Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Cardiac Rehabilitation: Does Body Mass Index Matter?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) class and physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of the OPTICARE trial. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured in participants with ACS (n = 359) using actigraphy at baseline, directly after completion of a multidisciplinary 12-week exercise-based CR program and 9 months thereafter. Outcome measures were step count and duration of time (percentage of wear time) spent in light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Participants were classified as normal weight (BMI = 18.5-24.99 kg/m2; n = 82), overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.99 kg/m2; n = 182), or obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2; n = 95). Linear mixed-effects models were applied to study the relationship between BMI class and physical activity and sedentary behavior.

RESULTS

At the start of CR, compared with participants with normal weight, participants with obesity made on average 1.11 steps fewer per minute (952 steps/d), spent 2.9% (25 min/d) less time in light physical activity, and spent 3.31% (28 min/d) more time in sedentary behavior. Participants of all BMI classes improved their physical activity and sedentary behavior levels similarly during CR, and these improvements were maintained after completion of CR.

CONCLUSION

Participants with ACS who had obesity started CR with a less favorable physical activity and sedentary behavior profile than that of participants with normal weight. Because all BMI classes showed similar improvement during CR, this deficit was preserved.

IMPACT

This study indicates that reconsideration of the CR program in the Netherlands for patients with ACS and obesity is warranted, and development of more inclusive interventions for specific populations is needed. A new program for people with obesity should include added counseling on increasing physical activity and preventing sedentary behavior to facilitate weight loss and reduce mortality risk.

LAY SUMMARY

People with ACS who have obesity are less active and sit more than individuals with normal weight, both during and after CR. This study suggests that CR needs to be changed to help individuals increase their physical activity to help them lose weight and reduce their risk of death.

Adherence to healthy lifestyle improved clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease patients after coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle modification is suggested for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but the impact of adherence to a healthy lifestyle remains undetermined. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of adherence to a healthy lifestyle with future outcomes and biochemical markers in CAD patients.

METHODS

The Biosignature CAD study examined 716 CAD patients who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Information was collected on whether these patients adhered to a healthier lifestyle after PCI, including healthy diet, not smoking, and exercise. The clinical outcomes included major cardiovascular events and unplanned revascularization procedures, hospitalization for refractory or unstable angina, and other causes.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 26.8 ± 8.1 months, during which 175 (24.4%) patients experienced at least one event. The combination of healthy lifestyle factors was associated with lower risk, and the maximum risk reduction reached 50% (hazard ratio: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.99). As the number of healthy lifestyle factors increased, there were decreases in inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p < 0.05). The benefits of modifiable healthy lifestyle factors were especially observed in the younger population, males, patients with HDL <40 mg/dL, those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and those receiving statin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle is independently associated with a lower risk of future adverse events in CAD patients and plays an important role in secondary prevention in the era of interventional cardiology.

Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Bibliometric Review From 2001 to 2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious threat to global public health due to its high prevalence and disability rate. Meanwhile, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has attracted increasing attention for its positive effects on the cardiovascular system. There is overwhelming evidence that CR for patients with CVD is effective in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To learn more about the development of CR, 5,567 papers about CR and related research were retrieved in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2001 to 2020. Then, these publications were scientometrically analyzed based on CiteSpace in terms of spatiotemporal distribution, author distribution, subject categories, topic distribution, and references. The results can be elaborated from three aspects. Firstly, the number of annual publications related to CR has increased year by year in general over the past two decades. Secondly, a co-occurrence analysis of the output countries and authors shows that a few developed countries such as the United States, Canada, and the UK are the most active in carrying out CR and where regional academic communities represented by Sherry Grace and Ross Arena were formed. Thirdly, an analysis of the subject categories and topic distribution of the papers reveals that CR is a typical interdiscipline with a wide range of disciplines involved, including clinical medicine, basic medicine, public health management, and sports science. The research topics cover the participants and implementers, components, and the objectives and requirements of CR. The current research hotspots are the three core modalities of CR, namely patient education, exercise training and mental support, as well as mobile health (mHealth) dependent on computer science. In conclusion, this work has provided some useful information for acquiring knowledge about CR, including identifying potential collaborators for researchers interested in CR, and discovering research trends and hot topics in CR, which can offer some guidance for more extensive and in-depth CR-related studies in the future.

Paradoxical impact of socioeconomic factors on outcome of atrial fibrillation in Europe: trends in incidence and mortality from atrial fibrillation

AIMS

The aim of this study was to understand the changing trends in atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence and mortality across Europe from 1990 to 2017, and how socioeconomic factors and sex differences play a role.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a temporal analysis of data from the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Database for 20 countries across Europe using Joinpoint regression analysis. Age-adjusted incidence, mortality, and mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs) to approximate case fatality rate are presented. Incidence and mortality trends were heterogenous throughout Europe, with Austria, Denmark, and Sweden experiencing peaks in incidence in the middle of the study period. Mortality rates were higher in wealthier countries with the highest being Sweden for both men and women (8.83 and 8.88 per 100 000, respectively) in 2017. MIRs were higher in women in all countries studied, with the disparity increasing the most over time in Germany (43.6% higher in women vs. men in 1990 to 74.5% higher in women in 2017).

CONCLUSION

AF incidence and mortality across Europe did not show a general trend, but unique patterns for some nations were observed. Higher mortality rates were observed in wealthier countries, potentially secondary to a survivor effect where patients survive long enough to suffer from AF and its complications. Outcomes for women with AF were worse than men, represented by higher MIRs. This suggests that there is widespread healthcare inequality between the sexes across Europe, or that there are biological differences between them in terms of their risk of adverse outcomes from AF.

Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves symptoms and survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We studied the change of diastolic function and its prognostic impact after CR. After reviewing all consecutive AMI patients from January 2012 to October 2015, we analyzed 405 patients (mean, 63.7 ± 11.7 years; 300 males) with baseline and follow-up echocardiographic examinations. We divided them into three groups according to their CR sessions: No-CR group (n = 225), insufficient-CR group (CR < 6 sessions, n = 117) and CR group (CR ≥ 6 sessions, n = 63). We compared echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction including E/e' ratio > 14, septal e' velocity < 7 cm/s, left atrial volume index (LAVI) > 34 mL/m2, and maximal TR velocity > 2.8 m/s. At baseline, there were no significant differences in all echocardiographic parameters among the three groups. At follow-up echocardiographic examination, mitral annular e' and a' velocities were higher in the CR group (p = 0.024, and p = 0.009, respectively), and mitral E/e' ratio was significantly lower (p = 0.009) in the CR group. The total number of echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction at the baseline echocardiography was similar (1.29 vs. 1.41 vs. 1.52, p = 0.358). However, the CR group showed the lowest number of diastolic parameters at the follow-up echocardiography (1.05 vs. 1.32 vs. 1.50, p = 0.017). There was a significant difference between the No-CR group and CR group (p = 0.021). The presence of CR was a significant determinant of major adverse cardiovascular events in the univariate analysis (HR = 0.606, p = 0.049). However, the significance disappeared in the multivariate analysis (HR = 0.738, p = 0.249). In conclusion, the CR was significantly associated with favorable diastolic function, with the highest mitral e' and a' velocity, and the lowest mitral E/e' ratio and total number of echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction at the follow-up echocardiographic examinations in AMI patients.

Association of Treatment Intensity and Adherence to Lipid-Lowering Therapy with Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among Post-MI Patients in Germany

Introduction

Patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) are at very high risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. This study evaluated the association of treatment intensity and adherence to lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among post-MI patients in Germany.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study using German health claims data (2010–2015). We included patients ≥ 18 years, with a history of MI and who started an LLT (statin and/or ezetimibe), between 2011 and 2013. The follow-up period started 1 year after the second LLT prescription and continued until MACE, all-cause death or December 31, 2015, whichever occurred first. Treatment intensity was classified based on expected low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction; adherence was measured by the proportion of days covered using prescription data. A combined adherence-adjusted intensity variable was created by multiplying intensity and adherence. We used Cox proportional hazards models to control for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index and other cardiovascular risk factors at baseline.

Results

A total of 14,944 patients were included. Mean age was 66.7 (SD = 13.0) years; 68.7% of patients were men. Each 10% increase in treatment intensity, adherence, or adherence-adjusted intensity was associated with a decrease in the risk of MACE of 17% (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.87), 5% (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.94–0.97), and 14% (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.90), respectively.

Conclusions

Higher treatment intensity and/or adherence of LLT was associated with significantly lower risk of MACE in post-MI patients. Strategies to tailor intensity to patient profiles and improve adherence could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01697-8.

Effect of nurse-led program on the exercise behavior of coronary artery patients: Pender's Health Promotion Model

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of nurse-led program based on Pender's Health Promotion Model on the exercise behaviors of coronary artery patients.

METHODS

The two-arm parallel, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 62 patients, intervention (n = 32) and control group (n = 30). Intervention group received a nurse-led program based on Pender's Health Promotion Model and routine follow-ups of control group continued. The health perception, perceived exercise self efficacy, perceived exercise benefits/barriers, exercise-related effect, exercise frequency and time were assessed at baseline, 4th, 8th and 12th weeks. The data were evaluated by frequency, percentage, median, mean and standard deviation, chi-square, Friedman and Mann Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

Health perception (62.6 ± 9.5; median:67.0; p < 0.001), perceived exercise benefit (105.8 ± 7.4; median:107.0; p < 0.001), perceived exercise self efficacy (71.2 ± 5.4; median: 71.5; p < 0.05), exercise-related effect (31.6 ± 6.0; median:34.0; p < 0.05), exercise frequency (4.8 ± 2.2; median:6.0 days/week; p < 0.05) and time (105.9 ± 53.6; median:130.0 min/week; p < 0.05) were higher and perceived barriers (43.1 ± 3.9; median: 42.0; p < 0.001) were lower in the intervention group at 12th week.

CONCLUSIONS

The nurse-led program has been shown to increase the exercise behavior in the intervention group.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Since it enables patients to gain and maintain exercise, it is highlighted the model to be integrated into clinical practice.

Clinical Impact of Weight-Loss Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Obesity is associated with the development and progression of multiple cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and is an important contributor to the global burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Guidelines suggest that clinicians provide lifestyle counseling and promote lifestyle modifications before considering weight-loss surgery. However, despite lifestyle modifications and increased physical activity, most patients with obesity will not lose significant weight or will experience weight regain. Weight-loss pharmacotherapy added to lifestyle modification has long been perceived as a bridge between lifestyle modifications alone and weight-loss surgery. However, since its inception, weight-loss pharmacotherapy has been plagued by variable efficacy and concern about cardiovascular safety. Following requirements from regulatory authorities, efficacy and cardiovascular safety trials have been conducted for the currently available weight-loss pharmacotherapeutic agents. Overall, these trials have shown that weight-loss pharmacotherapy is only modestly efficient for the inducement of weight loss. Recent trials have also demonstrated the cardiovascular safety of some of these agents. We review these trials with a focus on the clinical impact of these weight-loss pharmacotherapeutic agents in patients with atherosclerotic CVD.

Levels of Physical Activity and Their Relationship With Motivational Determinants, Self-Regulation, and Other Health-Related Parameters in University Students

Motivational processes and emotional self-regulation are relevant factors for predicting the practice of physical exercise and for certain health-related parameters. The aim of the present work, developed along two different phases, was, on the one hand, to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and, on the other hand, to carry out a comparative analysis between physically active and inactive university students in relation to their motivational determinants, emotional self-regulation, physical condition, health-related quality of life and other health parameters. The results obtained showed a prevalence of physical inactivity of 12.78%. Physically inactive participants showed significantly lower scores in intrinsic motivation, emotion regulation, and in some dimensions of health-related quality of life, as well as significantly high levels of body fat mass. Lastly, logistic regression analysis identified low scores in Emotional Clarity (p= .009) and Identified Regulation (p = .011), and high scores in Amotivation (p = .006) as reliable predictors of a physically inactive lifestyle. These results are useful for the design and implementation of programs aimed at promoting health and physical activity, with special attention on physically inactive youth populations.

Nonadherence to antihypertensive medications amongst patients with uncontrolled hypertension: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT

Medication nonadherence represents a modifiable risk factor for patients with hypertension. Identification of nonadherent patients could have significant clinical and economic implications in the management of uncontrolled hypertension.We analysed the results of 174 urinary adherence screens from patients referred to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, for uncontrolled hypertension. Cases were identified for evaluation by results of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of urine samples (males: 91; females: 83; age range: 17-87). We performed a binary logistic regression analysis for nonadherence using age, sex, and number of medications prescribed (both antihypertensives and non-antihypertensives separately) as independent predictors. Rates of nonadherence for individual antihypertensive drugs were calculated if prescribed to ≥10 patients.The overall rate of nonadherence to one or more prescribed antihypertensive medications was 40.3%. 14.4% of all patients were nonadherent to all prescribed antihypertensive medications (complete nonadherence), whereas 25.9% of all patients were nonadherent to at least 1, (but not all) prescribed antihypertensive medications (partial nonadherence). 72% of patients were prescribed ≥3 antihypertensives And for every increase in the number of antihypertensive medications prescribed, nonadherence increased with adjusted odds ratios of 2.9 (P < .001). Logistic regression showed that women were 3.3 times more likely to be nonadherent (P = .004). Polypharmacy (≥6 medications prescribed for hypertension and/or concomitant comorbidities) was prevalent in 52%. Bendroflumethiazide and chlortalidone demonstrated the highest and lowest nonadherences respectively (45.5% and 11.8%).Rate of nonadherence in patients with hypertension was significantly impacted by sex and number of antihypertensive medications prescribed. Understanding these factors is crucial in identifying and managing nonadherence.

Effectiveness of Home-Based Mobile Guided Cardiac Rehabilitation as Alternative Strategy for Nonparticipation in Clinic-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Elderly Patients in Europe: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Although nonparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation is known to increase cardiovascular mortality and hospital readmissions, more than half of patients with coronary artery disease in Europe are not participating in cardiac rehabilitation.

Objective

To assess whether a 6-month guided mobile cardiac rehabilitation (MCR) program is an effective therapy for elderly patients who decline participation in cardiac rehabilitation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Patients were enrolled in this parallel multicenter randomized clinical trial from November 11, 2015, to January 3, 2018, and follow-up was completed on January 17, 2019, in a secondary care system with 6 cardiac institutions across 5 European countries. Researchers assessing primary outcome were masked for group assignment. A total of 4236 patients were identified with a recent diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, coronary revascularization, or surgical or percutaneous treatment for valvular disease, or documented coronary artery disease, of whom 996 declined to start cardiac rehabilitation. Subsequently, 179 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria consented to participate in the European Study on Effectiveness and Sustainability of Current Cardiac Rehabilitation Programmes in the Elderly trial. Data were analyzed from January 21 to October 11, 2019.

Interventions

Six months of home-based cardiac rehabilitation with telemonitoring and coaching based on motivational interviewing was used to stimulate patients to reach exercise goals. Control patients did not receive any form of cardiac rehabilitation throughout the study period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome parameter was peak oxygen uptake (Vo2peak) after 6 months.

Results

Among 179 patients randomized (145 male [81%]; median age, 72 [range, 65-87] years), 159 (89%) were eligible for primary end point analysis. Follow-up at 1 year was completed for 151 patients (84%). Peak oxygen uptake improved in the MCR group (n = 89) at 6 and 12 months (1.6 [95% CI, 0.9-2.4] mL/kg-1/min-1 and 1.2 [95% CI, 0.4-2.0] mL/kg-1/min-1, respectively), whereas there was no improvement in the control group (n = 90) (+0.2 [95% CI, -0.4 to 0.8] mL/kg-1/min-1 and +0.1 [95% CI, -0.5 to 0.7] mL/kg-1/min-1, respectively). Changes in Vo2peak were greater in the MCR vs control groups at 6 months (+1.2 [95% CI, 0.2 to 2.1] mL/kg-1/min-1) and 12 months (+0.9 [95% CI, 0.05 to 1.8] mL/kg-1/min-1). The incidence of adverse events was low and did not differ between the MCR and control groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that a 6-month home-based MCR program for patients 65 years or older with coronary artery disease or a valvular intervention was safe and beneficial in improving Vo2peak when compared with no cardiac rehabilitation.

Trial Registration

trialregister.nl Identifier: NL5168.

Improved coordination of care after acute myocardial infarction in Poland since 2017: Promising early results

A new model of complex patient care after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been in operation in Poland since late 2017, comprising invasive treatment, cardiac rehabilitation and scheduled outpatient follow-up. Its stated objectives are to improve secondary prevention measures, quality of care and long-term health outcomes in AMI-patients. The model implements all key aspects of post-MI care recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), representing the first nation-wide model of structured and comprehensive post-MI care that closely follows ESC guidelines. The aim of this paper is to describe the background of this reform, its content and implementation as well as to assess its results. Early outcomes seem promising, with significantly lower mortality rate and lower risk of serious cardiological events in patients participating in the new model of care compared to patients who were not included. A comprehensive assessment of the reform will require further clinical data, covering a larger population and a longer period of time, as well as a holistic analysis of the programme in its wider context, taking into account potential benefits and cost-effectiveness of improved primary prevention implemented outside of this model.

Polypill eligibility and equivalent intake in a Swiss population-based study

The polypill has been advocated for cardiovascular disease (CVD) management. The fraction of the population who could benefit from the polypill in Switzerland is unknown. Assess (1) the prevalence of subjects (a) eligible for the polypill and (b) already taking a polypill equivalent; and (2) the determinants of polypill intake in the first (2009–2012) and second follow-ups (2014–2017) of a population-based prospective study conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland. The first and the second follow-ups included 5038 and 4596 participants aged 40–80 years, respectively. Polypill eligibility was defined as having a high CVD risk as assessed by an absolute CVD risk ≥ 5% with the SCORE equation for Switzerland and/or presenting with CVD. Four polypill equivalents were defined: statin + any antihypertensive with (A) or without (B) aspirin; statin + calcium channel blocker (CCB) (C); and statin + CCB + angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (D). The prevalence of polypill eligibility was 20.6% (95% CI 19.5–21.8) and 27.7% (26.5–29.1) in the first and second follow-up, respectively. However, only around one-third of the eligible 29.5% (95% CI 26.7–32.3) and 30.4% (27.9–33.0) respectively, already took the polypill equivalents. All polypill equivalents were more prevalent among men, elderly and in presence of CVD. After multivariable adjustment, in both periods, male gender was associated with taking polypill equivalent A (OR: 1.93; 95% CI 1.45–2.55 and OR: 1.67; 95% CI 1.27–2.19, respectively) and polypill equivalent B (OR: 1.52; 95% CI 1.17–1.96 and OR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.07–1.85, respectively). Similarly, in both periods, age over 70 years, compared to middle-age, was associated with taking polypill equivalent A (OR: 11.71; CI 6.74–20.33 and OR: 9.56; CI 4.13–22.13, respectively) and equivalent B (OR: 13.22; CI 7.27–24.07 and OR: 20.63; CI 6.51–56.36, respectively). Former or current smoking was also associated with a higher likelihood of taking polypill equivalent A in both periods. A large fraction of the population is eligible for the polypill, but only one-third of them actually benefits from an equivalent, and this proportion did not change over time.

Short- and long-term effects of the patient education strategy-learning and coping-in cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial (LC-REHAB)

The objectives were to assess the short- and long-term effect of the patient education strategy 'Learning and Coping' (LC) in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on health-related quality of life, patient education impact, cardiac risk factors and lifestyle. In total, 825 patients hospitalized with ischaemic heart disease or heart failure were randomized to either LC-CR or standard CR at three Danish hospitals. Teaching approach in LC-CR was situational, inductive and reflective, with experienced patients as co-educators and supplemental interviews. Teaching approach in standard CR was structured and deductive. Outcomes were assessed immediately after CR, and after 3 months (short term), and after 3 years (long term). Between-arm differences in favour of LC-CR were SF-12 'role emotional' (3.7, 95% CI: 0.6-6.8) and MDI depression score (0.9, 0.1-1.8) immediately after CR, exercise capacity (4 W, 1-9) at 3 months and SF-12 'role physical' (4.6, 0.1-9.0) (long term). Between-arm differences in favour of controls were waist circumference (-1.7 cm, -2.3 to -1.0) immediately after CR and HeiQ domain 'Constructive attitudes and approaches' (0.11, 0.04-0.18), triglycerides (-0.12 mmol/l, -0.21 to -0.02), systolic blood pressure (-3.12 mmHg, -5.66 to -0.58) at 3 months. Adding LC strategies to CR provides inconsistent short-term results but improves 'role physical' long term.

Smartphone-guided secondary prevention for patients with coronary artery disease

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Lifestyle change is a crucial part of secondary prevention. Only 30% of CAD patients follow the corresponding guideline recommendations. The widespread adoption of smartphones offers the opportunity to integrate secondary prevention into the daily routine of CAD patients.

Methods

We developed an app to integrate secondary prevention into CAD patients’ everyday life (smartphone-guided secondary prevention, SGSP). The app provided a daily 15-minute program that included video-guided exercises, video sessions with background information about CAD, and a tool to record blood pressure and heart rate once a day. The SGSP app was tested with the primary outcome of 28-day adherence. The secondary outcome was a composite of (1) self-reported behavioral changes, (2) gain of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors, and (3) an increase in quality of life.

Results

Of the 66 patients screened, 43 (65%) were included into the study and, of those, 17 (40%) used the app continuously for 28 days. From this group, 14 (82%) were physically more active and ten (59%) improved their dietary habits. Usage of the SGSP app was also associated with a gain of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors (70% physical activity, 59% healthy diet).

Conclusion

The regular use of a SGSP app appears to support lifestyle changes in patients with CAD.

Contemplation-action-maintenance model of behaviour change for persons with coronary heart disease: A qualitative study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore factors of health behaviour maintenance from the perspective of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.

BACKGROUND

The majority of CHD patients do not achieve appropriate theory-based intervention to maintain health behaviours. Previous health behaviour change theories give little importance to behaviour maintenance.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study.

METHODS

Thirty CHD patients were recruited purposively and interviewed from four hospitals in Beijing, China, during January 2017-August 2019. Data were analysed using template analysis methods. The COREQ checklist was used.

RESULTS

Perceived enjoyment and perceived effectiveness from the newly adopted behaviours emerged as vital factors for maintaining health behaviour; contemplation-action-maintenance (CAM) model to explain the behaviour change and maintenance of CHD patients was constructed.

CONCLUSIONS

The CAM model provides insight into the factors of health behaviour action and maintenance among CHD patients. Professionals can develop interventions from the perspective of patients' experiences to promote maintenance of behaviour.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Professionals need to consider that the goal of behavioural intervention should initially and continuously target patients' perseverance. Interventions of health behaviour that bring enjoyment may aid long-term maintenance. Also, healthcare providers can enhance patients' perception of effectiveness to motivate their behaviour maintenance in lifestyle change programmes.

Clinical impact and room for improvement of intensity and adherence to lipid lowering therapy: Five years of clinical follow-up from 164,565 post-myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND

In patients at risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) is affected by both intensity and adherence. Our study evaluated the association between LLT intensity (statin and/or ezetimibe) and adherence, and CV events in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) in France.

METHODS

Using the French national healthcare database (SNDS), we included patients with a history of MI, an initial LLT prescription in 2011-2013, and a second prescription within one year. LLT intensity was defined using the expected percent reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; adherence was measured as the proportion of days covered. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations between intensity and/or adherence, and the risk of major adverse CV event (MACE).

RESULTS

164,565 patients were included; mean (SD) age, 66·3 (13·8) years; 73·6% men. Following an MI, only half of patients were treated with high-intensity LLT and approximately 40% of those on LLT remained non-adherent during follow-up (mean (SD) follow-up, 2·6 (1·4) years). Each 10% increase in treatment intensity, adherence, or adherence-adjusted intensity was respectively associated with a 16% (HR 0.84, 95%CI 0.84-0.85), 7% (HR 0.93, 95%CI 0.93-0.94), and 15% (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.84-0.86) decrease in the risk of MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with a history of MI, prescriptions of high-intensity LLT were limited and adherence to LLT was low. Higher intensity and/or adherence to statins was associated with a significantly lower risk of MACE, highlighting the importance of compliance with clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes.

The gap between stated importance of and clinical work in promoting healthy lifestyle habits by healthcare professionals in a Swedish hospital setting: A cross-sectional survey

The objective of this study was to explore the stated importance of promoting healthy lifestyle habits (alcohol, eating habits, physical activity and tobacco) by healthcare professionals, and to what extent these attitudes were translated into clinical work. In 2014, healthcare professionals (n = 251) from cardiology departments in two hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden, participated in a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire included topics regarding stated importance and clinical work undertaken to promote healthy lifestyle habits. Personal and organisational factors of potential importance, expectations and future work were also explored. To analyse differences in stated importance and clinical work within and between lifestyle factors, comparisons of proportions were performed with 99% confidence intervals (CI). Relationships between stated importance and clinical work were investigated using logistic regression. The majority of healthcare professionals stated that it was 'very important' to promote healthy lifestyle habits among patients in general (69%-94%) and in their own clinical work (63%-80%). Despite this, always asking questions (18%-41%) or providing counselling (11%-23%) regarding lifestyle habits was reported to be rare. Overall, tobacco cessation was considered the most important behavioural change and was more often included in clinical work compared to promoting physical activity, healthy eating habits and limiting alcohol use. Clinical work was mainly influenced by to what extent the healthcare professional perceived clear organisational routines and objectives. In conclusion, we observed a gap between stated importance and clinical work in the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits among healthcare professionals. There were differences between lifestyle factors, indicating that work with tobacco cessation is the most established. Our results suggest that in order to promote patients' lifestyle habits in line with evidence-based guidelines, healthcare management should focus on and improve organisational routines and objectives.

Vascular risk factor control and adherence to secondary preventive medication after ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Studies regarding adequacy of secondary stroke prevention are limited. We report medication adherence, risk factor control and factors influencing vascular risk profile following ischaemic stroke.

METHODS

A total of 664 home-dwelling participants in the Norwegian Cognitive Impairment After Stroke study, a multicenter observational study, were evaluated 3 and 18 months poststroke. We assessed medication adherence by self-reporting (4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale) and medication persistence (defined as continuation of medication(s) prescribed at discharge), achievement of guideline-defined targets of blood pressure (BP) (<140/90 mmHg), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (<2.0 mmol L^-1 ) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (≤53 mmol mol^-1 ) and determinants of risk factor control.

RESULTS

At discharge, 97% were prescribed antithrombotics, 88% lipid-lowering drugs, 68% antihypertensives and 12% antidiabetic drugs. Persistence of users declined to 99%, 88%, 93% and 95%, respectively, at 18 months. After 3 and 18 months, 80% and 73% reported high adherence. After 3 and 18 months, 40.7% and 47.0% gained BP control, 48.4% and 44.6% achieved LDL-C control, and 69.2% and 69.5% of diabetic patients achieved HbA1c control. Advanced age was associated with increased LDL-C control (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.06) and reduced BP control (OR 0.98, 0.96 to 0.99). Women had poorer LDL-C control (OR 0.60, 0.37 to 0.98). Polypharmacy was associated with increased LDL-C control (OR 1.29, 1.18 to 1.41) and reduced HbA1c control (OR 0.76, 0.60 to 0.98).

CONCLUSION

Risk factor control is suboptimal despite high medication persistence and adherence. Improved understanding of this complex clinical setting is needed for optimization of secondary preventive strategies.

Association of Socioeconomic Status With Risk Factor Target Achievements and Use of Secondary Prevention After Myocardial Infarction

Importance

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poor long-term prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). Plausible underlying mechanisms have received limited study.

Objective

To assess whether SES is associated with risk factor target achievements or with risk-modifying activities, including cardiac rehabilitation programs, monitoring, and drug therapies, during the first year after MI.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included a population-based consecutive sample of 30 191 one-year survivors of first-ever MI who were 18 to 76 years of age, resided in the general community in Sweden, were followed up until their routine 11- to 15-month revisit, and were registered in the national registry Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) from 2006 through 2013. Data analyses were performed from January to August 2020.

Exposure

Individual-level SES by proxy disposable income quintile. Secondary exposures were educational level and marital status.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for achieved risk factor targets at the 1-year revisit and for use of guideline-recommended secondary prevention activities.

Results

The study comprised 30 191 participants (72.9% men) with a mean (SD) age of 63.0 (8.6) years. Overall, higher SES was associated with better target achievements and use of most secondary prevention. The highest (vs lowest) income quintile was associated with achieved smoking cessation (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.78-2.35), target blood pressure levels (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.27), and glycated hemoglobin levels (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19-2.06). The highest-income quintile was associated not only with participation in physical training programs (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 2.11-2.46) and patient educational sessions (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 2.12-2.47) in cardiac rehabilitation but also with more monitoring of lipid profiles (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.08-1.33) and intensification of statin therapy (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.35) during the first year after MI. One year after MI, the highest-income quintile was associated with persistent use of statins (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.10-1.45), high-intensity statins (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.21), and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.08-1.49).

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings indicated that, in a publicly financed health care system, higher SES was associated with better achievement of most risk factor targets, programs aimed at lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapies after MI. Observed differences in secondary prevention activity may be a factor in higher long-term risk of recurrent disease among individuals with low SES.

Gender differences in screening for glucose perturbations, cardiovascular risk factor management and prognosis in patients with dysglycaemia and coronary artery disease: results from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE surveys

Background

Gender disparities in the management of dysglycaemia, defined as either impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or type 2 diabetes (T2DM), in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients are a medical challenge. Recent data from two nationwide cohorts of patients suggested no gender difference as regards the risk for diabetes-related CV complications but indicated the presence of a gender disparity in risk factor management. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in screening for dysglycaemia, cardiovascular risk factor management and prognosis in dysglycemic CAD patients.

Methods

The study population (n = 16,259; 4077 women) included 7998 patients from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE IV (EAIV: 2012–2013, 79 centres in 24 countries) and 8261 patients from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V (EAV: 2016–2017, 131 centres in 27 countries) cross-sectional surveys. In each centre, patients were investigated with standardised methods by centrally trained staff and those without known diabetes were offered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The first of CV death or hospitalisation for non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure or revascularization served as endpoint. Median follow-up time was 1.7 years. The association between gender and time to the occurrence of the endpoint was evaluated using Cox survival modelling, adjusting for age.

Results

Known diabetes was more common among women (32.9%) than men (28.4%, p < 0.0001). OGTT (n = 8655) disclosed IGT in 17.2% of women vs. 15.1% of men (p = 0.004) and diabetes in 13.4% of women vs. 14.6% of men (p = 0.078). In both known diabetes and newly detected dysglycaemia groups, women were older, with higher proportions of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and obesity. HbA1c was higher in women with known diabetes. Recommended targets of physical activity, blood pressure and cholesterol were achieved by significantly lower proportions of women than men. Women with known diabetes had higher risk for the endpoint than men (age-adjusted HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04–1.43).

Conclusions

Guideline-recommended risk factor control is poorer in dysglycemic women than men. This may contribute to the worse prognosis in CAD women with known diabetes.

The coincidence of low vitamin K status and high expression of growth differentiation factor 15 may indicate increased mortality risk in stable coronary heart disease patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a natural inhibitor of vascular calcification critically dependent on circulating vitamin K status. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a regulatory cytokine mainly of the inflammatory and angiogenesis pathways, but potentially also involved in bone mineralization. We sought to determine whether these two circulating biomarkers jointly influenced morbidity and mortality risk in patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

894 patients ≥6 months after myocardial infarction and/or coronary revascularization at baseline were followed in a prospective study. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, any revascularization), and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) were followed as outcomes. Desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP (dp-ucMGP) was used as a biomarker of vitamin K status. Both, increased concentrations of dp-ucMGP (≥884 pmol/L) and GDF-15 (≥1339 pg/mL) were identified as independent predictors of 5-year all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. However, their coincidence further increased mortality risk. The highest risk was observed in patients with high dp-ucMGP plus high GDF-15, not only when compared with those with "normal" concentrations of both biomarkers [HR 5.51 (95% CI 2.91-10.44), p < 0.0001 and 6.79 (95% CI 3.06-15.08), p < 0.0001 for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively], but even when compared with patients with only one factor increased. This pattern was less convincing with non-fatal cardiovascular events or hospitalization for HF.

CONCLUSIONS

The individual coincidence of low vitamin K status (high dp-ucMGP) and high GDF-15 expression predicts poor survival of stable CHD patients.

Lifestyle Intervention in Chronic Ischaemic Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes (the LeIKD study): study protocol of a prospective, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines recommend lifestyle intervention in chronic ischaemic heart disease (CIHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, evidence from randomised controlled trials is scarce in patients with combined entities.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Lifestyle Intervention in Chronic Ischaemic Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes (LeIKD) trial is a prospective, multicentre study that will randomise (1:1) patients with CIHD (ICD-10: I20-I25) and T2DM (ICD-10: E11) from one health insurance company into a lifestyle intervention (LS) or usual care (UC). Active LS consists of an individual combined exercise programme of strength and endurance training and nutritional counselling with regular feedback for 6 months. Intervention is supported by telemedicine. Follow-up without individualised feedback will continue for 6 months. The study aims to investigate whether an individualised telemedical supported LS intervention is superior to UC in improving cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity, quality of life, health literacy, major cardiovascular events and health economics in patients with both CIHD and T2DM. Primary endpoint is the change in HbA1c from baseline to 6 months.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the ethics committee of the Technical University of Munich (registration number: 144/18-S) and at each study site. The study will be conducted according to the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki, and results will be published in articles and reports. It is funded by the Federal Joint Committee (www.innovationsfonds.g-ba.de), reference number 01NVF17015, which has no impact on data collection, analysis or interpretation. Dissemination is independent of the funding source.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Clinical trials.gov identifier: NCT03835923. German registry for clinical studies (DRKS): DRKS00015140.

Comparison of cardiac rehabilitation (exercise + education), exercise only, and usual care for patients with coronary artery disease: A non-randomized retrospective analysis

Cardiac rehabilitation program is well-established but the Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction Trial (RAMIT) is reported that it does not affect mortality and morbidity of patients after myocardial infarction during follow-up period. The objectives of the study were to compare functional walking capacity, risk factor control, and morbidities in follow-up for cardiac rehabilitation (exercise + education), exercise only, and usual care among patients with coronary artery disease. A total of 492 male and female patients (age range: 45-73 years) with coronary artery disease after myocardial infarction or underwent percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries referred to cardiac rehabilitation were included in the study. Patients were participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program (exercise + education, CRP cohort, n = 125), exercise only (USC cohort, n = 182), or usual care (NCR cohort, n = 185). Data regarding incremental shuttle walk test, lipid profile, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, and morbidities in follow-up of patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. After completion of 1 year, cardiac rehabilitation program (p < 0.0001, q = 20.939) and exercise (p < 0.0001, q = 6.059) were successfully increased incremental shuttle walk test. After completion of 1 year, cardiac rehabilitation program reduced low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.007, q = 3.349) and depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001, q = 5.649). Morbidities were reported fewer in the patients of CRP cohort than those of USC (p = 0.003, q = 3.427) and NCR (p = 0.003, q = 4.822) cohorts after completion of 1 year of program. Cardiac rehabilitation program (exercise +education) improved functional walking capacity, controlled risk factors, and reduced morbidities of patients with coronary artery disease than exercise only and usual care (Level of evidence: III).

Real-time imputation of missing predictor values improved the application of prediction models in daily practice

OBJECTIVES

In clinical practice, many prediction models cannot be used when predictor values are missing. We, therefore, propose and evaluate methods for real-time imputation.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We describe (i) mean imputation (where missing values are replaced by the sample mean), (ii) joint modeling imputation (JMI, where we use a multivariate normal approximation to generate patient-specific imputations), and (iii) conditional modeling imputation (CMI, where a multivariable imputation model is derived for each predictor from a population). We compared these methods in a case study evaluating the root mean squared error (RMSE) and coverage of the 95% confidence intervals (i.e., the proportion of confidence intervals that contain the true predictor value) of imputed predictor values.

RESULTS

-RMSE was lowest when adopting JMI or CMI, although imputation of individual predictors did not always lead to substantial improvements as compared to mean imputation. JMI and CMI appeared particularly useful when the values of multiple predictors of the model were missing. Coverage reached the nominal level (i.e., 95%) for both CMI and JMI.

CONCLUSION

Multiple imputations using either CMI or JMI is recommended when dealing with missing predictor values in real-time settings.

Self-care and related factors associated with left ventricular systolic function in patients under follow-up after myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in treatment have led to long-term survival after myocardial infarction (MI), but subsequent complications such as heart failure have also increased, and, therefore, the relationship between prognosis and self-care needs to be investigated.

AIMS

This study aimed to confirm the relationship of potential variables affecting self-care of patients after MI and to determine whether self-care predicts left ventricular systolic function.

METHODS

Using a descriptive study design, a hypothetical model was constructed based on previous studies, and 191 post-MI patients were recruited from three university hospital outpatient clinics in Korea. The modified model was verified by constructing a structural equation model using AMOS version 24.0. The exogenous variables were illness perception, social support, and depression symptoms. The endogenous variables were self-efficacy, self-care compliance, and changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

RESULTS

The average patient age and disease duration were 66.3 (±11.5) years and 62.1 (±56.6) months, respectively. Self-care compliance was directly influenced by self-efficacy and indirectly affected by social support. Self-care compliance had a direct effect on LVEF changes, which was indirectly associated with illness perception, social support, and self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the direct effect of self-care compliance on changes in LVEF in patients under follow-up after MI. It is necessary to periodically monitor the degree of self-care in outpatients who are undergoing follow-up after MI to prevent a decrease in cardiac function. Counseling and education may be effective forms of social support to improve disease awareness and self-efficacy among patients with low self-care compliance.

Risk factors for coronary heart disease and family medicine: What can be done?

Background / Aim: More people die each year due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than from any other cause. The most common cause of ischaemic heart diseases (IHD) is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) can be preventable and non-preventable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of individual risk factors in patients with CHD. Methods: Retrospective analysis included patients with diagnoses of stable angina pectoris (AP), unstable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction - acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and ischaemic cardiomyopathy (iCMP). The prevalence of the following risk factors for IHD was analysed: hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cholesterol, smoking, family history, age and sex. Data were taken from the Register of Patients with Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors and electronic patient records. Results: Of the total number of respondents older than 18, 4.95 % had CHD. Of the 178 patients with IHD, 70 (39.3 %) patients had AP, 60 (33.7 %) patients had ACS and 48 (27.0 %) patients had iCMP. Positive family history had 63.5 % of patients, 72 % were older than 66, 24.1 % were smokers and 74.2 % of patients had elevated blood cholesterol levels. Diabetes mellitus affected 29.2 % of patients, hypertension 88.8 %, and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had 70.8 % of patients. Of the total number of patients with ACS, 68.3 % were men, while higher percentage of women suffered from AP (62.9 %) (p = 0.002). In the age below 65, CHD was more common in men (p = 0.007). Cholesterol was elevated more often in patients with AP than iCMP (p = 0.001). Patients with ACS were more likely to have diabetes mellitus compared to patients with AP and iCMP (p = 0.010). Conclusion: The prevalence of preventable risk factors is alarmingly high. Of particular importance is the timely detection and treatment of risk factors by family physicians and strengthening the personal responsibility of each individual in choosing their lifestyle and active involvement in the therapeutic process.

Promoting adherence to physical activity among individuals with cardiovascular disease using behavioral counseling: A theory and research-based primer for health care professionals

Physical activity (PA) promotion remains a cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). While frontline health care providers (HCPs; e.g., family physicians, cardiologists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, etc.) are in an optimal position to administer PA-promoting interventions to their patients, many HCPs may feel ill-equipped to address common obstacles to implementing and maintaining complex health behavior change. Behavioral counseling refers to a collection of theory- and empirically-supported strategies and approaches to health behavior promotion that can be learned and applied by HCPs for CVD prevention and treatment. In this selective review, we discuss prominent theories of health behavior change and the empirical intervention literature regarding PA promotion in community and CVD-samples and provide practical recommendations for integrating effective behavioral counseling strategies to clinical practice for frontline HCPs. We argue that behavioral counseling interventions for PA can be effectively executed within the contextual constraints of health settings through subtle shifts in communication strategies and brief counseling approaches. The administration of behavioral counseling for PA by HCPs has enormous potential to reduce CVD incidence and progression at a population level.

Prediction of recurrent event in patients with coronary heart disease: the EUROASPIRE Risk Model

AIMS

Most patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at very high risk for developing recurrent events. Since this risk varies a lot between patients there is a need to identify those in whom an even more intensive secondary prevention strategy should be envisaged. Using data from the EUROASPIRE IV and V cohorts of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients from 27 European countries, we aimed at developing and internally and externally validating a risk model predicting recurrent CVD events in patients aged < 75 years.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective data were available for 12 484 patients after a median follow-up time of 1.7 years. The primary endpoint, a composite of fatal CVD or new hospitalizations for non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure, coronary artery bypass graft, or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), occurred in 1424 patients. The model was developed based on data from 8000 randomly selected patients in whom the association between potential risk factors and the incidence of the primary endpoint was investigated. This model was then validated in the remaining 4484 patients. The final multivariate model revealed a higher risk for the primary endpoint with increasing age, a previous hospitalization for stroke, heart failure or PCI, a previous diagnosis of peripheral artery disease, self-reported diabetes and its glycaemic control, higher non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, reduced renal function, symptoms of depression and anxiety and living in a higher risk country. The model demonstrated excellent internal validity and proved very adequate in the validation cohort. Regarding external validity, the model demonstrated good discriminative ability in 20 148 MI patients participating in the SWEDEHEART register. Finally, we developed a risk calculator to estimate risks at 1 and 2 years for patients with stable CHD.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CHD, fatal and non-fatal rates of recurrent CVD events are high. However, there are still opportunities to optimize their management in order to prevent further disease or death. The EUROASPIRE Risk Calculator may be of help to reach this goal.

Acute glycaemic management before, during and after exercise for cardiac rehabilitation participants with diabetes mellitus: a joint statement of the British and Canadian Associations of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, the International Council for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation and the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences

Type 1 (T1) and type 2 (T2) diabetes mellitus (DM) are significant precursors and comorbidities to cardiovascular disease and prevalence of both types is still rising globally. Currently,~25% of participants (and rising) attending cardiac rehabilitation in Europe, North America and Australia have been reported to have DM (>90% have T2DM). While there is some debate over whether improving glycaemic control in those with heart disease can independently improve future cardiovascular health-related outcomes, for the individual patient whose blood glucose is well controlled, it can aid the exercise programme in being more efficacious. Good glycaemic management not only helps to mitigate the risk of acute glycaemic events during exercising, it also aids in achieving the requisite physiological and psycho-social aims of the exercise component of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). These benefits are strongly associated with effective behaviour change, including increased enjoyment, adherence and self-efficacy. It is known that CR participants with DM have lower uptake and adherence rates compared with those without DM. This expert statement provides CR practitioners with nine recommendations aimed to aid in the participant's improved blood glucose control before, during and after exercise so as to prevent the risk of glycaemic events that could mitigate their beneficial participation.

Smoking cessation: strategies and effects in primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention

Although smoking is seen as a major health problem by most clinicians, few are able to provide evidence based smoking cessation interventions to their patients. Most individuals who smoke actually want to quit. Unfortunately, smoking is still seen as a vice or lifestyle choice, when it is actually a chronic disease which often starts in adolescence. Nicotine dependence is complex and must be quantified and treated differently for each patient in order to achieve high quit rates. Smoking has a significant impact on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Smoking cessation is a cost effective and often overlooked prevention tool which improves both short- and long-term outcomes. There are both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for smoking cessation that can be applied in clinical practice. Brief advice, specialized counseling including therapeutic education and behavioral support, and first- and second-line pharmacological interventions have been proven to be effective to help smokers quit. Although classically tobacco dependence was seen in relation to smoking, since the early 2000s, new nicotine delivery systems have appeared on the market, which despite being marketed as "healthy" alternatives, can often complicate smoking cessation efforts and act as gateway devices for new generations of smokers. In this article we review the results of several large systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which have shown that many cessation strategies are effective. We also offer practical tips on providing brief cessation advice and how pharmacotherapy can be prescribed and incorporated into clinical practice in both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Recommendations on the utilization of telemedicine in cardiology

The enormous progress made in recent years in the field of information and communication technology and also in sensor and computer technology has affected numerous fields of medicine and is capable of inducing even radical changes in diagnostic and therapeutic processes. This is particularly true for cardiology, where, for example, telemetric monitoring of cardiac and circulatory functions has been in use for many years. Nevertheless, broad application of newer telemedical processes has not yet been achieved to the extent one would expect from the encouraging results of numerous clinical studies in this field and the state of the art of the underlying technology. In the present paper, the Working Group on Rhythmology of the Austrian Cardiological Society aims to provoke a critical discussion of the digital change in cardiology and to make recommendations for the implementation of those telemedical processes that have been shown to exert positive effects on a wide variety of medical and economic parameters. The greatest benefit of telecardiological applications is certainly to be found in the long-term care of patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, follow-up care of patients with cardiological rhythm implants, management of chronic heart failure and secondary prevention following an acute cardiac event during rehabilitation are currently the most important fields of application. Telemedicine is intended to enable high-quality and cost-efficient care for an increasing number of patients, whose care poses one of the greatest challenges to our healthcare system. Not least of all, telemedicine should make a decisive contribution to improving the quality of life of this segment of the population by favorably influencing mortality, morbidity and hospitalization as well as the patient's contribution to treatment.

Is There Really an Association of High Circulating Adiponectin Concentration and Mortality or Morbidity Risk in Stable Coronary Artery Disease?

Adiponectin has several beneficial properties, namely, on the level of glucose metabolism, but paradoxically, its high concentrations were associated with increased mortality. We aimed to clarify the impact of high serum adiponectin on mortality and morbidity in patients with stable coronary artery heart disease (CAD). A total of 973 patients after myocardial infarction and/or coronary revascularization were followed in a prospective cohort study. All-cause and cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal cardiovascular events, and hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) were registered as outcomes. High serum adiponectin levels (≥8.58 ng/ml, i. e., above median) were independently associated with increased risk of 5-year all-cause, CV mortality or HF [with HRR 1.57 (95% CI: 1.07-2.30), 1.74 (95% CI: 1.08-2.81) or 1.94 (95% CI: 1.20-3.12), respectively] when adjusted just for conventional risk factors. However, its significance disappeared if brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was included in a regression model. In line with this, we observed strong collinearity of adiponectin and BNP. Additionally, major adverse cardiovascular event (i. e., CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke, coronary revascularization) incidence risk was not associated with high adiponectin. In conclusion, the observed inverse association between adiponectin concentrations and mortality risk seems to be attributable to concomitantly increased BNP, rather than high adiponectin being a causal factor.

Identification of Genetic Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction Compared with Angina Patients

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most terrible appearance of cardiovascular disease. The incidence of heart failure, one of the complications of MI, has increased in the past few decades. Therefore, the identification of MI from angina patients and the determination of new diagnoses and therapies of MI are increasingly important. The present study was aimed at identifying differentially expressed genes and miRNAs as biomarkers for the clinical and prognosis factors of MI compared with angina using microarray data analysis.

Methods

Differentially expressed miRNAs and genes were manifested by GEO2R. The biological function of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was examined by GO and KEGG. The construction of a protein-protein network was explored by STRING. cytoHubba was utilized to screen hub genes. Analysis of miRNA-gene pairs was executed by the miRWalk 3.0 database. The miRNA-target pairs overlapped with hub genes were seen as key genes. Logistic regressive analysis was performed by SPSS.

Results

A number of 779 DEGs were recorded. The biological function containing extracellular components, signaling pathways, and cell adhesion was enriched. Twenty-four hub genes and three differentially expressed miRNAs were noted. Eight key genes were demonstrated, and 6 out of these 8 key genes were significantly related to clinical and prognosis factors following MI.

Conclusions

CALCA, CDK6, MDM2, NRXN1, SOCS3, VEGFA, SMAD4, NCAM1, and hsa-miR-127-5p were thought to be potential diagnosis biomarkers for MI. Meanwhile, CALCA, CDK6, NRXN1, SMAD4, SOCS3, and NCAM1 were further identified to be potential diagnosis and therapy targets for MI.

Cardiovascular risk factors during cancer treatment. Prevalence and prognostic relevance: insights from the CARDIOTOX registry

Aims

The actual usefulness of cardiovascular (CV) risk factor assessment in the prognostic evaluation of cancer patients treated with cardiotoxic treatment remains largely unknown. Prospective multicentre study in patients scheduled to receive anticancer therapy related with moderate/high cardiotoxic risk.

Methods and results

A total of 1324 patients underwent follow-up in a dedicated cardio-oncology clinic from April 2012 to October 2017. Special care was given to the identification and control of CV risk factors. Clinical data, blood samples, and echocardiographic parameters were prospectively collected according to protocol, at baseline before cancer therapy and then at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 1.5 years, and 2 years after initiation of cancer therapy. At baseline, 893 patients (67.4%) presented at least one risk factor, with a significant number of patients newly diagnosed during follow-up. Individual risk factors were not related with worse prognosis during a 2-year follow-up. However, a higher Systemic Coronary Risk Estimation (SCORE) was significantly associated with higher rates of severe cardiotoxicity (CTox) and all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.16–2.76) for SCORE 5–9 and HR 4.90 (95% CI 2.44–9.82) for SCORE ≥10 when compared with patients with lower SCORE (0–4)].

Conclusions

This large cohort of patients treated with a potentially cardiotoxic regimen showed a significant prevalence of CV risk factors at baseline and significant incidence during follow-up. Baseline CV risk assessment using SCORE predicted severe CTox and all-cause mortality. Therefore, its use should be considered in the evaluation of cancer patients.

Long-term follow-up with a smartphone application improves exercise capacity post cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Mobile health interventions, especially smartphone applications (apps), have been proposed as promising interventions for supporting adherence to healthy behaviour in patients post cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The overall aim of the study was to examine the effect of individualized follow-up with an app for one year on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in patients completing CR.

DESIGN

The study was designed as a single-blinded multicentre randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

The intervention group (IG) received individualized follow-up enabled with an app for one year, while the control group (CG) received usual care. The primary outcome was difference in VO2peak. Secondary outcomes included exercise performance (time to exhaustion, peak incline (%) and peak velocity (km/h)), bodyweight, resting blood pressure, lipid profile, triglycerides, exercise habits, health-related quality of life, health status and self-perceived goal achievement.

RESULTS

In total, 113 patients completing CR (73.4% with coronary artery disease, 16.8% after valve surgery and 9.8% with other heart diseases) were randomly allocated to the IG or CG. Intention to treat analyses showed a statistically significant difference in VO2peak between the groups at follow-up of 2.2 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval 0.9-3.5 (p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences were also observed in exercise performance, exercise habits and in self-perceived goal achievement.

CONCLUSIONS

Individualized follow-up for one year with an app significantly improved VO2peak, exercise performance and exercise habits, as well as self-perceived goal achievement, compared with a CG in patients post-CR. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at follow-up in the other outcome measures evaluated.

Effects of Two Community-Based Exercise Programs on Adherence, Cardiometabolic Markers, and Body Composition in Older People with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, and cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) are major behavioral risk factors. Therefore, community-based programs are being designed based on the prescription of physical exercise from primary care centers to improve people’s health through changes in lifestyle. The objective was to compare the effects of two types of community exercise on adherence, lipid profile, body composition and blood pressure. A prospective observational cohort study was designed with two cohorts of study depending on the duration and type of physical exercise program performed. Fifty-one participants (82.4% women) with CRF completed the observation period in which they carried out a short-term, non-individualized exercise program (3 months), and 42 participants (71.4% women) with CRF completed the observation period in which they conducted a long-term, individualized exercise program (6 months). The results suggest that participants who carried out the longer program with an individualized progression produced greater adherence to physical exercise and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure. In addition, LDL and insulin levels decreased in both groups. Therefore, our results suggest that a longer duration and individualized evolution of the loads of a community exercise program lead to higher levels of physical activity (PA) and improvements diastolic blood pressure.

Risk for Recurrent Cardiovascular Events and Expected Risk Reduction With Optimal Treatment 1 Year After an Acute Coronary Syndrome

According to the latest European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes, patients who suffered an acute coronary syndrome fall into a chronic stable phase after 1 year. In these patients, the estimated 10-year risk for recurrent cardiovascular events varies considerably. We applied the SMART (Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease) risk score in 281 patients 1 year after an acute coronary syndrome to estimate the 10-year risk for recurrent cardiovascular events (subsequent nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death). We assessed the distribution of the estimated risk and the potential risk reduction that might be achieved with optimal guideline-directed management of modifiable risk factors (systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking, and body mass index). In our cohort, the median SMART score was 16.1% (interquartile range [IQR] 9.7 to 27.3), particularly increased in patients with older age, diabetes, polyvascular disease or chronic kidney disease (median 28.6%, IQR 20.8 to 52.9; 23.8%, 4.8 to 41.6; 29.4%, 18.8 to 49.7; 53.8%, 26.5 to 71.6, respectively). If all modifiable risk factors met guideline-recommended targets, the median SMART risk score would be 9.6% (IQR 6.3 to 20.9), with 51% of the patients at a 10-year risk <10%, while 11% and 15% at 20% to 30% and >30% risk, respectively. In conclusion, the SMART score had a wide distribution in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. A quarter of patients remained at a >20% 10-year risk, even with optimal risk factor management, clearly underlining that residual risk is an unmet clinical challenge.

Compliance to secondary prevention strategies for coronary artery disease: a hospital-based cross-sectional survey from Ernakulam, South India

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the study was to report the compliance to secondary prevention strategies for coronary artery disease (CAD), such as smoking cessation, weight management, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol control, blood pressure control, glycaemic control, physical activity and cardiovascular drug therapy from a resource-limited setting.

DESIGN

Analytical cross-sectional survey with data collection using questionnaire administered by study personnel.

SETTING

Institutional-two tertiary care hospitals and two cardiology clinics.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients in the age group of 30-80 years with documented CAD with a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 6 years of follow-up after diagnosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were the prevalence of individual compliance to secondary prevention strategies for CAD such as smoking cessation, weight management, LDL cholesterol control, blood pressure control, glycaemic control, physical activity and cardiovascular drug therapy. The secondary outcomes were the association of secondary prevention strategies with age, sex, domicile, socioeconomic status, insurance and type of treatment.

RESULTS

We recruited a total of 1206 patients among whom 879 (72.9%) were males. The median age of patients was 62 (14) years. The compliance to smoking cessation was 93.86% (95% CI 91.66% to 96.06%), ideal body mass index was 63.76% (95% CI 61.05% to 66.47%), blood pressure control was 65.11% (95% CI 62.42% to 67.80%), LDL compliance was 36.50% (95% CI 33.18% to 39.82%), diabetes control was 51.23% (95% CI 46.10% to 56.36%) and adequate physical activity was 39.22% (95% CI 36.46% to 41.98%)respectively. Reported compliance for cardiovascular drugs therapy was 96% for antiplatelets, 89.4% for statins, 68.2% for beta blockers, 37.7% for renin angiotensin aldosterone system blockers, 81.28% for oral hypoglycaemic agents and 22% for insulin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Compliance to secondary prevention strategies for CAD in resource limited settings are moderate. This needs further improvement for better outcomes related to CAD in future.

Role of psychosocial factors in long-term adherence to secondary prevention measures after myocardial infarction: a longitudinal analysis

PURPOSE

Psychosocial factors have been linked to myocardial infarction (MI) outcomes. Whether psychosocial factors affect post-MI long-term adherence to secondary prevention recommendations remains uncertain.

METHODS

Patients ≤65 years (n = 616) were assessed for optimism, perceived social support (PSS), sense of coherence (SOC), anxiety, and depression at initial hospitalization for acute MI (1992-1993). Adherence to secondary prevention measures was recorded in interviews 3-6 months, 1-2, 5, and 10-13 years after MI. Prevention score (proportion of recommendations met) was developed based on: (1) medication adherence; (2) exercise; (3) nonsmoking; (4) healthy diet; (5) maintaining recommended body weight. Associations between psychosocial factors and prevention scores were estimated using Generalized Estimating Equation models. The role of the prevention score in long-term survival was assessed using time-dependent Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Average follow-up prevention scores ranged from 0.70 to 0.80 (SD, ≈0.20). After multivariable adjustment, PSS (β = 0.087, P = .002, per 1 SD increase) and SOC (β = 0.082, P = .006, per 1 SD increase) were positively associated with secondary prevention adherence. The prevention score predicted survival over 23-year follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.68-0.91, per 1 SD increase).

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial factors following MI, particularly PSS and SOC, were associated with long-term adherence to secondary prevention measures.

Role of Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Goal Attainment: Focus on Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a common cause of death, accounting for nearly half of the global burden of CV mortality. Epidemiologic studies have identified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as an independent CV risk factor, and this is now the primary target for initiating and adjusting lipid-lowering therapies in most current guidelines. Evidence from pivotal studies supports the use of high-intensity statin therapy and a lower level for optimal LDL-C in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CV disease, especially in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, current research has identified a gap between the target LDL-C goal attainment and target LDL-C levels recommended by the guidelines. Statins have proven benefits in the management of CV disease and are the cornerstone of lipid-lowering management in patients with ACS. Recent randomized controlled trials have also demonstrated the benefits of cholesterol absorption inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors. This review summarizes the current evidence for LDL-lowering therapy in patients with ACS, with an emphasis on the importance of LDL-C goal attainment, rapid LDL-C lowering, and duration of LDL-C–lowering therapy.

Goal achievement of HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol in a randomized trial comparing colesevelam with ezetimibe: GOAL-RCT

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of colesevelam and ezetimibe as second-line low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c)-lowering options in type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GOAL-RCT is a 24-week, open-label, randomized, pragmatic clinical trial. Subjects with T2D with uncontrolled HbA1c (7.1%-10%) and LDL-c (>2.0 mmol/L) were randomized 1:1 to colesevelam 3.75 g or ezetimibe 10 mg daily. The primary composite outcome was the proportion of participants achieving an LDL-c target of ≤2.0 mmol/L and HbA1c target of ≤7.0%. Intention to treat analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Two hundred subjects were enrolled: mean age 59 ± 10 years; mean HbA1c 8.0%; mean LDL-c 2.5 mmol/L; 97% on statin therapy. The primary composite outcome was achieved by similar proportions of participants with colesevelam (14.6%) and ezetimibe (10.5%) (P_{non-inferiority}  < .001, P_superiority = .41). LDL-c reduction from baseline was less with colesevelam compared with ezetimibe (14.0% vs. 23.2%, P < .01), as was the proportion of subjects achieving an LDL-c target of ≤2.0 mmol/L (47.6% and 67.0%, respectively; P = .007). Mean HbA1c was reduced with colesevelam (-0.26 ± 0.10%), while no change was observed with ezetimibe (difference P = .06). Adverse events and discontinuation rates were higher for colesevelam (20.2% and 31.1%) compared with ezetimibe (7.2% and 6.2%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Among subjects with T2D, the initiation of colesevelam or ezetimibe led to similar achievement of primary composite outcome (LDL-c and HbA1c within target), with ezetimibe recording a greater LDL-c reduction and better tolerability than colesevelam.

Impact of technology-based patient education on modifiable cardiovascular risk factors of people with coronary heart disease: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To collect evidence on what types of technology and content are most effective in helping people with coronary heart disease (CHD) to change their modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

A literature search was performed to find relevant studies published between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018 in PubMed, CINAHL, PROQUEST and Scopus databases. Selected outcomes were risk factors (exercise, diet, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index, tobacco use). The quality of the studies was evaluated according to Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers Manual Checklists for risk for bias, TIDieR for quality of interventions, and PRISMA statement for presenting results.

RESULTS

Eighteen quantitative (17 RCT´s and one quasi-experimental) studies were included. Patient education delivered through telephone, text messaging, webpages, and smartphone applications resulted in significant changes in some risk factors of people with CHD. Sufficient descriptions of the content and intervention methods were lacking.

CONCLUSION

Patient education delivered with technology can help people with CHD to modify their risk factors. There is a need for better descriptions of the content and delivery of educational interventions in studies.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Patient education needs to be delivered with technological solutions that best support the multidimensional needs of CHD patients.

Treatment practices and lipid profile of patients with acute coronary syndrome: results from a tertiary care hospital

Background: Considering the increasing burden of cardiovascular risk factors and recent advances on the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), we studied the epidemiological characteristics and treatment strategies of patients presenting with ACS. We also evaluated the lipid profile and attainment of lipid goals in a 'real world' clinical setting.Methods: This was a substudy of IDEAL-LDL (Motivational interviewing to support low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) therapeutic goals and lipid-lowering therapy compliance in patients with acute coronary syndromes), a single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled trial. Baseline data from a total of 357 ACS patients were gathered using standardised methods.Results: Median age of patients was 60 years and 81.2% were males. Arterial hypertension and smoking were the most prevalent risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were heavier smokers, but were younger and exercised more compared to those with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Conversely, more NSTE-ACS patients had arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus. One-fifth of ACS patients was treated conservatively without a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A combination of statin, dual antiplatelet therapy and beta-blockers were prescribed to 79.6% of patients upon discharge. A renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor and a beta-blocker were prescribed to 67.3 and 91.8% of patients with LVEF ≤40%, respectively. Of patients with prior history of CAD, 63.1%, 71.4% and 58.3% received regularly statins, antiplatelets and beta-blocker treatment, respectively. Only 22.3% of these CAD patients had an optimal LDL-C of <70 mg/dl at admission.Conclusions: In hospitalised patients with ACS, management practices differed by ACS type and discharge medication was, mostly, in line with the latest guidelines. However, medication adherence and lipid lowering goals of secondary CAD prevention were largely unachieved.

Analysis of Some Behavioral Risk Factors in Relation to Acute Coronary Events

The association of acute coronary events and behavioral risk factors is already known. Of these, smoking and alcohol consumption are the behavioral risk factors with the most intense impact in the occurrence of these events. The correct knowledge of the dynamics and their involvement in the evolution of acute coronary events remains of overwhelming importance in the light of current data. To achieve the purpose of this study data from three family medicine practices from the period November 2018 to May 2019 were corroborated. Anonymous questionnaires were applyed to the subjects. For this study, questions related to the habit of smoking and consuming alcohol were selected. The study aimed to analyze the associative relationships between acute coronary events and two of the most common behavioral risk factors, smoking and alcohol consumption. The highest prevalence of acute coronary events was observed in current smokers and in former smokers. The period of exposure to smoking showed that this is one of the variables most strongly associated with an increased risk of acute coronary events. Moderate consumption of wine or beer seems to have a weak association with acute coronary events, even weaker than those who do not consume at all suggesting a protective effect.