Use of Statins in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Current Evidence and Perspectives.

Systemic inflammation and coronary microvascular endothelial dysfunction are essential pathophysiological factors in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that support the use of statins. The pleiotropic properties of statins, such as anti-inflammatory, antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, and antioxidant effects, are generally accepted and may be beneficial in HF, especially in HFpEF. Numerous observational clinical trials have consistently shown a beneficial prognostic effect of statins in patients with HFpEF, while the results of two larger trials in patients with HFrEF have been controversial.

Blood Immune Cell Alterations in Patients with Hypertensive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

(1) Background: Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are key players in cardiac remodeling associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Monocytes and T-helpers (Th) are involved in both pro-inflammatory and fibrotic processes, while regulatory T-cells (Treg) could be considered to suppress chronic inflammation in the hypertrophied myocardium. We aimed to estimate the relationship between the frequencies of circulating CD4 T-cell and monocyte subpopulations and the variables of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with LVH depending on the presence of HFpEF.

Left atrial dysfunction as the major driver of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction syndrome.

Left atrial (LA) dysfunction seems to play a central role in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is associated with disease severity and poor outcomes and potentially impacts management. Identifying LA myopathy can help guide tailored therapy for HFpEF. Echocardiography allows the accurate measurement of atrial size and function, where LA strain appears to be a sensitive measure of intrinsic LA myopathy.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Pulmonary Hypertension: Focus on Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). A chronic increase in mean left atrial pressure leads to passive remodeling in pulmonary veins and capillaries and modest PH (isolated postcapillary PH, Ipc-PH) and is not associated with significant right ventricular dysfunction. In approximately 20% of patients with HFpEF, "precapillary" alterations of pulmonary vasculature occur with the development of the combined pre- and post-capillary PH (Cpc-PH), pertaining to a poor prognosis.

Use of Digital Technology Tools to Characterize Adherence to Prescription-Grade Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Therapy in Postmyocardial or Hypertriglyceridemic Patients in the DIAPAsOn Study: Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Maintaining sustained adherence to medication for optimal management of chronic noninfectious diseases, such as atherosclerotic vascular disease, is a well-documented therapeutic challenge.

Objective: The DIAPAsOn study was a 6-month, multicenter prospective observational study in the Russian Federation that examined adherence to a preparation of highly purified omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omacor) in 2167 adult patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction or endogenous hypertriglyceridemia.

Methods: A feature of DIAPAsOn was the use of a bespoke electronic patient engagement and data collection system to monitor adherence.

Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Is a Potent Risk Factor for the Development of HFpEF but Not HFrEF: Results of a Retrospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: The structural and functional features of the natural history of asymptomatic hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are not clearly defined. (2) Objective: To determine structural and functional changes in asymptomatic hypertensive LVH, as well as the incidence and predictors of the transition to different phenotypes of heart failure (HF) after a long-term follow-up. (3) Methods: Based on the assessment of chart reviews, we retrospectively selected 350 asymptomatic patients with hypertensive concentric LVH and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50%.

Digital Technology Tools to Examine Patient Adherence to a Prescription-Only Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Therapy To Mitigate Cardiovascular Risk: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study and Preliminary Demographic Analysis.

Background: Sustained adherence and persistence with prescription medications is considered essential to achieve maximal treatment benefit for patients with major chronic, noncommunicable diseases such as hyperlipidemia and lipid-associated cardiovascular disease. It is widely documented, however, that many patients with these conditions have poor long-term adherence to their treatments. The population of Russia is affected by poor adherence in the same ways as populations elsewhere and continues to have high rates of cardiovascular disease.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and combined pre- and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension: a randomized open-label pilot study.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is frequently complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). A pulmonary vascular contribution could be considered as a substantial therapeutic target in HFpEF and PH and combined pre- and postcapillary PH (Cpc-PH).

Methods: We enrolled 50 patients with HFpEF and Cpc-PH who were determined by echocardiography to have pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) > 40 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance > 3 Wood units, and/or transpulmonary gradient > 15 mmHg.

Prognostic value of changes in arterial stiffness in men with coronary artery disease.

Background: Men with coronary artery disease (CAD) have been shown to have enhanced arterial stiffness. Arterial function may change over time according to treatment, but the prognostic value of these changes has not been investigated.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess whether an improvement in large artery rigidity in response to treatment, could predict a more favorable prognosis in a population of men with CAD.

Trastuzumab-associated cardiac adverse effects in the herceptin adjuvant trial.

Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate trastuzumab-associated cardiac adverse effects in breast cancer patients after completion of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy.

Patients And Methods: The Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) trial is a three-group, multicenter, open-label randomized trial that compared 1 or 2 years of trastuzumab given once every 3 weeks with observation in patients with HER-2-positive breast cancer. Only patients who after completion of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy had normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF > or = 55%) were eligible.