Heart failure(HF)is a clinical syndrome that poses a significant threat to patient lives.Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors(RAASi)represent a cornerstone therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, enhancing patient prognosis.Hyperkalemia is a prevalent complication of HF and a common adverse effect associated with the use of RAASi, often resulting in the withdrawal or dose reduction of these medications in certain heart failure patients during clinical practice.A debate exists regarding whether hyperkalemia itself, or the insufficient dosing of RAASi due to hyperkalemia, contributes to poor outcomes in HF patients.This article reviews recent domestic and international research on HF associated with hyperkalemia and discusses the effects of hyperkalemia and RAASi treatment patterns on the clinical outcomes of HF patients, while exploring strategies for managing hyperkalemia in this population.

Objective:To investigate the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants(NOACs)and their associated comorbidities in patients aged 80 years and older with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF), as well as to understand the challenges faced by elderly patients receiving NOAC therapy.Methods:We retrospectively enrolled elderly patients(≥80 years old)with NVAF who were treated with NOACs at a hospital in Beijing from January 2018 to August 2023.Patients were categorized into two age groups: 80-89 years and ≥90 years.We collected baseline data, including demographic characteristics, details of atrial fibrillation, comorbidities, laboratory test results, and medication combinations, for descriptive statistical analysis and intergroup comparisons.Results:A total of 695 elderly patients with NVAF receiving NOACs were included in the study, with a median age of 84 years.Among these patients, there were 328 males(47.19%, 328/695)and 422 cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(60.72%, 422/695).The age group of 80-89 years comprised 640 cases(92.09%, 640/695), while the group aged 90 years and above included 55 cases(7.91%, 55/695).The use of NOACs in patients aged 90 and older exhibited an increasing trend over the years.Inter-group comparisons indicated that the ≥90 years group had lower body mass index, longer hospital stays, increased bedridden time, poorer renal function, lower levels of albumin and hemoglobin, and higher D-dimer levels.Inappropriate dosing of DOACs occurred in 49.64%(345/695)of cases, with 90.72%(313/345)receiving doses lower than recommended.Lower-than-recommended doses were more prevalent in the ≥90 years group, while higher-than-recommended doses were more common in the 80-89 years group.Polypharmacy was noted in 61.29%(426/695)of patients.The concurrent use of antiplatelet drugs, rhythm control medications, and ventricular rate control drugs was observed in 12.52%(87/695), 19.57%(136/695), and 54.53%(379/695)of patients, respectively, with no significant differences between groups.Conclusions:Inappropriate dosing and polypharmacy are prevalent issues among elderly NVAF patients.Therefore, it is essential to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize anticoagulation treatment strategies.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)accounts for nearly 50%of all heart failure patients.To enhance the understanding and awareness of HFpEF and standardize its diagnosis and treatment,the Heart Failure Core Group of the Cardiovascular Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Expert Committee of the Heart Failure Center organized experts in 2023 and developed China's first evidence-based expert consensus on HFpEF,basing on domestic and international research findings,relevant guidelines,and China's clinical practice.The consensus covers HFpEF phenotyping,diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms,screening for underlying causes and comorbidities,and rehabilitation management.The publication of this consensus has played an effective role in guiding and standardizing the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HFpEF in China.Over the last two years,significant new advances emerged in the field of HFpEF.Consequently,collaborating with the Expert Committee of the Heart Failure Center,the consensus working group has updated and revised the document under the leadership of the Electrocardiogram and Cardiac Function Branch of Chinese Geriatrics Society and the Working Committee of the Heart Failure Comprehensive Management Center of the Chronic Disease Center of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Key issues updated now include the addition of epidemiological data on HFpEF in China,optimization of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms,and the latest progress and recommendations regarding novel therapeutic drugs since 2023.It is hoped that this updated consensus will provide further guidance and reference for the standardized management of HFpEF in China.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)combined with the Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study(EGSYS)score for cardiogenic syncope(CS), and to provide evidence for rapid clinical identification of high-risk patients.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 366 patients with syncope hospitalized in the department of cardiovascular medicine of Beijing Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022.Based on the international guideline diagnostic criteria, the patients were categorized into four groups: neutrally mediated reflex syncope(NMS)group, orthostatic hypotension(OH)group, cardiogenic syncope(CS)group, and syncope of unknown origin(US)group.BNP levels were measured at admission and EGSYS scores were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of individual and combined indices for CS.Results:A total of 366 syncope patients were included, among which 70 patients(19.1%)were diagnosed with NMS, 25 patients(6.8%)with OH, 44 patients(12.0%)with CS, and 227 patients(62.0%)with US.Patients in the CS group had significantly higher BNP levels and EGSYS scores compared to those in the NMS, OH, and US groups(all P<0.001). The AUC of EGSYS score for diagnosing CS was 0.783(95% CI: 0.711-0.855), while the AUC of BNP level for diagnosing CS was 0.805(95% CI: 0.727-0.884). When BNP level was combined with EGSYS score, diagnostic performance was significantly improved, with the AUC increasing to 0.855(95% CI: 0.792-0.918). Conclusions:The combination of BNP and EGSYS score significantly can improve the diagnostic accuracy of cardiogenic syncope, providing a practical diagnostic strategy for the early identification of high-risk syncope patients in clinical practice.

In the past decade, real-world data (RWD) research has undergone significant transformations due to data aggregation and processing technologies. However, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the scope of RWD applications and the value of real-world evidence (RWE). This study briefly outlined the origins of the concept of RWD study and its early research scope to promote further development in this area. We also reviewed the understanding of RWD applications and research models from the five perspectives of healthcare professionals, medical institutions, decision-making departments, cross-regional cooperation model, and the practice of the One-Health model. Finally, we systematically summarized the renewed understanding of the value of RWE while looking ahead to the challenges and future developments in this field.

In the past decade, real-world data (RWD) research has undergone significant transformations due to data aggregation and processing technologies. However, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the scope of RWD applications and the value of real-world evidence (RWE). This study briefly outlined the origins of the concept of RWD study and its early research scope to promote further development in this area. We also reviewed the understanding of RWD applications and research models from the five perspectives of healthcare professionals, medical institutions, decision-making departments, cross-regional cooperation model, and the practice of the One-Health model. Finally, we systematically summarized the renewed understanding of the value of RWE while looking ahead to the challenges and future developments in this field.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)accounts for nearly 50%of all heart failure patients.To enhance the understanding and awareness of HFpEF and standardize its diagnosis and treatment,the Heart Failure Core Group of the Cardiovascular Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and the Expert Committee of the Heart Failure Center organized experts in 2023 and developed China's first evidence-based expert consensus on HFpEF,basing on domestic and international research findings,relevant guidelines,and China's clinical practice.The consensus covers HFpEF phenotyping,diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms,screening for underlying causes and comorbidities,and rehabilitation management.The publication of this consensus has played an effective role in guiding and standardizing the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HFpEF in China.Over the last two years,significant new advances emerged in the field of HFpEF.Consequently,collaborating with the Expert Committee of the Heart Failure Center,the consensus working group has updated and revised the document under the leadership of the Electrocardiogram and Cardiac Function Branch of Chinese Geriatrics Society and the Working Committee of the Heart Failure Comprehensive Management Center of the Chronic Disease Center of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Key issues updated now include the addition of epidemiological data on HFpEF in China,optimization of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms,and the latest progress and recommendations regarding novel therapeutic drugs since 2023.It is hoped that this updated consensus will provide further guidance and reference for the standardized management of HFpEF in China.

Heart failure(HF)is a clinical syndrome that poses a significant threat to patient lives.Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors(RAASi)represent a cornerstone therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, enhancing patient prognosis.Hyperkalemia is a prevalent complication of HF and a common adverse effect associated with the use of RAASi, often resulting in the withdrawal or dose reduction of these medications in certain heart failure patients during clinical practice.A debate exists regarding whether hyperkalemia itself, or the insufficient dosing of RAASi due to hyperkalemia, contributes to poor outcomes in HF patients.This article reviews recent domestic and international research on HF associated with hyperkalemia and discusses the effects of hyperkalemia and RAASi treatment patterns on the clinical outcomes of HF patients, while exploring strategies for managing hyperkalemia in this population.

Objective:To investigate the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants(NOACs)and their associated comorbidities in patients aged 80 years and older with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF), as well as to understand the challenges faced by elderly patients receiving NOAC therapy.Methods:We retrospectively enrolled elderly patients(≥80 years old)with NVAF who were treated with NOACs at a hospital in Beijing from January 2018 to August 2023.Patients were categorized into two age groups: 80-89 years and ≥90 years.We collected baseline data, including demographic characteristics, details of atrial fibrillation, comorbidities, laboratory test results, and medication combinations, for descriptive statistical analysis and intergroup comparisons.Results:A total of 695 elderly patients with NVAF receiving NOACs were included in the study, with a median age of 84 years.Among these patients, there were 328 males(47.19%, 328/695)and 422 cases of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(60.72%, 422/695).The age group of 80-89 years comprised 640 cases(92.09%, 640/695), while the group aged 90 years and above included 55 cases(7.91%, 55/695).The use of NOACs in patients aged 90 and older exhibited an increasing trend over the years.Inter-group comparisons indicated that the ≥90 years group had lower body mass index, longer hospital stays, increased bedridden time, poorer renal function, lower levels of albumin and hemoglobin, and higher D-dimer levels.Inappropriate dosing of DOACs occurred in 49.64%(345/695)of cases, with 90.72%(313/345)receiving doses lower than recommended.Lower-than-recommended doses were more prevalent in the ≥90 years group, while higher-than-recommended doses were more common in the 80-89 years group.Polypharmacy was noted in 61.29%(426/695)of patients.The concurrent use of antiplatelet drugs, rhythm control medications, and ventricular rate control drugs was observed in 12.52%(87/695), 19.57%(136/695), and 54.53%(379/695)of patients, respectively, with no significant differences between groups.Conclusions:Inappropriate dosing and polypharmacy are prevalent issues among elderly NVAF patients.Therefore, it is essential to enhance multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize anticoagulation treatment strategies.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)combined with the Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study(EGSYS)score for cardiogenic syncope(CS), and to provide evidence for rapid clinical identification of high-risk patients.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 366 patients with syncope hospitalized in the department of cardiovascular medicine of Beijing Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022.Based on the international guideline diagnostic criteria, the patients were categorized into four groups: neutrally mediated reflex syncope(NMS)group, orthostatic hypotension(OH)group, cardiogenic syncope(CS)group, and syncope of unknown origin(US)group.BNP levels were measured at admission and EGSYS scores were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of individual and combined indices for CS.Results:A total of 366 syncope patients were included, among which 70 patients(19.1%)were diagnosed with NMS, 25 patients(6.8%)with OH, 44 patients(12.0%)with CS, and 227 patients(62.0%)with US.Patients in the CS group had significantly higher BNP levels and EGSYS scores compared to those in the NMS, OH, and US groups(all P<0.001). The AUC of EGSYS score for diagnosing CS was 0.783(95% CI: 0.711-0.855), while the AUC of BNP level for diagnosing CS was 0.805(95% CI: 0.727-0.884). When BNP level was combined with EGSYS score, diagnostic performance was significantly improved, with the AUC increasing to 0.855(95% CI: 0.792-0.918). Conclusions:The combination of BNP and EGSYS score significantly can improve the diagnostic accuracy of cardiogenic syncope, providing a practical diagnostic strategy for the early identification of high-risk syncope patients in clinical practice.