Recreational and Occupational Physical Activity and Risk of Adverse Events in Truncating MYBPC3 Founder Variant Carriers

BACKGROUND: MYBPC3 founder variants cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Exercise is typically regarded as a risk factor for disease expression although evidence is conflicting. Stratifying by type of exercise may discriminate low- from high-risk activities in these patients. Here, we evaluate the effects of exercise, stratified by high-static and high-dynamic components, on the risk of major cardiomyopathy-related events (MCEs) and cardiomyopathy penetrance among MYBPC3 founder variant carriers. METHODS: We interviewed 188 carriers (57.4% male; aged 43.0±15.0 years) on exercise participation since the age of 10 years. The exercise was quantified as the metabolic equivalent of task-h/wk before the presentation. MCE was defined as a composite of malignant ventricular arrhythmia (sustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation), heart failure (heart failure hospitalizations or transplantation), and septal reduction therapy. Static and dynamic exercises were defined per the Bethesda classification. Associations of exercise with MCE and cardiomyopathy penetrance were adjusted for sex and assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Overall, 43 (22.9%) subjects experienced MCE and 139 (73.9%) were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. No association was found between overall physical activity and high-static activity with MCE (P=0.587 overall; P=0.322 high static) or cardiomyopathy penetrance (P=0.317 overall; P=0.623 high static). In contrast, high-dynamic activity was associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmia (dichotomized at the 75th percentile: adjusted hazard ratio, 3.26 [95% CI, 1.26-8.44]; P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Overall exercise participation does not generally increase the risk of adverse events among MYBPC3 founder variant carriers. Nonetheless, an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia was observed among those engaged in the highest quartile of high-dynamic sports, suggesting that high-level high-intensity exercise activities should be entertained with caution

Impact of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme versus coronary revascularisation in patients with stable angina pectoris: study protocol for the PRO-FIT randomised controlled trial

Background: Currently, in the majority of patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) treatment consists of optimal medical treatment, potentially followed by coronary angiography and subsequent coronary revascularisation if necessary”. Recent work questioned the effectiveness of these invasive procedures in reducing re-events and improving prognosis. The potential of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease is well-known. However, in the modern era, no studies compared the effects of cardiac rehabilitation versus coronary revascularisation in patients with SAP. Methods: In this multicentre randomised controlled trial, 216 patients with stable angina pectoris and residual anginal complaints under optimal medical treatment will be randomised to: 1) usual care (i.e., coronary revascularisation), or 2) a 12-month cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme. CR consists of a multidisciplinary intervention, including education, exercise training, lifestyle coaching and a dietary intervention with a stepped decline in supervision. The primary outcome will be anginal complaints (Seattle Angina Questionnaire-7) following the 12-month intervention. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, ischemic threshold during exercise, cardiovascular events, exercise capacity, quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. Discussion: In this study, we will examine the hypothesis that multidisciplinary CR is at least equally effective in reducing anginal complaints as the contemporary invasive approach at 12-months follow-up for patients with SAP. If proven successful, this study will have significant impact on the treatment of patients with SAP as multidisciplinary CR is a less invasive and potentially less costly and better sustainable treatment than coronary revascularisations. Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register, NL9537. Registered 14 June 2021

Prevalence and diagnostic significance of de-novo 12-lead ECG changes after COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The efficacy of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 infection 12-lead ECGs for identifying athletes with myopericarditis has never been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of de-novo ECG changes following COVID-19 infection. METHODS: In this multicentre observational study, between March 2020 and May 2022, we evaluated consecutive athletes with COVID-19 infection. Athletes exhibiting de-novo ECG changes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. One club mandated CMR scans for all players (n=30) following COVID-19 infection, despite the absence of cardiac symptoms or de-novo ECG changes. RESULTS: 511 soccer players (median age 21 years, IQR 18-26 years) were included. 17 (3%) athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes, which included reduction in T-wave amplitude in the inferior and lateral leads (n=5), inferior leads (n=4) and lateral leads (n=4); inferior T-wave inversion (n=7); and ST-segment depression (n=2). 15 (88%) athletes with de-novo ECG changes revealed evidence of inflammatory cardiac sequelae. All 30 athletes who underwent a mandatory CMR scan had normal findings. Athletes revealing de-novo ECG changes had a higher prevalence of cardiac symptoms (71% vs 12%, p<0.0001) and longer median symptom duration (5 days, IQR 3-10) compared with athletes without de-novo ECG changes (2 days, IQR 1-3, p<0.001). Among athletes without cardiac symptoms, the additional yield of de-novo ECG changes to detect cardiac inflammation was 20%. CONCLUSIONS: 3% of athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes post COVID-19 infection, of which 88% were diagnosed with cardiac inflammation. Most affected athletes exhibited cardiac symptoms; however, de-novo ECG changes contributed to a diagnosis of cardiac inflammation in 20% of athletes without cardiac symptoms

Prevalence and diagnostic significance of de-novo 12-lead ECG changes after COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players.

Background and aim: The efficacy of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 infection 12-lead ECGs for identifying athletes with myopericarditis has never been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of de-novo ECG changes following COVID-19 infection. Methods: In this multicentre observational study, between March 2020 and May 2022, we evaluated consecutive athletes with COVID-19 infection. Athletes exhibiting de-novo ECG changes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. One club mandated CMR scans for all players (n=30) following COVID-19 infection, despite the absence of cardiac symptoms or de-novo ECG changes. Results: 511 soccer players (median age 21 years, IQR 18-26 years) were included. 17 (3%) athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes, which included reduction in T-wave amplitude in the inferior and lateral leads (n=5), inferior leads (n=4) and lateral leads (n=4); inferior T-wave inversion (n=7); and ST-segment depression (n=2). 15 (88%) athletes with de-novo ECG changes revealed evidence of inflammatory cardiac sequelae. All 30 athletes who underwent a mandatory CMR scan had normal findings. Athletes revealing de-novo ECG changes had a higher prevalence of cardiac symptoms (71% vs 12%, p<0.0001) and longer median symptom duration (5 days, IQR 3-10) compared with athletes without de-novo ECG changes (2 days, IQR 1-3, p<0.001). Among athletes without cardiac symptoms, the additional yield of de-novo ECG changes to detect cardiac inflammation was 20%. Conclusions: 3% of athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes post COVID-19 infection, of which 88% were diagnosed with cardiac inflammation. Most affected athletes exhibited cardiac symptoms; however, de-novo ECG changes contributed to a diagnosis of cardiac inflammation in 20% of athletes without cardiac symptoms

Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) after cardiac hospitalization: predictors and impact on participation in cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Dutch Research Council (NWO) RAAK-PRO grant Background Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) after cardiac hospitalization is associated with low physical activity levels and reduced quality of life. Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves psychological wellbeing and relieves kinesiophobia. However, little is known about the predictors of kinesiophobia and the impact of kinesiophobia on participation in CR. Purpose To identify predictors of kinesiophobia after (acute) cardiac hospitalization and to assess the impact of kinesiophobia on participation in CR. Methods We performed a longitudinal study in patients with coronary artery disease, acute heart failure or atrial fibrillation. At hospital discharge we collected demographic variables, cardiac disease history and administered questionnaires about kinesiophobia, cardiac anxiety, depression and psychological complexity (severity of psychological problems). Kinesiophobia was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), scores &amp;gt;28 are considered `high levels of kinesiophobia’. At 3 months patients were followed up to evaluate participation in CR. We investigated (1) predictors of kinesiophobia at hospital discharge and (2) the impact of kinesiophobia on participation in CR at 3-months follow up, using two multivariable logistic regression models with backward elimination to identify predictors. Results In 149 patients (22% women), mean age 64.1 (±10.1) high levels of kinesiophobia were measured in 61 patients (40,9%). Higher age decreased the odds for kinesiophobia: OR: 0.95 (95%CI:0.89 – 0.99). Two variables increased the odds for kinesiophobia: higher levels of psychological complexity: OR: 1.27 (95%CI 1.01- 1.60) and cardiac anxiety: OR: 1.10 (95%CI: 1.02 – 1.19). The odds for participating in CR were decreased by kinesiophobia: OR: 0.91 (95%CI: 0.84 – 0.99) and higher age: OR: 0.92 (95%CI:0.86-0.98). Conclusion(s) Kinesiophobia at hospital discharge is associated with psychological complexity and negatively impacts participation in CR. This study emphasizes the need for early screening to identify those who are at risk of developing kinesiophobia which in turn can lead to non-adherence to CR. </jats:sec

Post corona infection cardiac abnormalities and the risk for sudden cardiac death

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF) Amsterdam Movement Sciences (AMS) Most studies investigating the cardiotropic effects of SARS-CoV-2 focus on cardiac complications in severely ill patients. Little is known about eventual sustained cardiac involvement after recovery from COVID-19, especially in patients with a moderate or mild course of illness. Furthermore, as physical exercise can potentially worsen the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 peri- or myocarditis, cardiac involvement in athletes or in the physically active population warrants investigation. Finally, the risk of arrhythmias in such individuals remains largely unknown. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of myocardial and pericardial involvement after SARS-CoV-2 infection, long-term cardiac sequelae after infection, and risks of SCD/SCD in a predominantly healthy/physical active population, including athletes. We performed a systematic PubMed and MedRxiv search through December 19th, 2020, with the combined terms or synonyms for: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, cardiovascular imaging, cardiac MRI, athletes. Exclusion criteria were: no CMR investigations reported, ≥1 comorbidities, age ≤16 years, and reviews. Two investigators independently screened and assessed all identified manuscripts, and additionally searched for reported arrhythmia outcomes. The initial search yielded 127 papers; after extensive review, we included a total of nine papers comprising 607 recovered post-COVID patients/athletes. The table summarises the main CMR findings. No study reported arrhythmias except for Ho et al. who found 18% undefined arrhythmias at baseline. In 5 studies in 201 patients, the weighted mean for the prevalence of elevated T1 was 55%, elevated T2 48%, myocardial LGE 35%, and pericardial LGE 17%. One study (Knight et al.) did not report T1 and T2 measurements. Ho et al. and Ming-Yen et al. found respectively 40% and 19% of patients to meet the Lake Louise Criteria (LLC) for myocarditis; Puntmann et al. reported that 60% had active myocardial inflammation. Second, in 1 study in 139 healthcare workers, the mean for the prevalence of elevated T1 was 42%, T2 4%, LGE 30%, and 5% met LCC for myocarditis. Third, in 3 studies in 96 athletes, the weighted mean for the prevalence of elevated T1 was 21%, T2 24%, myocardial LGE 4%, and pericardial LGE 29%. Brito et al., Clark et al. and Rajpal et al. reported that respectively 0%, 5% and 15% met the LCC for myocarditis. Studies investigating peri- and myocardial sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection report varying prevalences of cardiac abnormalities. Such studies are limited in numbers, generally include a low number of individuals, and report no follow-up; only 1 study reported non-specified arrhythmia outcomes. Based on the available studies, the short-term risk for post-COVID-19 SCD due to arrhythmias caused by myocardial inflammation appears to be low. Prospective investigations in larger, well-defined populations, including longer-term follow up and arrhythmia monitoring, are urgently needed. Abstract Figure. </jats:sec

Smoking cessation in European patients with coronary heart disease. Results from the EUROASPIRE IV survey: A registry from the European Society of Cardiology

Objective: We investigated smoking cessation rates in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients throughout Europe; current and as compared to earlier EUROASPIRE surveys, and we studied characteristics of successful quitters. Methods: Analyses were done on 7998 patients from the EUROASPIRE-IV survey admitted for myocardial infarction, unstable angina and coronary revascularisation. Self-reported smoking status was validated by measuring carbon monoxide in exhaled air. Results: Thirty-one percent of the patients reported being a smoker in the month preceding hospital admission for the recruiting event, varying from 15% in centres from Finland to 57% from centres in Cyprus. Smoking rates at the interview were also highly variable, ranging from 7% to 28%. The proportion of successful quitters was relatively low in centres with a low number of pre- event smokers. Overall, successful smoking cessation was associated with increasing age (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.09–2.06) and higher levels of education (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.08–1.75). Successful quitters more frequently reported that they had been advised (56% vs. 47%, p <.001) and to attend (81% vs. 75%, p <.01) a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Conclusion: Our study shows wide variation in cessation rates in a large contemporary European survey of CHD patients. Therefore, smoking cessation rates in patients with a CHD event should be interpreted in the light of pre-event smoking prevalence, and caution is needed when comparing cessation rates across Europe. Furthermore, we found that successful quitters reported more actions to make healthy lifestyle changes, including participating in a cardiac rehabilitation programme, as compared with persistent smokers