{"title":"Relapse in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and improved ejection fraction managed with medical therapy.","authors":"Arghadip Bose, Ajay Bahl, Ankur Gupta, Saurabh Mehrotra, Dinkar Bhasin","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Relapse is an important problem in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study aimed to determine the long-term outcomes of patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and improved ejection fraction and analyse the risk of relapse in patients being managed with medical therapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a single-centre, retrospective, observational study of all adult patients with non-ischemic DCM enrolled in a cohort. Patients with improved LVEF defined as LVEF <40% at baseline who showed improvement of LVEF to a level ≥40% with an absolute increase in LVEF of ≥10% while on medical therapy were included and followed-up till end of study period.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 548 patients in the non-ischemic DCM group, 131 (23.9%) had an improved LVEF. Of these, 72 (55%) patients had sustained improvement, while 59 (45%) relapsed during follow-up. In the relapsed group, 7 (11.9%) patients had discontinued drug therapy. Relapse occurred at a median duration of 57 months (range 8-224 months) after improvement of LVEF. Of the total patients who had improved LVEF, 3.8% relapsed by 1 year, 23.7% by 5 years and 37.4% by 10 years.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this non-ischemic DCM cohort 23.9% patients improved their LVEF. Of these, 45% relapsed. Risk of relapse persists over long-term with nearly 50% patients relapsing more than 5 years after their improvement in LVEF. Diabetes mellitus and higher left ventricular internal diameter in diastole at improvement were independent predictors of relapse.</p>","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reappraising the role of cardiac magnetic resonance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.","authors":"Barbara Segulin, Nikolaos Miaris","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147814663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the relationship between circulating microparticles and coronary artery disease severity using the SYNTAX score: A single-centre comparative study.","authors":"Satya Prasad Mahapatra, Satyendra Tewari, Vikas Agarwal, Mohit Kumar Rai, Harshit Khare, Ankit Kumar Sahu, Roopali Khanna, Naveen Garg, Aditya Kapoor","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Immune-inflammatory processes play a central role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether circulating microparticles (MPs) correlate with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity defined by SYNTAX Score II in patients aged <45 and >45 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This single-centre, open-label, comparative study enrolled 80 patients with angiographically confirmed CAD (40 aged <45 years and 40 aged >45 years) between June 2023 and July 2024. Forty age- and sex-matched individuals with angiographically normal coronary arteries served as the control group. Blood samples were analysed for total MPs, endothelial MPs, platelet-derived MPs, and leukocyte markers (CD45, CD19, CD3, CD16).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study population included a younger cohort in Group I (<45 years; mean age 39 ± 5 years) and an older cohort in Group II (>45 years; mean age 63.9 ± 7.1 years). SYNTAX I and II scores were significantly higher in Group II compared with Group I. Circulating microparticles, including total, endothelial, platelet-derived, CD45<sup>+</sup>, CD19<sup>+</sup>, CD3<sup>+</sup>, and CD16<sup>+</sup> microparticles, were significantly elevated in both CAD groups compared with controls, with higher levels observed in Group II. Significant positive correlations were observed between several microparticle subtypes and SYNTAX scores. ROC analysis demonstrated that total microparticles (AUC 0.836) and CD16<sup>+</sup> microparticles (AUC 0.856) were the strongest predictors of high SYNTAX II scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study highlights the potential of MPs as biomarkers for early detection and risk stratification of CAD, supporting more personalised and effective treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770406","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Manu M K Varma, Shreedhara Nagol Shekharappa, Kingshuk Saha, G Vikneswaran, Vimal Raj, Raghavi Goel, Satish C Govind
{"title":"Agreement between transthoracic echocardiography and CT coronary angiography for left ventricular outflow tract diameter in stable Indian adults: A prospective observational study.","authors":"Manu M K Varma, Shreedhara Nagol Shekharappa, Kingshuk Saha, G Vikneswaran, Vimal Raj, Raghavi Goel, Satish C Govind","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the agreement between transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and computed tomography coronary angiography (CT-CAG) for measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTd) in the parasternal long-axis orientation, and to explore anthropometric predictors of LVOTd in stable Indian adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective, single-centre study, hemodynamically stable adults in sinus rhythm undergoing outpatient CT-CAG were enrolled (October-December 2024). LVOTd was measured by TTE (parasternal long-axis view, mid-systole) and by CT in a matched long-axis orientation (anteroposterior diameter at the same anatomical level) by separate blinded readers. Agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 100 screened subjects, 91 were analysed (mean age 53.9 ± 8.7 years; 72.5% male; 84.6% health screening). Mean LVOTd was 1.94 ± 0.24 cm (CT-CAG) versus 1.88 ± 0.18 cm (TTE). The two modalities demonstrated good agreement for LVOTd (ICC 0.85; 95% CI 0.77-0.89). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias of 0.05 cm (limits of agreement 0.25 to 0.34 cm), with CT-CAG yielding larger values. Agreement diminished for derived parameters, being moderate for LVOT area (ICC 0.74) and modest for cardiac output (CO) (ICC 0.57; bias 0.5 L/min), indicating non-interchangeability for hemodynamic calculations. Body weight was the sole significant predictor of LVOTd (β = 0.004 cm/kg; R<sup>2</sup> = 0.29; p = 0.04).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In stable Indian adults, TTE and CT-CAG show good agreement for LVOTd measured in a comparable anatomical plane. Agreement diminishes for derived area and CO estimates. The weight-based model requires validation in larger, more diverse cohorts.</p>","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comment on \"Exploring the role of left atrial fibrosis and left atrial volume index through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in embolic stroke of undetermined source: A network meta-analysis\".","authors":"Bhumesh Tyagi, Prashant Ramdas Kokiwar, Archana Dhyani","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.011","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N Sharath, Anjana S Jayan, Kavassery Mahadevan Krishnamoorthy, Deepa Sasikumar, Arun Gopalakrishnan
{"title":"A single center experience with the use of Occlunix septal occluder for closure of atrial septal defects.","authors":"N Sharath, Anjana S Jayan, Kavassery Mahadevan Krishnamoorthy, Deepa Sasikumar, Arun Gopalakrishnan","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Occlunix® septal occluder (OSO) is a new generation double disk occluder device for catheter closure of the secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). Fifty-six consecutive patients who underwent ASD device closure with the OSO between February 2022 and April 2024 were evaluated in this single-center observational study. All procedures were done under transesophageal echocardiography guidance. The OSO was successfully deployed in all patients (technical success 100%). Fifty-five patients had complete closure of the intervened ASD after device closure (procedural success 98.2%). The sole patient with trivial intradevice shunt had complete seal of the defect at 1-month follow-up. There were no device related complications - cardiac, vascular or systemic. During the follow-up period of 32.2 ± 9.1 months, the device position was satisfactory in all, with no complications. The OSO was associated with lower procedural cost than one of the most used conventional ASD occluders used in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shikhar Bakhshi, Nabeel V Faisal, Maryam Y Naim, Saurabh Kumar Gupta
{"title":"Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease in India: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Shikhar Bakhshi, Nabeel V Faisal, Maryam Y Naim, Saurabh Kumar Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neurodevelopmental outcomes among survivors post-surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) in India remain insufficiently characterized. Structured searches in PubMed and Google Scholar for studies on neurodevelopmental outcomes published between January 2000 and December 2025 identified six studies from India: five single-centre and one multicentric cohort. Across studies, early motor delay was reported in 14-33% of children and mental or cognitive delay in 15-24%. Risk factors included syndromic association, prolonged postoperative illness, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Long-term school-age, longitudinal, and regionally representative data remain sparse. Integration of structured neurodevelopmental follow-up into CHD care is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pravin K Goel, Aditya Kapoor, Kala Jeetender Jain, Rajesh Thachathodiyl, Vikas Reddy, Vivek Guleria, Neeraj Bhalla, Shyam Sasidharan
{"title":"Impact of early initiation of PCSK9I monoclonal antibodies after acute coronary syndrome.","authors":"Pravin K Goel, Aditya Kapoor, Kala Jeetender Jain, Rajesh Thachathodiyl, Vikas Reddy, Vivek Guleria, Neeraj Bhalla, Shyam Sasidharan","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While high-intensity statins are foundational, many patients fail to reach guideline-recommended targets, leaving a high residual risk during the early post-ACS phase. Evidence from EVOPACS and EVACS trials demonstrates that early in-hospital proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) initiation achieves rapid, intensive LDL-C lowering, with over 90% of patients attaining targets of ≤1.4 mmol/L by discharge. Furthermore, the PACMAN-AMI and HUYGENS trials confirm that PCSK9i therapy promotes plaque regression and stabilisation by increasing fibrous cap thickness and reducing lipid-rich necrotic core content. Meta-analyses indicate significant reductions in major adverse CV events and ACS-related hospitalisations within 6-18 months. Early PCSK9i integration offers a potent, safe strategy to bridge lipid management gaps and optimize secondary prevention outcomes in high-risk populations, including those in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770483","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Frailty and advanced age in atrial fibrillation: Implications for treatment strategies and clinical outcomes - A systematic review.","authors":"Akash Batta, Razieh Parizad, Juniali Hatwal, Ankur Mittal, Manjeet Kumar Goyal, Bishav Mohan","doi":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ihj.2026.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common among frail older adults and poses complex management challenges due to reduced physiological reserve and heightened vulnerability to adverse outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This systematic review (2015-2025) examined influence of frailty and advanced age on AF management and outcomes, focusing on anticoagulation, interventional therapies and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eligible cohort studies, trials, meta-analyses assessed outcomes including mortality, stroke, major bleeding, functional decline, recurrence, healthcare costs and quality of life with frailty measured using validated tools like Clinical Frailty Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Frail patients had a two-to threefold higher mortality risk and 40-50% greater incidence of stroke and major bleeding than non-frail peers. Low-dose NOACs reduced stroke in frail octogenarians but bleeding risk persisted. Rate control therapy improved symptoms yet increased hypotension risk. Catheter ablation showed lower success and more complications.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Severe frailty and age ≥85 were associated with poorer outcomes, higher resourcutilization and reduced quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":13384,"journal":{"name":"Indian heart journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147721957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}