Citations

BACKGROUND: The impact of life-course blood pressure (BP) trajectories on later-life focal left ventricular (LV) fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) remains elusive. METHODS: MyoFit46 prospectively recruited ≈500 participants from a 1946 birth cohort for a cardiovascular magnetic resonance scan at 77 years, assessing LV LGE calculated using the 3-SD method or 5-SD method. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP were recorded at 36, 43, 53, 63, 69, and 77 years. For each participant, annual rates of BP change (steepness) and area under the BP trajectory (cumulative burden) for each age interval were calculated using mixed-effects models. Associations between life-course BPs and LGE were tested using generalized linear models, adjusted for antihypertensives, demographics, lifestyle, and comorbidities. Time-to-event associations between LGE and incident major adverse cardiovascular event (hospitalizations for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and atrial/ventricular arrhythmias; n=29) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 472 participants (54% male), each 10 mm Hg greater individual SBPs at 36 to 69 years were associated with 6% to 11% greater LV LGE calculated using the 3-SD method (all P ≤0.033), whereas each 10 mm Hg sustained greater SBPs on any age interval from 36 to 69 associated with 16% to 24% greater LGE calculated using the 3-SD method at 77(all P ≤0.005), independent of SBP at 77 years. Each 1 mm Hg/y steeper SBP rise during age intervals 36 to 43, 43 to 53, and 53 to 63 was associated with 6% to 12% greater LGE calculated using the 3-SD method at 77 years. LGE presence was associated with greater major adverse cardiovascular event rates (hazard ratio, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.2–5.2]). CONCLUSIONS: Higher life-course BPs, cumulative burden, and steeper increases were associated with greater older-age LV LGE, which was linked to incident major adverse cardiovascular events. BP trajectories, beyond single-point BP measurements, warrant further investigation as tools to guide BP management strategies.

BACKGROUND: Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a major contributor to coronary artery disease. We explored the impact of life-course BP on later-life normalized stress myocardial blood flow (sMBF N ) and myocardial perfusion reserve by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). METHODS: MyoFit46 prospectively recruited ≈500 National Survey of Health and Development 1946 birth cohort participants, aged ≈77 years, to undergo stress perfusion and late gadolinium enhancement CMR. Systolic (SBPs) and diastolic BPs were recorded at 36, 43, 53, 63, 69, and 77 years. For each participant, the annual rates of BP change (steepness of BP increase) and area under the BP trajectory curve (cumulative life-course BP burden) were derived using mixed-effects models. The associations between BP measures and CMR metrics were tested using generalized linear and additive models, adjusted for antihypertensive use, demographics, lifestyle choices, and comorbidities. Cross-sectional associations between CMR metrics and major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure) were also tested. Mediation analyses explored the mechanistic pathways linking life-course BPs, myocardial perfusion, and myocardial fibrosis. RESULTS: Among 459 included MyoFit46 participants, each 10 mm Hg higher SBP at 36 to 69 years was associated with 3% to 6% lower sMBF N by CMR at 77 years. At 43 to 63 years, as SBPs rose from 120 to 140 mm Hg, sMBF N was 18% to 24% lower. Having a sustained higher SBP by 10 mm Hg from 36 to 77 years was associated with 11% (95% CI, 8–14) lower sMBF N at 77 years. Each 1 mm Hg/y steeper SBP rise during age intervals 36 to 43, 43 to 53, 53 to 63, and 63 to 69 years was associated with 2% to 6% lower sMBF N at 77 years, associations not conditional on baseline or final BPs in each age interval. Associations may be clinically relevant as each 1% lower sMBF N was associated with 3% higher odds of major adverse cardiovascular events. sMBF N mediated ≈20% to ≈40% of the associations between life-course SBPs and late gadolinium enhancement at 77 years. Results were similar for diastolic BP, myocardial perfusion reserve, or sMBF (not normalized). CONCLUSIONS: Higher life-course BPs, steeper increases, and greater cumulative BP burden associate with lower myocardial perfusion by CMR at 77 years, which can be linked with higher odds of major adverse cardiovascular events and greater myocardial fibrosis burden. This underscores the importance of early life BP screening and guiding hyperetension treatment based on longitudinal BP trajectories (rather than relying solely on cross-sectional BPs). REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT05455125.

Abstract The pharmacological provocation test is a pivotal tool in cardiac electrophysiology for the diagnosis of potential causes of sudden cardiac death, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), arrhythmias, symptoms, or ECG abnormalities. The 2022 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias and Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death offered guidance on provocation testing but did not describe the indications and requirements in depth. This clinical consensus statement, led by the European Heart Rhythm Association and approved by major international stakeholders, aims to advise the general cardiologist and the arrhythmia expert who to test and when, where, and how to do it. The statement focuses on current practice for the diagnosis of subclinical arrhythmia syndromes and the causes of SCA, building upon the recommendations of the Guidelines. We address the sodium channel blocker provocation test for patients suspected of Brugada syndrome as well as the use of epinephrine, isoproterenol, adenosine, ergonovine, and acetylcholine.

AbstractBackgroundInfection remains a major complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Implantable devices that avoid transvenous leads, such as the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD), can reduce the risk of serious infection‐related complications, such as bloodstream infection and infective endocarditis. While the 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guidelines include recommendations for S‐ICD use for patients at high risk of infection, currently, there are no clinical trial data that address best practices for the prevention of S‐ICD infections. Therefore, an expert panel was convened to develop a consensus on these topics.MethodsAn expert process mapping methodology was used to achieve consensus on the appropriate steps to minimize or prevent S‐ICD infections. Two face‐to‐face meetings of high‐volume S‐ICD implanters and an infectious diseases specialist, with expertise in cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections, were conducted to develop consensus on useful strategies pre‐, peri‐, and postimplant to reduce S‐ICD infection risk.ResultsExpert panel consensus on recommended steps for patient preparation, S‐ICD implantation, and postoperative management was developed to provide guidance in individual patient management.ConclusionAchieving expert panel consensus by process mapping methodology for S‐ICD infection prevention was attainable, and the results should be helpful to clinicians in adopting interventions to minimize risks of S‐ICD infection.

Introduction: Device-related infection is estimated to occur in 1.9% of the Medicare patients with de novo transvenous (TV) implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) within 2 years post-implant. TV-ICD infection is a serious complication that frequently requires complete device removal for attempted cure, which can be associated with patient morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to expand on limited published data and assess mortality risk associated with TV-ICD infection in a large Medicare population with de novo TV-ICD implants. Methods: A survival analysis was conducted using 100% fee-for-service Medicare facility-level claims data to identify patients who underwent de novo TV-ICD implantation between 7/2016 and 1/2018. TV-ICD infection within 2 years of implantation was identified using ICD-10 and CPT codes. Baseline patient risk factors associated with mortality were identified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index categories. Infection was treated as a time-dependent variable in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to account for immortal time bias. Results: Among 26,742 Medicare patients with de novo TV-ICD, 518 (1.9%) had a device-related infection. The overall number of decedents was 4,721 (17.7%) over 2 years, with 4,555 (17%) in the non-infection group and 166 (32%) in the infection group. After adjusting for baseline patient demographic characteristics and various comorbidities, the presence of TV-ICD infection was associated with an increase of 2.4 [95% CI: 2.08-2.85] times in the mortality hazard ratio (see attached Figure). Most of the baseline patient risk factors were also associated with higher risk of mortality in the Cox model. Conclusion: The rate of de novo TV-ICD infection and associated mortality in a large, real-world Medicare population is noteworthy. The positive association between device-related infection and risk of mortality further highlights the need to reduce infections.

AbstractIntroductionTransvenous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (TV‐ICD) infection is a serious complication that frequently requires complete device removal for attempted cure, which can be associated with patient morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to assess mortality risk associated with TV‐ICD infection in a large Medicare population with de novo TV‐ICD implants.MethodsA survival analysis was conducted using 100% fee‐for‐service Medicare facility‐level claims data to identify patients who underwent de novo TV‐ICD implantation between 7/2016 and 1/2018. TV‐ICD infection within 2 years of implantation was identified using International Classification of Disease, 10th Edition and current procedural terminology codes. Baseline patient risk factors associated with mortality were identified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index categories. Infection was treated as a time‐dependent variable in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to account for immortal time bias.ResultsAmong 26,742 Medicare patients with de novo TV‐ICD, 518 (1.9%) had a device‐related infection. The overall number of decedents was 4721 (17.7%) over 2 years, with 4555 (17%) in the noninfection group and 166 (32%) in the infection group. After adjusting for baseline patient demographic characteristics and various comorbidities, the presence of TV‐ICD infection was associated with an increase of 2.4 (95% CI: 2.08–2.85) times in the mortality hazard ratio.ConclusionThe rate of TV‐ICD infection and associated mortality in a large, real‐world Medicare population is noteworthy. The positive association between device‐related infection and risk of mortality further highlights the need to reduce infections

Background: Infection remains a major complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Extrathoracic devices that avoid epicardial or transvenous leads, such as the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD), can reduce the risk of serious infection-related complications, such as bloodstream infection and infective endocarditis. While the 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guidelines include recommendations for S-ICD use for patients at high risk of infection, currently, there are no clinical trial data that address best practices for the prevention of S-ICD infections. Therefore, an expert panel was convened to develop consensus on these topics. Methods: An expert process mapping methodology was used to achieve consensus on the appropriate steps to minimize or prevent S-ICD infections. Two face-to-face meetings of high-volume S-ICD implanters and an infectious diseases specialist, with expertise on cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections, were conducted to develop consensus on useful strategies pre-, peri-, and post-implant to reduce S-ICD infection risk. Results: Expert panel consensus of recommended steps for patient preparation, S-ICD implantation, and post-operative management were developed to provide guidance in individual patient management. Conclusion: Achieving expert panel consensus by process mapping methodology for S-ICD infection prevention was attainable, and the results should be helpful to clinicians in adopting interventions to minimize risks of S-ICD infection.

Abstract We aim to provide a critical appraisal of basic concepts underlying signal recording and processing technologies applied for (i) atrial fibrillation (AF) mapping to unravel AF mechanisms and/or identifying target sites for AF therapy and (ii) AF detection, to optimize usage of technologies, stimulate research aimed at closing knowledge gaps, and developing ideal AF recording and processing technologies. Recording and processing techniques for assessment of electrical activity during AF essential for diagnosis and guiding ablative therapy including body surface electrocardiograms (ECG) and endo- or epicardial electrograms (EGM) are evaluated. Discussion of (i) differences in uni-, bi-, and multi-polar (omnipolar/Laplacian) recording modes, (ii) impact of recording technologies on EGM morphology, (iii) global or local mapping using various types of EGM involving signal processing techniques including isochronal-, voltage- fractionation-, dipole density-, and rotor mapping, enabling derivation of parameters like atrial rate, entropy, conduction velocity/direction, (iv) value of epicardial and optical mapping, (v) AF detection by cardiac implantable electronic devices containing various detection algorithms applicable to stored EGMs, (vi) contribution of machine learning (ML) to further improvement of signals processing technologies. Recording and processing of EGM (or ECG) are the cornerstones of (body surface) mapping of AF. Currently available AF recording and processing technologies are mainly restricted to specific applications or have technological limitations. Improvements in AF mapping by obtaining highest fidelity source signals (e.g. catheter–electrode combinations) for signal processing (e.g. filtering, digitization, and noise elimination) is of utmost importance. Novel acquisition instruments (multi-polar catheters combined with improved physical modelling and ML techniques) will enable enhanced and automated interpretation of EGM recordings in the near future.

Introduction: Practice guidelines recommend use of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) in patients (pts) at risk of sudden cardiac death and high risk for infection. This has prompted a need to better identify pts at high risk of infection to assist in de novo device selection. The objective of this study is to estimate infection incidence in de novo transvenous (TV) ICD implants and assess risk factors associated with infection in a large Medicare population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using 100% Medicare administrative and claims data to identify pts who underwent de novo TV-ICD implantation between 7/2016 and 1/2018. Device-related infection within 2 years of implantation was identified using ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes. Baseline pt factors associated with infection were identified by univariable logistic regression analysis of all variables of interest, including factors in Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices, followed by stepwise selection criteria with a p≤0.25 for inclusion in a multivariable model and a backwards, stepwise elimination process with p≤0.1 to remain in the model. A time-to-event analysis was also conducted. Results: Among 26,742 pts with de novo TV-ICD, 519 (1.9%) had a device-related infection over 2 years. The mean pt age with and without infection was 68 and 71 years, respectively. While more than half (54%) of infections occurred within 90 days post implant, infections continued to be diagnosed with 16% of infections occurring between years 1 and 2. Multivariable analysis revealed several significant predictors of infection (Figure) including age <70 years, end stage renal disease with chronic dialysis and diabetes with complications. Conclusion: The rate of de novo TV-ICD infection in a large real-world Medicare population is clinically significant. The factors associated with increased infection risk identified here can be used to help determine device selection.