Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Mortality in Patients Aged 60 to 90 Years.

Chronological age alone does not fully reflect a patient's prognosis. We sought to assess the association of cardiorespiratory fitness (quantified by METs) with all-cause mortality among patients aged 60 to 90 years. This retrospective study included patients who underwent exercise treadmill testing at an integrated healthcare system from 2011 to 2019.

The Prognostic Utility of Invasive Right Heart Catheterization in Patients Prior to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Introduction: Invasive right heart catheterization (RHC) provides valuable prognostic information in cases of severe aortic stenosis, but is not done routinely prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Therefore, we sought to investigate the prognostic utility of pre-TAVR RHC for assessing outcomes post TAVR.

Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective study of patients who underwent RHC prior to TAVR between June 2011 and March 2019.

Revascularization versus medical therapy in patients aged 80 and older with stable ischemic heart disease.

Background: Older patients are underrepresented in landmark randomized trials for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Therefore, we sought to evaluate the benefits of revascularization in patients ≥80 years old with SIHD.

Methods: Retrospective study of patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for SIHD between 2009 and 2019.

The role of neighborhood disadvantage in predicting mortality in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Neighborhoods have a powerful impact on health. Prior investigations into disparities associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have focused on race and access to the procedure. We sought to investigate the role of neighborhood disadvantage on mortality post-TAVR.

Comparison of a Single Versus Double Perclose Technique for Percutaneous Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Background: The optimal strategy for arterial closure in percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) remains under debate.

Methods: Single-center, prospective, observational study of consecutive patients undergoing TF-TAVR between March 2018 and December 2019 who underwent closure with an upfront single vs double Perclose device. Device success, access-site vascular, and bleeding complications were defined according to the Valvular Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 criteria.

Association between mid-term worsening renal function and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI) and worsening renal function at 30 days after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) portend poor outcomes. We sought to evaluate the association between worsening renal function at 3-6 months and mortality among patients with baseline renal dysfunction undergoing TAVR.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 ml/min undergoing TAVR between June 2011 and March 2019 at the Regional Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles.

Revascularization Versus Medical Therapy in Patients Aged 80 Years and Older with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background/objectives: Older patients are underrepresented in acute coronary syndrome clinical trials. We sought to evaluate the benefits of revascularization in patients aged 80 years and older presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Design: Retrospective study utilizing inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Predictors of conduction recovery after permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Purpose: Conduction disturbances after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) requiring pacemaker (PPM) implantation are a known complication and may be reversible. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors for atrioventricular (AV) conduction recovery after TAVR.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective study of patients undergoing PPM implantation for conduction disorders after TAVR between June 2011 and March 2019.

Frequency of Utilization of Beta Blockers in Patients With Heart Failure and Depression and Their Effect on Mortality.

Beta blockers reduce mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure. Early reports linking β-blockers with depression may have limited their use in heart failure patients with co-morbid depression. Although more recent studies have challenged the association between β-blocker therapy and depression, patient and physicians remain concerned.

Statin Adherence and Mortality in Patients Aged 80 Years and Older After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background/objectives: The goal of this study was to describe the pattern of statin adherence in older patients, aged 80 years or older; identify factors associated with high adherence; and determine the association between statin adherence and all-cause mortality.

Design: Retrospective population-based cohort study.

Setting: An integrated healthcare system in Southern California.

Comparison of formulas for calculation of the corrected QT interval in infants and young children.

Objective: To compare 4 heart rate correction formulas for calculation of the rate corrected QT (QTc) interval among infants and young children.

Study Design: R-R and QT intervals were measured from digital electrocardiograms. QTc were calculated with the Bazett, Fridericia, Hodges, and Framingham formulas.