Citations

Background: Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is an effective but highly underutilized treatment for heart disease. Prior studies have demonstrated that the use of strategies such as systematic referral (as part of an order set that does not depend on physician initiative or memory, usually with an opt-out option), liaison facilitated referral (a specific staff member who discusses the program, encourages attendance, and facilitates referral), an early appointment (< 2 weeks), and telephone appointment reminder calls can all improved enrollment rates. However, it is unclear how frequently these strategies are utilized across the United States, how often CR programs monitor their participation rates, and how often quality improvement (QI) projects designed to improve participation rates are performed. Methods: We surveyed all CR program directors in the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation’s (AACVPR) database. We assessed basic program features, use of systematic referral, liaison facilitated referral, early appointments, and telephone reminder calls and QI projects. We also assessed self-reported referral, enrollment, and completion rates. Results: Response rate was 36% (290/812). Non-response bias analysis showed reasonable survey representativeness. Over the past 5 years, 49% of programs measured hospital referral, 21% office/clinic referral, 71% program enrollment, and 74% program completion rates. Self-reported rates (interquartile range) were 68 [32 to 90]% for hospital referral, 35 [15 to 60]% for office/clinic referral, 70[46 to 80]% for program enrollment, and 75[62 to 82]% for program completion. Programs reported utilizing a hospital-based systematic referral, liaison facilitated referral, or inpatient CR program 64%, 68%, and 60% of the time, respectively. Early appointments (< 2 weeks) were utilized by 35% and consistent phone call appointment reminders were utilized by 50%. Over the past 5 years, the percent or programs performing QI projects were 62% for hospital referral, 42% for clinic referral, 60% for program enrollment, and 57% for program completion. Measurement of participation rates was highly correlated with performing QI projects (p < 0.0001.) Conclusions: Although programs are aware of participation rate gaps, the monitoring of participation rates is suboptimal, quality improvement initiatives are infrequent, and proven strategies for increasing patient participation are inconsistently utilized. Awareness in outpatient clinical settings is particularly low. These issues likely contribute to the national CR participation gap and may prove to be useful targets for national QI initiatives.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic recurrent pericarditis (IRP) is a debilitating condition that can be recalcitrant to conventional therapy. Some patients develop steroid dependency with the attendant risks of systemic side effects and increased future recurrence. Anakinra is a recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist that reduces systemic inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic role of anakinra in IRP. Methods: We retrospectively studied consenting patients with treatment refractory IRP who received anakinra, between January 2009 and November 2013. The primary end points were symptom resolution and steroid discontinuation. Results: Nine patients were followed for a median of 16.8 (IQR 1.3-24) months. Study subjects were predominantly female (7 [78%]) with a median age of 53 (IQR 38 - 58) years. All 9 patients had failed maximum tolerated doses of NSAIDs, colchicine and prednisone (median dose 20 mg [IQR 15 - 22.5]). Primary symptom was chest pain in 9 (100%), with concurrent dyspnea in 5 (56%) patients. Symptom duration prior to anakinra initiation was 24 (IQR 13 - 71) months. Indication for anakinra was steroid sparing agent in 7 (78%) and symptom control in 2 (22%) patients. The dosage was 100 mg once daily via subcutaneous injection. Baseline LVEF was 62% (IQR 59% - 67%). Echocardiographic findings include pericardial effusion in 3 (33%), pericardial thickening in 6 (67%), and constrictive physiology in 4 (44%). Pericardial enhancement on cardiac MRI was seen in 7 (78%) patients. All 9 patients (100%) had symptom improvement with complete resolution in 8 (89%) and partial resolution in 1 (11%) patient. At last follow up, all 9 (100%) patients had discontinued NSAIDs and colchicine, 5 (56%) patients discontinued and 4 (44%) had reduced prednisone dosage. All patients remained on anakinra at the end of follow up. The only reported side effect was transient injection site reaction in 4 (44%) patients. In 2 (22%) patients, attempted anakinra weaning was unsuccessful due to symptomatic flare after 6 weeks. Conclusion: Anakinra is an effective alternative agent for the management of steroid dependent IRP. It provides remarkable symptomatic amelioration, limits steroid dependency, and is associated with minimal side effects.

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is the principal cause of peripartum myocardial infarction (MI). Clinical features remain incompletely understood. Methods: Medical records of all women enrolled in a SCAD registry at the Mayo Clinic were reviewed to identify those who were either pregnant or ≤12 weeks postpartum at time of initial event. Diagnosis of SCAD was confirmed with coronary angiography in all cases. Obstetrical outcomes and incidence of recurrent SCAD events were assessed. Results: In total, 38 of 363 women enrolled in the registry met criteria for peripartum MI due to SCAD. Mean age at time of SCAD was 36±3 (range 27-42) years; 3 patients were pregnant at the time of initial event, and all pregnancies except 2 resulted in a live birth. Ten (26%) were diagnosed with multivessel SCAD (MV-SCAD). Most (60%) postpartum events occurred within 30 days of delivery. Antecedent co-morbidities included gestational hypertension/preeclampsia (9), fibromuscular dysplasia (7), gestational diabetes (4), and mixed connective tissue disease (1). Compared to US population birth data, women with peripartum SCAD were more likely to be ≤ 30 years at the time of first delivery (60% vs 42%) and more often multiparous (80% vs 59%). On long-term follow-up (median 3.7 years, IQR 1.1-7.1), 5 (13%) women experienced recurrent SCAD, with one episode occurring following a subsequent pregnancy. MV-SCAD was not associated with increased risk of recurrence (p=0.44). Conclusion: Women with peripartum SCAD are both older than the general obstetrical population at the time of first pregnancy and frequently multiparous at time of initial SCAD event. The highest frequency of SCAD was encountered during the first postpartum month, suggesting variations in hormonal and hemodynamic factors may contribute to SCAD events in susceptible women.

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) typically presents as acute coronary syndrome in young women with no cardiovascular risk factors. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and is underdiagnosed. Despite this, risk factors and pathophysiology associated with SCAD are not completely understood. The objective of the present case series was to assess family history as a risk factor in patients with SCAD. Methods: We reviewed the medical records and questionnaires of 335 participants in the Mayo Clinic SCAD Registry for history of MI, SCAD or CAD in another family member. Coronary angiograms of all affected family members were reviewed by a senior interventional cardiologist. Results: We identified 4 familial cases of SCAD comprised of affected mother-daughter, identical twin sister, sister and aunt-niece pairs, implicating both recessive and dominant modes of inheritance. The mother-daughter pair also reported history of fatal MI in 3 maternal relatives including grandmother, great grandmother and great aunt. One of the affected twin sisters died of SCAD, which was confirmed on autopsy. None of the subjects had other potential risk factors for SCAD including extreme exercise, polycystic kidney disease, connective tissue disorder, peripartum status or diagnosed non-coronary fibromuscular dysplasia. The details of their demographics, risk factors, presentation, location of SCAD and management are presented in the table. Conclusions: This series is the first to identify a familial association in SCAD suggesting a genetic predisposition. Recognition of SCAD as a heritable disorder has implications for at-risk family members and furthers our understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex disease. Whole exome sequencing in these families provides a unique opportunity to identify the molecular underpinnings of SCAD susceptibility.

Introduction: At-work stress is rapidly becoming a significant contributory cause of occupational disease, while sedentary work and dietary indiscretion, taken together, have contributed to cardiovascular disease, known to be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of the CV-Ecosystem Model is to provide an individual approach by systematic environmental modification of the work site. Methods and Results: Our model which we term the CV-Ecosystem Model includes two basic tenets: 1) Workstation technologic design 2) Flexible physiologic activity. Workstation technologic design utilizes the services of a certified Ergonomist to engineer a comfortable, safe, and effective work environment. It is tailored to the unique physiologic needs of the worker while enhancing productivity within different environments. Computer aided design software would evaluate ergonomics to maximally mitigate the risk and incidence of eye strain, musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive movement disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, etc unique to that work activity. Flexible physiologic activity would permit a worker to actively focus on basic needs during work time, on site; this would include exercise activity and food intake, channeled into healthy options. Exercise time would provide a sense of calm during stressful projects and enhance emotional well-being. In this regard, a three hour period of time, weekly, could be allocated to fitness or meditation. Conveniently located food stations could provide a variety of healthy, plant-based, fresh food options. Both would come with flexible, relative control and scheduling of these activities, within a social environment and context. Conclusions: The CV Ecosystem Model, due to its simple technology and relative low cost, could be successfully implemented in a number of enterprises, including all healthcare facilities, with benefit to employee health, wellbeing, and favorable to the business bottom line.

Background: Isovolumic contraction time (ICT) and pre-ejection period (PEP) are altered by electrical conduction delay as well as impaired contractility. An abnormal PEP has been used to select patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), however, the predictive value of PEP for reverse remodeling (RR) has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive value of ICT and PEP for the RR in a prospective, single center CRT registry. Methods: Prospective registry of all heart failure patients undergoing CRT with echo pre-implant and at 3 and 6 months after implant. PEP was measured from the ECG Q wave onset to the aortic valve opening from the left ventricular outflow tract pulsed-wave Doppler tracing. The timing interval from the QRS onset to mitral valve closure was measured (mitral valve closure time). ICT was calculated as PEP-mitral valve closure time. RR was defined as >15% reduction in end-systolic volume (ESV) measured by biplane Simpson’s method. Death due to cardiac cause and heart transplantation during the 6 month period were considered as a non-response in the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC)analysis. Results: Echocardiography data was available in 83 patients at 3 and 59 patients at 6 month after CRT. RR occurred in 42 patients (51%) at 3 months and in 32 (54%) patients at 6 months By ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for predicting RR was 0.74 for ICT (p<0.001) and 0.73 for PEP (p=0.001) (See table ). ICT>123 ms yielded a very high specificity of 90–93% to predict responders at 6 month after CRT either in entire population or after excluding the patients with atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: A prolonged ICT is highly specific for predicting reverse remodeling after CRT although it is found in a limited number of patients. A strategy employing a screening ICT measurement may identify patients highly likely to achieve reverse remodeling after CRT, but can not be used to exclude patients for CRT. ROC analysis

Background : Dyssynchrony indexes derived from time to peak systolic velocity and time to peak strain have been reported to predict left ventricular reverse remodeling (RR) after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The predictive characteristics of these indices have not been validated in a variety of clinical settings. Our objective was to determine the predictive value of strain and tissue velocity derived dyssynchrony indices for RR or clinical response to CRT in a prospective single-center CRT registry. Methods : Prospective registry of all heart failure patients (pts) undergoing CRT with echo before and 3 and 6 months after CRT. Color -coded tissue Doppler imaging in 12 segments was used to calculate the standard deviation of time to peak strain (Tϵ-SD) and time to peak systolic velocity (Tv-SD). RR was defined as a decrease in end systolic volume (ESV; biplane Simpson’s method) ≥15%. Indices were assessed with receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated in all pts and excluding those with atrial fibrillation at implant. Results : To date, of the first 87 patients, 4 died (classified as non-responder); 83 pts had 3 and 59 pts had 6 month echocardiography follow-up. Tϵ-SD (93%) and Tv-SD (98%) were feasible in most pts. RR occurred in 42 pts (51%) at 3 month and 32 patients (54%) at 6 month follow-up. See table . Tϵ-SD was superior to Tv-SD for prediction of RR in all pts and in those without atrial fibrillation. Findings were similar regardless of ischemic (68% of patients) or non-ischemic etiology. Neither baseline Tϵ-SD nor Tv-SD correlated with the improvement in clinical response measured by the change in six minute walk distance or peak VO 2 at 3 or 6 month after CRT (data not shown). Conclusions : In this single center experience, mechanical dyssynchrony measured by strain imaging but not tissue velocity imaging was predictive of RR. Neither index predicted clinical response.

Knowledge of major adverse clinical events (MACE) associated with ICD and pacemaker (PM) pulse generator (PG) and lead performance may be important for managing patients who have these devices. The aim of our study was to assess MACE in our Multicenter Registry. Participating centers prospectively reported ICD and PM PG and lead failures, and PG replaced for normal battery depletion (NBD). Data included dates of implant and removal, failure signs including the elective replacement indicator (ERI), clinical consequences, and reason for removal. MACE were death, inappropriate shocks (IAS), syncope, heart failure, ischemia, sustained tachyarrhythmias, and replacement of a normally functioning PG or lead due to a manufacturers recall. Since 1998, 6,291 ICD and PM PG and leads were removed from service. Of 5,212 ICD and PM PGs, 4,562 (88%) were removed for NBD, 346 (7%) for a recall, and 304 (5%) for component defects. MACE are shown in the Table . The deaths (n=2) were due to component defects causing an ICD PG to short-circuit and a PM PG to deliver high rate pacing. Thus, of the 304 component defects in our database, 2 resulted in death (0.7%). No deaths were associated with ICD or PM lead failure, but 2 deaths occurred following PM lead extraction. The ERI, signifying NBD, resulted in 48 MACE, primarily syncope (67%). Most MACE are due to replacement of normally functioning recalled devices. However, our experience suggests that death due to ICD and PM PG component or lead failure is rare; this finding may be important for managing patients who have recalled devices. Overall, MACE may be substantially reduced by improving high voltage lead reliability, and by providing physiologic ERIs.

Introduction: Compared to Whites, African-Americans (AAs) have 82% lower odds of meeting ideal levels for five or more cardiovascular (CV) health components that comprise the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7, an evidenced-based metric of seven health promoting behaviors and biological factors that improve CV outcomes. Given expanding mobile technology use among AAs, mobile health (mHealth) interventions are promising avenues to promote CV health within this population. Hypothesis: An evidence-based, theory-informed, culturally relevant, community-based mHealth lifestyle intervention would improve CV health among AAs adults. Methods: Five predominately AA churches collaborated in a community-based participatory research approach to develop a 10-week CV health and wellness digital application-based program ( FAITH! App ). We enrolled AA adults [N=50, mean age 49.6 (SD 12.7), 70% women (35/50)] into a single group, 10-week intervention centered on the FAITH! App with adjunct in-person sessions. The FAITH! App included ten core video education modules from health professionals on CV health, interactive diet/physical activity self-monitoring and a sharing board. The primary outcome was change in individual CV health behaviors (body mass index, physical activity, diet, cigarette smoking) and biological factors (blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol, fasting glucose) from baseline to post-intervention at 28 weeks. Results: Participants were overall high CV risk at baseline (hypertensive [40% (20/50)] with poor/intermediate physical activity [79% (37/47)] and diet [72% (36/50)]). At 28 weeks, there were substantial improvements in CV health factors (systolic and diastolic BPs), CV health behaviors (diet, physical activity) and psychological/psychosocial variables to promote behavior change ( Table 1 ). Conclusions: This study supports the benefits of a culturally relevant, community-based mHealth lifestyle intervention to promote CV health among AAs with high cardiometabolic risk.