Monitoring functional capacity in heart failure.

This document reflects the key points of a consensus meeting of the Heart Failure Association of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) held to provide an overview the role of physiological monitoring in the complex multimorbid heart failure (HF) patient. This article reviews assessments of the functional ability of patients with HF. The gold standard measurement of cardiovascular functional capacity is peak oxygen consumption obtained from a cardiopulmonary exercise test. The 6-min walk test provides an indirect measure of cardiovascular functional capacity. Muscular functional capacity is assessed using either a 1-repetition maximum test of the upper and lower body or other methods, such as handgrip measurement. The short physical performance battery may provide a helpful, indirect indication of muscular functional capacity

The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health: practical applications for interdisciplinary care

Global health organizations have provided recommendations regarding exercise for the general population. Strength training has been included in several position statements due to its multi-systemic benefits. In this narrative review, we examine the available literature, first explaining how specific mechanical loading is converted into positive cellular responses. Secondly, benefits related to specific musculoskeletal tissues are discussed, with practical applications and training programmes clearly outlined for both common musculoskeletal disorders and primary prevention strategies

The rationale behind systematic reviews in clinical medicine: a conceptual framework

A systematic review (SR) is a type of review that uses a systematic method to provide a valid summary of existing literature addressing a clear and specific question. In clinical medicine (CM), the concept of SR is well recognized, especially after the introduction of evidence-based medicine; The SR of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is considered the highest level of evidence on therapeutic effectiveness. Despite the popularity of the SRs and the increasing publication rate of SRs in CM and other healthcare literature, the concept has raised criticisms. Many of proper criticisms can be due to the deviation of some existing SRs from the original philosophy and well-established rationale behind the concept of SR. On the other hand, many criticisms are misconceptions about SRs which still exist even several decades after introducing the concept. This article presents a conceptual framework for clarifying the rationale behind SR in CM by providing the relevant concepts and their inter-relations, explaining how methodological standards of an SR and its rationale are connected, and discussing the rationale under the three-section: SR as a type of synthetic research, SR as a more informed and less biased review, and SR as an efficient scientific tool. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Supplementary Material for: Sleep Apnea as a Risk Factor for Diastolic Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: This meta-analysis assessed the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction (DD), which are used in the assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Methods: We searched the databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and EBSCO CINAHL from inception up to December 26, 2020. The search was not restricted to time, publication status, or language. Two independent investigators screened the identified studies and extracted the data in duplicate. We conducted a meta-analysis using RevMan v.5. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane collaboration tools. Comparisons were made between patients with OSA, diagnosed in-laboratory polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing, and patients without OSA in relation to established markers of DD. Results: Primary search identified 2,512 studies. A total of 18 studies including 2,509 participants were included. The two groups were free of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Significant structural changes were observed between the two groups. Patients with OSA exhibited greater left atrial volume index (LAVI) (3.94 95% CI [0.8, 7.07]; p = 0.000) and left ventricular mass index (11.10 95% CI [2.56, 19.65]; p = 0.000) as compared to control group. The presence of OSA was also associated with more prolonged deceleration time (10.44 ms 95% CI [0.71, 20.16]; p = 0.04), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) (7.85 ms 95% CI [4.48, 11.22]; p = 0.000), and a lower ratio of early to late mitral inflow velocities (E/A) ratio (−0.62 95% CI [−1, −0.24]; p = 0.001) suggestive of early DD. The early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e′) ratio (0.94 95% CI [0.44, 1.45]; p = 0.000) was increased. Linear correlation between severity of OSA and LAVI and IVRT parameters was observed but this association did not sustain for the E/A and E/e′. The ejection fraction was not significantly different between patients with OSA and healthy controls (−0.48 95% CI [−1.18, 0.23]; p = 0.18). Conclusion: An association between OSA and echocardiographic parameters of DD was detected that was independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. OSA may be independently associated with DD perhaps due to higher LV mass. Investigating the role of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in reversing or ameliorating DD is recommended