Prevalence and prognostic significance of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease in 68-year-old men with diabetes. Results from the population study 'Men born in 1914' from Malmö, Sweden

Predictors of long-term mortality in left-sided infective endocarditis: an historical cohort study in 414 patients

INTRODUCTION

Very limited data are available on the long-term outcome of infective endocarditis (IE) and its determinants. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of long-term mortality in patients affected by left sided IE (LSIE).

METHODS

This was an historical retrospective observational study on prospectively collected data from patients with LSIE hospitalized in our Unit (January 2000-December 2017). Multiple variables relevant to history, physical examination, laboratory tests, echocardiography, comorbidities, complications and outcome were analysed by Cox regression to identify predictors of long-term mortality.

RESULTS

414 patients were included, and followed up for a median of 39 months [IQR 11-74]. Median age was 59 years [range 3-89], and most patients were male. Over 50% showed at least one comorbidity. Hyperglycaemia, increased creatinine and an indication for surgery predicted in-hospital mortality, while a prior myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis and a larger vegetation were independent predictors of 1-year mortality. At multivariate analysis, peripheral arterial disease (p= 0.017), hyperglycemia on admission (p=0.013) and a higher BMI (p=0.009) were independent predictors of long-term mortality in 1-year survivors. At multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression, peripheral arterial disease (p=0.002), hyperglycemia (p=0.041) and CKD on hemodialysis (p=0.025) confirmed to be independently associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality in the overall 414 patient cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular and metabolic risk signals, specifically peripheral arterial disease and hyperglicemia, affect long-term mortality of LSIE. An active and long-term follow up seems warranted in IE survivors showing these conditions at outset.

Associations Between Systolic Interarm Differences in Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes and Mortality: Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Development and Validation of a Prognostic Algorithm: The INTERPRESS-IPD Collaboration

Systolic interarm differences in blood pressure have been associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. We undertook individual participant data meta-analyses to (1) quantify independent associations of systolic interarm difference with mortality and cardiovascular events; (2) develop and validate prognostic models incorporating interarm difference, and (3) determine whether interarm difference remains associated with risk after adjustment for common cardiovascular risk scores. We searched for studies recording bilateral blood pressure and outcomes, established agreements with collaborating authors, and created a single international dataset: the Inter-arm Blood Pressure Difference - Individual Participant Data (INTERPRESS-IPD) Collaboration. Data were merged from 24 studies (53 827 participants). Systolic interarm difference was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: continuous hazard ratios 1.05 (95% CI, 1.02-1.08) and 1.06 (95% CI, 1.02-1.11), respectively, per 5 mm Hg systolic interarm difference. Hazard ratios for all-cause mortality increased with interarm difference magnitude from a ≥5 mm Hg threshold (hazard ratio, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01-1.14]). Systolic interarm differences per 5 mm Hg were associated with cardiovascular events in people without preexisting disease, after adjustment for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00-1.08]), Framingham (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01-1.08]), or QRISK cardiovascular disease risk algorithm version 2 (QRISK2) (hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.06-1.18]) cardiovascular risk scores. Our findings confirm that systolic interarm difference is associated with increased all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular events. Blood pressure should be measured in both arms during cardiovascular assessment. A systolic interarm difference of 10 mm Hg is proposed as the upper limit of normal. Registration: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42015031227.

The 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guidelines on the Management of Blood Cholesterol in Diabetes

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines recently published its 2018 recommendations on management of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in people with diabetes. For primary prevention, moderate-intensity statin therapy is recommended for those aged 40-75 years, with a preference for high-intensity statin treatment for older subjects and for those with higher estimated risk or risk-enhancing factors following a patient-clinician discussion. Statin therapy may be reasonable in adults <40 years or >75 years of age where there is less evidence for benefit. For people with diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, high-intensity statin therapy is recommended. The majority of these subjects have very high risk, and an LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dL is recommended. If this target is not achieved, ezetimibe and/or a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor may be added.

Prediction and early detection of cardiovascular disease in South Asians with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Although diabetes mellitus (DM) is no longer considered "coronary heart disease risk equivalent", the risk remains sufficiently high, necessitating early recognition and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in these patients. Despite this understanding, the optimum strategy for prediction and early detection of CVD in DM remains debatable.

METHODS

Major societal guidelines for prediction and evaluation of CVD in subjects with or without DM were reviewed. Available evidence about various risk stratification strategies-their advantages, disadvantages and current role in clinical practice-were extensively reviewed. Special emphasis was placed on evidence from South Asian/Indian populations.

RESULTS

The inconsistency and variability inherent to the clinical risk algorithms, lack of consensus regarding the incremental value of subclinical atherosclerosis imaging and the lack of sufficient data to demonstrate the benefits of recognizing asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease are some of the reasons underlying prevailing uncertainty about the optimum approach for cardiovascular risk assessment in DM. These challenges notwithstanding, an evidence-based cardiovascular risk stratification strategy incorporating clinical risk algorithms, biomarkers, atherosclerosis imaging, and cardiac stress testing is proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed algorithm should help clinicians in optimizing cardiovascular evaluation and management of their patients with DM. However, this remains a dynamic field; further research into different risk assessment tools, esp. focusing on their impact on improving clinical outcomes, should help refine the evaluation strategy in future.

Effects of Intermittent Calf Muscle Electrical Stimulation on Walking Capacity in Claudicants Living with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

First-line therapy for diabetic patients presenting with intermittent claudication includes supervised exercise programs to improve walking distance. However, exercise comes with a variety of barriers and may be contraindicated in certain conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether calf muscle electrostimulation improves claudication distance.

METHODS

A prospective, one-group, pretest-posttest study design was used on 40 participants living with type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease (ankle brachial pressure index, <0.90), and calf muscle claudication. Calf muscle electrostimulation of varying frequencies (1-250 Hz) was prescribed on both limbs for 1-hour daily sessions for 12 consecutive weeks. The absolute claudication distance (ACD) was measured at baseline and after the intervention.

RESULTS

The recruited cohort (30 men and ten women; mean age, 71 years; mean ankle brachial pressure index, 0.70) registered a mean ± SD baseline ACD of 333.71 ± 208 m. After a mean ± SD of 91.68 ± 6.23 days of electrical stimulation, a significant mean ± SD increase of 137 ± 136 m in the ACD (P = .001, Wilcoxon signed rank test) was registered. Improvement was found to be sex independent, but age was negatively correlated with proportion of improvement (r = -0.361; P = .011, Pearson correlation test).

CONCLUSIONS

Electrical stimulation of varying frequencies on ischemic calf muscles significantly increased the maximal walking capacity in claudicants with type 2 diabetes. This therapeutic approach should be considered in patients with impaired exercise tolerance or as an adjunct treatment modality.

2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

Endorsed by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the American Geriatrics Society, the American Society of Preventive Cardiology, and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association

2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

1. The most important way to prevent atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation is to promote a healthy lifestyle throughout life.

2. A team-based care approach is an effective strategy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Clinicians should evaluate the social determinants of health that affect individuals to inform treatment decisions.

3. Adults who are 40 to 75 years of age and are being evaluated for cardiovascular disease prevention should undergo 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimation and have a clinician–patient risk discussion before starting on pharmacological therapy, such as antihypertensive therapy, a statin, or aspirin. The presence or absence of additional risk-enhancing factors can help guide decisions about preventive interventions in select individuals, as can coronary artery calcium scanning.

4. All adults should consume a healthy diet that emphasizes the intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean vegetable or animal protein, and fish and minimizes the intake of trans fats, processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages. For adults with overweight and obesity, counseling and caloric restriction are recommended for achieving and maintaining weight loss.

5. Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes per week of accumulated moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity physical activity.

6. For adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lifestyle changes, such as improving dietary habits and achieving exercise recommendations are crucial. If medication is indicated, metformin is first-line therapy, followed by consideration of a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor or a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist.

7. All adults should be assessed at every healthcare visit for tobacco use, and those who use tobacco should be assisted and strongly advised to quit.

8. Aspirin should be used infrequently in the routine primary prevention of ASCVD because of lack of net benefit.

9. Statin therapy is first-line treatment for primary prevention of ASCVD in patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (≥190 mg/dL), those with diabetes mellitus, who are 40 to 75 years of age, and those determined to be at sufficient ASCVD risk after a clinician–patient risk discussion.

10. Nonpharmacological interventions are recommended for all adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension. For those requiring pharmacological therapy, the target blood pressure should generally be <130/80 mm Hg.

The Potential Role of Biomarkers Associated with ASCVD Risk: Risk-Enhancing Biomarkers

Serum cholesterol is major risk factor and contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Therapeutic cholesterol-lowering drugs, especially statin, revealed that reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) produces marked reduction of ASCVD events. In the preventive scope, lower LDL-C is generally accepted as better in proven ASCVD patients and high-risk patient groups. However, in patients with low to intermediate risk without ASCVD, risk assessment is clinically guided by traditional major risk factors. In this group, the complement approach to detailed risk assessment about traditional major risk factors is needed. These non-traditional risk factors include ankle-brachial index (ABI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level, lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), apolipoprotein B (apoB), or coronary artery calcium (CAC) score. CAC measurements have an additive role in the decision to use statin therapy in non-diabetic patients 40–75 years old with intermediate risk in primary prevention. This review comprises ASCVD lipid/biomarkers other than CAC. The 2013 and 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines suggest these factors as risk-enhancing factors to help health care providers better determine individualized risk and treatment options especially regarding abnormal biomarkers. The recent 2018 Korean guidelines for management of dyslipidemia did not include these biomarkers in clinical decision making. The current review describes the current roles of hsCRP, ABI, LP(a), and apoB in personal modulation and management of health based on the 2018 ACC/AHA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol.

Prognostic impact of the ankle-brachial index on the development of micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes: the Rio de Janeiro Type 2 Diabetes Cohort Study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The prognostic importance of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in individuals with diabetes is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ABI and the occurrence of micro- and macrovascular complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The ABI was measured at baseline in 668 individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the individuals were followed-up for a median of 10 years. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to examine associations between the ABI and the occurrence of microvascular (retinopathy, microalbuminuria, renal function deterioration and peripheral neuropathy) and macrovascular (total cardiovascular events, major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE] and cardiovascular mortality) complications, and all-cause mortality. The improvement in risk stratification was assessed using the C statistic and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 168 individuals had a cardiovascular event (140 MACE) and 191 individuals died (92 cardiovascular deaths); 156 individuals newly developed or experienced worsening diabetic retinopathy, 194 achieved the renal composite outcome (122 with newly developed microalbuminuria and 93 with deteriorating renal function) and 95 newly developed or experienced worsening peripheral neuropathy. The ABI, either analysed as a continuous or as a categorical variable, was significantly associated with all macrovascular and mortality outcomes, except for non-cardiovascular mortality. Individuals with a baseline ABI of ≤0.90 had a 2.1-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality (95% CI 1.3, 3.5; p = 0.004), a 2.7-fold excess risk of cardiovascular mortality (95% CI 1.4, 5.4; p = 0.004) and a 2.5-fold increased risk of MACE (95% CI 1.5, 4.4; p = 0.001). The ABI improved risk discrimination over classical risk factors, with relative IDIs ranging from 6.3% (for all-cause mortality) to 31% (for cardiovascular mortality). In addition, an ABI of ≤0.90 was associated with the development or worsening of peripheral neuropathy (2.1-fold increased risk [95% CI 1.1, 4.3]; p = 0.033), but not with retinopathy or renal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

A low ABI is associated with excess risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, mortality and peripheral neuropathy development or worsening, and improves cardiovascular risk stratification. The ABI should therefore be routinely evaluated in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Transcutaneous calf-muscle electro-stimulation: A prospective treatment for diabetic claudicants?

BACKGROUND

First-line therapy for claudicants with diabetes include supervised exercise programmes to improve walking distance. However, exercise comes with a number of barriers and may be contraindicated in certain conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether calf-muscle electro-stimulation improves claudication distance.

METHOD

A prospective, one-group, pretest-posttest study design was employed on 40 participants living with type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease (ankle-brachial pressure index < 0.90) and calf-muscle claudication. Calf-muscle electro-stimulation of varying frequencies (1-250 Hz) was applied on both ischaemic limbs (N = 80) for 1 h per day for 12 consecutive weeks. The absolute claudication distance was measured at baseline and following the intervention.

RESULTS

The cohort (n = 40; 30 males; mean age = 71 years; mean ankle-brachial pressure index = 0.70) registered a mean baseline absolute claudication distance of 333.71 m (standard deviation = 208). Following 91.68 days (standard deviation = 6.23) of electrical stimulation, a significant mean increase of 137 m (standard deviation = 136) in the absolute claudication distance was registered (p = 0.000, Wilcoxon signed rank test).

CONCLUSION

Electrical stimulation of varying low to high frequencies on ischaemic calf muscles significantly increased the maximal walking capacity in claudicants with type 2 diabetes. This therapeutic approach may be considered in patients with impaired exercise tolerance or as an adjunct treatment modality.

Prognostic significance of ankle brachial pressure index: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose To synthesize and quantify the excess risk of morbidity and mortality in individuals with low ankle-brachial pressure index. Methods Electronic databases were searched to identify studies investigating morbidity and mortality outcomes in individuals undergoing ankle-brachial pressure index measurement. Meta-analysis of the outcomes was performed using fixed- or random-effects models. Uncertainties related to varying follow-up periods among the studies were resolved by meta-analysis of time-to-event outcomes. Results Forty-three observational cohort studies, enrolling 94,254 participants, were selected. A low ankle-brachial pressure index (<0.9) was associated with a significant risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio: 2.52, 95% CI 2.26-2.82, P < 0.00001); cardiovascular mortality (risk ratio: 2.94, 95% CI 2.72-3.18, P < 0.00001); cerebrovascular event (risk ratio: 2.17, 95% CI 1.90-2.47, P < 0.00001); myocardial infarction (risk ratio: 2.28, 95% CI 2.07-2.51, P < 0.00001); fatal myocardial infarction (risk ratio: 2.81, 95% CI 2.33-3.40, P < 0.00001); fatal stroke (risk ratio: 2.28, 95% CI 1.80-2.89, P < 0.00001); and the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death (risk ratio: 2.29, 95% CI 1.87-2.81, P < 0.00001). Similar findings resulted from analyses of individuals with asymptomatic PAD, individuals with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular co-morbidity, and patients with diabetes. Conclusions A low ankle-brachial pressure index is associated with an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality. Randomised controlled trials are required to investigate the effectiveness of screening for PAD in asymptomatic and undiagnosed individuals and to evaluate benefits of early treatment of screen-detected PAD.

The receptor for advanced glycation end products and risk of peripheral arterial disease, amputation or death in type 2 diabetes: a population-based cohort study

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes have a high risk for early and extensive development of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and this excess risk is not explained by increased burden of traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. Activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) could be one additional mechanism for accelerated PAD and increased risk for amputation and death. We investigated the association between RAGE plasma components and the risk for PAD, amputation and death in patients with type 2 diabetes. We also estimated the rate of amputation-free survival and survival without PAD.

Methods

We investigated if plasma levels of carboxymethyl-lysine, S100A12 and endosecretory RAGE (esRAGE) were associated with two endpoints: survival without development of PAD and survival without amputation in a 12 years prospective population-based cohort of 146 patients with type 2 diabetes, free from PAD at inclusion. Influence of baseline plasma levels of RAGE ligands (individually and combined by a RAGE-score) were evaluated for both endpoints in the Cox-regression analysis.

Results

106 patients survived without amputation and 93 survived without signs of PAD during follow up. Higher levels of S100A12 and RAGE-score were associated with increased risk for amputation or death, hazard ratios (HR) 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.04, 1.59] and 1.79; 95% CI [1.07, 2.99] and with increased risk for PAD or death, HR 1.22; 95% CI [1.00, 1.49] and 1.56; [1.00, 2.44] after adjustment for age and sex. The effect was decreased after adjustment for Framingham cardiovascular disease score: risk for amputation or death, HR 1.17; 95% CI [0.94, 1.46] and 1.54; [0.95, 2.49], and risk for PAD or death, HR 1.12; 95% CI [0.91, 1.38] and 1.38; [0.91, 2.11] for S100A12 and RAGE-score respectively. The incidence for amputation or death was 2.8 per 100 person-years; 95% CI [2.0, 3.7] and the incidence rate for PAD or death was 3.6 per 100 person-years; 95% CI [2.7, 4.8].

Conclusion

Higher plasma levels of S100A12 and the combined effect (RAGE-score) of esRAGE, carboxymethyl-lysine and S100A12 seem to be associated with shorter PAD- and amputation-free survival in patients with type 2 diabetes. This may indicate a role for S100A12 in PAD by activation of the RAGE system.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-015-0257-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Interaction between diabetes and a high ankle-brachial index on mortality risk

OBJECTIVE

Low ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a predictor of increased mortality. The impact of a high ABI on mortality is less studied. Moreover, diabetes is frequently associated with high ABI and, because of specific mechanisms in diabetic vascular diseases, the relationship with prognosis may be unique. Therefore, our aim was to compare mortality in individuals with and without diabetes according to abnormally low and high ABI.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the association between ABI and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in 6986 participants from the REACH registry, a cohort of 45 years and older stable outpatients at high cardiovascular risk (2875 (41.1%) with diabetes) followed for 4 years.

RESULTS

ABI was normal (0.91-1.29) in 49.5%, low (≤0.9) in 47.5%, and high (≥1.3) in 2.9% of participants. During follow up, 9.9% of participants died (6.5% from cardiovascular causes). A low ABI was associated with cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, HR, 1.98, 95% CI 1.62-2.41) and all-cause mortality (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.72-2.36), without heterogeneity according to diabetes. In contrast, high ABI was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with diabetes (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.16-3.84), but not without diabetes (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.36-1.85; p-value for interaction 0.07). The trend was similar for cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.03-4.44 and HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.43-2.59 with and without diabetes, respectively; p-value for interaction 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

In the REACH registry, low ABI was associated with mortality, similarly in individuals without and with diabetes, whereas the association with high ABI was only observed in patients with diabetes.

Vitamin D and cardiovascular disease

Vitamin D plays a classical hormonal role in skeletal health by regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Vitamin D metabolites also have physiological functions in nonskeletal tissues, where local synthesis influences regulatory pathways via paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. The active metabolite of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, binds to the vitamin D receptor that regulates numerous genes involved in fundamental processes of potential relevance to cardiovascular disease, including cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, membrane transport, matrix homeostasis, and cell adhesion. Vitamin D receptors have been found in all the major cardiovascular cell types including cardiomyocytes, arterial wall cells, and immune cells. Experimental studies have established a role for vitamin D metabolites in pathways that are integral to cardiovascular function and disease, including inflammation, thrombosis, and the renin-angiotensin system. Clinical studies have generally demonstrated an independent association between vitamin D deficiency and various manifestations of degenerative cardiovascular disease including vascular calcification. However, the role of vitamin D supplementation in the management of cardiovascular disease remains to be established. This review summarizes the clinical studies showing associations between vitamin D status and cardiovascular disease and the experimental studies that explore the mechanistic basis for these associations.

Relation between the ankle-brachial index and the complexity of coronary artery disease in older patients

Background

In the elderly, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) has greater than 90% sensitivity and specificity for peripheral artery disease identification. A well-known relation exists between peripheral artery disease and the number of diseased coronary vessels. Yet, other anatomical characteristics have important impacts on the type of treatment and prognosis.

Purpose

To determine the relation between ABI and the complexity of coronary artery disease, by different anatomical classifications.

Methods

This study was a prospective analysis of patients ≥65 years old who were undergoing elective coronary angiography for ischemic coronary disease. The ABI was calculated for each leg, as the ratio between the lowest ankle pressure and the highest brachial pressure. The analysis of coronary anatomy was performed by three interventional cardiologists; it included classification of each lesion with >50% diameter stenosis, according to the American Heart Association criteria, and calculation of the SYNTAX score.

Results

The study recruited 204 consecutive patients (median age: 72.5 years). Stable angina was present in 51% of patients. Although only 1% of patients reported peripheral artery disease, 45% exhibited an abnormal ABI. The number of lesions per patient, the number of patients with complex lesions, and the median SYNTAX scores were greater in the group with abnormal ABI. However, among 144 patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, despite abnormal ABI being able to identify a higher rate of patients with B2 or C type lesions (70.9% versus 53.8%; P=0.039), the mean SYNTAX scores (13 versus 9; P=0.14), and the proportion of patients with SYNTAX score >16 (34.2% versus 27.7%; P=0.47), were similar, irrespective of ABI.

Conclusion

In patients ≥65 years old the presence of peripheral artery disease could discriminate a group of patients with greater occurrence of B2 and C type lesions, but similar median SYNTAX score.

Methods of symptom evaluation and their impact on peripheral artery disease (PAD) symptom prevalence: a review

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common progressive atherosclerotic occlusive disease that causes insufficient blood flow to the lower extremities. The symptom that health care professionals most often associate with PAD is claudication. However, patient reporting of claudication is highly variable. A structured literature review was conducted to evaluate how PAD symptoms are identified, defined, and categorized. This review focuses on the development and performance characteristics of PAD symptom questionnaires and the identification of a spectrum of leg symptoms beyond classic claudication. Additionally, potential confounders of PAD symptom reporting and strategies for a more comprehensive assessment of PAD symptoms are discussed. Overall, there is a lack of consistency in the utilization of PAD claudication questionnaires which impacts PAD symptom reporting and categorization. Based on this review, atypical symptoms are commonly reported, but poorly understood. Additional research is needed to gain a better understanding of the presentation of atypical symptoms, as well as the role of age, gender, race, and comorbid conditions on the symptom experience of patients with PAD.

Associations between the ankle-brachial index and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality are similar in individuals without and with type 2 diabetes: nineteen-year follow-up of a population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

In the general population, a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) (<0.9) is strongly associated with (cardiovascular) mortality. However, the association between the ABI and mortality may be weaker in individuals with diabetes, as ankle pressures may be elevated by medial arterial calcification and arterial stiffening, which occur more frequently in diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the association between ABI and mortality in individuals without and with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the associations between ABI and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in 624 individuals from the Hoorn study, a population-based cohort of 50- to 75-year-old individuals (155 with diabetes and 469 without) followed for a median period of 17.2 years. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 289 of 624 (46.3%) participants died (97 of 155 with and 192 of 469 without diabetes and 52 of 65 with and 237 of 559 without ABI <0.9): 85 (29.4%) of CVD (30 of 155 with and 55 of 469 without diabetes and 20 of 65 with and 65 of 559 without ABI <0.9). A low ABI was strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality (relative risk 2.57 [95% CI 1.50-4.40]) and all-cause mortality (2.02 [1.47-2.76]), after adjustment for Framingham risk factors. The associations of the ABI with mortality did not differ between individuals without and with diabetes for cardiovascular (P(interaction) = 0.45) or all-cause (P(interaction) = 0.63) mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In the Hoorn Study, associations between ABI and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were similar in individuals without and with diabetes. Future studies should investigate, in both individuals without and with diabetes, whether measurement of ABI can be used to guide treatment decisions.

Prevalence and clinical profile and management of peripheral arterial disease in elderly patients with diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) increases with age and diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PAD in an elderly population with diabetes.

METHODS

This multicenter and cross-sectional study included patients >70 years, with an established diagnosis of diabetes. PAD was defined as those patients with a history of revascularization or amputation due to ischemia, or a pathological ankle-brachial index (ABI). Adequate blood pressure (BP), LDL cholesterol and HbA1c control were considered as <130/80 mm Hg, <100 mg⁄dL and <7.0%, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 1462 patients were included. The most frequent cardiovascular risk factor and cardiovascular disease were hypertension (80.37%) and PAD (60.60% overall; 83.2% of those assisted by vascular surgeons vs 31.9% of those attended by other medical specialists; p<0.001), respectively. However, when ABI was measured, 70.99% of the study population had PAD (80.2% of those assisted by vascular surgeons vs 59.6% of those attended by other medical specialists; p<0.001). The predictors for a pathological ABI included male gender, smoking, dyslipidemia, family history of premature cardiovascular disease, sedentary lifestyle, diabetic-related complications, heart and cerebrovascular diseases. Although risk factors control was very poor, it was even lower in patients with PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of PAD is high in diabetic elderly patients. The concomitance with other risk factors and cardiovascular diseases was very high. The ABI allowed increasing the diagnosis of PAD.

Use and utility of ankle brachial index in patients with diabetes

Ankle brachial index (ABI) is a simple method to screen peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and to evaluate cardiovascular (CV) prognosis in the general population. Measuring it requires a hand-held Doppler probe but it can be done also with an automatic device. ABI is an effective tool for clinical practice or clinical studies. However, in diabetic patients, it has some specific caveats. Sensitivity of the standard threshold of 0.9 appears to be lower in diabetic patients with complications. Moreover, highly frequent arterial medial calcifications in diabetes increase ABI. It has been demonstrated that measurements >1.3 are well correlated with both an increased prevalence of PAD and CV risk. Therefore, ABI thresholds of less than 0.9 and more than 1.3 are highly suspicious for PAD and high CV risk in diabetic patients. However, when there is concomitant clinical peripheral neuropathy or high risk of arterial calcification, the efficiency of ABI seems to be limited. In this case, other methods should be applied, toe pressure, in particular. Thus, the ABI could be used in patients with diabetes, but values should be interpreted with precision, according to the clinical situation.

Additive value of diabetes and peripheral arterial disease in the risk stratification of patients admitted after an acute coronary syndrome: a subanalysis of the PAMISCA Study

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing interest in the use of non-invasive methods for the detection of subclinical atherosclerosis to better identify patients with high risk of cardiovascular events The presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with increased risk of events but their value in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patient has not been ascertained.

METHODS

We performed a subanalysis of the PAMISCA study, designed to investigate the prevalence of PAD in patients admitted to Spanish hospitals with a diagnosis of an ACS.

RESULTS

A total of 1410 patients were analysed (71.4% men, age 66 +/- 11.9 years, 35% DM). The prevalence of PAD was higher in DM vs. no-DM (41.5% vs. 30.6% respectively, p < 0.001). Patients with PAD and DM had more in-hospital cardiac complications such as atrial fibrillation/flutter, recurrent myocardial ischaemia and heart failure and a trend towards higher in-hospital mortality (p = 0.08). Non-DM patients with PAD and DM without PAD shared similar cardiac complications and the group without neither PAD nor DM had the best prognosis. In patients without PAD, DM was an independent predictor of three-vessel coronary disease (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1-2.5, p < 0.05) after adjustment by age, sex, low density lipoproteins (LDL), smoking and the previous myocardial infarction. However, in PAD patients, DM failed to be an independent risk factor in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.6-1.6, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The concurrence of DM and PAD helps identify patients with an adverse risk profile.

Implications of routinely measuring Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) among patients attending at a Lipid Clinic

BACKGROUND

Low (< or = 90) Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) values identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease and mortality. Implications for CV risk classification from routinely measuring ABI in the context of a Lipid Clinic have not been fully investigated. We aimed to evaluate whether and to what extent routine ABI determination on top of conventional risk prediction models may modify CV risk classification.

METHODS

Consecutive asymptomatic non-diabetic individuals free from previous CV events attending for a first visit at a Lipid Clinic underwent routine ABI determination and conventional CV risk classification according either to national CUORE model (including age, gender, smoking, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and current use of blood pressure lowering drugs) and SCORE model for low risk countries.

RESULTS

In the overall sample (320 subjects, mean age 64.8 years) 77 subjects (24.1%) were found to have low ABI value. Forty-two of 250 subjects (16.8%) and 47 of 215 individuals (21.3%) at low or moderate risk according to the CUORE and SCORE models, respectively, were found to have low ABI values, and should be reclassified at high risk.

CONCLUSION

In a series of consecutive asymptomatic individuals in a Lipid Clinic, we observed a high prevalence of low ABI values among subjects deemed at low or moderate risk on conventional prediction models, leading to CV high-risk reclassification of roughly one fifth of patients. These findings reinforce recommendations for routine determination of ABI at least within referral primary prevention settings.

[Prevalence of peripheral artery disease evaluated by ankle brachial index in patients with metabolic syndrome. MERITO I study]

INTRODUCTION

Patients with Metabolic Syndrome have high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate above that expected when using accepted scales for risk stratification. Ankle brachial index (ABI) is an available, straightforward and reproducible method for the detection of peripheral vascular disease and for improving risk stratification in this population. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low ABI in patients with metabolic syndrome older than 50 years and to study the risk factors associated with its development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

1519 subjects between 50 and 85 years, 935 of them with metabolic syndrome (Adult Treatment Panel III [ATP III] criteria), in primary prevention, without symptoms of intermittent claudication and who gave their consent to have an ABI measurement in internal medicine offices were included in the study. Cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated in all participants. An ABI < 0.9 was considered low.

RESULTS

The prevalence of a low ABI in subjects with metabolic syndrome was 27.7 (95% CI: 24.8-30.5). Factors associated with low and a pathological ABI were age, higher serum creatinine levels and presence of proteinuria. After multivariate adjustment, only age (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.09) and active tobacco use (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10-1.92) continued to be significant.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of a low ABI is elevated in subjects with metabolic syndrome without known cardiovascular disease and related with age and active tobacco use.

[Value of the ankle-brachial index in cardiovascular risk stratification of patients without known atherotrombotic disease. MERITO study]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Peripheral arterial disease detected by measurement of ankle-brachial index enables the identification of asymptomatic patients with target organ damage. We have investigated the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (ankle-brachial index < 0.9), and its potential clinical-therapeutic impact, in patients without known atherotrombotic disease from internal medicine practices.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

It was a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study. Outpatients aged 50 through 80 years, with either diabetes or a SCORE risk estimation of at least 3%, were enrolled.

RESULTS

A total of 1,519 subjects (58% men) were evaluated, 917 with diabetes (61%). The mean age (standard deviation) was 66.2 (8.3) years. The prevalence of an ankle-brachial index < 0.9 was 26.19%. In multiple logistic regressions the risk factors associated to an ankle-brachial index < 0.9 were age, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, macroalbuminuria, and heart rate. There was a significant relationship between the ankle-brachial index and the SCORE risk estimation. With respect to the therapeutic aims of the patients with an ankle-brachial index < 0.9, only 21% were taking antiplatelet drugs, 26% showed low density lipoproteins-cholesterol values < 100 mg/dl (53% < 130 mg/dl), and 16% displayed recommended blood pressure levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of ankle-brachial is useful to reclassify as high risk a significant proportion of patients without known previous atherotrombotic disease. The ankle-brachial index should be incorporated into routine cardiovascular evaluation, particularly in subjects with diabetes or a score risk assessment > or = 3%.

[Clinical value of the ankle-brachial index in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease but without known atherothrombotic disease: VITAMIN study]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Detecting peripheral arterial disease by measuring the ankle-brachial index can help identify asymptomatic patients with established disease. We investigated the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (i.e., an ankle-brachial index <0.9) and its potential clinical and therapeutic impact in patients with no known arterial disease who were seen at internal medicine departments.

METHODS

This multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study included patients at risk of cardiovascular disease who were selected on the basis of age, gender and the presence of conventional risk factors. No patient was known to have arterial disease.

RESULTS

The study included 493 patients, 174 (35%) of whom had diabetes, while 321 (65%) did not. Only 16% were in a low-risk category according to their Framingham score. An ankle-brachial index <0.9 was observed in 27.4%, comprising 37.9% of those with diabetes and 21.3% of those without. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors associated with an ankle-brachial index <0.9 were age, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. There was a significant relationship between the ankle-brachial index and Framingham risk categories. Therapeutically, only 21% of patients with an ankle brachial index <0.9 were taking antiplatelet drugs. Overall, 20% had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration <100 mg/dl and 52% had a concentration <130 mg/dl. Some 42% had arterial blood pressures below 140/90 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease was detected in a high proportion of patients with an intermediate or high cardiovascular disease risk. The ankle-brachial index should be measured routinely in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease who are seen at internal medicine departments.

[Ankle-brachial index in patients with diabetes mellitus: prevalence and risk factors]

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic patients have a high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate. Ankle brachial index (ABI) is an available, straightforward and reproducible method for the detection of peripheral vascular disease and for improving risk stratification in this population. The objective of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of a low and a pathological ABI in type 2 diabetics older than 60 years and to study the risk factors associated with its development.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

1,360 subjects between 60 and 79 years, 213 of them diabetics, without symptoms of intermittent claudication and who gave their consent to have an ABI measurement in their primary care center were included in the study. Cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated in all participants. An ABI < 0.9 was considered low and a value < 0.9, >or= 1.4 or non-compressible was considered pathological.

RESULTS

Prevalence of a low ABI in subjects with or without diabetes was 11.3% and 4.3% and prevalence of a pathological ABI was 18.8% and 7%, respectively. Factor associated with a low or pathological ABI were gender, age, duration of diabetes, the type of antidiabetic treatment and the presence of vascular disease in another vascular bed. After multivariate adjustment, only age (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04-1.27) and duration of diabetes (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.10) continue being significant. The prevalence of a pathological ABI did not differ between diabetics without vascular disease and non-diabetics with previous cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of a low or pathological ABI is elevated in diabetic subjects and relates with age, duration of diabetes and the presence of vascular disease in another vascular bed.

Peripheral arterial disease and risk of cardiac death in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the natural history of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) complicating type 2 diabetes, in particular the influence of PAD on the risk of cardiac death and the adequacy of PAD risk factor management.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Fremantle Diabetes Study (FDS) was a prospective community-based observational study of diabetic patients recruited between 1993 and 1996. The present sample comprised the 1,294 FDS type 2 diabetic patients and a subgroup of 531 of these who had valid data at baseline and five or more subsequent consecutive annual reviews. Assessments consisted of a range of clinical and biochemical variables including the ankle/brachial index (ABI). PAD was defined as an ABI < or =0.90 at two consecutive reviews or any PAD-related lower-extremity amputation.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PAD at study entry was 13.6% and the incidence of new PAD was 3.7 per 100 patient-years. Both prevalent and incident PAD was strongly and independently associated with increasing age, systolic blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, and especially smoking. Risk factor management improved but remained suboptimal during follow-up. An ABI of < or =0.90 was independently associated with an increased risk of cardiac death of 67%.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of the ABI is a simple means of identifying PAD in diabetic patients. PAD is common in diabetic patients and predicts cardiac death. These data further support the role of regular screening for PAD in diabetes so that intensive management of vascular risk factors can be pursued.

Ankle Brachial Index as a Marker of Atherosclerosis in Chinese Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk

To obtain reliable data on the epidemiology, co-morbidities and risk factor profile of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), we evaluated the clinical significance of the ankle brachial index (ABI) as an indicator of PAD in Chinese patients at high cardiovascular (CV) risk. ABI was measured in 5,646 Chinese patients at high CV risk, and PAD was defined as an ABI<0.9 in either leg. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PAD. A total of 5,263 patients were analyzed, 52.9% male, mean age 67.3 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 24.2 kg/m2, mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) 139/80.7 mmHg. The prevalence of PAD in the total group of patients was 25.4%, and the prevalence was higher in females than in males (27.1% vs. 23.9%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.64). Patients with PAD were older than those without PAD (72.3+/-9.9 years vs. 65.6+/-11.7 years; OR: 1.06), and more frequently had diabetes (43.3% vs. 31.3%; OR: 2.02), coronary heart disease (CHD) (27.0% vs. 18.8%; OR: 1.67), stroke (44.4% vs. 28.3%; OR: 1.78), lipid disorders (57.2% vs. 50.7%; OR: 1.3) and a smoking habit (42.7% vs. 38.6%; OR: 1.52). The ORs for the PAD group compared with the non-PAD group demonstrated that these conditions were inversely related to ABI. Statin, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors and antiplatelet agents were only used in 40.5%, 53.6% and 69.1% of PAD patients, respectively. The data demonstrated the high prevalence and low treatment of PAD in Chinese patients at high CV risk. A lower ABI was associated with generalized atherosclerosis. Based on these findings, ABI should be a routine measurement in high risk patients. Aggressive medication was required in these patients.