@article{YurdadoganMalschKotsevaetal.2021,
  author    = {Yurdadogan, Tino and Malsch, Carolin and Kotseva, Kornelia and Wood, David and Leyh, Rainer and Ertl, Georg and Karmann, Wolfgang and M{\"u}ller-Scholden, Lara and Morbach, Caroline and Breuning, Margret and Wagner, Martin and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Bots, Michiel L. and Heuschmann, Peter U. and St{\"o}rk, Stefan},
  title     = {Functional versus morphological assessment of vascular age in patients with coronary heart disease},
  series = {Scientific Reports},
  volume    = {11},
  journal   = {Scientific Reports},
  number    = {1},
  doi       = {10.1038/s41598-021-96998-x},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265810},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Communicating cardiovascular risk based on individual vascular age (VA) is a well acknowledged concept in patient education and disease prevention. VA may be derived functionally, e.g. by measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV), or morphologically, e.g. by assessment of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether both approaches produce similar results. Within the context of the German subset of the EUROASPIRE IV survey, 501 patients with coronary heart disease underwent (a) oscillometric PWV measurement at the aortic, carotid-femoral and brachial-ankle site (PWVao, PWVcf, PWVba) and derivation of the aortic augmentation index (AIao); (b) bilateral cIMT assessment by high-resolution ultrasound at three sites (common, bulb, internal). Respective VA was calculated using published equations. According to VA derived from PWV, most patients exhibited values below chronological age indicating a counterintuitive healthier-than-anticipated vascular status: for VA(PWVao) in 68\% of patients; for VA\(_{AIao}\) in 52\% of patients. By contrast, VA derived from cIMT delivered opposite results: e.g. according to VA\(_{total-cIMT}\) accelerated vascular aging in 75\% of patients. To strengthen the concept of VA, further efforts are needed to better standardise the current approaches to estimate VA and, thereby, to improve comparability and clinical utility.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{TraubOttoSelletal.2022,
  author    = {Traub, Jan and Otto, Markus and Sell, Roxane and Homola, Gy{\"o}rgy A. and Steinacker, Petra and Oeckl, Patrick and Morbach, Caroline and Frantz, Stefan and Pham, Mirko and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Stoll, Guido and Frey, Anna},
  title     = {Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein indicates memory impairment in patients with chronic heart failure},
  series = {ESC Heart Failure},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {ESC Heart Failure},
  number    = {4},
  doi       = {10.1002/ehf2.13986},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-312736},
  pages     = {2626-2634},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Aims Cognitive dysfunction occurs frequently in patients with heart failure (HF), but early detection remains challenging. Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is an emerging biomarker of cognitive decline in disorders of primary neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease. We evaluated the utility of serum GFAP as a biomarker for cognitive dysfunction and structural brain damage in patients with stable chronic HF. Methods and results Using bead-based single molecule immunoassays, we quantified serum levels of GFAP in patients with HF participating in the prospective Cognition.Matters-HF study. Participants were extensively phenotyped, including cognitive testing of five separate domains and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Univariable and multivariable models, also accounting for multiple testing, were run. One hundred and forty-six chronic HF patients with a mean age of 63.8 ± 10.8 years were included (15.1\% women). Serum GFAP levels (median 246 pg/mL, quartiles 165, 384 pg/mL; range 66 to 1512 pg/mL) did not differ between sexes. In the multivariable adjusted model, independent predictors of GFAP levels were age (T = 5.5; P < 0.001), smoking (T = 3.2; P = 0.002), estimated glomerular filtration rate (T = -4.7; P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (T = -2.1; P = 0.036), and the left atrial end-systolic volume index (T = 3.4; P = 0.004). NT-proBNP but not serum GFAP explained global cerebral atrophy beyond ageing. However, serum GFAP levels were associated with the cognitive domain visual/verbal memory (T = -3.0; P = 0.003) along with focal hippocampal atrophy (T = 2.3; P = 0.025). Conclusions Serum GFAP levels are affected by age, smoking, and surrogates of the severity of HF. The association of GFAP with memory dysfunction suggests that astroglial pathologies, which evade detection by conventional MRI, may contribute to memory loss beyond ageing in patients with chronic HF.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{TraubOttoSelletal.2022,
  author    = {Traub, Jan and Otto, Markus and Sell, Roxane and G{\"o}pfert, Dennis and Homola, Gy{\"o}rgy and Steinacker, Petra and Oeckl, Patrick and Morbach, Caroline and Frantz, Stefan and Pham, Mirko and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Stoll, Guido and Frey, Anna},
  title     = {Serum phosphorylated tau protein 181 and neurofilament light chain in cognitively impaired heart failure patients},
  series = {Alzheimer's Research \& Therapy},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Alzheimer's Research \& Therapy},
  doi       = {10.1186/s13195-022-01087-4},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300515},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Background Chronic heart failure (HF) is known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia significantly. Thus, detecting and preventing mild cognitive impairment, which is common in patients with HF, is of great importance. Serum biomarkers are increasingly used in neurological disorders for diagnostics, monitoring, and prognostication of disease course. It remains unclear if neuronal biomarkers may help detect cognitive impairment in this high-risk population. Also, the influence of chronic HF and concomitant renal dysfunction on these biomarkers is not well understood. Methods Within the monocentric Cognition.Matters-HF study, we quantified the serum levels of phosphorylated tau protein 181 (pTau) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) of 146 extensively phenotyped chronic heart failure patients (aged 32 to 85 years; 15.1\% women) using ultrasensitive bead-based single-molecule immunoassays. The clinical work-up included advanced cognitive testing and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results Serum concentrations of NfL ranged from 5.4 to 215.0 pg/ml (median 26.4 pg/ml) and of pTau from 0.51 to 9.22 pg/ml (median 1.57 pg/ml). We detected mild cognitive impairment (i.e., T-score < 40 in at least one cognitive domain) in 60\% of heart failure patients. pTau (p = 0.014), but not NfL, was elevated in this group. Both NfL (ρ = - 0.21; p = 0.013) and pTau (ρ = - 0.25; p = 0.002) related to the cognitive domain visual/verbal memory, as well as white matter hyperintensity volume and cerebral and hippocampal atrophy. In multivariable analysis, both biomarkers were independently influenced by age (T = 4.6 for pTau; T = 5.9 for NfL) and glomerular filtration rate (T = - 2.4 for pTau; T = - 3.4 for NfL). Markers of chronic heart failure, left atrial volume index (T = 4.6) and NT-proBNP (T = 2.8), were further cardiological determinants of pTau and NfL, respectively. In addition, pTau was also strongly affected by serum creatine kinase levels (T = 6.5) and ferritin (T = - 3.1). Conclusions pTau and NfL serum levels are strongly influenced by age-dependent renal and cardiac dysfunction. These findings point towards the need for longitudinal examinations and consideration of frequent comorbidities when using neuronal serum biomarkers.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{TiffeWagnerRueckeretal.2017,
  author    = {Tiffe, Theresa and Wagner, Martin and R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Morbach, Caroline and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Heuschmann, Peter U.},
  title     = {Control of cardiovascular risk factors and its determinants in the general population - findings from the STAAB cohort study},
  series = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders},
  volume    = {17},
  journal   = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders},
  number    = {276},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12872-017-0708-x},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-159391},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Background: While data from primary care suggest an insufficient control of vascular risk factors, little is known about vascular risk factor control in the general population. We therefore aimed to investigate the adoption of adequate risk factor control and its determinants in the general population free of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Data from the Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) Cohort Study, a population-based study of inhabitants aged 30 to 79 years from the general population of W{\"u}rzburg (Germany), were used. Proportions of participants without established CVD meeting targets for risk factor control recommended by 2016 ESC guideline were identified. Determinants of the accumulation of insufficiently controlled vascular risk factors (three or more) were assessed. Results: Between December 2013 and April 2015, 1379 participants without CVD were included; mean age was 53.1 ± 11.9 years and 52.9\% were female; 30.8\% were physically inactive, 55.2\% overweight, 19.3\% current smokers. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were prevalent in 31.8\%, 57.6\%, and 3.9\%, respectively. Treatment goals were not reached despite medication in 52.7\% of hypertensive, in 37.3\% of hyperlipidemic and in 44.0\% of diabetic subjects. Insufficiently controlled risk was associated with male sex (OR 1.94, 95\%CI 1.44-2.61), higher age (OR for 30-39 years vs. 70-79 years 4.01, 95\%CI 1.94-8.31) and lower level of education (OR for primary vs. tertiary 2.15, 95\%CI 1.48-3.11). Conclusions: In the general population, prevalence of vascular risk factors was high. We found insufficient identification and control of vascular risk factors and a considerable potential to improve adherence to cardiovascular guidelines for primary prevention. Further studies are needed to identify and overcome patient- and physician-related barriers impeding successful control of vascular risk factors in the general population.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{TiffeMorbachRueckeretal.2019,
  author    = {Tiffe, Theresa and Morbach, Caroline and R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Wagner, Martin and Faller, Hermann and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Heuschmann, Peter U.},
  title     = {Impact of patient beliefs on blood pressure control in the general population: findings from the population-based STAAB cohort study},
  series = {International Journal of Hypertension},
  volume    = {2019},
  journal   = {International Journal of Hypertension},
  doi       = {10.1155/2019/9385397},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200992},
  pages     = {9385397},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Background. Effective antihypertensive treatment depends on patient compliance regarding prescribed medications. We assessed the impact of beliefs related towards antihypertensive medication on blood pressure control in a population-based sample treated for hypertension. Methods. We used data from the Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) study investigating 5000 inhabitants aged 30 to 79 years from the general population of W{\"u}rzburg, Germany. The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire German Version (BMQ-D) was provided in a subsample without established cardiovascular diseases (CVD) treated for hypertension. We evaluated the association between inadequately controlled hypertension (systolic RR >140/90 mmHg; >140/85 mmHg in diabetics) and reported concerns about and necessity of antihypertensive medication. Results. Data from 293 participants (49.5\% women, median age 64 years [quartiles 56.0; 69.0]) entered the analysis. Despite medication, half of the participants (49.8\%) were above the recommended blood pressure target. Stratified for sex, inadequately controlled hypertension was less frequent in women reporting higher levels of concerns (OR 0.36; 95\%CI 0.17-0.74), whereas no such association was apparent in men. We found no association for specific-necessity in any model. Conclusion. Beliefs regarding the necessity of prescribed medication did not affect hypertension control. An inverse association between concerns about medication and inappropriately controlled hypertension was found for women only. Our findings highlight that medication-related beliefs constitute a serious barrier of successful implementation of treatment guidelines and underline the role of educational interventions taking into account sex-related differences.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SteinhardtCejkaChenetal.2024,
  author    = {Steinhardt, Maximilian J. and Cejka, Vladimir and Chen, Mengmeng and B{\"a}uerlein, Sabrina and Sch{\"a}fer, Julia and Adrah, Ali and Ihne-Schubert, Sandra M. and Papagianni, Aikaterini and Kort{\"u}m, K. Martin and Morbach, Caroline and St{\"o}rk, Stefan},
  title     = {Safety and tolerability of SGLT2 inhibitors in cardiac amyloidosis — a clinical feasibility study},
  series = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
  volume    = {13},
  journal   = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
  number    = {1},
  issn      = {2077-0383},
  doi       = {10.3390/jcm13010283},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-356024},
  year      = {2024},
  abstract  = {Sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) slow the progression of renal dysfunction and improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure. Amyloidosis constitutes an important subgroup for which evidence is lacking. Amyloidotic fibrils originating from misfolded transthyretin and light chains are the causal agents in ATTR and AL amyloidosis. In these most frequent subtypes, cardiac involvement is the most common organ manifestation. Because cardiac and renal function frequently deteriorate over time, even under best available treatment, SGLT2i emerge as a promising treatment option due to their reno- and cardioprotective properties. We retrospectively analyzed patients with cardiac amyloidosis, who received either dapagliflozin or empagliflozin. Out of 79 patients, 5.1\% had urinary tract infections; 2 stopped SGLT2i therapy; and 2.5\% died unrelated to the intake of SGLT2i. No genital mycotic infections were observed. As expected, a slight drop in the glomerular filtration rate was noted, while the NYHA functional status, cardiac and hepatic function, as well as the 6 min walk distance remained stable over time. These data provide a rationale for the use of SGLT2i in patients with amyloidosis and concomitant cardiac or renal dysfunction. Prospective randomized data are desired to confirm safety and to prove efficacy in this increasingly important group of patients.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchnabelCamenKnebeletal.2021,
  author    = {Schnabel, Renate B. and Camen, Stephan and Knebel, Fabian and Hagendorff, Andreas and Bavendiek, Udo and B{\"o}hm, Michael and Doehner, Wolfram and Endres, Matthias and Gr{\"o}schel, Klaus and Goette, Andreas and Huttner, Hagen B. and Jensen, Christoph and Kirchhof, Paulus and Korosoglou, Grigorius and Laufs, Ulrich and Liman, Jan and Morbach, Caroline and Navabi, Darius G{\"u}nther and Neumann-Haefelin, Tobias and Pfeilschifter, Waltraut and Poli, Sven and Rizos, Timolaos and Rolf, Andreas and R{\"o}ther, Joachim and Sch{\"a}bitz, Wolf R{\"u}diger and Steiner, Thorsten and Thomalla, G{\"o}tz and Wachter, Rolf and Haeusler, Karl Georg},
  title     = {Expert opinion paper on cardiac imaging after ischemic stroke},
  series = {Clinical Research in Cardiology},
  volume    = {110},
  journal   = {Clinical Research in Cardiology},
  number    = {7},
  issn      = {1861-0692},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00392-021-01834-x},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-266662},
  pages     = {938-958},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {This expert opinion paper on cardiac imaging after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) includes a statement of the "Heart and Brain" consortium of the German Cardiac Society and the German Stroke Society. The Stroke Unit-Commission of the German Stroke Society and the German Atrial Fibrillation NETwork (AFNET) endorsed this paper. Cardiac imaging is a key component of etiological work-up after stroke. Enhanced echocardiographic tools, constantly improving cardiac computer tomography (CT) as well as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer comprehensive non- or less-invasive cardiac evaluation at the expense of increased costs and/or radiation exposure. Certain imaging findings usually lead to a change in medical secondary stroke prevention or may influence medical treatment. However, there is no proof from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that the choice of the imaging method influences the prognosis of stroke patients. Summarizing present knowledge, the German Heart and Brain consortium proposes an interdisciplinary, staged standard diagnostic scheme for the detection of risk factors of cardio-embolic stroke. This expert opinion paper aims to give practical advice to physicians who are involved in stroke care. In line with the nature of an expert opinion paper, labeling of classes of recommendations is not provided, since many statements are based on expert opinion, reported case series, and clinical experience.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SahitiMorbachCejkaetal.2022,
  author    = {Sahiti, Floran and Morbach, Caroline and Cejka, Vladimir and Tiffe, Theresa and Wagner, Martin and Eichner, Felizitas A. and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Heuschmann, Peter U. and St{\"o}rk, Stefan},
  title     = {Impact of cardiovascular risk factors on myocardial work-insights from the STAAB cohort study},
  series = {Journal of Human Hypertension},
  volume    = {36},
  journal   = {Journal of Human Hypertension},
  number    = {3},
  issn      = {1476-5527},
  doi       = {10.1038/s41371-021-00509-4},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-271770},
  pages     = {235-245},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Myocardial work is a new echocardiography-based diagnostic tool, which allows to quantify left ventricular performance based on pressure-strain loops, and has been validated against invasively derived pressure-volume measurements. Myocardial work is described by its components (global constructive work [GCW], global wasted work [GWW]) and indices (global work index [GWI], global work efficiency [GWE]). Applying this innovative concept, we characterized the prevalence and severity of subclinical left ventricular compromise in the general population and estimated its association with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Within the Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure STAges A/B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) cohort study we comprehensively phenotyped a representative sample of the population of W{\"u}rzburg, Germany, aged 30-79 years. Indices of myocardial work were determined in 1929 individuals (49.3\% female, mean age 54 ± 12 years). In multivariable analysis, hypertension was associated with a mild increase in GCW, but a profound increase in GWW, resulting in higher GWI and lower GWE. All other CV risk factors were associated with lower GCW and GWI, but not with GWW. The association of hypertension and obesity with GWI was stronger in women. We conclude that traditional CV risk factors impact selectively and gender-specifically on left ventricular myocardial performance, independent of systolic blood pressure. Quantifying active systolic and diastolic compromise by derivation of myocardial work advances our understanding of pathophysiological processes in health and cardiac disease.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SahitiMorbachCejkaetal.2021,
  author    = {Sahiti, Floran and Morbach, Caroline and Cejka, Vladimir and Albert, Judith and Eichner, Felizitas A. and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Heuschmann, Peter U. and St{\"o}rk, Stefan},
  title     = {Left Ventricular Remodeling and Myocardial Work: Results From the Population-Based STAAB Cohort Study},
  series = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine},
  volume    = {8},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine},
  issn      = {2297-055X},
  doi       = {10.3389/fcvm.2021.669335},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-240480},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) dilatation and LV hypertrophy are acknowledged precursors of myocardial dysfunction and ultimately of heart failure, but the implications of abnormal LV geometry on myocardial function are not well-understood. Non-invasive LV myocardial work (MyW) assessment based on echocardiography-derived pressure-strain loops offers the opportunity to study detailed myocardial function in larger cohorts. We aimed to assess the relationship of LV geometry with MyW indices in general population free from heart failure. Methods and Results: We report cross-sectional baseline data from the Characteristics and Course of Heart Failure Stages A-B and Determinants of Progression (STAAB) cohort study investigating a representative sample of the general population of W{\"u}rzburg, Germany, aged 30-79 years. MyW analysis was performed in 1,926 individuals who were in sinus rhythm and free from valvular disease (49.3\% female, 54 ± 12 years). In multivariable regression, higher LV volume was associated with higher global wasted work (GWW) (+0.5 mmHg\% per mL/m\(^2\), p < 0.001) and lower global work efficiency (GWE) (-0.02\% per mL/m\(^2\), p < 0.01), while higher LV mass was associated with higher GWW (+0.45 mmHg\% per g/m\(^2\), p < 0.001) and global constructive work (GCW) (+2.05 mmHg\% per g/m\(^2\), p < 0.01) and lower GWE (-0.015\% per g/m\(^2\), p < 0.001). This was dominated by the blood pressure level and also observed in participants with normal LV geometry and concomitant hypertension. Conclusion: Abnormal LV geometric profiles were associated with a higher amount of wasted work, which translated into reduced work efficiency. The pattern of a disproportionate increase in GWW with higher LV mass might be an early sign of hypertensive heart disease.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MuellerScholdenKirchhofMorbachetal.2019,
  author    = {M{\"u}ller-Scholden, Lara and Kirchhof, Jan and Morbach, Caroline and Breunig, Margret and Meijer, Rudy and R{\"u}cker, Viktoria and Tiffe, Theresa and Yurdadogan, Tino and Wagner, Martin and Gelbrich, G{\"o}tz and Bots, Michiel L. and St{\"o}rk, Stefan and Heuschmann, Peter U.},
  title     = {Segment-specific association of carotid-intima-media thickness with cardiovascular risk factors - findings from the STAAB cohort study},
  series = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders},
  volume    = {19},
  journal   = {BMC Cardiovascular Disorders},
  number    = {84},
  doi       = {10.1186/s12872-019-1044-0},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-200720},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Background The guideline recommendation to not measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) for cardiovascular risk prediction is based on the assessment of just one single carotid segment. We evaluated whether there is a segment-specific association between different measurement locations of CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods Subjects from the population-based STAAB cohort study comprising subjects aged 30 to 79 years of the general population from W{\"u}rzburg, Germany, were investigated. CIMT was measured on the far wall of both sides in three different predefined locations: common carotid artery (CCA), bulb, and internal carotid artery (ICA). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, and obesity were considered as risk factors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, odds ratios of risk factors per location were estimated for the endpoint of individual age- and sex-adjusted 75th percentile of CIMT. Results 2492 subjects were included in the analysis. Segment-specific CIMT was highest in the bulb, followed by CCA, and lowest in the ICA. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking were associated with CIMT, but not diabetes and obesity. We observed no relevant segment-specific association between the three different locations and risk factors, except for a possible interaction between smoking and ICA. Conclusions As no segment-specific association between cardiovascular risk factors and CIMT became evident, one simple measurement of one location may suffice to assess the cardiovascular risk of an individual.},
  language  = {en}
}