Reverse Remodeling and Functional Improvement of Left Ventricle in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan: Comparison between Non-Ischemic and Ischemic Etiology.

Sacubitril/valsartan (SV) has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure and to induce reverse ventricular remodeling. The present study was designed to confirm the effects of SV in a selected population of patients with HFrEF and to evaluate the different responses between patients with an ischemic or a non-ischemic etiology. A total of 79 patients with indication of SV were recruited prospectively during a timelapse of 4 years.

Heart valve calcification and cardiac hemodynamics.

Purpose: Heart valve calcification (VC) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but the hemodynamic and functional profile of patients affected by VC has not been fully explored.

Methods: The study population was formed by consecutive unselected patients included in seven echocardiographic laboratories in a 2-week period. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed.

Refined 4-group classification of left ventricular hypertrophy based on ventricular concentricity and volume dilatation outlines distinct noninvasive hemodynamic profiles in a large contemporary echocardiographic population.

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) may reflect a wide variety of physiologic and pathologic conditions. Thus, it can be misleading to consider all LVH to be homogenous or similar. Refined 4-group classification of LVH based on ventricular concentricity and dilatation may be identified.

Role of electrocardiography and echocardiography in prevention and predicting outcome of subjects at increased risk of heart failure.

Background: Asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) is relatively common in both community and high-risk populations. Early pharmacological intervention can improve clinical outcomes in subjects with this condition.

Objectives: This multicentre study consists on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination of stage A and B heart failure (HF) asymptomatic subjects with one or more cardiovascular risk factors, to assess the prognostic value of cardiovascular risk factors per se, clinical history, and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in prediction of progression of HF and/or in development of cardiovascular primary or secondary events.

The incremental prognostic value of echocardiography in asymptomatic stage a heart failure.

Objective: This multicenter study consisted of echocardiographic examination of subjects with stage A heart failure (HF) with cardiovascular risk factors and normal electrocardiogram and clinical examination results to (a) define whether stage A subjects with risk factors are really free of functional or structural cardiac abnormalities and (b) assess the impact of the presence of risk factors and incremental value of echocardiographic parameters in the prediction of progression of HF or in the development of cardiovascular events.

Methods: A total of 1097 asymptomatic subjects underwent echocardiographic examination as a screening evaluation in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, both systolic (ejection fraction) and diastolic (transmitral flow velocity pattern), was evaluated according to standard criteria.

Reduced coronary flow reserve and parasympathetic dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular syndrome X.

Objective: Although cardiovascular syndrome X was described many years ago, its causes are still unclear. Many studies have addressed the autonomic function, whereas others have investigated the coronary reserve. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between parasympathetic dysfunction and coronary flow reserve deficiency.

[Patent foramen ovale, stroke, and echocardiography: diagnostic methodology and appropriateness of indications].

A patent foramen ovale is a frequent remnant of embryological development with clinical importance in stroke, decompression sickness, and migraine headache. The proposed mechanisms of stroke include paradoxical embolization, in situ thrombosis within the canal of the foramen, associated atrial arrhythmias. Cardiac right-to-left shunts can be identified by echocardiography and by transcranial Doppler ultrasound with the use of contrast agents and a Valsalva maneuver as provocation procedure.

The DAVES (Disfunzione Asintomatica VEntricolare Sinistra) study by the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Echography: rationale and design.

Background: Diagnosis of heart failure (HF) is based on clinical signs, instrumental findings and response to treatment. The recent classification of the European Society of Cardiology identifies early stages of ventricular dysfunction not associated with symptoms of HF (Stage A-B). However, only few data are available on the prevalence and prognostic value of asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.