Abstract 4144573: Cardiac biomarkers, intensive lifestyle intervention, and risk of heart failure subtypes in type 2 diabetes – a post-hoc analysis of the Look AHEAD trial

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4144573-A4144573, November 12, 2024. Background:N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) identify subclinical heart failure (HF) in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The contribution of changes in cardiac biomarkers to HF risk, particularly HF subtypes, is unclear. Whether HF risk associated with cardiac biomarkers is modifiable with an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) targeting weight loss is unknown.Methods:Adults with T2D and overweight/obesity in the Look Action for Health in Diabetes (AHEAD) trial without prevalent HF were included. NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT were measured at baseline, 1- and 4-years (Roche Diagnostics). Adjusted Cox models were created to evaluate the associations of baseline, 1- and 4-year change in NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT with risk of HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF and HFrEF, respectively). Interaction testing was performed to evaluate heterogeneous effects of the ILI vs diabetes support and education (DSE) across baseline cardiac biomarkers.Results:Of the 3,959 participants included, 212 had incident HF (108 HFpEF, 84 HFrEF) over 12 years. Higher baseline NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT were each significantly associated with higher risk of HFpEF and HFrEF (Table). Increases in NT-proBNP over 1- and 4-years were significantly associated with higher risk of HFpEF and HFrEF with a similar pattern of association for hs-cTnT and HF subtypes. After accounting for risk factor changes, the association of 1- and 4-year changes in NT-proBNP, but not hs-cTnT, with risk of HF subtypes remained significant. There was a significant interaction between NT-proBNP and ILI for risk of HFpEF but not HFrEF (p-int = 0.001). The ILI reduced HFpEF risk among participants with elevated (≥125 pg/mL) but not non-elevated NT-proBNP (

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4141719: Gender Differences in Bleeding Risk and Mortality Following Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4141719-A4141719, November 12, 2024. Background:Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is widely used following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but it can be associated with bleeding events and adverse outcomes during therapy. This study aims to perform a gender-based analysis of the bleeding risk and mortality associated with DAPT following PCI.Methods:On May 15, 2024, we searched the following databases: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane. Our inclusion criteria included any trial or cohort that performed a gender-based analysis of bleeding and mortality outcomes in patients taking DAPT post-PCI. Our outcomes were all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and bleeding risk. Bleeding risk was assessed using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification, and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) bleeding criteria. We used RevMan with a random-effects model to calculate the effect size, using odds ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval.Results:Out of the 1,865 articles searched, only 26 papers were eligible for inclusion and analysis. Nine were randomized controlled trials, and 17 were observational cohorts. The total number of patients was 267,986, of which 203,524 were male and 64,436 were female. There was no significant difference in cardiac mortality between males and females; the OR was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.71-1.08, P=0.22). All-cause mortality was reduced in males compared to females, with an OR of 0.81 (95% CI 0.71-0.92, p=0.002). The BRAC 2-5 classification was less likely in males compared to females, with an OR of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70-0.94, p=0.005). Similarly, in the BRAC 3-5 classification, there was a significant lower probability of bleeding in male compared to female (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52-0.82, p=0.0002). TIMI major bleeding classification was lower in males compared to females, with an OR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.42-0.88, p = 0.009). This indicates higher rates of major bleeding in females compared to males; and Similar findings were also observed with TIMI minor (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46-0.92, p=0.01).Conclusions:These findings highlight the disparities in clinical outcomes of dual antiplatelet therapy following PCI. Females had higher rates of significant bleeding events and all-cause mortality compared to males. This underscores the necessity of investigating the underlying mechanisms driving this gap, emphasizing the need for further research in order to understand and address these differences.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145263: A Novel Multivariate Scoring System for Diagnosing Post-Myocardial Infarction Pericarditis Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145263-A4145263, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Post-myocardial infarction (MI) pericarditis, particularly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), presents with distinct clinical, laboratory, and electrocardiographic features. Despite its unique presentation, no dedicated diagnostic tools exist for this condition in the post-PCI setting, highlighting the need for a tailored approach. This study aims to develop and validate the first comprehensive clinical scoring system specifically designed to accurately diagnose post-MI pericarditis following PCI, utilizing data available at admission.Methods:In this diagnostic case-control study, we compared 60 patients with confirmed post-PCI pericarditis (verified by echocardiography) from our PCI Registry with 120 control patients with various diagnoses from our hospital database. We evaluated 26 potential predictors, including clinical characteristics, chest pain descriptors, and additional diagnostic tests. Independent predictors for the scoring model were identified using stepwise logistic regression.Results:Among the 17 initial variables associated with pericarditis, five independent predictors were identified: age, chest pain exacerbation with thoracic movement, rising troponin levels, diffuse ST-segment elevation, and C-reactive protein levels. These predictors were incorporated into a scoring system based on their regression coefficients. The model demonstrated excellent discrimination, with a C-statistic of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93-1.0). A score above 6 points yielded a sensitivity of 95% (95% CI: 85-100) and specificity of 86% (95% CI: 78-93), with positive and negative likelihood ratios of 7.2 (95% CI: 4.2-12) and 0.05 (95% CI: 0.01-0.2), respectively, Figure 1.Conclusion:We have developed the first multivariate scoring system specifically designed to identify post-MI pericarditis in patients undergoing PCI. Its promising accuracy has the potential to enhance early recognition, streamline diagnostic processes, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4126893: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Nurse-Pharmacist Post-Discharge Telehealth Model of Care for Heart Failure Patients

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4126893-A4126893, November 12, 2024. Background:Suboptimal medication management is common in patients with heart failure (HF), particularly during transitions-of-care. To date, there are few studies assessing the feasibility of a nurse-pharmacist post-discharge telehealth service for medication optimisation in patients with HF. We performed a feasibility study to determine service uptake and acceptability, and ability to identify medication-related issues for HF patients as they transition from hospital to home.Methods:HF patients were referred to an existing post-discharge telehealth service and offered medication reconciliation and education in addition to their usual care; a service we termed ‘MedRec’ (MR). Primary outcomes were feasibility, measured through recruitment and successful MR completion, and acceptability, measured by an investigator-developed survey. Secondary outcomes were medication-related issues detected during MR.Results:A total of 100 HF patients were offered a post-discharge MR. Mean age of patients was 68.5 ±14.2 years, and mostly male sex (62%). Pharmacist MRs were requested by 80% of patients. In total 62 MRs (77.5%) were performed; 9 patients declined MR during follow-up and an additional 9 patients were uncontactable. Mean time to MR following nurse referral was 10.98 ±9.74 days. Drug-related toxicity or adverse effect presentation was identified in 25 (40.3%) MR recipients at the time of consultation and subsequently required general practitioner follow-up. Medication compliance issues were detected by the pharmacist in 13 (20.9%) patients; forgotten doses being the most common concern. Undertreated medical conditions, such as symptomatic HF and chronic pain, were identified in 12 (19.3%) MR recipients. Medications prescribed without any apparent indication were found in 8 (12.9%) patients. Drug or disease management information was requested by 35 (56.4%) MR recipients. A total of 35 (56.5%) post-MR surveys were successfully completed. All participants who completed a post-MR survey agreed that a post-discharge telehealth MR was an acceptable form of education provision. Engagement with a pharmacist MR was perceived to ease anxiety associated with understanding medication-related changes and empowered greater medication self-management.Conclusions:A post-discharge nurse-pharmacist telehealth service is a feasible and acceptable model of care. Inclusion of a routine MR post-discharge may be an effective means of maintaining continuity of care for HF patients.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4145932: Real World Data From A Nationwide Survey: Current Approaches Post Acute Coronary Syndromes By Cardiologists

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4145932-A4145932, November 12, 2024. Background:A new ESC guidelines in 2023, the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP) 2021 recommendations, and a subsequent statement by EAS have been published based on recent advances in lipid lowering treatments. However, real world data are lacking regarding the implementation among the community of French cardiologists.Objective:To determine the current approach and therapeutic strategies concerning lipid lowering treatments post-acute coronary syndromes in France.Methods:This national survey was performed during October and November 2023 in France with an online questionnaire on the websites of 2 national French Societies of Cardiologists.Four mailings were sent to cardiologists to invite them to answer to the questionnaire. A total of 400 answers of cardiologists were collected during this 2-month period.Results:For ASCVD patients, cardiologists agreed with an LDL-C goal below 55 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L) in 69%, below 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) in 16.5%, and 14.5% between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL (1.8-2.5 mmol/L). An upfront lipid lowering combination strategy using fixed dose combination (FDC) of statins and ezetimibe was prescribed in less than 5% of patients, whereas high-intensity statins were prescribed in more than 90% of patients. No significant differences were observed in terms of sex of patients, geographical area, or strategies followed by male and female cardiologists (p > 0.05). A combination of statins and ezetimibe was prescribed only for a minority of patients, especially as an early upfront strategy. The use of PCSK9i remains marginal and the interval between the ACS and initiation of these medicines remains high.Conclusion:In this contemporary national survey, we report an excellent agreement of lipid goals in secondary prevention by cardiologists. Despite the declared consensus recommending a low LDL-C target in ACS patients, lipid lowering strategies are suboptimal, mainly consisting of high intensity statins. The lack of recommended use of ezetimibe and PCSK9i to lower LDL-C levels highlights the importance of better implementation of intensive and early upfront strategies to reduce recurrent ischemic events.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4138964: Longer AF Diagnosis-to-Ablation Time is Associated with AF Inducibility Post-Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4138964-A4138964, November 12, 2024. Background:Post-ablation atrial fibrillation (AF) inducibility has been associated with AF recurrence and is often used as an endpoint for Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI). Little is known regarding factors affecting inducibility after PVI, as AF inducibility is common even after PV isolation. Prolonged episodes of untreated AF can result in remodeling of the atrium and the formation of new arrhythmogenic substrate, which may make treatment of AF more challenging. We hypothesized that longer diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) is associated with higher rates of post-PVI AF inducibility.Objective:To evaluate DATs in cases of inducible vs. non-inducible AF post ablation.Methods:A single-center, retrospective analysis of 168 consecutive patients who underwent 1sttime PVI between 1/1/2022 and 12/01/2023 was performed. Following PVI, inducibility of AF was tested by programmed stimulation using decremental pacing in 50ms windows for 10 seconds each (from 400 ms down to 200 ms or until loss of 1:1 atrial capture). Results were categorized by type of rhythm induced (non-inducible, AF) and duration (sustained, non-sustained). DAT was obtained from review of the medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to compare demographics and AF type, and parametric and non-parametric tests were used for analysis of the diagnosis-to-ablation window and its relationship to inducibility.Results:There was no difference in demographic data or AF type between the two groups. 85 patients (50.6%), had no inducible AF. 83 out of 168 cases (49.4%) had inducible sustained AF. Overall DATs ranged from 0 to 40 years. DAT was significantly higher in the inducible vs. non-inducible groups (3.810 vs. 2.906 years, p=0.023).Conclusion:Longer DAT is associated with AF inducibility post-PVI despite successful ablation. This association may reflect the increased persistence of AF as it progresses over time. Future studies are needed to evaluate the clinical implications of DAT times.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4148133: Association between small pre-implant left ventricular end diastolic diameter and post left ventricular assist device implantation all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4148133-A4148133, November 12, 2024. Background:Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for the management of advanced heart failure patients acting, both as a bridge to heart transplant or destination therapy. Existing studies revealed mixed results on the impact of pre-implant left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) on post-LVAD mortality. Some studies found smaller LVEDD increases mortality, while others revealed no significant impact. Due to the limited evidence, this meta-analysis aims to determine the association between pre-LVEDD and post-LVAD implantation mortality through a systematic review and meta-analysis.Method:We systematically reviewed articles until May 2024 examining the association between pre-implant LVEDD and post-LVAD implantation mortality using PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled adjusted odds ratio (aOR). We used I2statistics to determine the heterogeneity of studies. Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was done to evaluate each study’s effect on the overall estimate, with statistical significance set at p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4119613: Evaluation of Gender, Racial and Ethnic Differences in Time to PCI in the Pre and Post Covid-19 Era

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4119613-A4119613, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is recommended for reperfusion of patients presenting with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 90 minutes. In this study, we sought to identify differences in PCI timing based on gender, race and ethnicity in the pre- and post-COVID era.Methods:We collected retrospective data on 760 patients admitted with STEMI at our quaternary academic medical center from 2018-2022. We defined our binary outcome as time to PCI less than 90 minutes, and adjusted for transfers from outside hospitals. We utilized univariate logistic regression analysis to analyze the association of demographic, clinical, and cardiac catheterization details on our outcome. We then utilized multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the association of our covariates of interests with time to PCI. The logistic regression model was adjusted for collinearity which were deemed not significant.Results:Among our study population, COVID did not significantly impact whether or not a patient had a diagnostic cardiac catheterization on univariate analysis (OR 2.68, 95% CI 0.61-18.40, p=0.23). However, the post-COVID era was significantly associated with a delayed time to PCI on multivariate analysis [OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04-2.55, p=0.035) [Figure 1]. In addition, females were 1.8x more likely to have a delayed PCI than males on multivariate regression [OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10-2.95, p= 0.019) [Figure 1]. Interestingly, on multivariate analysis, females were more likely to have delayed reperfusion in the pre-COVID era (OR 2.92, 1.29-6.77,p= 0.01) but not the post-COVID era (OR 1.54, 0.78-3.06,p=0.2134). Patients in the post-COVID era had increased risk of having their culprit coronary not revascularized on multivariate analysis (OR 2.85, 1.2-8.03, p= 0.03).Conclusions:At our center, COVID did not significantly impact cardiac catheterization rates. However, COVID was significantly associated with delayed reperfusion timing and not revascularizing culprit vessels. Females were much more likely to have a delayed PCI than males in the pre-COVID era which was not seen following COVID-19.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4146512: Modifiability of Post-Exercise Oxygen Uptake Recovery Patterns: A Substudy of the SEQUOIA-HCM Randomized Trial

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4146512-A4146512, November 12, 2024. Background:Recent heart failure studies show that post-exercise VO2recovery (VO2Rec) patterns track closely with exercise cardiac output and outcomes, but not with peripheral oxygen (O2) extraction. In patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), studies of VO2Rec changes with effective cardio-specific interventions are lacking. We hypothesized that treatment with aficamten, a next-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, would shorten VO2Rec in patients with oHCM.Methods:SEQUOIA-HCM is the pivotal phase 3 trial of aficamten in symptomatic patients with oHCM (New York Heart Association functional class [NYHA FC] II-III, peak VO2[pVO2] ≤90% predicted, respiratory exchange ratio ≥1.05). Patients were randomized 1:1 to aficamten or placebo for 24 weeks with the primary endpoint of change from baseline (BL) in pVO2. For this analysis, VO2Rec was measured as the time taken after exercise cessation for VO2to decline by 12.5% (t12.5%), 25%, or 50% of pVO2. Response rates for achieving clinically meaningful threshold reductions ( >15 seconds) in t12.5%, and correlations with changes in cardiac function (echocardiographic parameters/cardiac biomarkers) were assessed.Results:Among 282 randomized patients (mean age 59.1±12.9 years, 115 female [41%]), 263 (93%) had CPETs at BL and W24 with VO2Rec values as shown (Table). At W24, t12.5%improved by 8sec (95% CI, -12, -5sec, p

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4143985: Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is Related to Endothelial Dysfunction and Elevated Asymmetric-dimethylarginine

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143985-A4143985, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Endothelial dysfunction can trigger the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that cardiovascular PASC is induced by persistent endothelial dysfunction mediated via asymmetric-dimethylarginine (ADMA, the endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase). ADMA levels rise in response to viral infections, but it is usually degraded by the enzyme DDAH1, which is inhibited by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aims to determine whether cardiovascular PASC is associated with endothelial dysfunction and to clarify the role of ADMA in this relationship.Methods:We recruited subjects who had been previously infected and developed cardiovascular symptoms (PASC+), those who had been infected but did not have PASC (PASC-), and those who had never been infected (controls) (n=20 each). Groups were matched for age, sex, and BMI and underwent blood draws and fat biopsies. Vascular function was assessedin-vivovia ultrasound imaging andex-vivoin fat-isolated arterioles.Results:Compared to PASC- and controls, PASC+ subjects exhibited 80% higher serum levels of ADMA and 40% reduced nitric oxide levels. DDAH1 activity was elevated in the PASC+, suggesting a compensatory mechanism for the elevated ADMA levels. However, PASC+ obese subjects exhibited substantially lower DDAH1 activity than non-obese subjects, which was associated with lower insulin sensitivity and higher ADMA levels. Compared to the other two groups, the PASC+ group exhibited lower brachial artery vasoreactivity, while nitroglycerin-induced dilation did not differ statistically, suggesting impaired endothelial function. In the PASC+ group, microvascular recruitment in response to reactive hyperemia was diminished, as was the ex vivo measured flow-induced arteriolar dilation and NO generation. Left ventricle (LV) dysfunction was observed in 80% of the PASC+ group, as opposed to 5% of the PASC- and controls. The LV ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were substantially reduced in the PASC+ group, which was correlated with higher ADMA, C-reactive protein, and troponin-1, as well as lower NO and vascular function. Obese PASC+ subjects had the highest ADMA and the lowest endothelial-dependent vasodilation and insulin sensitivity.Conclusion:Cardiovascular PASC symptoms are related to persistent endothelial dysfunction and elevated ADMA levels, which may be further exacerbated by obesity and reduced DDAH1 activity.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4139209: Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Outcomes of Post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4139209-A4139209, November 12, 2024. Background:There has been growing awareness and recognition of discrepant health outcomes based on ethnic and racial background in patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. Transcatheter aortic valve procedures has become the primary treatment for aortic stenosis and is currently the standard of care. Despite widespread adoption of TAVR, African Americans (AA) have continued to remain underrepresented and typically suffer poorer outcomes. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare TAVR outcomes between AA and non-AA populations.Methodology:We systematically searched all electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of science) from inception until May 25th, 2024. A pooled analysis of data from observational studies and randomized controlled trials reporting post-TAVR outcomes based on racial background were included. The key endpoints evaluated were in-hospital mortality, post-procedure myocardial infarction (MI), pacemaker placement, in-hospital stroke, vascular complications, major bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI). We used the I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity among studies using the Random-Effects model, with significance set at I2 > 50%. All analysis was carried out using R version 4.3.2.Results:The meta-analysis of eleven observational studies, involving 953,892 TAVR patients [912,301 (95.64%) Caucasians and 41,591 (4.36%) AAs], showed a statistically significant higher risk of post-procedure pacemaker placement (OR 1.08, 95% CI: 0.77-1.51, p=

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4135852: Safety and Post-operative Complications of Endovascular Versus Surgical Versus Follow-up and Medical Treatment for Patients with Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis: Propensity Score Weighting and a Machine Learning Driven Analysis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4135852-A4135852, November 12, 2024. Background:Vertebrobasilar artery stenosis (VBAS) can cause posterior circulation strokes (PCS). Optimal management is controversial, with options including medical therapy (MT), endovascular stenting (ES), and surgical revascularization (SR). This study compares outcomes of these treatments and evaluates the correlation between clinical features and medical history with 30-day outcome.Methods:Patients with VBAS were identified from the 2017-2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Propensity scores adjusted for baseline differences. Outcomes included mortality, neurological complications (NC), discharge destination (DD), length of stay (LOS), total charges (TC), and procedural complications (PC). Predictive ability of clinical variables was assessed using logistic regression (LR) and machine learning techniques (MLT).Results:Of 1,343 patients, 1,061 (79.0%) received NI, 234 (17.4%) underwent ES, and 24 (1.8%) had SR. Mean age was 69.45 years, with 64.1% male. Demographics: 69.8% White, 14.9% Black, 10.0% Hispanic, and 5.3% other races. Hypertension (HTN, 85.4%) and diabetes (DM, 18.9%) were prevalent. After propensity weighting, ES was associated with higher odds of mortality, surgical/medical complications (SMC), and device/graft complications (DGC) compared to NI. SR showed a non-significant trend toward higher non-home discharges (NHD). ES and SR groups had higher resource utilization with longer LOS and greater TC. Clinical variables alone were weak predictors, with AUC values ranging from 0.454 to 0.71 across different outcomes and models.Conclusion:ES of VBAS was associated with higher mortality and complication rates compared to MT alone, with inconsistent benefits for NC. SR also carried elevated risks without clear advantages over MT. These results support that current clinical independent variables from the NIS are weak predictors. This highlights the limitation of the database in relying solely on clinical and medical history, and suggests that future use of radiological and anatomical features can improve predictions of outcomes and determination of subgroups that can benefit from certain treatment. More studies should be conducted, including post hoc analyses based on radiological and anatomical features, to better inform treatment decisions and determine subgroups that can benefit from intervention or surgery. These findings suggest a need for judicious patient selection and reinforce the role of optimal MT.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4146276: Conduction Delay Characteristics in the Post-operative Course of the First Porcine-to-Human Cardiac Xenotransplant Recipient

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4146276-A4146276, November 12, 2024. Background:The first-ever genetically modified porcine-to-human cardiac xenotransplantation was performed in January 2022 at the University of Maryland, with the recipient surviving 60 days.Aim:Characterize trends in conduction delay observed over the 60-day post-operative course of the first-ever porcine-to-human cardiac xenotransplant recipient.Methods:Daily 12-lead ECGs were evaluated for presence and type of conduction delay. Over the post-operative period, 93 ECGs were obtained. ECGs that could not be assessed for conduction delay due to presence of significant artifact (2 ECGs) or paced rhythm (12 ECGs) were excluded from evaluation.Results:During the 60-day postoperative period, the xenotransplant exhibited alternating conduction block including nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NSIVCD), right bundle branch block (RBBB), incomplete RBBB, and left anterior fascicular block (LAFB). Nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NSIVCD) was observed on 6 days in total, occurring primarily within the first 9 post-operative days. After day 9, the conduction block alternated between bifascicular block with RBBB+LAFB, incomplete RBBB+LAFB, RBBB, and incomplete RBBB. The predominant pattern of conduction delay was bifascicular block with RBBB+LAFB, occurring over 32 days in this period. Presence of incomplete RBBB+LAFB was noted on 17 days in total. Isolated RBBB occurred on 2 days, and incomplete RBBB on 4 days. There was no evidence of high-grade atrioventricular block observed in this period.Conclusion:Ventricular conduction in the post-operative period of the first porcine-to-human xenotransplant was characterized by an alternating conduction block with NSIVCD in the early postoperative period (through day 9), followed by predominantly bifascicular block with RBBB and LAFB or incomplete RBBB and LAFB. Atrioventricular conduction remained largely intact without evidence of high-grade AV block nor dependence on back-up pacing during the majority of our patient’s post-operative course.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4140074: Risk of the Post-Partum Period Among Women with Diagnosed and Treated Type 2 Long QT Syndrome (LQT2)

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140074-A4140074, November 12, 2024. Background:Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially lethal cardiac channelopathy. Among women with LQT2, the post-partum period has been considered high risk for cardiac events. However, whether this risk persists after establishing their diagnosis and implementing their LQT2-directed treatment program remains to be determined.Objective:To describe the management and outcomes of LQT2 women during the 9 months post-partum period.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 1869 patients with LQTS treated and evaluated at a tertiary center specializing in Genetic Heart Disease from January 2000 to November 2023 was performed to identify women with diagnosed and treated LQT2 who had a pregnancy during follow-up. Data were abstracted for patient demographics, clinical characteristics, symptomatic status, and treatment plans before and after pregnancy.Results:Overall, 30 pregnancies occurred in 22 women with LQT2. Their average QTc was 489 ± 34 ms with 7 patients (32%) having a resting QTc > 500 ms. Prior to their first post-partum period, 5/22 (23%) were symptomatic with 2 (9%) experiencing a LQT2-triggered sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Before their post-partum period, their LQT2-directed therapy comprised preventative measures only in 7 (23%), drug therapy in 16 (53%), combination therapy in 7 (23%), and 10 women (43%) had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Pre-emptive treatment intensification was done for 24/30 post-partum periods. Only a single VF-terminating ICD therapy occurred in 1 (3%) of the 30 post-partum periods involving a 21-year-old with p.Lys610Asn-KCNH2 variant, QTc = 490 ms, and a pre-diagnosis presentation of seizures.Conclusion:Although the post-partum period is regarded as a ‘high risk’ window of time for women with LQT2, the risk of a LQT2-triggered cardiac event after diagnosis and implementation of contemporary therapies is very low. This designation of “high risk” among correctly diagnosed and treated women is misleading and generates inappropriate and unnecessary anxiety.

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4144651: Association Between Pre-Existing Chronic Total Occlusion and Post-TAVR Pacemaker Implantation: A Retrospective Propensity Matched Analysis

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4144651-A4144651, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a known complication. Chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries is common in TAVR patients and is a marker of advanced coronary calcification. Its influence on the requirement for PPM post-TAVR remains unclear. We investigated the association between pre-existing CTO and the incidence of PPM post-TAVR.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2018-2020 with 205,565 patients who underwent TAVR. Propensity score matching was utilized to create a matched cohort of patients with and without CTO, balancing key variables such as age, sex, elective procedure status, and comorbid conditions (heart failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary circulation disorders, peripheral vascular disorders, and complicated diabetes). Outcomes measured included the requirement for PPM implantation post-TAVR, in-hospital mortality, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Weighted samples were utilized and p-value

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Novembre 2024

Abstract 4125636: Impaired blood pressure regulation in post-COVID-19 postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: novel disease mechanisms beyond sinus tachycardia

Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4125636-A4125636, November 12, 2024. Background:Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a prevalent cardiovascular disorder after COVID-19 infection. Although POTS is characterized by the presence of sinus tachycardia, other hemodynamic disturbances including blood pressure (BP) regulation, remain largely unexplored.Aims:We investigated BP changes using 24-hour ambulatory-BP-monitoring in patients with new-onset POTS after COVID-19 compared with pre-pandemic healthy controls.Methods:We performed a case-control study in 100 verified COVID-19 patients with new-onset POTS (mean age 40.0±12.9 years, 85% women) diagnosed by positive head-up tilt-testing versus 100 healthy controls (mean age 45.0±14.6 years, 70% women) from a population-based cohort with negative active standing test, no history of syncope, orthostatic intolerance, or endocrine disease. We analyzed 24-hour Systolic BP (SBP) and hypotensive SBP episodes (

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Novembre 2024