Journal of Cardiac Failure - Articles in Press

Comparison of Direct Body Composition Assessment Methods in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure - Corrected Proof

2010-08-05

Abstract: Background: We examined the validity of leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and near-infrared interactance (NIR) to assess body composition in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.Methods and Results: A total of 140 patients with CHF were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between June 2008 and July 2009. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) served as the reference standard. A priori, desired precision levels were set at ±3.5% body fat and ±3.5 kg lean body mass. Mean age was 63, 74% were male, and 90% were Caucasian. BIA- and NIR-ascertained percent body fat and lean body mass were highly correlated to DEXA. Mean differences and limits of agreement for NIR were -0.3% ± 5.1% for percent body fat and 2.9 kg ± 4.3 kg for lean body mass. Mean difference and limits of agreement for BIA percent body fat was 0.8% ± 5.8%. BIA lean body mass showed poor agreement with DEXA because of variable limits of agreement across the range of measurement (Pitman’s test P < .0001).Conclusions: In patients with CHF, both NIR and BIA accurately measure body fat. However, both methods were imprecise. NIR overestimated lean body mass and BIA was not useful to assess this parameter. Further study is required, including examination of the utility of these field methods in serially assessing body composition.

Cost of Medical Services in Older Patients With Heart Failure: Those Receiving Enhanced Monitoring Using a Computer-Based Telephonic Monitoring System Compared With Those in Usual Care: The Heart Failure Home Care Trial - Corrected Proof

2010-07-20

Abstract: Background: Prior studies suggest that disease management programs may be effective in improving clinical and economic outcomes in patients with heart failure. Whether these types of programs can lower health care cost and be adapted to the primary care setting is unknown. This study was designed to assess the impact of a home-based disease management program, the Alere DayLink HF Monitoring System (HFMS), on the clinical and economic outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries recently hospitalized for heart failure who received the care from a community-based primary care practitioner.Methods and Results: The Heart Failure Home Care trial was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of sophisticated, monitoring of heart failure patients with an interactive program versus standard heart failure care with enhanced patient education and follow-up (SC) in Medicare-eligible patients. The study endpoints included cardiovascular death or rehospitalization for heart failure, length of hospital stay, total patient cost, and cost to Medicare at 6 months of enrollment. A total of 315 patients age ≥65 years old were randomized: 160 to the HFMS and 155 to SC. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups in regards to 6-month cardiac mortality, rehospitalizations for heart failure, or length of hospital stay. Of those, 304 patients had their Medicare data available. The information from the Medicare claims data was used to determine the cost. Information from the trial was used to determine costs of out-patient drugs and the interventions. The 6-month mean Medicare costs were estimated to be $17,837 and $13,886 for the HFMS and the SC groups, respectively. We found that overall medical costs of medicare patients were significantly higher for patients who were randomized to the HFMS arm than they were for the patients randomized to the SC arm.Conclusions: Our study results suggest that enhanced patient education and follow-up is as successful as a sophisticated home monitoring device with an interactive program and less costly in patients who are elderly and receive the care from a community-based primary care practitioner.

Serum YKL-40 Predicts Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure - Corrected Proof

2010-07-20

Abstract: Background: Human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (YKL-40), a novel inflammatory marker, is secreted into circulation by macrophages, neutrophils, chondrocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells and cancer cells. Circulating levels of YKL-40 are related to the degree of inflammation, tissue remodeling, fibrosis, and cancer progression.Methods and Results: We examined serum YKL-40 levels in 121 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and 39 control subjects. The patients were followed up to register cardiac events for a mean of 720 days. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassay. Serum YKL-40 was significantly higher in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III/IV patients than control subjects and NYHA Class I/II patients (P < .0001). Serum YKL-40 was also higher in patients with cardiac events than in event-free patients (P = .0023). Cutoff value of YKL-40 was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that high level of YKL-40 was associated with higher rates of cardiac events than low levels of YKL-40 (P = .003). The multivariate Cox hazard analysis demonstrated that serum YKL-40 level was an independent prognostic factor of cardiac events (hazard ratio 2.085, 95% confidence interval 1.233-3.499, P < .0048).Conclusions: Serum YKL-40, a new marker of inflammation, was increased in CHF, and YKL-40 detected high risk patients for adverse outcomes in CHF.

Critical Role for Death-Receptor Mediated Apoptotic Signaling in Viral Myocarditis - Corrected Proof

2010-07-20

Abstract: Background: Apoptosis of cardiac myocytes plays a key role in the pathogenesis of many cardiac diseases, including viral myocarditis. The apoptotic signaling pathways that are activated during viral myocarditis and the role that these pathways play in disease pathogenesis have not been clearly delineated.Methods and Results: We investigated the role of apoptotic signaling pathways after virus infection of primary cardiac myocytes. The death receptor–associated initiator caspase, caspase 8, and the effector caspase, caspase 3, were significantly activated after infection of primary cardiac myocytes with myocarditic, but not non-myocarditic, reovirus strains. Furthermore, reovirus-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis was significantly inhibited by soluble death receptors. In contrast, the mitochondrial membrane potential remained unaltered and caspase 9, the initiator caspase associated with mitochondrial apoptotic signaling, was only weakly activated in cardiac myocytes after infection with myocarditic reovirus strains. Inhibition of mitochondrial apoptotic signaling had no effect on reovirus-induced cardiac myocyte apoptosis. In accordance with our in vitro data, caspase 8, but not caspase 9, was significantly activated in the hearts of reovirus-infected mice.Conclusions: Death receptor, but not mitochondrial, apoptotic signaling plays a key role in apoptosis after infection of cardiac myocytes with myocarditic reovirus strains.

Patient Perspectives on Decision Making in Heart Failure - Corrected Proof

Dan D. Matlock, Carolyn T. Nowels, David B. Bekelman — 2010-07-20

Abstract: Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) face an array of challenging decisions involving medications, devices, and transplants. The goal of this qualitative study was to describe patients' perceptions surrounding difficult decisions along with factors that influenced their decisions.Methods and Results: We studied 22 patients with symptomatic HF from the University of Colorado Hospital using in-depth, semistructured interviews. We used descriptive theme analysis in an iterative process to analyze responses to the question: “Can you tell me about any important or difficult decisions you have had to make about your heart condition?” Two distinct decision-making styles emerged: active (55%) and passive (45%). Active decision makers identified interventions such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, medications, and transplants to be the most difficult decisions and weighed concerns for side effects, family, and quality of life. Passive decision makers generally did not identify a difficult decision and described factors such as trust in God, trust in the physician, and power of the physician as reasons for their passivity.Conclusions: Patients with HF use active and passive decision styles in their approach to medical decision making. Future work should investigate communication techniques to assure that passive decision makers receive health care that is concordant with their values.

Both High and Low Body Mass Indexes are Prognostic Risks in Japanese Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Implications From the CHART Study - Corrected Proof

Kotaro Nochioka, Nobuyuki Shiba, Haruka Kohno, Masanobu Miura, Hiroaki Shimokawa — 2010-07-20

Abstract: Background: Prognostic impact of body mass index (BMI) in Japanese patients with chronic heart failure (HF) remains unclear.Methods and Results: We examined the relationship between BMI and the prognosis of Japanese HF patients in the Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District (CHART) study. The study sample was 972 Japanese chronic HF patients (mean age, 68.2 ± 13.5; male 65.2%). We categorized them into 5 groups; BMI <18.5, 18.5 to 22.9, 23.0 to 24.9 (reference), 25.0 to 29.9, and ≥30.0. Using a Cox hazards model, the relationships between BMI and deaths or admission for worsening HF were studied in detail. Mean follow-up period was 3.4 ± 1.7 years. Multivariate analysis showed that, as compared with reference group (BMI 23.0 to 24.9), hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause death showed a U-shaped association with 1.70 (95% confidence interval; 1.04–2.76), 1.23 (0.85–1.78), 1.26 (0.84–1.90), and 2.75 (1.51–5.00) among those with BMI<18.5, 18.5 to 22.9, 25.0 to 29.9, and ≥30.0, respectively. There were significant and suggestive U-shaped associations between BMI and cardiac-cause death or admission for worsening HF.Conclusions: Both high and low BMIs were associated with increased outcomes, suggesting that extreme obesity is not beneficial in improving the prognosis of Japanese chronic HF patients.

NHLBI’s Program for VAD Therapy for Moderately Advanced Heart Failure: The REVIVE-IT Pilot Trial - Corrected Proof

J. Timothy Baldwin, Douglas L. Mann — 2010-07-20

Abstract: Background: Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used to bridge heart failure patients to transplantation, to allow their own hearts to recover, or as permanent (“destination”) therapy. To date, the use of VADs has been limited to late-stage heart failure patients because of the associated device risks. In 2008, a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) working group met to evaluate the treatment of heart failure using VADs and to advise the institute on how therapy for heart failure may be best advanced by clinical trials involving the devices.Methods and Results: Recognizing the improvements in VAD technology and in patient care and selection over the past decade, the working group recommended that a trial be performed to assess the use of chronic VAD therapy in patients who are less ill than those currently eligible for destination therapy. The hypothesis proposed for the trial is that VAD therapy may improve both survival and quality of life in moderately advanced heart failure patients who are neither inotrope-dependent nor exercise-intolerant and have not yet developed serious consequences such as malnourishment, end-organ damage, and immobility.Conclusion: Based on the group’s recommendations, NHLBI issued an RFP in 2009 for the REVIVE-IT Pilot Trail, which will serve to test the hypothesis and inform the pivotal trial.

Thrombomodulin is Upregulated in Cardiomyocytes During Cardiac Hypertrophy and Prevents the Progression of Contractile Dysfunction - Corrected Proof

2010-07-20

Abstract: Background: Cardiac hypertrophy is a common response to pressure overload and leads to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Thrombomodulin (TM), an endothelial anticoagulant protein, was found to have direct effects on cellular proliferation and inflammation. We examined the TM expression in cardiomyocytes during cardiac hypertrophy and investigated its physiological significance.Methods and Results: TM expression was evaluated in cardiomyocytes from hearts of mice that underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC). The effects of recombinant TM protein on cardiomyocytes apoptosis and related signaling pathways were examined. Recombinant TM protein was administered continuously in mice that underwent TAC, and serial LV function was determined. There was significant TM expression in cardiomyocytes during cardiac hypertrophy elicited by TAC in mice. TM treatment decreased doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. It also increased cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, expression of atrial natriuretic peptide, and significantly activated the extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3-K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes. Continuous TM supply after TAC prevented the progression of LV contractile dysfunction in mice.Conclusions: TM treatment decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and maintained LV contractile function in response to pressure overload.

Iron-Overload Cardiomyopathy: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Corrected Proof

Colm J. Murphy, Gavin Y. Oudit — 2010-07-05

Abstract: Background: The prevalence of primary (hereditary) hemochromatosis and secondary iron overload (hemosiderosis) is reaching epidemic levels worldwide. Iron-overload leads to excessive iron deposition in a wide variety of tissues, including the heart and endocrine tissues.Methods and Results: Iron-overload cardiomyopathy is the primary determinant of survival in patients with secondary iron overload, while also being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with primary hemochromatosis. Iron-induced cardiovascular injury also occurs in acute iron toxicosis (iron poisoning), myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathy associated with Friedreich ataxia, and vascular dysfunction. The mainstay therapies for iron overload associated with primary hemochromatosis and secondary iron overload is phlebotomy and iron chelation therapy, respectively. L-type Ca2+ channels provide a high-capacity pathway for ferrous (Fe2+) uptake into cardiomyocytes in iron-overload conditions; calcium channel blockers may represent a new therapeutic tool to reduce the toxic effects of excess iron.Conclusions: Iron-overload cardiomyopathy is a an important and potentially reversible cause of heart failure at an international scale and involves diastolic dysfunction, increased susceptibility to arrhythmias and a late-stage dilated cardiomyopathy. The early diagnosis of iron-overload cardiomyopathy is critical since the cardiac dysfunction is reversible if effective therapy is introduced before the onset of overt heart failure.

Clinical Features of Myocardial Triglyceride in Different Types of Cardiomyopathy Assessed by Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: Comparison With Myocardial Creatine - Corrected Proof

2010-07-02

Abstract: Background: Myocardial lipid overstorage may produce cardiomyopathy, leading to dysfunction, but advanced heart failure may cause lipolysis via sympathetic nerve activation. In the failing heart, the creatine kinase system may also be impaired. The aims of this study were to assess myocardial triglyceride (TG) and creatine (CR) in different types of cardiomyopathy and to investigate whether they are related to the severity of cardiac dysfunction.Methods and Results: In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, n = 8), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 12) or ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM, n = 10), and normal subjects (NML, n = 22), myocardial TG and CR were evaluated using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. To assess cardiac sympathetic nerve activity, myocardial MIBG (a radioactive guanethidine analog) uptake was measured in DCM. Myocardial TG was significantly lower in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (1.92 ± 0.99 μmol/g), but higher in ICM (7.59 ± 4.36 μmol/g) than in NML hearts (4.05 ± 1.94 μmol/g). There was no significant difference in TG between DCM (4.84 ± 6.45 μmol/g) and NML. Myocardial CR in HCM (20.4 ± 8.4 μmol/g), DCM (14.8 ± 4.8 μmol/g), and ICM (19.4 ± 6.3 μmol/g) was significantly lower than that in NML hearts (27.1 ± 4.3 μmol/g). Overall, myocardial CR correlated positively with the severity of heart failure estimated by ejection fraction or myocardial BMIPP (a radioactive fatty acid analog) uptake, but TG did not. In DCM, myocardial TG correlated with body mass index, but not with MIBG uptake.Conclusions: Myocardial TG may be related to the specific cause of disease rather than the severity of cardiac dysfunction. In contrast, myocardial CR reflects the severity of heart failure despite different pathoetiologic mechanisms of dysfunction. In DCM, myocardial TG may be affected by an overweight state rather than cardiac sympathetic nerve dysfunction. Thus, myocardial CR has a closer relationship to heart failure severity than does myocardial TG.

Chronic Alternate-Day Fasting Results in Reduced Diastolic Compliance and Diminished Systolic Reserve in Rats - Corrected Proof

Ismayil Ahmet, Ruiqian Wan, Mark P. Mattson, Edward G. Lakatta, Mark I. Talan — 2010-07-02

Abstract: Background: Based on animal experiments and limited data from the few human trials, alternate-day fasting (ADF) resulted in weight loss, prolonged life, reduced metabolic risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and reduced prevalence of age-related diseases. The present study is the first comprehensive examination of the long-term effects of ADF on general cardiovascular fitness in rats.Methods and Results: Four-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were started on ADF or continued on ad libitum diets and followed for 6 months with serial echocardiography. A comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation including a combined dobutamine–volume stress test was performed at the end of the study, and hearts were harvested for histological assessment. The 6-month-long ADF diet resulted in a 9% reduction (P < .01) of cardiomyocyte diameter and 3-fold increase in interstitial myocardial fibrosis. Left ventricular chamber size was not affected by ADF and ejection fraction was not reduced, but left atrial diameter was increased 16%, and the ratio of early (E) and late atrial (A) waves, in Doppler-measured mitral flow was reduced (P < .01). Pressure-volume loop analyses revealed a “stiff” heart during diastole in ADF rats, whereas combined dobutamine and volume loading showed a significant reduction in left ventricular diastolic compliance and a lack of increase in systolic pump function, indicating a diminished cardiac reserve.Conclusion: Chronic ADF in rats results in development of diastolic dysfunction with diminished cardiac reserve. ADF is a novel and unique experimental model of diet-induced diastolic dysfunction. The deleterious effect of ADF in rats suggests that additional studies of ADF effects on cardiovascular functions in humans are warranted.

Development of a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Prognostic Score for Optimizing Risk Stratification in Heart Failure: The (P)e(R)i(O)dic (B)reathing During (E)xercise (PROBE) Study - Corrected Proof

2010-06-21

Abstract: Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides powerful information on risk of death in heart failure (HF). We sought to define the relative and additive contribution of the 3 landmark (CPET) prognostic markers—peak oxygen consumption (VO2), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope, and exercise periodic breathing (EPB)—to the overall risk of cardiac death and to develop a prognostic score for optimizing risk stratification in HF patients.Methods and Results: A total of 695 stable HF patients (average LVEF: 25 ± 8%) underwent a symptom-limited CPET maximum test after familiarization and were prospectively tracked for cardiac mortality. At multivariable Cox analysis EPB emerged as the strongest prognosticator. Using a statistical bootstrap technique (5000 data resamplings), point estimates, and 95% confidence intervals were obtained. Thirty-two configurations were adopted to classify patients into a given cell, according to EPB presence or absence and values of the 2 other covariates. Configurations without EPB and with VE/VCO2 slope ≤30 were not significantly different from 0 (reference value). Statistical power of configurations increased with higher VE/VCO2 slope and lower peak VO2. This prompted us to formulate a score including EPB as a discriminating variable, the (P)e(R)i(O)dic (B)reathing during (E)xercise (PROBE), which ranges between -1 and 1, with zero as reference configuration, that would help to optimize the prognostic accuracy of CPET-derived variables. The greatest PROBE score impact was provided by EPB, followed by VE/VCO2 slope, whereas peak VO2 added minimal prognostic power.Conclusions: EPB with an elevated VE/VCO2 slope leads to the highest and most precise PROBE score, whereas no additional risk information emerges when EPB is present with a peak VO2 ≤10 mL O2·kg−1·min−1. PROBE score appears to provide a step forward for optimizing CPET use in HF prognostic definition.

Heart Rate Predicts Mortality in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Systolic Function - Corrected Proof

John R. Kapoor, Paul A. Heidenreich — 2010-06-17

Abstract: Background: Elevated resting heart rates have been associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). It is unclear, though, if this association applies to those with heart failure and preserved EF.Methods and Results: We determined outcome for 685 consecutive patients with a prior diagnosis of heart failure and a preserved EF (>50%) documented on echocardiography at 1 of 3 laboratories. Patients with non-sinus rhythm were excluded from the analysis. We determined adjusted mortality rates at 1 year after the echocardiogram. The mean age of the cohort was 70 ± 11 years. Of the 685 included patients, 87% had a history of hypertension, 50% had diabetes, and the mean EF was 60% ± 6%. All-cause mortality at 1 year was significantly lower in the group with heart rate below 60 beats/min (10%) when compared with the group with heart rates between 60 and 70 beats/min (18%), 71–90 beats/min (20%), and >90 beats/min (35%) (P < .0001). After adjustment for patient history, demographics, laboratory values, and echocardiographic findings, the hazard ratios for total mortality (relative to a heart rate of <60) were 1.26 (95% CI, 0.88–1.80) for HR 60–69, 1.47 (95% CI, 1.02–2.07) for HR 70–90, and 2.00 (95% CI, 1.31–3.04) for HR>90 (P = .01 across all groups).Conclusions: These data suggest that an elevated resting heart rate is a marker for increased mortality in patients with heart failure and preserved systolic function. Heart rate may be useful in these patients for improved cardiovascular risk assessment.

Causes of Breathing Inefficiency During Exercise in Heart Failure - Corrected Proof

Paul R. Woods, Thomas P. Olson, Robert P. Frantz, Bruce D. Johnson — 2010-06-17

Abstract: Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) develop abnormal pulmonary gas exchange; specifically, they have abnormal ventilation relative to metabolic demand (ventilatory efficiency/minute ventilation in relation to carbon dioxide production [VE/VCO2]) during exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the factors that underlie the abnormal breathing efficiency in this population.Methods and Results: Fourteen controls and 33 moderate-severe HF patients, ages 52 ± 12 and 54 ± 8 years, respectively, performed submaximal exercise (∼65% of maximum) on a cycle ergometer. Gas exchange and blood gas measurements were made at rest and during exercise. Submaximal exercise data were used to quantify the influence of hyperventilation (PaCO2) and dead space ventilation (VD) on VE/VCO2. The VE/VCO2 relationship was lower in controls (30 ± 4) than HF (45 ± 9, P < .01). This was the result of hyperventilation (lower PaCO2) and higher VD/VT that contributed 40% and 47%, respectively, to the increased VE/VCO2 (P < .01). The elevated VD/VT in the HF patients was the result of a tachypneic breathing pattern (lower VT, 1086 ± 366 versus 2003 ± 504 mL, P < .01) in the presence of a normal VD (11.5 ± 4.0 versus 11.9 ± 5.7 L/min, P = .095).Conclusions: The abnormal ventilation in relation to metabolic demand in HF patients during exercise was due primarily to alterations in breathing pattern (reduced VT) and excessive hyperventilation.

Right Ventricular Dysfunction is a Strong Predictor of Developing Atrial Fibrillation in Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure Patients, ACAP-HF Data Analysis - Corrected Proof

2010-06-17

Abstract: Background: Heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are the twin epidemics of modern cardiovascular disease. The incidence of new-onset AFib in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients is difficult to predict and the short- and long-term outcomes of AFib in a cohort of patients admitted with ADHF are unknown.Methods and Results: A total of 904 patients admitted with ADHF were studied. Incidence of AFib on admission was recorded and a multivariate analysis was performed using echocardiographic parameters to specify the predictors of AFib incidence in this cohort. In 904 ADHF patients (57% male, mean age 69 ± 14 years), 81% had history of hypertension, 40% were diabetics, and 51% were smokers. A total of 63% of the patients had known heart failure (HF) with mean ejection fraction of 34% ± 21%, and 33% of the patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy as the etiology of HF. Echocardiographic parameters were: left atrial (LA) diameter 4.5 ± 0.8 cm, left ventricular end-systolic 4.1 ± 1.3 cm, left ventricular end-diastolic 5.3 ± 1.1 cm. Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) was present in 34% of the patients. A total of 191 (21%) patients subsequently developed AFib with two thirds of the cases occurring in patients with RVD. Using a univariate analysis, older age (OR 1.02; P < .0001), history of HF (OR 2.93; P < .0001), LA dilation (OR 1.58; P < .0001), the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (OR 3.01, P < .0001), and RVD (OR 4.93; P < .00001) were the strongest predictors for AFib. Controlling for LA size and left ventricular hypertrophy using a forward stepwise regression, RVD remained the strongest predictor (OR 4.45; P < .0001). Patients with RVD had more events (cardiac readmission and mortality) than those with normal RV (56% versus 38%; P < .00001), notably; all-cause mortality was 4.7%/year in the abnormal RV group versus 2.9%/year in the normal RV group; P < .05. RV function analyses by echocardiography further risk stratified these patients based on their rhythm categorizing those patients with abnormal RV and AFib as the ones with the worse prognosis.Conclusion: RV dysfunction is a strong predictor for developing AFib in acutely decompensated systolic failure patients. Patients with AFib and RVD have the worse outcome specially when is combined with LV dysfunction, therefore; evaluation of RV function may substantiate the difference in HF prognosis.