61,484 patients with a first AMI over two time periods: 1988-1991; and 1998-2001., Main Outcome Measures: 30 day survival., Results: Between 1988 and 1991, median 30 day survival was 79.2% (interhospital range 72.1-85.1%). The difference between highest and lowest was 13.0 percentage points (age and sex adjusted, 12.1 percentage points). Between 1998 and 2001, median survival rose to 81.6% (and range decreased to 78.0-85.6%) with a difference of 7.6 (adjusted 8.8) percentage points. Admission hospital was an independent predictor of outcome at 30 days during the two time periods (p < 0.001). Over the period 1988-1991, the odds ratio for death ranged, between hospitals, from 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.88) to 1.50 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.89) and for the period 1998-2001 from 0.82 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.13) to 1.46 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.99). The adjusted risk of death was significantly higher than average in nine of 26 hospitals between 1988 and 1991 but in only two hospitals between 1998 and 2001., Conclusions: The average 30 day case fatality rate after admission with an AMI has fallen substantially over the past 10 years in Scotland. Between-hospital variation is also considerably less notable because of better survival in the previously poorly performing hospitals. This suggests that the greater involvement of cardiologists in the management of AMI has paid dividends.

Objective: To determine whether there is seasonal variation in hospitalisations and deaths due to atrial fibrillation (AF) and to examine possible contributors to such variability., Methods: We used the linked Scottish Morbidity Record scheme, which provides individualised morbidity and mortality data for the entire Scottish population., Results: Between 1990 and 1996, there were a total of 33,582 male and 34,463 female hospitalisations related to AF. Significantly more admissions occurred in winter compared to summer (P<0.0001). In women, the peak number of admissions (106 per day) occurred in December (12% more than average) and the lowest number (89) in June (6% less than average). The respective figures for men were 10% more (101), 2% less (90). In both sexes, the greatest variation occurred in those aged >85 years-peak winter rates being 35-39% higher than average. A similar phenomenon was evident in relation to mortality in these patients. The average number of men who died during December was 22% higher, and in August 12% lower, than average, P<0.001. In women, the equivalent figures were 28% higher (December) and 14% lower (August), P<0.001. The winter peak of AF admissions did not, however, coincide with the lowest temperatures, and other factors such as seasonal variation in respiratory infection, may account for the monthly variation observed in hospitalisations for AF., Conclusions: There is substantial seasonal variation in AF hospitalisations and deaths, particularly in the elderly.

Objective: To examine the epidemiology, primary care burden, and treatment of heart failure in Scotland, UK., Design: Cross sectional data from primary care practices participating in the Scottish continuous morbidity recording scheme between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000., Setting: 53 primary care practices (307,741 patients)., Subjects: 2186 adult patients with heart failure., Results: The prevalence of heart failure in Scotland was 7.1 in 1000, increasing with age to 90.1 in 1000 among patients > or = 85 years. The incidence of heart failure was 2.0 in 1000, increasing with age to 22.4 in 1000 among patients > or = 85 years. For older patients, consultation rates for heart failure equalled or exceeded those for angina and hypertension. Respiratory tract infection was the most common co-morbidity leading to consultation. Among men, 23% were prescribed a beta blocker, 11% spironolactone, and 46% an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. The corresponding figures for women were 20% (p = 0.29 versus men), 7% (p = 0.02), and 34% (p < 0.001). Among patients < 75 years 26% were prescribed a beta blocker, 11% spironolactone, and 50% an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. The corresponding figures for patients > or = 75 years were 19% (p = 0.04 versus patients < 75), 7% (p = 0.04), and 33% (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Heart failure is a common condition, especially with advancing age. In the elderly, the community burden of heart failure is at least as great as that of angina or hypertension. The high rate of concomitant respiratory tract infection emphasises the need for strategies to immunise patients with heart failure against influenza and pneumococcal infection. Drugs proven to improve survival in heart failure are used less frequently for elderly patients and women.

Objective: To examine whether there are socioeconomic gradients in the incidence, prevalence, treatment, and follow up of patients with heart failure in primary care., Design: Population based study., Setting: 53 general practices (307,741 patients) participating in the Scottish continuous morbidity recording project between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000., Participants: 2186 adults with heart failure., Main Outcome Measures: Comorbid diagnoses, frequency of visits to general practitioner, and prescribed drugs., Results: 2186 patients with heart failure were seen (prevalence 7.1 per 1000 population, incidence 2.0 per 1000 population). The age and sex standardised incidence of heart failure increased with greater socioeconomic deprivation, from 1.8 per 1000 population in the most affluent stratum to 2.6 per 1000 population in the most deprived stratum (odds ratio 1.44, P = 0.0003). On average, patients were seen 2.4 times yearly, but follow up rates were less frequent with increasing socioeconomic deprivation (from 2.6 yearly in the most affluent subgroup to 2.0 yearly in the most deprived subgroup, P = 0.00009). Overall, 812 (80.6%) patients were prescribed diuretics, 396 (39.3%) angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 216 (21.4%) beta blockers, 208 (20.7%) digoxin, and 86 (8.5%) spironolactone. The wide discrepancies in prescribing between different general practices disappeared after adjustment for patient age and sex. Prescribing patterns did not vary by deprivation categories on univariate or multivariate analyses., Conclusions: Compared with affluent patients, socioeconomically deprived patients were 44% more likely to develop heart failure but 23% less likely to see their general practitioner on an ongoing basis. Prescribed treatment did not differ across socioeconomic gradients.

Objective: To evaluate the cost of atrial fibrillation (AF) to health and social services in the UK in 1995 and, based on epidemiological trends, to project this estimate to 2000. DESIGN, SETTING, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Contemporary estimates of health care activity related to AF were applied to the whole population of the UK on an age and sex specific basis for the year 1995. The activities considered (and costs calculated) were hospital admissions, outpatient consultations, general practice consultations, and drug treatment (including the cost of monitoring anticoagulant treatment). By adjusting for the progressive aging of the British population and related increases in hospital admissions, the cost of AF was also projected to the year 2000., Results: There were 534 000 people with AF in the UK during 1995. The "direct" cost of health care for these patients was 244 million pounds sterling (approximately 350 million euros) or 0.62% of total National Health Service (NHS) expenditure. Hospitalisations and drug prescriptions accounted for 50% and 20% of this expenditure, respectively. Long term nursing home care after hospital admission cost an additional 46.4 million pounds sterling (approximately 66 million euros). The direct cost of AF rose to 459 million pounds sterling (approximately 655 million euros) in 2000, equivalent to 0.97% of total NHS expenditure based on 1995 figures. Nursing home costs rose to 111 million pounds sterling (approximately 160 million euros)., Conclusions: AF is an extremely costly public health problem.

Objective: To calculate the cost of angina pectoris to the UK National Health Service (NHS) in the year 2000., Methods: Calculation of the cost of hospital admissions, revascularisation procedures, hospital outpatient consultations, general practice (GP) consultations, and prescribed drug treatment., Results: 634 000 individuals (1.1% of the UK population) consulted GPs 2.35 million times, costing pound 60.5 million. They required 16.0 million prescriptions (cost pound 80.7 million) and 254 000 hospital outpatient referrals (cost pound 30.4 million). There were 149 000 hospital admissions, 117 000 coronary angiograms, 21 400 coronary artery bypass operations, 17 700 percutaneous coronary interventions, and 516 000 outpatient visits, at a cost of pound 208.4 million, pound 69.9 million, pound 106.2 million, pound 60.7 million, and pound 52.2 million, respectively. The direct cost of angina was therefore pound 669 million (1.3% of total NHS expenditure), with hospital bed occupancy and procedures accounting for 32% and 35% of this total, respectively., Conclusions: Angina is a common and costly public health problem. It consumed over 1% of all NHS expenditure in the year 2000, mainly because of hospital bed occupancy and revascularisation procedures. This is likely to be a conservative estimate of its true cost.