Worsening of heart failure by coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with high mortality.

Aims: Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) and concurrent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might have a higher risk of severe events.

Methods And Results: We retrospectively studied 16 patients with advanced HFrEF who developed COVID-19 between 1 March and 29 May 2020. Follow-up lasted until 30 September.

Relationship between depression, BNP levels and ventricular impairment in heart failure.

Background: Depression is a common comorbidity in heart failure (HF); however, the mechanisms related to a poorer outcome of depressed patients with HF remain unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the role of severe depression in the outcome of patients with decompensated HF.

Methods: A total of 43 patients with advanced HF, EF < 40.

[Is it necessary to suspend betablockers in decompensated heart failure with low output?].

Background: there is evidence that the suspension of betablockers (BB) in decompensated heart failure may increase mortality. Dobutamine (dobuta) is the most commonly used inotrope in decompensation, however, BB and dobuta act with the same receptor with antagonist actions, and concurrent use of both drugs could hinder compensation.

Objective: to evaluate whether the maintenance of BB associated with dobuta difficults cardiac compensation.

Microneurography and venous occlusion plethysmography in heart failure: correlation with prognosis.

Background: Microneurography and venous occlusion plethysmography can be considered methods of assessment of the sympathetic activity.

Objective: To evaluate the intensity of the sympathetic activity through microneurography and venous occlusion plethysmography in patients with heart failure (HF) and correlate this intensity with prognosis.

Methods: 52 patients with HF (ejection fraction < 45% at the echocardiogram): 12 with FCII and 40 with FCIV.

Hyperkalemia during spironolactone use in patients with decompensated heart failure.

Background: The incidence of hyperkalemia related to spironolactone use is low in stable heart failure; however, it has not been studied during decompensation.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of spironolactone on serum potassium in decompensated heart failure (HF).

Methods: In a cohort study, patients that had been hospitalized due to decompensated HF, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.