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The cost and cardioprotective effects of enalapril in hypertensive patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

This study examined the effect of enalapril on survival, resource use, and cost of care in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and hypertension using a retrospective analysis of patients who participated in the Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction (SOLVD). Among the 6797 SOLVD participants, 1917 patients had either elevated systolic (> or = 140 mm Hg) or diastolic (> or = 90 mm Hg) blood pressure. Therapy with enalapril was associated with a significant relative risk reduction for mortality (RR = 0.819, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.98; P = .03). This resulted in a gain of 0.11 years (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.20 years) of survival during the average 2.8 year follow-up for this subgroup and was projected to result in a gain of 2.14 years (95% CI: 0.05 to 4.21 years) during the patient's lifetime. Enalapril significantly reduced the risk of first hospitalization for heart failure by 37%. For all types of hospitalizations, there was an average reduction of 32 hospitalizations per 100 patients treated with enalapril during the trial period (95% CI: 11.8 to 52.2 hospitalizations avoided per 100 patients), resulting in an estimated net savings of $1656 per patient during the trial period (95% CI: increased cost of $191 to savings of $3502). Although the projected lifetime net savings of $1456 was not significant (95% CI: increased cost of $9243 to saving of $12,527), evaluation of the cost per life year saved indicated that enalapril represented a cost-effective strategy. The estimated clinical benefit of enalapril among the hypertensive subgroup in SOLVD supports the recommendation that angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should be considered as first line pharmacologic therapy for hypertensive patients with left ventricular dysfunction. From both the clinical and economic viewpoints, ACE inhibitors provide important clinical benefits and are cost-effective.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Effects of magnesium orotate on exercise tolerance in patients with coronary heart disease.

In a pilot study at 14 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and left-ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular enddiastolic volume [LVEDV] > or = 100 ml), who actively participated in an ambulatory cardiac sports group, left ventricular endsystolic volume (LVESV), LVEDV and duration of exercise were analyzed by echocardiographic and ergometric tests. An initial workup was followed by a 4 week double blind treatment phase, in which magnesium orotate 3 x 1 g or placebo was given additionally to medication taken prior to the study. At the end of this phase a concluding workup was performed. Magnesium orotate decreased significantly (p = 0.016) LVESV, increased significantly (p = 0.035) EF, decreased in tendency (p = 0.054) LVEDV and increased significantly (p = 0.011) exercise duration. The study gives references to favourable effects of oral magnesium orotate to left ventricular function and exercise tolerance in patients with CHD.

Coronary Disease↗

[Relationship between exercise induced ischemia and left ventricular dysfunction; simultaneous assessment of perfusion and function images with 99mTc-tetrofosmin myocardial scintigraphy].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exercise induced ischemia and left ventricular dysfunction, ergometer exercise 99mTc-tetrofosmin myocardial scintigraphy was performed using one day protocol (exercise/rest). Subjects consisted of 68 patients without previous myocardial infarction; without coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 36) and with CAD (n = 32). Perfusion and function images were evaluated simultaneously. Perfusion image was taken by single photon emission tomography (SPECT). Quantitative analysis was performed with normal data-base. The area of abnormal perfusion, less than normal lower limits, was named as extent score (ES). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by first-pass study. According to ES on stress image, 32 patients with CAD were divided into 3 groups; ES < 10% (n = 15), ES = 10-20% (n = 7) and ES > 20% (n = 10). LVEF at rest among 4 groups were not different. LVEF at peak exercise was 61.7+/ -5.3% in CAD (-), 59.0 +/- 5.8% in ES < 10%, 57.4 +/- 6.6% in ES = 10-20% and 47.4 +/- 10.5% in ES > 20%. LVEF in ES > 20% at peak exercise was lowest significantly. Thus, simultaneous perfusion and function images were evaluated for the relationship between exercise induced ischemia and left ventricular dysfunction. If extent score on stress image was more than 20% of left ventricle, significant left ventricular dysfunction was observed.

Aged↗

Efficacy and safety of calcium channel blockers in hypertensive patients with concomitant left ventricular dysfunction.

The use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in the treatment of hypertension and concomitant left ventricular dysfunction is reviewed. Some CCBs, particularly second-generation dihydropyridine agents such as felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, and nitrendipine, have properties that enhance their usefulness in these patients. All CCBs have a similar mechanism of action. Differences in their selective action at various tissue sites determine which are most appropriate for patients with concomitant hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction. Most CCBs do not produce reflex stimulation of the heart or induce intravascular expansion. While all CCBs produce arteriolar dilation, all local beds and regional circulations in target organs are not affected equally. Most CCBs can decrease cardiac mass, and second-generation CCBs tend to have little or no negative inotropic effects at therapeutic dosages. In addition, they increase blood flow and reduce myocardial oxygen requirements. Because of differences in functional and electrophysiologic effects, specific CCBs may not be appropriate for all patients. Since second-generation dihydropyridine CCBs lack clinically relevant negative inotropic effects, and have been shown to improve exercise tolerance and coronary artery perfusion, they are appropriate for hypertensive patients with left ventricular dysfunction, angina, and coronary heart disease. Second-generation CCBs tend to lack cardiodepressant side effects and are less likely to react with digoxin than are first-generation CCBs.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Prognosis of patients with left ventricular dysfunction, with and without viable myocardium after myocardial infarction. Relative efficacy of medical therapy and revascularization.

BACKGROUND: The uptake of F-18 deoxyglucose into dysfunction segments after myocardial infarction identifies metabolically active (FDG+) or inactive (FDG-) myocardium. Although patients with FDG+ segments have been found to be at risk for adverse events, the prognostic significance of viable myocardium in relation to other influences on postinfarction prognosis, including revascularization, remain ill defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative prognostic significance of FDG+ tissue and to establish whether myocardial revascularization in patients with viable tissue attenuates the risk of adverse outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven patients with left ventricular dysfunction and resting perfusion defects after myocardial infarction underwent positron emission tomography with both dipyridamole stress Rb-82 perfusion imaging and FDG imaging. After the exclusion of 4 patients proceeding to transplantation, 2 with uninterpretable scans and 2 lost to follow-up, 129 patients were followed clinically for 17 +/- 9 months. Four groups were defined: patients with FDG+ dysfunctional myocardium who were revascularized (n = 49) or treated medically (n = 21) and those with FDG- segments who were revascularized (n = 19) or treated medically (n = 40). The groups of patients with FDG+ or FDG- findings, with and without revascularization, did not differ with respect to known determinants of postinfarction prognosis: age, left ventricular ejection fraction, or the prevalence of multivessel disease. Nonfatal ischemic events occurred in 48% of medically treated FDG+ patients compared with 8% of revascularized patients with FDG+ tissue (P < .001) and 5% of patients with FDG- myocardium (P < .001). Thirteen patients died from cardiac causes; 11 (85%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction of < 30%, and these patients were evenly distributed between FDG+ and FDG- groups. Using Cox's proportional hazards model, only the presence of FDG+ myocardium (odds ratio, 12.9; P < .001) and the absence of revascularization (odds ratio, 5.8; P = .002) independently predicted ischemic events, while only age (P = .02) and ejection fraction (P < .001) but not the presence of viable myocardium were predictive of death. CONCLUSIONS: Residual viable myocardium after myocardial infarction may act as an unstable substrate for further events unless it is revascularized. Despite this association, age and left ventricular dysfunction remained the strongest predictors of cardiac death after myocardial infarction in these patients with a spectrum of left ventricular dysfunction.

Aged↗

Left ventricular contractile state after surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot: risk factors for late left ventricular dysfunction.

The purpose of this study was to analyze potential "risk-factors" for late left ventricular dysfunction after surgical correction of Fallot's tetralogy (FT). As the ejection-phase indices cannot distinguish abnormalities of contractility from altered loading conditions, the slope values of the end-systolic pressure-length and stress-shortening relationships were analyzed by increasing afterload. Thirty-two patients were studied after surgical correction of FT in infancy. The age at investigation was 19.2 +/- 5.6 years, total correction had been performed at the age of 7.7 +/- 3.3 years. In 20 patients a one-stage operation was performed, and in 12 patients a two-stage correction. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers, aged 18-30 years. The following potential risk factors for left ventricular dysfunction were evaluated: one-stage vs. two-stage correction, age at total correction, preoperative systemic oxygen saturation, preoperative hematocrit, occurrence of hypoxic spells, preoperative ratio of left-to-right ventricular peak systolic pressure, and preoperative ratio of left-to-right ventricular end-diastolic volume. In most patients the baseline data for end-systolic wall stress lay outside the normal range, indicating abnormal loading conditions. Thus, analysis of load-independent indices of the contractile state seems to be mandatory in these patients. Our data show that the severity of preoperative hypoxemia is an important risk factor for late dysfunction of the left ventricle (p less than 0.01). Additionally, the relation of left and right ventricular peak systolic pressures and end-diastolic volumes were related to the contractile state (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Impairment of exercise capacity and peak oxygen consumption in patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction and coronary artery disease.

AIMS: Most studies in chronic heart failure have only included patients with marked left ventricular systolic dysfunction (i.e. ejection fraction < or =0.35), and patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction are usually excluded. Further, exercise capacity strongly depends on age, but age-adjustment is usually not applied in these studies. Therefore, this study sought to establish whether (age-adjusted) peak VO2 was impaired in patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: Peak VO2 and ventilatory anaerobic threshold were measured in 56 male patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 0.35-0.55; study population) and in 17 male patients with a normal left ventricular function (ejection fraction >0.55; control population). All patients had an old (>4 weeks) myocardial infarction. By using age-adjusted peak VO2 values, a 'decreased' exercise capacity was defined as < or = predicted peak VO2 - 1 x SD (0.81 of predicted peak VO2), and a severely decreased exercise capacity as < or = predicted peak VO2 - 2 x SD (0.62 of predicted peak VO2). RESULTS: Patients in the study population (age 52+/-9 years; ejection fraction 0.46+/-0.06) were mostly asymptomatic (NYHA class I: n=40, 76%), while 16 patients (24%) had mild symptoms, i.e. NYHA class II. All 17 controls (age 57+/-8 years) were asymptomatic. Mean peak VO2 was lower in patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction (23.6+/-5.7 vs 27.1+/-4.6 ml x min(-1) x kg(-1) in controls, P<0.05). In 75% of the study population patients (n=42) age-adjusted peak VO2 was decreased (NYHA I/II: n=29/13) and in 18% of them severely decreased (n=10; NYHA I/II: n=6/4). In contrast, only three patients (18%) in the control population had a decreased and none a severely decreased age-adjusted peak VO2. CONCLUSION: In patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction, who have either no or only mild symptoms of chronic heart failure, a substantial proportion has an impaired exercise capacity. By using age-adjustment, impairment of exercise capacity becomes more evident in younger patients. Patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction are probably under-diagnosed, and this finding has clinical and therapeutic implications.

Adult↗

Usefulness of myocardial viability or ischemia in predicting long-term survival for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction undergoing revascularization.

In 107 patients with coronary disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction, we examined the prognostic power of viability identified by dobutamine stress echocardiography. At a mean follow-up of 27 months, patients with viable myocardium who underwent revascularization had a significant survival advantage over all other patients (2-year survival 83.5% vs 57.2%, p = 0.0037).

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Brain natriuretic peptide based strategy to detect left ventricular dysfunction in Chagas disease: a comparison with the conventional approach.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular dysfunction (LVd) is the main predictor of mortality in Chagas disease (ChD). AIMS: To compare the diagnostic performance of the conventional approach (ECG and chest X-ray) in the recognition of LVd in ChD, with a new strategy, in which BNP is measured in patients with an abnormal ECG. METHODS: Consecutive ChD patients recruited at an Outpatient Reference Center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, without other systemic diseases, in 1998-99 (sample 1, n = 165) and in 2001-02 (sample 2, n = 62) underwent ECG, chest X-ray, BNP measurement and echocardiography. RESULTS: The prevalence of LVd (ejection fraction <or=0.40) was 9.1% in the sample 1. The conventional strategy recognized all patients with LVd (sensitivity: 100%, 95% CI: 79.6-100% and negative predictive value -PV 100%, 92.1-100%), but with low specificity (30%, 95% CI: 23.2-37.8) and +PV (12.5%, 95% IC: I7.7-19.6). The BNP/ECG strategy showed significantly better specificity (96.0%, 95% CI: 91.5-98.2, p < 0.001) and +PV (66.7%, 95% CI: 43.7-83.7, p < 0.001), and non-significantly lower sensitivity (80.0%, 95% CI: 54.8-93.0, p = 0.25) and -PV (98.0%,95% CI: 94.2-99.3, p = 0.08). Overall accuracy was improved with the new strategy. (94.5%,95% CI: 90.0-97.1 x 36.4%, 95% CI: 29.4-43.9, p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for the sample 2. CONCLUSIONS: The BNP-based strategy was more accurate than the conventional approach in the detection of LVd in ChD patients and should be considered as a valid option.

Adult↗

Combination neurohormonal blockade with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists and beta-blockers in patients with congestive heart failure: design of the Randomized Evaluation of Strategies for Left Ventricular Dysfunction (RESOLVD) Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The Randomized Evaluation of Strategies for Left Ventricular Dysfunction (RESOLVD) Pilot Study is a trial of combination neurohormonal blockade using an angiotensin II antagonist (candesartan), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril) and a beta-blocker (metoprolol) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). OBJECTIVES: Primary objectives of stage I are to determine the efficacy (via the 6 min walk test) and safety of candesartan alone, and in combination with enalapril, versus enalapril alone. Secondary objectives are to determine the effect of the above combinations on neurohormones, ventricular function, quality of life and symptoms. Stage II objectives are similar, evaluating the effect of the addition of metoprolol or placebo to the above medication(s). DESIGN: Randomized, two-stage trial consisting of a three-way comparison (stage I), followed by a 3 x 2 partial factorial design (stage II). SETTING: Sixty out-patient clinics in five countries. PATIENTS: Patients with symptoms of CHF (New York Heart Association functional classes II to IV), ejection fraction less than 40% and 6 min walk distance of 500 m or less. INTERVENTIONS: In stage I, 770 patients are randomized to receive candesartan alone, enalapril alone, or candesartan plus enalapril. After five months (end of stage I), patients are assessed for eligibility to be randomized in stage II. Those who are not candidates for randomization to beta-blocker or placebo are followed on their stage I medications until the end of the study. In stage II, patients are randomized to receive metoprolol or placebo for a further six months in addition to their stage I medications. Endpoints are measured at baseline, end of stage I (week 20) and end of stage II (week 46). STUDY STATUS: The study has recently completed follow-up in both stages. The findings from this study will be used to design a large scale mortality study that will help further define the role of neurohormonal blockade in patients with CHF.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

[Idiopathic atrial fibrillation: clinical-instrumental characterization and thromboembolic risk].

Ninety-two patients with diagnosis of lone atrial fibrillation (AF) were retrospectively identified by our in-hospital records. Among the 92 patients, 62 were males and 30 females. Mean age was 50 +/- 15 years (range 13-81). In 30% of the patients mild to moderate systemic hypertension was present. None had thyroid dysfunction. At the time of our first clinical observation, AF showed the following characteristics: recurrent AF in 58% of the cases (53 patients), chronic AF in 16% of the cases (15 patients) and first episode of AF in 26% of the cases (24 patients). Patient's symptoms were: palpitation in 73% of the cases, dyspnea in 24%, asthenia in 22%, chest pain in 19%, dizziness in 19% and syncope in 9% of the cases. In 9% of the subjects AF was asymptomatic. Recurrent AF presented with more than one episode per day in 12% of the cases, one per week in 16% of the cases, one-two episodes in 1 month in 8% of the cases and between two and six episodes in 1 year in 33% of the cases. Cross-sectional echocardiography, evidenced a higher prevalence of left atrial enlargement in patients with chronic AF (7/15 cases = 47%) either compared to subjects with recurrent AF (5/53 cases = 9%, p < 0.005) or compared to subjects with a first episode of AF (3/24 cases = 11%, p < 0.05). Echocardiographic signs of left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular enlargement or hypokinesia) were found in 27% of the patients with chronic AF and in 8% of the other two groups (NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for unprotected left main stenting in a patient with totally occluded right coronary artery and severe left ventricular dysfunction.

We report a case of unprotected left main stenting in an elderly female with severe left ventricular dysfunction and a totally occluded right coronary artery using hemodynamic support with the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO). There were no procedural complications and at 6-month follow-up, the patient was doing well with no cardiovascular events. Stenting of unprotected left main and the use of ECMO in high-risk coronary intervention are reviewed.

Aged↗

Reduced peak aerobic capacity in asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. A substudy of the studies of left ventricular dysfunction (SOLVD). SOLVD Investigator. Studies of Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Peak oxygen consumption is reduced in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure, but functional capacity of patients with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction has not been assessed by measurement of peak oxygen consumption attained during graded exercise testing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Peak oxygen consumption, that is, aerobic capacity (VO2, mL/kg per minute), was determined during graded treadmill exercise using the modified Naughton protocol in 40 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (mean ejection fraction ranging from 14% to 35%; mean, 29%) who, while not receiving any cardiac medications, were totally asymptomatic, and in 41 age-matched normal subjects. Peak exercise duration and VO2 were significantly lower in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction than in normal subjects (948 +/- 273 versus 1239 +/- 372 seconds, P < .001, and 22.1 +/- 5.9 versus 29.8 +/- 7.7 mL/kg per minute, respectively, P < .001), while asymptomatic patients and normal subjects reached similar respiratory equivalents (1.14 +/- 0.11 versus 1.11 +/- 0.11 [NS]) and level of perceived exertion, using the modified Borg scale (7.4 +/- 2.6 versus 8.1 +/- 1.5 [NS]). Heart rate, systemic blood pressure, and oxygen pulse response to peak exercise were significantly lower in asymptomatic patients than in normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction can be totally asymptomatic in their daily activities, they have experienced a substantial reduction in peak aerobic capacity when compared with normal subjects of similar age.

Aged↗

[Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery coronary revascularization under normothermic coronary perfusion in an infant].

A 5-months-old baby was hospitalized with congestive heart failure. Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery was diagnosed on echo cardiography and coronary angiogram. Preoperative examination revealed severe left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was 32 mmHg, left ventricular ejection fraction was 16%). Coronary revascularization was performed by anastomosis of the neo-left coronary artery to the aorta using an autologous pulmonary arterial roll under normothermic coronary perfusion. Although postoperative CPK-MB was within normal limits, the patient died on the 12th postoperative day due to ventricular arrythmia. Autopsy revealed severe endomyocardial fibroelastosis.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

Left ventricular dysfunction due to chronic right ventricular pressure overload. Resolution following percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for pulmonic stenosis.

Left ventricular dysfunction due to chronic right ventricular pressure overload is well documented in experimental animals, but is controversial in humans. Whether left ventricular dysfunction resolves following the relief of chronic right ventricular pressure overload has not been studied. In this report, rapid improvement in both right and left ventricular function following successful percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is described in a patient with severe isolated valvular pulmonic stenosis and biventricular dysfunction. It appears that: (1) geometric distortion played a major role in his reversible left ventricular dysfunction, and (2) severe biventricular dysfunction should not be a contraindication to valvuloplasty for valvular pulmonic stenosis.

Adult↗

[Clinical evaluation of the cause of left ventricular dysfunction in type 2 diabetes without significant cardiac disease].

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between left ventricular dysfunction and hypertension or proteinuria was evaluated in type 2 diabetic patients without significant cardiac disease to investigate the cause of diabetic cardiac dysfunction. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean age 63.8 +/- 7.4 years) underwent left ventriculography and Doppler echocardiography to calculate the ejection fraction and E/A ratio (E/A). RESULTS: Thirteen patients had hypertension (61.9%) and six patients had proteinuria (28.6%). The E/A was 0.82 +/- 0.21 in all patients. The E/A in patients with hypertension or proteinuria was significantly less than in those without these diseases (0.74 +/- 0.18 vs 0.97 +/- 0.18, p = 0.011; 0.65 +/- 0.10 vs 0.89 +/- 0.20, p = 0.010, respectively). The ejection fraction was 73.3 +/- 7.2% in all patients. The ejection fraction in patients with proteinuria was significantly less than in those without proteinuria (67.6 +/- 10.0% vs 75.5 +/- 4.4%, p = 0.019), but there was no significant difference in ejection fraction between patients with and without hypertension. The duration of diabetes was significantly related to the ejection fraction (r = -0.436, p = 0.048) but not to the E/A. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 2 diabetes without significant cardiac disease, left ventricular diastolic function may be related to both hypertension and proteinuria and left ventricular systolic function may be related to proteinuria and duration of diabetes. Therefore, in addition to hypertension, complications of nephropathy or long duration of diabetes may be related to the cause of the diabetic cardiac dysfunction.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Prediction of contractile reserve by cyclic variation of integrated backscatter of the myocardium in patients with chronic left ventricular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether assessment of the acoustic properties of the myocardium at rest can predict contractile reserve in patients with chronic left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: 23 patients (mean (SD) age 63 (12) years) with chronic left ventricular dysfunction were studied. The magnitude of cardiac cycle dependent variation of integrated backscatter (CVIB) of the myocardium was measured at rest in the basal and mid segment of the septum and posterior wall of the left ventricle, using a real time two dimensional integrated backscatter imaging system. The results were compared with the percentage wall thickening and the wall motion at rest and during low dose dobutamine infusion. The wall motion was graded as normal, hypokinetic, or akinetic and contractile reserve was considered present when an akinetic or hypokinetic segment improved during dobutamine infusion. RESULTS: The CVIB at rest correlated with per cent wall thickening at rest and during dobutamine infusion (at rest, r = 0.61, p < 0.0001, during dobutamine, r = 0.76, p < 0.0001). Of the 76 segments examined, 27 showed contractile reserve. The mean CVIB at rest was significantly greater in segments with contractile reserve than in those without (p < 0.0001). CVIB above 3 dB at rest predicted segments with contractile reserve with a sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 60%, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: CVIB reflected not only myocardial contractility but also the functional capacity of the myocardium. It predicted segmental contractile reserve in patients with chronic left ventricular dysfunction.

Adult↗

Value of ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring to identify increased risk of sudden death in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure.

To examine the predictive value of ventricular arrhythmias on ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring, 211 patients with left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure (76% men, age 63 +/- 4 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 0.26 +/- 0.10) were studied. During a follow-up of 21 +/- 11 months, there were 45 cardiac deaths: 22 were due to progressive pump failure and 23 were sudden. Patients with a low left ventricular ejection fraction (< or = 0.27) and ventricular tachycardia on 24 h ECG were at higher risk of dying suddenly and from progressive pump failure (both P < 0.0001). Patients who died suddenly were found to have significantly longer (P = 0.003) and faster (P = 0.029) ventricular tachycardias on their baseline ambulatory ECG, than survivors. This association was not observed in patients who died of progressive pump failure. Therefore, low left ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular tachycardia on 24 h ECG recording predict an increased risk of cardiac mortality. Our results also suggest that longer and faster ventricular tachycardia recorded by 24 h ECG may identify patients at risk of sudden death, a finding which has not been described before.

Cohort Studies↗