Pulmonary Hypertension in Heart Failure Patients: Pathophysiology and Prognostic Implications.

PubMed

Guazzi, Marco; Labate, Valentina

2016-12-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease (LHD), i.e., group 2 PH, is the most common reason for increased pressures in the pulmonary circuit. Although recent guidelines incorporate congenital heart disease in this classification, left-sided heart diseases of diastolic and systolic origin including valvular etiology are the vast majority. In these patients, an increased left-sided filling pressure triggers a multistage hemodynamic evolution that ends into right ventricular failure through an initial passive increase in pulmonary artery pressure complicated over time by pulmonary vasoconstriction, endothelial dysfunction, and remodeling of the small-resistance pulmonary arteries. Regardless of the underlying left heart pathology, when present, PH-LHD is associated with more severe symptoms, worse exercise tolerance, and outcome, especially when right ventricular dysfunction and failure are part of the picture. Compared with group 1 and other forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, PH-LHD is more often seen in elderly patients with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities and most, if not all, of the features of metabolic syndrome, especially in case of HF preserved ejection fraction. In this review, we provide an update on current knowledge and some potential challenges about the pathophysiology and established prognostic implications of group 2 PH in patients with HF of either preserved or reduced ejection fraction.

Pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung diseases.

PubMed

Weitzenblum, Emmanuel; Chaouat, Ari; Canuet, Matthieu; Kessler, Romain

2009-08-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of chronic respiratory diseases and particularly of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Owing to its frequency COPD is by far the most common cause of PH. It is generally a mild to moderate PH, pulmonary artery mean pressure (PAP) usually ranging between 20 and 25 mm Hg, but PH may worsen during exercise, sleep, and particularly during exacerbations of the disease. These acute increases in PAP may lead to the development of right heart failure. A small proportion of COPD patients may present "disproportionate" PH defined by a resting PAP >35 to 40 mm Hg. The prognosis is particularly poor in these patients. PH is relatively frequent in advanced ILD and particularly in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. As in COPD the diagnosis is suggested by Doppler echocardiography, but the confirmation still requires right heart catheterization. As in COPD, functional (alveolar hypoxia) and morphological factors (vascular remodeling, destruction of the pulmonary parenchyma) explain the elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance that leads to PH. Also as in COPD PH is most often mild to moderate. In ILD the presence of PH predicts a poor prognosis. The treatment of PH relies on long-term oxygen therapy. "New" vasodilator drugs have rarely been used in COPD and ILD patients exhibiting severe PH. In advanced ILD the presence of PH is a supplemental argument for considering lung transplantation.

Repair of congenital heart disease with associated pulmonary hypertension in children: what are the minimal investigative procedures? Consensus statement from the Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Task Forces, Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI).

PubMed

Lopes, Antonio Augusto; Barst, Robyn J; Haworth, Sheila Glennis; Rabinovitch, Marlene; Al Dabbagh, Maha; Del Cerro, Maria Jesus; Ivy, Dunbar; Kashour, Tarek; Kumar, Krishna; Harikrishnan, S; D'Alto, Michele; Thomaz, Ana Maria; Zorzanelli, Leína; Aiello, Vera D; Mocumbi, Ana Olga; Santana, Maria Virginia T; Galal, Ahmed Nasser; Banjar, Hanaa; Tamimi, Omar; Heath, Alexandra; Flores, Patricia C; Diaz, Gabriel; Sandoval, Julio; Kothari, Shyam; Moledina, Shahin; Gonçalves, Rilvani C; Barreto, Alessandra C; Binotto, Maria Angélica; Maia, Margarida; Al Habshan, Fahad; Adatia, Ian

2014-06-01

Standardization of the diagnostic routine for children with congenital heart disease associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH-CHD) is crucial, in particular since inappropriate assignment to repair of the cardiac lesions (e.g., surgical repair in patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance) may be detrimental and associated with poor outcomes. Thus, members of the Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Task Forces of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute decided to conduct a survey aimed at collecting expert opinion from different institutions in several countries, covering many aspects of the management of PAH-CHD, from clinical recognition to noninvasive and invasive diagnostic procedures and immediate postoperative support. In privileged communities, the vast majority of children with congenital cardiac shunts are now treated early in life, on the basis of noninvasive diagnostic evaluation, and have an uneventful postoperative course, with no residual PAH. However, a small percentage of patients (older at presentation, with extracardiac syndromes or absence of clinical features of increased pulmonary blood flow, thus suggesting elevated pulmonary vascular resistance) remain at a higher risk of complications and unfavorable outcomes. These patients need a more sophisticated diagnostic approach, including invasive procedures. The authors emphasize that decision making regarding operability is based not only on cardiac catheterization data but also on the complete diagnostic picture, which includes the clinical history, physical examination, and all aspects of noninvasive evaluation.

Management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to congenital heart disease: recent advances and future directions.

PubMed

Blok, Ilja M; van Riel, Annelieke C M J; Mulder, Barbara J M; Bouma, Berto J

2015-12-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a serious complication of adult congenital heart disease associated with systemic-to-pulmonary shunts. Although early shunt closure restricts development of pulmonary arterial hypertension, patients remain at risk even after repair. The development of pulmonary arterial hypertension is associated with a markedly increased morbidity and mortality. It is important to identify patients with a poor prognosis using disease specific markers. Echocardiography and biomarkers arise as practical tools to determine the risk of mortality. Although pulmonary arterial hypertension cannot be cured, four classes of disease-targeting therapies are currently available and several promising therapies are being studied. There is a shift in drug studies towards more clinically relevant endpoints such as time to clinical worsening and morbidity and mortality events.

Determinants and prognostic implications of the negative diastolic pulmonary pressure gradient in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease.

PubMed

Nagy, Anikó Ilona; Venkateshvaran, Ashwin; Merkely, Béla; Lund, Lars H; Manouras, Aristomenis

2017-01-01

The diastolic pulmonary pressure gradient (DPG) has recently been introduced as a specific marker of combined pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (Cpc-PH) in left heart disease (LHD). However, its diagnostic and prognostic superiority compared with traditional haemodynamic indices has been challenged lately. Current recommendations explicitly denote that in the normal heart, DPG values are greater than zero, with DPG ≥7 mmHg indicating Cpc-PH. However, clinicians are perplexed by the frequent observation of DPG <0 mmHg (DPG NEG ), as its physiological explanation and clinical impact are unclear to date. We hypothesized that large V-waves in the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) curve yielding asymmetric pressure transmission might account for DPG NEG and undertook this study to clarify the physiological and prognostic implications of DPG NEG . Right heart catheterization and echocardiography were performed in 316 patients with LHD due to primary myocardial dysfunction or valvular disease. A total of 256 patients had PH-LHD, of whom 48% demonstrated DPG NEG . The V-wave amplitude inversely correlated with DPG (r = -0.45, P < 0.001) in patients with low pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), but not in those with elevated PVR (P > 0.05). Patients with large V-waves had negative and lower DPG than those without augmented V-waves (P < 0.001) despite similar PVR (P >0.05). Positive, but normal DPG (0-6 mmHg) carried a worse 2-year prognosis for death and/or heart transplantation than DPG NEG (hazard ratio 2.97; P < 0.05). Our results advocate against DPG NEG constituting a measurement error. We propose that DPG NEG can partially be ascribed to large V-waves and carries a better prognosis than DPG within the normal positive range. © 2016 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2016 European Society of Cardiology.

Pulmonary vascular volume ratio measured by cardiac computed tomography in children and young adults with congenital heart disease: comparison with lung perfusion scintigraphy.

PubMed

Goo, Hyun Woo; Park, Sang Hyub

2017-11-01

Lung perfusion scintigraphy is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating differential lung perfusion ratio in congenital heart disease. To compare cardiac CT with lung perfusion scintigraphy for estimated pulmonary vascular volume ratio in patients with congenital heart disease. We included 52 children and young adults (median age 4 years, range 2 months to 28 years; 31 males) with congenital heart disease who underwent cardiac CT and lung perfusion scintigraphy without an interim surgical or transcatheter intervention and within 1 year. We calculated the right and left pulmonary vascular volumes using threshold-based CT volumetry. Then we compared right pulmonary vascular volume percentages at cardiac CT with right lung perfusion percentages at lung perfusion scintigraphy by using paired t-test and Bland-Altman analysis. The right pulmonary vascular volume percentages at cardiac CT (66.3 ± 14.0%) were significantly smaller than the right lung perfusion percentages at lung perfusion scintigraphy (69.1 ± 15.0%; P=0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of -2.8 ± 5.8% and 95% limits of agreement (-14.1%, 8.5%) between these two variables. Cardiac CT, in a single examination, can offer pulmonary vascular volume ratio in addition to pulmonary artery anatomy essential for evaluating peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis in patients with congenital heart disease. However there is a wide range of agreement between cardiac CT and lung perfusion scintigraphy.

Pulmonary hypertension in children with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD, PPHVD-CHD). Expert consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric pulmonary hypertension. The European Paediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network, endorsed by ISHLT and DGPK.

PubMed

Kozlik-Feldmann, Rainer; Hansmann, Georg; Bonnet, Damien; Schranz, Dietmar; Apitz, Christian; Michel-Behnke, Ina

2016-05-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) is a complex disease that presents with a broad spectrum of morphological and haemodynamic findings of varying severity. Recently, the aspect of paediatric pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease (PPHVD) has been introduced to expand the understanding of the full spectrum of pulmonary hypertension and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Evaluation and treatment of PAH-CHD/PPHVD-CHD can be divided into in different topics. First, defining criteria for operability and initiation of advanced therapies preoperatively and postoperatively is an unresolved issue. Second, management of Eisenmenger syndrome is still an important question, with recent evidence on the severity of the disease and a more rapidly progressive course than previously described. Third, the Fontan circulation with no subpulmonary ventricle requires a distinct discussion, definition and classification since even a mild rise in pulmonary vascular resistance may lead to the so-called failing Fontan situation. Patients with CHD and single-ventricle physiology (Fontan/total cavopulmonary anastomosis) require a particularly stepwise and individualised approach. This consensus statement is on the current evidence for the most accurate evaluation and treatment of increased pulmonary artery pressure and resistance, as well as ventricular dysfunction, in children with congenital heart defects, and provides according practical recommendations. To optimise preoperative and postoperative management in patients with PAH-CHD, diagnostic and treatment algorithms are provided. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Stress failure of pulmonary capillaries: role in lung and heart disease

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

West, J. B.; Mathieu-Costello, O.

1992-01-01

Pulmonary capillaries have extremely thin walls to allow rapid exchange of respiratory gases across them. Recently it has been shown that the wall stresses become very large when the capillary pressure is raised, and in anaesthetised rabbits, ultrastructural damage to the walls is seen at pressures of 40 mm Hg and above. The changes include breaks in the capillary endothelial layer, alveolar epithelial layer, and sometimes all layers of the wall. The strength of the thin part of the capillary wall can be attributed to the type IV collagen in the extracellular matrix. Stress failure of pulmonary capillaries results in a high-permeability form of oedema, or even frank haemorrhage, and is apparently the mechanism of neurogenic pulmonary oedema and high-altitude pulmonary oedema. It also explains the exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage that occurs in all racehorses. Several features of mitral stenosis are consistent with stress failure. Overinflation of the lung also leads to stress failure, a common cause of increased capillary permeability in the intensive care environment. Stress failure also occurs if the type IV collagen of the capillary wall is weakened by autoantibodies as in Goodpasture's syndrome. Neutrophil elastase degrades type IV collagen and this may be the starting point of the breakdown of alveolar walls that is characteristic of emphysema. Stress failure of pulmonary capillaries is a hitherto overlooked and potentially important factor in lung and heart disease.

["Open" surgery of mitral heart diseases complicated by pulmonary hypertension].

PubMed

Abdumazhidov, Kh A; Guliamov, D S; Amanov, A A

2000-01-01

Under analysis were the results of 386 operations on the "open" heart made for mitral diseases complicated by pulmonary hypertension of different degrees. Prosthetics of the mitral valve was performed in 251 patients, in 135 patients the so-called "organ-saving" correction of the defect was fulfilled. The decision on the method of the defect correction depends on the anatomical particularities, morphological alterations of the valvular apparatus. The main place among the causes of postoperative lethality (9-11%) is occupied by cardiac insufficiency and renohepatic failure which are noted mainly in patients of the IVth functional class.

Mechanisms of right heart disease in pulmonary hypertension (2017 Grover Conference Series).

PubMed

Asosingh, Kewal; Erzurum, Serpil

2018-01-01

Current dogma is that pathological hypertrophy of the right ventricle is a direct consequence of pulmonary vascular remodeling. However, progression of right ventricle dysfunction is not always lung-dependent. Increased afterload caused by pulmonary vascular remodeling initiates the right ventricle hypertrophy, but determinants leading to adaptive or maladaptive hypertrophy and failure remain unknown. Ischemia in a hypertrophic right ventricle may directly contribute to right heart failure. Rapidly enlarging cardiomyocytes switch from aerobic to anaerobic energy generation resulting in cell growth under relatively hypoxic conditions. Cardiac muscle reacts to an increased afterload by over-activation of the sympathetic system and uncoupling and downregulation of β-adrenergic receptors. Recent studies suggest that β blocker therapy in PH is safe, well tolerated, and preserves right ventricle function and cardiac output by reducing right ventricular glycolysis. Fibrosis, an evolutionary conserved process in host defense and wound healing, is dysregulated in maladaptive cardiac tissue contributing directly to right ventricle failure. Despite several mechanisms having been suggested in right heart disease, the causes of maladaptive cardiac remodeling remain unknown and require further research.

Noninvasive Screening for Pulmonary Hypertension by Exercise Testing in Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Müller, Jan; Heck, Pinar Bambul; Ewert, Peter; Hager, Alfred

2017-05-01

Patients with congenital heart disease and native or palliated conditions are at risk to develop pulmonary hypertension (PH) in later life. Screening for PH is currently performed by regular echocardiographic follow-up, which appears to be difficult in several congenital conditions. This study evaluated the screening for PH in congenital heart disease by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). We analyzed our database including all patients with congenital heart disease referred for CPET in our institution from June 2001 to September 2013 and identified 683 patients who had an accompanied heart catheterization less than 6 month after CPET. Those 130 patients with proven PH were compared with the other 563 patients with congenital heart disease but without PH. Peak oxygen uptake was the most discriminative variable, showing two thresholds at 16.3 mL/min per kg and 25.2 mL/min per kg. The highest specificity of 95% for PH was found in patients with a peak oxygen uptake of 16.3 mL/min per kg or less and a breathing reserve of 37.4% or less. In patients with a peak oxygen uptake exceeding 16.3 mL/min per kg, there was a high specificity of 86.3% but a low sensitivity of 53.1%. With 25.2 mL/min per kg as the threshold, the sensitivity for PH was only 10.0%. Detection of PH in patients with congenital heart disease by CPET is difficult because of many falsely positive tests. However, a peak oxygen uptake higher than 25.2 mL/min per kg makes the diagnosis of PH unlikely. Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Histopathology of the great vessels in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in association with congenital heart disease: large pulmonary arteries matter too.

PubMed

Prapa, Matina; McCarthy, Karen P; Dimopoulos, Konstantinos; Sheppard, Mary N; Krexi, Dimitra; Swan, Lorna; Wort, S John; Gatzoulis, Michael A; Ho, Siew Yen

2013-10-03

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is considered primarily a disease of the distal pulmonary arteries whereas little is known on the effect of long-standing pulmonary hypertension on the larger proximal pulmonary arteries. This study aims to investigate the structural changes in the great arteries of adults who developed PAH in association with congenital heart disease (CHD), with severe cases termed Eisenmenger syndrome. We performed macroscopic and light microscopy analyses on the great arteries of 10 formalin-fixed human hearts from patients with PAH/CHD and compared them to age-matched healthy controls. A detailed histology grading score was used to assess the severity of medial wall abnormalities. Severe atherosclerotic lesions were found macroscopically in the elastic pulmonary arteries of 4 PAH/CHD specimens and organised thrombi in 3; none were present in the controls. Significant medial wall abnormalities were present in the pulmonary trunk (PT), including fibrosis (80%), and atypical elastic pattern (80%). Cyst-like formations were present in less than one third of patients and were severe in a single case leading to wall rupture. The cumulative PT histology grading score was significantly higher in PAH/CHD cases compared to controls (p<0.0001) and correlated positively with larger PT diameters (ρ=0.812, p<0.0001) and the degree of medial wall hypertrophy (ρ=0.749, p<0.0001). Chronic PAH in association with CHD results in marked macroscopic and histological abnormalities in the large pulmonary arteries. These abnormalities are likely to affect haemodynamics and contribute to morbidity and mortality in this cohort. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

"From right to left": The role of right heart catheterization in the diagnosis and management of left heart diseases.

PubMed

Kałużna-Oleksy, Marta; Araszkiewicz, Aleksander; Migaj, Jacek; Lesiak, Maciej; Straburzyńska-Migaj, Ewa

2017-01-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), second only to left heart diseases (LHD), is a frequent problem in clinical practice. At the same time, left heart diseases represent the most common cause of pulmonary hypertension, and the occurrence of PH in patients with chronic heart failure is usually associated with worse functional class, and prognosis. Right heart catheterization (RHC) is the "gold standard" in the diagnosis and differentiation of PH. It is also essential in the process of qualifying for a heart transplantation. Therefore, right heart catheterization should be performed in expert centers by experienced operators and according to a strict protocol to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of results. Recommendations for pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease are based on the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines designed in cooperation with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHL). The new ESC guidelines for pulmonary hypertension published in 2015 have improved the diagnostic and therapeutic process in patients with left heart diseases.

Resting heart rate is a risk factor for mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not for exacerbations or pneumonia.

PubMed

Warnier, Miriam J; Rutten, Frans H; de Boer, Anthonius; Hoes, Arno W; De Bruin, Marie L

2014-01-01

Although it is known that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generally do have an increased heart rate, the effects on both mortality and non-fatal pulmonary complications are unclear. We assessed whether heart rate is associated with all-cause mortality, and non-fatal pulmonary endpoints. A prospective cohort study of 405 elderly patients with COPD was performed. All patients underwent extensive investigations, including electrocardiography. Follow-up data on mortality were obtained by linking the cohort to the Dutch National Cause of Death Register and information on complications (exacerbation of COPD or pneumonia) by scrutinizing patient files of general practitioners. Multivariable cox regression analysis was performed. During the follow-up 132 (33%) patients died. The overall mortality rate was 50/1000 py (42-59). The major causes of death were cardiovascular and respiratory. The relative risk of all-cause mortality increased with 21% for every 10 beats/minute increase in heart rate (adjusted HR: 1.21 [1.07-1.36], p = 0.002). The incidence of major non-fatal pulmonary events was 145/1000 py (120-168). The risk of a non-fatal pulmonary complication increased non-significantly with 7% for every 10 beats/minute increase in resting heart rate (adjusted HR: 1.07 [0.96-1.18], p = 0.208). Increased resting heart rate is a strong and independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in elderly patients with COPD. An increased resting heart rate did not result in an increased risk of exacerbations or pneumonia. This may indicate that the increased mortality risk of COPD is related to non-pulmonary causes. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate whether heart-rate lowering agents are worthwhile for COPD patients.

Diagnosis of secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia in congenital heart disease: a novel role for chest ultrasound and prognostic implications.

PubMed

Lam, Christopher Z; Bhamare, Tanmay Anant; Gazzaz, Tamadhir; Manson, David; Humpl, Tilman; Seed, Mike

2017-10-01

Secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia is a complication of congenital heart disease that results from chronic pulmonary venous obstruction. We aimed to evaluate the performance of chest ultrasound (US) in diagnosing secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia and to review the clinical course of children with secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia. Chest US was performed on 26 children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection or cor triatriatum in a prospective observational study. Thirteen children had pulmonary venous obstruction (62% male; median age: 17 days old, range: 1-430 days old) and 13 children did not have obstruction (62% male; median age: 72 days old, range: 4-333 days old). US features of secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia were documented and diagnostic performance was determined. Clinical course of patients with secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia was reviewed. Eleven of 13 (84.6%) patients in the obstructed group had a clinical and/or biopsy diagnosis of secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia. Statistically significant chest US criteria for diagnosis were presence of irregular lung surface (likelihood ratio [LR] 6.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-25.1), subpleural cystic appearing structures (LR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2-10.7), and combination of subpleural cystic appearing structures and surface irregularity together (LR 10.9, 95% CI 1.6-75.0). Seven of 11 (63.6%) patients with secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia died during follow-up, the majority due to cardiopulmonary failure or complications. Chest US is an accurate and reproducible bedside method for diagnosing secondary pulmonary lymphangiectasia in patients with pulmonary venous obstruction. These patients may have worse prognoses.

Pulmonary hypertension and predominant right heart failure in thyrotoxicosis.

PubMed

Paran, Yael; Nimrod, Adi; Goldin, Yelena; Justo, Dan

2006-05-01

In this report we discuss a patient with predominant right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, caused by thyrotoxicosis due to Graves disease, which deteriorated to asystole, due to amiodarone administration for rapid atrial fibrillation.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease in an infant.

PubMed

D'Souza, Marise; Vergales, Jeffrey; Jayakumar, K Anitha

2013-01-01

This report describes an infant with heterotaxy syndrome and severe hypoplasia of the left heart who presented with profound cyanosis at birth despite a large patent ductus arteriosus. Pulmonary venous return was difficult to demonstrate by echocardiography. Angiography showed total anomalous pulmonary venous return via a plexus that drained through the paravertebral veins and bilateral superior vena cavae. Autopsy confirmed these findings, and histopathology demonstrated severe occlusive changes within the pulmonary veins.

The Impact of Obesity on Postoperative Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

PubMed

Buelow, Matthew W; Earing, Michael G; Hill, Garick D; Cohen, Scott B; Bartz, Peter J; Tweddell, James S; Ginde, Salil

2015-01-01

The impact of obesity on surgical morbidity in adults with congenital heart disease is currently unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of obesity on postoperative outcomes in adults with congenital heart disease undergoing reoperation for pulmonary valve replacement. A retrospective analysis was performed assessing the influence of obesity on surgical outcomes. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2. The mean body mass index of the cohort was 25.9 ± 6.9 kg/m2 . The cohort included 71 patients with 17 patients (24%) being obese. There was no postoperative mortality. Obese patients had a longer hospital length of stay (6.6 vs. 4.7 days; P < .001) and increased incidence of postoperative arrhythmias (29% vs. 5.6%; P = .003) compared with nonobese patients. Multivariable analysis performed using logistic regression with backwards elimination demonstrated obesity was independently associated with hospital length of stay >5 days (odds ratio [OR] = 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-18.2, P = .01) and with increased postoperative arrhythmias (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.7-40, P < .01). Obesity is associated with increased morbidity in adults with congenital heart disease undergoing pulmonary valve replacement, including longer hospitalization and higher risk for postoperative arrhythmias. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-term pulmonary infections in heart transplant recipients.

PubMed

Küpeli, Elif; Ulubay, Gaye; Akkurt, Esma Sevil; Öner Eyüboğlu, Füsun; Sezgin, Atilla

2015-04-01

Pulmonary infections are life-threatening complications in heart transplant recipients. Our aim was to evaluate long-term pulmonary infections and the effect of prophylactic antimicrobial strategies on time of occurrence of pulmonary infections in heart transplant recipients. Patients who underwent heart transplantation between 2003 and 2013 at Baskent University were reviewed. Demographic information and data about immunosuppression and infectious episodes were collected. In 82 heart transplant recipients (mean age, 33.85 y; 58 male and 24 female), 13 recipients (15.8%) developed pulmonary infections (mean age, 44.3 y; 9 male and 4 female). There were 12 patients who had dilated cardiomyopathy and 1 patient who had myocarditis before heart transplantation; 12 patients received immunosuppressive therapy in single or combination form. Pulmonary infections developed in the first month (1 patient), from first to third month (6 patients), from third to sixth month (1 patient), and > 6 months after transplantation (5 patients). Chest computed tomography showed consolidation (unilateral, 9 patients; bilateral, 4 patients). Multiple nodular consolidations were observed in 2 patients and a cavitary lesion was detected in 1 patient. Bronchoscopy was performed in 6 patients; 3 patients had Aspergillus fumigatus growth in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and 2 patients had Acinetobacter baumannii growth in sputum. Treatment was empiric antibiotics (6 patients), antifungal drugs (5 patients), and both antibiotics and antifungal drugs (2 patients); treatment period was 1-12 months in patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Pulmonary infections are the most common cause of mortality in heart transplant recipients. A. fumigatus is the most common opportunistic pathogen. Heart transplant recipients with fever and cough should be evaluated for pulmonary infections, and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be suspected if these symptoms occur within the first 3 months

'End-stage' heart failure therapy: potential lessons from congenital heart disease: from pulmonary artery banding and interatrial communication to parallel circulation.

PubMed

Schranz, Dietmar; Akintuerk, Hakan; Voelkel, Norbert F

2017-02-15

The final therapy of 'end-stage heart failure' is orthotopic heart, lung or heart-lung transplantation. However, these options are not available for many patients worldwide. Therefore, novel therapeutical strategies are needed. Based on pathophysiological insights regarding (1) the long-term impact of an obstructive pulmonary outflow tract in neonates with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, (2) the importance of a restrictive versus a non-restrictive atrial septum in neonates born with a borderline left ventricle and (3) the significance of both, a patent foramen ovale and/or open ductus arteriosus for survival of newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension, the current review introduces some therapeutical strategies that may be applicable to selected patients with heart failure. These strategies include (1) reversible pulmonary artery banding in left ventricular-dilated cardiomyopathy with preserved right ventricular function, (2) the creation of restrictive interatrial communication to treat diastolic (systolic) heart failure, (3) atrioseptostomy or reverse Potts shunt in pulmonary arterial hypertension and (4) return to a fetal, parallel circulation by combining atrioseptostomy and reversed Potts shunt with or without placement of a bilateral pulmonary artery banding. While still being experimental, it is hoped that the procedures presented in the current overview will inspire future novel therapeutic strategies that may be applicable to selected patients with heart failure. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Organizational structure for chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Rinne, Seppo T; Liu, Chuan-Fen; Wong, Edwin S; Hebert, Paul L; Heidenreich, Paul; Bastian, Lori A; Au, David H

2016-03-01

In contrast to chronic heart failure (CHF), measures of quality of care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are poor. Our objective was to examine differences in organizational structure available to support quality of care for patients with CHF and COPD. We performed 2 nationwide surveys exploring organizational structure for the management of CHF and COPD. We surveyed the chief of medicine and the chief of cardiology and pulmonary medicine at 120 Veterans Affairs facilities in the United States. Analogous questions about organizational structure that enhanced adherence to guideline-based care were compared between CHF and COPD surveys. We found large and notable differences in the organizational structure for disease management, with systematically less attention given to COPD than CHF. These differences were evident in multiple processes of care. Key differences included fewer facilities: having COPD clinics than CHF clinics (12.7% vs 50.8%; P < .01), relating performance measures with COPD providers than CHF providers (17.1% vs 70%; P < .01), and having home monitoring programs for COPD than for CHF (50.5% vs 87.4%; P < .01). Despite the growing burden of COPD, less organizational structure existed for COPD than CHF. Lack of organizational structure for COPD likely impedes an organization's abilities to encourage high-quality care and avoid recently implemented hospital readmission penalties. Our results suggest the need to develop a systematic approach for healthcare systems to provide essential organizational structure based on the burden of disease in the population.

Rare association of anophthalmia, complex congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension: case report.

PubMed

Ríos-Méndez, Raúl Enrique; Lozano Chinga, Michell Marola

2016-10-07

Clinical congenital anophthalmia is described as the uni- or bilateral absence of the eyeball that might occur in isolation or as part of a syndrome. It has a very low prevalence and its etiology is heterogeneous. Complex congenital cardiac malformations are also rare. The association of congenital anophthalmia and congenital heart disease is rarer still, and the etiology of those associations is not well understood yet. We report the case of a patient who had the very rare association of bilateral anophthalmia, multiple cardiac malformations and severe pulmonary hypertension.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Adult Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Mantegazza, Valentina; Apostolo, Anna; Hager, Alfred

2017-07-01

Recently, the number of patients with congenital heart diseases reaching adulthood has been progressively increasing in developed countries, and new issues are emerging: the evaluation of their capacity to cope with physical activity and whether this knowledge can be used to optimize medical management. A symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test has proven to be an essential tool, because it can objectively evaluate the functional cardiovascular capacity of these patients, identify the pathological mechanisms of the defect (circulatory failure, shunts, and/or pulmonary hypertension), and help prescribe an individualized rehabilitation program when needed. The common findings on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with congenital heart diseases are a reduced peak [Formula: see text]o 2 , an early anaerobic threshold, a blunted heart rate response, a reduced increase of Vt, and an increased [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 . All these measures suggest common pathophysiological abnormalities: (1) a compromised exercise capacity from anomalies affecting the heart, vessels, lungs, or muscles; (2) chronotropic incompetence secondary to cardiac autonomic dysfunction or β-blockers and antiarrhythmic therapy; and (3) ventilatory inefficiency caused by left-heart failure with pulmonary congestion, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary obstructive vascular disease, or cachexia. Most of these variables also have prognostic significance. For these patients, cardiopulmonary exercise testing allows evaluation and decisions affecting lifestyle and therapeutic interventions.

[Pregnancy and congenital heart disease].

PubMed

Manso, Begoña; Gran, Ferrán; Pijuán, Antonia; Giralt, Gemma; Ferrer, Queralt; Betrián, Pedro; Albert, Dimpna; Rosés, Ferrán; Rivas, Nuria; Parra, Montserrat; Girona, Josep; Farrán, Inmaculada; Casaldáliga, Jaume

2008-03-01

Since the creation of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Units and of the High Obstetric Risk Units, there has been increasing interest in hemodynamic and obstetric outcomes in pregnant woman with congenital heart disease. Retrospective descriptive study of 56 women with congenital heart disease aged (mean [range]) 25 (18-40) years, who experienced a total of 84 pregnancies between January 1992 and August 2006. The women were divided into three pregnancy risk groups: A, low-risk; B, moderate-risk, and C, high-risk. The incidence of complications during pregnancy was 1.6%, 15%, and 20% in groups A, B, and C, respectively; the incidence during the puerperium was 2%, 23%, and 50%, respectively; and maternal mortality was 0%, 7.6%, and 25%, respectively. Overall, 69 children were born, and the prematurity rates in the three groups were 11%, 15%, and 100%, respectively. The following risk factors were studied: pulmonary hypertension, cyanosis, arrhythmia, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, right ventricular dilatation, systemic right ventricle, and anticoagulation therapy. The risk factor most significantly associated with maternal or fetal morbidity or mortality was found to be pulmonary hypertension. Risk stratification in pregnant women with congenital heart disease provides prognostic information that can help multidisciplinary teams to target care to achieve the best results.

Heart transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Stewart, Garrick C; Mayer, John E

2014-01-01

Heart transplantation has become an increasingly common and effective therapy for adults with end-stage congenital heart disease (CHD) because of advances in patient selection and surgical technique. Indications for transplantation in CHD are similar to other forms of heart failure. Pretransplant assessment of CHD patients emphasizes evaluation of cardiac anatomy, pulmonary vascular disease, allosensitization, hepatic dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric status. CHD patients experience longer waitlist times and higher waitlist mortality than other transplant candidates. Adult CHD patients undergoing transplantation carry an early hazard for mortality compared with non-CHD recipients, but by 10 years posttransplant, CHD patients have a slight actuarial survival advantage. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Myocardial Infarction Injury in Patients with Chronic Lung Disease Entering Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Frequency and Association with Heart Rate Parameters.

PubMed

Sima, Carmen A; Lau, Benny C; Taylor, Carolyn M; van Eeden, Stephan F; Reid, W Darlene; Sheel, Andrew W; Kirkham, Ashley R; Camp, Pat G

2018-03-14

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains under-recognized in chronic lung disease (CLD) patients. Rehabilitation health professionals need accessible clinical measurements to identify the presence of prior MI in order to determine appropriate training prescription. To estimate prior MI in CLD patients entering a pulmonary rehabilitation program, as well as its association with heart rate parameters such as resting heart rate and chronotropic response index. Retrospective cohort design. Pulmonary rehabilitation outpatient clinic in a tertiary care university-affiliated hospital. Eighty-five CLD patients were studied. Electrocardiograms at rest and peak cardiopulmonary exercise testing, performed before pulmonary rehabilitation, were analyzed. Electrocardiographic evidence of prior MI, quantified by the Cardiac Infarction Injury Score (CIIS), was contrasted with reported myocardial events and then correlated with resting heart rate and chronotropic response index parameters. CIIS, resting heart rate, and chronotropic response index. Sixteen CLD patients (19%) demonstrated electrocardiographic evidence of prior MI, but less than half (8%) had a reported MI history (P < .05). The Cohen's kappa test revealed poor level of agreement between CIIS and medical records (kappa = 0.165), indicating that prior MI diagnosis was under-reported in the medical records. Simple and multiple regression analyses showed that resting heart rate but not chronotropic response index was positively associated with CIIS in our population (R 2 = 0.29, P < .001). CLD patients with a resting heart rate higher than 80 beats/min had approximately 5 times higher odds of having prior MI, as evidenced by a CIIS ≥20. CLD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation are at risk of unreported prior MI. Elevated resting heart rate seems to be an indicator of prior MI in CLD patients; therefore, careful adjustment of training intensity such as intermittent training is recommended under these circumstances. III

Pulmonary Hypertension Is Associated With a Higher Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization and Mortality in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: The Jackson Heart Study.

PubMed

Selvaraj, Senthil; Shah, Sanjiv J; Ommerborn, Mark J; Clark, Cheryl R; Hall, Michael E; Mentz, Robert J; Qazi, Saadia; Robbins, Jeremy M; Skelton, Thomas N; Chen, Jiaying; Gaziano, J Michael; Djoussé, Luc

2017-06-01

African Americans develop chronic kidney disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH) at disproportionately high rates. Little is known whether PH heightens the risk of heart failure (HF) admission or mortality among chronic kidney disease patients, including patients with non-end-stage renal disease. We analyzed African Americans participants with chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 or urine albumin/creatinine >30 mg/g) and available echocardiogram-derived pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) from the Jackson Heart Study (N=408). We used Cox models to assess whether PH (PASP>35 mm Hg) was associated with higher rates of HF hospitalization and mortality. In a secondary, cross-sectional analysis, we examined the relationship between cystatin C (a marker of renal function) and PASP and potential mediators, including BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) and endothelin-1. In our cohort, the mean age was 63±13 years, 70% were female, 78% had hypertension, and 22% had PH. Eighty-five percent of the participants had an estimated glomerular filtration rate >30 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 . During follow-up, 13% were hospitalized for HF and 27% died. After adjusting for potential confounders, including BNP, PH was found to be associated with HF hospitalization (hazard ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-4.86) and the combined outcome of HF hospitalization or mortality (hazard ratio, 1.84; confidence interval, 1.09-3.10). Log cystatin C was directly associated with PASP (adjusted β =2.5 [95% confidence interval, 0.8-4.1] per standard deviation change in cystatin C). Mediation analysis showed that BNP and endothelin-1 explained 56% and 40%, respectively, of the indirect effects between cystatin C and PASP. Among African Americans with chronic kidney disease, PH, which is likely pulmonary venous hypertension, was associated with a higher risk of HF admission and mortality. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Heart transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Houyel, Lucile; To-Dumortier, Ngoc-Tram; Lepers, Yannick; Petit, Jérôme; Roussin, Régine; Ly, Mohamed; Lebret, Emmanuel; Fadel, Elie; Hörer, Jürgen; Hascoët, Sébastien

2017-05-01

With the advances in congenital cardiac surgery and postoperative care, an increasing number of children with complex congenital heart disease now reach adulthood. There are already more adults than children living with a congenital heart defect, including patients with complex congenital heart defects. Among these adults with congenital heart disease, a significant number will develop ventricular dysfunction over time. Heart failure accounts for 26-42% of deaths in adults with congenital heart defects. Heart transplantation, or heart-lung transplantation in Eisenmenger syndrome, then becomes the ultimate therapeutic possibility for these patients. This population is deemed to be at high risk of mortality after heart transplantation, although their long-term survival is similar to that of patients transplanted for other reasons. Indeed, heart transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease is often challenging, because of several potential problems: complex cardiac and vascular anatomy, multiple previous palliative and corrective surgeries, and effects on other organs (kidney, liver, lungs) of long-standing cardiac dysfunction or cyanosis, with frequent elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance. In this review, we focus on the specific problems relating to heart and heart-lung transplantation in this population, revisit the indications/contraindications, and update the long-term outcomes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Excess Ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Heart Failure Overlap. Implications for Dyspnea and Exercise Intolerance.

PubMed

Rocha, Alcides; Arbex, Flavio F; Sperandio, Priscilla A; Souza, Aline; Biazzim, Ligia; Mancuso, Frederico; Berton, Danilo C; Hochhegger, Bruno; Alencar, Maria Clara N; Nery, Luiz E; O'Donnell, Denis E; Neder, J Alberto

2017-11-15

An increased ventilatory response to exertional metabolic demand (high [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 relationship) is a common finding in patients with coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure. We aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying high [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 and its impact on operating lung volumes, dyspnea, and exercise tolerance in these patients. Twenty-two ex-smokers with combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction undertook, after careful treatment optimization, a progressive cycle exercise test with capillary (c) blood gas collection. Regardless of the chosen metric (increased [Formula: see text]e-[Formula: see text]co 2 slope, [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 nadir, or end-exercise [Formula: see text]e/[Formula: see text]co 2 ), ventilatory inefficiency was closely related to Pc CO 2 (r values from -0.80 to -0.84; P < 0.001) but not dead space/tidal volume ratio. Ten patients consistently maintained exercise Pc CO 2 less than or equal to 35 mm Hg (hypocapnia). These patients had particularly poor ventilatory efficiency compared with patients without hypocapnia (P < 0.05). Despite the lack of between-group differences in spirometry, lung volumes, and left ventricular ejection fraction, patients with hypocapnia had lower resting Pa CO 2 and lung diffusing capacity (P < 0.01). Excessive ventilatory response in this group was associated with higher exertional Pc O 2 . The group with hypocapnia, however, had worse mechanical inspiratory constraints and higher dyspnea scores for a given work rate leading to poorer exercise tolerance compared with their counterparts (P < 0.05). Heightened neural drive promoting a ventilatory response beyond that required to overcome an increased "wasted" ventilation led to hypocapnia and poor exercise ventilatory efficiency in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-heart

High satisfaction and low decisional conflict with advance care planning among chronically ill patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure using an online decision aid: A pilot study.

PubMed

Van Scoy, Lauren J; Green, Michael J; Dimmock, Anne Ef; Bascom, Rebecca; Boehmer, John P; Hensel, Jessica K; Hozella, Joshua B; Lehman, Erik B; Schubart, Jane R; Farace, Elana; Stewart, Renee R; Levi, Benjamin H

2016-09-01

Many patients with chronic illnesses report a desire for increased involvement in medical decision-making. This pilot study aimed to explore how patients with exacerbation-prone disease trajectories such as advanced heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experience advance care planning using an online decision aid and to compare whether patients with different types of exacerbation-prone illnesses had varied experiences using the tool. Pre-intervention questionnaires measured advance care planning knowledge. Post-intervention questionnaires measured: (1) advance care planning knowledge; (2) satisfaction with tool; (3) decisional conflict; and (4) accuracy of the resultant advance directive. Comparisons were made between patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Over 90% of the patients with heart failure (n = 24) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 25) reported being "satisfied" or "highly satisfied" with the tool across all satisfaction domains; over 90% of participants rated the resultant advance directive as "very accurate." Participants reported low decisional conflict. Advance care planning knowledge scores rose by 18% (p < 0.001) post-intervention. There were no significant differences between participants with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with advanced heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were highly satisfied after using an online advance care planning decision aid and had increased knowledge of advance care planning. This tool can be a useful resource for time-constrained clinicians whose patients wish to engage in advance care planning. © The Author(s) 2016.

Pulmonary Right Ventricular Resynchronization in Congenital Heart Disease: Acute Improvement in Right Ventricular Mechanics and Contraction Efficiency.

PubMed

Janoušek, Jan; Kovanda, Jan; Ložek, Miroslav; Tomek, Viktor; Vojtovič, Pavel; Gebauer, Roman; Kubuš, Peter; Krejčíř, Miroslav; Lumens, Joost; Delhaas, Tammo; Prinzen, Frits

2017-09-01

Electromechanical discoordination may contribute to long-term pulmonary right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients after surgery for congenital heart disease. We sought to evaluate changes in RV function after temporary RV cardiac resynchronization therapy. Twenty-five patients aged median 12.0 years after repair of tetralogy of Fallot and similar lesions were studied echocardiographically (n=23) and by cardiac catheterization (n=5) after primary repair (n=4) or after surgical RV revalvulation for significant pulmonary regurgitation (n=21). Temporary RV cardiac resynchronization therapy was applied in the presence of complete right bundle branch block by atrial-synchronized RV free wall pacing in complete fusion with spontaneous ventricular depolarization using temporary electrodes. The q-RV interval at the RV free wall pacing site (mean 77.2% of baseline QRS duration) confirmed pacing from a late activated RV area. RV cardiac resynchronization therapy carried significant decrease in QRS duration ( P <0.001) along with elimination of the right bundle branch block QRS morphology, increase in RV filling time ( P =0.002), pulmonary artery velocity time integral ( P =0.006), and RV maximum +dP/dt ( P <0.001), and decrease in RV index of myocardial performance ( P =0.006). RV mechanical synchrony improved: septal-to-lateral RV mechanical delay decreased ( P <0.001) and signs of RV dyssynchrony pattern were significantly abolished. RV systolic stretch fraction reflecting the ratio of myocardial stretching and contraction during systole diminished ( P =0.001). In patients with congenital heart disease and right bundle branch block, RV cardiac resynchronization therapy carried multiple positive effects on RV mechanics, synchrony, and contraction efficiency. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension: Guidelines From the American Heart Association and American Thoracic Society.

PubMed

Abman, Steven H; Hansmann, Georg; Archer, Stephen L; Ivy, D Dunbar; Adatia, Ian; Chung, Wendy K; Hanna, Brian D; Rosenzweig, Erika B; Raj, J Usha; Cornfield, David; Stenmark, Kurt R; Steinhorn, Robin; Thébaud, Bernard; Fineman, Jeffrey R; Kuehne, Titus; Feinstein, Jeffrey A; Friedberg, Mark K; Earing, Michael; Barst, Robyn J; Keller, Roberta L; Kinsella, John P; Mullen, Mary; Deterding, Robin; Kulik, Thomas; Mallory, George; Humpl, Tilman; Wessel, David L

2015-11-24

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with diverse cardiac, pulmonary, and systemic diseases in neonates, infants, and older children and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. However, current approaches to caring for pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension have been limited by the lack of consensus guidelines from experts in the field. In a joint effort from the American Heart Association and American Thoracic Society, a panel of experienced clinicians and clinician-scientists was assembled to review the current literature and to make recommendations on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of pediatric pulmonary hypertension. This publication presents the results of extensive literature reviews, discussions, and formal scoring of recommendations for the care of children with pulmonary hypertension. © 2015 by the American Heart Association, Inc., and the American Thoracic Society.

Submaximal Exercise Pulmonary Gas Exchange in Left Heart Disease Patients With Different Forms of Pulmonary Hypertension.

PubMed

Taylor, Bryan J; Smetana, Michael R; Frantz, Robert P; Johnson, Bruce D

2015-08-01

We determined whether pulmonary gas exchange indices during submaximal exercise are different in heart failure (HF) patients with combined post- and pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PPC-PH) versus HF patients with isolated post-capillary PH (IPC-PH) or no PH. Pulmonary hemodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange were assessed during rest and submaximal exercise in 39 HF patients undergoing right heart catheterization. After hemodynamic evaluation, patients were classified as having no PH (n = 11), IPC-PH (n = 12), or PPC-PH (n = 16). At an equivalent oxygen consumption, end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were greater in no-PH and IPC-PH versus PPC-PH patients (36.1 ± 3.2 vs. 31.7 ± 4.5 vs. 26.2 ± 4.7 mm Hg and 97 ± 2 vs. 96 ± 3 vs. 91 ± 1%, respectively). Conversely, dead-space ventilation (VD/VT) and the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (V˙(E)/V˙CO2 ratio) were lower in no-PH and IPC-PH versus PPC-PH patients (0.37 ± 0.05 vs. 0.38 ± 0.04 vs. 0.47 ± 0.03 and 38 ± 5 vs. 42 ± 8 vs. 51 ± 8, respectively). The exercise-induced change in V(D)/V(T), V˙(E)/V˙CO2 ratio, and PETCO2 correlated significantly with the change in mean pulmonary arterial pressure, diastolic pressure difference, and transpulmonary pressure gradient in PPC-PH patients only. Noninvasive pulmonary gas exchange indices during submaximal exercise are different in HF patients with combined post- and pre-capillary PH compared with patients with isolated post-capillary PH or no PH. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Perioperative pharmacological management of pulmonary hypertensive crisis during congenital heart surgery.

PubMed

Brunner, Nathan; de Jesus Perez, Vinicio A; Richter, Alice; Haddad, François; Denault, André; Rojas, Vanessa; Yuan, Ke; Orcholski, Mark; Liao, Xiaobo

2014-03-01

Pulmonary hypertensive crisis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) who require cardiac surgery. At present, prevention and management of perioperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis is aimed at optimizing cardiopulmonary interactions by targeting prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide signaling pathways within the pulmonary circulation with various pharmacological agents. This review is aimed at familiarizing the practitioner with the current pharmacological treatment for dealing with perioperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis in PAH-CHD patients. Given the life-threatening complications associated with pulmonary hypertensive crisis, proper perioperative planning can help anticipate cardiopulmonary complications and optimize surgical outcomes in this patient population.

Pulmonary venous flow index as a predictor of pulmonary vascular resistance variability in congenital heart disease with increased pulmonary flow: a comparative study before and after oxygen inhalation.

PubMed

Rivera, Ivan Romero; Mendonça, Maria Alayde; Andrade, José Lázaro; Moises, Valdir; Campos, Orlando; Silva, Célia Camelo; Carvalho, Antonio Carlos

2013-09-01

There is no definitive and reliable echocardiographic method for estimating the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) to differentiate persistent vascular disease from dynamic pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the pulmonary venous blood flow velocity-time integral (VTIpv) and PVR. Eighteen patients (10 females; 4 months to 22 years of age) with congenital heart disease and left to right shunt were studied. They underwent complete cardiac catheterization, including measurements of the PVR and Qp:Qs ratio, before and after 100% oxygen inhalation. Simultaneous left inferior pulmonary venous flow VTIpv was obtained by Doppler echocardiography. The PVR decreased significantly from 5.0 ± 2.6 W to 2.8 ± 2.2 W (P = 0.0001) with a significant increase in the Qp:Qs ratio, from 3.2 ± 1.4 to 4.9 ± 2.4 (P = 0.0008), and the VTIpv increased significantly from 22.6 ± 4.7 cm to 28.1 ± 6.2 cm (P = 0.0002) after 100% oxygen inhalation. VTIpv correlated well with the PVR and Qp:Qs ratio (r = -0.74 and 0.72, respectively). Diagnostic indexes indicated a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 75%, accuracy of 83%, a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 60%. The VTIpv correlated well with the PVR. The measurement of this index before and after oxygen inhalation may become a useful noninvasive test for differentiating persistent vascular disease from dynamic and flow-related pulmonary hypertension. © 2013, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PULMONARY ARTERIAL DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH RIGHT-SIDED CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN ZOO MAMMALS HOUSED AT 2,100 M ABOVE SEA LEVEL.

PubMed

Juan-Sallés, Carles; Martínez, Liliana Sofía; Rosas-Rosas, Arely G; Parás, Alberto; Martínez, Osvaldo; Hernández, Alejandra; Garner, Michael M

2015-12-01

Subacute and chronic mountain sickness of humans and the related brisket disease of cattle are characterized by right-sided congestive heart failure in individuals living at high altitudes as a result of sustained hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Adaptations to high altitude and disease resistance vary among species, breeds, and individuals. The authors conducted a retrospective survey of right-sided cardiac hypertrophy associated with pulmonary arterial hypertrophy or arteriosclerosis in zoo mammals housed at Africam Safari (Puebla, México), which is located at 2,100 m above sea level. Seventeen animals with detailed pathology records matched the study criterion. Included were 10 maras (Dolichotis patagonum), 2 cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus oedipus), 2 capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris), and 1 case each of Bennet's wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus), and scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah). All had right-sided cardiac hypertrophy and a variety of arterial lesions restricted to the pulmonary circulation and causing arterial thickening with narrowing of the arterial lumen. Arterial lesions most often consisted of medial hypertrophy or hyperplasia of small and medium-sized pulmonary arteries. All maras also had single or multiple elevated plaques in the pulmonary arterial trunk consisting of fibrosis, accompanied by chondroid metaplasia in some cases. Both antelopes were juvenile and died with right-sided congestive heart failure associated with severe pulmonary arterial lesions. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of cardiac and pulmonary arterial disease in zoo mammals housed at high altitudes.

Pulmonary artery closure in combination with patch technique for treating congenital heart disease combined with large patent ductus arteriosus: A clinical study of 9 cases

PubMed Central

Wen, Bing; Yang, Junya; Liu, Huiruo; Jiao, Zhouyang; Zhao, Wenzeng

2016-01-01

Objective: To document clinical experience of treating congenital heart disease combined with large patent ductus arteriosus with pulmonary artery closure in combination with patch technique. Methods: Thirty-six patients (8 males and 28 females) who suffered from congenital heart disease and underwent hybrid surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2010 to February 2014 were selected for this study. They aged 14 to 39 years and weighed 32.20 to 61.50 kg. Diameter of arterial duct was between 10 mm and 13 mm; 28 cases were tube type, 4 cases were funnel type and four cases were window type. All patients had moderate or severe pulmonary arterial hypertension; besides, there were 28 cases of ventricular septal defect, 16 cases of atrial septal defect, eight cases of aortic insufficiency, four cases of mitral stenosis and insufficiency and four cases of infectious endocarditis. Cardz Pulmonary Bypass (CPB) was established after chest was opened along the middle line. With the help of Transesophageal echocardiography, large patent ductus arteriosus was blocked off through pulmonary artery. Pulmonary artery was cut apart after blocking of heart. Large patent ductus arteriosus on the side of pulmonary artery was strengthened with autologous pericardial patch. Results: Of 36 patients, 32 patients had patent ductus arteriosus closure device and four patients had atrial septal defect closure device. Pulmonary arteries of 36 cases were all successfully closed. Systolic pressure declined after closure ((54.86±19.23) mmHg vs (96.05±23.07) mmHg, p<0.05); average pulmonary arterial pressure also declined after closure ((39.15±14.83) mmHg vs (72.88±15.76) mmHg, p<0.05). The patients were followed up for one to fifty one months (average 11.5 months). Compared to before surgery, left atrial diameter, left ventricular diameter and pulmonary artery diameter all narrowed after surgery. Besides, clinical symptoms were relieved and cardiac

Pulmonary artery closure in combination with patch technique for treating congenital heart disease combined with large patent ductus arteriosus: A clinical study of 9 cases.

PubMed

Wen, Bing; Yang, Junya; Liu, Huiruo; Jiao, Zhouyang; Zhao, Wenzeng

2016-01-01

To document clinical experience of treating congenital heart disease combined with large patent ductus arteriosus with pulmonary artery closure in combination with patch technique. Thirty-six patients (8 males and 28 females) who suffered from congenital heart disease and underwent hybrid surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2010 to February 2014 were selected for this study. They aged 14 to 39 years and weighed 32.20 to 61.50 kg. Diameter of arterial duct was between 10 mm and 13 mm; 28 cases were tube type, 4 cases were funnel type and four cases were window type. All patients had moderate or severe pulmonary arterial hypertension; besides, there were 28 cases of ventricular septal defect, 16 cases of atrial septal defect, eight cases of aortic insufficiency, four cases of mitral stenosis and insufficiency and four cases of infectious endocarditis. Cardz Pulmonary Bypass (CPB) was established after chest was opened along the middle line. With the help of Transesophageal echocardiography, large patent ductus arteriosus was blocked off through pulmonary artery. Pulmonary artery was cut apart after blocking of heart. Large patent ductus arteriosus on the side of pulmonary artery was strengthened with autologous pericardial patch. Of 36 patients, 32 patients had patent ductus arteriosus closure device and four patients had atrial septal defect closure device. Pulmonary arteries of 36 cases were all successfully closed. Systolic pressure declined after closure ((54.86±19.23) mmHg vs (96.05±23.07) mmHg, p<0.05); average pulmonary arterial pressure also declined after closure ((39.15±14.83) mmHg vs (72.88±15.76) mmHg, p<0.05). The patients were followed up for one to fifty one months (average 11.5 months). Compared to before surgery, left atrial diameter, left ventricular diameter and pulmonary artery diameter all narrowed after surgery. Besides, clinical symptoms were relieved and cardiac function of the patients also

Targeting the mevalonate cascade as a new therapeutic approach in heart disease, cancer and pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Yeganeh, Behzad; Wiechec, Emilia; Ande, Sudharsana R; Sharma, Pawan; Moghadam, Adel Rezaei; Post, Martin; Freed, Darren H; Hashemi, Mohammad; Shojaei, Shahla; Zeki, Amir A; Ghavami, Saeid

2014-07-01

The cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, also known as the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, is an essential cellular pathway that is involved in diverse cell functions. The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (HMGCR) is the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis and catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to MVA. Given its role in cholesterol and isoprenoid biosynthesis, the regulation of HMGCR has been intensely investigated. Because all cells require a steady supply of MVA, both the sterol (i.e. cholesterol) and non-sterol (i.e. isoprenoid) products of MVA metabolism exert coordinated feedback regulation on HMGCR through different mechanisms. The proper functioning of HMGCR as the proximal enzyme in the MVA pathway is essential under both normal physiologic conditions and in many diseases given its role in cell cycle pathways and cell proliferation, cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism, cell cytoskeletal dynamics and stability, cell membrane structure and fluidity, mitochondrial function, proliferation, and cell fate. The blockbuster statin drugs ('statins') directly bind to and inhibit HMGCR, and their use for the past thirty years has revolutionized the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases, in particular coronary heart disease. Initially thought to exert their effects through cholesterol reduction, recent evidence indicates that statins also have pleiotropic immunomodulatory properties independent of cholesterol lowering. In this review we will focus on the therapeutic applications and mechanisms involved in the MVA cascade including Rho GTPase and Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling, statin inhibition of HMGCR, geranylgeranyltransferase (GGTase) inhibition, and farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibition in cardiovascular disease, pulmonary diseases (e.g. asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), and cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Influence Mildrocard on the morfo-functional condition of cardio-respiratory system at patients with chronic heart failure with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

PubMed

Ignatenko, G A; Mukhin, I V; Faierman, A O; Pola, M K; Taktashov, G S; Goncharov, O M; Rybalko, G S; Volodkina, N O

2011-01-01

In paper influence of a cytoprotective drug "Mildrocard" on morfo-functional condition of cardiorespiratory system at patients with chronic heart failure with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is estimated. It is established, that joining "Mildrocard" to complex therapy associated to pathology promotes reduction clinical display of heart failure, shows cardioprotective and pulmoprotective effects.

Perioperative pharmacological management of pulmonary hypertensive crisis during congenital heart surgery

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Abstract Pulmonary hypertensive crisis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) who require cardiac surgery. At present, prevention and management of perioperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis is aimed at optimizing cardiopulmonary interactions by targeting prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide signaling pathways within the pulmonary circulation with various pharmacological agents. This review is aimed at familiarizing the practitioner with the current pharmacological treatment for dealing with perioperative pulmonary hypertensive crisis in PAH-CHD patients. Given the life-threatening complications associated with pulmonary hypertensive crisis, proper perioperative planning can help anticipate cardiopulmonary complications and optimize surgical outcomes in this patient population. PMID:25006417

2013 update on congenital heart disease, clinical cardiology, heart failure, and heart transplant.

PubMed

Subirana, M Teresa; Barón-Esquivias, Gonzalo; Manito, Nicolás; Oliver, José M; Ripoll, Tomás; Lambert, Jose Luis; Zunzunegui, José L; Bover, Ramon; García-Pinilla, José Manuel

2014-03-01

This article presents the most relevant developments in 2013 in 3 key areas of cardiology: congenital heart disease, clinical cardiology, and heart failure and transplant. Within the area of congenital heart disease, we reviewed contributions related to sudden death in adult congenital heart disease, the importance of specific echocardiographic parameters in assessing the systemic right ventricle, problems in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot and indication for pulmonary valve replacement, and confirmation of the role of specific factors in the selection of candidates for Fontan surgery. The most recent publications in clinical cardiology include a study by a European working group on correct diagnostic work-up in cardiomyopathies, studies on the cost-effectiveness of percutaneous aortic valve implantation, a consensus document on the management of type B aortic dissection, and guidelines on aortic valve and ascending aortic disease. The most noteworthy developments in heart failure and transplantation include new American guidelines on heart failure, therapeutic advances in acute heart failure (serelaxin), the management of comorbidities such as iron deficiency, risk assessment using new biomarkers, and advances in ventricular assist devices. Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Long-term exposure to crystalline silica and risk of heart disease mortality.

PubMed

Liu, Yuewei; Rong, Yi; Steenland, Kyle; Christiani, David C; Huang, Xiji; Wu, Tangchun; Chen, Weihong

2014-09-01

The association between crystalline silica exposure and risk of heart disease mortality remains less clear. We investigated a cohort of 42,572 Chinese workers who were potentially exposed to crystalline silica and followed from 1960 to 2003. Cumulative silica exposure was estimated by linking a job-exposure matrix to each person's work history. Low-level silica exposure was defined as never having held a job with an exposure higher than 0.1 mg/m. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) in exposure-response analyses using Cox proportional hazards model. We identified 2846 deaths from heart disease during an average of 35 years follow-up. Positive exposure-response trends were observed for cumulative silica exposure associated with mortality from total heart disease (HRs for increasing quartiles of cumulative silica exposure compared with the unexposed group = 0.89, 1.09, 1.32, 2.10; P for linear trend < 0.001) and pulmonary heart disease (0.92, 1.39, 2.47, 5.46; P for linear trend < 0.001). These positive trends remained among workers with both high- and low-level silica exposure. There was also a positive trend for ischemic heart disease among workers with low-level exposure, with quartile HRs of 1.04, 1.13, 1.52, and 1.60 (P for linear trend < 0.001). Low-level crystalline silica exposure was associated with increased mortality from heart disease, including pulmonary heart disease and ischemic heart disease, whereas high-level exposure mainly increased mortality from pulmonary heart disease. Current permissible exposure limits for crystalline silica in many countries may be insufficient to protect people from deaths due to heart disease.

Limitations of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in the Diagnosis of Heart Disease among Cancer Patients Who Present with Cardiac or Pulmonary Symptoms.

PubMed

Wieshammer, Siegfried; Dreyhaupt, Jens; Müller, Dirk; Momm, Felix; Jakob, Andreas

2016-01-01

Recognizing heart disease is relevant to oncologists because cancer patients are at an increased risk of cardiac mortality due to shared risk factors and the adverse effects of cancer therapy. This study assessed the extent to which the measurement of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) aids in the diagnosis of heart disease in addition to a history of coronary artery disease and the presence of atrial fibrillation (composite test). The NT- proBNP cutoff value was 100 pg/ml. A series of 583 consecutive cancer patients (68.4 ± 11.0 years) who were referred because of cardiac or pulmonary symptoms prospectively underwent a diagnostic work-up. Heart disease was diagnosed if at least one of the following conditions was present: (a) history of coronary artery disease, (b) atrial fibrillation, (c) impaired left ventricular systolic function, (d) significant valvular disease, (e) pulmonary hypertension, or (f) left ventricular hypertrophy. Except for (a), all 6 conditions were associated with NT-proBNP >100 pg/ml. The sensitivity/specificity values of the composite test were 0.92/0.50 for any heart disease. Several extracardiac covariates were associated with NT-proBNP >100 pg/ml, which contributed to the low test specificity. The low specificity of NT-proBNP limits its value for the diagnosis of heart disease in cancer patients. © 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Graves' disease presenting as bi-ventricular heart failure with severe pulmonary hypertension and pre-eclampsia in pregnancy--a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Sabah, Khandker Mohammad Nurus; Chowdhury, Abdul Wadud; Islam, Mohammad Shahidul; Cader, Fathima Aaysha; Kawser, Shamima; Hosen, Md Imam; Saleh, Mohammed Abaye Deen; Alam, Md Shariful; Chowdhury, Mohammad Monjurul Kader; Tabassum, Humayara

2014-11-18

Graves' disease, a well-known cause of hyperthyroidism, is an autoimmune disease with multi-system involvement. More prevalent among young women, it appears as an uncommon cardiovascular complication during pregnancy, posing a diagnostic challenge, largely owing to difficulty in detecting the complication, as a result of a low index of suspicion of Graves' disease presenting during pregnancy. Globally, cardiovascular disease is an important factor for pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality. Here, we report a case of Graves' disease detected for the first time in pregnancy, in a patient presenting with bi- ventricular heart failure, severe pulmonary hypertension and pre- eclampsia. Emphasis is placed on the spectrum of clinical presentations of Graves' disease, and the importance of considering this thyroid disorder as a possible aetiological factor for such a presentation in pregnancy. A 30-year-old Bangladeshi-Bengali woman, in her 28th week of pregnancy presented with severe systemic hypertension, bi-ventricular heart failure and severe pulmonary hypertension with a moderately enlarged thyroid gland. She improved following the administration of high dose intravenous diuretics, and delivered a premature female baby of low birth weight per vaginally, twenty four hours later. Pre-eclampsia was diagnosed on the basis of hypertension first detected in the third trimester, 3+ oedema and mild proteinuria. Electrocardiography revealed sinus tachycardia with incomplete right bundle branch block and echocardiography showed severe pulmonary hypertension with an estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure of 73 mm Hg, septal and anterior wall hypokinesia with an ejection fraction of 51%, grade I mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Thyroid function tests revealed a biochemically hyperthyroid state and positive anti- thyroid peroxidase antibodies was found. (99m)Technetium pertechnetate thyroid scans demonstrated diffuse toxic goiter as evidenced by an enlarged thyroid

Pulmonary arterial capacitance in children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease: relation to pulmonary vascular resistance, exercise capacity, and survival.

PubMed

Sajan, Imran; Manlhiot, Cedric; Reyes, Janette; McCrindle, Brian W; Humpl, Tilman; Friedberg, Mark K

2011-09-01

Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), whether idiopathic PAH (iPAH) or PAH associated with congenital heart disease (aPAH), carries high morbidity and mortality. Low pulmonary arterial capacitance (PAC), defined as right ventricular stroke volume/pulmonary artery pulse pressure, is a risk factor for mortality in adults with PAH. However, the relation of PAC to pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), exercise endurance, and survival is poorly defined in children. Catheterization and clinical data of children with PAH (mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mm Hg) were reviewed. Children with pulmonary shunts, stents, collaterals, or pulmonary venous hypertension were excluded. Primary outcomes were 6-minute walk distance and freedom from death/lung transplant. Forty-seven patients were studied. Nineteen (43%) had iPAH, and 28 (57%) had aPAH (7.1 ± 6.2 vs 8.4 ± 5.5 years, P = .45). Patients with iPAH had higher PVR indexed for body surface area (PVRi), lower indexed PAC (PACi), lower exercise tolerance, and lower freedom from death/lung transplant than patients with aPAH. Both higher PVRi (P < .0001) and lower PACi (P = .02) were associated with shorter 6-minute walk distance. A PACi <0.70 mL/mm Hg per square meter or >1.25 mL/mm Hg per square meter and a PVRi >13 Wood units × m(2) were associated with decreased freedom from death or lung transplant. The relationships between PVRi and PACi and survival were independent of each other and not confounded by etiologic group. Low PACi and high PVRi are independently associated with low 6-minute walk distance and survival in children with PAH. Therefore, both should be assessed for better prognostication and management in this high-risk population. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

HIV and Nonischemic Heart Disease.

PubMed

Manga, Pravin; McCutcheon, Keir; Tsabedze, Nqoba; Vachiat, Ahmed; Zachariah, Don

2017-01-03

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated heart disease encompasses a broad spectrum of diseases. HIV infection may involve the pericardium, myocardium, coronary arteries, pulmonary vasculature, and valves, as well as the systemic vasculature. Access to combination antiretroviral therapy, as well as health resources, has had a significant influence on the prevalence and severity of the effects on each cardiac structure. Investigations over the recent past have improved our understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of HIV-associated cardiovascular disease. This review will focus on our current understanding of pathogenesis and risk factors associated with HIV infection and heart disease, and it will discuss relevant advances in diagnosis and management of these conditions. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of strain imaging in right heart disease: a comprehensive review.

PubMed

Kannan, Arun; Poongkunran, Chithra; Jayaraj, Mahendran; Janardhanan, Rajesh

2014-10-01

Advances in the imaging techniques of the heart have fueled the interest in understanding of right heart pathology. Recently, speckle tracking echocardiography has shown to aid in understanding various right heart diseases and better management. Its role is well established in diagnosing right heart failure, pulmonary artery hypertension, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and congenital heart disease. We review the basic mechanics of speckle tracking and analyze its role in various right heart conditions.

Exercise Benefits Coronary Heart Disease.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Ai, Dongmei; Zhang, Ning

2017-01-01

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a group of diseases that include: no symptoms, angina, myocardial infarction, ischemia cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. And it results from multiple risks factors consisting of invariable factors (e.g. age, gender, etc.) and variable factors (e.g. dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, etc.). Meanwhile, CHD could cause impact not only localized in the heart, but also on pulmonary function, whole-body skeletal muscle function, activity ability, psychological status, etc. Nowadays, CHD has been the leading cause of death in the world. However, many clinical researches showed that exercise training plays an important role in cardiac rehabilitation and can bring a lot of benefits for CHD patients.

Lung Function Abnormalities in Smokers with Ischemic Heart Disease.

PubMed

Franssen, Frits M E; Soriano, Joan B; Roche, Nicolas; Bloomfield, Paul H; Brusselle, Guy; Fabbri, Leonardo M; García-Rio, Francisco; Kearney, Mark T; Kwon, Namhee; Lundbäck, Bo; Rabe, Klaus F; Raillard, Alice; Muellerova, Hana; Cockcroft, John R

2016-09-01

The aim of the ALICE (Airflow Limitation in Cardiac Diseases in Europe) study was to investigate the prevalence of airflow limitation in patients with ischemic heart disease and the effects on quality of life, healthcare use, and future health risk. To examine prebronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spirometry in outpatients aged greater than or equal to 40 years with clinically documented ischemic heart disease who were current or former smokers. This multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 cardiovascular outpatient clinics in nine European countries. Airflow limitation was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 0.70. Among the 3,103 patients with ischemic heart disease who were recruited, lung function was defined for 2,730 patients. Airflow limitation was observed in 30.5% of patients with ischemic heart disease: 11.3% had mild airflow limitation, 15.8% moderate airflow limitation, 3.3% severe airflow limitation, and 0.1% very severe airflow limitation. Most patients with airflow limitation (70.6%) had no previous spirometry testing or diagnosed pulmonary disease. Airflow limitation was associated with greater respiratory symptomatology, impaired health status, and more frequent emergency room visits (P < 0.05). Airflow limitation compatible with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects almost one-third of patients with ischemic heart disease. Although airflow limitation is associated with additional morbidity and societal burden, it is largely undiagnosed and untreated. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01485159).

Right Heart End-Systolic Remodeling Index Strongly Predicts Outcomes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Comparison With Validated Models.

PubMed

Amsallem, Myriam; Sweatt, Andrew J; Aymami, Marie C; Kuznetsova, Tatiana; Selej, Mona; Lu, HongQuan; Mercier, Olaf; Fadel, Elie; Schnittger, Ingela; McConnell, Michael V; Rabinovitch, Marlene; Zamanian, Roham T; Haddad, Francois

2017-06-01

Right ventricular (RV) end-systolic dimensions provide information on both size and function. We investigated whether an internally scaled index of end-systolic dimension is incremental to well-validated prognostic scores in pulmonary arterial hypertension. From 2005 to 2014, 228 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension were prospectively enrolled. RV end-systolic remodeling index (RVESRI) was defined by lateral length divided by septal height. The incremental values of RV free wall longitudinal strain and RVESRI to risk scores were determined. Mean age was 49±14 years, 78% were female, 33% had connective tissue disease, 52% were in New York Heart Association class ≥III, and mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 11.2±6.4 WU. RVESRI and right atrial area were strongly connected to the other right heart metrics. Three zones of adaptation (adapted, maladapted, and severely maladapted) were identified based on the RVESRI to RV systolic pressure relationship. During a mean follow-up of 3.9±2.4 years, the primary end point of death, transplant, or admission for heart failure was reached in 88 patients. RVESRI was incremental to risk prediction scores in pulmonary arterial hypertension, including the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management score, the Pulmonary Hypertension Connection equation, and the Mayo Clinic model. Using multivariable analysis, New York Heart Association class III/IV, RVESRI, and log NT-proBNP (N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide) were retained (χ 2 , 62.2; P <0.0001). Changes in RVESRI at 1 year (n=203) were predictive of outcome; patients initiated on prostanoid therapy showed the greatest improvement in RVESRI. Among right heart metrics, RVESRI demonstrated the best test-retest characteristics. RVESRI is a simple reproducible prognostic marker in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Analysis of electrocardiogram in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

PubMed

Lazović, Biljana; Svenda, Mirjana Zlatković; Mazić, Sanja; Stajić, Zoran; Delić, Marina

2013-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is defined as a persistent airflow limitation usually progressive and not fully reversible to treatment. The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and severity of disease is confirmed by spirometry. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease produces electrical changes in the heart which shows characteristic electrocardiogram pattern. The aim of this study was to observe and evaluate diagnostic values of electrocardiogram changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with no other comorbidity. We analyzed 110 electrocardiogram findings in clinically stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and evaluated the forced expiratory volume in the first second, ratio of forces expiratory volume in the first second to the fixed vital capacity, chest radiographs and electrocardiogram changes such as p wave height, QRS axis and voltage, right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block, right ventricular hypertrophy, T wave inversion in leads V1-V3, S1S2S3 syndrome, transition zone in praecordial lead and QT interval. We found electrocardiogram changes in 64% patients, while 36% had normal electrocardiogram. The most frequent electrocardiogram changes observed were transition zone (76.36%) low QRS (50%) and p pulmonale (14.54%). Left axis deviation was observed in 27.27% patients. Diagnostic values of electrocardiogram in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suggest that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients should be screened electrocardiographically in addition to other clinical investigations.

Real-time three dimensional CT and MRI to guide interventions for congenital heart disease and acquired pulmonary vein stenosis.

PubMed

Suntharos, Patcharapong; Setser, Randolph M; Bradley-Skelton, Sharon; Prieto, Lourdes R

2017-10-01

To validate the feasibility and spatial accuracy of pre-procedural 3D images to 3D rotational fluoroscopy registration to guide interventional procedures in patients with congenital heart disease and acquired pulmonary vein stenosis. Cardiac interventions in patients with congenital and structural heart disease require complex catheter manipulation. Current technology allows registration of the anatomy obtained from 3D CT and/or MRI to be overlaid onto fluoroscopy. Thirty patients scheduled for interventional procedures from 12/2012 to 8/2015 were prospectively recruited. A C-arm CT using a biplane C-arm system (Artis zee, VC14H, Siemens Healthcare) was acquired to enable 3D3D registration with pre-procedural images. Following successful image fusion, the anatomic landmarks marked in pre-procedural images were overlaid on live fluoroscopy. The accuracy of image registration was determined by measuring the distance between overlay markers and a reference point in the image. The clinical utility of the registration was evaluated as either "High", "Medium" or "None". Seventeen patients with congenital heart disease and 13 with acquired pulmonary vein stenosis were enrolled. Accuracy and benefit of registration were not evaluated in two patients due to suboptimal images. The distance between the marker and the actual anatomical location was 0-2 mm in 18 (64%), 2-4 mm in 3 (11%) and >4 mm in 7 (25%) patients. 3D3D registration was highly beneficial in 18 (64%), intermediate in 3 (11%), and not beneficial in 7 (25%) patients. 3D3D registration can facilitate complex congenital and structural interventions. It may reduce procedure time, radiation and contrast dose.

Radiation-induced valvular heart disease.

PubMed

Gujral, Dorothy M; Lloyd, Guy; Bhattacharyya, Sanjeev

2016-02-15

Radiation to the mediastinum is a key component of treatment with curative intent for a range of cancers including Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer. Exposure to radiation is associated with a risk of radiation-induced heart valve damage characterised by valve fibrosis and calcification. There is a latent interval of 10-20 years between radiation exposure and development of clinically significant heart valve disease. Risk is related to radiation dose received, interval from exposure and use of concomitant chemotherapy. Long-term outlook and the risk of valve surgery are related to the effects of radiation on mediastinal structures including pulmonary fibrosis and pericardial constriction. Dose prediction models to predict the risk of heart valve disease in the future and newer radiation techniques to reduce the radiation dose to the heart are being developed. Surveillance strategies for this cohort of cancer survivors at risk of developing significant heart valve complications are required. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Failing stentless Bioprostheses in patients with carcinoid heart valve disease.

PubMed

Schaefer, Andreas; Sill, Bjoern; Schoenebeck, Jeannette; Schneeberger, Yvonne; Reichenspurner, Hermann; Gulbins, Helmut

2015-03-27

Carcinoid tumor with consecutive endocardial fibroelastosis of the right heart, known as carcinoid heart valve disease (CHVD) or Hedinger's syndrome, is accompanied by combined right-sided valvular dysfunction with regurgitation and stenosis of the affected valves. Cardiac surgery with replacement of the tricuspid and/or pulmonary valve is an established therapeutic option for patients with Hedinger's syndrome. Little is known about the long term outcome and the choice of prosthesis for the pulmonal position is still a matter of debate. The authors report three cases of pulmonary valve replacement with stentless bioprostheses (Medtronic Freestyle, Medtronic PLC, Minneapolis, MN, USA) due to severe pulmonary valve degeneration in consequence of Hedinger's syndrome. All patients presented with re-stenosis of the pulmonal valve conduit at the height of the anastomoses in a premature fashion. Due to the increased risk for repeat surgical valve replacement, two patients were treated by transcatheter heart valves. We do not recommend the replacement of the pulmonary valve with stentless bioprostheses in patients with CHVD. These valves presented with an extreme premature degeneration and consecutive re-stenosis and heart failure.

[Pulmonary hypertension in interstitial lung diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic approach in 2011?].

PubMed

Cottin, Vincent; Kiakouama, Lize; Traclet, Julie; Cordier, Jean-François

2011-04-01

Pulmonary hypertension is frequent in late-stage idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and is associated with a shorter survival. It should be suspected in case of dyspnea or hypoxemia disproportionate with the degree of parenchymal lung disease. It is particularly frequent in patients with the syndrome of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, and associated with a short survival (median survival less than 1 year). Pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic infiltrative lung diseases can be detected by echocardiography and must be confirmed by right-sided heart catheterization, especially to rule out post-capillary pulmonary hypertension frequent in this context. Management is mainly palliative and based on supplemental nasal oxygen. Therapy specific for pulmonary arterial hypertension, poorly evaluated in pulmonary hypertension associated with infiltrative lung diseases, is occasionally proposed to patients with disproportionate pulmonary hypertension (mean PAP > 35 mmHg), with often limited efficacy, and requiring careful follow-up (risk of increased hypoxemia) and invasive evaluation. Pulmonary transplantation should be considered in the absence of contra-indication.

[Pulmonary atelectasis in patients with neurological or muscular disease; gravity-related lung compression by the heart and intra-abdominal organs on persistent supine position].

PubMed

Toyoshima, Mitsuo; Maeoka, Yukinori; Kawahara, Hitoshi; Maegaki, Yoshihiro; Ohno, Kousaku

2006-11-01

We report 10 cases of pulmonary atelectasis diagnosed by chest computed tomography in patients with neurological or muscular disease. Atelectasis was frequently seen in hypotonic patients who could not roll over on their own. The atelectases located mostly in the dorsal bronchopulmonary segments, adjacent to the heart or diaphragm. Atelectasis diminished in two patients after they became able to roll themselves over. Gravity-related lung compression by the heart and intra-abdominal organs on persistent supine position can cause pulmonary atelectasis in patients with neurological or muscular disease who can not roll over by their own power. To confirm that the prone position reduces compression of the lungs, chest computed tomography was performed in both the supine and the prone position in three patients. Sagittal images with three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstruction revealed significant sternad displacements of the heart and caudal displacements of the dorsal portion of the diaphragm on prone position compared with supine position. The prone position, motor exercises for rolling over, and biphasic cuirass ventilation are effective in reducing gravity-related lung compression. Some patients with intellectual disabilities were also able to cooperate in chest physiotherapy. Chest physiotherapy is useful in preventing atelectasis in patients with neurological or muscular disease.

Readmission patterns in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure and diabetes mellitus: an administrative dataset analysis.

PubMed

Brand, C; Sundararajan, V; Jones, C; Hutchinson, A; Campbell, D

2005-05-01

Comprehensive disease management programmes for chronic disease aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce health-care utilization. Readmission rates are often used as an outcome measure of effectiveness. This study aimed to document readmission rates, and risk for early and late readmission, for patients discharged from the Royal Melbourne Hospital with a disease diagnosis of chronic heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or diabetes mellitus compared to those with other general medical conditions. Eighty five (8.6%) of patients were readmitted within 28 days and 183 (20.8%) were readmitted between 29 and 180 days. No risk factors for early readmission were identified. Patients with a primary disease diagnosis of CHF and COPD are at increased risk of late readmissions (29-180 days).

[Acute heart failure: acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock].

PubMed

Sánchez Marteles, Marta; Urrutia, Agustín

2014-03-01

Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock are two of the main forms of presentation of acute heart failure. Both entities are serious, with high mortality, and require early diagnosis and prompt and aggressive management. Acute pulmonary edema is due to the passage of fluid through the alveolarcapillary membrane and is usually the result of an acute cardiac episode. Correct evaluation and clinical identification of the process is essential in the management of acute pulmonary edema. The initial aim of treatment is to ensure hemodynamic stability and to correct hypoxemia. Other measures that can be used are vasodilators such as nitroglycerin, loop diuretics and, in specific instances, opioids. Cardiogenic shock is characterized by sustained hypoperfusion, pulmonary wedge pressure > 18 mmHg and a cardiac index < 2.2l/min/m(2). The process typically presents with hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or a decrease in mean arterial pressure > 30 mmHg) and absent or reduced diuresis (< 0.5 ml/kg/h). The most common cause is left ventricular failure due to acute myocardial infarction. Treatment consists of general measures to reverse acidosis and hypoxemia, as well as the use of vasopressors and inotropic drugs. Early coronary revascularization has been demonstrated to improve survival in shock associated with ischaemic heart disease. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease: diagnostic and prognostic value of CT in chronic systolic heart failure.

PubMed

Colin, Geoffrey C; Gerber, Bernhard L; de Meester de Ravenstein, Christophe; Byl, David; Dietz, Anna; Kamga, Michele; Pasquet, Agnes; Vancraeynest, David; Vanoverschelde, Jean-Louis; D'Hondt, Anne-Marie; Ghaye, Benoit; Pouleur, Anne-Catherine

2018-05-14

To evaluate the ability of chest computed tomography (CT) to predict pulmonary hypertension (PH) and outcome in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We reviewed 119 consecutive patients with HFrEF by CT, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and right heart catheterization (RHC). CT-derived pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and PA to ascending aorta diameter ratio (PA:A ratio), left atrial, right atrial, right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular volumes were correlated with RHC mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) . Diagnostic accuracy to predict PH and ability to predict primary composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and HF events were evaluated. RV volume was significantly higher in 81 patients with PH compared to 38 patients without PH (133 ml/m 2 vs. 79 ml/m 2 , p < 0.001) and was moderately correlated with mPAP (r=0.55, p < 0.001). Also, RV volume had higher ability to predict PH (area under the curve: 0.88) than PA diameter (0.79), PA:A ratio (0.76) by CT and tricuspid regurgitation gradient (0.83) and RV basal diameter by TTE (0.84, all p < 0.001). During the follow-up period (median: 3.4 years), 51 patients (43%) had HF events or died. After correction for important clinical, TTE and RHC parameters, RV volume (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.71, 95% CI 1.31-2.23, p < 0.001) and PA diameter (HR: 1.61, 95% CI 1.18-2.22, p = 0.003) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. In patients with HFrEF, measurement of RV volume and PA diameter on ungated CT are non-invasive markers of PH and may help to predict the patient outcome. • Right ventricular (RV) volume measured by chest CT has good ability to identify pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). • The accuracy of pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and PA to ascending aorta diameter ratio (PA:A ratio) to predict PH was similar to previous studies, however, with lower cut-offs (28.1 mm and 0

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PubMed Central

Vijayan, V.K.

2013-01-01

The global prevalence of physiologically defined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults aged >40 yr is approximately 9-10 per cent. Recently, the Indian Study on Epidemiology of Asthma, Respiratory Symptoms and Chronic Bronchitis in Adults had shown that the overall prevalence of chronic bronchitis in adults >35 yr is 3.49 per cent. The development of COPD is multifactorial and the risk factors of COPD include genetic and environmental factors. Pathological changes in COPD are observed in central airways, small airways and alveolar space. The proposed pathogenesis of COPD includes proteinase-antiproteinase hypothesis, immunological mechanisms, oxidant-antioxidant balance, systemic inflammation, apoptosis and ineffective repair. Airflow limitation in COPD is defined as a postbronchodilator FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 sec) to FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio <0.70. COPD is characterized by an accelerated decline in FEV1. Co morbidities associated with COPD are cardiovascular disorders (coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure), hypertension, metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity), bone disease (osteoporosis and osteopenia), stroke, lung cancer, cachexia, skeletal muscle weakness, anaemia, depression and cognitive decline. The assessment of COPD is required to determine the severity of the disease, its impact on the health status and the risk of future events (e.g., exacerbations, hospital admissions or death) and this is essential to guide therapy. COPD is treated with inhaled bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, oral theophylline and oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor. Non pharmacological treatment of COPD includes smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation and nutritional support. Lung volume reduction surgery and lung transplantation are advised in selected severe patients. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease guidelines

Extra-cardiac manifestations of adult congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Gaeta, Stephen A; Ward, Cary; Krasuski, Richard A

2016-10-01

Advancement in correction or palliation of congenital cardiac lesions has greatly improved the lifespan of congenital heart disease patients, resulting in a rapidly growing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) population. As this group has increased in number and age, emerging science has highlighted the systemic nature of ACHD. Providers caring for these patients are tasked with long-term management of multiple neurologic, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and endocrine manifestations that arise as syndromic associations with congenital heart defects or as sequelae of primary structural or hemodynamic abnormalities. In this review, we outline the current understanding and recent research into these extra-cardiac manifestations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Congenital heart disease in adulthood].

PubMed

Baumgartner, Helmut; Däbritz, Sabine

2008-03-15

While a few decades ago only a minority of patients, particularly of those with complex congenital heart disease, could reach adulthood, progress of pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery allows now the survival of the majority. Thus, adult cardiology is faced with a new challenging patient population. Since only a few congenital heart defects can be cured, regular follow-up during adult life is of major importance. Residual as well as consequently developed lesions must be recognized. Optimal timing of surgery or catheter intervention is necessary to provide the best long-term outcome. Despite optimal treatment part of the patients will develop long-term complications such as arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension and, eventually, heart failure. Acute complications such as arrhythmias, aortic dissection or rupture, endocarditis, cerebral events due to embolism, bleeding or abscesses, and pulmonary embolism or bleeding must be recognized early and treated appropriately. Management of noncardiac surgery, pregnancy and delivery can be challenging. Another task is counseling regarding exercise and sports, choice of profession, driving and insurance issues. Finally, psychosocial issues must be taken into account for appropriate care of this special patient group.

Pulmonary vasodilation in acute and chronic heart failure: empiricism and evidence.

PubMed

Guglin, Maya

2011-09-01

Pulmonary hypertension in heart failure is associated with exercise intolerance and adverse outcomes. With the availability of multiple drugs that cause pulmonary vasodilation and decrease pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary hypertension becomes an attractive therapeutic target. Out of several classes of medications, oral phosphodiesterase inhibitors emerge as the most promising in terms of symptomatic improvement, hemodynamic benefits, reverse cardiac remodeling, and functional capacity. Future trials will show whether the use of these drugs translates to decreased morbidity and mortality in heart failure.

Antitrypsin and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among Japanese-American men.

PubMed

Roberts, A; Kagan, A; Rhoads, G G; Pierce, J A; Bruce, R M

1977-10-01

A total of 161 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) plus 100 control subjects (identified during a study of heart disease in 6,860 Japanese-American men aged 52 to 75 years who were residing in Hawaii) were analyzed for phenotype in search of the antitrypsin gene Z, which has been shown to be associated with pulmonary emphysema in other racial groups. No carriers of the Z gene were found, and the question of whether the rarity or absence of this gene relates to a low frequency of COPD among Japanese-Americans is reviewed.

Investigating the value of right heart echocardiographic metrics for detection of pulmonary hypertension in patients with advanced lung disease.

PubMed

Amsallem, Myriam; Boulate, David; Kooreman, Zoe; Zamanian, Roham T; Fadel, Guillaume; Schnittger, Ingela; Fadel, Elie; McConnell, Michael V; Dhillon, Gundeep; Mercier, Olaf; Haddad, François

2017-06-01

This study determined whether novel right heart echocardiography metrics help to detect pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with advanced lung disease (ALD). We reviewed echocardiography and catheterization data of 192 patients from the Stanford ALD registry and echocardiograms of 50 healthy controls. Accuracy of echocardiographic right heart metrics to detect PH was assessed using logistic regression and area under the ROC curves (AUC) analysis. Patients were divided into a derivation (n = 92) and validation cohort (n = 100). Experimental validation was assessed in a piglet model of mild PH followed longitudinally. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was not interpretable in 52% of patients. In the derivation cohort, right atrial maximal volume index (RAVI), ventricular end-systolic area index (RVESAI), free-wall longitudinal strain and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) differentiated patients with and without PH; 20% of patients without PH had moderate to severe RV enlargement by RVESAI. On multivariate analysis, RAVI and TAPSE were independently associated with PH (AUC = 0.77, p < 0.001), which was confirmed in the validation cohort (0.78, p < 0.001). Presence of right heart metrics abnormalities did not improve detection of PH in patients with interpretable TR (p > 0.05) and provided moderate detection value in patients without TR. Only two patients with more severe PH (mean pulmonary pressure 35 and 36 mmHg) were missed. The animal model confirmed that right heart enlargement discriminated best pigs with PH from shams. This study highlights the frequency of right heart enlargement and dysfunction in ALD irrespectively from presence of PH, therefore limiting their use for detection of PH.

Enhanced pulmonary vasodilator reserve and abnormal right ventricular: pulmonary artery coupling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

PubMed

Andersen, Mads J; Hwang, Seok-Jae; Kane, Garvan C; Melenovsky, Vojtech; Olson, Thomas P; Fetterly, Kenneth; Borlaug, Barry A

2015-05-01

Pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are common in patients with advanced heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), yet their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We sought to examine RV-pulmonary artery (PA) functional reserve responses and RV-PA coupling at rest and during β-adrenergic stimulation in subjects with earlier stage HFpEF. In a prospective trial, subjects with HFpEF (n=39) and controls (n=18) underwent comprehensive invasive and noninvasive hemodynamic assessment using high fidelity micromanometer catheters, echocardiography, and expired gas analysis at rest and during dobutamine infusion. HFpEF subjects displayed similar RV structure but significantly impaired RV systolic (lower RV dP/dtmax/IP and s') and diastolic function (higher RV τ) coupled with more severe pulmonary vascular disease, manifest by higher PA pressures, higher PA resistance, and lower PA compliance compared with controls. Dobutamine infusion caused greater pulmonary vasodilation in HFpEF compared with controls, with enhanced reductions in PA resistance, greater increase in PA compliance, and a more negative slope in the PA pressure-flow relationship when compared with controls (all P<0.001). RV-PA coupling analysis revealed that dobutamine improved RV ejection in HFpEF subjects through afterload reduction alone, rather than through enhanced contractility, indicating RV systolic reserve dysfunction. Pulmonary hypertension in early stage HFpEF is related to partially reversible pulmonary vasoconstriction coupled with RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, even in the absence of RV structural remodeling. Pulmonary vascular tone is more favorably responsive to β-adrenergic stimulation in HFpEF than controls, suggesting a potential role for β-agonists in the treatment of patients with HFpEF and pulmonary hypertension. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01418248. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

[Congenital heart disease mortality in Spain during a 10 year period (2003-2012)].

PubMed

Pérez-Lescure Picarzo, Javier; Mosquera González, Margarita; Latasa Zamalloa, Pello; Crespo Marcos, David

2018-05-01

Congenital heart disease is a major cause of infant mortality in developed countries. In Spain, there are no publications at national level on mortality due to congenital heart disease. The aim of this study is to analyse mortality in infants with congenital heart disease, lethality of different types of congenital heart disease, and their variation over a ten-year period. A retrospective observational study was performed to evaluate mortality rate of children under one year old with congenital heart disease, using the minimum basic data set, from 2003 to 2012. Mortality rate and relative risk of mortality were estimated by Poisson regression. There were 2,970 (4.58%) infant deaths in a population of 64,831 patients with congenital heart disease, with 73.8% of deaths occurring during first week of life. Infant mortality rate in patients with congenital heart disease was 6.23 per 10,000 live births, and remained constant during the ten-year period of the study, representing 18% of total infant mortality rate in Spain. The congenital heart diseases with highest mortality rates were hypoplastic left heart syndrome (41.4%), interruption of aortic arch (20%), and total anomalous pulmonary drainage (16.8%). Atrial septal defect (1%) and pulmonary stenosis (1.1%) showed the lowest mortality rate. Congenital heart disease was a major cause of infant mortality with no variations during the study period. The proportion of infants who died in our study was similar to other similar countries. In spite of current medical advances, some forms of congenital heart disease show very high mortality rates. Copyright © 2017 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Reducing Right Heart Failure Associated Mortality in Fibrotic Lung Diseases

PubMed Central

Levy, Matthew; Oyenuga, Olusegun

2015-01-01

Fibrotic lung diseases carry a significant mortality burden worldwide. A large proportion of these deaths are due to right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Underlying contributory factors which appear to play a role in the mechanism of progression of right heart dysfunction include chronic hypoxia, defective calcium handling, hyperaldosteronism, pulmonary vascular alterations, cyclic strain of pressure and volume changes, elevation of circulating TGF-β, and elevated systemic NO levels. Specific therapies targeting pulmonary hypertension include calcium channel blockers, endothelin (ET-1) receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogs, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors. Newer antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory agents may exert beneficial effects on heart failure in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, right ventricle-targeted therapies, aimed at mitigating the effects of functional right ventricular failure, include β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antioxidants, modulators of metabolism, and 5-hydroxytryptamine-2B (5-HT2B) receptor antagonists. Newer nonpharmacologic modalities for right ventricular support are increasingly being implemented. Early, effective, and individualized therapy may prevent overt right heart failure in fibrotic lung disease leading to improved outcomes and quality of life. PMID:26583148

The concept of double inlet-double outlet right ventricle: a distinct congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Spadotto, Veronica; Frescura, Carla; Ho, Siew Yen; Thiene, Gaetano

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and to analyze the anatomy of double inlet-double outlet right ventricle complex and its associated cardiac anomalies in our autopsy series. Among the 1640 hearts with congenital heart disease of our Anatomical Collection, we reviewed the specimens with double inlet-double outlet right ventricle, according to the sequential-segmental analysis, identifying associated cardiac anomalies and examining lung histology to assess the presence of pulmonary vascular disease. We identified 14 hearts with double inlet-double outlet right ventricle (0.85%). Right atrial isomerism was observed in 10 hearts, situs solitus in 3 and left atrial isomerism in one. Regarding the mode of atrioventricular connection, all hearts but one had a common atrioventricular valve. Systemic or pulmonary venous abnormalities were noted in all patients with atrial isomerism. In nine patients a valvular or subvalvular pulmonary stenosis was present. Among the functionally "univentricular hearts", double inlet- double outlet right ventricle represents a peculiar entity, mostly in association with right atrial isomerism. Multiple cardiac anomalies are associated and may complicate surgical repair. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Religion and remission of depression in medical inpatients with heart failure/pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Koenig, Harold G

2007-05-01

The impact of religious involvement on time to remission of depression was examined in older medical inpatients with heart failure and/or chronic pulmonary disease (CHF/CPD). Inpatients older than 50 years with CHF/CPD were systematically diagnosed with depressive disorder using a structured psychiatric interview. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the effects of religious involvement on time to remission, controlling for covariates. Of 1000 depressed patients identified at baseline, follow-up data on depression course were obtained on 87%. Patients involved in group-related religious activities experienced a shorter time to remission. Although numerous religious measures were unrelated by themselves to depression outcome, the combination of frequent religious attendance, prayer, Bible study, and high intrinsic religiosity, predicted a 53% increase in speed of remission (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.20-1.94, p = 0.0005, n = 839) after controls. Patients highly religious by multiple indicators, particularly those involved in community religious activities, remit faster from depression.

Air Pollution Exposure with Fine Dust. Responses in the Pulmonary Vasculature and the Right Heart.

PubMed

Durmus, Nedim; Grunig, Gabriele

2018-04-01

Detrimental effects of air pollution with fine dust (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter, or PM 2.5 ) on the systemic circulation and the left heart have been studied intensely during the past decade. In comparison, knowledge regarding the effects of exposure to air pollution with PM 2.5 on the pulmonary vasculature and the right heart lags far behind. A report on severe lung disease and right heart failure in coal miners was published nearly 170 years ago. However, today, we still do not have a clear picture of how the effect of air pollution on the pulmonary circulation or the right heart should be viewed from a clinical, mechanistic biological, therapeutic, or economic angle. In the laboratory, we have established a model of immune response-induced vascular remodeling that is significantly worsened by adding PM 2.5 to the intranasal antigen challenge solution. Importantly, the PM 2.5 is given at a concentration that by itself does not induce significant inflammation or pulmonary vascular remodeling. However, when added to antigen, this low-dose PM 2.5 exposure induces severe pulmonary vascular remodeling, significantly increased right ventricular pressures, and significant molecular changes in the right heart. Our data also show that these PM 2.5 -exaggerated responses are dependent on interleukin-13, interleukin-17A, and antigen-specific antibody. The experimental model is being used to address a few questions: 1. Which mechanism protects the animals from severe right ventricular failure despite the severity of the pulmonary artery remodeling? 2. What is the mechanism by which PM 2.5 worsens the response to antigen? 3. How does PM 2.5 exert its effects across the small airways to the small blood vessels? In conclusion, further investigation is urgently needed to understand the effects of exposure to ambient or occupational air pollution on the pulmonary vasculature, because better knowledge could lead to immediate beneficial actions for

Temporally Distinct Six2-Positive Second Heart Field Progenitors Regulate Mammalian Heart Development and Disease.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhengfang; Wang, Jingying; Guo, Chaoshe; Chang, Weiting; Zhuang, Jian; Zhu, Ping; Li, Xue

2017-01-24

The embryonic process of forming a complex structure such as the heart remains poorly understood. Here, we show that Six2 marks a dynamic subset of second heart field progenitors. Six2-positive (Six2 + ) progenitors are rapidly recruited and assigned, and their descendants are allocated successively to regions of the heart from the right ventricle (RV) to the pulmonary trunk. Global ablation of Six2 + progenitors resulted in RV hypoplasia and pulmonary atresia. An early stage-specific ablation of a small subset of Six2 + progenitors did not cause any apparent structural defect at birth but rather resulted in adult-onset cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. Furthermore, Six2 expression depends in part on Shh signaling, and Shh deletion resulted in severe deficiency of Six2 + progenitors. Collectively, these findings unveil the chronological features of cardiogenesis, in which the mammalian heart is built sequentially by temporally distinct populations of cardiac progenitors, and provide insights into late-onset congenital heart disease. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis.

PubMed

Ortiz-Bautista, Carlos; Hernández-González, Ignacio; Escribano-Subías, Pilar

2017-03-22

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease is a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension which is part, together with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis, of the special designation (subgroup 1') within pulmonary hypertension group 1 in the latest classification of the pulmonary hypertension World Symposium. Recent discovery that gene mutations in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 4 (EIF2AK4) are responsible for inherited forms of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease has changed the role of genetic testing, acquiring relevant importance in the diagnosis of these patients. Despite the advances in genetic, cellular and molecular basis knowledge in the last decade, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease remains as a rare aetiology of pulmonary hypertension without any effective medical treatment approved and poor outcomes. This document aims to review the advances occurred in the understanding of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease in the last years. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Heart Disease

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Rapid evaluation by lung-cardiac-inferior vena cava (LCI) integrated ultrasound for differentiating heart failure from pulmonary disease as the cause of acute dyspnea in the emergency setting

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Rapid and accurate diagnosis and management can be lifesaving for patients with acute dyspnea. However, making a differential diagnosis and selecting early treatment for patients with acute dyspnea in the emergency setting is a clinical challenge that requires complex decision-making in order to achieve hemodynamic balance, improve functional capacity, and decrease mortality. In the present study, we examined the screening potential of rapid evaluation by lung-cardiac-inferior vena cava (LCI) integrated ultrasound for differentiating acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) from primary pulmonary disease in patients with acute dyspnea in the emergency setting. Methods Between March 2011 and March 2012, 90 consecutive patients (45 women, 78.1 ± 9.9 years) admitted to the emergency room of our hospital for acute dyspnea were enrolled. Within 30 minutes of admission, all patients underwent conventional physical examination, rapid ultrasound (lung-cardiac-inferior vena cava [LCI] integrated ultrasound) examination with a hand-held device, routine laboratory tests, measurement of brain natriuretic peptide, and chest X-ray in the emergency room. Results The final diagnosis was acute dyspnea due to AHFS in 53 patients, acute dyspnea due to pulmonary disease despite a history of heart failure in 18 patients, and acute dyspnea due to pulmonary disease in 19 patients. Lung ultrasound alone showed a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 96.2, 54.0, 90.9, and 75.0%, respectively, for differentiating AHFS from pulmonary disease. On the other hand, LCI integrated ultrasound had a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 94.3, 91.9, 91.9, and 94.3%, respectively. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that rapid evaluation by LCI integrated ultrasound is extremely accurate for differentiating acute dyspnea due to AHFS from that caused by primary pulmonary disease in the

Frequent coexistence of chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in respiratory and cardiac outpatients: Evidence from SUSPIRIUM, a multicentre Italian survey.

PubMed

Griffo, Raffaele; Spanevello, Antonio; Temporelli, Pier Luigi; Faggiano, Pompilio; Carone, Mauro; Magni, Giovanna; Ambrosino, Nicolino; Tavazzi, Luigi

2017-04-01

Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexist but concurrent COPD + CHF has been little investigated. Design This multicentre survey (SUSPIRIUM) was designed to evaluate: the prevalence of COPD in stable CHF and CHF in stable COPD; diagnostic/therapeutic work-up for concurrent COPD + CHF; clinical profile of patients with COPD + CHF; predictors of COPD in CHF and CHF in COPD. Methods A 5-month-long cross-sectional prospective observational survey was conducted in 10 cardiac and 10 respiratory connected outpatient units. Results The prevalence of CHF in the 378 surveyed COPD patients was 11.9% (95% confidence interval 8.8-16.6) and the prevalence of COPD in 375 CHF patients was 31.5% (95% confidence interval 26.8-36.4). Diagnostic tests for suspected comorbidity were prescribed in 21.6% and 22.9% of COPD and CHF patients, respectively. Patients with coexisting CHF + COPD had a higher incidence of hypertension, physical inactivity and more frequently a GOLD score of 3 or greater. Compared to CHF only, CHF + COPD patients were significantly older, more frequently smokers, at worse respiratory risk and in a higher New York Heart Association class. Conversely, hypercholesterolaemia, a family history of ischaemic heart disease, fluid retention and comorbidities were more frequent in COPD + CHF than COPD-only patients. At multivariate analysis, a GOLD score of 3 or greater in CHF strongly predicted coexistent COPD (odds ratio 8.985, P < 0.0001) as did a history of other respiratory diseases (5.184, P < 0.0001). A history of ischaemic heart disease (4.868, P < 0.0001), atrial fibrillation (3.302, P < 0.0001) and sedentary lifestyle (2.814, P < 0.004) predicted coexistent CHF in COPD. Conclusion The high prevalence of COPD + CHF calls for integrated disease management between cardiologists and pulmonologists. SUSPIRIUM identifies which cardiac/pulmonary outpatients

The effect of anxiety on heart rate variability, depression, and sleep in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Suh, Sooyeon; Ellis, Robert J; Sollers, John J; Thayer, Julian F; Yang, Hae-Chung; Emery, Charles F

2013-05-01

The current study investigates heart rate variability (HRV) responses to a psychosocial stressor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and the potential role of anxiety as a confounding factor in this relationship. Additionally, this study also investigates the influence of anxiety on sleep and depressive symptoms among COPD patients. The study utilized a 2 (disease status)×2 (anxiety group) factorial design examining HRV associated with anxiety symptoms and COPD during a standardized acute social stress task. Participants (mean age 59.1±11.2 years; 50% female) completed pulmonary function testing, HRV monitoring, and self-report questionnaires assessing psychological factors. 30 COPD patients were age- and gender-matched with 30 healthy controls. HRV response to a psychosocial stressor among participants with higher anxiety (both COPD and healthy) reflected autonomic dysregulation in both time and frequency domains that was not evident among non-anxious participants. COPD participants with higher anxiety reported greater symptoms of depression and poorer sleep quality than did COPD participants with low anxiety. Anxiety is associated with dysregulated HRV response to a psychosocial stressor, but the negative influence of anxiety and COPD on autonomic function did not appear to be additive. Comorbid anxiety in patients with COPD is associated with increased behavioral and psychological symptoms of distress. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Use of extracorporeal life support in patients with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Delius, R E; Bove, E L; Meliones, J N; Custer, J R; Moler, F W; Crowley, D; Amirikia, A; Behrendt, D M; Bartlett, R H

1992-09-01

To review a large experience with extracorporeal life support in patients with congenital heart disease. To determine the major causes of mortality and morbidity in order to improve the results of using this technology in this patient population. Retrospective chart review. Twenty-five patients between the ages of 1 day and 8 yrs. These patients had congenital heart disease and were clinically felt to be at high risk for death caused by cardiac failure or by respiratory failure complicated by congenital heart disease. All patients in this report were placed on extracorporeal life support to allow recovery of myocardial or pulmonary function. Of these 25 patients, 52% were weaned from bypass support and 40% survived to discharge. Patients who were not weaned from extracorporeal life support characteristically suffered from irreversible neurologic injury, multiple organ failure, or bleeding complications. Only one patient died of irreversible cardiac failure. Extracorporeal life support can be useful in supporting patients with congenital heart disease with life-threatening cardiac or pulmonary failure. Improvements in limiting neurologic and bleeding complications may lead to improvements in the use of extracorporeal life support for this indication. However, prospective, randomized studies are needed to appreciate the role of extracorporeal life support in these patients.

[Retrospective evaluation of sarcoidosis patients 1970-1979 at the Bad Berka Central Clinic for Heart and Lung Diseases for the detection of possible heart involvement].

PubMed

Kirsten, D; Schaedel, H; Kessler, G

1984-01-01

Cardiac involvement in pulmonary sarcoidosis was found in a higher percentage than formerly reported, by careful observation. In a retrospective analysis of 1 236 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis we found a possible cardiac involvement in 15.1%. In cases of pulmonary sarcoidosis or lymph node sarcoidosis combined with sarcoid lesions in other organs (liver, eyes, skin etc.) cardiac involvement is possible. Heart sarcoidosis was found in all roentgenographic stages and without sex difference. Patients with possible heart sarcoidosis suffer from dyspnoe , thoracical pain, heart discomfort, or angina pectoris in a higher part than without it. Enlargement of the heart and/or cardiac failure are signs of sarcoid involvement in patient with sarcoidosis, also in elderly patients. There are some difficulties in differential diagnosis of sarcoid cardiac involvement and ischaemic heart disease.

Interventional Cardiology for Congenital Heart Disease

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Congenital heart interventions are now replacing surgical palliation and correction in an evolving number of congenital heart defects. Right ventricular outflow tract and ductus arteriosus stenting have demonstrated favorable outcomes compared to surgical systemic to pulmonary artery shunting, and it is likely surgical pulmonary valve replacement will become an uncommon procedure within the next decade, mirroring current practices in the treatment of atrial septal defects. Challenges remain, including the lack of device design focused on smaller infants and the inevitable consequences of somatic growth. Increasing parental and physician expectancy has inevitably lead to higher risk interventions on smaller infants and appreciation of the consequences of these interventions on departmental outcome data needs to be considered. Registry data evaluating congenital heart interventions remain less robust than surgical registries, leading to a lack of insight into the longer-term consequences of our interventions. Increasing collaboration with surgical colleagues has not been met with necessary development of dedicated equipment for hybrid interventions aimed at minimizing the longer-term consequences of scar to the heart. Therefore, great challenges remain to ensure children and adults with congenital heart disease continue to benefit from an exponential growth in minimally invasive interventions and technology. This can only be achieved through a concerted collaborative approach from physicians, industry, academia and regulatory bodies supporting great innovators to continue the philosophy of thinking beyond the limits that has been the foundation of our specialty for the past 50 years. PMID:29671282

Interventional Cardiology for Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Kenny, Damien

2018-05-01

Congenital heart interventions are now replacing surgical palliation and correction in an evolving number of congenital heart defects. Right ventricular outflow tract and ductus arteriosus stenting have demonstrated favorable outcomes compared to surgical systemic to pulmonary artery shunting, and it is likely surgical pulmonary valve replacement will become an uncommon procedure within the next decade, mirroring current practices in the treatment of atrial septal defects. Challenges remain, including the lack of device design focused on smaller infants and the inevitable consequences of somatic growth. Increasing parental and physician expectancy has inevitably lead to higher risk interventions on smaller infants and appreciation of the consequences of these interventions on departmental outcome data needs to be considered. Registry data evaluating congenital heart interventions remain less robust than surgical registries, leading to a lack of insight into the longer-term consequences of our interventions. Increasing collaboration with surgical colleagues has not been met with necessary development of dedicated equipment for hybrid interventions aimed at minimizing the longer-term consequences of scar to the heart. Therefore, great challenges remain to ensure children and adults with congenital heart disease continue to benefit from an exponential growth in minimally invasive interventions and technology. This can only be achieved through a concerted collaborative approach from physicians, industry, academia and regulatory bodies supporting great innovators to continue the philosophy of thinking beyond the limits that has been the foundation of our specialty for the past 50 years. Copyright © 2018. The Korean Society of Cardiology.

Characteristics associated with mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-heart failure coexistence.

PubMed

Plachi, Franciele; Balzan, Fernanda M; Sanseverino, Renata A; Palombini, Dora V; Marques, Renata D; Clausell, Nadine O; Knorst, Marli M; Neder, J Alberto; Berton, Danilo C

2018-02-21

Aim To investigate if cardiac/pulmonary functional tests and variables obtained from clinical practice (body mass index, dyspnea, functional class, clinical judgment of disability to perform an exercise test and previous hospitalization rate) are related to mortality in patients with overlap chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF). Although the coexistence of COPD and CHF has been growingly reported, description of survival predictors considering the presence of both conditions is still scarce. Using a cohort design, outpatients with the previous diagnosis of COPD and/or CHF that performed both spirometry and echocardiography in the same year were followed-up during a mean of 20.9±8.5 months. Findings Of the 550 patients initially evaluated, 301 had both spirometry and echocardiography: 160 (53%) with COPD on isolation; 100 (33%) with CHF on isolation; and 41 (14%) with overlap. All groups presented similar mortality: COPD 17/160 (11%); CHF 12/100 (12%); and overlap 7/41 (17%) (P=0.73). In the overlap group (n=41), inability to exercise and hospitalization rate were the unique parameters associated with higher mortality (seven events) in univariate analyses. In conclusion, inability to exercise and hospitalization rate emerged as the unique parameters associated with mortality in our sample.

[Combined surgical intervention treatments for lung cancer and coronary heart disease patients].

PubMed

Ma, Xuchen; Zhang, Zhitai; Hu, Yansheng; Song, Feiqiang; Zhang, Shaoyan; Ou, Songlei

2012-10-01

The number of patients with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease has increased for the last ten years. The aim of this study is to analyze the outcome of the combined treatment of radical surgery and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) for patients with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease. The clinical data of 18 patients (16 males and 2 females, mean age of 66.11 years) with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease who went through combined surgical interventions between 2003 and 2012 were summarized and analyzed. The lung cancer in these patients was predominantly at stages I and II (TNM). All patients' cardio-pulmonary function was favorable. All the patients survived the operation, without any recorded death and new myocardial infarction occurrence during the perioperative period. Squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were found in 10 and 8 patients, respectively. Pathological lung cancer stage was Ia in 2 cases, Ib in 8 cases, IIa in 3 cases, II b in 3 cases, and IIIa in 2 cases. The most frequently observed complications were cardiac arrhythmias, atelectasis, and pulmonary infections. The mean values of operating room time, postoperative drainage, drainage tube time, and blood transfusion were significantly different between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) groups and thoractomy groups. No significant differences in survival rate were found (P=0.187). The combined method of OPCABG and pulmonary resection is a safe and effective treatment for patients with both lung cancer and coronary heart disease. VATS lobectomy is beneficial for lung cancer patients because it reduces lesions.

Women's Heart Disease: Heart Disease Risk Factors

MedlinePlus

... this page please turn JavaScript on. Feature: Women's Heart Disease Heart Disease Risk Factors Past Issues / Winter 2014 Table ... or habits may raise your risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). These conditions are known as risk ...

Quantitative computed tomography of pulmonary emphysema and ventricular function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Huang, Yu-Sen; Hsu, Hsao-Hsun; Chen, Jo-Yu; Tai, Mei-Hwa; Jaw, Fu-Shan; Chang, Yeun-Chung

2014-01-01

This study strived to evaluate the relationship between degree of pulmonary emphysema and cardiac ventricular function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) using electrocardiographic-gated multidetector computed tomography (CT). Lung transplantation candidates with the diagnosis of COPD and PH were chosen for the study population, and a total of 15 patients were included. The extent of emphysema is defined as the percentage of voxels below -910 Hounsfield units in the lung windows in whole lung CT without intravenous contrast. Heart function parameters were measured by electrocardiographic-gated CT angiography. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between percent emphysema and heart function indicators. Significant correlations were found between percent emphysema and right ventricular (RV) measurements, including RV end-diastolic volume (R(2) = 0.340, p = 0.023), RV stroke volume (R(2) = 0.406, p = 0.011), and RV cardiac output (R(2) = 0.382, p = 0.014); the correlations between percent emphysema and left ventricular function indicators were not observed. The study revealed that percent emphysema is correlated with RV dysfunction among COPD patients with PH. Based on our findings, percent emphysema can be considered for use as an indicator to predict the severity of right ventricular dysfunction among COPD patients.

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Ladouceur, Magalie; Benoit, Louise; Radojevic, Jelena; Basquin, Adeline; Dauphin, Claire; Hascoet, Sébastien; Moceri, Pamela; Bredy, Charlene; Iserin, Laurence; Gouton, Marielle; Nizard, Jacky

2017-02-15

There is growing evidence that maternal mortality in pregnant women with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD) is lower than that in available data. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, we collected data of pregnancies in women with PAH-CHD. Women with PAH-CHD followed in seven French referral centres were retrospectively included from 1997 to 2015. All pregnancies were recorded. We collected data on maternal, obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. 28 pregnancies in 20 women (26±6 years old) with PAH-CHD were managed during this period. There were 18 complete pregnancies (≥20 weeks' gestation (WG)), 8 abortions and 2 miscarriages. Six (33%, 95% CI (11.9 to 54.3)) patients experienced severe cardiac events. The concerned women had lower resting oxygen saturation (79.6±4.1% vs 89.3±3.8%, p<0.01). The most common cardiac complications during the complete pregnancies were heart failure (n=4) and severe hypoxaemia (n=5). Heart failure was overall severe, requiring inotropic treatment in three patients, mechanical circulatory support in one and led to one maternal death (mortality=5.0% 95% CI (0.1 to 24.9)). Obstetrical complications occurred in 25% of pregnancies. Small for gestational age was diagnosed in 39% (7/18) of fetuses. 12/18 (67%) pregnancies were delivered by caesarean section, of which 10 in emergency for obstetrical reason. Prematurity was frequent (78%), but no neonatal death occurred. Outcome of pregnancy in women with PAH-CHD is better than previously reported, with only 5% maternal mortality in our cohort. However, because of the severity of heart failure and the high rate of neonatal complications, patients should still be advised against pregnancy. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Impact of Ischemic and Valvular Heart Disease on Atrial Excitation:A High-Resolution Epicardial Mapping Study.

PubMed

Mouws, Elisabeth M J P; Lanters, Eva A H; Teuwen, Christophe P; van der Does, Lisette J M E; Kik, Charles; Knops, Paul; Yaksh, Ameeta; Bekkers, Jos A; Bogers, Ad J J C; de Groot, Natasja M S

2018-03-08

The influence of underlying heart disease or presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) on atrial excitation during sinus rhythm (SR) is unknown. We investigated atrial activation patterns and total activation times of the entire atrial epicardial surface during SR in patients with ischemic and/or valvular heart disease with or without AF. Intraoperative epicardial mapping (N=128/192 electrodes, interelectrode distances: 2 mm) of the right atrium, Bachmann's bundle (BB), left atrioventricular groove, and pulmonary vein area was performed during SR in 253 patients (186 male [74%], age 66±11 years) with ischemic heart disease (N=132, 52%) or ischemic valvular heart disease (N=121, 48%). As expected, SR origin was located at the superior intercaval region of the right atrium in 232 patients (92%). BB activation occurred via 1 wavefront from right-to-left (N=163, 64%), from the central part (N=18, 7%), or via multiple wavefronts (N=72, 28%). Left atrioventricular groove activation occurred via (1) BB: N=108, 43%; (2) pulmonary vein area: N=9, 3%; or (3) BB and pulmonary vein area: N=136, 54%; depending on which route had the shortest interatrial conduction time ( P <0.001). Ischemic valvular heart disease patients more often had central BB activation and left atrioventricular groove activation via pulmonary vein area compared with ischemic heart disease patients (N=16 [13%] versus N=2 [2%]; P =0.009 and N=86 [71%] versus N=59 [45%]; P <0.001, respectively). Total activation times were longer in patients with AF (AF: 136±20 [92-186] ms; no AF: 114±17 [74-156] ms; P <0.001), because of prolongation of right atrium ( P =0.018) and BB conduction times ( P <0.001). Atrial excitation during SR is affected by underlying heart disease and AF, resulting in alternative routes for BB and left atrioventricular groove activation and prolongation of total activation times. Knowledge of atrial excitation patterns during SR and its electropathological variations, as demonstrated in

Right heart adaptation to pulmonary arterial hypertension: physiology and pathobiology.

PubMed

Vonk-Noordegraaf, Anton; Haddad, François; Chin, Kelly M; Forfia, Paul R; Kawut, Steven M; Lumens, Joost; Naeije, Robert; Newman, John; Oudiz, Ronald J; Provencher, Steve; Torbicki, Adam; Voelkel, Norbert F; Hassoun, Paul M

2013-12-24

Survival in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is closely related to right ventricular (RV) function. Although pulmonary load is an important determinant of RV systolic function in PAH, there remains a significant variability in RV adaptation to pulmonary hypertension. In this report, the authors discuss the emerging concepts of right heart pathobiology in PAH. More specifically, the discussion focuses on the following questions. 1) How is right heart failure syndrome best defined? 2) What are the underlying molecular mechanisms of the failing right ventricle in PAH? 3) How are RV contractility and function and their prognostic implications best assessed? 4) What is the role of targeted RV therapy? Throughout the report, the authors highlight differences between right and left heart failure and outline key areas of future investigation. Copyright © 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Left atrial function in cats with left-sided cardiac disease and pleural effusion or pulmonary edema.

PubMed

Johns, S M; Nelson, O L; Gay, J M

2012-01-01

Congestive heart failure (CHF) in cats with left-sided heart disease is sometimes manifest as pleural effusion, in other cases as pulmonary edema. Those cats with pleural effusion have more severe left atrial (LA) dysfunction than cats with pulmonary edema. 30 healthy cats, 22 cats with pleural effusion, and 12 cats with pulmonary edema. All cats were client owned. Retrospective study. Measurements of LA size and function were made using commercial software on archived echocardiograms. Cases were identified through searches of medical records and of archived echocardiograms for cats with these conditions. There was no difference (P = .3) in LA size between cats with pleural effusion and cats with pulmonary edema. Cats with pleural effusion had poorer (P = .04) LA active emptying and increased (P = .006) right ventricular (RV) diameter when compared with cats with pulmonary edema and healthy cats. Cats that exhibited LA active emptying of <7.9%, total emptying of <13.6% (diameter) or <19.4% (area), or RV diameter of >3.6 mm were significantly (P < .001) more likely to manifest pleural effusion. Poorer LA function and increased RV dimensions are associated with pleural effusion in cats with left-sided heart disease. Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Heart failure in pregnant women with cardiac disease: data from the ROPAC.

PubMed

Ruys, Titia P E; Roos-Hesselink, Jolien W; Hall, Roger; Subirana-Domènech, Maria T; Grando-Ting, Jennifer; Estensen, Mette; Crepaz, Roberto; Fesslova, Vlasta; Gurvitz, Michelle; De Backer, Julie; Johnson, Mark R; Pieper, Petronella G

2014-02-01

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most important complications in pregnant women with heart disease, causing maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. This is an international observational registry of patients with structural heart disease during pregnancy. Sixty hospitals in 28 countries enrolled 1321 women between 2007 and 2011. Pregnant women with valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, ischaemic heart disease, or cardiomyopathy could be included. Main outcome measures were onset and predictors of HF and maternal and fetal death. In total, 173 (13.1%) of the 1321 patients developed HF, making HF the most common major cardiovascular complication during pregnancy. Baseline parameters associated with HF were New York Heart Association class ≥ 3, signs of HF, WHO category ≥ 3, cardiomyopathy or pulmonary hypertension. HF occurred at a median time of 31 weeks gestation (IQR 23-40) with the highest incidence at the end of the second trimester (34%) or peripartum (31%). Maternal mortality was higher in patients with HF (4.8% in patients with HF and 0.5% in those without HF p<0.001). Pre-eclampsia was strongly related to HF (OR 7.1, 95% CI 3.9 to 13.2, p<0.001). Fetal death and the incidence of preterm birth were higher in women with HF compared to women without HF (4.6% vs 1.2%, p=0.001; and 30% vs 13%, p=0.001). HF was the most common complication during pregnancy, and occurred typically at the end of the second trimester, or after birth. It was most common in women with cardiomyopathy or pulmonary hypertension and was strongly associated with pre-eclampsia and an adverse maternal and perinatal outcome.

Relating cause of death with place of care and healthcare costs in the last year of life for patients who died from cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure and dementia: A descriptive study using registry data.

PubMed

van der Plas, Annicka Gm; Oosterveld-Vlug, Mariska G; Pasman, H Roeline W; Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Bregje D

2017-04-01

The four main diagnostic groups for palliative care provision are cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure and dementia. But comparisons of costs and care in the last year of life are mainly directed at cancer versus non-cancer or within cancer patients. Our aim is to compare the care and expenditures in their last year of life for Dutch patients with cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure or dementia. Data from insurance company Achmea (2009-2010) were linked to information on long-term care at home or in an institution, the National Hospital Registration and Causes of Death-Registry from Statistics Netherlands. For patients who died of cancer ( n = 8658), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( n = 1637), heart failure ( n = 1505) or dementia ( n = 3586), frequencies and means were calculated, Lorenz curves were drawn up and logistic regression was used to compare patients with high versus low expenditures. For decedents with cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the highest costs were for hospital admissions. For decedents with heart failure, the highest costs were for the care home (last 360 days) and hospital admissions (last 30 days). For decedents with dementia, the highest costs were for the nursing home. Patients with dementia had the highest expenditures due to nursing home care. The number of dementia patients will double by the year 2030, resulting in even higher economic burdens than presently. Policy regarding patients with chronic conditions should be informed by research on expenditures within the context of preferences and needs of patients and carers.

Heart Diseases

MedlinePlus

... you're like most people, you think that heart disease is a problem for others. But heart disease is the number one killer in the ... of disability. There are many different forms of heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease ...

Comparison of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels to Simultaneously Obtained Right Heart Hemodynamics in Stable Outpatients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

PubMed

Helgeson, Scott A; Imam, J Saadi; Moss, John E; Hodge, David O; Burger, Charles D

2018-05-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease that requires validated biomarkers of disease severity. While PAH is defined hemodynamically by right heart catheterization (RHC), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is recommended by guidelines to assess disease status. Retrospectively collected data in 138 group 1 PAH patients were examined for the correlation of BNP levels to simultaneously obtained right heart catheterization (RHC). Patients were mostly Caucasian women, with functional class III symptoms, mean BNP of 406 ± 443 pg/mL, and an average right atrial pressure (RAP) of 9.9 ± 5.7 mm Hg and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of 47.3 ± 14.7 mm Hg. Significant correlation was demonstrated between BNP and RAP ( p = 0.021) and mPAP ( p = 0.003). Additional correlation was seen with right heart size on echocardiography: right atrial (RAE; p = 0.04) and right ventricular enlargement ( p = 0.03). An increased BNP level was an independent predictor of mortality ( p < 0.0001), along with RAP ( p = 0.039) and RAE ( p = 0.018). Simultaneous collection of BNP at the time of RHC confirmed the correlation of BNP with right heart hemodynamics. The current results reinforce the use of BNP level as a continuous variable to assess disease severity in group 1 PAH.

Changing Landscape of Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Bouma, Berto J; Mulder, Barbara J M

2017-03-17

Congenital heart disease is the most frequently occurring congenital disorder affecting ≈0.8% of live births. Thanks to great efforts and technical improvements, including the development of cardiopulmonary bypass in the 1950s, large-scale repair in these patients became possible, with subsequent dramatic reduction in morbidity and mortality. The ongoing search for progress and the growing understanding of the cardiovascular system and its pathophysiology refined all aspects of care for these patients. As a consequence, survival further increased over the past decades, and a new group of patients, those who survived congenital heart disease into adulthood, emerged. However, a large range of complications raised at the horizon as arrhythmias, endocarditis, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure, and the need for additional treatment became clear. Technical solutions were sought in perfection and creation of new surgical techniques by developing catheter-based interventions, with elimination of open heart surgery and new electronic devices enabling, for example, multisite pacing and implantation of internal cardiac defibrillators to prevent sudden death. Over time, many pharmaceutical studies were conducted, changing clinical treatment slowly toward evidence-based care, although results were often limited by low numbers and clinical heterogeneity. More attention has been given to secondary issues like sports participation, pregnancy, work, and social-related difficulties. The relevance of these issues was already recognized in the 1970s when the need for specialized centers with multidisciplinary teams was proclaimed. Finally, research has become incorporated in care. Results of intervention studies and registries increased the knowledge on epidemiology of adults with congenital heart disease and their complications during life, and at the end, several guidelines became easily accessible, guiding physicians to deliver care appropriately. Over the past decades

Abnormal heart rate recovery and chronotropic incompetence on exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Gupta, Mansi; Bansal, Vishal; Chhabra, Sunil K

2013-08-01

Chronotropic incompetence (CI; failure to reach the targeted heart rate (HR) on exercise) and a delayed HR recovery (HRR; ≤12 beats decline within the first minute after cessation) reflect autonomic dysfunction (AD) and predict adverse cardiac prognosis. As chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is known to be associated with AD, we hypothesized that these patients may manifest these responses on exercise. The prevalence and predictors of these responses in COPD and their association with its severity have not been evaluated. Normoxemic, stable male patients with COPD (n = 39) and 11 healthy controls underwent lung function testing and incremental leg ergometry. HR responses were monitored during exercise and recovery to compute the HRR and CI. Of all the patients, 33 (84.6%) had at least one of the two exercise responses as abnormal, with the majority (23, 58.9%) having both an abnormal HRR and CI. The frequency of abnormal responses increased with increasing Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity index. After adjusting for smoking history and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second, only a reduced diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide predicted abnormal HRR, though weakly. We concluded that abnormal HRR and CI are common in patients with COPD. These responses are observed with increasing frequency as the severity of disease increases.

[EFFICIENCY OF COMBINATION OF ROFLUMILAST AND QUERCETIN FOR CORRECTION OXYGEN- INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS AND PHAGOCYTIC ACTIVITY OF MACROPHAGE CELLS OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE WHEN COMBINED WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE].

PubMed

Gerych, P; Yatsyshyn, R

2015-01-01

Studied oxygen independent reaction and phagocytic activity of macrophage cells of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) II-III stage when combined with coronary heart disease (CHD). The increasing oxygen independent reactions monocytes and neutrophils and a decrease of the parameters that characterize the functional state of phagocytic cells, indicating a decrease in the functional capacity of macrophage phagocytic system (MPS) in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, which runs as its own or in combination with stable coronary heart disease angina I-II. FC. Severity immunodeficiency state in terms of cellular component of nonspecific immunity in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD II-III stage in conjunction with the accompanying CHD increases with the progression of heart failure. Inclusion of basic therapy of COPD exacerbation and standard treatment of coronary artery disease and drug combinations Roflumilastand quercetin causes normalization of phagocytic indices MFS, indicating improved immune status and improves myocardial perfusion in terms of daily ECG monitoring.

Effect of exercise training on ventilatory efficiency in patients with heart disease: a review.

PubMed

Prado, D M L; Rocco, E A; Silva, A G; Rocco, D F; Pacheco, M T; Furlan, V

2016-06-20

The analysis of ventilatory efficiency in cardiopulmonary exercise testing has proven useful for assessing the presence and severity of cardiorespiratory diseases. During exercise, efficient pulmonary gas exchange is characterized by uniform matching of lung ventilation with perfusion. By contrast, mismatching is marked by inefficient pulmonary gas exchange, requiring increased ventilation for a given CO2 production. The etiology of increased and inefficient ventilatory response to exercise in heart disease is multifactorial, involving both peripheral and central mechanisms. Exercise training has been recommended as non-pharmacological treatment for patients with different chronic cardiopulmonary diseases. In this respect, previous studies have reported improvements in ventilatory efficiency after aerobic exercise training in patients with heart disease. Against this background, the primary objective of the present review was to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in abnormal ventilatory response to exercise, with an emphasis on both patients with heart failure syndrome and coronary artery disease. Secondly, special focus was dedicated to the role of aerobic exercise training in improving indices of ventilatory efficiency among these patients, as well as to the underlying mechanisms involved.

Asymptomatic peripheral artery disease can limit maximal exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients regardless of airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation.

PubMed

Crisafulli, Ernesto; Scelfo, Chiara; Tzani, Panagiota; Aiello, Marina; Bertorelli, Giuseppina; Chetta, Alfredo

2017-06-01

Background Silent/asymptomatic peripheral artery disease may occur in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but it is poorly investigated. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients the impact of asymptomatic/silent peripheral artery disease on maximal exercise capacity; the secondary aim was to search for predictors of peripheral artery disease. Methods We prospectively enrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease outpatients. Data on anthropometric characteristics, lung function, cardiopulmonary exercise test and ankle-brachial index were recorded. The cut-off of ankle-brachial index used to define patients with peripheral artery disease was ≤0.90. Results We studied 47 patients and found 24 patients (51%) who showed peripheral artery disease. As compared to patients without peripheral artery disease, patients with peripheral artery disease had lower values of peak oxygen uptake, peak workload, energy expenditure (metabolic equivalents) and heart rate recovery, but showed the same degree of airflow obstruction and static and dynamic hyperinflation. In a multivariate linear regression model performed to identify variables predicting metabolic equivalents, ankle-brachial index (β 2.59; 95% confidence interval 0.51-4.67; p = 0.016) was an independent variable. In the search for predictors of peripheral artery disease, heart rate recovery (odds ratio 8.80; 95% confidence interval 1.30-59.35; p = 0.026) increased the risk of peripheral artery disease, whereas metabolic equivalents (odds ratio 0.50; 95% confidence interval 0.26-0.94, p = 0.033) and inhaled corticosteroids+long-acting β 2 agonists (odds ratio 0.13; 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.83; p = 0.030) reduced this risk. Conclusions In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease outpatients, asymptomatic/silent peripheral artery disease affects the maximal exercise capacity regardless of airflow obstruction and lung

The Relationship between Ambient Air Pollution and Heart Rate Variability Differs for Individuals with Heart and Pulmonary Disease

PubMed Central

Wheeler, Amanda; Zanobetti, Antonella; Gold, Diane R.; Schwartz, Joel; Stone, Peter; Suh, Helen H.

2006-01-01

Associations between concentrations of ambient fine particles [particulate matter < 2.5 μ m aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)] and heart rate variability (HRV) have differed by study population. We examined the effects of ambient pollution on HRV for 18 individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 12 individuals with recent myocardial infarction (MI) living in Atlanta, Georgia. HRV, baseline pulmonary function, and medication data were collected for each participant on 7 days in fall 1999 and/or spring 2000. Hourly ambient pollution concentrations were obtained from monitoring sites in Atlanta. The association between ambient pollution and HRV was examined using linear mixed-effect models. Ambient pollution had opposing effects on HRV in our COPD and MI participants, resulting in no significant effect of ambient pollution on HRV in the entire population for 1-, 4-, or 24-hr moving averages. For individuals with COPD, interquartile range (IQR) increases in 4-hr ambient PM2.5 (11.65 μ g/m3) and nitrogen dioxide (11.97 ppb) were associated with 8.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7–15.3%] and 7.7% (95% CI, 0.1–15.9%) increase in the SD of normal R-R intervals (SDNN), respectively. For individuals with MI, IQR increases in 4-hr PM2.5 (8.54 μ g/m3) and NO2 (9.25 ppb) were associated with a nonsignificant 2.9% (95% CI, –7.8 to 2.3) and significant 12.1 (95% CI, –19.5 to –4.0) decrease in SDNN. Beta-blocker and bronchodilator intake and baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 sec modified the PM–SDNN association significantly, with effects consistent with those by disease group. Results indicate heterogeneity in the autonomic response to air pollution due to differences in baseline health, with significant associations for ambient NO2 suggesting an important role for traffic-related pollution. PMID:16581546

Pulmonary Hypertension After Heart Transplantation in Patients Bridged with the Total Artificial Heart.

PubMed

Shah, Rachit; Patel, Dhavalkumar B; Mankad, Anit K; Rennyson, Stephen L; Tang, Daniel G; Quader, Mohammed A; Smallfield, Melissa C; Kasirajan, Vigneshwar; Shah, Keyur B

2016-01-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) among heart transplant recipients is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Pulmonary hemodynamics improves after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation; however, the impact of PH before total artificial heart (TAH) implantation on posttransplant hemodynamics and survival is unknown. This is a single center retrospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of TAH implantation on posttransplant hemodynamics and mortality in two groups stratified according to severity of PH: high (≥3 Woods units [WU]) and low (<3 WU) baseline pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Hemodynamic data were obtained from right heart catheterization performed at baseline (before TAH) and posttransplant at 1 and 12 months. Patients in the high PVR group (n = 12) experienced improvement in PVR (baseline = 4.31 ± 0.7; 1-month = 1.69 ± 0.7, p < 0.001; 12-month = 48 ± 0.9, p < 0.001) and transpulmonary gradient (baseline = 15.8 ± 3.3; 1-month = 11.57 ± 5.0, p = 0.07; 12-month = 8.50 ± 4.0, p = 0.008) after transplantation, reaching similar values as the low PVR group at 12 months. The filling pressures improved in the high PVR group after heart transplantation (HT), but remained elevated. There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups at 12 months follow-up. Patients with high PVR who are bridged to transplant with TAH had improvement in PVR at 12 months after transplant, and the degree of PVR did not impact posttransplant survival.

Cardio-Pulmonary Stethoscope: Clinical Validation With Heart Failure and Hemodialysis Patients.

PubMed

Iskander, Magdy F; Seto, Todd B; Perron, Ruthsenne Rg; Lim, Eunjung; Qazi, Farhan

2018-05-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of a noninvasive radiofrequency-based device, the Cardio-Pulmonary Stethoscope (CPS), to monitor heart and respiration rates, and detect changes in lung water content in human experiments and clinical trials. Three human populations (healthy subjects ( ), heart failure (), and hemodialysis () patients) were enrolled in this study. The study was conducted at the University of Hawaii and the Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, HI, USA. Measurement of heart and respiration rates for all patients was compared with standard FDA - approved monitoring methods. For lung water measurements, CPS data were compared with simultaneous pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) measurements for heart failure patients, and with change in weight of extracted fluid for hemodialysis patients. Statistical correlation methods (Pearson, mixed, and intraclass) were used to compare the data and examine accuracy of CPS results. Results show that heart and respiration rates of all patients have excellent correlation factors, r≥0.9. Comparisons with fluid removed during hemodialysis treatment showed correlation factor of to 1, while PCWP measurements of heart failure patients had correlation factor of to 0.97. These results suggest that CPS technology accurately quantifies heart and respiration rates and measure fluid changes in the lungs. The CPS has the potential to accurately monitor lung fluid status noninvasively and continuously in a clinical and outpatient setting. Early and efficient management of lung fluid status is key in managing chronic conditions such heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and acute respiration distress syndrome.

A binational registry of adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension complicating congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Strange, G; Rose, M; Kermeen, F; O'Donnell, C; Keogh, A; Kotlyar, E; Grigg, L; Bullock, A; Disney, P; Dwyer, N; Whitford, H; Tanous, D; Frampton, C; Weintraub, R; Celermajer, D S

2015-09-01

The management of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved over recent decades and several patients surviving with CHD into adulthood are increasing. In developed countries, there are now as many adults as there are children living with CHD. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) occurs in ∼ 5% of patients with CHD. We aimed to understand the characteristics and outcomes of this emerging population. We collected data retrospectively and prospectively from 12 contributing centres across Australia and New Zealand (2010-2013). Patients were included if they had been diagnosed with PAH and CHD and had been seen once in an adult centre after 1 January 2000. Of 360 patients with CHD-PAH, 60% were female and 90% were New York Heart Association functional class II or III at the time of adult diagnosis of PAH. Mean age at diagnosis of PAH in adulthood was 31.2 ± 14 years, and on average, patients were diagnosed with PAH 6 years after symptom onset. All-cause mortality was 12% at 5 years, 21% at 10 years and 31% at 15 years. One hundred and six patients (30%) experienced 247 hospitalisations during 2936 patient years of follow up. Eighty-nine per cent of patients were prescribed PAH specific therapy (mean exposure of 4.0 years). Adults with PAH and CHD often have this diagnosis made after significant delay, and have substantial medium-term morbidity and mortality. This suggests a need for children transitioning to adult care with CHD to be closely monitored for this complication. © 2015 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Alveolar recruitment manoeuvre is safe in children prone to pulmonary hypertensive crises following open heart surgery: a pilot study.

PubMed

Amorim, Erica de Freitas; Guimaraes, Viviane Assuncao; Carmona, Fabio; Carlotti, Ana Paula de Carvalho Panzeri; Manso, Paulo Henrique; Ferreira, Cesar Augusto; Klamt, Jyrson Guilherme; Vicente, Walter Villela de Andrade

2014-05-01

To test the tolerance and safety of an alveolar recruitment manoeuvre performed in the immediate postoperative period of corrective open heart surgery in children with congenital heart disease associated with excessive pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary arterial hypertension due to left-to-right shunt. Ten infants aged 1-24 months with congenital heart disease associated with excessive pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary artery hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg) were evaluated. The alveolar recruitment manoeuvre was performed in the operating theatre right after skin closure, and consisted of three successive stages of 30 s each, intercalated by a 1-min interval of baseline ventilation. Positive end-expiratory pressure was set to 10 cmH2O in the first stage and to 15 cmH2O in the two last ones, while the peak inspiratory pressure was kept at to 30 cmH2O in the first stage and at 35 cmH2O in the latter ones. Haemodynamic and respiratory variables were recorded. There was a slight but significant increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure from baseline to Stage 3 (P = 0.0009), as well as between Stages 1 and 2 (P = 0.0001), and 1 and 3 (P = 0.001), with no significant difference between Stages 2 and 3 (P = 0.06). Upon completion of the third stage, there were significant increases in arterial haemoglobin saturation as measured by pulse oximetry (P = 0.0009), arterial blood partial pressure of oxygen (P = 0.04), venous blood oxygen saturation of haemoglobin (P = 0.03) and arterial oxygen partial pressure over inspired oxygen fraction ratio (P = 0.04). A significant reduction in arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide (P = 0.01) and in end tidal carbon dioxide also occurred (P = 0.009). The manoeuvre was well tolerated and besides a slight and transitory elevation in mean pulmonary artery, no other adverse haemodynamic or ventilatory effect was elicited. The alveolar recruitment manoeuvre seemed to be safe and well tolerated immediately

Identification of Pulmonary Hypertension Caused by Left-Sided Heart Disease (World Health Organization Group 2) Based on Cardiac Chamber Volumes Derived From Chest CT Imaging.

PubMed

Aviram, Galit; Rozenbaum, Zach; Ziv-Baran, Tomer; Berliner, Shlomo; Topilsky, Yan; Fleischmann, Dominik; Sung, Yon K; Zamanian, Roham T; Guo, Haiwei Henry

2017-10-01

Evaluations of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) commonly include chest CT imaging. We hypothesized that cardiac chamber volumes calculated from the same CT scans can yield additional information to distinguish PH related to left-sided heart disease (World Health Organization group 2) from other PH subtypes. Patients who had PH confirmed by right heart catheterization and contrast-enhanced chest CT studies were enrolled in this retrospective multicenter study. Cardiac chamber volumes were calculated using automated segmentation software and compared between group 2 and non-group 2 patients with PH. This study included 114 patients with PH, 27 (24%) of whom were classified as group 2 based on their pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. Patients with group 2 PH exhibited significantly larger median left atrial (LA) volumes (118 mL vs 63 mL; P < .001), larger median left ventricular (LV) volumes (90 mL vs 76 mL; P = .02), and smaller median right ventricular (RV) volumes (173 mL vs 210 mL; P = .005) than did non-group 2 patients. On multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, group 2 PH was significantly associated with larger median LA and LV volumes (P < .001 and P = .008, respectively) and decreased volume ratios of RA/LA, RV/LV, and RV/LA (P = .001, P = .004, and P < .001, respectively). Enlarged LA volumes demonstrated a high discriminatory ability for group 2 PH (area under the curve, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.870-0.968). Volumetric analysis of the cardiac chambers from nongated chest CT scans, particularly with findings of an enlarged left atrium, exhibited high discriminatory ability for identifying patients with PH due to left-sided heart disease. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Epidemiology of congenital heart disease in Brazil

PubMed Central

Pinto Júnior, Valdester Cavalcante; Branco, Klébia Magalhães P. Castello; Cavalcante, Rodrigo Cardoso; Carvalho Junior, Waldemiro; Lima, José Rubens Costa; de Freitas, Sílvia Maria; Fraga, Maria Nazaré de Oliveira; de Souza, Nayana Maria Gomes

2015-01-01

Introduction Congenital heart disease is an abnormality in the structure or cardiocirculatory function, occurring from birth, even if diagnosed later. It can result in intrauterine death in childhood or in adulthood. Accounted for 6% of infant deaths in Brazil in 2007. Objective To estimate underreporting in the prevalence of congenital heart disease in Brazil and its subtypes. Methods The calculations of prevalence were performed by applying coefficients, giving them function rates for calculations of health problems. The study makes an approach between the literature and the governmental registries. It was adopted an estimate of 9: 1000 births and prevalence rates for subtypes applied to births of 2010. Estimates of births with congenital heart disease were compared with the reports to the Ministry of Health and were studied by descriptive methods with the use of rates and coefficients represented in tables. Results The incidence in Brazil is 25,757 new cases/year, distributed in: North 2,758; Northeast 7,570; Southeast 10,112; South 3,329; and Midwest 1,987. In 2010, were reported to System of Live Birth Information of Ministry of Health 1,377 cases of babies with congenital heart disease, representing 5.3% of the estimated for Brazil. In the same period, the most common subtypes were: ventricular septal defect (7,498); atrial septal defect (4,693); persistent ductus arteriosus (2,490); pulmonary stenosis (1,431); tetralogy of Fallot (973); coarctation of the aorta (973); transposition of the great arteries (887); and aortic stenosis 630. The prevalence of congenital heart disease, for the year of 2009, was 675,495 children and adolescents and 552,092 adults. Conclusion In Brazil, there is underreporting in the prevalence of congenital heart disease, signaling the need for adjustments in the methodology of registration. PMID:26107454

Bartonella endocarditis in complex congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Hoffman, Risa M; AboulHosn, Jamil; Child, John S; Pegues, David A

2007-01-01

Bartonella species are an important cause of culture-negative endocarditis, with recognized risk factors of alcoholism, homelessness, cat exposure, and pre-existing valvular disease. We report a case of Bartonella henselae endocarditis in a 36-year-old woman with complex congenital heart disease who presented with a 7-month history of hemolytic anemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and recurrent fevers. Transesophageal echocardiogram revealed vegetations on the patient's native aortic valve and in the right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit and associated bioprosthetic valve. Diagnosis of B. henselae was confirmed with serum antibody and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and tissue stains. The patient was treated successfully with surgical resection and prolonged antimicrobial therapy with ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and doxycycline. A review of the literature suggests prosthetic valves and complex congenital heart disease are risk factors for Bartonella endocarditis, and a high index of suspicion with antibody and PCR testing can expedite diagnosis and improve outcomes.

Physical activity and fatigue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - A population based study.

PubMed

Andersson, Mikael; Stridsman, Caroline; Rönmark, Eva; Lindberg, Anne; Emtner, Margareta

2015-08-01

In subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), symptoms of fatigue, concomitant heart disease and low physical activity levels are more frequently described than in subjects without COPD. However, there are no population-based studies addressing the relationship between physical activity, fatigue and heart disease in COPD. The aim was to compare physical activity levels among subjects with and without COPD in a population based study, and to evaluate if concomitant heart disease and fatigue was associated to physical activity. In this, 470 subjects with COPD and 659 subjects without COPD (non-COPD) participated in examinations including structured interview and spirometry. A ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/best of forced vital capacity (FVC) and vital capacity (VC) < 0.7 was used to define COPD. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and fatigue with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue scale (FACIT-F). The prevalence of low physical activity was higher among subjects with FEV1 < 80% predicted compared to non-COPD subjects (22.4% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.041). The factors most strongly associated with low physical activity in subjects with COPD were older age, OR 1.52, (95% CI 1.12-2.06), a history of heart disease, OR 2.11 (1.10-4.08), and clinically significant fatigue, OR 2.33 (1.31-4.13); while obesity was the only significant factor among non-COPD subjects, OR 2.26 (1.17-4.35). Physical activity levels are reduced when lung function is decreased below 80% of predicted, and the factors associated with low physical activity are different among subject with and without COPD. We propose that the presence of fatigue and heart disease are useful to evaluate when identifying subjects for pulmonary rehabilitation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coronary heart disease

MedlinePlus

Heart disease, Coronary heart disease, Coronary artery disease; Arteriosclerotic heart disease; CHD; CAD ... buildup of plaque in the arteries to your heart. This may also be called hardening of the ...

Pulmonary Catherization Data Correlate Poorly with Renal Function in Heart Failure.

PubMed

Masha, Luke; Stone, James; Stone, Danielle; Zhang, Jun; Sheng, Luo

2018-04-10

The mechanisms of renal dysfunction in heart failure are poorly understood. We chose to explore the relationship of cardiac filling pressures and cardiac index (CI) in relation to renal dysfunction in advanced heart failure. To determine the relationship between renal function and cardiac filling pressures using the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) pulmonary artery catherization registry. Patients over the age of 18 years who were listed for single-organ heart transplantation were included. Exclusion criteria included a history of mechanical circulatory support, previous transplantation, any use of renal replacement therapy, prior history of malignancy, and cardiac surgery, amongst others. Correlations between serum creatinine (SCr) and CI, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PADP) were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients and simple linear regression coefficients. Pearson correlation coefficients between SCr and PCWP, PASP, and PADP were near zero with values of 0.1, 0.07, and 0.08, respectively (p < 0.0001). A weak negative correlation coefficient between SCr and CI was found (correlation coefficient, -0.045, p = 0.027). In a subgroup of young patients unlikely to have noncardiac etiologies, no significant correlations between these values were identified. These findings suggest that, as assessed by pulmonary artery catherization, none of the factors - PCWP, PASP, PADP, or CI - play a prominent role in cardiorenal syndromes. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

[Pregnancy in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients].

PubMed

Rosengarten, Dror; Kramer, Mordechai R

2013-09-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disorder defined by elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure. PAH can be idiopathic or associated with a variety of medical conditions such as scleroderma, congenital heart disease, left heart failure, lung disease or chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. This progressive disease can cause severe right heart failure and death. Normal physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy may produce fatal consequences in PAH patients. Current guidelines recommend that pregnancy be avoided or terminated early in women with PAH. During the past decade, new advanced therapies for PAH have emerged gathering reports of successful pregnancies in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Substantial risk still exists and current recommendations have not changed. Nevertheless, in selected cases, if a patient insists on continuing the pregnancy, being fully aware of the risks involved, an intensive treatment approach should be implemented in experienced centers. This is necessary in order to control pulmonary hypertension during pregnancy and reduce the risk so as to improve outcomes. This review will focus on the pathophysiology of PAH in pregnancy and appropriate management during pregnancy, delivery and the post-partum period.

Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation Change Patterns During 6-min Walk Test in Subjects With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

PubMed

Inagaki, Takeshi; Terada, Jiro; Yahaba, Misuzu; Kawata, Naoko; Jujo, Takayuki; Nagashima, Kengo; Sakao, Seiichiro; Tanabe, Nobuhiro; Tatsumi, Koichiro

2018-05-01

The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is commonly performed to assess functional status in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation (S pO 2 ) patterns during 6MWT in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension remain unclear. Thirty-one subjects with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension were retrospectively evaluated to examine the relationships between the change in heart rate (Δheart rate), heart rate acceleration time, slope of heart rate acceleration, heart rate recovery during the first minute after 6MWT (HRR1), change in S pO 2 (ΔS pO 2 ), S pO 2 reduction time, and S pO 2 recovery time during 6MWT, and the severity of pulmonary hemodynamics assessed by right heart catheterization and echocardiography. Subjects with severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension had significantly longer heart rate acceleration time (144.9 ± 63.9 s vs 96.0 ± 42.5 s, P = .033), lower Δheart rate (47.4 ± 16.9 vs 61.8 ± 13.6 beats, P = .02), and lower HRR1 (13.3 ± 9.0 beats vs 27.1 ± 9.2 beats, P < .001) compared to subjects with mild chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Subjects with severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension also had significantly longer S pO 2 reduction time (178.3 ± 70.3 s vs 134.3 ± 58.4 s, P = .03) and S pO 2 recovery time (107.6 ± 35.3 s vs 69.8 ± 32.7 s, P = .004) than did subjects with mild chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed only mean pulmonary arterial pressure independently was associated with heart rate acceleration time and slope of heart rate acceleration. Heart rate and S pO 2 change patterns during 6MWT are predominantly associated with pulmonary hemodynamics in subjects with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Evaluating heart rate and S pO 2 change patterns during 6MWT may serve as a safe and convenient way to follow the change in pulmonary hemodynamics

Emerging hemodynamic signatures of the right heart (Third International Right Heart Failure Summit, part 2).

PubMed

Maron, Bradley A

2014-12-01

Despite the importance of preserved right ventricular structure and function with respect to outcome across the spectrum of lung, cardiac, and pulmonary vascular diseases, only recently have organized efforts developed to consider the pulmonary vascular-right ventricular apparatus as a specific unit within the larger context of cardiopulmonary pathophysiology. The Third International Right Heart Failure Summit (Boston, MA) was a multidisciplinary event dedicated to promoting a dialogue about the scientific and clinical basis of right heart disease. The current review provides a synopsis of key discussions presented during the section of the summit titled "Emerging Hemodynamic Signatures of the Right Heart." Specifically, topics emphasized in this element of the symposium included (1) the effects of pulmonary vascular dysfunction at rest or provoked by exercise on the right ventricular pressure-volume relationship, (2) the role of pressure-volume loop analysis as a method to characterize right ventricular inefficiency and predict right heart failure, and (3) the importance of a systems biology approach to identifying novel factors that contribute to pathophenotypes associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension and/or right ventricular dysfunction. Collectively, these concepts frame a forward-thinking paradigm shift in the approach to right heart disease by emphasizing factors that regulate the transition from adaptive to maladaptive right ventricular-pulmonary vascular (patho)physiology.

Risk Factors for Prosthetic Pulmonary Valve Failure in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Oliver, Jose Maria; Garcia-Hamilton, Diego; Gonzalez, Ana Elvira; Ruiz-Cantador, Jose; Sanchez-Recalde, Angel; Polo, Maria Luz; Aroca, Angel

2015-10-15

The incidence and risk factors for prosthetic pulmonary valve failure (PPVF) should be considered when determining optimal timing for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in asymptomatic patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The cumulative freedom for reintervention due to PPVF after 146 PVR in 114 patients with CHD was analyzed. Six potential risk factors (underlying cardiac defect, history of palliative procedures, number of previous cardiac interventions, hemodynamic indication for PVR, type of intervention, and age at intervention) were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for discrimination. Internal validation in patients with tetralogy of Fallot was also performed. Median age at intervention was 23 years. There were 60 reinterventions due to PPVF (41%). Median event-free survival was 14 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 12 to 16 years). The only independent risk factor was the age at intervention (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.97; p = 0.001; area under the ROC curve 0.95, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98; p <0.001). The best cut-off point was 20.5 years. Freedom from reintervention for PPVF 15 years after surgery was 70% when it was performed at age >20.5 years compared with 33% when age at intervention was <20.5 years (p = 0.004). Internal validation in 102 PVR in patient cohort with tetralogy of Fallot (ROC area 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.0; p <0.001) was excellent. In conclusion, age at intervention is the main risk factor of reintervention for PPVF. The risk of reintervention is 2-fold when PVR is performed before the age of 20.5 years. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Heart disease - resources

MedlinePlus

Resources - heart disease ... The following organizations are good resources for information on heart disease: American Heart Association -- www.heart.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- www.cdc.gov/heartdisease

A consensus approach to the classification of pediatric pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease: Report from the PVRI Pediatric Taskforce, Panama 2011

PubMed Central

del Cerro, Maria Jesus; Abman, Steven; Diaz, Gabriel; Freudenthal, Alexandra Heath; Freudenthal, Franz; Harikrishnan, S.; Haworth, Sheila G.; Ivy, Dunbar; Lopes, Antonio A.; Raj, J. Usha; Sandoval, Julio; Stenmark, Kurt; Adatia, Ian

2011-01-01

Current classifications of pulmonary hypertension have contributed a great deal to our understanding of pulmonary vascular disease, facilitated drug trials, and improved our understanding of congenital heart disease in adult survivors. However, these classifications are not applicable readily to pediatric disease. The classification system that we propose is based firmly in clinical practice. The specific aims of this new system are to improve diagnostic strategies, to promote appropriate clinical investigation, to improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis, physiology and epidemiology, and to guide the development of human disease models in laboratory and animal studies. It should be also an educational resource. We emphasize the concepts of perinatal maladaptation, maldevelopment and pulmonary hypoplasia as causative factors in pediatric pulmonary hypertension. We highlight the importance of genetic, chromosomal and multiple congenital malformation syndromes in the presentation of pediatric pulmonary hypertension. We divide pediatric pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease into 10 broad categories. PMID:21874158

Chronotropic Incompetence and its Relation to Exercise Intolerance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PubMed

Liu, Hai-Jian; Guo, Jian; Zhao, Qin-Hua; Wang, Lan; Yang, Wen-Lan; He, Jing; Gong, Su-Gang; Liu, Jin-Ming

2017-03-01

To study the relationship between chronotropic incompetence (CI) and disease severity and to assess the effect of CI on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function test and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were conducted in 60 patients with stable COPD and 45 healthy volunteers. CI was defined using the chronotropic response index (CRI = (peak heart rate-resting heart rate) / (220-age-resting heart rate). Based on CRI, patients with COPD were divided into the normal chronotropic group (n = 23) and CI group (n = 37). CI was present in 61.7% of the patients with COPD. Exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake as percentage of predicted value, peak VO 2 %pred), peak heart rate and CRI were significantly lower in patients with COPD than in controls. However, resting heart rate was significantly higher than in controls. FEV 1 %pred and exercise capacity were significantly decreased in the CI group when compared with those in the normotropic group. There was significant association between CRI with FEV 1 %pred and peak VO 2 %pred. Multivariate regression analysis showed that CRI and FEV 1 %pred were independent predictors of exercise capacity in patients with COPD. A cutoff of 0.74 for the CRI showed a specificity of 94.1% in predicting patients with a peak VO 2 %pred < 60%. CRI was associated with disease severity in patients with COPD. CI may be an important parameter to reflect exercise capacity in patients with COPD. Copyright © 2017 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Radiation-induced heart disease in lung cancer radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Ming, Xin; Feng, Yuanming; Yang, Chengwen; Wang, Wei; Wang, Ping; Deng, Jun

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), which affects the patients’ prognosis with both acute and late side effects, has been published extensively in the radiotherapy of breast cancer, lymphoma and other benign diseases. Studies on RIHD in lung cancer radiotherapy, however, are less extensive and clear even though the patients with lung cancer are delivered with higher doses to the heart during radiation treatment. Methods: In this article, after extensive literature search and analysis, we reviewed the current evidence on RIHD in lung cancer patients after their radiation treatments and investigated the potential risk factors for RIHD as compared to other types of cancers. Result: Cardiac toxicity has been found highly relevant in lung cancer radiotherapy. So far, the crude incidence of cardiac complications in the lung cancer patients after radiotherapy has been up to 33%. Conclusion: The dose to the heart, the lobar location of tumor, the treatment modality, the history of heart and pulmonary disease and smoking were considered as potential risk factors for RIHD in lung cancer radiotherapy. As treatment techniques improve over the time with better prognosis for lung cancer survivors, an improved prediction model can be established to further reduce the cardiac toxicity in lung cancer radiotherapy. PMID:27741117

Recurrent pulmonary embolism due to hydatid disease of heart. Study of 3 cases, one with intermittent tricuspid valve obstruction (atrial pseudomyxoma).

PubMed Central

Gilsanz, V; Campo, C; Cue, R; Estella, J; Estrada, R V; Perez-oteiza, C; Rabago, G; Rebollar, J L; Zarco, P

1977-01-01

Three cases of pulmonary hypertension caused by hydatid emboli from the right side of the heart are described; cardiac catheterisation was performed in 2. One case was confirmed at operation and 2 at necropsy. The pulmonary emboli were caused by hydatid vesicles in all 3 cases and in none was there pulmonary thrombosis; free scolices were found in the pulmonary alveoli in 2. In 1 patient with repeated syncopal attacks there was a pedunculated cyst in the right atrium which was though to have intermittently obstructed the tricuspid valve. Gamma radiography, angiocardiography, and necropsy suggested a mechanical cause for the pulmonary hypertenion with no vasoconstrictive element. The surgical patient was alive and well 18 months later. Images PMID:861098

Pulmonary eosinophilia.

PubMed

Campos, Luiz Eduardo Mendes; Pereira, Luiz Fernando Ferreira

2009-06-01

Pulmonary eosinophilia comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases defined by eosinophilia in pulmonary infiltrates (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) or in tissue (lung biopsy specimens). Although the inflammatory infiltrate is composed of macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, eosinophilia is an important marker for the diagnosis and treatment. Clinical and radiological presentations can include simple pulmonary eosinophilia, chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and pulmonary eosinophilia associated with a systemic disease, such as in Churg-Strauss syndrome and hypereosinophilic syndrome. Asthma is frequently concomitant and can be a prerequisite, as in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and Churg-Strauss syndrome. In diseases with systemic involvement, the skin, the heart and the nervous system are the most affected organs. The radiological presentation can be typical, or at least suggestive, of one of three types of pulmonary eosinophilia: chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, acute eosinophilic pneumonia and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The etiology of pulmonary eosinophilia can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary, due to known causes, such as drugs, parasites, fungal infection, mycobacterial infection, irradiation and toxins. Pulmonary eosinophilia can be also associated with diffuse lung diseases, connective tissue diseases and neoplasia.

Heart Disease

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... vary by type of heart disease. Causes of cardiovascular disease While cardiovascular disease can refer to different heart or blood vessel ... Atherosclerosis is also the most common cause of cardiovascular disease. It can be caused by correctable problems, such ...

[Rehabilitation of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases at the lung hospital (author's transl)].

PubMed

Meister, W

1979-12-01

The modern lung hospital offers favorable conditions for the rehabilitation of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In the years from 1972 to 1976 2398 patients suffering from chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and pulmonary emphysema were subjected to a rehabilitation process at the central hospital for heart and lung diseases Bad Berka. A long-term therapy plan based on a most accurate investigation possible of all the factors which trigger off the complaint in each case was used as baseline. An account is given of the resulting diagnostic and therapeutic program carried out. In the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases it is particularly difficult to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures. One aspect dealt with is the restoration of working capacity. 56.7% of the men and 56.8% of the women were capable of working when they were dismissed. 31.6% of male and 26.4% of female patients were invalids, 11.7% and 16.8% respectively were old age pensioners. Rehabilitation success depended on variables such as age, degree of cardio-pulmonary limitation in performance, as well as on certain concomitant diseases and the patient's cooperation. A decisive factor in some cases was also whether suitable employment could be found for these patients whose age ranges between 40 and 60.

Assessment of Pulmonary Artery Stiffness of Repaired Congenital Heart Disease Patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Namheon; Banerjee, Rajit; Taylor, Michael; Hor, Kan

2012-10-01

Surgical correction or palliation of congenital heart disease (CHD) often requires augmenting the main pulmonary artery (MPA) with non-native material or placing a cylindrical graft. The degree to which this intervention affects PA compliance is largely unknown. In this study, the MPA stiffness characteristics were assessed by its compliance, distensibility, and pressure-strain modulus. Coregistered velocity encoded phase-contrast MRI and cardiac catheterization data were available for a cohort of repaired CHD patients (n=8) and controls (n=3). All patients were repaired with either an RV-PA conduit or a RV outflow tract patch. We measured the MPA area change by MRI and MPA pressure during the cath. The measurements were taken through or just distal to the conduit. The MPA compliance and distensibility for the patients were significantly lower than the controls: compliance (9.8±10.8 vs 28.3±7.7mm^2/mmHg, p<0.05), distensibility (2.2±1.5 vs 6.6±2.1%Area change/mmHg, p=0.05). The patients had a significantly higher pressure-strain modulus (152.3±116.4mmHg, p<0.05) than the controls (35.8±10.6mmHg). The abnormally elevated PA stiffness due to the rigidity of the conduit or patch material may cause a compliance mismatch resulting in high stress levels contributing to the observed progressive PA dilatation. This may be a factor in the progressive RV dilatation seen in this cohort of repaired CHD patients.

Adult congenital heart disease in Greece: Preliminary data from the CHALLENGE registry.

PubMed

Giannakoulas, G; Vasiliadis, K; Frogoudaki, A; Ntellos, C; Tzifa, A; Brili, S; Manginas, A; Papaphylactou, M; Parcharidou, D; Kampouridis, N; Pitsis, A; Chamaidi, A; Kolios, M; Papadopoulos, G; Douras, A; Davlouros, P; Ntiloudi, D; Karvounis, H; Kalangos, A; Tsioufis, C; Rammos, S

2017-10-15

The majority of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), nowadays, survives into adulthood and is faced with long-term complications. We aimed to study the basic demographic and clinical characteristics of adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD) in Greece. A registry named CHALLENGE (Adult Congenital Heart Disease Registry. A registry from Hellenic Cardiology Society) was initiated in January 2012. Patients with structural CHD older than 16years old were enrolled by 16 specialized centers nationwide. Out of a population of 2115 patients with ACHD, who have been registered, (mean age 38years (SD 16), 52% women), 47% were classified as suffering from mild, 37% from moderate and 15% from severe ACHD. Atrial septal defect (ASD) was the most prevalent diagnosis (33%). The vast majority of ACHD patients (92%) was asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (NYHA class I/II). The most symptomatic patients were suffering from an ASD, most often the elderly or those under targeted therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Elderly patients (>60years old) accounted for 12% of the ACHD population. Half of patients had undergone at least one open-heart surgery, while 39% were under cardiac medications (15% under antiarrhythmic drugs, 16% under anticoagulants, 16% under medications for heart failure and 4% under targeted therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension). ACHD patients are an emerging patient population and national prospective registries such as CHALLENGE are of unique importance in order to identify the ongoing needs of these patients and match them with the appropriate resource allocation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Placement

PubMed Central

Prieto, Lourdes R.

2015-01-01

Patients with congenital heart disease and pulmonary valve disease need multiple procedures over their lifetimes to replace their pulmonary valves. Chronic pulmonary stenosis, regurgitation, or both have untoward effects on ventricular function and on the clinical status of these patients. To date, all right ventricle–pulmonary artery conduits have had relatively short lifespans. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, although relatively new, will probably reduce the number of operative procedures that these patients will have to undergo over a lifetime. Refinement and further development of this procedure holds promise for the extension of this technology to other patient populations. PMID:26175629

High-altitude Pulmonary Hypertension: an Update on Disease Pathogenesis and Management

PubMed Central

Mirrakhimov, Aibek E.; Strohl, Kingman P.

2016-01-01

High-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) affects individuals residing at altitudes of 2,500 meters and higher. Numerous pathogenic variables play a role in disease inception and progression and include low oxygen concentration in inspired air, vasculopathy, and metabolic abnormalities. Since HAPH affects only some people living at high altitude genetic factors play a significant role in its pathogenesis. The clinical presentation of HAPH is nonspecific and includes fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive deficits, cough, and in advanced cases hepatosplenomegaly and overt right-sided heart failure. A thorough history is important and should include a search for additional risk factors for lung disease and pulmonary hypertension (PH) such as smoking, indoor air pollution, left-sided cardiac disease and sleep disordered breathing. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and echocardiography can be used as screening tools. A definitive diagnosis should be made with right-sided heart catheterization using a modified mean pulmonary artery pressure of at least 30 mm Hg, differing from the 25 mm Hg used for other types of PH. Treatment of HAPH includes descent to a lower altitude whenever possible, oxygen therapy and the use of medications such as endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase 5 blockers, fasudil and acetazolamide. Some recent evidence suggests that iron supplementation may also be beneficial. However, it is important to note that the scientific literature lacks long-term randomized controlled data on the pharmacologic treatment of HAPH. Thus, an individualized approach to treatment and informing the patients regarding the benefits and risks of the selected treatment regimen are essential. PMID:27014374

[The heart catheter table is not the operating table : Intraindividual comparison of pulmonary artery pressures].

PubMed

Ziegler, M U; Reinelt, H

2018-05-01

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery need extensive and invasive monitoring, which needs to be individually adapted for each patient and requires a diligent risk-benefit analysis. The use of a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) seems to be justifiable in certain cases; therefore, the preoperative diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension represents an indication for perioperative monitoring with PAC in the S3 guidelines of the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI). In many cases, however, this preoperative diagnosis cannot be confirmed intraoperatively. We wanted to find out whether this is just an impression or whether there actually are significant differences between preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative pulmonary artery pressures. After obtaining ethical approval, we retrospectively compared the pulmonary pressures of cardiac surgery patients with an elevated pulmonary pressure during preoperative right heart catheterization with those obtained intraoperatively and postoperatively by means of a PAC. All patients with a preoperatively documented pulmonary artery pressure of 40 mmHg or above and an intraoperative use of a PAC during a 4-year period were included. Exclusion criteria were intracardiac shunts, cardiogenic shock, emergency procedures, pulmonary hypertension of non-cardiac origin and a time span of more than 1 year between right heart catheterization and surgery. We included 90 patients. In the whole group and in the subgroups (according to diagnosis, time elapsed between heart catheterization and operation and pulmonary pressure), there were significant differences between preoperative and intraoperative pulmonary and systemic pressures. Systemic and pulmonary artery pressures were significantly higher during preoperative catheterization than intraoperatively. The systemic systolic pressure/systolic pulmonary pressure ratio, however, remained constant. The intraoperative and postoperative systemic and pulmonary

Heart Disease and Stroke

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... receive Heart Disease and Stroke email updates Submit Heart Disease and Stroke Heart disease and stroke are important ... Stroke Stroke symptoms Stroke risk factors View more Heart Disease and Stroke resources Related information Heart-healthy eating ...

The genetics of congenital heart disease… understanding and improving long-term outcomes in congenital heart disease: a review for the general cardiologist and primary care physician.

PubMed

Simmons, M Abigail; Brueckner, Martina

2017-10-01

This review has two purposes: to provide an updated review of the genetic causes of congenital heart disease (CHD) and the clinical implications of these genetic mutations, and to provide a clinical algorithm for clinicians considering a genetics evaluation of a CHD patient. A large portion of congenital heart disease is thought to have a significant genetic contribution, and at this time a genetic cause can be identified in approximately 35% of patients. Through the advances made possible by next generation sequencing, many of the comorbidities that are frequently seen in patients with genetic congenital heart disease patients can be attributed to the genetic mutation that caused the congenital heart disease. These comorbidities are both cardiac and noncardiac and include: neurodevelopmental disability, pulmonary disease, heart failure, renal dysfunction, arrhythmia and an increased risk of malignancy. Identification of the genetic cause of congenital heart disease helps reduce patient morbidity and mortality by improving preventive and early intervention therapies to address these comorbidities. Through an understanding of the clinical implications of the genetic underpinning of congenital heart disease, clinicians can provide care tailored to an individual patient and continue to improve the outcomes of congenital heart disease patients.

Exercise training in patients with heart disease: review of beneficial effects and clinical recommendations.

PubMed

Gielen, Stephan; Laughlin, M Harold; O'Conner, Christopher; Duncker, Dirk J

2015-01-01

Over the last decades exercise training has evolved into an established evidence-based therapeutic strategy with prognostic benefits in many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): In stable coronary artery disease (CAD) exercise training attenuates disease progression by beneficially influencing CVD risk factors (i.e., hyperlipidemia, hypertension) and coronary endothelial function. In heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) training prevents the progressive loss of exercise capacity by antagonizing peripheral skeletal muscle wasting and by promoting left ventricular reverse remodeling with reduction in cardiomegaly and improvement of ejection fraction. Novel areas for exercise training interventions include HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), pulmonary hypertension, and valvular heart disease. In HFpEF, randomized studies indicate a lusitropic effect of training on left ventricular diastolic function associated with symptomatic improvement of exercise capacity. In pulmonary hypertension, reductions in pulmonary artery pressure were observed following endurance exercise training. Recently, innovative training methods such as high-intensity interval training, resistance training and others have been introduced. Although their prognostic value still needs to be determined, these approaches may achieve superior improvements in aerobic exercise capacity and gain in muscle mass, respectively. In this review, we give an overview of the prognostic and symptomatic benefits of exercise training in the most common cardiac disease entities. Additionally, key guideline recommendations for the initiation of training programs are summarized. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma microvesicle analysis identifies microRNA 129-5p as a biomarker of heart failure in univentricular heart disease.

PubMed

Ramachandran, Sweta; Lowenthal, Alexander; Ritner, Carissa; Lowenthal, Shiri; Bernstein, Harold S

2017-01-01

Biomarkers of heart failure in adults have been extensively studied. However, biomarkers to monitor the progression of heart failure in children with univentricular physiology are less well understood. We proposed that as mediators of diverse pathophysiology, miRNAs contained within circulating microvesicles could serve as biomarkers for the presence and progression of heart failure in univentricular patients. To test this, we studied the association of heart failure with elevations in specific miRNAs isolated from circulating microvesicles in a cohort of children with univentricular heart disease and heart failure. We conducted a single site cross-sectional observational study of 71 children aged 1 month-7 years with univentricular heart disease and heart failure. We demonstrated that levels of miR129-5p isolated from plasma microvesicles were inversely related to the degree of clinical heart failure as assessed by Ross score. We then showed that miR129-5p levels are downregulated in HL1 cells and human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes exposed to oxidative stress. We demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2, which has been implicated in the development of pulmonary vascular disease, is a target of miR129-5p, and conversely regulated in response to oxidative stress in cell culture. Levels of miR129-5p were inversely related to the degree of clinical heart failure in patients with univentricular heart disease. This study demonstrates that miR129-5p is a sensitive and specific biomarker for heart failure in univentricular heart disease independent of ventricular morphology or stage of palliation. Further study is warranted to understand the targets affected by miR129-5p with the development of heart failure in patients with univentricular physiology.

Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Parenchymal Lung Disease.

PubMed

Singh, Inderjit; Ma, Kevin Cong; Berlin, David Adam

2016-04-01

Pulmonary hypertension commonly complicates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease. The association of chronic lung disease and pulmonary hypertension portends a worse prognosis. The pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension differs in the presence or absence of lung disease. We describe the physiological determinants of the normal pulmonary circulation to better understand the pathophysiological factors implicated in chronic parenchymal lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension. This review will focus on the pathophysiology of 3 forms of chronic lung disease-associated pulmonary hypertension: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sarcoidosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

When a Heart Murmur Signals Valve Disease

MedlinePlus

... in adults may be related to: Valve calcification Endocarditis Rheumatic fever In children, abnormal heart murmurs may ... Problem: Pulmonary Valve Regurgitation Heart Valves and Infective Endocarditis Left Ventricular Hypertrophy • Risks, Signs and Symptoms • Accurate ...

Italian Survey on Prevalence and Disease Management of Chronic Heart Failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease comorbidity in ambulatory patients. SUSPIRIUM study rationale and design.

PubMed

Griffo, Raffaele; Spanevello, Antonio; Temporelli, Pier Luigi; Faggiano, Pompilio; Carones, Mauro; Magni, Giovanna; Ambrosino, Nicolino; Tavazzi, Luigi

2014-03-01

Chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Through shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, CHF and COPD frequently coexist. The concurrent disease has important therapeutic implications and independently predicts worsened mortality, impaired functional status, and health service use. However, assessment of the comorbidity varies widely according to the population studied, diagnostic criteria and measurement tools applied. Both syndromes have been studied extensively but largely separately, mostly in the domain of the pulmonologist for COPD and in the domain of the cardiologist for CHF. The aim of the study is to evaluate in an Italian outpatients setting (10 cardiology and 10 pulmonology centers from the same institution) the prevalence, clinical profile and the routine diagnostic, functional and therapeutic work-up applied by cardiologists and pulmonologists in the presence/suspicion of concurrent disease in patients in a stable phase of their disease. For this purpose, CHF and COPU outpatients will be enrolled in a multicenter, nationwide, prospective observational study. Risk estimation of comorbidity will be based on suspected, documented or patient-reported diagnosis of COPD/CHF. In the absence of documented concurrent diagnosis, each specialist will describe the diagnostic, functional and therapeutic work-up applied. The design of the study focused on the diagnostic validation of the CHF-COPD comorbidity aims to provide relevant new information on the assessment of the coexistent condition in the cardiac and pulmonary outpatients setting and on specialty-related different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of comorbidity utilized in real life clinical practice. The symptomatic and prognostic benefits resulting from a combined approach to CHF/COPD could outweigh those attainable by treating either condition alone.

Women's Heart Disease: Heart Attack Symptoms

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... this page please turn JavaScript on. Feature: Women's Heart Disease Heart Attack Symptoms Past Issues / Winter 2014 Table ... NHLBI has uncovered some of the causes of heart diseases and conditions, as well as ways to prevent ...

Short-term outcomes in heart failure patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the community

PubMed Central

O’Kelly, Noel; Robertson, William; Smith, Jude; Dexter, Jonathan; Carroll-Hawkins, Collette; Ghosh, Sudip

2012-01-01

AIM: To establish the short term outcomes of heart failure (HF) patients in the community who have concurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We evaluated 783 patients (27.2%) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction under the care of a regional nurse-led community HF team between June 2007 and June 2010 through a database analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and one patients (12.9%) also had a diagnosis of COPD; 94% of patients were treated with loop diuretics, 83% with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 74% with β-blockers; 10.6% with bronchodilators; and 42% with aldosterone antagonists. The mean age of the patients was 77.9 ± 5.7 years; 43% were female and mean New York Heart Association class was 2.3 ± 0.6. The mean follow-up was 28.2 ± 2.9 mo. β-blocker utilization was markedly lower in patients receiving bronchodilators compared with those not taking bronchodilators (overall 21.7% vs 81%, P < 0.001). The 24-mo survival was 93% in patients with HF alone and 89% in those with both comorbidities (P = not significant). The presence of COPD was associated with increased risk of HF hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR): 1.56; 95% CI: 1.4-2.1; P < 0.001] and major adverse cardiovascular events (HR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.03-1.75; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COPD is a common comorbidity in ambulatory HF patients in the community and is a powerful predictor of worsening HF. It does not however appear to affect short-term mortality in ambulatory HF patients. PMID:22451854

Mortality in Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Heart Failure Following Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation.

PubMed

Kang, Youjeong; Steele, Bonnie G; Burr, Robert L; Dougherty, Cynthia M

2018-07-01

Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) improves physical function and quality of life (QoL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF), but it is unknown if CR improves outcomes in very severe disease. This study's purpose was to describe functional capacity (6-min walk distance [6MWD], steps/day), symptoms (dyspnea, depression), QoL (Short-Form Health Survey-Veterans [SF-36 V]) and cardiopulmonary function ( N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV 1 ]), and derive predictors of mortality among patients with severe COPD and HF who participated in CR. In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing two CR methods in severe COPD and HF, 90 (COPD = 63, HF = 27) male veterans, mean age 66 ± 9.24 years, 79% Caucasian, and body mass index 31 kg/m 2 , were followed for 12 months after CR. The COPD group had greater functional decline than the HF group (6MWD, p = .006). Dyspnea was lower ( p = .001) and QoL higher ( p = .006) in the HF group. Mean NT-proBNP was higher in the HF group at all time points. FEV 1 improved over 12 months in both groups ( p = .01). Mortality was 8.9%, 16.7%, and 37.8% at 12, 24, and 60 months, respectively. One-year predictors of mortality were baseline total steps (<3,000/day), 6MWD (<229 meters), and NT-proBNP level (>2,000 mg/pg). In very severe COPD and HF, risks of mortality over 12 months can predict patients unlikely to benefit from CR and should be considered at initial referral.

Early postoperative pulmonary complications after heart transplantation.

PubMed

Camkiran Firat, A; Komurcu, O; Zeyneloglu, P; Turker, M; Sezgin, A; Pirat, A

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to determine the types, incidence, and risk factors for early postoperative pulmonary complications in heart transplant recipients. We retrospectively collected data from the records of consecutive heart transplantations from January 2003 to December 2013. A total of 83 patients underwent heart transplantation. The data collected for each case were demographic features, duration of mechanical ventilation, respiratory problems that developed during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and early postoperative mortality (<30 d). Of the 72 patients considered, 52 (72.2%) were male. The overall mean age at the time of transplantation was 32.1 ± 16.6 years. Twenty-five patients (34.7%) developed early postoperative respiratory complications. The most frequent problem was pleural effusion (n = 19; 26.4%), followed by atelectasis (n = 6; 8.3%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 5; 6.9%), pulmonary edema (n = 4; 5.6%), and pneumonia (n = 3; 4.2%). Postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation (44.2 ± 59.2 h vs 123.8 ± 190.8 h; P = .005) and the length of postoperative ICU stay (10.1 ± 5.8 h vs 19.8 ± 28.9 h; P = .03) were longer among patients who had respiratory problems. Postoperative length of stay in the hospital (22.3 ± 12.5 d vs 30.3 ± 38.3 d; P = .75) was similar in the 2 groups. The overall mortality rate was 12.5% (n = 9). The patients who had respiratory problems did not show higher mortality than those who did not have respiratory problems (16.0% vs 10.6%; P = .71). Respiratory complications were relatively common in our cohort of heart transplant recipients. However, these complications were mostly self-limiting and did not result in worse mortality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Current Expectations for Cardiac Transplantation in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Kirklin, James K; Carlo, Waldemar F; Pearce, F Bennett

2016-11-01

Congenital heart disease accounts for 40% of pediatric heart transplants and presents unique challenges to the transplant team. Suitability for transplantation is defined in part by degree of sensitization, pulmonary vascular resistance, and hepatic reserves. The incremental transplant risk for patients with congenital heart disease occurs within the first 3 months, after which survival is equivalent to transplantation for cardiomyopathy. Single ventricle with prior palliation, and especially the failing Fontan, carry the highest risk for transplantation and are least amenable to bridging with mechanical circulatory support. More effective bridging to transplant with mechanical circulatory support will require improvements in the adverse event profile of available pumps and the introduction of miniaturized continuous flow technology. The major barriers to routine long-term survival are chronic allograft failure and allograft vasculopathy. Despite these many challenges, continuing improvements in the care of pediatric heart transplant patients have pushed the median posttransplant survival past 15 years for children and to 20 years for infants. © The Author(s) 2016.

Pulmonary edema

MedlinePlus

... congestion; Lung water; Pulmonary congestion; Heart failure - pulmonary edema ... Pulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure . When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood ...

Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary Venous Hypertension: Epidemiology and Pathophysiology.

PubMed

Clark, Craig B; Horn, Evelyn M

2016-08-01

Pulmonary hypertension from left heart disease (PH-LHD) is the most common form of PH, defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg and pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≥15 mm Hg. PH-LHD development is associated with more severe left-sided disease and its presence portends a poor prognosis, particularly once right ventricular failure develops. Treatment remains focused on the underlying LHD and despite initial enthusiasm for PH-specific therapies, most studies have been disappointing and their routine clinical use cannot be recommended. More work is urgently needed to better understand the pathophysiology underlying this disease and to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary Microvascular Blood Flow in Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema. The MESA COPD Study.

PubMed

Hueper, Katja; Vogel-Claussen, Jens; Parikh, Megha A; Austin, John H M; Bluemke, David A; Carr, James; Choi, Jiwoong; Goldstein, Thomas A; Gomes, Antoinette S; Hoffman, Eric A; Kawut, Steven M; Lima, Joao; Michos, Erin D; Post, Wendy S; Po, Ming Jack; Prince, Martin R; Liu, Kiang; Rabinowitz, Dan; Skrok, Jan; Smith, Ben M; Watson, Karol; Yin, Youbing; Zambeli-Ljepovic, Alan M; Barr, R Graham

2015-09-01

Smoking-related microvascular loss causes end-organ damage in the kidneys, heart, and brain. Basic research suggests a similar process in the lungs, but no large studies have assessed pulmonary microvascular blood flow (PMBF) in early chronic lung disease. To investigate whether PMBF is reduced in mild as well as more severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. PMBF was measured using gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among smokers with COPD and control subjects age 50 to 79 years without clinical cardiovascular disease. COPD severity was defined by standard criteria. Emphysema on computed tomography (CT) was defined by the percentage of lung regions below -950 Hounsfield units (-950 HU) and by radiologists using a standard protocol. We adjusted for potential confounders, including smoking, oxygenation, and left ventricular cardiac output. Among 144 participants, PMBF was reduced by 30% in mild COPD, by 29% in moderate COPD, and by 52% in severe COPD (all P < 0.01 vs. control subjects). PMBF was reduced with greater percentage emphysema-950HU and radiologist-defined emphysema, particularly panlobular and centrilobular emphysema (all P ≤ 0.01). Registration of MRI and CT images revealed that PMBF was reduced in mild COPD in both nonemphysematous and emphysematous lung regions. Associations for PMBF were independent of measures of small airways disease on CT and gas trapping largely because emphysema and small airways disease occurred in different smokers. PMBF was reduced in mild COPD, including in regions of lung without frank emphysema, and may represent a distinct pathological process from small airways disease. PMBF may provide an imaging biomarker for therapeutic strategies targeting the pulmonary microvasculature.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Heart Failure Self-Management Kits for Outpatient Transitions of Care.

PubMed

Boylan, Paul; Joseph, Tina; Hale, Genevieve; Moreau, Cynthia; Seamon, Matthew; Jones, Renee

2018-03-01

To develop heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) self-management kits in an accountable care organization (ACO) to facilitate patients' self-care and prevent hospital readmissions. Pharmacists practice in an outpatient-based ACO. They participate in interprofessional office visits with providers and independently manage maintenance pharmacotherapies. Pharmacists collaborate with an interprofessional team within the ACO including physicians, nurses, case managers, and paramedics. Two commonly encountered diseases are chronic COPD and HF. Reducing preventable readmissions for these conditions are important quality benchmarks and cost-saving strategies. Pharmacists were responsible for developing HF and COPD self-management kits containing patient education materials and prescriptions to facilitate self-care. Prior to kit development, pharmacists performed a literature review to determine the presence of previously published findings on these topics. The interprofessional team continually evaluates the successes and limitations of this initiative. Pharmacists developed training and instructions for ACO allied health professionals in an effort to incorporate the self-management kits in clinical practice. The initial literature search revealed no studies describing the intervention of interest. Innovative programs designed to help reduce preventable readmissions are lacking in primary care. Implementation of the self-management kits was accepted by interprofessional ACO leadership and is currently being integrated into allied health workflow. Patients at risk for having an exacerbation of COPD or HF should receive self-management strategies. Prompt therapy prior to exacerbations reduces hospital admissions and readmissions, speeds recovery, and slows disease progression. Pharmacist-facilitated implementation of self-management kits may be developed by interprofessional health care teams.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Parenchymal Lung Disease

PubMed Central

Tsangaris, Iraklis; Tsaknis, Georgios; Anthi, Anastasia; Orfanos, Stylianos E.

2012-01-01

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) has been extensively investigated, although it represents a less common form of the pulmonary hypertension (PH) family, as shown by international registries. Interestingly, in types of PH that are encountered in parenchymal lung diseases such as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and many other diffuse parenchymal lung diseases, some of which are very common, the available data is limited. In this paper, we try to browse in the latest available data regarding the occurrence, pathogenesis, and treatment of PH in chronic parenchymal lung diseases. PMID:23094153

Carcinoid heart disease.

PubMed

Bernheim, Alain M; Connolly, Heidi M; Hobday, Timothy J; Abel, Martin D; Pellikka, Patricia A

2007-01-01

Carcinoid heart disease is a rare form of valvular heart disease. The management of these patients is complex, as the systemic malignant disease and the cardiac involvement have to be considered at the same time. Progress in the treatment of patients with carcinoid disease has resulted in improved symptom control and survival. Development and progression of carcinoid heart disease are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In patients with severe cardiac involvement and well-controlled systemic disease, cardiac surgery has been recognized as the only effective treatment option. Valve replacement surgery may not only be beneficial in terms of symptom relief, but may also contribute to the improved survival observed over the past 2 decades in patients with carcinoid heart disease. Early diagnosis and early surgical treatment in appropriately selected patients may provide the best results. In this article, we review the current literature regarding the biology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of carcinoid heart disease.

Imaging congenital heart disease in adults

PubMed Central

Kilner, P J

2011-01-01

Transthoracic echocardiography is the first-line modality for cardiovascular imaging in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). The windows of access that are possible with transthoracic echocardiography are, however, rarely adequate for all regions of interest. The choice of further imaging depends on the clinical questions that remain to be addressed. The strengths of MRI include comprehensive access and coverage, providing imaging of all parts of the right ventricle, the pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins and aorta. Cine images and velocity maps are acquired in specifically aligned planes, with stacks of cines or dynamic contrast angiography providing more comprehensive coverage. Tissues can be characterised if necessary, and MRI provides relatively accurate measurements of biventricular function and volume flow. These parameters are important in the assessment and follow-up of adults after repairs for tetralogy of Fallot or transposition of the great arteries and after Fontan operations. The superior spatial resolution and rapid acquisition of CT are invaluable in selected situations, including the visualisation of anomalous coronary or aortopulmonary collateral arteries, the assessment of luminal patency after stenting and imaging in patients with pacemakers. Ionising radiation is, however, a concern in younger patients who may need repeated investigation. Adults with relatively complex conditions should ideally be imaged in a specialist ACHD centre, where dedicated echocardiographic and cardiovascular MRI services are a necessary facility. General radiologists should be aware of the nature and pathophysiology of congenital heart disease, and should be alert for previously undiagnosed cases presenting in adulthood, including cases of atrial septal defect, aortic coarctation, patent ductus arteriosus, double-chambered right ventricle and congenitally corrected transposition. PMID:22723533

Congenital heart disease

MedlinePlus

... page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001114.htm Congenital heart disease To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a problem with the heart's structure ...

Hypertensive heart disease

MedlinePlus

... page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000163.htm Hypertensive heart disease To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart problems that occur because of ...

Study of the Characteristics of Pulmonary Trunk in Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Left Heart Disease Using Pressure-Velocity Loops (PU-Loops).

PubMed

Hanya, Shizuo; Yoshii, Kengo; Sugawara, Motoaki

2017-09-25

Objectives : Although pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by left heart disease (PH-LHD) is more common in PH, little is known about its properties of pulmonary artery (PA) in PH-LHD. The purpose of this study was to measure pulmonary regional pulse wave velocity (PWV) and to quantify the magnitude of reflected waves in patients with PH-LHD by the analysis of the pressure-velocity loops (PU-loop). Methods : High-fidelity PA pressure (Pm) and PA velocity (Vm) were measured in 11 subjects with PH-LHD (mean Pm>25 mmHg), 1 subject with atrial septal defect (ASD) without PH and 12 control subjects, using multisensor catheters. PWV was calculated as the slope of the initial part of the PU-loop in early systole. The similarity in the shapes of the pressure and flow velocity waveforms over one PU-loop was quantified as the magnitude of reflected wave by calculating the standard error of the estimate (Sy/x) from linear regression analysis between Pm and corresponding Vm. PWV and Sy/x during a Valsalva maneuver (VM) were also assessed in nine control subjects. Results : The contour of PU-loop was so characteristic between control and PH-LHD. Max. PWV (349 cm/s) was recorded in PH-LHD and min. PWV (111 cm/s) was recorded in ASD. VM increased Pm (12 [7-15] mmHg vs. 50 [18-110] mmHg; p=0.009) and PWV (200 [148-238] cm/s vs. 260 [192-306] cm/s; p=0.009) significantly without significant increase of Sy/x (19.6 [12.7-28.9]% vs. 28.2 [19.3-40.7]%; p=0.079). Although Sy/x was significantly higher in PH-LHD than in control and ASD (31.0 [14.3-36.3]% vs. 17.5 [8.4-28.9]%; p=0.009, ASD: 18.2%) , no significant difference was found in PWV between PH-LHD and control (269 [159-349] cm/s vs. 203 [154-289] cm/s; p=0.089). Conclusions : 1) The magnitude of wave reflection was elevated in PH-LHD significantly as compared with control and ASD. 2) Despite the significant increase in PA-PWV caused by abrupt elevation in Pm during VM in control, chronic elevation in Pm did not increase PA

Pulmonary arterial hypertension

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disease leading to right heart failure and ultimately death if untreated. The first classification of PH was proposed in 1973. In 2008, the fourth World Symposium on PH held in Dana Point (California, USA) revised previous classifications. Currently, PH is devided into five subgroups. Group 1 includes patients suffering from idiopathic or familial PAH with or without germline mutations. Patients with a diagnosis of PAH should systematically been screened regarding to underlying mutations of BMPR2 gene (bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2) or more rarely of ACVRL1 (activine receptor-like kinase type 1), ENG (endogline) or Smad8 genes. Pulmonary veno occusive disease and pulmonary capillary hemagiomatosis are individualized and designated as clinical group 1'. Group 2 'Pulmonary hypertension due to left heart diseases' is divided into three sub-groups: systolic dysfonction, diastolic dysfonction and valvular dysfonction. Group 3 'Pulmonary hypertension due to respiratory diseases' includes a heterogenous subgroup of respiratory diseases like PH due to pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, lung emphysema or interstitial lung disease for exemple. Group 4 includes chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension without any distinction of proximal or distal forms. Group 5 regroup PH patients with unclear multifactorial mechanisms. Invasive hemodynamic assessment with right heart catheterization is requested to confirm the definite diagnosis of PH showing a resting mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of ≥ 25 mmHg and a normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of ≤ 15 mmHg. The assessment of PCWP may allow the distinction between pre-capillary and post-capillary PH (PCWP > 15 mmHg). Echocardiography is an important tool in the management of patients with underlying suspicion of PH. The European Society of Cardiology and the European Respiratory Society (ESC-ERS) guidelines specify its role

Lung remodeling in a porcine model of cyanotic congenital heart defect with decreased pulmonary blood flow.

PubMed

Xu, Yaoqiang; Liu, Yinglong; Li, Zhiqiang; Su, Junwu; Li, Gang; Sun, Lizhong

2012-09-01

Hypoperfusion of the pulmonary vascular bed under the condition of congenital cardiac malformations may lead to progressive pulmonary vascular disease. To improve the mechanistic understanding of this disease, we examined the biochemical and morphological changes of the lung in a relevant animal model and provided valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypotension. A model of congenital heart defect with decreased pulmonary blood flow was implemented into 8 piglets (the cyanosis group). Another 8 piglets underwent a sham operation (the control group). Two months postoperatively, lung biopsy specimens were harvested for the measurement of the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, VEGF, and type I and type III collagens. Moreover, the light-microscopic morphology, morphometry, and ultrastructure of lobes were examined. Compared to the controls, the histopathological changes of the pulmonary vasculature in the cyanosis group showed evident hypoplasia and degeneration. The expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, VEGF, and type I collagen, as well as the microvessel density, in the cyanosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group, whereas the level of type III collagen in the cyanosis group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The observed morphological changes may represent an adaptive reaction to the prolonged decrease of pulmonary blood flow. The underlying mechanism of lung remodeling may be attributed to the changes in the expression of structural proteins and cytokines in the pulmonary extracellular matrix induced by modulating factors.

Biomarkers in Cardiology - Part 2: In Coronary Heart Disease, Valve Disease and Special Situations

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of mortality and morbidity in Brazil. Their primary and secondary preventions are a priority for the health system and require multiple approaches for increased effectiveness. Biomarkers are tools used to identify with greater accuracy high-risk individuals, establish a faster diagnosis, guide treatment, and determine prognosis. This review aims to highlight the importance of biomarkers in clinical cardiology practice and raise relevant points regarding their application and perspectives for the next few years. This document was divided into two parts. This second part addresses the application of biomarkers in coronary heart disease, valvular diseases, cardio-oncology, pulmonary embolism, and cardiorenal syndrome. PMID:26083777

Successful operative treatment of uterine leiomyoma with extensive intravenous extension to the IVC, right heart, and pulmonary arteries.

PubMed

Brar, Ranjeet; Skervin, Alicia; El-Sakka, Karim; Fish, Andrew; Lewis, Michael

2018-01-17

Intravenous extension of benign uterine leiomyomata ('fibroids'), in the absence of discrete metastatic disease has rarely been reported. 'Fibroids' remain one of the most common premenopausal uterine pathologies. We report the diagnosis and multidisciplinary led operative management of a 52-year-old woman with a histologically benign, but biologically aggressive, uterine leiomyoma with intravenous extension to the inferior vena cava (IVC), right heart and pulmonary arteries. Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy combined with exploration of the sub-hepatic IVC and heart under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest achieved its successful macroscopic clearance.

Pulmonary Toxicity and Modifications in Iron Homeostasis Following Libby Amphibole Asbestos Exposure in Rat Models of Cardiovascular Disease

EPA Science Inventory

Rationale: Individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD) develop iron dysregulation which may influence pulmonary toxicity and injury upon exposure to asbestos. We hypothesized spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rats woul...

Management of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Vallerie V; Shah, Sanjiv J; Souza, Rogerio; Humbert, Marc

2015-05-12

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common and may result from a number of disorders, including left heart disease, lung disease, and chronic thromboembolic disease. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an uncommon disease characterized by progressive remodeling of the distal pulmonary arteries, resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and, eventually, in right ventricular failure. Over the past decades, knowledge of the basic pathobiology of PAH and its natural history, prognostic indicators, and therapeutic options has exploded. A thorough evaluation of a patient is critical to correctly characterize the PH. Cardiac studies, including echocardiography and right heart catheterization, are key elements in the assessment. Given the multitude of treatment options currently available for PAH, assessment of risk and response to therapy is critical in long-term management. This review also underscores unique situations, including perioperative management, intensive care unit management, and pregnancy, and highlights the importance of collaborative care of the PAH patient through a multidisciplinary approach. Copyright © 2015 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease

MedlinePlus

... disorder. Alternative Names Pulmonary vaso-occlusive disease Images Respiratory system References Chin K, Channick RN. Pulmonary hypertension. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016: ...

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Executive Summary In July 2010, the Medical Advisory Secretariat (MAS) began work on a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) evidentiary framework, an evidence-based review of the literature surrounding treatment strategies for patients with COPD. This project emerged from a request by the Health System Strategy Division of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that MAS provide them with an evidentiary platform on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of COPD interventions. After an initial review of health technology assessments and systematic reviews of COPD literature, and consultation with experts, MAS identified the following topics for analysis: vaccinations (influenza and pneumococcal), smoking cessation, multidisciplinary care, pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for acute and chronic respiratory failure, hospital-at-home for acute exacerbations of COPD, and telehealth (including telemonitoring and telephone support). Evidence-based analyses were prepared for each of these topics. For each technology, an economic analysis was also completed where appropriate. In addition, a review of the qualitative literature on patient, caregiver, and provider perspectives on living and dying with COPD was conducted, as were reviews of the qualitative literature on each of the technologies included in these analyses. The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mega-Analysis series is made up of the following reports, which can be publicly accessed at the MAS website at: http://www.hqontario.ca/en/mas/mas_ohtas_mn.html. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Evidentiary Framework Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An Evidence-Based Analysis Smoking Cessation for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An Evidence-Based Analysis Community-Based Multidisciplinary Care for Patients With Stable Chronic Obstructive

Improving Outcomes for Pulmonary Vascular Disease

PubMed Central

Robbins, Ivan M.; Blaisdell, Carol J.; Abman, Steven H.

2012-01-01

Recognizing the importance of improving lung health through lung disease research, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) convened a workshop of multidisciplinary experts for the following purpose: (1) to review the current scientific knowledge underlying the basis for treatment of adults and children with pulmonary vascular diseases (PVDs); (2) to identify gaps, barriers, and emerging scientific opportunities in translational PVD research and the means to capitalize on these opportunities; (3) to prioritize new research directions that would be expected to affect the clinical course of PVDs; and (4) to make recommendations to the NHLBI on how to fill identified gaps in adult and pediatric PVD clinical research. Workshop participants reviewed experiences from previous PVD clinical trials and ongoing clinical research networks with other lung disorders, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive lung disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well. Bioinformatics experts discussed strategies for applying cutting-edge health information technology to clinical studies. Participants in the workshop considered approaches in the following broad concept areas: (1) improved phenotyping to identify potential subjects for appropriate PVD clinical studies; (2) identification of potential new end points for assessing key outcomes and developing better-designed PVD clinical trials; and (3) the establishment of priorities for specific clinical research needed to advance care of patients with various subsets of PVDs from childhood through adulthood. This report provides a summary of the objectives and recommendations to the NHLBI concentrating on clinical research efforts that are needed to better diagnose and treat PVDs. PMID:22335936

Radiation-induced heart disease in lung cancer radiotherapy: A dosimetric update.

PubMed

Ming, Xin; Feng, Yuanming; Yang, Chengwen; Wang, Wei; Wang, Ping; Deng, Jun

2016-10-01

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), which affects the patients' prognosis with both acute and late side effects, has been published extensively in the radiotherapy of breast cancer, lymphoma and other benign diseases. Studies on RIHD in lung cancer radiotherapy, however, are less extensive and clear even though the patients with lung cancer are delivered with higher doses to the heart during radiation treatment. In this article, after extensive literature search and analysis, we reviewed the current evidence on RIHD in lung cancer patients after their radiation treatments and investigated the potential risk factors for RIHD as compared to other types of cancers. Cardiac toxicity has been found highly relevant in lung cancer radiotherapy. So far, the crude incidence of cardiac complications in the lung cancer patients after radiotherapy has been up to 33%. The dose to the heart, the lobar location of tumor, the treatment modality, the history of heart and pulmonary disease and smoking were considered as potential risk factors for RIHD in lung cancer radiotherapy. As treatment techniques improve over the time with better prognosis for lung cancer survivors, an improved prediction model can be established to further reduce the cardiac toxicity in lung cancer radiotherapy.

Drug Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension in Children

PubMed Central

Vorhies, Erika E; Ivy, David Dunbar

2013-01-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease in infants and children that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The disease is characterized by progressive pulmonary vascular functional and structural changes resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance and eventual right heart failure and death. In the majority of pediatric patients, PAH is idiopathic or associated with congenital heart disease and rarely is associated with other conditions such as connective tissue or thromboembolic disease. Although treatment of the underlying disease and reversal of advanced structural changes has not yet been achieved with current therapy, quality of life and survival have been improved significantly. Targeted pulmonary vasodilator therapies, including endothelin receptor antagonists, prostacyclin analogues and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, have demonstrated hemodynamic and functional improvement in children. The management of pediatric PAH remains challenging as treatment decisions continue to depend largely on results from evidence-based adult studies and the clinical experience of pediatric experts. This article reviews the current drug therapies and their use in the management of PAH in children. PMID:24114695

Pulmonary Microvascular Blood Flow in Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Emphysema. The MESA COPD Study

PubMed Central

Hueper, Katja; Vogel-Claussen, Jens; Parikh, Megha A.; Austin, John H. M.; Bluemke, David A.; Carr, James; Choi, Jiwoong; Goldstein, Thomas A.; Gomes, Antoinette S.; Hoffman, Eric A.; Kawut, Steven M.; Lima, Joao; Michos, Erin D.; Post, Wendy S.; Po, Ming Jack; Prince, Martin R.; Liu, Kiang; Rabinowitz, Dan; Skrok, Jan; Smith, Ben M.; Watson, Karol; Yin, Youbing; Zambeli-Ljepovic, Alan M.

2015-01-01

Rationale: Smoking-related microvascular loss causes end-organ damage in the kidneys, heart, and brain. Basic research suggests a similar process in the lungs, but no large studies have assessed pulmonary microvascular blood flow (PMBF) in early chronic lung disease. Objectives: To investigate whether PMBF is reduced in mild as well as more severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. Methods: PMBF was measured using gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among smokers with COPD and control subjects age 50 to 79 years without clinical cardiovascular disease. COPD severity was defined by standard criteria. Emphysema on computed tomography (CT) was defined by the percentage of lung regions below −950 Hounsfield units (−950 HU) and by radiologists using a standard protocol. We adjusted for potential confounders, including smoking, oxygenation, and left ventricular cardiac output. Measurements and Main Results: Among 144 participants, PMBF was reduced by 30% in mild COPD, by 29% in moderate COPD, and by 52% in severe COPD (all P < 0.01 vs. control subjects). PMBF was reduced with greater percentage emphysema−950HU and radiologist-defined emphysema, particularly panlobular and centrilobular emphysema (all P ≤ 0.01). Registration of MRI and CT images revealed that PMBF was reduced in mild COPD in both nonemphysematous and emphysematous lung regions. Associations for PMBF were independent of measures of small airways disease on CT and gas trapping largely because emphysema and small airways disease occurred in different smokers. Conclusions: PMBF was reduced in mild COPD, including in regions of lung without frank emphysema, and may represent a distinct pathological process from small airways disease. PMBF may provide an imaging biomarker for therapeutic strategies targeting the pulmonary microvasculature. PMID:26067761

[Lung and heart-lung transplantation in respiratory tract diseases. Evaluation and development of the indications based on our first 15 cases].

PubMed

Couraud, L; Baudet, E; Martigne, C; Roques, X; Velly, J F; Laborde, N; Clerc, P

1989-01-01

Since January 1988, the Bordeaux group has performed 15 transplantations for lung disease: 9 heart-lung transplants, 1 heart + left lung, 1 double lung, 2 right lungs and 2 left lungs. The transplantations were performed for pulmonary emphysema (10 cases), pulmonary artery hypertension (2 cases), cystic fibrosis (1 case), pulmonary fibrosis (2 cases). Cardiopulmonary transplantation was not always performed because of associated heart failure but sometimes because of large intrahilar adenopathy or intractable bronchial infection. Pulmonary transplantation is recommended on the right side in cases of pulmonary fibrosis. One patient died postoperatively (ischaemia of the transplant). Four others died during the 2nd and 3rd months from poorly defined but probably infectious pulmonary syndromes. The tracheobronchial patency of the 10 survivors was 80% or 100% of the predicted value. The respiratory functional result was excellent in the short and intermediate term. Specific difficulties essentially consisted of pleural symphyses, hilar adenopathy, bronchial infection, steroid dependence of certain subjects, the difficulty of identifying the cause and treating lung opacities during the 2nd and 3rd months.

Value of two-dimensional echocardiography in the identification of pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive lung disease.

PubMed

Bertoli, L; Mantero, A; Alpago, R; Graziina, A; Tamponi, M; Pezzano, A

1989-01-01

Thirty-three patients suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) were submitted to right heart two-dimensional echocardiographic (2D-ECHO) and hemodynamic study. By the subcostal approach, the right ventricle outflow tract including the pulmonary vessels was visualized in 85% of the patients. Most parameters measured on the right ventricle and pulmonary vessels were significantly higher than those recorded in the healthy control group. Very significant correlations were observed between the mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and the following 2D-ECHO parameters: diameter of the pulmonary artery at valve level (r = 0.62; p less than 0.001); supravalvular diameter of the pulmonary artery (r = 0.44; p less than 0.03); diameter of the left branch of the pulmonary artery (r = 0.48; p less than 0.05); diameter of the right branch of the pulmonary artery (r = 0.39; p less than 0.05), and between the PAP and PaO2 (r = -0.66; p less than 0.001). Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 2D-ECHO measurements were calculated to assess the presence of pulmonary hypertension. Overall sensitivity was 65%, specificity 75%, and accuracy 67%. However, by combining the value of PaO2 with that of the pulmonary valve by means of the multiple regression analysis, sensitivity increased to 84% in identifying pulmonary hypertension. Such data demonstrate that the 2D-ECHO study of the right heart in COLD patients has to carefully measure the dimensions of the pulmonary valve and the great pulmonary vessels, as their modification are mainly linked with the presence of pulmonary hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Magnetic Resonance Characterization of Cardiac Adaptation and Myocardial Fibrosis in Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Systemic-To-Pulmonary Shunt.

PubMed

Pereda, Daniel; García-Lunar, Inés; Sierra, Federico; Sánchez-Quintana, Damián; Santiago, Evelyn; Ballesteros, Constanza; Encalada, Juan F; Sánchez-González, Javier; Fuster, Valentín; Ibáñez, Borja; García-Álvarez, Ana

2016-09-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality among patients with congenital heart disease. Early detection of RV involvement may be useful in the management of these patients. We aimed to assess progressive cardiac adaptation and quantify myocardial extracellular volume in an experimental porcine model of PH because of aorto-pulmonary shunt using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). To characterize serial cardiac adaptation, 12 pigs (aorto-pulmonary shunt [n=6] or sham operation [n=6]) were evaluated monthly with right heart catheterization, CMR, and computed tomography during 4 months, followed by pathology analysis. Extracellular volume by CMR in different myocardial regions was studied in 20 animals (aorto-pulmonary shunt [n=10] or sham operation [n=10]) 3 months after the intervention. All shunted animals developed PH. CMR evidenced progressive RV hypertrophy and dysfunction secondary to increased afterload and left ventricular dilatation secondary to volume overload. Shunt flow by CMR strongly correlated with PH severity, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, and left ventricular dilatation. T1-mapping sequences demonstrated increased extracellular volume at the RV insertion points, the interventricular septum, and the left ventricular lateral wall, reproducing the pattern of fibrosis found on pathology. Extracellular volume at the RV insertion points strongly correlated with pulmonary hemodynamics and RV dysfunction. Prolonged systemic-to-pulmonary shunting in growing piglets induces PH with biventricular remodeling and myocardial fibrosis that can be detected and monitored using CMR. These results may be useful for the diagnosis and management of congenital heart disease patients with pulmonary overcirculation. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Cross sectional echocardiographic feature in carcinoid heart disease. A mechanism for tricuspid regurgitation in this syndrome.

PubMed

Davies, M K; Lowry, P J; Littler, W A

1984-03-01

In a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation and mild pulmonary stenosis due to carcinoid heart disease cross sectional echocardiography showed nodular thickening and coaptation of the tricuspid leaflets at the beginning of systole. The leaflets were, however, seen to be increasingly pulled apart as right ventricular systole proceeded. This finding, which is probably due to traction on the leaflets by the thickened chordae tendineae, is therefore a mechanism of valvular incompetence, perhaps accounting for the particularly severe tricuspid regurgitation seen in carcinoid heart disease.

Study of the Characteristics of Pulmonary Trunk in Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Left Heart Disease Using Pressure–Velocity Loops (PU-Loops)

PubMed Central

Hanya, Shizuo; Yoshii, Kengo; Sugawara, Motoaki

2017-01-01

Objectives: Although pulmonary hypertension (PH) caused by left heart disease (PH-LHD) is more common in PH, little is known about its properties of pulmonary artery (PA) in PH-LHD. The purpose of this study was to measure pulmonary regional pulse wave velocity (PWV) and to quantify the magnitude of reflected waves in patients with PH-LHD by the analysis of the pressure–velocity loops (PU-loop). Methods: High-fidelity PA pressure (Pm) and PA velocity (Vm) were measured in 11 subjects with PH-LHD (mean Pm>25 mmHg), 1 subject with atrial septal defect (ASD) without PH and 12 control subjects, using multisensor catheters. PWV was calculated as the slope of the initial part of the PU-loop in early systole. The similarity in the shapes of the pressure and flow velocity waveforms over one PU-loop was quantified as the magnitude of reflected wave by calculating the standard error of the estimate (Sy/x) from linear regression analysis between Pm and corresponding Vm. PWV and Sy/x during a Valsalva maneuver (VM) were also assessed in nine control subjects. Results: The contour of PU-loop was so characteristic between control and PH-LHD. Max. PWV (349 cm/s) was recorded in PH-LHD and min. PWV (111 cm/s) was recorded in ASD. VM increased Pm (12 [7–15] mmHg vs. 50 [18–110] mmHg; p=0.009) and PWV (200 [148–238] cm/s vs. 260 [192–306] cm/s; p=0.009) significantly without significant increase of Sy/x (19.6 [12.7–28.9]% vs. 28.2 [19.3–40.7]%; p=0.079). Although Sy/x was significantly higher in PH-LHD than in control and ASD (31.0 [14.3–36.3]% vs. 17.5 [8.4–28.9]%; p=0.009, ASD: 18.2%) , no significant difference was found in PWV between PH-LHD and control (269 [159–349] cm/s vs. 203 [154–289] cm/s; p=0.089). Conclusions: 1) The magnitude of wave reflection was elevated in PH-LHD significantly as compared with control and ASD. 2) Despite the significant increase in PA-PWV caused by abrupt elevation in Pm during VM in control, chronic elevation in Pm did

Carcinoid heart disease.

PubMed

Hassan, Saamir A; Banchs, Jose; Iliescu, Cezar; Dasari, Arvind; Lopez-Mattei, Juan; Yusuf, Syed Wamique

2017-10-01

Rare neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) that most commonly arise in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid heart disease. Patients with carcinoid syndrome present with vasomotor changes, hypermotility of the gastrointestinal system, hypotension and bronchospasm. Medical therapy for carcinoid syndrome, typically with somatostatin analogues, can help control symptoms, inhibit tumour progression and prolong survival. Carcinoid heart disease occurs in more than 50% of these patients and is the initial presentation of carcinoid syndrome in up to 20% of patients. Carcinoid heart disease has characteristic findings of plaque-like deposits composed of smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts, extracellular matrix and an overlying endothelial layer which can lead to valve dysfunction. Valvular dysfunction can lead to oedema, ascites and right-sided heart failure. Medical therapy of carcinoid heart disease is limited to symptom control and palliation. Valve surgery for carcinoid heart disease should be considered for symptomatic patients with controlled metastatic carcinoid syndrome. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to guide optimal management. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

[Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease/pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis: A case report and literature review].

PubMed

Xiong, Xianliang; Zhu, Tengteng; Li, Jiang

2018-05-28

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD)/pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) is a rare form of pulmonary vascular disease that causes pulmonary arterial hypertension. The diagnosis of PVOD/PCH can be established by the combination of clinical features, physical examination, radiological findings, lung function, bronchoscopy and other resources. There is no established medical therapy for PVOD/PCH, and the only curative therapy for PVOD/PCH is lung transplantation. A girl with PVOD/PCH was diagnosed in the Second Xiangya Hospital. Combining the characteristics for this case with the relevant literature, we summarized the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and treatment for the disease to raise doctors' awareness for this rare disease.

[Complementary treatment of acute heart failure in patients with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or anemia].

PubMed

Carrasco Sánchez, Francisco Javier; Recio Iglesias, Jesús; Grau Amorós, Jordi

2014-03-01

Diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anemia are comorbidities with a high prevalence and impact in heart failure (HF). The presence of these comorbidities considerably worsens the prognosis of HF. Diabetic patients have a higher likelihood of developing symptoms of HF and both the treatment of diabetes and that of acute HF are altered by the coexistence of both entities. The glycemic targets in patients with acute HF are not well-defined, but could show a U-shaped relationship. Stress hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients with HF could also have a deleterious effect on the medium-term prognosis. The inter-relationship between COPD and HF hampers diagnosis due to the overlap between the symptoms and signs of both entities and complementary investigations. The treatment of acute HF is also altered by the presence of COPD. Anemia is highly prevalent and is often the direct cause of decompensated HF, the most common cause being iron deficiency anemia. Iron replacement therapy, specifically intravenous forms, has helped to improve the prognosis of acute HF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Heart Disease in Women

MedlinePlus

... United States, 1 in 4 women dies from heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease in both men and women is narrowing ... the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. This is called coronary artery disease, and ...

Pediatric Patients with High Pulmonary Arterial Pressure in Congenital Heart Disease Have Increased Tracheal Diameters Measured by Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Ohashi, Nobuko; Imai, Hidekazu; Seino, Yutaka; Baba, Hiroshi

2017-12-06

Determination of the appropriate tracheal tube size using formulas based on age or height often is inaccurate in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), particularly in those with high pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP). Here, the authors compared tracheal diameters between pediatric patients with CHD with high PAP and low PAP. Retrospective clinical study. Hospital. Pediatric patients, from birth to 6 months of age, requiring general anesthesia and tracheal intubation who underwent computed tomography were included. Patients with mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg were allocated to the high PAP group, and the remaining patients were allocated to the low PAP group. The primary outcome was the tracheal diameter at the cricoid cartilage level, and the secondary goal was to observe whether the size of the tracheal tube was appropriate compared with that obtained using predictable formulas based on age or height. The mean tracheal diameter was significantly larger in the high PAP group than in the low PAP group (p < 0.01). Pediatric patients with high PAP required a larger tracheal tube size than predicted by formulas based on age or height (p = 0.04 for age and height). Pediatric patients with high PAP had larger tracheal diameters than those with low PAP and required larger tracheal tubes compared with the size predicted using formulas based on age or height. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diseases of Pulmonary Surfactant Homeostasis

PubMed Central

Whitsett, Jeffrey A.; Wert, Susan E.; Weaver, Timothy E.

2015-01-01

Advances in physiology and biochemistry have provided fundamental insights into the role of pulmonary surfactant in the pathogenesis and treatment of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Identification of the surfactant proteins, lipid transporters, and transcriptional networks regulating their expression has provided the tools and insights needed to discern the molecular and cellular processes regulating the production and function of pulmonary surfactant prior to and after birth. Mutations in genes regulating surfactant homeostasis have been associated with severe lung disease in neonates and older infants. Biophysical and transgenic mouse models have provided insight into the mechanisms underlying surfactant protein and alveolar homeostasis. These studies have provided the framework for understanding the structure and function of pulmonary surfactant, which has informed understanding of the pathogenesis of diverse pulmonary disorders previously considered idiopathic. This review considers the pulmonary surfactant system and the genetic causes of acute and chronic lung disease caused by disruption of alveolar homeostasis. PMID:25621661

Measurement of pulmonary arterial elastance in patients with systolic heart failure using Doppler echocardiography

PubMed Central

Taghavi, Sepideh; Esmaeilzadeh, Maryam; Amin, Ahmad; Naderi, Nasim; Abkenar, Hooman Bakhshandeh; Maleki, Majid; Mitra, Chitsazan

2016-01-01

Objective: A reliable and easy-to-perform method for measuring right ventricular (RV) afterload is desirable when scheduling patients with systolic heart failure to undergo heart transplantation. The present study aimed to investigate the accuracy of echocardiographically-derived pulmonary arterial elastance as a measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance by comparing it with invasive measures. Methods: Thirty-one patients with moderate to severe systolic heart failure, including 22 (71%) male patients, with a mean age of 41.16±15.9 years were enrolled in the study. Right heart catheterization and comprehensive echocardiography during the first hour after completion of cardiac catheterization were performed in all the patients. The pulmonary artery elastance was estimated using the ratio of end-systolic pressure (Pes) over the stroke volume (SV) by both cardiac catheterization [Ea (PV)-C] and echocardiography [Ea (PV)-E]. Results: The mean Ea (PV)-C and Ea (PV)-E were estimated to be 0.73±0.49 mm Hg/mL and 0.67±0.44 mm Hg/mL, respectively. There was a significant relation between Ea (PV)-E and Ea (PV)-C (r=0.897, p<0.001). Agreement between echocardiography and catheterization methods for estimating Ea (PV), investigated by the Bland-Altman method, showed a mean bias of -0.06, with 95% limits of agreement from -0.36 mm Hg/mL to 0.48 mm Hg/mL. Conclusion: Doppler echocardiography is an easy, non-invasive, and inexpensive method for measuring pulmonary arterial elastance, which provides accurate and reliable estimation of RV afterload in patients with systolic heart failure. PMID:26467379

Pulmonary vascular response to exercise in symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Verbrugge, Frederik H; Dupont, Matthias; Bertrand, Philippe B; Nijst, Petra; Grieten, Lars; Dens, Joseph; Verhaert, David; Janssens, Stefan; Tang, W H Wilson; Mullens, Wilfried

2015-03-01

To study pulmonary vascular response patterns to exercise in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this prospective single-centre cohort study, consecutive symptomatic HFrEF patients (n = 40) with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) ≥25 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) >15 mmHg, and cardiac index <2.5 L/min.m(2) , received protocol-driven titrated sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and diuretics to reach mean arterial blood pressure 65-75 mmHg and PAWP ≤15 mmHg. Patients performed symptom-limited supine bicycle testing under continued SNP administration. Afterwards, SNP was gradually withdrawn, renin-angiotensin system blockers uptitrated, and hydralazine added to maintain haemodynamic targets. Subsequently, bicycle testing was repeated. Patients presented with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) = 3.8 ± 1.4 Wood Units at rest, decreasing to 2.9 ± 0.9 Wood Units after decongestion, with PH was completely reversed (MPAP <25 mmHg) in 22%. From rest to maximal exercise, the cardiac index did not change significantly (P = 0.334 under SNP; P-value = 0.552 under oral therapy). A dynamic exercise-induced PVR increase >3.5 Wood Units was noted in 19 patients (48%) under oral therapy vs. five (13%) under SNP. Such exercise-induced PVR increase was associated with a 33% relative decrease in right ventricular stroke work index (P = 0.037). Even after thorough decongestion and under continuous afterload reduction, PH secondary to HFrEF is completely reversible in only a minority of patients. Others demonstrate an exercise-induced PVR increase, associated with impaired right ventricular stroke work, which might be ameliorated by nitric oxide donor support. © 2014 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2014 European Society of Cardiology.

Pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure due to severe hypernatremic dehydration.

PubMed

Chiwane, Saurabh; Ahmed, Tageldin M; Bauerfeld, Christian P; Chauhan, Monika

2017-07-01

Neonates are at risk of developing hypernatremic dehydration and its associated complications, such as stroke, dural sinus thrombosis and renal vein thrombosis. Pulmonary hypertension has not been described as a complication of hypernatremia. We report a case of a seven-day-old neonate with severe hypernatremic dehydration who went on to develop pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure needing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Normal or high anion gap metabolic acidosis commonly accompanies hypernatremic dehydration. The presence of acidosis and/or hypoxia can delay the normal drop in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) after birth, causing pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure. A high index of suspicion is paramount to diagnose pulmonary hypertension and aggressive correction of the acidosis and hypoxia is needed. In the presence of severe right ventricular failure, ECMO can be used as a bridge to recovery while underlying metabolic derangements are being corrected.

Haemodynamics, dyspnoea, and pulmonary reserve in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

PubMed

Obokata, Masaru; Olson, Thomas P; Reddy, Yogesh N V; Melenovsky, Vojtech; Kane, Garvan C; Borlaug, Barry A

2018-05-19

Increases in left ventricular filling pressure are a fundamental haemodynamic abnormality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, very little is known regarding how elevated filling pressures cause pulmonary abnormalities or symptoms of dyspnoea. We sought to determine the relationships between simultaneously measured central haemodynamics, symptoms, and lung ventilatory and gas exchange abnormalities during exercise in HFpEF. Subjects with invasively-proven HFpEF (n = 50) and non-cardiac causes of dyspnoea (controls, n = 24) underwent cardiac catheterization at rest and during exercise with simultaneous expired gas analysis. During submaximal (20 W) exercise, subjects with HFpEF displayed higher pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP) and pulmonary artery pressures, higher Borg perceived dyspnoea scores, and increased ventilatory drive and respiratory rate. At peak exercise, ventilation reserve was reduced in HFpEF compared with controls, with greater dead space ventilation (higher VD/VT). Increasing exercise PCWP was directly correlated with higher perceived dyspnoea scores, lower peak exercise capacity, greater ventilatory drive, worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and impaired pulmonary ventilation reserve. This study provides the first evidence linking altered exercise haemodynamics to pulmonary abnormalities and symptoms of dyspnoea in patients with HFpEF. Further study is required to identify the mechanisms by which haemodynamic derangements affect lung function and symptoms and to test novel therapies targeting exercise haemodynamics in HFpEF.

Three-Dimensional Right Ventricular Strain Versus Volume Quantification in Heart Transplant Recipients in Relation to Pulmonary Artery Pressure.

PubMed

Sade, Leyla Elif; Kozan, Hatice; Eroglu, Serpil; Pirat, Bahar; Aydinalp, Alp; Sezgin, Atilla; Muderrisoglu, Haldun

2017-02-01

Residual pulmonary hypertension challenges the right ventricular function and worsens the prognosis in heart transplant recipients. The complex geometry of the right ventricle complicates estimation of its function with conventional transthoracic echocardiography. We evaluated right ventricular function in heart transplant recipients with the use of 3-dimensional echocardiography in relation to systolic pulmonary artery pressure. We performed 32 studies in 26 heart transplant patients, with 6 patients having 2 studies at different time points with different pressures and thus included. Right atrial volume, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, peak systolic annular velocity, fractional area change, and 2-dimensional speckle tracking longitudinal strain were obtained by 2-dimensional and tissue Doppler imaging. Three-dimensional right ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and 3-dimensional right ventricular strain were obtained from the 3-dimensional data set by echocardiographers. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was obtained during right heart catheterization. Overall mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 26 ± 7 mm Hg (range, 14-44 mmHg). Three-dimensional end-diastolic (r = 0.75; P < .001) and end-systolic volumes (r = 0.55; P = .001)correlated well with systolic pulmonary artery pressure. Right ventricular ejection fraction and right atrium volume also significantly correlated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.49 and P = .01 for both). However, right ventricular 2- and 3-dimensional strain, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and tricuspid annular velocity did not. The effects of pulmonary hemodynamic burden on right ventricular function are better estimated by a 3-dimensional volume evaluation than with 3-dimensional longitudinal strain and other 2-dimensional and tissue Doppler measurements. These results suggest that the peculiar anatomy of the right ventricle necessitates 3-dimensional volume quantification in heart

Heart rate slopes during 6-min walk test in pulmonary arterial hypertension, other lung diseases, and healthy controls.

PubMed

Tonelli, Adriano R; Wang, Xiao-Feng; Alkukhun, Laith; Zhang, Qi; Dweik, Raed A; Minai, Omar A

2014-06-01

Six-minute walk test (6MWT) continues to be a useful tool to determine the functional capacity in patients with vascular and other lung diseases; nevertheless, it has a limited ability to predict prognosis in this context. We tested whether the heart rate (HR) acceleration and decay slopes during the 6-m walk test are different in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), other lung diseases, and healthy controls. In addition, we assessed whether the HR slopes are associated with clinical worsening. Using a portable, signal-morphology-based, impedance cardiograph (PhysioFlow Enduro, Paris, France) with real-time wireless monitoring via a Bluetooth USB adapter we determined beat-by-beat HR. We included 50 subjects in this pilot study, 20 with PAH (all on PAH-specific treatment), 17 with other lung diseases (obstructive [n = 12, 71%] or restrictive lung diseases [5, 29%]), and 13 healthy controls. The beat-by-beat HR curves were significantly different among all three groups of subjects either during the activity or recovery of the 6MWT. HR curves were less steep in PAH than the other two groups (P < 0.001). HR acceleration rates were slower in patients with PAH or other lung diseases with progression of their disease (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the acceleration and decay slopes during 6MWT are different among patients with PAH, other lung diseases, and healthy controls. The HR slopes during 6MWT were steeper in patients without clinical worsening. © 2014 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society.

Heart transplantation in the setting of complex congenital heart disease and physiologic single lung.

PubMed

Zuckerman, Warren A; Richmond, Marc E; Lee, Teresa M; Bacha, Emile A; Chai, Paul J; Chen, Jonathan M; Addonizio, Linda J

2015-12-01

To highlight the success of heart transplantation in patients with complex congenital heart disease and physiologic single lung by providing an update on the world's largest reported cohort. Demographic, perioperative, postoperative, and outcomes data were collected retrospectively on all patients undergoing heart transplant to single lung at Columbia University Medical Center since 1992, and compared with all other patients undergoing transplants performed for single ventricle or tetralogy of Fallot during that time. Twenty-two patients (mean age, 20.6 years; range, 5 months-47 years) underwent heart transplant to single lung. Compared with controls (n = 67), the single lung group had more male patients and a greater proportion of tetralogy compared with single ventricle patients, although the single lung group had fewer post-Fontan patients. Age, weight, and body surface area were similar between the groups as were use of mechanical circulatory support and mechanical ventilation before transplant. Median time to extubation, time on inotropes, and length of stay were similar. There were 3 perioperative deaths, including a patient who died during postoperative day 1 from primary graft failure, likely related to a combination of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and volume load. There were 5 additional mortalities during intermediate- and long-term follow-up, none of which were related to single-lung physiology. There was no significant survival difference between the groups. In patients with complex congenital heart disease and single lung physiology, heart transplant alone remains an excellent option, with comparable outcomes to patients undergoing transplant with similar cardiac anatomy and dual lung physiology. Copyright © 2015 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary artery wave propagation and reservoir function in conscious man: impact of pulmonary vascular disease, respiration and dynamic stress tests.

PubMed

Su, Junjing; Manisty, Charlotte; Simonsen, Ulf; Howard, Luke S; Parker, Kim H; Hughes, Alun D

2017-10-15

Wave travel plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology. However, many aspects of pulmonary arterial wave behaviour remain unclear. Wave intensity and reservoir-excess pressure analyses were applied in the pulmonary artery in subjects with and without pulmonary hypertension during spontaneous respiration and dynamic stress tests. Arterial wave energy decreased during expiration and Valsalva manoeuvre due to decreased ventricular preload. Wave energy also decreased during handgrip exercise due to increased heart rate. In pulmonary hypertension patients, the asymptotic pressure at which the microvascular flow ceases, the reservoir pressure related to arterial compliance and the excess pressure caused by waves increased. The reservoir and excess pressures decreased during Valsalva manoeuvre but remained unchanged during handgrip exercise. This study provides insights into the influence of pulmonary vascular disease, spontaneous respiration and dynamic stress tests on pulmonary artery wave propagation and reservoir function. Detailed haemodynamic analysis may provide novel insights into the pulmonary circulation. Therefore, wave intensity and reservoir-excess pressure analyses were applied in the pulmonary artery to characterize changes in wave propagation and reservoir function during spontaneous respiration and dynamic stress tests. Right heart catheterization was performed using a pressure and Doppler flow sensor tipped guidewire to obtain simultaneous pressure and flow velocity measurements in the pulmonary artery in control subjects and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at rest. In controls, recordings were also obtained during Valsalva manoeuvre and handgrip exercise. The asymptotic pressure at which the flow through the microcirculation ceases, the reservoir pressure related to arterial compliance and the excess pressure caused by arterial waves increased in PAH patients compared to controls. The systolic and diastolic rate constants

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy.

PubMed

Običan, Sarah G; Cleary, Kirsten L

2014-08-01

Pulmonary hypertension is a medical condition characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and secondary right heart failure. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a subset of pulmonary hypertension, which is characterized by an underlying disorder of the pulmonary arterial vasculature. Pulmonary hypertension can also occur secondarily to structural cardiac disease, autoimmune disorders, and toxic exposures. Although pregnancies affected by pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension are rare, the pathophysiology exacerbated by pregnancy confers both high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. In light of new treatment modalities and the use of a multidisciplinary approach to care, maternal outcomes may be improving. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

REACTIVE OXYGEN AND NITROGEN SPECIES IN PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

PubMed Central

Tabima, Diana M.; Frizzell, Sheila; Gladwin, Mark T.

2013-01-01

Pulmonary vascular disease can be defined as either a disease affecting the pulmonary capillaries and pulmonary arterioles, termed pulmonary arterial hypertension, or as a disease affecting the left ventricle, called pulmonary venous hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disorder of the pulmonary circulation characterized by endothelial dysfunction, as well as intimal and smooth muscle proliferation. Progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure impair the performance of the right ventricle, resulting in declining cardiac output, reduced exercise capacity, right heart failure, and ultimately death. While the primary and heritable forms of the disease are thought to affect over 5,000 patients in the U.S., the disease can occur secondary to congenital heart disease, most advanced lung diseases, and many systemic diseases. Multiple studies implicate oxidative stress in the development of PAH. Further, this oxidative stress has been shown to be associated with alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathways, whereby bioavailable NO is decreased and ROS and RNS production are increased. Many canonical ROS and NO signaling pathways are simultaneously disrupted in PAH, with increased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases and xanthine oxidoreductase, uncoupling of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and reduction in mitochondrial number, as well as impaired mitochondrial function. Upstream dysregulation of ROS/NO redox homeostasis impairs vascular tone and contributes to the pathological activation of anti-apoptotic and mitogenic pathways, leading to cell proliferation and obliteration of the vasculature. This manuscript will review the available data regarding the role of oxidative and nitrosative stress and endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, and provide a description of targeted therapies

Gender differences in pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Caracta, Cynthia F

2003-09-01

Epidemiologic evidence points to gender-based differences in incidence, risk, histology, and pathogenesis of certain lung diseases in women as compared with men. Gender influences not only physiological differences, but also the social, economic, and cultural context in which men and women coexist. Central to these differences is the role of sex hormones, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of disease or serve as protective factors. This paper seeks to review the role of gender in major areas of pulmonary disease and explore the mechanisms that may underlie gender differences in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mycobacterial disease (tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare infection), on lung cancer.

Systemic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer: common driver of pulmonary cachexia?

PubMed

Ceelen, Judith J M; Langen, Ramon C J; Schols, Annemie M W J

2014-12-01

In this article, a putative role of systemic inflammation as a driver of pulmonary cachexia induced by either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or nonsmall cell lung cancer is reviewed. Gaps in current translational research approaches are discussed and alternative strategies are proposed to provide new insights. Activation of the ubiquitin proteasome system has generally been considered a cause of pulmonary cachexia, but current animal models lack specificity and evidence is lacking in nonsmall cell lung cancer and conflicting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Recent studies have shown activation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway in both nonsmall cell lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Myonuclear loss, as a consequence of increased apoptotic events in myofibers, has been suggested in cancer-cachexia-associated muscle atrophy. Plasma transfer on myotube cultures can be used to detect early inflammatory signals in patients and presence of atrophy-inducing activity within the circulation. Comparative clinical research between nonsmall cell lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in different disease stages is useful to unravel disease-specific versus common denominators of pulmonary cachexia.

Diabetic Heart Disease

MedlinePlus

... if your father or a brother was diagnosed with heart disease before 55 years of age, or if your mother or a sister was diagnosed with heart disease before 65 years of age. Preeclampsia (pre-e- ...

Heart disease - risk factors

MedlinePlus

Heart disease - prevention; CVD - risk factors; Cardiovascular disease - risk factors; Coronary artery disease - risk factors; CAD - risk ... a certain health condition. Some risk factors for heart disease you cannot change, but some you can. ...

Pulmonary Function Tests

MedlinePlus

... clinical research. More Information Related Health Topics Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases Asthma Chest X-Ray COPD Cough Electrocardiogram Heart Failure How the Lungs Work Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Oxygen Therapy Sarcoidosis Stress Testing NHLBI Resources Taking a Spirometry Test Building ...

Pulmonary Capillary Hemangiomatosis and Pulmonary Veno-occlusive Disease.

PubMed

Chaisson, Neal F; Dodson, Mark W; Elliott, Charles Gregory

2016-09-01

This article provides an overview of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH), two disorders that challenge clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists because they often mimic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The article reviews the features that differentiate PVOD and PCH from PAH. The article also describes the overlap of PVOD and PCH, highlighted by recent reports of families diagnosed with PVOD or PCH caused by EIF2AK4 mutations. In addition, the article outlines current approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of PVOD and PCH. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: advances in pathophysiology and management.

PubMed

Barberà, Joan Albert; Blanco, Isabel

2009-06-18

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important complication in the natural history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its presence is associated with reduced survival and greater use of healthcare resources. The prevalence of PH is high in patients with advanced COPD, whereas in milder forms it might not be present at rest but may develop during exercise. In COPD, PH is usually of moderate severity and progresses slowly, without altering right ventricular function in the majority of patients. Nevertheless, a small subgroup of patients (1-3%) may present with out-of-proportion PH, that is, with pulmonary arterial pressure largely exceeding the severity of airway impairment. These patients depict a clinical picture similar to more severe forms of PH and have higher mortality rates. PH in COPD is caused by the remodelling of pulmonary arteries, which is characterized by the intimal proliferation of poorly differentiated smooth muscle cells and the deposition of elastic and collagen fibres. The sequence of changes that lead to PH in COPD begins at early disease stages by the impairment of endothelial function, which is associated with impaired release of endothelium-derived vasodilating agents (nitric oxide, prostacyclin) and increased expression of growth factors. Products contained in cigarette smoke play a critical role in the initiation of pulmonary endothelial cell alterations. Recognition of PH can be difficult because symptoms due to PH are not easy to differentiate from the clinical picture of COPD. Suspicion of PH should be high if clinical deterioration is not matched by the decline in pulmonary function, and in the presence of profound hypoxaemia or markedly reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity. Patients with suspected PH should be evaluated by Doppler echocardiography and, if confirmed, undergo right-heart catheterization in those circumstances where the result of the procedure can determine clinical management. To date, long-term oxygen

Impact of pre-transplant pulmonary hypertension on survival after heart transplantation: a UNOS registry analysis.

PubMed

Vakil, Kairav; Duval, Sue; Sharma, Alok; Adabag, Selcuk; Abidi, Kashan Syed; Taimeh, Ziad; Colvin-Adams, Monica

2014-10-20

Severe pre-transplant pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been associated with adverse short-term clinical outcomes after heart transplantation in relatively small single-center studies. The impact of pre-transplant PH on long-term survival after heart transplantation has not been examined in a large, multi-center cohort. Adults (≥18 years) who underwent first time heart transplantation in the United States between 1987 and 2012 were retrospectively identified from the United Network for Organ Sharing registry. Pre-transplant PH was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), trans-pulmonary gradient (TPG), and pulmonary artery (PA) mean pressure. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Data from 26,649 heart transplant recipients (mean age 52±12 years; 76% male; 76% Caucasian) were analyzed. During a mean follow-up of 5.7±4.8 years, there were 10,334 (39%) deaths. Pre-transplant PH (PVR≥2.5 WU) was a significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.14, p<0.0001) in multivariable analysis. However, the severity of pre-transplant PH (mild/moderate vs. severe) did not affect short or long-term survival. Similarly, even in patients who were supported with either a left ventricular assist device or a total artificial heart prior to transplant, severe pre-transplant PH was not associated with worse survival when compared to patients with mild/moderate pre-transplant PH. Pre-transplant PH (PVR≥2.5 WU) is associated with a modest increase in mortality when compared to patients without pre-transplant PH. However, the severity of pre-transplant PH, assessed by PVR, TPG, or mean PA pressure, is not a discriminating factor for poor survival in patients listed for heart transplantation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS IN CHILDREN, OPERATED ON FOR INBORN HEART FAILURES IN THE ARTIFICIAL BLOOD CIRCULATION ENVIRONMENT].

PubMed

Moshkivska, L V; Nastenko, E A; Golovenko, O S; Lazoryshynets, V V

2015-11-01

The risk factors of pulmonary complications occurrence were analyzed in children, operated on for inborn heart failures in atrificial blood circulation environment. Pulmonary complications rate and the risk factors of their occurrence were analyzed.

Heart Disease in Hispanic Women

MedlinePlus

... Heart Disease in Women Heart Disease in Hispanic Women “I thought it couldn’t be true,” says ... disease is their No. 1 killer. Why Hispanic women? While heart disease doesn’t discriminate, you could ...

Lung capillary injury and repair in left heart disease: a new target for therapy?

PubMed

Azarbar, Sayena; Dupuis, Jocelyn

2014-07-01

The lungs are the primary organs affected in LHD (left heart disease). Increased left atrial pressure leads to pulmonary alveolar-capillary stress failure, resulting in cycles of alveolar wall injury and repair. The reparative process causes the proliferation of MYFs (myofibroblasts) with fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition, resulting in thickening of the alveolar wall. Although the resultant reduction in vascular permeability is initially protective against pulmonary oedema, the process becomes maladaptive causing a restrictive lung syndrome with impaired gas exchange. This pathological process may also contribute to PH (pulmonary hypertension) due to LHD. Few clinical trials have specifically evaluated lung structural remodelling and the effect of related therapies in LHD. Currently approved treatment for chronic HF (heart failure) may have direct beneficial effects on lung structural remodelling. In the future, novel therapies specifically targeting the remodelling processes may potentially be utilized. In the present review, we summarize data supporting the clinical importance and pathophysiological mechanisms of lung structural remodelling in LHD and propose that this pathophysiological process should be explored further in pre-clinical studies and future therapeutic trials.

Hormones and heart disease.

PubMed

Kent, S

1979-06-01

Because the advantage that women have over men in a lower heart attack rate is gradually lost after menopause, it has been suggested that estrogen may exert a protective effect against heart disease. The situation is complex, and the available data are open to various interpretations. Available data show a gradual, predictable increase in the death rate from heart disease among women with advancing age, despite the apparent increase in cardiovascular events around the time of menopause. This suggests that men may be particularly susceptible to heart disease, rather than that women have an immunity to the disease. The theory that estrogen exerts a protective effect against heart disease was examined when men who had had heart attacks were treated with estrogen in the Coronary Drug Project. The practice was discontinued when it was found that men receiving estrogen had an elevated incidence of myocardial infarction, a finding that suggests that estrogen may promote heart disease. Additional evidence that estrogen may have a harmful effect on the cardiovascular system comes from a recent study by Gerald B. Phillips who found that men who had suffered heart attacks before age 43 had higher levels of estradiol in their blood than men who had not had heart attacks. A noteworthy finding from th e Framingham study was the fact that the relative risk of cardiovascular events in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women seemed to decrease with age. Hans Selye identifies stress as "the final, decisive eliciting factor" in precipitating heart attack. Broda O. Barnes also maintains that stress is a major cause of heart attack, but adds that most stress-prone individuals suffer from thyroid deficiency, which is the underlying cause of their increased susceptibility to heart attacks.

Relationship between heart failure, concurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and beta-blocker use: a Danish nationwide cohort study.

PubMed

Sessa, Maurizio; Mascolo, Annamaria; Mortensen, Rikke Nørmark; Andersen, Mikkel Porsborg; Rosano, Giuseppe Massimo Claudio; Capuano, Annalisa; Rossi, Francesco; Gislason, Gunnar; Enghusen-Poulsen, Henrik; Torp-Pedersen, Christian

2018-03-01

To compare the hazard of all-cause, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in carvedilol vs. metoprolol/bisoprolol/nebivolol users with COPD and concurrent HF from 2009 to 2012, and to evaluate the use and persistence in treatment of these β-blockers, their impact on the risk of COPD-related hospitalization, and the factors important for their selection. Cox and logistic regression were used for both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Carvedilol users had a higher hazard of being hospitalized for HF compared with metoprolol/bisoprolol/nebivolol users in both the unadjusted [hazard ratio (HR) 1.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65-1.83] and adjusted (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.52-1.70) analyses. No significant differences were found for all-cause and COPD hospitalization between the two groups. Carvedilol users had a significant lower restricted mean persistence time than metoprolol/bisoprolol/nebivolol users. Patients exposed to carvedilol had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.38 (95% CI 1.23-1.56) for being hospitalized due to COPD within 60 days after redeeming the first carvedilol prescription, which was similar to that observed in metoprolol/bisoprolol/nebivolol users (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.27-1.48). Patients with concurrent chronic kidney disease had a higher probability of receiving carvedilol (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04-1.29). Carvedilol prescription carried an increased hazard of HF hospitalization and lower restricted mean persistence time among patients with COPD and concurrent HF. Additionally, we found a widespread phenomenon of carvedilol prescription at variance with the European Society of Cardiology guidelines and potential for improving the proportion of patients treated with β-blockers. © 2017 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2017 European Society of Cardiology.

Hemodynamic Characteristics Including Pulmonary Hypertension at Rest and During Exercise Before and After Heart Transplantation

PubMed Central

Lundgren, Jakob; Rådegran, Göran

2015-01-01

Background Little is known about the hemodynamic response to exercise in heart failure patients at various ages before and after heart transplantation (HT). This information is important because postoperative hemodynamics may be a predictor of survival. To investigate the hemodynamic response to HT and exercise, we grouped our patients based on preoperative age and examined their hemodynamics at rest and during exercise before and after HT. Methods and Results Ninety-four patients were evaluated at rest prior to HT with right heart catheterization at our laboratory. Of these patients, 32 were evaluated during slight supine exercise before and 1 year after HT. Postoperative evaluations were performed at rest 1 week after HT and at rest and during exercise at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after HT. The exercise patients were divided into 2 groups based on preoperative age of ≤50 or >50 years. There were no age-dependent differences in the preoperative hemodynamic exercise responses. Hemodynamics markedly improved at rest and during exercise at 1 and 4 weeks, respectively, after HT; however, pulmonary and, in particular, ventricular filling pressures remained high during exercise at 1 year after HT, resulting in normalized pulmonary vascular resistance response but deranged total pulmonary vascular resistance response. Conclusions Our findings suggest that, (1) in patients with heart failure age ≤50 or >50 years may not affect the hemodynamic response to exercise to the same extent as in healthy persons, and (2) total pulmonary vascular resistance may be more adequate than pulmonary vascular resistance for evaluating the exercise response after HT. PMID:26199230

Regulation of the pulmonary circulation

PubMed Central

Lee, G. de J.

1971-01-01

Factors regulating pressure and flow in the lungs are reviewed with particular emphasis on their role in regulating blood flow velocity and distribution within the lung capillaries. The behaviour of the pulmonary arterial, system, alveolar capillaries, and pulmonary venous system are considered individually. The effect of heart disease on lung capillary blood flow is examined. PMID:4929437

Gallic acid attenuates pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of transverse aortic contraction-induced heart failure.

PubMed

Jin, Li; Piao, Zhe Hao; Sun, Simei; Liu, Bin; Ryu, Yuhee; Choi, Sin Young; Kim, Gwi Ran; Kim, Hyung-Seok; Kee, Hae Jin; Jeong, Myung Ho

2017-12-01

Gallic acid, a trihydroxybenzoic acid found in tea and other plants, attenuates cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and hypertension in animal models. However, the role of gallic acid in heart failure remains unknown. In this study, we show that gallic acid administration prevents heart failure-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Heart failure induced in mice, 8weeks after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery, was confirmed by echocardiography. Treatment for 2weeks with gallic acid but not furosemide prevented cardiac dysfunction in mice. Gallic acid significantly inhibited TAC-induced pathological changes in the lungs, such as increased lung mass, pulmonary fibrosis, and damaged alveolar morphology. It also decreased the expression of fibrosis-related genes, including collagen types I and III, fibronectin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and phosphorylated Smad3. Further, it inhibited the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, such as N-cadherin, vimentin, E-cadherin, SNAI1, and TWIST1. We suggest that gallic acid has therapeutic potential for the treatment of heart failure-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Churg-Strauss syndrome and persistent heart failure: active disease or damage?

PubMed

Lin, Yih Chang; Oliveira, Guilherme H M; Villa-Forte, Alexandra

2013-10-01

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare small-vessel vasculitis typically associated with adult-onset asthma, peripheral and tissue hypereosinophilia, migratory pulmonary infiltrates, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and clinical evidence of systemic vasculitis. Cardiac involvement is a well-recognized complication with an estimated prevalence of 60%. Heart disease is associated with poor prognosis, accounting for almost 50% mortality in CSS. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with CSS complicated by congestive heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%, who was initially treated with long course of high-dose steroids without any clinical or echocardiographic improvement. She was referred to our hospital 1 year later and was initiated with cyclophosphamide 2 mg/kg per day and prednisone 60 mg/d followed by slow taper. Subsequently, the patient had remarkable improvement. Patient was then transitioned to azathioprine for 1.5 years with sustained disease remission. It may be difficult to determine myocardial disease activity status versus tissue damage in CSS with prolonged duration of heart failure symptoms. This is the first case report demonstrating that CSS cardiac disease may remain active despite 1 year of corticosteroid therapy, and significant improvement or remission can still be achieved by administering more aggressive cytotoxic immunosuppressive therapy.

Wave Intensity Analysis Provides Novel Insights Into Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension.

PubMed

Su, Junjing; Manisty, Charlotte; Parker, Kim H; Simonsen, Ulf; Nielsen-Kudsk, Jens Erik; Mellemkjaer, Soren; Connolly, Susan; Lim, P Boon; Whinnett, Zachary I; Malik, Iqbal S; Watson, Geoffrey; Davies, Justin E; Gibbs, Simon; Hughes, Alun D; Howard, Luke

2017-10-31

In contrast to systemic hypertension, the significance of arterial waves in pulmonary hypertension (PH) is not well understood. We hypothesized that arterial wave energy and wave reflection are augmented in PH and that wave behavior differs between patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Right heart catheterization was performed using a pressure and Doppler flow sensor-tipped catheter to obtain simultaneous pressure and flow velocity measurements in the pulmonary artery. Wave intensity analysis was subsequently applied to the acquired data. Ten control participants, 11 patients with PAH, and 10 patients with CTEPH were studied. Wave speed and wave power were significantly greater in PH patients compared with controls, indicating increased arterial stiffness and right ventricular work, respectively. The ratio of wave power to mean right ventricular power was lower in PAH patients than CTEPH patients and controls. Wave reflection index in PH patients (PAH: ≈25%; CTEPH: ≈30%) was significantly greater compared with controls (≈4%), indicating downstream vascular impedance mismatch. Although wave speed was significantly correlated to disease severity, wave reflection indexes of patients with mildly and severely elevated pulmonary pressures were similar. Wave reflection in the pulmonary artery increased in PH and was unrelated to severity, suggesting that vascular impedance mismatch occurs early in the development of pulmonary vascular disease. The lower wave power fraction in PAH compared with CTEPH indicates differences in the intrinsic and/or extrinsic ventricular load between the 2 diseases. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Diagnostic management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Broekhuizen, B D L; Sachs, A P E; Hoes, A W; Verheij, T J M; Moons, K G M

2012-01-01

Detection of early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms is recommended; however, diagnosing COPD is difficult because a single gold standard is not available. The aim of this article is to review and interpret the existing evidence, theories and consensus on the individual parts of the diagnostic work-up for COPD. Relevant articles are discussed under the subheadings: history taking, physical examination, spirometry and additional lung function assessment. Wheezing, cough, phlegm and breathlessness on exertion are suggestive signs for COPD. The diagnostic value of the physical examination is limited, except for auscultated pulmonary wheezing or reduced breath sounds, increasing the probability of COPD. Spirometric airflow obstruction after bronchodilation, defined as a lowered ratio of the forced volume in one second to the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC ratio), is a prerequisite, but can only confirm COPD in combination with suggestive symptoms. Different thresholds are being recommended to define low FEV1/FVC, including a fixed threshold, and one varying with gender and age; however, the way physicians interpret these thresholds in their assessment is not well known. Body plethysmography allows a more complete assessment of pulmonary function, providing results on the total lung capacity and the residual volume and is indicated when conventional spirometry results are inconclusive. Chest radiography has no diagnostic value for COPD but is useful to exclude alternative diagnoses such as heart failure or lung cancer. Extensive history taking is of key importance in diagnosing COPD.

A systematic review of trends and patterns of congenital heart disease in children in Nigeria from 1964-2015.

PubMed

Abdulkadir, Mohammed; Abdulkadir, Zainab

2016-06-01

Congenital heart diseases cause significant childhood morbidity and mortality. Several restricted studies have been conducted on the epidemiology in Nigeria. No truly nationwide data on patterns of congenital heart disease exists. To determine the patterns of congenital heart disease in children in Nigeria and examine trends in the occurrence of individual defects across 5 decades. We searched PubMed database, Google scholar, TRIP database, World Health Organisation libraries and reference lists of selected articles for studies on patterns of congenital heart disease among children in Nigeria between 1964 and 2015. Two researchers reviewed the papers independently and extracted the data. Seventeen studies were selected that included 2,953 children with congenital heart disease. The commonest congenital heart diseases in Nigeria are ventricular septal defect (40.6%), patent ductus arteriosus (18.4%), atrial septal defect (11.3%) and tetralogy of Fallot (11.8%). There has been a 6% increase in the burden of VSD in every decade for the 5 decades studied and a decline in the occurrence of pulmonary stenosis. Studies conducted in Northern Nigeria demonstrated higher proportions of atrial septal defects than patent ductus arteriosus. Ventricular septal defects are the commonest congenital heart diseases in Nigeria with a rising burden.

Exercise-induced pulmonary artery hypertension in a patient with compensated cardiac disease: hemodynamic and functional response to sildenafil therapy.

PubMed

Nikolaidis, Lazaros; Memon, Nabeel; O'Murchu, Brian

2015-02-01

We describe the case of a 54-year-old man who presented with exertional dyspnea and fatigue that had worsened over the preceding 2 years, despite a normally functioning bioprosthetic aortic valve and stable, mild left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction, 0.45). His symptoms could not be explained by physical examination, an extensive biochemical profile, or multiple cardiac and pulmonary investigations. However, abnormal cardiopulmonary exercise test results and a right heart catheterization-combined with the use of a symptom-limited, bedside bicycle ergometer-revealed that the patient's exercise-induced pulmonary artery hypertension was out of proportion to his compensated left heart disease. A trial of sildenafil therapy resulted in objective improvements in hemodynamic values and functional class.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome: Congenital heart disease in 149 patients.

PubMed

Ayerza Casas, Ariadna; Puisac Uriol, Beatriz; Teresa Rodrigo, María Esperanza; Hernández Marcos, María; Ramos Fuentes, Feliciano J; Pie Juste, Juan

2017-10-11

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is produced by mutations in genes that encode regulatory or structural proteins of the cohesin complex. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is not a major criterion of the disease, but it affects many individuals. The objective of this study was to study the incidence and type of CHD in patients with CdLS. Cardiological findings were evaluated in 149 patients with CdLS and their possible relationship with clinical and genetic variables. A percentage of 34.9 had CHD (septal defects 50%, pulmonary stenosis 27%, aortic coarctation 9.6%). The presence of CHD was related with neonatal hospitalisation (P=.04), hearing loss (P=.002), mortality (P=.09) and lower hyperactivity (P=.02), it being more frequent in HDAC8+ patients (60%), followed by NIPBL+ (33%) and SMC1A+ (28.5%). While septal defects predominate in NIPBL+, pulmonary stenosis is more common in HDAC8+. Patients with CdLS have a high incidence of CHD, which varies according to the affected gene, the most frequent findings being septal defects and pulmonary stenosis. Perform a cardiologic study in all these patients is suggested. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Immediate clinical and haemodynamic benefits of restoration of pulmonary valvar competence in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Lurz, P; Nordmeyer, J; Coats, L; Taylor, A M; Bonhoeffer, P; Schulze-Neick, I

2009-04-01

To analyse the potential benefit of restoration of pulmonary valvar competence in patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with congenital heart disease. Retrospective study. Tertiary paediatric and adult congenital heart cardiac centre. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). All patients who underwent PPVI for treatment of PR in the presence of PH (mean PAP >25 mm Hg). Seven patients with severe PH as a result of congenital heart disease and severe PR underwent PPVI. The valve implantation procedure was feasible and uncomplicated in all seven cases, successfully abolishing PR. There was a significant increase in diastolic (15.4 (7.3) to 34.0 (8.5) mm Hg; p = 0.007) and mean (29.7 (8.1) to 41.3 (12.9) mm Hg; p = 0.034) pulmonary artery pressures, and an improvement in NYHA functional class (from median IV to median III; p<0.008). Peripheral oxygen saturations rose from 85.9% (11.0%) to 91.7% (8.3%) (p = 0.036). Right ventricular (RV) volumes decreased (from 157.0 (44.7) to 140.3 (53.3) ml/m(2)), while effective RV stroke volume increased (from 23.4 (9.3) to 41.0 (11.6) ml/m(2)). During a median follow-up of 20.3 months (range 1.3-47.5), valvar competence was well maintained despite near systemic pulmonary pressures. None of the valved stents were explanted during follow-up. Trans-catheter treatment of PR in patients with PH is well tolerated and leads to clinical and haemodynamic improvement, most probably caused by a combination of increased pulmonary perfusion pressures and RV efficiency.

Current applications of lasers in heart disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Garrett; Chan, Ming C.; Mason, Dean T.

1993-03-01

Although the laser has been in existence for abut 30 years, its application in heart disease has only been examined in the past decade. Much attention has been given its exciting potential in treating coronary artery disease. Transmitted through a catheter comprised of one or more thin optical fibers which can be threaded nonsurgically into the coronary artery, the laser can ablate atherosclerotic plaque that obstructs the artery and diminishes blood flow to the myocardium. In clinical studies, the laser can treat some obstructive lesions that are not suitable for balloon angioplasty (i.e., long and diffuse lesions, very tight stenoses, ostial lesions, calcified lesions). In patients who failed balloon angioplasty due to severe dissection or abrupt closure, the laser may seal up the dissections and restore antegrade blood flow. In addition, the laser may have other applications and treatment modalities that are still under investigation. It may ablate ectopic ventricular foci, or terminate supraventricular tachyrhythmia by destroying the heart's abnormal conduction pathways. It can cut the hypertrophied septum that is associated with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, or create a channel in the atrial septum as a palliative procedure in newborns with transposition of the great vessels. It may provide a wider orifice for blood flow within the heart in infants with pulmonary outflow obstruction and in adults with aortic valvular stenosis. It is also capable of fusing small thin-walled blood vessels together. Further, a more intriguing possibility is its use to bore several tiny channels in the myocardium to allow oxygenated blood from within the ventricular chamber to perfuse the ischemic heart tissue.

The Intersection of Pulmonary Hypertension and Solid Organ Transplantation.

PubMed

Frost, Adaani E

2016-01-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complication and marker of disease severity in many parenchymal lung diseases. It also is a frequent complication of portal hypertension and negatively impacts survival with liver transplant. Pulmonary hypertension is frequently diagnosed in patients with end-stage renal disease who are undergoing dialysis, and it has recently been demonstrated to adversely affect posttransplant outcome in this patient population even though the mechanism of PH is substantially different from that associated with liver disease. The presence of PH in patients with heart failure is frequent, and the necessity for PH therapy prior to heart transplant has evolved in the last decade. We review the frequency of and risk factors for PH in recipients of and candidates for lung, liver, heart, and renal transplants as well as the impact of this diagnosis on posttransplant outcomes.

Acute care costs of patients admitted for management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations: contribution of disease severity, infection and chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Hutchinson, A; Brand, C; Irving, L; Roberts, C; Thompson, P; Campbell, D

2010-05-01

In 2003, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounted for 46% of the burden of chronic respiratory disease in the Australian community. In the 65-74-year-old age group, COPD was the sixth leading cause of disability for men and the seventh for women. To measure the influence of disease severity, COPD phenotype and comorbidities on acute health service utilization and direct acute care costs in patients admitted with COPD. Prospective cohort study of 80 patients admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2001-2002 for an exacerbation of COPD. Patients were followed for 12 months and data were collected on acute care utilization. Direct hospital costs were derived using Transition II, an activity-based costing system. Individual patient costs were then modelled to ascertain which patient factors influenced total direct hospital costs. Direct costs were calculated for 225 episodes of care, the median cost per admission was AU$3124 (interquartile range $1393 to $5045). The median direct cost of acute care management per patient per year was AU$7273 (interquartile range $3957 to $14 448). In a multivariate analysis using linear regression modelling, factors predictive of higher annual costs were increasing age (P= 0.041), use of domiciliary oxygen (P= 0.008) and the presence of chronic heart failure (P= 0.006). This model has identified a number of patient factors that predict higher acute care costs and awareness of these can be used for service planning to meet the needs of patients admitted with COPD.

Characteristics, treatments and 1-year prognosis of hospitalized and ambulatory heart failure patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long-Term Registry.

PubMed

Canepa, Marco; Straburzynska-Migaj, Ewa; Drozdz, Jaroslaw; Fernandez-Vivancos, Carla; Pinilla, Jose Manuel Garcia; Nyolczas, Noemi; Temporelli, Pier Luigi; Mebazaa, Alexandre; Lainscak, Mitja; Laroche, Cécile; Maggioni, Aldo Pietro; Piepoli, Massimo F; Coats, Andrew J S; Ferrari, Roberto; Tavazzi, Luigi

2018-01-01

To describe the characteristics and assess the 1-year outcomes of hospitalized (HHF) and chronic (CHF) heart failure patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) enrolled in a large European registry between May 2011 and April 2013. Overall, 1334/6920 (19.3%) HHF patients and 1322/9409 (14.1%) CHF patients were diagnosed with COPD. In both groups, patients with COPD were older, more frequently men, had a worse clinical presentation and a higher prevalence of co-morbidities. In HHF, the increase in the use of heart failure (HF) medications at hospital discharge was greater in non-COPD than in COPD for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (+13.7% vs. +7.2%), beta-blockers (+20.6% vs. +11.8%) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (+20.9% vs. +17.3%), thus widening the gap in HF treatment already existing between the two groups at admission. In CHF patients, there was a similar increase in the use of these medications after enrollment visit in the two groups, leaving a significant difference of 8.2% for beta-blockers in favour of non-COPD patients (89.8% vs. 81.6%, P < 0.001). At 1-year follow-up, the hazard ratios for COPD in multivariable analysis confirmed its independent association with hospitalizations both in HHF [all-cause: 1.16 (1.04-1.29), for HF: 1.22 (1.05-1.42)] and CHF patients [all-cause: 1.26 (1.13-1.41), for HF: 1.37 (1.17-1.60)]. The association between COPD and all-cause mortality was not confirmed in both groups after adjustments. COPD frequently coexists in HHF and CHF, worsens the clinical course of the disease, and significantly impacts its therapeutic management and prognosis. The matter should deserve greater attention from the cardiology community. © 2017 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2017 European Society of Cardiology.

[Immersion pulmonary edema].

PubMed

Desgraz, Benoît; Sartori, Claudio; Saubade, Mathieu; Héritier, Francis; Gabus, Vincent

2017-07-12

Immersion pulmonary edema may occur during scuba diving, snorke-ling or swimming. It is a rare and often recurrent disease, mainly affecting individuals aged over 50 with high blood pressure. However it also occurs in young individuals with a healthy heart. The main symptoms are dyspnea, cough and hemoptysis. The outcome is often favorable under oxygen treatment but deaths are reported. A cardiac and pulmonary assessment is necessary to evaluate the risk of recurrence and possible contraindications to immersion.

Cardio-pulmonary fitness test by ultra-short heart rate variability.

PubMed

Aslani, Arsalan; Aslani, Amir; Kheirkhah, Jalal; Sobhani, Vahid

2011-10-01

It is known that exercise induces cardio-respiratory autonomic modulation. The aim of this study was to assess the cardio-pulmonary fitness by ultra-short heart rate variability. Study population was divided into 3 groups: Group-1 (n = 40) consisted of military sports man. Group-2 (n = 40) were healthy age-matched sedentary male subjects with normal body mass index [BMI = 19 - 25 kg/m(2)). Group-3 (n = 40) were healthy age-matched obese male subjects [BMI > 29 kg/m(2)). Standard deviation of normal-to-normal QRS intervals (SDNN) was recorded over 15 minutes. Bruce protocol treadmill test was used; and, maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) was calculated. WHEN THE STUDY POPULATION WAS DIVIDED INTO QUARTILES OF SDNN (FIRST QUARTILE: < 60 msec; second quartile: > 60 and < 100 msec; third quartile: > 100 and <140 msec; and fourth quartile: >140 msec), progressive increase was found in VO(2)max; and, SDNN was significantly linked with estimated VO(2)max. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that exercise training improves cardio-respiratory autonomic function (and increases heart rate variability). Improvement in cardio-respiratory autonomic function seems to translate into a lower rate of long term mortality. Ultra-short heart rate variability is a simple cardio-pulmonary fitness test which just requires 15 minutes, and involves no exercise such as in the treadmill or cycle test.

Exercise echocardiography for structural heart disease.

PubMed

Izumo, Masaki; Akashi, Yoshihiro J

2016-03-01

Since the introduction of transcatheter structural heart intervention, the term "structural heart disease" has been widely used in the field of cardiology. Structural heart disease refers to congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. In structural heart disease, valvular heart disease is frequently identified in the elderly. Of note, the number of patients who suffer from aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR) is increasing in developed countries because of the aging of the populations. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and percutaneous mitral valve repair has been widely used for AS and MR, individually. Echocardiography is the gold standard modality for initial diagnosis and subsequent evaluation of AS and MR, although the difficulties in assessing patients with these diseases still remain. Here, we review the clinical usefulness and prognostic impact of exercise echocardiography on structural heart disease, particularly on AS and MR.

The effect of ivabradine on functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Mahmoud, Kareem; Kassem, Hussien Heshmat; Baligh, Essam; ElGameel, Usama; Akl, Yosri; Kandil, Hossam

2016-10-01

Increased sympathetic tone and use of bronchodilators increase heart rate and this may worsen functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to look at the short-term effect of the heart rate lowering drug ivabradine on clinical status in COPD patients.We randomised 80 COPD patients with sinus heart rate ≥90 bpm into either taking ivabradine 7.5 mg twice per day or placebo for two weeks. We assessed all patients using the modified Borg scale and 6-minute walk test at baseline and then again 2 weeks after randomisation.There were no significant differences in age, sex, severity of airway obstruction (measured using forceful exhalation), severity of diastolic dysfunction or pulmonary artery systolic pressure between the two groups. The ivabradine group showed significant improvement in 6-minute walk distance (from 192.6±108.8 m at baseline to 285.1±88.9 m at the end of the study) compared with the control group (230.6±68.4 at baseline and 250.4±65.8 m at the end of study) (p<0.001). This improvement in the drug group was associated with significant improvement of dyspnea on modified Borg scale (p=0.007).Lowering heart rate with ivabradine can improve exercise capacity and functional class in COPD patients with resting heart rate >90 bpm. © Royal College of Physicians 2016. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary hypertension in rheumatic diseases: epidemiology and pathogenesis.

PubMed

Shahane, Anupama

2013-07-01

The focus of this review is to increase awareness of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with rheumatic diseases. Epidemiology and pathogenesis of PAH in rheumatic diseases is reviewed, with recommendations for early screening and diagnosis and suggestion of possible role of immunosuppressive therapy in treatment for PAH in rheumatic diseases. A MEDLINE search for articles published between January 1970 and June 2012 was conducted using the following keywords: pulmonary hypertension, scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, connective tissues disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, inflammatory myopathies, dermatomyositis, ankylosing spondylitis, spondyloarthropathies, diagnosis and treatment. Pathogenesis and disease burden of PAH in rheumatic diseases was highlighted, with emphasis on early consideration and workup of PAH. Screening recommendations and treatment were touched upon. PAH is most commonly seen in systemic sclerosis and may be seen in isolation or in association with interstitial lung disease. Several pathophysiologic processes have been identified including an obliterative vasculopathy, veno-occlusive disease, formation of microthrombi and pulmonary fibrosis. PAH in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with higher prevalence of antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies and the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon. Endothelial proliferation with vascular remodeling, abnormal coagulation with thrombus formation and immune-mediated vasculopathy are the postulated mechanisms. Improvement with immunosuppressive medications has been reported. Pulmonary fibrosis, extrinsic compression of pulmonary arteries and granulomatous vasculitis have been reported in patients with sarcoidosis. Intimal and medial hyperplasia with luminal narrowing has been observed in Sjogren's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease and

Sickle Cell Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension

MedlinePlus

... My doctor wants to screen me for pulmonary hypertension. Why is this? Sickle cell disease (SCD), a ... What are some of the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension? Because they are somewhat general symptoms, the characteristics ...

Personalized Medicine for Chronic Respiratory Infectious Diseases: Tuberculosis, Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Diseases, and Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

PubMed

Salzer, Helmut J F; Wassilew, Nasstasja; Köhler, Niklas; Olaru, Ioana D; Günther, Gunar; Herzmann, Christian; Kalsdorf, Barbara; Sanchez-Carballo, Patricia; Terhalle, Elena; Rolling, Thierry; Lange, Christoph; Heyckendorf, Jan

2016-01-01

Chronic respiratory infectious diseases are causing high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tuberculosis, a major cause of chronic pulmonary infection, is currently responsible for approximately 1.5 million deaths per year. Although important advances in the fight against tuberculosis have been made, the progress towards eradication of this disease is being challenged by the dramatic increase in multidrug-resistant bacilli. Nontuberculous mycobacteria causing pulmonary disease and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis are emerging infectious diseases. In contrast to other infectious diseases, chronic respiratory infections share the trait of having highly variable treatment outcomes despite longstanding antimicrobial therapy. Recent scientific progress indicates that medicine is presently at a transition stage from programmatic to personalized management. We explain current state-of-the-art management concepts of chronic pulmonary infectious diseases as well as the underlying methods for therapeutic decisions and their implications for personalized medicine. Furthermore, we describe promising biomarkers and techniques with the potential to serve future individual treatment concepts in this field of difficult-to-treat patients. These include candidate markers to improve individual risk assessment for disease development, the design of tailor-made drug therapy regimens, and individualized biomarker-guided therapy duration to achieve relapse-free cure. In addition, the use of therapeutic drug monitoring to reach optimal drug dosing with the smallest rate of adverse events as well as candidate agents for future host-directed therapies are described. Taken together, personalized medicine will provide opportunities to substantially improve the management and treatment outcome of difficult-to-treat patients with chronic respiratory infections. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Living With Chronic Lower Pulmonary Disease

PubMed Central

Pooler, Charlotte

2014-01-01

In this article, I present a phenomenological study of individuals’ experiences of living with moderate to very severe chronic lower pulmonary disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or both). Phenomenology is a philosophy, distinct from descriptive or thematic research, which is useful as a foundation for scientific inquiry. In this study, I used the lens of Merleau-Ponty to understand and interpret participants’ experiences of living with pulmonary disease, and the approach of van Manen for analysis. I conclude that in chronic pulmonary disease, awareness of breathing and the body is experienced in the sounds, sensations, and signals of breathing and the body, and in the experiences of the body-in-the-world. Central themes of being-in-the-world from the study describe the disruption of the embodied phenomenological self: Participants experienced slowing down, doing less, and having to stop due to shortness of breath. Both chronic and acute dyspnea were prevalent and the taken-for-granted aspects of daily activities were disrupted. Findings of this study have implications for public and patient education, and opportunities for integration of experiential aspects within nursing education and practice. PMID:28462289

Genetics Home Reference: critical congenital heart disease

MedlinePlus

... into and out of the heart (including the aorta and pulmonary artery). Still others involve a combination ... defects classified as CCHD include coarctation of the aorta , double-outlet right ventricle, D-transposition of the ...

Cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms in rats with heart failure induced by pulmonary hypertension

PubMed Central

Benoist, David; Stones, Rachel; Drinkhill, Mark J.; Benson, Alan P.; Yang, Zhaokang; Cassan, Cecile; Gilbert, Stephen H.; Saint, David A.; Cazorla, Olivier; Steele, Derek S.; Bernus, Olivier

2012-01-01

Pulmonary hypertension provokes right heart failure and arrhythmias. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these arrhythmias is needed to facilitate new therapeutic approaches for the hypertensive, failing right ventricle (RV). The aim of our study was to identify the mechanisms generating arrhythmias in a model of RV failure induced by pulmonary hypertension. Rats were injected with monocrotaline to induce either RV hypertrophy or failure or with saline (control). ECGs were measured in conscious, unrestrained animals by telemetry. In isolated hearts, electrical activity was measured by optical mapping and myofiber orientation by diffusion tensor-MRI. Sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ handling was studied in single myocytes. Compared with control animals, the T-wave of the ECG was prolonged and in three of seven heart failure animals, prominent T-wave alternans occurred. Discordant action potential (AP) alternans occurred in isolated failing hearts and Ca2+ transient alternans in failing myocytes. In failing hearts, AP duration and dispersion were increased; conduction velocity and AP restitution were steeper. The latter was intrinsic to failing single myocytes. Failing hearts had greater fiber angle disarray; this correlated with AP duration. Failing myocytes had reduced sarco(endo)plasmic reticular Ca2+-ATPase activity, increased sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+-release fraction, and increased Ca2+ spark leak. In hypertrophied hearts and myocytes, dysfunctional adaptation had begun, but alternans did not develop. We conclude that increased electrical and structural heterogeneity and dysfunctional sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ handling increased the probability of alternans, a proarrhythmic predictor of sudden cardiac death. These mechanisms are potential therapeutic targets for the correction of arrhythmias in hypertensive, failing RVs. PMID:22427523

Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance by Magnetic Resonance in Systolic Heart Failure

PubMed Central

Fabregat-Andrés, Óscar; Estornell-Erill, Jordi; Ridocci-Soriano, Francisco; Pérez-Boscá, José Leandro; García-González, Pilar; Payá-Serrano, Rafael; Morell, Salvador; Cortijo, Julio

2016-01-01

Background Pulmonary hypertension is associated with poor prognosis in heart failure. However, non-invasive diagnosis is still challenging in clinical practice. Objective We sought to assess the prognostic utility of non-invasive estimation of pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods Prospective registry of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% and recently admitted for decompensated heart failure during three years. PVRwere calculated based on right ventricular ejection fraction and average velocity of the pulmonary artery estimated during cardiac magnetic resonance. Readmission for heart failure and all-cause mortality were considered as adverse events at follow-up. Results 105 patients (average LVEF 26.0 ±7.7%, ischemic etiology 43%) were included. Patients with adverse events at long-term follow-up had higher values of PVR (6.93 ± 1.9 vs. 4.6 ± 1.7estimated Wood Units (eWu), p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, PVR ≥ 5 eWu(cutoff value according to ROC curve) was independently associated with increased risk of adverse events at 9 months follow-up (HR2.98; 95% CI 1.12-7.88; p < 0.03). Conclusions In patients with HFrEF, the presence of PVR ≥ 5.0 Wu is associated with significantly worse clinical outcome at follow-up. Non-invasive estimation of PVR by cardiac magnetic resonance might be useful for risk stratification in HFrEF, irrespective of etiology, presence of late gadolinium enhancement or LVEF. PMID:26840055

Heart Health - Heart Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

MedlinePlus

... Bar Home Current Issue Past Issues Cover Story Heart Health Heart Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment Past Issues / Winter 2009 ... of this page please turn Javascript on. Most heart attacks happen when a clot in the coronary ...

Heart Failure in a Preterm Infant. Case Report and Echocardiographic Clues for the Diagnostic Approach to Pulmonary Sequestration.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Gonzalez, Moises; Segado-Arenas, Antonio; Matamala-Morillo, Miguel A

2016-08-01

Pulmonary sequestration is an unusual cause of heart failure in infants. We report a preterm newborn with signs of congestive heart failure supposed secondary to a ductus arteriosus that was finally diagnosed as a coexistent extralobar pulmonary sequestration. In this case, Doppler echocardiography was essential for diagnosis, revealing an abnormal systemic arterial supply to the sequestered lung and abnormal venous drainage. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pulmonary hypertension registry of Kerala, India (PRO-KERALA) - Clinical characteristics and practice patterns.

PubMed

Harikrishnan, S; Sanjay, G; Ashishkumar, M; Menon, Jaideep; Rajesh, Gopalan Nair; Kumar, Raman Krishna; George Koshy, A; Attacheril, Thankachan V; George, Raju; Punnoose, Eapen; Ashraf, S M; Arun, S R; Cholakkal, Mohammed; Jeemon, Panniyammakal

2018-08-15

Epidemiological data on pulmonary hypertension (PH) are scarce from developing countries including India. We established a multi-center registry of PH, the PRO-KERALA registry, in Kerala, India. Fifty hospitals enrolled consecutive adult (>18 years) patients for one year. Echocardiographic criteria (right ventricular systolic pressure - RVSP > 50 mmHg) or invasively obtained mean pulmonary artery pressure > 25 mmHg was the criteria for entry. There were 2003 patients (52% Women, mean age 56 ± 16.1 years) enrolled. The mean RVSP was 68.2 (SD = 17.9) mmHg. Majority of the study participants (59%) belonged to group 2 of the WHO Nice Classification 2013 (PH secondary to left heart disease). One-fifth (21.2%) belonged to group 1, while 13.3%, 3.8% and 2.4% of the study population belonged to groups 3, 4 and 5 respectively. More than a quarter (27%) reported PH due to left heart disease with valvular disease etiology; while 20.7% had coronary artery disease. The other common etiological factors were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10.6%), congenital heart disease (14.6%), idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (5.8%), and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (3.8%). Only one of two patients with pulmonary artery hypertension was receiving PH specific therapies. The use of combination therapy was negligible and PH-specific therapies were prescribed off-label to a small proportion of patients too. PRO-KERALA is the first PH registry from South Asia and the second largest globally. Left heart diseases attribute to three fifths of patients with PH. Utilization rates of PH specific drug therapies are remarkably lower than the Western population. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary manifestations of rheumatologic diseases.

PubMed

Cidon, Michal; Bansal, Manvi; Hartl, Dominik

2017-06-01

The present review intends to provide an overview of the diversity and complexity of pulmonary manifestations of rheumatologic diseases and gaps in knowledge to effectively manage them. Diffuse lung disease in children with rheumatologic diseases represents a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders. Despite their significant morbidity and mortality, we have limited understanding about their pathogenesis. Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiology and current management approach of these disorders, highlighting tools which assist with diagnosis, risk stratification and therapy. In this context, we address the need to develop a standardized approach to diagnose at-risk patients with rheumatologic disease and to predict their progression and the need to develop robust studies which evaluate the factors and interventions that influence pulmonary disease outcome. Diffuse lung disease in children with rheumatologic diseases represents a heterogeneous group of severe autoimmune disorders. By adopting a collaborative research approach among multicenters to help diagnose, risk stratify, and understand disease progression, effective management decisions can be optimized to improve clinical outcome.

Isolated Major Aortopulmonary Collateral as the Sole Pulmonary Blood Supply to an Entire Lung Segment.

PubMed

Kim, Hannah S; Grady, R Mark; Shahanavaz, Shabana

2017-01-01

Congenital systemic-to-pulmonary collateral arteries or major aortopulmonary collaterals are associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Though it is usually associated with congenital heart diseases, there is an increased incidence of isolated acquired aortopulmonary collaterals in premature infants with chronic lung disease. Interestingly, isolated congenital aortopulmonary collaterals can occur without any lung disease, which may cause congestive heart failure and require closure. We present a neonate with an echocardiogram that showed only left-sided heart dilation. Further workup with a CT angiogram demonstrated an anomalous systemic artery from the descending thoracic aorta supplying the left lower lobe. He eventually developed heart failure symptoms and was taken to the catheterization laboratory for closure of the collateral. However, with the collateral being the only source of blood flow to the entire left lower lobe, he required surgical unifocalization. Isolated aortopulmonary collaterals without any other congenital heart disease or lung disease are rare. Our patient is the first reported case to have an isolated aortopulmonary collateral being the sole pulmonary blood supply to an entire lung segment. Due to its rarity, there is still much to learn about the origin and development of these collaterals that possibly developed prenatally.

Thoracic radiography in the cat: Identification of cardiomegaly and congestive heart failure.

PubMed

Guglielmini, Carlo; Diana, Alessia

2015-12-01

Thoracic radiography is one of the most commonly employed diagnostic tools for the clinical evaluation of cats with suspected heart disease and is the standard diagnostic method in the confirmation of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In the past, interpretation of feline radiographs focused on a description of the qualitative radiographic features of feline heart disease or the measurement of the cardiac silhouette in healthy cats and cats with different cardiovascular disorders. More recently, studies have begun to critically address the issue of the diagnostic accuracy of thoracic radiography in the diagnostic work-up of cats with heart disease. In these studies, qualitative and quantitative radiographic parameters were compared to echocardiographic findings to evaluate the usefulness of thoracic radiography for the identification of cardiac enlargement and pulmonary edema in the cat. Thoracic radiography is reasonably specific but has a low sensitivity when identifying cardiomegaly in cats with mild structural heart disease. Feline cardiogenic pulmonary edema has a variable radiographic presentation and several specific radiographic findings (i.e., enlargement of the left atrium and the pulmonary veins) can be absent or non-recognizable in affected cats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Air Quality Awareness Among U.S. Adults With Respiratory and Heart Disease.

PubMed

Mirabelli, Maria C; Boehmer, Tegan K; Damon, Scott A; Sircar, Kanta D; Wall, Hilary K; Yip, Fuyuen Y; Zahran, Hatice S; Garbe, Paul L

2018-05-01

Poor air quality affects respiratory and cardiovascular health. Information about health risks associated with outdoor air quality is communicated to the public using air quality alerts. This study was conducted to assess associations of existing respiratory and heart disease with three aspects of air quality awareness: awareness of air quality alerts, discussing with a health professional strategies to reduce air pollution exposure, and avoiding busy roads to reduce air pollution exposure when walking, biking, or exercising outdoors. During 2014-2016, a total of 12,599 U.S. adults participated in summer waves of the ConsumerStyles surveys and self-reported asthma, emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and each aspect of air quality awareness. In 2017, associations between each health condition and air quality awareness were estimated using log binomial and multinomial regression. Overall, 49% of respondents were aware of air quality alerts, 3% discussed with a health professional strategies to reduce air pollution exposure, and 27% always/usually avoided busy roads to reduce air pollution exposure. Asthma was associated with increased prevalence of awareness of air quality alerts (prevalence ratio=1.11, 95% CI=1.04, 1.20), discussing with a health professional (prevalence ratio=4.88, 95% CI=3.74, 6.37), and always/usually avoiding busy roads to reduce air pollution exposure (prevalence ratio=1.13, 95% CI=1.01, 1.27). Heart disease was not associated with air quality awareness. Existing respiratory disease, but not heart disease, was associated with increased air quality awareness. These findings reveal important opportunities to raise awareness of air quality alerts and behavior changes aimed at reducing air pollution exposure among adults at risk of exacerbating respiratory and heart diseases. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Pulmonary Hypertension Overview

MedlinePlus

... well as sleep apnea, are common causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension. Other causes include the following: Congestive heart failure Birth defects in the heart Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clots in the pulmonary arteries) Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( ...

What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

MedlinePlus

... Disease Venous Thromboembolism Aortic Aneurysm More Pulmonary Hypertension - High Blood Pressure in the Heart-to-Lung System Updated:Jan ... Pressure" This content was last reviewed October 2016. High Blood Pressure • Home • Get the Facts About HBP Introduction What ...

[Percutaneous catheter-based implantation of artificial pulmonary valves in patients with congenital heart defects].

PubMed

Wyller, Vegard Bruun; Aaberge, Lars; Thaulow, Erik; Døhlen, Gaute

2011-07-01

Percutaneous catheter-based implantation of artificial heart valves is a new technique that may supplement surgery and which may be used more in the future. We here report our first experience with implantation of artificial pulmonary valves in children with congenital heart defects. Eligible patients were those with symptoms of heart failure combined with stenosis and/or insufficiency in an established artificial right ventricular outflow tract. The valve was inserted through a catheter from a vein in the groin or neck. Symptoms, echocardiography, invasive measurements and angiography were assessed for evaluation of treatment effect. Our treatment results are reported for the period April 2007-September 2009. Ten patients (seven men and three women, median age 17 years) were assessed. The procedure reduced pressure in the right ventricle (p = 0.008) and resolved the pulmonary insufficiency in all patients. The median time in hospital was two days. No patients had complications that were directly associated with the implantation procedure. One patient developed a pseudoaneurysm in the femoral artery, another had a short-lasting fever two days after the procedure and one patient experienced a stent fracture that required surgery 9 months after the implantation. After 6 months all patients had a reduced pressure gradient in the right ventricular outflow tract (p = 0.008), the pulmonary insufficiency had improved (p = 0.006) and they all reported improval of symptoms. These results persisted for at least 24 months for the four patients who were monitored until then. Percutaneous catheter-based implantation of artificial pulmonary valves improves hemodynamics in the right ventricle of selected patients with congenital heart defects. A randomized controlled study should be undertaken to provide a stronger evidence-base for usefulness of this procedure.

Prognostic value of exercise pulmonary haemodynamics in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PubMed

Chaouat, Ari; Sitbon, Olivier; Mercy, Magalie; Ponçot-Mongars, Raphaëlle; Provencher, Steeve; Guillaumot, Anne; Gomez, Emmanuel; Selton-Suty, Christine; Malvestio, Pascale; Regent, Denis; Paris, Christophe; Hervé, Philippe; Chabot, François

2014-09-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of right heart catheterisation variables measured during exercise. 55 incident patients with idiopathic, familial or anorexigen-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) underwent right heart catheterisation at rest and during exercise and 6-min walk testing before PAH treatment initiation. Patients were treated according to recommendations within the next 2 weeks. Right heart catheterisation was repeated 3-5 months into the PAH treatment in 20 patients. Exercise cardiac index decreased gradually as New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class increased whereas cardiac index at rest was not significantly different across NYHA groups. Baseline 6-min walk distance correlated significantly with exercise and change in cardiac index from rest to exercise (r=0.414 and r=0.481, respectively; p<0.01). Change in 6-min walk distance from baseline to 3-5 months under PAH treatment was highly correlated with change in exercise cardiac index (r=0.746, p<0.001). The most significant baseline covariates associated with survival were change in systolic pulmonary artery pressure from rest to exercise and exercise cardiac index (hazard ratio 0.56 (95% CI 0.37-0.86) and 0.14 (95% CI 0.05-0.43), respectively). Change in pulmonary haemodynamics during exercise is an important tool for assessing disease severity and may help devise optimal treat-to-target strategies. ©ERS 2014.

Heart Disease Risk Factors

MedlinePlus

... commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> Related CDC Web Sites Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention ... commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> Related CDC Web Sites Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention ...

Men and Heart Disease

MedlinePlus

... commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> Related CDC Web Sites Heart Disease Stroke High Blood Pressure Salt ... commit" type="submit" value="Submit" /> Related CDC Web Sites Heart Disease Stroke High Blood Pressure Salt ...

Cardiovascular function in pulmonary emphysema.

PubMed

Visca, Dina; Aiello, Marina; Chetta, Alfredo

2013-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias, have a strong influence on each other, and systemic inflammation has been considered as the main linkage between them. On the other hand, airflow limitation may markedly affect lung mechanics in terms of static and dynamic hyperinflation, especially in pulmonary emphysema, and they can in turn influence cardiac performance as well. Skeletal mass depletion, which is a common feature in COPD especially in pulmonary emphysema patients, may have also a role in cardiovascular function of these patients, irrespective of lung damage. We reviewed the emerging evidence that highlights the role of lung mechanics and muscle mass impairment on ventricular volumes, stroke volume, and stroke work at rest and on exercise in the presence of pulmonary emphysema. Patients with emphysema may differ among COPD population even in terms of cardiovascular function.

[Diagnostic and curative bronchoscopy for purulent-destructive pulmonary diseases].

PubMed

Pinchuk, T P; Yasnogorodsky, O O; Guryanova, Yu V; Taldykin, M V; Kachikin, A S; Catane, Yu A

To assess an efficacy of diagnostic and curative bronchoscopy in patients with purulent-destructive pulmonary diseases. Diagnosis and treatment of 34 patients with purulent-destructive pulmonary diseases including small-focal destruction (14) and lung abscesses (19) were analyzed. 33 patients underwent diagnostic fibrobronchoscopy (FBS) with brush and transbronchial biopsy. Curative endoscopy included bronchial tree sanation, peribronchial administration of antibiotics (5) and transbronchial drainage of abscess (14). Atrophic bronchitis and cicatricial deformity of the 2-3rd segmental bronchi were revealed in 81.8% and 15.2% respectively. Transbronchial biopsy confirmed malignant neoplasms (15.2%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (6.1%). Peribronchial administration of amikacin in patients with small-focal pulmonary destruction and transbronchial drainage of abscesses accelerated pulmonary tissue repair and complete recovery. Transbronchial biopsy in patients with destructive pulmonary diseases verifies pathological process and excludes malignant and specific pulmonary damage. Complex use of endoscopic methods is associated with positive clinical result in all patients with pulmonary destruction.

Heart disease and intimacy

MedlinePlus

... this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000540.htm Heart disease and intimacy To use the sharing features on ... 22267844 . Morrow DA, de Lemos JA. Stable ischemic heart disease. In: Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann ...

[Pulmonary involvement in connective tissue disease].

PubMed

Bartosiewicz, Małgorzata

2016-01-01

The connective tissue diseases are a variable group of autoimmune mediated disorders characterized by multiorgan damage. Pulmonary complications are common, usually occur after the onset of joint symptoms, but can also be initially presenting complaint. The respiratory system may be involved in all its component: airways, vessels, parenchyma, pleura and respiratory muscles. Lung involvement is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in the connective tissue diseases. Clinical course is highly variable - can range from mild to rapidly progressive, some processes are reversible, while others are irreversible. Thus, the identification of reversible disease , and separately progressive disease, are important clinical issues. The frequency, clinical presentation, prognosis and responce to therapy are different, depending on the pattern of involvement as well as on specyfic diagnostic method used to identify it. High- resolution computed tompography plays an important role in identifying patients with respiratory involvement. Pulmonary function tests are a sensitive tool detecting interstitial lung disease. In this article, pulmonary lung involvement accompanying most frequently apperaing connective tissue diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, Sjögrens syndrome and mixed connective tissue disaese are reviewed.

FastStats: Heart Disease

MedlinePlus

... this? Submit What's this? Submit Button NCHS Home Heart Disease Recommend on Facebook Tweet Share Compartir Data are ... the U.S. Morbidity Number of adults with diagnosed heart disease: 28.1 million Percent of adults with diagnosed ...

[A rare form of obstructive pulmonary disease].

PubMed

van Loenhout, C J; den Bakker, M A; van Wijsenbeek, M S; Hoek, R A S; van Hal, P Th W

2016-01-01

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is characterised by progressive dyspnoea, spontaneous pneumothorax and cystic pulmonary destruction. The disease may show similarities with emphysema clinically, radiologically and on lung function tests. A 44-year-old woman was referred for lung transplantation because of a 6-year history of dyspnoea and severe obstructive pulmonary function disorder with decreased diffusion capacity. Both her relatively young age and the fact that she had never smoked made us doubt the diagnosis 'COPD'. The pulmonary cysts seen on high-resolution CT (HRCT) suggested LAM. This was confirmed when we revised a pulmonary biopsy that had previously been performed. CT investigation should be carried out in patients with severe obstructive pulmonary disease without a risk profile appropriate for COPD. Diffuse, homogenous cysts on CT scan can indicate LAM, particularly in women. Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.

Sports participation in adults with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Opić, Petra; Utens, Elisabeth M W J; Cuypers, Judith A A E; Witsenburg, Maarten; van den Bosch, Annemien; van Domburg, Ron; Bogers, Ad J J C; Boersma, Eric; Pelliccia, Antonio; Roos-Hesselink, Jolien W

2015-01-01

It is unclear whether sports participation in adults with repaired congenital heart disease is safe and has benefits. Congenital heart disease (ConHD) patients who underwent corrective surgery for Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect, Pulmonary Stenosis, Tetralogy of Fallot or Transposition of the Great Arteries in our center between 1968 and 1980 were included, and participated in our longitudinal follow-up study with serial evaluations in 2001 and 2011. At both time points patients filled in questionnaires on sports participation, subjective physical functioning and quality of life. Exercise testing, echocardiogram and 24-hour continuous ambulatory ECG-monitoring were performed in both 2001 and 2011. All clinical events (re-intervention, arrhythmia, heart failure) were prospectively recorded. No relationship was found between practicing sports and the occurrence of sudden death, PVCs or SVTs. Patients with moderate/complex forms of ConHD practiced fewer hours of sports compared with the general Dutch normative population. Patients with both simple and moderate/complex ConHD who practiced sports showed a higher exercise capacity. More favorable subjective physical functioning was found for moderate/complex patients who practiced sports. Adults with repaired ConHD are less often involved in sports than the Dutch general population. The patients that were engaged in sports show a higher exercise capacity than those who did not. Sports participation in patients with ConHD was not associated with an increased incidence of adverse cardiac events. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decompensated Heart Failure in Pregnancy

PubMed Central

Anthony, John

2016-01-01

Heart disease is a common cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. Symptoms and signs of heart failure in a pregnant woman are an indication for urgent assessment to establish a diagnosis and appropriate management. This is best accomplished through a multidisciplinary approach in which both cardiologists and obstetricians need to participate in order to provide expert counselling and care in pursuit of safe motherhood. Congenital heart disease, although common, once corrected is an unusual source of complications, which are more likely to develop as a consequence of ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension and aortic arch disease. Rheumatic valvular heart disease is a challenge because of the need for anticoagulation during pregnancy and the risk of sepsis associated with childbirth. This review outlines a contemporary approach to heart failure presenting during pregnancy. PMID:28785449

Farnesoid-X-receptor expression in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and right heart failure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ye, Lusi; Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325015; Jiang, Ying

Objective: The farnesoid-X-receptor (FXR) is a metabolic nuclear receptor superfamily member that is highly expressed in enterohepatic tissue and is also expressed in the cardiovascular system. Multiple nuclear receptors, including FXR, play a pivotal role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an untreatable cardiovascular system disease that leads to right heart failure (RHF). However, the potential physiological/pathological roles of FXR in PAH and RHF are unknown. We therefore compared FXR expression in the cardiovascular system in PAH, RHF and a control. Methods and results: Hemodynamic parameters and morphology were assessed in blank solution-exposed control, monocrotaline (MCT)-exposed PAHmore » (4 weeks) and RHF (7 weeks) Sprague–Dawley rats. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR), Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis were performed to assess FXR levels in the lung and heart tissues of MCT-induced PAH and RHF rats. In normal rats, low FXR levels were detected in the heart, and nearly no FXR was expressed in rat lungs. However, FXR expression was significantly elevated in PAH and RHF rat lungs but reduced in PAH and RHF rat right ventricular (RV) tissues. FXR expression was reduced only in RHF rat left ventricular (LV) tissues. Conclusions: The differential expression of FXR in MCT-induced PAH lungs and heart tissues in parallel with PAH pathophysiological processes suggests that FXR contributes to PAH. - Highlights: • FXR was expressed in rat lung and heart tissues. • FXR expression increased sharply in the lung tissues of PAH and RHF rats. • FXR expression was reduced in PAH and RHF rat RV tissue. • FXR expression was unaltered in PAH LV but reduced in RHF rat LV tissue. • FXR expression was prominent in the neovascularization region.« less

Pulmonary hemorrhage with capillaritis secondary to mycophenolate mofetil in a heart-transplant patient.

PubMed

Gorgan, Maria; Bockorny, Bruno; Lawlor, Michael; Volpe, John; Fiel-Gan, Mary

2013-11-01

Immunosuppressive drugs are an integral part of therapy in organ transplantation. However, they are not without side effects, and although rare, these agents should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary complications in patients receiving transplants. We present a case of a patient who developed acute respiratory failure 7 days after orthotopic heart transplantation and who had been on both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and tacrolimus agents. Lung biopsy revealed features of pulmonary hemorrhage with capillaritis. Considered as a possible etiology, MMF was withdrawn. There was immediate improvement of the patient's symptoms. The temporal relationship between MMF exposure and onset of pulmonary symptoms in the absence of other possible etiologies strongly suggests a causal relationship. Previously published reports of pulmonary toxicity from MMF included interstitial fibrosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pulmonary hemorrhage with capillaritis because of administration of MMF.

Million Hearts: Key to Collaboration to Reduce Heart Disease

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brinkman, Patricia

2016-01-01

Extension has taught successful classes to address heart disease, yet heart disease remains the number one killer in the United States. The U.S. government's Million Hearts initiative seeks collaboration among colleges, local and state health departments, Extension and other organizations, and medical providers in imparting a consistent message…

General Concepts in Adult Congenital Heart Disease.

PubMed

Mutluer, Ferit Onur; Çeliker, Alpay

2018-01-20

Congenital heart disease in adults (adult congenital heart disease) is a growing burden for healthcare systems. While infant mortality due to congenital heart disease in the last four decades decreased by almost 3-fold, adult congenital heart disease prevalence increased by more than 2-fold in United States. Adult congenital heart disease prevalence is expected to increase steadily until 2050 in projections. Adult congenital heart disease is a multifaceted problem with many dimensions. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of the common adult congenital heart diseases and summarize important points in management of these diseases with possible problems and complications that the patients and the physicians face.

[Heart disease in sports horses: Current recommendations of the 2014 ACVIM / ECEIM consensus statement].

PubMed

Schwarzwald, C

2016-10-01

Heart murmurs and arrhythmias are common in horses. Assessment of their clinical relevance concerning health, performance, safety and longevity of sports horses is of highest importance. A comprehensive cardiovascular examination is crucial for diagnosis and assessment of the severity of disease. Recently, an expert panel of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and the European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) developed a consensus statement containing recommendations for sports horses with heart disease. This article summarizes the most relevant recommendations for practitioners, considering the most common and most important cardiac disorders in adult sports horses. These include mitral, aortic and tricuspid insufficiency, ventricular septal defects, atrial fibrillation as well as supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Despite the fact that most horses with cardiovascular disease maintain a sufficient performance capacity, regular evaluations are indicated in horses with clinically relevant disorders. Under certain circumstances, horses with moderate to severe structural disease, with persistent untreated atrial fibrillation and with certain ventricular arrhythmias might still be used by informed adult riders. Horses with complex ventricular arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure must not be ridden or driven and should be retired.

Sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Cordova, Francis C; D'Alonzo, Gilbert

2013-09-01

Pulmonary hypertension is a serious complication of sarcoidosis. This review discusses clinical characteristics of patients with sarcoid-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) and pitfalls in the diagnosis, and highlights potential therapies. SAPH is common in patients with advanced disease, but it can occur in patients with minimal disease burden. Risk factors for SAPH include restrictive lung physiology, hypoxemia, advanced Scadding chest X-ray stage, and low carbon monoxide diffusion capacity. Echocardiogram is a good initial screening tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension, but right heart catheterization is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment with pulmonary vasodilators, including endothelin antagonists, can lead to improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics in some patients but may not improve their exercise capacity. Forced vital capacity is an important predictor of exercise performance in patients with SAPH. Clinical observations and response to specific therapies for pulmonary hypertension suggest the presence of different SAPH phenotypes. Patients who complain of persistent dyspnea should be screened for the presence of pulmonary hypertension. The prognosis of SAPH is poor and it is prudent to consider referral of these patients for lung transplantation. In some patients with SAPH, treatment with anti-inflammatory agents and pulmonary vasodilators can lower pulmonary arterial pressures, improve dyspnea and functionality, and enhance overall quality of life.

Employment after heart transplantation among adults with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Tumin, Dmitry; Chou, Helen; Hayes, Don; Tobias, Joseph D; Galantowicz, Mark; McConnell, Patrick I

2017-12-01

Adults with congenital heart disease may require heart transplantation for end-stage heart failure. Whereas heart transplantation potentially allows adults with congenital heart disease to resume their usual activities, employment outcomes in this population are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and predictors of work participation after heart transplantation for congenital heart disease. Retrospective review of a prospective registry. United Network for Organ Sharing registry of transplant recipients in the United States. Adult recipients of first-time heart transplantation with a primary diagnosis of congenital heart disease, performed between 2004 and 2015. None. Employment status reported by transplant centers at required follow-up intervals up to 5 y posttransplant. Among 470 patients included in the analysis (mean follow-up: 5 ± 3 y), 127 (27%) worked after transplant, 69 (15%) died before beginning or returning to work, and 274 (58%) survived until censoring, but did not participate in paid work. Multivariable competing-risks regression analysis examined characteristics associated with posttransplant employment, accounting for mortality as a competing outcome. In descriptive and multivariable analysis, pretransplant work participation was associated with a greater likelihood of posttransplant employment, while the use of Medicaid insurance at the time of transplant was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of working after transplant (subhazard ratio compared to private insurance: 0.55; 95% confidence interval: 0.32, 0.95; P = .032). Employment was rare after heart transplantation for congenital heart disease, and was significantly less common than in the broader population of adults with congenital heart disease. Differences in return to work were primarily related to pretransplant employment and the use of public insurance, rather than clinical characteristics. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Living with heart disease and angina

MedlinePlus

... medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000576.htm Living with heart disease and angina To use the sharing features on ... pain and reduce your risks from heart disease. Heart Disease and Angina CHD is a narrowing of the ...

Valvular heart disease and heart failure: dental management considerations.

PubMed

Warburton, Gary; Caccamese, John F

2006-10-01

Approximately 5 million people are diagnosed with valvular heart disease in the United States each year. Many of these will present to the general dentist for routine dental care. The dentist must then understand the implications of this disease process to treat these patients safely and effectively. Of course patients with pathologic valve disease are managed in close consultation with their physicians. Even so, a dentist with knowledge of the disease process, as well as its diagnosis and treatment, has greater confidence when treating these patients. This article summarizes issues related to valvular heart disease and heart failure and provides guidance to dentists treating patients with such conditions.

Extracorporeal life support in lung and heart-lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension in adults.

PubMed

Kortchinsky, Talna; Mussot, Sacha; Rezaiguia, Saïda; Artiguenave, Margaux; Fadel, Elie; Stephan, François

2016-09-01

After bilateral lung and heart-lung transplantation in adults with pulmonary hypertension, hemodynamic and oxygenation deficiencies are life-threatening complications that are increasingly managed with extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The primary aim of this retrospective study was to assess 30-day and 1-year survival rates in patients managed with vs without post-operative venoarterial ECLS in 2008-2013. The secondary endpoints were the occurrence rates of nosocomial infection, bleeding, and acute renal failure. Of the 93 patients with pulmonary hypertension who received heart-lung (n=29) or bilateral lung (n=64) transplants, 28 (30%) required ECLS a median of 0 [0-6] hours after surgery completion and for a median of 3.0 [2.0-8.5] days. Compared to ECLS patients, controls had higher survival at 30 days (95.0% vs 78.5%; P=.02) and 1 year (83% vs 64%; P=.005), fewer nosocomial infections (48% vs 79%; P=.0006), and fewer bleeding events (17% vs 43%; P=.008). The need for renal replacement therapy was not different between groups (11% vs 17%; P=.54). Venoarterial ECLS is effective in treating pulmonary graft dysfunction with hemodynamic failure after heart-lung or bilateral lung. However, ECLS use was associated with higher rates of infection and bleeding. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Arterial Carboxyhemoglobin Measurement Is Useful for Evaluating Pulmonary Inflammation in Subjects with Interstitial Lung Disease

PubMed Central

Hara, Yu; Shinkai, Masaharu; Kanoh, Soichiro; Fujikura, Yuji; K. Rubin, Bruce; Kawana, Akihiko; Kaneko, Takeshi

2017-01-01

Objective The arterial concentration of carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) in subjects with inflammatory pulmonary disease is higher than that in healthy individuals. We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between the CO-Hb concentration and established markers of disease severity in subjects with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods The CO-Hb concentration was measured in subjects with newly diagnosed or untreated ILD and the relationships between the CO-Hb concentration and the serum biomarker levels, lung function, high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings, and the uptake in gallium-67 (67Ga) scintigraphy were evaluated. Results Eighty-one non-smoking subjects were studied (mean age, 67 years). Among these subjects, (A) 17 had stable idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), (B) 9 had an acute exacerbation of IPF, (C) 44 had stable non-IPF, and (D) 11 had an exacerbation of non-IPF. The CO-Hb concentrations of these subjects were (A) 1.5±0.5%, (B) 2.1±0.5%, (C) 1.2±0.4%, and (D) 1.7±0.5%. The CO-Hb concentration was positively correlated with the serum levels of surfactant protein (SP)-A (r=0.38), SP-D (r=0.39), and the inflammation index (calculated from HRCT; r=0.57) and was negatively correlated with the partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood (r=-0.56) and the predicted diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (r=-0.61). The CO-Hb concentrations in subjects with a negative heart sign on 67Ga scintigraphy were higher than those in subjects without a negative heart sign (1.4±0.5% vs. 1.1±0.3%, p=0.018). Conclusion The CO-Hb levels of subjects with ILD were increased, particularly during an exacerbation, and were correlated with the parameters that reflect pulmonary inflammation. PMID:28321059

Arterial Carboxyhemoglobin Measurement Is Useful for Evaluating Pulmonary Inflammation in Subjects with Interstitial Lung Disease.

PubMed

Hara, Yu; Shinkai, Masaharu; Kanoh, Soichiro; Fujikura, Yuji; K Rubin, Bruce; Kawana, Akihiko; Kaneko, Takeshi

2017-01-01

Objective The arterial concentration of carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) in subjects with inflammatory pulmonary disease is higher than that in healthy individuals. We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between the CO-Hb concentration and established markers of disease severity in subjects with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods The CO-Hb concentration was measured in subjects with newly diagnosed or untreated ILD and the relationships between the CO-Hb concentration and the serum biomarker levels, lung function, high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings, and the uptake in gallium-67 ( 67 Ga) scintigraphy were evaluated. Results Eighty-one non-smoking subjects were studied (mean age, 67 years). Among these subjects, (A) 17 had stable idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), (B) 9 had an acute exacerbation of IPF, (C) 44 had stable non-IPF, and (D) 11 had an exacerbation of non-IPF. The CO-Hb concentrations of these subjects were (A) 1.5±0.5%, (B) 2.1±0.5%, (C) 1.2±0.4%, and (D) 1.7±0.5%. The CO-Hb concentration was positively correlated with the serum levels of surfactant protein (SP)-A (r=0.38), SP-D (r=0.39), and the inflammation index (calculated from HRCT; r=0.57) and was negatively correlated with the partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood (r=-0.56) and the predicted diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (r=-0.61). The CO-Hb concentrations in subjects with a negative heart sign on 67 Ga scintigraphy were higher than those in subjects without a negative heart sign (1.4±0.5% vs. 1.1±0.3%, p=0.018). Conclusion The CO-Hb levels of subjects with ILD were increased, particularly during an exacerbation, and were correlated with the parameters that reflect pulmonary inflammation.

History of Right Heart Catheterization: 100 Years of Experimentation and Methodology Development

PubMed Central

Nossaman, Bobby D.; Scruggs, Brittni A.; Nossaman, Vaughn E.; Murthy, Subramanyam N.; Kadowitz, Philip J.

2010-01-01

The development of right heart catheterization has provided the clinician the ability to diagnose patients with congenital and acquired right heart disease, and to monitor patients in the ICU with significant cardiovascular illnesses. The development of bedside pulmonary artery catheterization has become a standard of care for the critically ill patient since its introduction into the ICU almost 40 years ago. However, adoption of this procedure into the mainstream of clinical practice occurred without prior evaluation or demonstration of its clinical or cost-effectiveness. Moreover, current randomized, controlled trials provide little evidence in support of the clinical utility of pulmonary artery catheterization in the management of critically ill patients. Nevertheless, the right heart catheter is an important diagnostic tool to assist the clinician in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease and acquired right heart disease, and moreover, when catheter placement is proximal to the right auricle (atria), this catheter provides an important and safe route for administration of fluids, medications, and parenteral nutrition. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the development of right heart catheterization that led to the ability to conduct physiologic studies in cardiovascular dynamics in normal individuals and in patients with cardiovascular diseases, and to review current controversies of the extension of the right heart catheter, the pulmonary artery catheter. PMID:20160536

Cost-utility and budget impact analysis of drug treatments in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart diseases in Thailand.

PubMed

Thongsri, Watsamon; Bussabawalai, Thanaporn; Leelahavarong, Pattara; Wanitkun, Suthep; Durongpisitkul, Kritvikrom; Chaikledkaew, Usa; Teerawattananon, Yot

2016-08-01

This study aims to compare the lifetime costs and health outcomes of both first-line and sequential combination treatments with standard treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) (PAH-CHD) patients. A cost-utility analysis was performed using a Markov model based on a societal perspective. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the effect of parameter uncertainty. As first-line treatments, both beraprost (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) = 192,752 and 201,308 Thai baht (THB) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained) and sildenafil (ICER = 249,770 and 226,802 THB per QALY gained) seemed cost-effective for PAH-CHD patients aged ≤30 years in functional classes II and III, respectively, while no treatment was cost-effective for the sequential combination therapy. Sildenafil should be included in the National Drug List of Essential Medicines as the first-line treatment for PAH-CHD, and its price per dose should be negotiated to be reduced by 43-57%.

Right heart function during simulated altitude in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

PubMed Central

Seccombe, Leigh M; Chow, Vincent; Zhao, Wei; Lau, Edmund M T; Rogers, Peter G; Ng, Austin C C; Veitch, Elizabeth M; Peters, Matthew J; Kritharides, Leonard

2017-01-01

Objective Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are often recommended supplemental oxygen for altitude travel due to the possible deleterious effects of hypoxia on pulmonary haemodynamics and right heart function. This includes commercial aircraft travel; however, the direct effects and potential risks are unknown. Methods Doppler echocardiography and gas exchange measures were investigated in group 1 patients with PAH and healthy patients at rest breathing room air and while breathing 15.1% oxygen, at rest for 20 min and during mild exertion. Results The 14 patients with PAH studied were clinically stable on PAH-specific therapy, with functional class II (n=11) and III (n=3) symptoms when tested. Measures of right ventricular size and function were significantly different in the PAH group at baseline as compared to 7 healthy patients (p<0.04). There was no evidence of progressive right ventricular deterioration during hypoxia at rest or under exertion. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) increased in both groups during hypoxia (p<0.01). PASP in hypoxia correlated strongly with baseline PASP (p<0.01). Pressure of arterial oxygen correlated with PASP in hypoxia (p<0.03) but not at baseline, with three patients with PAH experiencing significant desaturation. The duration and extent of hypoxia in this study was tolerated well despite a mild increase in symptoms of breathlessness (p<0.01). Conclusions Non-invasive measures of right heart function in group 1 patients with PAH on vasodilator treatment demonstrated a predictable rise in PASP during short-term simulated hypoxia that was not associated with a deterioration in right heart function. PMID:28123765

Left atrium and pulmonary artery compression due to aortic aneurysm causing heart failure symptoms.

PubMed

Jorge, Antonio José Lagoeiro; Martins, Wolney de Andrade; Moutinho, Victor M; Rezende, Juliano M; Alves, Patricia Y; Villacorta, Humberto; Silveira, Pedro F; Couto, Antonio A

2018-06-01

Patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) are mostly asymptomatic and TAA is rarely related to heart failure (HF). We report the case of an 80-year-old female patient, with type A TAA without dissection, with right pulmonary artery and left atrium compression, who presented with HF, preserved ejection fraction and acute pulmonary edema. Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Successful cardiac transplantation outcomes in patients with adult congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Menachem, Jonathan N; Golbus, Jessica R; Molina, Maria; Mazurek, Jeremy A; Hornsby, Nicole; Atluri, Pavan; Fuller, Stephanie; Birati, Edo Y; Kim, Yuli Y; Goldberg, Lee R; Wald, Joyce W

2017-09-01

The purpose of our study is (1) to characterise patients with congenital heart disease undergoing heart transplantation by adult cardiac surgeons in a large academic medical centre and (2) to describe successful outcomes associated with our multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Heart failure is the leading cause of death in patients with ACHD leading to increasing referrals for OHT. The Penn Congenital Transplant Database comprises a cohort of patients with ACHD who underwent OHT between March 2010 and April 2016. We performed a retrospective cohort study of the 20 consecutive patients. Original cardiac diagnoses include single ventricle palliated with Fontan (n=8), dextro-transposition of the great arteries after atrial switch (n=4), tetralogy of Fallot (n=4), pulmonary atresia (n=1), Ebstein anomaly (n=1), unrepaired ventricular septal defect (n=1) and Noonan syndrome with coarctation of the aorta (n=1). Eight patients required pretransplant inotropes and two required pretransplant mechanical support. Nine patients underwent heart-liver transplant and three underwent heart-lung transplant. Three patients required postoperative mechanical circulatory support. Patients were followed for an average of 38 months as of April 2016, with 100% survival at 30 days and 1 year and 94% overall survival (19/20 patients). ACHD-OHT patients require highly specialised, complex and multidisciplinary healthcare. The success of our programme is attributed to using team-based, patient-centred care including our multidisciplinary staff and specialists across programmes and departments. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Heart transplantation in adult congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Burchill, Luke J

2016-12-01

Heart failure (HF) in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is vastly different to that observed in acquired heart disease. Unlike acquired HF in which pharmacological strategies are the cornerstone for protecting and improving ventricular function, ACHD-related HF relies heavily upon structural and other interventions to achieve these aims. patients with ACHD constitute a small percentage of the total adult heart transplant population (∼3%), although the number of ACHD heart transplant recipients is growing rapidly with a 40% increase over the last two decades. The worldwide experience to date has confirmed heart transplantation as an effective life-extending treatment option in carefully selected patients with ACHD with end-stage cardiac disease. Opportunities for improving outcomes in patients with ACHD-related HF include (i) earlier recognition and referral to centres with combined expertise in ACHD and HF, (ii) increased awareness of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death risk in this population, (iii) greater collaboration between HF and ACHD specialists at the time of heart transplant assessment, (iv) expert surgical planning to reduce ischaemic time and bleeding risk at the time of transplant, (v) tailored immunosuppression in the post-transplant period and (vi) development and validation of ACHD-specific risk scores to predict mortality and guide patient selection. The purpose of this article is to review current approaches to diagnosing and treating advanced HF in patients with ACHD including indications, contraindications and clinical outcomes after heart transplantation. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Lung Inf lammation.

PubMed

Ishimoto, Shinichirou; Sakurai, Hiroyuki; Higure, Ryouta; Kawachi, Riken; Shimamura, Mie

2018-01-15

Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAA) and pseudoaneurysms (PAP) are caused by infections, vasculitis, trauma, pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart disease, and connective tissue disease. Most cases of such aneurysm occur in the trunk or major branches of the pulmonary artery, while the peripheral type is less common. The treatment modalities are medical therapy, surgery, and percutaneous catheter embolization. The mortality rate associated with rupture is approximately 50%. We encountered a case of a 53-year-old man with a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to pneumonia and cavity formation during chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In diagnosis, contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) scan and pulmonary angiography were very useful. He was treated with right middle and lower lobectomy. After 1-month follow-up, he could restart additional chemotherapy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hospital visits, and comorbidities: National Survey of Residential Care Facilities, 2010.

PubMed

Wheaton, Anne G; Ford, Earl S; Cunningham, Timothy J; Croft, Janet B

2015-04-01

To characterize the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among residential care facility (RCF) residents in the United States, and to compare patterns of hospital visits and comorbidities with residents without COPD. Resident data from the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities were analyzed. Medical history and information on past-year hospital visits for 8,089 adult residents were obtained from interviews with RCF staff. COPD prevalence was 12.4%. Compared with residents without COPD, emergency department visits or overnight hospital stays in the previous year were more prevalent (p < .05) among residents with COPD. Less than 3% of residents with COPD had no comorbidities. Arthritis, depression, congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes, coronary heart disease, and asthma were more common (p < .05) among residents with COPD than those without COPD, but Alzheimer's disease was less common. COPD is associated with more emergency department visits, hospital stays, and comorbidities among RCF residents. © The Author(s) 2014.

Women's Heart Disease: Join the Heart Truth Community

MedlinePlus

... this page please turn JavaScript on. Feature: Women's Heart Disease Join The Heart Truth Community Past Issues / Winter 2014 Table of Contents National Symbol The centerpiece of The Heart Truth ® is The Red Dress ® which was introduced ...

Echocardiographic diagnosis, management and monitoring of pulmonary embolism with right heart thrombus in a patient with myotonic dystrophy: a case report

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease which frequently results in life-threatening right ventricular (RV) failure. High-risk PE, presenting with hypotension, shock, RV dysfunction or right heart thrombus is associated with a high mortality, particularly during the first few hours. Accordingly, it is important to commence effective therapy as soon as possible. In the case described in this report, a 49-year-old woman with myotonic dystrophy type 1 presented with acute respiratory failure and hypotension. Transthoracic echocardiography showed signs of right heart failure and a mobile right heart mass highly suspicious of a thrombus. Based on echocardiographic findings, acute thrombolysis was performed resulting in hemodynamic stabilization of the patient and complete resolution of the right heart thrombus. This case underscores the important role of transthoracic echocardiography for the diagnosis, management and monitoring of PE and underlines the efficacy and safety of thrombolysis in the treatment of PE associated with right heart thrombus. PMID:20470437

Saudi Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension in children

PubMed Central

Al Dabbagh, Maha; Banjar, Hanna; Galal, Nasser; Kouatli, Amjad; Kandil, Hammam; Chehab, May

2014-01-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is relatively uncommon in children. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in pediatric comprises a wide spectrum of diseases, from a transient neonatal condition to a progressive disease associated with morbidity and mortality. Most common PAH in pediatric are idiopathic (IPAH) or PAH associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD), while other associated conditions, such as connective tissue disease (CTD), are less common in pediatrics. Despite better understanding of PH and the availability of new medications during recent decades; the diagnosis, investigation and choice of therapy remain a challenge in children, as evidence-based recommendations depend mainly on adult studies. In this review, we provide a detailed discussion about the distinctive features of PAH in pediatric, mainly emphacysing on classification and diagnostic algorithm. PMID:25076989

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and glucose metabolism: a bitter sweet symphony

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus are common and underdiagnosed medical conditions. It was predicted that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. The healthcare burden of this disease is even greater if we consider the significant impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be considered as a novel risk factor for new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus via multiple pathophysiological alterations such as: inflammation and oxidative stress, insulin resistance, weight gain and alterations in metabolism of adipokines. On the other hand, diabetes may act as an independent factor, negatively affecting pulmonary structure and function. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary infections, disease exacerbations and worsened COPD outcomes. On the top of that, coexistent OSA may increase the risk for type 2 DM in some individuals. The current scientific data necessitate a greater outlook on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be viewed as a risk factor for the new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conversely, both types of diabetes mellitus should be viewed as strong contributing factors for the development of obstructive lung disease. Such approach can potentially improve the outcomes and medical control for both conditions, and, thus, decrease the healthcare burden of these major medical problems. PMID:23101436

Pediatric Tubular Pulmonary Heart Valve from Decellularized Engineered Tissue Tubes

PubMed Central

Reimer, Jay M.; Syedain, Zeeshan H.; Haynie, Bee H.T.; Tranquillo, Robert T.

2015-01-01

Pediatric patients account for a small portion of the heart valve replacements performed, but a pediatric pulmonary valve replacement with growth potential remains an unmet clinical need. Herein we report the first tubular heart valve made from two decellularized, engineered tissue tubes attached with absorbable sutures, which can meet this need, in principle. Engineered tissue tubes were fabricated by allowing ovine dermal fibroblasts to replace a sacrificial fibrin gel with an aligned, cell-produced collagenous matrix, which was subsequently decellularized. Previously, these engineered tubes became extensively recellularized following implantation into the sheep femoral artery. Thus, a tubular valve made from these tubes may be amenable to recellularization and, ideally, somatic growth. The suture line pattern generated three equi-spaced “leaflets” in the inner tube, which collapsed inward when exposed to back pressure, per tubular valve design. Valve testing was performed in a pulse duplicator system equipped with a secondary flow loop to allow for root distention. All tissue-engineered valves exhibited full leaflet opening and closing, minimal regurgitation (< 5%), and low systolic pressure gradients (< 2.5 mmHg) under pulmonary conditions. Valve performance was maintained under various trans-root pressure gradients and no tissue damage was evident after 2 million cycles of fatigue testing. PMID:26036175

[Genetics of congenital heart diseases].

PubMed

Bonnet, Damien

2017-06-01

Developmental genetics of congenital heart diseases has evolved from analysis of serial slices in embryos towards molecular genetics of cardiac morphogenesis with a dynamic view of cardiac development. Genetics of congenital heart diseases has also changed from formal genetic analysis of familial recurrences or population-based analysis to screening for mutations in candidates genes identified in animal models. Close cooperation between molecular embryologists, pathologists involved in heart development and pediatric cardiologists is crucial for further increase of knowledge in the field of cardiac morphogenesis and genetics of cardiac defects. The genetic model for congenital heart disease has to be revised to favor a polygenic origin rather than a monogenic one. The main mechanism is altered genic dosage that can account for heart diseases in chromosomal anomalies as well as in point mutations in syndromic and isolated congenital heart diseases. The use of big data grouping information from cardiac development, interactions between genes and proteins, epigenetic factors such as chromatin remodeling or DNA methylation is the current source for improving our knowledge in the field and to give clues for future therapies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Characteristics and outcomes of heart failure-related hospitalization in adults with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Moussa, Nidhal Ben; Karsenty, Clement; Pontnau, Florence; Malekzadeh-Milani, Sophie; Boudjemline, Younes; Legendre, Antoine; Bonnet, Damien; Iserin, Laurence; Ladouceur, Magalie

2017-05-01

Heart failure (HF) is the main cause of death in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). We aimed to characterize HF-related hospitalization of patients with ACHD, and to determine HF risk factors and prognosis in this population. We prospectively included 471 patients with ACHD admitted to our unit over 24 months. Clinical and biological data and HF management were recorded. Major cardiovascular events were recorded for ACHD with HF. HF was the main reason for hospitalization in 13% of cases (76/583 hospitalizations). Patients with HF were significantly older (median age 44±14 years vs. 37±15 years; P<0.01), with more complex congenital heart disease (P=0.04). In the multivariable analysis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 6.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-10.7), history of HF (OR 9.8, 95% CI 5.7-16.8) and history of atrial arrhythmia (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.2-5.9) were significant risk factors for HF-related admissions (P<0.001). The mean hospital stay of patients with HF was longer (12.2 vs. 6.9 days; P<0.01), and 25% of patients required intensive care. Overall, 11/55 (20%) patients with HF died, 10/55 (18%) were readmitted for HF, and 6/55 (11%) had heart transplantation during the median follow-up of 18 months (95% CI 14-20 months). The risk of cardiovascular events was 19-fold higher after HF-related hospitalization. HF is emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the ACHD population. Earlier diagnosis and more active management are required to improve outcomes of HF in ACHD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Resting arterial hypoxaemia in subjects with chronic heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and patent foramen ovale.

PubMed

Lovering, Andrew T; Lozo, Mislav; Barak, Otto; Davis, James T; Lojpur, Mihajlo; Lozo, Petar; Čaljkušić, Krešimir; Dujić, Željko

2016-05-01

What is the central question of this study? Does a patent foramen ovale contribute to resting arterial hypoxaemia, defined as arterial oxygen saturation <95%, in subjects with chronic heart failure with or without pulmonary arterial hypertension? What is the main finding and its importance? The presence of a patent foramen ovale contributed to resting arterial hypoxaemia only in subjects with chronic heart failure with pulmonary arterial hypertension. These data suggest that the presence of a patent foramen ovale should be considered in chronic heart failure patients with arterial hypoxaemia and pulmonary hypertension. The roles of intrapulmonary and intracardiac shunt in contributing to arterial hypoxaemia at rest in subjects with chronic heart failure (CHF) have not been well investigated. We hypothesized that blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (Q̇ IPAVA ) and/or patent foramen ovale (Q̇ PFO ) could potentially contribute to arterial hypoxaemia and, with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to CHF, this contribution may be exacerbated. Fifty-six subjects with CHF (New York Heart Association Classes I-III), with (+) or without (-) PH [defined as peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity ≥2.9 m s(-1) (CHF PH+, n = 32) and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity ≤2.8 m s(-1) (CHF PH-, n = 24)], underwent arterial blood gas analysis and transthoracic saline contrast echocardiography concomitant with transcranial Doppler to detect Q̇ IPAVA and Q̇ PFO . Seventeen of 56 subjects with CHF (30%) had Q̇ PFO , but only four of 56 subjects with CHF had Q̇ IPAVA (7%), both similar to age- and sex-matched control subjects. Mean arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was lower in subjects with Q̇ PFO . Only CHF PH+ subjects with Q̇ PFO had arterial hypoxaemia (mean SaO2 <95%). Bubble scores assessed using transthoracic saline contrast echocardiography were correlated with microembolic signals detected with transcranial Doppler in subjects with

Pulmonary hypertension associated with acute or chronic lung diseases in the preterm and term neonate and infant. The European Paediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network, endorsed by ISHLT and DGPK.

PubMed

Hilgendorff, Anne; Apitz, Christian; Bonnet, Damien; Hansmann, Georg

2016-05-01

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is the most common neonatal form and mostly reversible after a few days with improvement of the underlying pulmonary condition. When pulmonary hypertension (PH) persists despite adequate treatment, the severity of parenchymal lung disease should be assessed by chest CT. Pulmonary vein stenosis may need to be ruled out by cardiac catheterisation and lung biopsy, and genetic workup is necessary when alveolar capillary dysplasia is suspected. In PPHN, optimisation of the cardiopulmonary situation including surfactant therapy should aim for preductal SpO2between 91% and 95% and severe cases without post-tricuspid-unrestrictive shunt may receive prostaglandin E1 to maintain ductal patency in right heart failure. Inhaled nitric oxide is indicated in mechanically ventilated infants to reduce the need for extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and sildenafil can be considered when this therapy is not available. ECMO may be indicated according to the ELSO guidelines. In older preterm infant, where PH is mainly associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or in term infants with developmental lung anomalies such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia or cardiac anomalies, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction/left atrial hypertension or pulmonary vein stenosis, can add to the complexity of the disease. Here, oral or intravenous sildenafil should be considered for PH treatment in BPD, the latter for critically ill patients. Furthermore, prostanoids, mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists, and diuretics can be beneficial. Infants with proven or suspected PH should receive close follow-up, including preductal/postductal SpO2measurements, echocardiography and laboratory work-up including NT-proBNP, guided by clinical improvement or lack thereof. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Problem: Heart Valve Stenosis

MedlinePlus

... valve . Learn about the different types of stenosis: Aortic stenosis Tricuspid stenosis Pulmonary stenosis Mitral stenosis Outlook for ... Disease "Innocent" Heart Murmur Problem: Valve Stenosis - Problem: Aortic Valve Stenosis - Problem: Mitral Valve Stenosis - Problem: Tricuspid Valve Stenosis - ...

Clinical Research Priorities in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

PubMed Central

Cotts, Timothy; Khairy, Paul; Opotowsky, Alexander R.; John, Anitha S.; Valente, Anne Marie; Zaidi, Ali N.; Cook, Stephen C.; Aboulhosn, Jamil; Ting, Jennifer Grando; Gurvitz, Michelle; Landzberg, Michael J.; Verstappen, Amy; Kay, Joseph; Earing, Michael; Franklin, Wayne; Kogon, Brian; Broberg, Craig S.

2014-01-01

Background Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) clinicians are hampered by the paucity of data to inform clinical decision-making. The objective of this study was to identify priorities for clinical research in ACHD. Methods A list of 45 research questions was developed by the Alliance for Adult Research in Congenital Cardiology (AARCC), compiled into a survey, and administered to ACHD providers. Patient input was sought via the Adult Congenital Heart Association at community meetings and online forums. The 25 top questions were sent to ACHD providers worldwide via an online survey. Each question was ranked based on perceived priority and weighted based on time spent in ACHD care. The top 10 topics identified are presented and discussed. Results The final online survey yielded 139 responses. Top priority questions related to tetralogy of Fallot (timing of pulmonary valve replacement and criteria for primary prevention ICDs), patients with systemic right ventricles (determining the optimal echocardiographic techniques for measuring right ventricular function, and indications for tricuspid valve replacement and primary prevention ICDs), and single ventricle/Fontan patients (role of pulmonary vasodilators, optimal anticoagulation, medical therapy for preservation of ventricular function, treatment for protein losing enteropathy). In addition, establishing criteria to refer ACHD patients for cardiac transplantation was deemed a priority. Conclusions The ACHD field is in need of prospective research to address fundamental clinical questions. It is hoped that this methodical consultation process will inform researchers and funding organizations about clinical research topics deemed to be of high priority. PMID:24411207

Clinical research priorities in adult congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Cotts, Timothy; Khairy, Paul; Opotowsky, Alexander R; John, Anitha S; Valente, Anne Marie; Zaidi, Ali N; Cook, Stephen C; Aboulhosn, Jamil; Ting, Jennifer Grando; Gurvitz, Michelle; Landzberg, Michael J; Verstappen, Amy; Kay, Joseph; Earing, Michael; Franklin, Wayne; Kogon, Brian; Broberg, Craig S

2014-02-15

Adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) clinicians are hampered by the paucity of data to inform clinical decision-making. The objective of this study was to identify priorities for clinical research in ACHD. A list of 45 research questions was developed by the Alliance for Adult Research in Congenital Cardiology (AARCC), compiled into a survey, and administered to ACHD providers. Patient input was sought via the Adult Congenital Heart Association at community meetings and online forums. The 25 top questions were sent to ACHD providers worldwide via an online survey. Each question was ranked based on perceived priority and weighted based on time spent in ACHD care. The top 10 topics identified are presented and discussed. The final online survey yielded 139 responses. Top priority questions related to tetralogy of Fallot (timing of pulmonary valve replacement and criteria for primary prevention ICDs), patients with systemic right ventricles (determining the optimal echocardiographic techniques for measuring right ventricular function, and indications for tricuspid valve replacement and primary prevention ICDs), and single ventricle/Fontan patients (role of pulmonary vasodilators, optimal anticoagulation, medical therapy for preservation of ventricular function, treatment for protein losing enteropathy). In addition, establishing criteria to refer ACHD patients for cardiac transplantation was deemed a priority. The ACHD field is in need of prospective research to address fundamental clinical questions. It is hoped that this methodical consultation process will inform researchers and funding organizations about clinical research topics deemed to be of high priority. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Long-term pulmonary disease among Swiss childhood cancer survivors.

PubMed

Kasteler, Rahel; Weiss, Annette; Schindler, Matthias; Sommer, Grit; Latzin, Philipp; von der Weid, Nicolas X; Ammann, Roland A; Kuehni, Claudia E

2018-01-01

Pulmonary diseases are potentially severe late complications of childhood cancer treatment that increase mortality risk among survivors. This nationwide study assesses the prevalence and incidence of pulmonary diseases in long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and their siblings, and quantifies treatment-related risks. As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we studied CCS who were diagnosed between 1976 and 2005 and alive at least 5 years after diagnosis. We compared prevalence of self-reported pulmonary diseases (pneumonia, chest wall abnormalities, lung fibrosis, emphysema) between CCS and their siblings, calculated cumulative incidence of pulmonary diseases using the Kaplan-Meier method, and determined risk factors using multivariable logistic regression. CCS reported more pneumonias (10% vs. 7%, P = 0.020) and chest wall abnormalities (2% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.003) than siblings. Treatment with busulfan was associated with prevalence of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-14.9), and thoracic surgery was associated with chest wall abnormalities and lung fibrosis (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.7 and OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.7-26.6). Cumulative incidence of any pulmonary disease after 35 years of follow-up was 21%. For pneumonia, the highest cumulative incidence was seen in CCS treated with both pulmotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the thorax (23%). This nationwide study in CCS found an increased risk for pulmonary diseases, especially pneumonia, while still young, which indicates that CCS need long-term pulmonary follow-up. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Patient and Disease Characteristics Associated with Activation for Self-Management in Patients with Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Heart Failure and Chronic Renal Disease: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

PubMed Central

Bos-Touwen, Irene; Schuurmans, Marieke; Monninkhof, Evelyn M.; Korpershoek, Yvonne; Spruit-Bentvelzen, Lotte; Ertugrul-van der Graaf, Inge; de Wit, Niek; Trappenburg, Jaap

2015-01-01

A substantial proportion of chronic disease patients do not respond to self-management interventions, which suggests that one size interventions do not fit all, demanding more tailored interventions. To compose more individualized strategies, we aim to increase our understanding of characteristics associated with patient activation for self-management and to evaluate whether these are disease-transcending. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in primary and secondary care in patients with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM-II), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) and Chronic Renal Disease (CRD). Using multiple linear regression analysis, we analyzed associations between self-management activation (13-item Patient Activation Measure; PAM-13) and a wide range of socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial determinants. Furthermore, we assessed whether the associations between the determinants and the PAM were disease-transcending by testing whether disease was an effect modifier. In addition, we identified determinants associated with low activation for self-management using logistic regression analysis. We included 1154 patients (53% response rate); 422 DM-II patients, 290 COPD patients, 223 HF patients and 219 CRD patients. Mean age was 69.6±10.9. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed 9 explanatory determinants of activation for self-management: age, BMI, educational level, financial distress, physical health status, depression, illness perception, social support and underlying disease, explaining a variance of 16.3%. All associations, except for social support, were disease transcending. This study explored factors associated with varying levels of activation for self-management. These results are a first step in supporting clinicians and researchers to identify subpopulations of chronic disease patients less likely to be engaged in self-management. Increased scientific efforts are needed to explain the greater

Telehealth Interventions to Support Self-Management of Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Metareview of Diabetes, Heart Failure, Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Cancer.

PubMed

Hanlon, Peter; Daines, Luke; Campbell, Christine; McKinstry, Brian; Weller, David; Pinnock, Hilary

2017-05-17

Self-management support is one mechanism by which telehealth interventions have been proposed to facilitate management of long-term conditions. The objectives of this metareview were to (1) assess the impact of telehealth interventions to support self-management on disease control and health care utilization, and (2) identify components of telehealth support and their impact on disease control and the process of self-management. Our goal was to synthesise evidence for telehealth-supported self-management of diabetes (types 1 and 2), heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer to identify components of effective self-management support. We performed a metareview (a systematic review of systematic reviews) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of telehealth interventions to support self-management in 6 exemplar long-term conditions. We searched 7 databases for reviews published from January 2000 to May 2016 and screened identified studies against eligibility criteria. We weighted reviews by quality (revised A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews), size, and relevance. We then combined our results in a narrative synthesis and using harvest plots. We included 53 systematic reviews, comprising 232 unique RCTs. Reviews concerned diabetes (type 1: n=6; type 2, n=11; mixed, n=19), heart failure (n=9), asthma (n=8), COPD (n=8), and cancer (n=3). Findings varied between and within disease areas. The highest-weighted reviews showed that blood glucose telemonitoring with feedback and some educational and lifestyle interventions improved glycemic control in type 2, but not type 1, diabetes, and that telemonitoring and telephone interventions reduced mortality and hospital admissions in heart failure, but these findings were not consistent in all reviews. Results for the other conditions were mixed, although no reviews showed evidence of harm. Analysis of the mediating role of self-management, and of components of successful

Right Ventricular Volumes and Systolic Function by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and the Impact of Sex, Age, and Obesity in a Longitudinally Followed Cohort Free of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Disease: The Framingham Heart Study.

PubMed

Foppa, Murilo; Arora, Garima; Gona, Philimon; Ashrafi, Arman; Salton, Carol J; Yeon, Susan B; Blease, Susan J; Levy, Daniel; O'Donnell, Christopher J; Manning, Warren J; Chuang, Michael L

2016-03-01

Cardiac magnetic resonance is uniquely well suited for noninvasive imaging of the right ventricle. We sought to define normal cardiac magnetic resonance reference values and to identify the main determinants of right ventricular (RV) volumes and systolic function using a modern imaging sequence in a community-dwelling, longitudinally followed cohort free of clinical cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. The Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort has been followed since 1971. We scanned 1794 Offspring cohort members using steady-state free precession cardiac magnetic resonance and identified a reference group of 1336 adults (64±9 years, 576 men) free of prevalent cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. RV trabeculations and papillary muscles were considered cavity volume. Men had greater RV volumes and cardiac output before and after indexation to body size (all P<0.001). Women had higher RV ejection fraction than men (68±6% versus 64±7%; P<0.0001). RV volumes and cardiac output decreased with advancing age. There was an increase in raw and height-indexed RV measurements with increasing body mass index, but this trend was weakly inverted after indexation of RV volumes to body surface area. Sex, age, height, body mass index, and heart rate account for most of the variability in RV volumes and function in this community-dwelling population. We report sex-specific normative values for RV measurements among principally middle-aged and older adults. RV ejection fraction is greater in women. RV volumes increase with body size, are greater in men, and are smaller in older people. Body surface area seems to be appropriate for indexation of cardiac magnetic resonance-derived RV volumes. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Assessment and prevalence of pulmonary oedema in contemporary acute heart failure trials: a systematic review.

PubMed

Platz, Elke; Jhund, Pardeep S; Campbell, Ross T; McMurray, John J

2015-09-01

Pulmonary oedema is a common and important finding in acute heart failure (AHF). We conducted a systematic review to describe the methods used to assess pulmonary oedema in recent randomized AHF trials and report its prevalence in these trials. Of 23 AHF trials published between 2002 and 2013, six were excluded because they were very small or not randomized, or missing full-length publications. Of the remaining 17 (n = 200-7141) trials, six enrolled patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF) and 11, patients with both HF-REF and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF). Pulmonary oedema was an essential inclusion criterion, in most trials, based upon findings on physical examination ('rales'), radiographic criteria ('signs of congestion'), or both. The prevalence of pulmonary oedema in HF-REF trials ranged from 75% to 83% and in combined HF-REF and HF-PEF trials from 51% to 100%. Five trials did not report the prevalence or extent of pulmonary oedema assessed by either clinical examination or chest x-ray. Improvement of pulmonary congestion with treatment was inconsistently reported and commonly grouped with other signs of congestion into a score. One trial suggested that patients with rales over >2/3 of the lung fields on admission were at higher risk of adverse outcomes than those without. Although pulmonary oedema is a common finding in AHF, represents a therapeutic target, and may be of prognostic importance, recent trials used inconsistent criteria to define it, and did not consistently report its severity at baseline or its response to treatment. Consistent and ideally quantitative, methods for the assessment of pulmonary oedema in AHF trials are needed. © 2015 The Authors European Journal of Heart Failure © 2015 European Society of Cardiology.

Lung imaging in pulmonary disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taplin, G.V.; Chopra, S.K.

1976-01-01

Although it has been recognized for several years that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause lung perfusion defects which may simulate pulmonary embolism, relatively little use has been made of either the radioxenon or the radioaerosol inhalation lung imaging procedures until the last few years as a means of distinguishing pulmonary embolism (P.E.) from COPD is reported. Recent experience is reported with the use of both of these procedures in comparison with pulmonary function tests for the early detection of COPD in population studies and also in P.E. suspects. Equal emphasis is given to simultaneous aerosol ventilation-perfusion (V/P) imagingmore » in the differential diagnosis of P.E. Finally, this paper is concerned with new developments in regional lung diffusion imaging following the inhalation of radioactive gases and rapidly absorbed radioaerosols. Their experimental basis is presented and their potential clinical applications in pulmonary embolism are discussed. As a result of these investigations, a functional (V/P) diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in patients may be possible in the near future with a sequential radioaerosol inhalation procedure alone.« less

Additional use of a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor in patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic systolic heart failure: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaojing; Yang, Te; Zhou, Qi; Li, Shuangfei; Huang, Lan

2014-04-01

Increased indiscriminate use of pulmonary artery hypertension-targeted drugs has been observed in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to heart failure. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the chronic effects of using phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors to treat patients with PH secondary to chronic systolic heart failure. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to October 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing PDE5 inhibitor treatments in PH patients secondary to chronic heart failure. Six RCTs involving 206 chronic systolic heart failure patients with PH complications were included. Sildenafil was used in all trials. Sildenafil treatment resulted in fewer hospital admissions compared with the placebo treatment (3.15% vs. 12.20%; risk ratio 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.77). Various haemodynamic parameters were improved with additional sildenafil treatment, including reduced mean pulmonary artery pressure [weighted mean difference (WMD) -5.71 mmHg, P<0.05] and pulmonary vascular resistance (WMD -81.5 dynes/cm(-5), P<0.00001), increased LVEF (WMD 3.95%, P<0.01), and unchanged heart rate and blood pressure. The exercise capacity improved (oxygen consumption at peak exercise, WMD 3.20 mL/min(-1)/kg(-1), P<0.00001; ventilation to CO2 production slope, WMD -5.89, P<0.00001), and the clinical symptoms were relieved based on the breathlessness (WMD 7.72, P<0.00001), fatigue (WMD 2.28, P<0.05), and emotional functioning (WMD 5.92, P<0.00001) scores. Additional sildenafil treatment is a potential therapeutic method to improve pulmonary exercise capacity and quality of life by ameliorating PH in patients with chronic systolic heart failure. © 2013 The Authors. European Journal of Heart Failure © 2013 European Society of Cardiology.

Planning of vessel grafts for reconstructive surgery in congenital heart diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rietdorf, U.; Riesenkampff, E.; Schwarz, T.; Kuehne, T.; Meinzer, H.-P.; Wolf, I.

2010-02-01

The Fontan operation is a surgical treatment for patients with severe congenital heart diseases, where a biventricular correction of the heart can't be achieved. In these cases, a uni-ventricular system is established. During the last step of surgery a tunnel segment is placed to connect the inferior caval vein directly with the pulmonary artery, bypassing the right atrium and ventricle. Thus, the existing ventricle works for the body circulation, while the venous blood is passively directed to the pulmonary arteries. Fontan tunnels can be placed intra- and extracardially. The location, length and shape of the tunnel must be planned accurately. Furthermore, if the tunnel is placed extracardially, it must be positioned between other anatomical structures without constraining them. We developed a software system to support planning of the tunnel location, shape, and size, making pre-operative preparation of the tunnel material possible. The system allows for interactive placement and adjustment of the tunnel, affords a three-dimensional visualization of the virtual Fontan tunnel inside the thorax, and provides a quantification of the length, circumferences and diameters of the tunnel segments. The visualization and quantification can be used to plan and prepare the tunnel material for surgery in order to reduce the intra-operative time and to improve the fit of the tunnel patch.

Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease: A Newly Recognized Cause of Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs.

PubMed

Williams, K; Andrie, K; Cartoceti, A; French, S; Goldsmith, D; Jennings, S; Priestnall, S L; Wilson, D; Jutkowitz, A

2016-07-01

Pulmonary hypertension is a well-known though poorly characterized disease in veterinary medicine. In humans, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a rare cause of severe pulmonary hypertension with a mean survival time of 2 years without lung transplantation. Eleven adult dogs (5 males, 6 females; median age 10.5 years, representing various breeds) were examined following the development of severe respiratory signs. Lungs of affected animals were evaluated morphologically and with immunohistochemistry for alpha smooth muscle actin, desmin, CD31, CD3, CD20, and CD204. All dogs had pulmonary lesions consistent with PVOD, consisting of occlusive remodeling of small- to medium-sized pulmonary veins, foci of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH), and accumulation of hemosiderophages; 6 of 11 dogs had substantial pulmonary arterial medial and intimal thickening. Ultrastructural examination and immunohistochemistry showed that smooth muscle cells contributed to the venous occlusion. Increased expression of CD31 was evident in regions of PCH indicating increased numbers of endothelial cells in these foci. Spindle cells strongly expressing alpha smooth muscle actin and desmin co-localized with foci of PCH; similar cells were present but less intensely labeled elsewhere in non-PCH alveoli. B cells and macrophages, detected by immunohistochemistry, were not co-localized with the venous lesions of canine PVOD; small numbers of CD3-positive T cells were occasionally in and around the wall of remodeled veins. These findings indicate a condition in dogs with clinically severe respiratory disease and pathologic features resembling human PVOD, including foci of pulmonary venous remodeling and PCH. © The Author(s) 2016.

Pulmonary hypertension and computed tomography measurement of small pulmonary vessels in severe emphysema.

PubMed

Matsuoka, Shin; Washko, George R; Yamashiro, Tsuneo; Estepar, Raul San Jose; Diaz, Alejandro; Silverman, Edwin K; Hoffman, Eric; Fessler, Henry E; Criner, Gerard J; Marchetti, Nathaniel; Scharf, Steven M; Martinez, Fernando J; Reilly, John J; Hatabu, Hiroto

2010-02-01

Vascular alteration of small pulmonary vessels is one of the characteristic features of pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The in vivo relationship between pulmonary hypertension and morphological alteration of the small pulmonary vessels has not been assessed in patients with severe emphysema. We evaluated the correlation of total cross-sectional area of small pulmonary vessels (CSA) assessed on computed tomography (CT) scans with the degree of pulmonary hypertension estimated by right heart catheterization. In 79 patients with severe emphysema enrolled in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT), we measured CSA less than 5 mm(2) (CSA(<5)) and 5 to 10 mm(2) (CSA(5-10)), and calculated the percentage of total CSA for the lung area (%CSA(<5) and %CSA(5-10), respectively). The correlations of %CSA(<5) and %CSA(5-10) with pulmonary arterial mean pressure (Ppa) obtained by right heart catheterization were evaluated. Multiple linear regression analysis using Ppa as the dependent outcome was also performed. The %CSA(<5) had a significant negative correlation with Ppa (r = -0.512, P < 0.0001), whereas the correlation between %CSA(5-10) and Ppa did not reach statistical significance (r = -0.196, P = 0.083). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that %CSA(<5) and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DL(CO)) % predicted were independent predictors of Ppa (r(2) = 0.541): %CSA (<5) (P < 0.0001), and DL(CO) % predicted (P = 0.022). The %CSA(<5) measured on CT images is significantly correlated to Ppa in severe emphysema and can estimate the degree of pulmonary hypertension.

Imaging of congenital heart disease in adults: choice of modalities.

PubMed

Orwat, Stefan; Diller, Gerhard-Paul; Baumgartner, Helmut

2014-01-01

Major advances in noninvasive imaging of adult congenital heart disease have been accomplished. These tools play now a key role in comprehensive diagnostic work-up, decision for intervention, evaluation for the suitability of specific therapeutic options, monitoring of interventions and regular follow-up. Besides echocardiography, magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography (CT) have gained particular importance. The choice of imaging modality has thus become a critical issue. This review summarizes strengths and limitations of the different imaging modalities and how they may be used in a complementary fashion. Echocardiography obviously remains the workhorse of imaging routinely used in all patients. However, in complex disease and after surgery echocardiography alone frequently remains insufficient. CMR is particularly useful in this setting and allows reproducible and accurate quantification of ventricular function and comprehensive assessment of cardiac anatomy, aorta, pulmonary arteries and venous return including complex flow measurements. CT is preferred when CMR is contraindicated, when superior spatial resolution is required or when "metallic" artefacts limit CMR imaging. In conclusion, the use of currently available imaging modalities in adult congenital heart disease needs to be complementary. Echocardiography remains the basis tool, CMR and CT should be added considering specific open questions and the ability to answer them, availability and economic issues.

Potential Role of Patent Foramen Ovale in Exacerbating Hypoxemia in Chronic Pulmonary Disease

PubMed Central

Aboulhosn, Jamil A.; Tobis, Jonathan M.

2017-01-01

Patent foramen ovale has been associated with multiple pulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension, platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A connection between patent foramen ovale and chronic pulmonary disease was first described more than 2 decades ago in case reports associating patent foramen ovale with more severe hypoxemia than that expected based on the severity of the primary pulmonary disease. It has been suggested that patients with both chronic pulmonary disease and patent foramen ovale are subject to severe hypoxemia because of the right-to-left shunt. Furthermore, investigators have reported improved systemic oxygenation after patent foramen ovale closure in some patients with chronic pulmonary disease. This review focuses on the association between chronic pulmonary disease and patent foramen ovale and on the dynamics of a right-to-left shunt, and it considers the potential benefit of patent foramen ovale closure in patients who have hypoxemia that is excessive in relation to the degree of their pulmonary disease. PMID:28761399

Diagnosis of Grave's disease with pulmonary hypertension on chest CT.

PubMed

Lee, Hwa Yeon; Yoo, Seung Min; Kim, Hye Rin; Chun, Eun Ju; White, Charles S

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of chest CT findings to diagnose Grave's disease in pulmonary hypertension. We retrospectively evaluated chest CT and the medical records of 13 patients with Grave's disease with (n=6) or without pulmonary hypertension (n=7) and in 17 control patients. Presence of iso-attenuation of diffusely enlarged thyroid glands compared with adjacent neck muscle on non-enhanced CT as a diagnostic clue of Grave's disease, and assessment of pulmonary hypertension on CT has high diagnostic accuracy. Chest CT has the potential to diagnose Grave's disease with pulmonary hypertension in the absence of other information. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lung and Heart Sounds Analysis: State-of-the-Art and Future Trends.

PubMed

Padilla-Ortiz, Ana L; Ibarra, David

2018-01-01

Lung sounds, which include all sounds that are produced during the mechanism of respiration, may be classified into normal breath sounds and adventitious sounds. Normal breath sounds occur when no respiratory problems exist, whereas adventitious lung sounds (wheeze, rhonchi, crackle, etc.) are usually associated with certain pulmonary pathologies. Heart and lung sounds that are heard using a stethoscope are the result of mechanical interactions that indicate operation of cardiac and respiratory systems, respectively. In this article, we review the research conducted during the last six years on lung and heart sounds, instrumentation and data sources (sensors and databases), technological advances, and perspectives in processing and data analysis. Our review suggests that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are the most common respiratory diseases reported on in the literature; related diseases that are less analyzed include chronic bronchitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, congestive heart failure, and parenchymal pathology. Some new findings regarding the methodologies associated with advances in the electronic stethoscope have been presented for the auscultatory heart sound signaling process, including analysis and clarification of resulting sounds to create a diagnosis based on a quantifiable medical assessment. The availability of automatic interpretation of high precision of heart and lung sounds opens interesting possibilities for cardiovascular diagnosis as well as potential for intelligent diagnosis of heart and lung diseases.

The burden of antenatal heart disease in South Africa: a systematic review

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Maternal mortality in South Africa is rising, and heart conditions currently account for 41 per cent of indirect causes of deaths. Little is known about the burden of heart disease in pregnant South Africans. Methods We systematically reviewed the contemporary epidemiology and peripartum outcomes of heart disease in South African women attending antenatal care. Searches were performed in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, the EBSCO Africa-Wide database, the South African Union Catalogue, and the Current and Completed Research database (South Africa). References of included articles were also hand-searched. Studies reporting epidemiologic data on antenatal heart disease in South Africa were included. Data on morbidity and mortality were also collected. Results Seven studies were included in the systematic review. The prevalence of heart disease ranged from 123 to 943 per 100,000 deliveries, with a median prevalence of 616 per 100,000. Rheumatic valvular lesions were the commonest abnormalities, although cardiomyopathies were disproportionately high in comparison with other developing countries. Peripartum case-fatality rates were as high as 9.5 per cent in areas with limited access to care. The most frequent complications were pulmonary oedema, thromboembolism, and major bleeding with warfarin use. Perinatal mortality ranged from 8.9 to 23.8 per cent, whilst mitral lesions were associated with low birth weight. Meta-analysis could not be performed due to clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the included studies. Conclusion Approximately 0.6 per cent of pregnant South Africans have pre-existing cardiac abnormalities, with rheumatic lesions being the commonest. Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality continue to be very high. We conclude this review by summarising limitations of the current literature and recommending standard reporting criteria for future reports. PMID:22463484

[A statement the Polish Cardiac Society Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation on screening for CTEPH patients after acute pulmonary embolism].

PubMed

Ciurzyński, Michał; Kurzyna, Marcin; Kopeć, Grzegorz; Błaszczak, Piotr; Chrzanowski, Łukasz; Kamiński, Karol; Mizia-Stec, Katarzyna; Mularek-Kubzdela, Tatiana; Mroczek, Ewa; Biederman, Andrzej; Pruszczyk, Piotr; Torbicki, Adam

2017-01-01

Both pharmacological and invasive treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is now available in Poland and the awareness of the disease among physicians is growing. Thus, the Polish Cardiac Society's Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation in cooperation with independent experts in this field, have launched the statement on algorithm to guide a CTEPH diagnosis in patients with previous acute pulmonary embolism (APE). In Poland, every year this disease affects about 250 patients. CTEPH should be suspected in individuals after APE with dyspnea, despite at least 3 months period of effective anticoagulation, particularly when specified risk factors are present. Echocardiography is a main screening tool. The authors suggest that a diagnostic process of patients with significant clinical suspicion of CTEPH and right ventricle overload in echocardiography should be performed in reference centres. The document contains a list of Polish centres diagnosing patients with suspected CTEPH. Pulmonary scintigraphy is a safe and highly sensitive screening test for CTEPH. Multi-detector computed tomography with precise detection of thromboembolic residues in pulmonary circulation is important for planning of pulmonary endarterectomy. Right heart catheterisation definitely confirms the presence of pulmonary hypertension and direct pulmonary angiography allows for identification of lesions suitable for thromboendarterectomy or pulmonary balloon angioplasty. In this document a diagnostic algorithm in patients with suspected CTEPH is also proposed. With individualised sequential diagnostic strategy each patient can be finally qualified for a particular mode of therapy by dedicated CTEPH Heart Team. Moreover the document contains short information for the primary care physician about the management of patients after APE.

Pulmonary manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Majewski, Sebastian; Piotrowski, Wojciech

2015-12-10

Bronchopulmonary signs and symptoms are examples of variable extraintestinal manifestations of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These complications of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) seem to be underrecognized by both pulmonary physicians and gastroenterologists. The objective of the present review was to gather and summarize information on this particular matter, on the basis of available up-to-date literature. Tracheobronchial involvement is the most prevalent respiratory presentation, whereas IBD-related interstitial lung disease is less frequent. Latent and asymptomatic pulmonary involvement is not unusual. Differential diagnosis should always consider infections (mainly tuberculosis) and drug-induced lung pathology. The common link between intestinal disease and lung pathology is unknown, but many hypotheses have been proposed. It is speculated that environmental pollution, common immunological mechanisms and predisposing genetic factors may play a role.

The use of dornase alpha for post-operative pulmonary atelectasis after congenital heart surgery.

PubMed

Ozturk, Erkut; Tanidir, Ibrahim C; Haydin, Sertac; Onan, Ismihan S; Odemis, Ender; Bakir, Ihsan

2014-10-01

To investigate the efficacy of dornase alpha, a mucolytic agent, in children who developed pulmonary atelectasis after congenital heart surgery. Retrospective case-control study. Paediatric cardiac intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital. Between July, 2011 and July, 2012, 41 patients who underwent congenital cardiac operations and developed post-operative pulmonary atelectasis that was resistant to conventional treatment and chest physiotherapy. In all, 26 patients received dornase alpha treatment. As a control group, 15 patients were treated with conventional medications and chest physiotherapy. The median age of patients was 25.5 (3-480) days in the study group and 50.0 (3-480) days in the control group. A total of 15 (57.6%) patients in the study group and 8 (53.3%) patients in the control group were male. The median weight was 4.2 (2.9-14.2) kg and 4.0 (3.5-13.6) kg in the study and control group, respectively. In the study group, pulmonary atelectasis was diagnosed at a median period of 5 (2-18) days after operations, whereas in the control group atelectasis was diagnosed at a median period of post-operative 6 (3-19) days. In the study group, the median atelectasis score decreased from 3.4 (1-6) to 0.8 (0-3) (p = 0.001). The median pO2 level increased from 69 (17-142) mmHg to 89 (30-168) mmHg (p = 0.04). In addition, heart rate and respiratory rate per minute were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in these parameters in the control group. The use of dornase alpha can be effective for the management of pulmonary atelectasis that develops following congenital heart surgery.

Dermatoglyphs in congenital heart disease.

PubMed Central

David, T J

1981-01-01

The palmar dermatoglyphs of 800 patients with anatomically proven congenital heart disease were compared with prints from 1000 controls. A review of the previous studies revealed major technical deficiencies, and the present study failed to confirm most of the previously reported positive findings. An overall increase in the incidence of hypothenar patterns was found, probably explaining the previous suggestion of increased atd angle in congenital heart disease. A large number of statistical comparisons inevitably produced a few 'significant' results, most of which were inconsistent in various ways. Two percent of cases were found to have rare epidermal ridge malformation, ridge dissociation. The nature of the relationship between this and congenital heart disease is obscure. Claims that there are diagnostically useful dermatoglyphic changes in congenital heart disease can be disregarded. PMID:7328614

Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension: Summary of Recommendations.

PubMed

Barberà, Joan Albert; Román, Antonio; Gómez-Sánchez, Miguel Ángel; Blanco, Isabel; Otero, Remedios; López-Reyes, Raquel; Otero, Isabel; Pérez-Peñate, Gregorio; Sala, Ernest; Escribano, Pilar

2018-04-01

Pulmonary hypertension is a hemodynamic disorder defined by abnormally high pulmonary artery pressure that can occur in numerous diseases and clinical situations. The causes of pulmonary hypertension are classified into 5 major groups: arterial, due to left heart disease, due to lung disease and/or hypoxemia, chronic thromboembolic, with unclear and/or multifactorial mechanisms. This is a brief summary of the Guidelines on the Diagnostic and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery. These guidelines describe the current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of the different pulmonary hypertension groups. Copyright © 2017 SEPAR. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Signal transduction in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension

PubMed Central

Malenfant, Simon; Neyron, Anne-Sophie; Paulin, Roxane; Potus, François; Meloche, Jolyane; Provencher, Steeve; Bonnet, Sébastien

2013-01-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a unique disease. Properly speaking, it is not a disease of the lung. It can be seen more as a microvascular disease occurring mainly in the lungs and affecting the heart. At the cellular level, the PAH paradigm is characterized by inflammation, vascular tone imbalance, pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation and resistance to apoptosis and the presence of in situ thrombosis. At a clinical level, the aforementioned abnormal vascular properties alter physically the pulmonary circulation and ventilation, which greatly influence the right ventricle function as it highly correlates with disease severity. Consequently, right heart failure remains the principal cause of death within this cohort of patients. While current treatment modestly improve patients’ conditions, none of them are curative and, as of today, new therapies are lacking. However, the future holds potential new therapies that might have positive influence on the quality of life of the patient. This article will first review the clinical presentation of the disease and the different molecular pathways implicated in the pathobiology of PAH. The second part will review tomorrow's future putative therapies for PAH. PMID:24015329

Preoperative partitioning of pulmonary vascular resistance correlates with early outcome after thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

PubMed

Kim, Nick H S; Fesler, Pierre; Channick, Richard N; Knowlton, Kirk U; Ben-Yehuda, Ori; Lee, Stephen H; Naeije, Robert; Rubin, Lewis J

2004-01-06

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is the preferred treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), but persistent pulmonary hypertension after PTE, as a result of either inaccessible distal thrombotic material or coexistent intrinsic small-vessel disease, remains a major determinant of poor outcome. Conventional preoperative evaluation is unreliable in identifying patients at risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension or predicting postoperative hemodynamic outcome. We postulated that pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure waveform analysis, a technique that has been used for partitioning pulmonary vascular resistance, might identify CTEPH patients with significant distal, small-vessel disease. Twenty-six patients underwent preoperative right heart catheterization before PTE. Pulmonary artery occlusion waveform recordings were performed in triplicate. Postoperative hemodynamics after PTE were compared with preoperative partitioning of pulmonary vascular resistance derived from the occlusion data. Preoperative assessment of upstream resistance (Rup) correlated with both postoperative total pulmonary resistance index (R2=0.79, P<0.001) and postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure (R2=0.75, P<0.001). All 4 postoperative deaths occurred in patients with a preoperative Rup <60%. Pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure waveform analysis may identify CTEPH patients at risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension and poor outcome after PTE. Patients with CTEPH and Rup value <60% appear to be at highest risk.

Pattern of congenital heart disease in Southern Yemeni children referred for echocardiography.

PubMed

Saleh, Hussein K

2009-06-01

To study the distribution of age, gender, and the relative frequency of congenital heart defects at the time of the diagnosis in Southern Yemeni children. This retrospective study focused on echocardiographic findings of 393 symptomatic children affected by congenital heart disease. It was conducted in the Echocardiography Department of a referral hospital for Aden city and surrounding governorates, Yemen, from January 2001 to December 2005. Out of 987 referred children, congenital heart defects were detected in 393 (39.8%); mean age was 3.45+/-4 years; of them, 48% males and 52% females. They were 85% non-cyanotic and 15% cyanotic. Patients comprised neonates, 5 (1.3%); infants under one year, 156 (39.7%), and children more than one year, 232 (59%). Most cyanotic patients (66%) presented during their first year of life, but only 8.5% were neonates. Most non-cyanotic (64%) presented after their first year mean age 3.9 years, none of them were neonates. The most frequent defects were: ventricular septal defect (26.5%), pulmonary stenosis (17.6%), patent ductus arteriosus (17.3%), and atrial septal defect (15.8%). Tetralogy of Fallot (8.9%) and transposition of great vessels (3.1%) were the most frequent cyanotic defects. The pattern of congenital heart diseases in Southern Yemen, is characterized by simple, potentially correctable heart defects, under-representation of cyanotic, and absence of critical defects that provokes high mortality during infancy.

Unilateral lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis.

PubMed

1986-05-01

Improvements in immunosuppression and surgical techniques have made unilateral lung transplantation feasible in selected patients with end-stage interstitial lung disease. We report two cases of successful unilateral lung transplantation for end-stage respiratory failure due to pulmonary fibrosis. The patients, both oxygen-dependent, had progressive disease refractory to all treatment, with an anticipated life expectancy of less than one year on the basis of the rate of progression of the disease. Both patients were discharged six weeks after transplantation and returned to normal life. They are alive and well at 26 months and 14 months after the procedure. Pulmonary-function studies have shown substantial improvement in their lung volumes and diffusing capacities. For both patients, arterial oxygen tension is now normal and there is no arterial oxygen desaturation with exercise. This experience shows that unilateral lung transplantation, for selected patients with end-stage interstitial lung disease, provides a good functional result. Moreover, it avoids the necessity for cardiac transplantation, as required by the combined heart-lung procedure, and permits the use of the donor heart for another recipient.

Anesthetic Considerations for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

PubMed

Gregory, Stephen H; Zoller, Jonathan K; Shahanavaz, Shabana; Chilson, Kelly L; Ridley, Clare H

2018-02-01

The introduction of transcatheter therapy for valvular heart disease has revolutionized the care of patients with valvular disorders. Pathologic regurgitation or stenosis of the pulmonary valve, right ventricular outflow tract, or a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit represent emerging indications for transcatheter therapy. To date, minimal literature exists detailing the anesthetic management of patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. In this review, the pathophysiology and indications for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement and possible complications unique to this procedure are reviewed. Anesthetic management, including preoperative assessment, intraoperative considerations, and early postoperative monitoring, are discussed. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exercise prescription for hospitalized people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and comorbidities: a synthesis of systematic reviews

PubMed Central

Reid, W Darlene; Yamabayashi, Cristiane; Goodridge, Donna; Chung, Frank; Hunt, Michael A; Marciniuk, Darcy D; Brooks, Dina; Chen, Yi-Wen; Hoens, Alison M; Camp, Pat G

2012-01-01

Introduction The prescription of physical activity for hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) can be complicated by the presence of comorbidities. The current research aimed to synthesize the relevant literature on the benefits of exercise for people with multimorbidities who experience an AECOPD, and ask: What are the parameters and outcomes of exercise in AECOPD and in conditions that are common comorbidities as reported by systematic reviews (SRs)? Methods An SR was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration protocol. Nine electronic databases were searched up to July 2011. Articles were included if they (1) described participants with AECOPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or one of eleven common comorbidities, (2) were an SR, (3) examined aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), balance training (BT), or a combination thereof, (4) included at least one outcome of fitness, and (5) compared exercise training versus control/sham. Results This synthesis examined 58 SRs of exercise training in people with AECOPD, COPD, or eleven chronic conditions commonly associated with COPD. Meta-analyses of endurance (aerobic or exercise capacity, 6-minute walk distance – 6MWD) were shown to significantly improve in most conditions (except osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and depression), whereas strength was shown to improve in five of the 13 conditions searched: COPD, older adults, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes. Several studies of different conditions also reported improvements in quality of life, function, and control or prevention outcomes. Meta-analyses also demonstrate that exercise training decreases the risk of mortality in older adults, and those with COPD or ischemic heart disease. The most common types of training were AT and RT. BT and functional training were commonly applied in older adults. The quality of the SRs for most conditions was moderate to excellent (>65

[Clinical significance of 2,3-biphosphoglyceric acid content in erythrocytes of patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease].

PubMed

Remennik, O I

2006-01-01

The author gives in the article obtained data reflecting the content of 2,3-biphosphoglyceric acid in erythrocytes of patients with chronic lung heart. A comparative analysis of the content of 2,3-biphosphoglyceric acid in erythrocytes of healthy volunteers and patients with chronic lung heart was carried out. The author detected the correlation of changes of 2,3-biphosphoglyceric acid in erythrocytes and histamines in blood plasma in chronic lung heart patients with chronic lun diseases and it may be used in assessment and diagnostics of severity of secondary metabolic deran gements.

Congenital Heart Disease: Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatments.

PubMed

Sun, RongRong; Liu, Min; Lu, Lei; Zheng, Yi; Zhang, Peiying

2015-07-01

The congenital heart disease includes abnormalities in heart structure that occur before birth. Such defects occur in the fetus while it is developing in the uterus during pregnancy. About 500,000 adults have congenital heart disease in USA (WebMD, Congenital heart defects medications, www.WebMD.com/heart-disease/tc/congenital-heart-defects-medications , 2014). 1 in every 100 children has defects in their heart due to genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. The excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy and use of medications, maternal viral infection, such as Rubella virus, measles (German), in the first trimester of pregnancy, all these are risk factors for congenital heart disease in children, and the risk increases if parent or sibling has a congenital heart defect. These are heart valves defects, atrial and ventricular septa defects, stenosis, the heart muscle abnormalities, and a hole inside wall of the heart which causes defect in blood circulation, heart failure, and eventual death. There are no particular symptoms of congenital heart disease, but shortness of breath and limited ability to do exercise, fatigue, abnormal sound of heart as heart murmur, which is diagnosed by a physician while listening to the heart beats. The echocardiogram or transesophageal echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, cardiac catheterization, and MRI methods are used to detect congenital heart disease. Several medications are given depending on the severity of this disease, and catheter method and surgery are required for serious cases to repair heart valves or heart transplantation as in endocarditis. For genetic study, first DNA is extracted from blood followed by DNA sequence analysis and any defect in nucleotide sequence of DNA is determined. For congenital heart disease, genes in chromosome 1 show some defects in nucleotide sequence. In this review the causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatments of congenital heart disease are described.

Pulmonary Microwave Ablation Near the Heart: Antenna Positioning Can Mitigate Cardiac Complications in a Porcine Model

PubMed Central

Nocerino, Elisabetta; Mason, Peter J.; Schwahn, Denise J.; Hetzel, Scott; Turnquist, Alyssa M.; Lee, Fred T.; Brace, Christopher L.

2017-01-01

Purpose To determine how close to the heart pulmonary microwave ablation can be performed without causing cardiac tissue injury or significant arrhythmia. Materials and Methods The study was performed with approval from the institutional animal care and use committee. Computed tomographic fluoroscopically guided microwave ablation of the lung was performed in 12 swine. Antennas were randomized to either parallel (180° ± 20°) or perpendicular (90° ± 20°) orientation relative to the heart surface and to distances of 0–10 mm from the heart. Ablations were performed at 65 W for 5 minutes or until a significant arrhythmia (asystole, heart block, bradycardia, supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia) developed. Heart tissue was evaluated with vital staining and histologic examination. Data were analyzed with mixed effects logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curves, and the Fisher exact test. Results Thirty-four pulmonary microwave ablations were performed with the antenna a median distance of 4 mm from the heart in both perpendicular (n = 17) and parallel (n = 17) orientation. Significant arrhythmias developed during six (18%) ablations. Cardiac tissue injury occurred with 17 ablations (50%). Risk of arrhythmia and tissue injury decreased with increasing antenna distance from the heart with both antenna orientations. No cardiac complication occurred with a distance of greater than or equal to 4.4 mm from the heart. The ablation zone extended to the pleural surface adjacent to the heart in 71% of parallel and 17% of perpendicular ablations performed 5–10 mm from the heart. Conclusion Microwave lung ablations performed more than or equal to 5 mm from the heart were associated with a low risk of cardiac complications. © RSNA, 2016 PMID:27732159

[Clinical evaluation of regurgitant blood flow by rapid cine magnetic resonance imaging in patients with valvular heart disease].

PubMed

Onishi, S; Fukui, S; Atsumi, C; Morita, R; Fujii, K; Kusuoka, H; Kitabatake, A; Kamada, T; Takizawa, O

1989-06-01

The clinical usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating regurgitant blood flow in patients with valvular heart disease was studied. The study subjects comprised three healthy volunteers and nine patients with valvular heart disease (aortic regurgitation 3, mitral regurgitation 2, tricuspid regurgitation 2, and pulmonary regurgitation 2). Five were men and seven were women, ranging in age from 31 to 85 years. Valvular heart disease was diagnosed by two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography. MRI was performed using a 1.5 tesla super-conductive magnet system (MAGNETOM, Siemens AG). A rapid MRI technique (fast low-angle shot [FLASH], flip angle = 30 degrees, TR = 65-90 msec, TE = 10-38 msec) was used to generate 11 frames throughout one cardiac cycle in the transaxial, coronal and oblique planes. These sequential frames were displayed in cine mode on a CRT. 1. Intracavitary blood was imaged as a high signal intensity on gradient echo images, while surrounding cardiac structures had somewhat lower signal intensities. 2. In healthy volunteers, systolic ejection blood flow from the left ventricle was observed on coronal images in the cine mode display. The influx of atrial blood into the left and right ventricles was also clearly observed on transaxial cine images. 3. Aortic regurgitant flow was observed as areas of no signal intensity within the left ventricular cavity during diastole on coronal images. 4. Mitral and tricuspid regurgitations were observed within the left and right atria, respectively, as areas of no signal intensity on transaxial images. The extent of regurgitant flow was determined in the vertical long-axis plane, equivalent to the right anterior oblique projection. 5. The vertical oblique scan was suitable for detecting pulmonary regurgitant flow. These results indicate that the rapid cine MRI technique is a useful tool for noninvasively determining regurgitant blood flow in patients with various valvular heart diseases.

Surgical approach for systemic-pulmonary shunt in neonates with functionally univentricular heart: comparison between sternotomy and thoracotomy.

PubMed

Sasaki, Takashi; Takeda, Yuko; Ohnakatomi, Yasuko; Asou, Toshihide

2016-09-01

The preferred surgical approach for systemic-pulmonary shunts has changed from thoracotomy to sternotomy in our institution, to concomitantly manage the ductus arteriosus during surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of systemic-pulmonary shunts for neonates with functionally univentricular hearts based on surgical approach. Fifty-two neonates with functionally univentricular hearts underwent systemic-pulmonary shunt via sternotomy (n = 28) or thoracotomy (n = 24). Patient characteristics, achievement rates of right heart bypass, and survival rates were compared for the different approaches. Prenatal diagnosis was made more common in the sternotomy group (p = 0.006). The shunt was placed more centrally in the sternotomy group. The ductus arteriosus was ligated or banded in most patients in the sternotomy group (26/28) and in a few patients in the thoracotomy group (6/24). Frequency of ductal management in the early postoperative phase was not different between the groups (21 vs 25 %), but three new incisions had to be made in the thoracotomy group. No differences were seen in the achievement rates of bidirectional cavopulmonary shunts (86 vs 87 % at 10 months of age) and total cavopulmonary connection (81 vs 81 % at 2 years of age), or in the survival rates (92 vs 96 % at 8 years). There were no differences in short- and long-term outcomes between the groups. The sternotomy approach might be preferable in the current era of prenatal diagnosis, to allow simultaneous duct management during systemic-pulmonary shunt surgery, particularly in patients with large ducts associated with functionally univentricular hearts.

Relationship of Iron Deficiency and Serum Ferritin Levels with Pulmonary Hypertension: The Jackson Heart Study.

PubMed

Jankowich, Matthew; Elston, Beth; Evans, Samuel K; Wu, Wen-Chih; Choudhary, Gaurav

2016-01-01

Iron deficiency is prevalent in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), but whether iron deficiency or ferritin levels are associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the general population is unknown. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data on iron deficiency (exposure), and PH (pulmonary artery systolic pressure>40mmHg on echocardiogram) (outcome) on subjects with complete data on exposures and outcomes as well as covariates (n = 2,800) enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study, a longitudinal prospective observational cohort study of heart disease in African-Americans from Jackson, Mississippi. Iron deficiency was defined as a serum ferritin level < 15ng/mL (females); < 30ng/mL (males). We determined crude prevalence ratios (PRs) for PH in iron deficient versus non-iron deficient groups using modified Poisson regression modeling. We also analyzed the prevalence of PH by sex-specific quartiles of ferritin (Females ≤ 47ng/mL; > 47ng/mL- 95ng/mL; > 95ng/mL- 171ng/mL; > 171ng/mL; Males ≤ 110ng/mL; > 110ng/mL- 182ng/mL; > 182ng/mL- 294ng/mL; > 294ng/mL), using the same modeling technique with the lowest quartile as the referent. Median pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 27mmHg (interquartile range 23-31mmHg) in the study cohort. 147 subjects (5.2%) had PH and 140 (5.0%) had iron deficiency. However, of the 147 subjects with PH, only 4 were also iron deficient. The crude PH PR was 0.5 (95% CI 0.2-1.4) in iron-deficiency compared to non-deficient. In analysis by quartiles of ferritin, adjusting for age and sex, there was no evidence of association with PH in quartiles 2 (PR 1.1, 95% CI 0.7-1.6), 3 (PR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.3), or 4 (PR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.2) compared with quartile 1 (referent group, PR 1). Further analyses of the relationship between PH and ferritin as a log-transformed continuous variable or by quartiles of serum iron showed similar results. In the Jackson Heart Study, the prevalence of PH was similar in iron-deficient and non

Pulmonary hypertension and isolated right heart failure complicating amiodarone induced hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Wong, Sean-Man; Tse, Hung-Fat; Siu, Chung-Wah

2012-03-01

Hyperthyroidism is a common side effect encountered in patients prescribed long-term amiodarone therapy for cardiac arrhythmias. We previously studied 354 patients prescribed amiodarone in whom the occurrence of hyperthyroidism was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events including heart failure, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias, stroke and even death [1]. We now present a case of amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism complicated by isolated right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension that resolved with treatment of hyperthyroidism. Detailed quantitative echocardiography enables improved understanding of the haemodynamic mechanisms underlying the condition. Copyright © 2011 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease and exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Ingebrigtsen, Truls S; Marott, Jacob L; Vestbo, Jørgen; Nordestgaard, Børge G; Hallas, Jesper; Lange, Peter

2015-01-01

We tested the hypothesis that gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a risk factor for exacerbations in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among 9622 participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study, we identified 1259 individuals with COPD and information on gastro-esophageal reflux disease and the regular use of acid inhibitory treatment. These individuals were followed for 5 years with regard to medically treated COPD exacerbations, which we defined as a short course treatment with oral corticosteroids alone or in combination with antibiotics. We applied a multivariable Cox regression analysis with adjustment for well-established risk factors associated with COPD exacerbations or gastro-esophageal reflux disease, including COPD severity, and symptoms. Individuals with COPD and gastro-esophageal reflux disease had more chronic bronchitis (31 vs 21%, P = 0.004), more breathlessness (39 vs 22%, P < 0.001), and more of them had a history of respiratory infections (6.8 vs 1.4%, P < 0.001) than individuals with COPD but without gastro-esophageal reflux disease. Among individuals with COPD and gastro-esophageal reflux disease, those who did not use acid inhibitory treatment regularly had an increased risk of COPD exacerbations during follow-up, hazards ratio (HR): HR = 2.7 (1.3-5.4, P = 0.006). Individuals with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, using acid inhibitory treatment regularly did not have an increased risk of exacerbations, HR = 1.2 (0.6-2.7, P = 0.63). Gastro-esophageal reflux disease was associated with an increased risk of medically treated exacerbations of COPD, but only in those individuals who did not use acid inhibitory treatment regularly. © 2014 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Risk Factors and Mechanisms.

PubMed

Medrek, Sarah; Safdar, Zeenat

2016-01-01

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) occurs when thromboemboli travel to the pulmonary vasculature, fail to resolve, and cause elevated pulmonary arterial pressure. Untreated, this disease leads to progressive right heart failure and death. It develops in approximately 1% to 5% of patients who suffer an acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and has an overall incidence of 3 to 30 per million in the general population. While it is not entirely evident why most but not all people are able to clear this clot burden, there are known risk factors for the development of CTEPH. These include signs of right heart strain at the time of incident PE, inherited coagulopathies, inflammatory conditions, hypothyroidism, and a history of splenectomy. Since CTEPH can be treated both surgically and medically, it is critical to understand the pathophysiology of the disease so affected patients can be identified and diagnosed appropriately.

Heart disease and gender in mass print media.

PubMed

Clarke, Juanne

2010-03-01

Heart disease is a major cause of death, disease and disability in the developed world for both men and women. Women appear to be under-diagnosed and treated both because they fail to visit the doctor or hospital with relevant symptoms and because doctors tend to dismiss the seriousness of women's symptoms of heart disease. This review examined the way that popular mass print media present the possible association between gender and heart disease. It found that there was: [1] an under-representation of heart disease as a possible concern to women, [2] a dismissing or sensationalization of women's heart disease, [3] a tendency to blame women's complex menopausal bodies for the causes of heart disease, [4] an association of women with the heart disease of their husbands, [5] a linking of heart disease with masculinity and [6] a promotion of the idea of the need for women to fear of heart disease and the necessity of taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. The review concluded with suggestions for further research and for practice. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inapparent pulmonary vascular disease in an ex-heroin user

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Antonelli Incalzi, R.; Ludovico Maini, C.; Giuliano Bonetti, M.

1986-04-01

A severe pulmonary vascular derangement, usually reported in drug addicts, was diagnosed in a 28-year-old asymptomatic ex-heroin user by means of fortuitously performed pulmonary perfusion imaging. Neither physical findings nor pulmonary function tests, aroused suspicion of the diagnosis. A search for asymptomatic pulmonary vascular disease probably should be undertaken in drug addicts.

Project SuperHeart: An Evaluation of a Heart Disease Intervention Program For Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Way, Joyce W.

1981-01-01

An effective way to prevent coronary heart disease in later life is to concentrate on preventive measures in the early years before coronary heart disease becomes established. Project SuperHeart, a heart disease intervention program for young children, includes physical fitness and classroom activities emphasizing basic nutritional habits. (JN)

Histone methylations in heart development, congenital and adult heart diseases.

PubMed

Zhang, Qing-Jun; Liu, Zhi-Ping

2015-01-01

Heart development comprises myocyte specification, differentiation and cardiac morphogenesis. These processes are regulated by a group of core cardiac transcription factors in a coordinated temporal and spatial manner. Histone methylation is an emerging epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene transcription. Interplay among cardiac transcription factors and histone lysine modifiers plays important role in heart development. Aberrant expression and mutation of the histone lysine modifiers during development and in adult life can cause either embryonic lethality or congenital heart diseases, and influences the response of adult hearts to pathological stresses. In this review, we describe current body of literature on the role of several common histone methylations and their modifying enzymes in heart development, congenital and adult heart diseases.

Long-Term Oxygen Therapy for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Executive Summary In July 2010, the Medical Advisory Secretariat (MAS) began work on a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) evidentiary framework, an evidence-based review of the literature surrounding treatment strategies for patients with COPD. This project emerged from a request by the Health System Strategy Division of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that MAS provide them with an evidentiary platform on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of COPD interventions. After an initial review of health technology assessments and systematic reviews of COPD literature, and consultation with experts, MAS identified the following topics for analysis: vaccinations (influenza and pneumococcal), smoking cessation, multidisciplinary care, pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for acute and chronic respiratory failure, hospital-at-home for acute exacerbations of COPD, and telehealth (including telemonitoring and telephone support). Evidence-based analyses were prepared for each of these topics. For each technology, an economic analysis was also completed where appropriate. In addition, a review of the qualitative literature on patient, caregiver, and provider perspectives on living and dying with COPD was conducted, as were reviews of the qualitative literature on each of the technologies included in these analyses. The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Mega-Analysis series is made up of the following reports, which can be publicly accessed at the MAS website at: http://www.hqontario.ca/en/mas/mas_ohtas_mn.html. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Evidentiary Framework Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An Evidence-Based Analysis Smoking Cessation for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): An Evidence-Based Analysis Community-Based Multidisciplinary Care for Patients With Stable Chronic Obstructive

[Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy].

PubMed

Lausberg, H F; Tscholl, D; Schäfers, H-J

2004-08-01

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension with concomitant right heart failure may develop as a sequela of acute pulmonary embolism with organization instead of thrombolysis of intravascular clots. Medical therapy aims at prevention of recurrent embolism by anticoagulation and vascular remodelling using vasodilator therapy. Lung transplantation or combined heart-lung transplantation is associated with unsatisfactory long-term results and comorbidity and therefore remains justified only in selected patients. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy allows specific treatment of intravascular obstruction. This closed endarterectomy of the pulmonary arteries requires deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and can be performed with a perioperative mortality of less than 10%. The procedure significantly decreases pulmonary vascular resistance and often normalizes pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange. Postoperatively the patients' clinical condition improves and the majority have normal exercise capacity and activity.

Women and Heart Disease: Sharing Advice from the Heart

MedlinePlus

... page please turn JavaScript on. Feature: Women and Heart Disease Sharing Advice From The Heart Past Issues / Spring 2016 Table of Contents This ... inspired you to get involved in the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement and Red ...

[Hypothyroidism in patients with heart disease].

PubMed

Jiskra, Jan

Hypothyroidism is frequently found in patients with heart disease. It is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease and has a direct negative effect on both the left and right ventricular functions (hypothyroidism-induced cardiomyopathy). The confirmed manifest hypothyroidism is always a reason for replacement therapy with levothyroxine; regarding patients with heart disease, we always begin treatment with a small dose and increase it gradually. The treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with heart disease is disputable and its benefits probably depend on age. At a higher age, the therapy-related risks often outweigh its benefits, so we make do with the target levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone being within the upper band of the normal range, or even slightly above it, rather than overdosing the patient. To summarize in a simplified way, the treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with heart disease is the most effective in younger individuals, mainly those aged below 65, while at a higher age > 80 years the risk usually outweighs the benefit.Key words: cardiovascular risk - hypothyroidism - ischemic heart disease - left ventricular dysfunction - right ventricular dysfunction - subclinical hypothyroidism - thyroid peroxidase antibodies.

Transcendental meditation, hypertension and heart disease.

PubMed

King, Michael S; Carr, Tim; D'Cruz, Cathryn

2002-02-01

Accumulating evidence that stress contributes to the pathogenesis and expression of coronary heart disease has led to the increasing use of stress reduction techniques in its prevention and treatment. The most widely used and tested technique is transcendental meditation. To describe transcendental meditation and review research on its use in the treatment and prevention of coronary heart disease. Transcendental meditation shows promise as a preventive and treatment method for coronary heart disease. Transcendental meditation is associated with decreased hypertension and atherosclerosis, improvements in patients with heart disease, decreased hospitalisation rates and improvements in other risk factors including decreased smoking and cholesterol. These findings cannot be generalised to all meditation and stress reduction techniques as each technique differs in its effects. Further research is needed to delineate the mechanisms involved and to verify preliminary findings concerning atherosclerosis and heart disease and the findings of short term hypertension studies.

Heart Disease Affects Women of All Ages

MedlinePlus

Skip Navigation Bar Home Current Issue Past Issues Heart Disease Affects Women of All Ages Past Issues / Winter ... weeks of a heart attack. For Women with Heart Disease: About 6 million American women have coronary heart ...

Is the Mortality Trend of Ischemic Heart Disease by the GBD2013 Study in China Real?

PubMed

Wan, Xia; Yang, Gong Huan

2017-03-01

To determine the reason for the different mortality trends of ischemic heart disease (IHD) for China between Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 and GBD2013, and to improve garbage code (GC) redistribution. All data were obtained from the disease surveillance points system, and two proportions for assigning chronic pulmonary heart disease (PHD) as GC to IHD were from GBD2010 and GBD2013, which were different for years before 2004. By using the GBD2013 approach, the age-standard mortality rate (ASMR) increased by 100.21% in 1991, 44.81% in 1996, and 42.47% in 2000 in comparison with the GBD2010 approach. The different methods of chronic PHD redistribution impacted the trend of IHD mortality, which elevated it in the earlier 1990s by using the GBD2013 approach. Thus, improving the redistribution of GC as a key step in mortality statistics is important. Copyright © 2017 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.

Indications for Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

PubMed Central

Dieck, John A.; Ferguson, James J.

1989-01-01

Pulmonary thromboembolism is commonly misdiagnosed and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality both in the early and late stages. A major cause of late morbidity is chronic pulmonary hypertension. Although the incidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is unknown, there is anatomic and physiologic evidence that it is responsible for a significant degree of the late morbidity and mortality following acute pulmonary embolism. In the absence of underlying cardiopulmonary disease, pulmonary artery pressure is a useful indicator of the severity of acute pulmonary embolism and of the patient's prognosis. Thrombolytic agents accelerate the lysis of the thromboemboli, offer an excellent alternative to emergency embolectomy, and are likely to decrease the incidence of chronic pulmonary hypertension. All currently available agents have been shown to be effective and have similar bleeding-complication profiles. In this review, we discuss the natural history and pathophysiology of pulmonary thromboembolic disease, as well as applications of thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. (Texas Heart Institute Journal 1989;16:19-26) PMID:15227232

Being active when you have heart disease

MedlinePlus

Heart disease - activity; CAD - activity; Coronary artery disease - activity; Angina - activity ... Getting regular exercise when you have heart disease is important. Exercise can make your heart muscle stronger. It may also help you be more active without chest pain or ...

Detection of heart disease by open access echocardiography: a retrospective analysis of general practice referrals.

PubMed

Chambers, John; Kabir, Saleha; Cajeat, Eric

2014-02-01

Heart disease is difficult to detect clinically and it has been suggested that echocardiography should be available to all patients with possible cardiac symptoms or signs. To analyse the results of 2 years of open access echocardiography for the frequency of structural heart disease according to request. Retrospective database analysis in a teaching hospital open access echocardiography service. Reports of all open access transthoracic echocardiograms between January 2011 and December 2012 were categorised as normal, having minor abnormalities, or significant abnormalities according to the indication. There were 2343 open access echocardiograms performed and there were significant abnormalities in 29%, predominantly valve disease (n = 304, 13%), LV systolic dysfunction (n = 179, 8%), aortic dilatation (n = 80, 3%), or pulmonary hypertension (n = 91, 4%). If echocardiography had been targeted at a high-risk group, 267 with valve disease would have been detected (compared to 127 with murmur alone) and 139 with LV systolic dysfunction (compared to 91 with suspected heart failure alone). Most GP practices requested fewer than 10 studies, but 6 practices requested over 70 studies. Open access echocardiograms are often abnormal but structural disease may not be suspected from the clinical request. Uptake by individual practices is patchy. A targeted expansion of echocardiography in patients with a high likelihood of disease is therefore likely to increase the detection of clinically important pathology.

Using Omics to Understand and Treat Pulmonary Vascular Disease.

PubMed

Hemnes, Anna R

2018-01-01

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease for which there is no cure. Presently this condition is differentiated from other diseases of the pulmonary vasculature by a practitioner's history, physical examination, and clinical studies with clinical markers of disease severity primarily guiding therapeutic choices. New technologies such as next generation DNA sequencing, high throughput RNA sequencing, metabolomics and proteomics have greatly enhanced the amount of data that can be studied efficiently in patients with PAH and other rare diseases. There is emerging data on the use of these "Omics" for pulmonary vascular disease classification and diagnosis and also new work that suggests molecular markers, including Omics, may be used to more efficiently match patients to their own most effective therapies. This review focuses on the state of knowledge on molecular classification and treatment of PAH. Strengths and weaknesses of current Omic technologies are discussed and how these new technologies can be used in the future to improve diagnosis of pulmonary vascular disease, more effectively treat patients with existing and future drugs, and generate new understanding of disease pathogenesis and mechanisms underlying treatment success or failure. Bioinformatic methods to analyze the large volumes of data are developing rapidly, but still present major challenges to interpretation of potential Omic findings in pulmonary vascular disease, with low numbers of patients studied and a potentially high false discovery rate. With more experience, precise and established drug response definitions, this field with move forward and will likely be a major component of the clinical care of PH patients in the future.

Heart disease and women

MedlinePlus

... NOT consider heart disease a woman's disease. Yet cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women over age ... gov/pubmed/25070666 . Gulati M, Bairey Merz CN. Cardiovascular disease in women. In: Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby ...

Physiological and functional failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure and cancer: a debilitating intersection of sarcopenia, cachexia and breathlessness.

PubMed

Dudgeon, Deborah; Baracos, Vickie E

2016-09-01

Loss of skeletal muscle mass and cachexia are important manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and have been associated with breathlessness, functional limitation and poor prognosis. A number of other life-limiting illnesses, including cancer and chronic heart failure as well as acute conditions seen in ICU such as sepsis, are characteristically associated with cachexia and sarcopenia. These conditions may have respiratory muscle atrophy of sufficient magnitude to contribute to the development of breathlessness and associated functional limitation. The purpose of this review is to summarize findings related to a direct role for severe respiratory muscle wasting in the etiology of breathlessness in advanced, life limiting illness. Localized wasting of respiratory muscles appears to be part of systemic wasting of skeletal muscles, driven by deconditioning, nutritional insufficiencies and inflammation, and because of disease-specific factors (tumor factors and exacerbations), anabolic insufficiency, autonomic dysfunction, drugs (such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy agents), mechanical ventilation and comorbidities. Marked morphological and biochemical abnormalities have been noted in diaphragm muscle biopsies. Older patients with multiple comorbidities associated with muscle loss and cachexia are likely to be at elevated risk of respiratory muscle atrophy and functional loss, because of the presence of multiple, interacting etiologic factors.

Pulmonary MR imaging with ultra-short TEs: utility for disease severity assessment of connective tissue disease patients.

PubMed

Ohno, Yoshiharu; Nishio, Mizuho; Koyama, Hisanobu; Takenaka, Daisuke; Takahashi, Masaya; Yoshikawa, Takeshi; Matsumoto, Sumiaki; Obara, Makoto; van Cauteren, Marc; Sugimura, Kazuro

2013-08-01

To evaluate the utility of pulmonary magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with ultra-short echo times (UTEs) at a 3.0 T MR system for pulmonary functional loss and disease severity assessments of connective tissue disease (CTD) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from 18 CTD patients (eight men and ten women) and eight normal subjects with suspected chest disease (three men and five women). All subjects underwent thin-section MDCT, pulmonary MR imaging with UTEs, pulmonary function test and serum KL-6. Regional T2 maps were generated from each MR data set, and mean T2 values were determined from ROI measurements. From each thin-section MDCT data set, CT-based disease severity was evaluated with a visual scoring system. Mean T2 values for normal and CTD subjects were statistically compared by using Student's t-test. To assess capability for pulmonary functional loss and disease severity assessments, mean T2 values were statistically correlated with pulmonary functional parameters, serum KL-6 and CT-based disease severity. Mean T2 values for normal and CTD subjects were significantly different (p=0.0019) and showed significant correlations with %VC, %DLCO, serum KL-6 and CT-based disease severity of CTD patients (p<0.05). Pulmonary MR imaging with UTEs is useful for pulmonary functional loss and disease severity assessments of CTD patients with ILD. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gender differences in coronary heart disease

PubMed Central

Maas, A.H.E.M.; Appelman, Y.E.A.

2010-01-01

Cardiovascular disease develops 7 to 10 years later in women than in men and is still the major cause of death in women. The risk of heart disease in women is often underestimated due to the misperception that females are ‘protected’ against cardiovascular disease. The under-recognition of heart disease and differences in clinical presentation in women lead to less aggressive treatment strategies and a lower representation of women in clinical trials. Furthermore, self-awareness in women and identification of their cardiovascular risk factors needs more attention, which should result in a better prevention of cardiovascular events. In this review we summarise the major issues that are important in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease in women. (Neth Heart J 2010;18:598–603.21301622) PMID:21301622

Acquired heart conditions in adults with congenital heart disease: a growing problem.

PubMed

Tutarel, Oktay

2014-09-01

The number of adults with congenital heart disease is increasing due to the great achievements in the field of paediatric cardiology, congenital heart surgery and intensive care medicine over the last decades. Mortality has shifted away from the infant and childhood period towards adulthood. As congenital heart disease patients get older, a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is encountered similar to the general population. Consequently, the contribution of acquired morbidities, especially acquired heart conditions to patient outcome, is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, to continue the success story of the last decades in the treatment of congenital heart disease and to further improve the outcome of these patients, more attention has to be given to the prevention, detection and adequate therapy of acquired heart conditions. The aim of this review is to give an overview about acquired heart conditions that may be encountered in adults with congenital heart disease. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Heart Transplant in Patients with Predominantly Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease.

PubMed

Rosa, Vitor E E; Lopes, Antonio S S A; Accorsi, Tarso A D; Fernandes, Joao Ricardo C; Spina, Guilherme S; Sampaio, Roney O; Bacal, Fernando; Tarasoutchi, Flavio

2015-09-01

International records indicate that only 2.6% of patients with heart transplants have valvular heart disease. The study aim was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients with valvular heart disease undergoing heart transplantation. Between 1985 and 2013, a total of 569 heart transplants was performed at the authors' institution. Twenty patients (13 men, seven women; mean age 39.5 +/- 15.2 years) underwent heart transplant due to structural (primary) valvular disease. Analyses were made of the patients' clinical profile, laboratory data, echocardiographic and histopathological data, and mortality and rejection. Of the patients, 18 (90%) had a rheumatic etiology, with 85% having undergone previous valve surgery (45% had one or more operations), and 95% with a normal functioning valve prosthesis at the time of transplantation. Atrial fibrillation was present in seven patients (35%), while nine (45%) were in NYHA functional class IV and eight (40%) in class III. The indication for cardiac transplantation was refractory heart failure in seven patients (35%) and persistent NYHA class III/IV in ten (50%). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 26.6 +/- 7.9%. The one-year mortality was 20%. Histological examination of the recipients' hearts showed five (27.7%) to have reactivated rheumatic myocarditis without prior diagnosis at the time of transplantation. Univariate analysis showed that age, gender, LVEF, rheumatic activity and rejection were not associated with mortality at one year. Among the present patient cohort, rheumatic heart disease was the leading cause of heart transplantation, and a significant proportion of these patients had reactivated myocarditis diagnosed in the histological analyses. Thus, it appears valid to investigate the existence of rheumatic activity, especially in valvular cardiomyopathy with severe systolic dysfunction before transplantation.

Pulmonary aspergillosis after treatment with infliximab in Still's disease and a literature review of Still's disease and pulmonary aspergillosis.

PubMed

Şeyhoğlu, Emrah; Erden, Abdülsamet; Kılıç, Levent; Karadağ, Ömer; Akdağlı, Sevtap Arıkan; Akdoğan, Ali; Kalyoncu, Umut

2018-03-01

The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents has increased during the past decade in rheumatology practice. Opportunistic infections have been reported with anti-TNF-α agents in clinical trials and post-marketing usage. Aspergillus infection is a rare opportunistic infection that is associated with immunosuppression, and there are reported cases of pulmonary aspergillosis in various rheumatic diseases treated with anti-TNF-α agents. Here, we present the first case of pulmonary aspergillosis associated with infliximab treatment in a patient with Still's disease.

Carcinoid heart disease.

PubMed

Bernheim, Alain M; Connolly, Heidi M; Pellikka, Patricia A

2007-12-01

In patients with carcinoid heart disease, a multidisciplinary approach to patient care is required because treatment of the systemic disease and management of cardiac involvement must be considered at the same time. Somatostatin analogue use is a therapeutic cornerstone, effective in symptomatic control of the endocrine syndrome. Chemotherapy is of limited efficacy in patients with carcinoid tumors. Hepatic resection of metastases is the preferred treatment option and has been shown to result in improved outcome. It should be considered if at least 90% of the metastases in the liver are removable. Hepatic artery embolization is usually applied if a patient is not eligible for surgical debulking. Development and progression of carcinoid heart disease complicate the carcinoid syndrome and contribute to poor prognosis. In patients with severe cardiac involvement and well-controlled systemic disease, valve replacement surgery is an effective treatment modality that can relieve intractable symptoms and contribute to improved outcome.

The emerging role of exercise testing and stress echocardiography in valvular heart disease.

PubMed

Picano, Eugenio; Pibarot, Philippe; Lancellotti, Patrizio; Monin, Jean Luc; Bonow, Robert O

2009-12-08

Exercise testing has an established role in the evaluation of patients with valvular heart disease and can aid clinical decision making. Because symptoms may develop slowly and indolently in chronic valve diseases and are often not recognized by patients and their physicians, the symptomatic, blood pressure, and electrocardiographic responses to exercise can help identify patients who would benefit from early valve repair or replacement. In addition, stress echocardiography has emerged as an important component of stress testing in patients with valvular heart disease, with relevant established and potential applications. Stress echocardiography has the advantages of its wide availability, low cost, and versatility for the assessment of disease severity. The versatile applications of stress echocardiography can be tailored to the individual patient with aortic or mitral valve disease, both before and after valve replacement or repair. Hence, exercise-induced changes in valve hemodynamics, ventricular function, and pulmonary artery pressure, together with exercise capacity and symptomatic responses to exercise, provide the clinician with diagnostic and prognostic information that can contribute to subsequent clinical decisions. Nevertheless, there is a lack of convincing evidence that the results of stress echocardiography lead to clinical decisions that result in better outcomes, and therefore large-scale prospective randomized studies focusing on patient outcomes are needed in the future.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

MedlinePlus

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension What Is Pulmonary Hypertension? To understand pulmonary hypertension (PH) it helps to understand how blood ows throughout your body. While the heart is one organ, it ...

Pulmonary atresia

MedlinePlus

... possible, but depend on the extent of the heart abnormalities that accompany the pulmonary valve defect. Potential treatments include: A thin, flexible tube (heart catheterization) to repair the problem Open heart surgery ...

Randomized comparative study of intravenous infusion of three different fixed doses of milrinone in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing open heart surgery.

PubMed

Barnwal, Neeraj Kumar; Umbarkar, Sanjeeta Rajendra; Sarkar, Manjula Sudeep; Dias, Raylene J

2017-01-01

Pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease is a common problem in pediatric patients presenting for open heart surgery. Milrinone has been shown to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressure in pediatric patients and neonates postcardiac surgery. We aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcome in such patients with three different fixed maintenance doses of milrinone. Patients were randomized into three groups. All patients received fixed bolus dose of milrinone 50 μg/kg on pump during rewarming. Following this, patients in low-dose group received infusion of milrinone at the rate of 0.375 μg/kg/min, medium-dose group received 0.5 μg/kg/min, and high-dose group received 0.75 μg/kg/min over 24 h. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean airway pressure (MaP), oxygenation index (OI), and central venous pressure (CVP) were compared at baseline and 24 h postoperatively. Dose of inotropic requirement, duration of ventilatory support and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay were noted. MAP, MaP, OI, and CVP were comparable in all three groups postoperatively. All patients in the low-dose group required low inotropic support while 70% of patients in the high-dose group needed high inotropic support to manage episodes of hypotension (P = 0.000). Duration of ventilatory support and ICU stay in all three groups was comparable (P = 0.412, P = 0.165). Low-dose infusions while having a clinical impact were more beneficial in avoiding adverse events and decreasing inotropic requirement without affecting duration of ventilatory support and duration of ICU stay.