Comparison of supine and sitting pulmonary pressures in ambulatory heart failure patients using the novel Cordella pulmonary pressure system

Aims

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between supine and seated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) measurements using the CordellaTM HF management system (Cordella) in patients with heart failure (HF).

Method and results

Paired supine and seated PAP readings from the SIRONA 2 and PROACTIVE-HF trials were included. A total of 504 NYHA class III HF patients contributed 40 115 paired measurements. Mean supine mean PAP (mPAP) was 29.1 ± 11.6 mmHg compared with a mean seated mPAP of 22.1 ± 12.2 mmHg (supine-seated difference 7.1 ± 6.5 mmHg, correlation = 0.85; P < 0.001); mean supine sPAP was 44.4 ± 16.6 mmHg compared to a mean seated sPAP 35.4 ± 17.8 mmHg (supine-seated difference 9.0 ± 8.5 mmHg, correlation = 0.88; P < 0.001); and mean supine dPAP was 19.1 ± 9.5 mmHg compared to a mean seated dPAP of 13.9 ± 9.5 mmHg (supine-seated difference 5.2 ± 5.6 mmHg, correlation = 0.82; P < 0.001). Quartile analysis demonstrated that supine-seated differences were larger at lower mPAP levels and narrowed at higher pressures (P < 0.001). Seated mPAP trends showed modest increases prior to heart failure hospitalization.

Conclusions

This study presents the largest paired comparison of supine and sitting PAP and demonstrates a high degree of correlation between seated and supine measures of PAP. Supine-seated differences may reflect venous capacitance and preload reserve, providing novel physiologic insights into HF phenotyping. Seated PAP measurements are a valid and reliable alternative to supine measurements for HF patients with PAP sensors. Given patient preference for seated measurements and their closer reflection of daily physiologic status, incorporating seated PAP into routine monitoring may enhance adherence and optimize remote HF management.