Feasibility and prognostic significance of ventricular-arterial coupling after myocardial infarction: the RIGID-MI

Samy Aghezzaf1, Augustin Coisne1,2, Christophe Bauters3

  • 1Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University Lille, U1011-EGID, F-59000 Lille, France.

Insights

The pulse wave velocity to global longitudinal strain ratio (PWV/GLS) effectively identifies patients at higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after myocardial infarction (MI). This non-invasive measure offers valuable prognostic information beyond standard assessments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Non-invasive Cardiac Assessment
  • Prognostic Biomarkers

Background:

  • Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) parameters are novel non-invasive tools for assessing cardiovascular health.
  • Their clinical utility and prognostic value, particularly in patients post-myocardial infarction (MI) with preserved ejection fraction, require further investigation.
  • Accurate risk stratification is crucial for managing patients following MI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prognostic significance of VAC parameters in stable patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40% after MI.
  • To assess the feasibility of measuring VAC parameters using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and arterial tonometry.
  • To determine if VAC parameters can improve risk stratification for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 374 patients with LVEF ≥40% were assessed 1 month post-MI.
  • Ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) was evaluated using the ratio of arterial elastance (Ea) to end-systolic LV elastance (Ees) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) to global longitudinal strain (GLS).
  • Patients were followed for MACE, including death, heart failure, stroke, and hospitalization.

Main Results:

  • The PWV/GLS ratio, but not the Ea/Ees ratio or exercise TTE parameters, was independently associated with MACE after adjustment.
  • A PWV/GLS ratio >0.70 was identified as the optimal threshold for predicting MACE (HR 2.2, P=0.02).
  • Patients with MACE were older, had higher PWV/GLS ratios, and lower global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Conclusions:

  • The PWV/GLS ratio, assessed one month after myocardial infarction (MI), is a valuable non-invasive parameter for identifying patients at higher risk of MACE.
  • This ratio provides prognostic information that complements conventional non-invasive assessments.
  • Further research can explore the integration of PWV/GLS into routine clinical practice for post-MI risk stratification.
Abstract

Keywords:
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