Candesartan and Candesartan/ Hydrochlorothiazide in the Treatment of Patients With Hypertension...
Essential HypertensionLeft Ventricular HypertrophyThe CandLE study with at maximum daily dose of 32 mg candesartan or 16/12.5 mg candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide has the objective to evaluate under naturalistic conditions, i.e. under routine medical care conditions, the impact of the antihypertensive therapy with candesartan or candesartan/HCT on relevant medical parameters related to the left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as well as the efficacy and tolerability of candesartan or candesartan/HCT in subjects suffering from essential hypertension..
In-Centre Nocturnal Hemodialysis (INHD): A Long-Term Follow-Up Study
End-stage Renal DiseaseLeft Ventricular HypertrophyBackground: In 2010, approximately 39000 Canadians had end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the prevalence rate of dialysis has increased by 189% over the past 2 decades. The annual mortality rate remains high at ~15%, and cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death. Intensification of conventional dialysis schedules has been the major focus in recent years. Currently, most Canadian dialysis patients receive conventional in-center hemodialysis (CHD), which is administered as a 3-4 hour session 3/week. Recent research has focused on home nocturnal hemodialysis (8 hours of hemodialysis at home for 5-6 nights/week), which may have substantial cardiovascular benefits, including regression of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, improved LV ejection fraction and enhanced blood pressure control. Nevertheless, this dialysis modality is only feasible in a highly selected minority of ESRD patients who can self-manage their dialysis treatment at home. In-center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD), administered as 7-8 hours of hemodialysis in hospital for 3nights/week, represents a promising and practical alternative for many dialysis patients. In a Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) supported cohort study, the investigators have recruited 67 patients and have completed 1-year follow-up. There is a compelling need for longer-term follow-up, since all the published randomized controlled trials are of short duration (6-12 months), while renal replacement therapy is a life-long treatment. Furthermore, the observed large variability of cardiac remodeling in individual ESRD patients remains poorly understood. Therefore, the current study is an extended follow-up phase (5 years from enrollment) on the completed 1-year follow-up period and the purpose of this study is to objectively evaluate the long-term effects of more intensified hemodialysis treatment which the INHD modality offers. Need for Long-term and Generalizable Data: In contrast to the seminal Alberta trial which showed a significant LV mass reduction with home nocturnal hemodialysis, the recently reported Frequent Hemodialysis Network Nocturnal Trial demonstrated only a trend toward reduction in LV mass. It is likely that the highly selected participants, inadequate trial power and duration (12 months) account for the observed results. Currently, it is unknown whether INHD, which is less intensive but more feasible for most ESRD patients, is associated with similar cardiovascular benefits in the long term. Objective: To determine the long-term effects of INHD on (i) LV mass; (ii) global and regional LV systolic and diastolic function; (iii) myocardial tissue characteristics; (iv) left atrial structure and function; (v) selected cardiovascular biomarkers in ESRD patients. To examine the determinants and mechanisms of cardiac remodeling in ESRD Hypothesis: Conversion to INHD is associated with sustained improvements in cardiovascular structure and function, as compared to conventional hemodialysis (CHD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Study Design and Population: This will be a 2-centre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 67 adult ESRD patients (INHD subjects and CHD controls) enrolled in the original study. All eligible participants who provide consent will undergo cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination and bloodwork at 5 years since enrollment in the study. Other follow-up procedures include the following -electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, lateral x-ray of the aorta, and completion of questionnaires. Outcome: The primary endpoint is the change in LV mass over 5 years, as measured by cardiac MRI. Secondary endpoints include LV size, global and regional diastolic and systolic function, left atrial size and function, changes in myocardial tissue characteristics, blood pressure, serum troponin, norepinephrine, Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6, matrix metalloproteinases, fibroblast growth factor-23, fetuin-A, transforming growth factor-beta, connective tissue growth factor, clinical events, and quality of life. Significance: The provision of an enhanced dialysis regimen has emerged as the most promising avenue through which to modify the dismal cardiovascular outcomes in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. INHD represents a means of administering such therapy to a broad spectrum of dialysis patients for whom home therapies would not be feasible. This study will be the first to precisely define the long-term cardiac effects of intensified dialysis and to elucidate the mechanisms of cardiac remodeling in ESRD, using cardiac MRI and other novel biomarkers. These important observational findings may have a major impact on the optimal management and outcome of ESRD patients in the real world.
Towards Understanding the Phenotype of Cardiovascular Disease in CKD - TRUE-Type-CKD Study
Heart FailureCardiomyopathies3 morePremature cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with kidney disease (CKD). Excessive cardiac mortality is thought to be secondary to non-atherosclerotic processes, with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) and remodelling being the predominant phenotypical features. Along with other risk factors, subclinical ischaemia and haemodynamic perturbations associated with haemodialysis (HD) are thought to contribute to the ultimate development of LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction. The development of these adverse features reflects a specific cardiomyopathy due to CKD and subsequently, to uraemia. Patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) have a higher incidence rate of heart failure (predominantly with preserved ejection fraction), with phenotypically eccentric hypertrophic remodelling, systolic and diastolic dysfunction as well as high rate of interstitial myocardial fibrosis. Detection and ultimately reversal of the development of this CKD-related cardiomyopathy are important goals for improving the CVD, morbidity and mortality of CKD patients.The objectives of this study are, firstly, to investigate the complex myocardial phenotype in patients with various stages of CKD, secondly, to relate the CMR-measures to outcome, and thirdly, to be able to estimate the effects of chronic uremia/hypervolemia. Deciphering the predominant driver of remodelling on an individual level may help to personalise anti-remodelling strategies. Native T1 and T2 mapping imaging provide non-invasive imaging tools to detect myocardial fibrosis and oedema, respectively. Prognostic associations of these measures may clarify the relative prevalence of adverse phenotype and their relative contribution to adverse events and poor outcome. The role of chronic water retention and uraemia may be associated with interstitial myocardial oedema promoting further the remodelling process.
Demographical and Clinical Profile of Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Left Ventricular HypertrophyLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the most common result of the heart trying to pump blood against the high afterload, as in hypertension and aortic stenosis.Although hypertension is the most common cause of LVH, LVH can also be found in athletes and cardiomyopathies or in storage disorders such as amyloidosis. In addition, genetic diseases also play an important role in the pathogenesis of LVH. Fabry disease is another disease that should be considered in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.Left ventricular hypertrophy is a common and potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factor that is frequently overlooked in clinical practice.The benefit of combining ECG and echocardiography in the diagnosis of LVH has been demonstrated.Early diagnosis and treatment-related regression of LVH, reduces adverse cardiovascular events and improves survival.Therefore, the investigators planned to perform a retrospective, observational LVH-TR study in order to determine the etiologic causes of LVH, the symptoms presented by the patients, and the effects of patients' demographic characteristics on LVH.
Effects of a Reduction in Renal Function on Cardiovascular Structure and Function
Chronic Kidney DiseaseHypertrophy2 moreChronic kidney disease (CKD) is present in 1 in 7 of the population and confers a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in CKD is poorly understood because CKD is always accompanied by confounding factors including the underlying disease process (e.g. diabetes mellitus, systemic vasculitis) and the consequences of CKD including hypertension, anaemia and inflammation. Nephrectomy in kidney donors causes a 30% reduction in renal function providing an ideal study population to measure prospectively the effects of reduced kidney function on the cardiovascular system. The CRIB-Donor study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT01028703) demonstrated adverse effects on cardiovascular structure and function at 12 months compared to controls including an increase in left ventricular mass. This proposal will measure the changes in cardiovascular structure and function, cardiovascular age and biochemical changes at 5 years providing information on the long term effects of reduced renal function.
Fimasartan on Hypertensive Cardiac Disease With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Estimated by ECG
Left Ventricular HypertrophyHypertensionAssess the efficacy of fimasartan on left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients
Factors Contributing to Increased Left Ventricle Size in Patients With Abnormally Enlarged Hearts...
Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyLeft Ventricular HypertrophyThe human heart is divided into four chambers. One of the four chambers, the left ventricle, is the chamber mainly responsible for pumping blood out of the heart into the circulation. There is an inherited condition affecting the heart, passed on through genetics, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM causes the left ventricle to become abnormally enlarged (left ventricular hypertrophy LVH). Some patients with the abnormal genes that may cause HCM do not have the characteristic LVH. Approximately 20 - 40% of patients with the genetic abnormality (missense mutation of genes encoding for sarcomeric protein) actually have an enlarged left ventricle. Because of this, researchers believe there may be other factors, along with the genetic abnormality that contribute to the development of HCM. Researchers are interested in learning more about several factors they suspect may play a role in the development of HCM. Specifically, researchers plan to study levels of a hormone and the protein it attaches to, which may contribute to the development of an abnormally enlarged heart. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) work together with growth hormone (GH) in the development and maturation of many organ systems. Previous studies have suggested that these hormones affect the development and function of the heart. Patients participating in this study will undergo a variety of tests including collection of blood samples, echocardiogram of the heart, treadmill exercise test, and continuous electrical monitoring of heart activity (Holter monitor).
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Calcification and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hemodialysis...
End Stage Renal DiseaseIndividuals with kidney disease are at a higher risk for heart and vascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, than those with normal kidney function. The purpose of this research study is to collect information on the causes, complications and treatment of kidney disease. Patient characteristics, comorbid diseases and laboratory markers used in routine practice, as well as novel biochemical markers and genetic data will be collected to examine relationships between biochemical and genetic markers and cardiovascular risk. Information on the health history of incident hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients will be captured using structured patient interviews and review of medical records. Blood and urine specimens will be collected at the time of dialysis initiation and stored in order to perform novel biochemical and genetic assays in the future. The overall goal of the CKDCS/LUCID study is improve understanding of cardiac-associated risks and to improve treatment in patients with kidney disease. A cardiac imaging substudy will be performed in a subset of patients enrolled. The goals of the substudy are to examine whether the risks of developing common cardiac-related complications (coronary artery calcification [CAC] and left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH]) are associated with certain medications taken by individuals on dialysis and whether these risks are modified by a genotypic predisposition.
Association of Mean Platelet Volume and Cardiovascular Disease in Children With End Stage Renal...
Cardiovascular DiseasesCarotid Intimal Media Thickness6 moreCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major risk factor for death in end stage renal diseases (ESRD). Approximately 80% of ESRD patients have some degrees of left ventricular abnormalities at initiation of dialysis. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) has been widely accepted as an useful marker to assess CVD in ESRD children. In addition, cardiac mechanics parameters are used to evaluate cardiac function more precisely. However, measuring CIMT and cardiac mechanics parameters are expensive and difficult to perform as a routine method. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a hematological index which shows the size of platelets. Uremic state causes inflammatory condition that affects MPV. Previous studies on people with normal renal function have shown that this parameter can also have association with CVD. However the data in children with ESRD is scarce. The aim of this study is to find a simple hematologic marker to use regularly in ESRD children finding patients at risk of CVD. Therefore, we will investigate the relationship between mean platelet volume and CIMT and cardiac mechanic parameters in children with ESRD.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Transthyretin Amyloidosis in Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy...
Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)The main purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of ATTR Cardiomyopathy among patients admitted due to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) >15mm of unknown etiology by using a 99mTc-tracer scintigraphy based protocol