Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta

About: Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta is a facility organization based out in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Atrial fibrillation. The organization has 758 authors who have published 1459 publications receiving 44418 citations.

Right ventricular strain: measurement and clinical application.

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW Right ventricular (RV) assessment has long been challenging and technically difficult using echocardiography. This is mainly the result of the asymmetrical shape of the RV making it difficult to visualize on one-or-two dedicated views, thus requiring multiple integrated views and subjective assessment. Measurement of tricuspid annular systolic plane excursion and RV tissue Doppler velocity have become relied-upon methods of objective assessments; however, have limitations for characterizing true RV physiology. RECENT FINDINGS Studies suggest that two-dimensional RV free wall longitudinal systolic strain (RVFWS) using speckle-tracking echocardiography has emerged as a reproducible, feasible and highly prognostic technique for quantifying RV function. This has been demonstrated for patients with heart failure, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, infiltrative disease and many other types of cardiovascular disease. SUMMARY The current review outlines the clinical use of RVFWS, and its integration with other commonly used echocardiographic measurements to more accurately assess RV function, cause and prognosis to guide and improve patient care decision making.

Proximal thoracic aorta dimensions after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device implantation: Longitudinal changes and relation to aortic valve insufficiency.

Abstract: Background In this study we examined the impact of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support on proximal thoracic aorta dimensions. Methods Aortic root and ascending aorta diameter were measured from serial echocardiograms before and after CF-LVAD implantation in patients with ≥6 months of support, and correlated with the development of >mild aortic valve insufficiency (AI). Results Of 162 patients included, mean age was 58 ± 11 years and 128 (79%) were male. Seventy-nine (63%) were destination therapy patients. Mean aortic root and ascending aorta diameters at baseline, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months and long-term follow-up (mean 2.0 ± 1.4 years) were 3.5 ± 0.4, 3.5 ± 0.3, 3.9 ± 0.3, 3.9 ± 0.2 and 4.0 ± 0.3, and 3.3 ± 0.2, 3.3 ± 0.3, 3.6 ± 0.2, 3.6 ± 0.3 and 3.6 ± 0.3 cm, respectively. Only change in aortic root diameter from 1-month to 6-month follow-up reached statistical significance ( p = 0.03). Nine (6%) patients had accelerated proximal thoracic aorta expansion (>0.5 cm/year), occurring predominantly in the first 6 months after implantation. These patients were older and more likely to have hypertension and baseline proximal thoracic aorta dilation. Forty-five (28%) patients developed >mild AI at long-term follow-up, including 7 of 9 (78%) of those with accelerated proximal thoracic aorta expansion. All 7 had aortic valves that remained closed throughout the cardiac cycle, and this, along with duration of CF-LVAD support and increase in aortic root diameter, were significantly associated with developing >mild AI. Conclusion CF-LVAD patients have small increases in proximal thoracic aorta dimensions that predominantly occur within the first 6 months after implantation and then stabilize. Increasing aortic root diameter was associated with AI development.

Change of Health-Related Quality of Life Over Time and Its Association With Patient Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure.

Abstract: Background Improving health‐related quality of life is an important goal in the management of patients with heart failure (HF) Defining health‐related quality of life changes over time in patients

More evidence that salt increases blood pressure and risk of kidney disease from the Science of Salt: A regularly updated systematic review of salt and health outcomes (April-July 2016).

Abstract: The purpose of this review is to identify, summarize, and critically appraise studies on dietary salt and health outcomes that were published from April to July 2016. The search strategy was adapted from a previous systematic review on dietary salt and health. We have revised our criteria for methodological quality and health outcomes, which are applied to select studies for detailed critical appraisals and written commentary. Overall, 28 studies were identified and are summarized in this review. Four of the 28 studies met criteria for methodological quality and health outcomes and five studies underwent detailed critical appraisals and commentary. Three of these studies found adverse effects of salt on health outcomes (chronic kidney disease and blood pressure) and two were neutral (fracture risk/bone mineral density and cognitive impairment).