Race and Ethnicity Considerations in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke: JACC Focus Seminar 3/9

Sex and sex steroids as determinants of cardiovascular risk

There are considerable sex differences regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, as well as chronic renal disease. Women are largely protected from these conditions prior to menopause, and the risk increases following cessation of endogenous estrogen production or after surgical menopause. Cardiovascular diseases in women generally begin to occur at a later age than in men (on average with a delay of 10 years). Cessation of estrogen production also impacts metabolism, increasing the risk of developing obesity and diabetes. In middle-aged individuals, hypertension develops earlier and faster in women than in men, and smoking increases cardiovascular risk to a greater degree in women than it does in men. It is not only estrogen that affects female cardiovascular health and plays a protective role until menopause: other sex hormones such as progesterone and androgen hormones generate a complex balance that differentiates heart and blood vessel function in women compared to men. Estrogens improve vasodilation of epicardial coronary arteries and the coronary microvasculature by augmenting the release of vasodilating factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, which are mechanisms of coronary vasodilatation that are more pronounced in women compared to men. Estrogens are also powerful inhibitors of inflammation, which in part explains their protective effects on CVD and chronic renal disease. Emerging evidence suggests that sex chromosomes also play a significant role in shaping cardiovascular risk. The cardiovascular protection conferred by endogenous estrogens may be extended by hormone therapy, especially using bioidentical hormones and starting treatment early after menopause.

Cardiovascular Health and Disease in the Pakistani American Population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This narrative review seeks to elucidate clinical and social factors influencing cardiovascular health, explore the challenges and potential solutions for enhancing cardiovascular health, and identify areas where further research is needed to better understand cardiovascular issues in native and American Pakistani populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease is high not only in Pakistan but also among its global diaspora. This situation is further complicated by the inadequacy of current cardiovascular risk assessment tools, which often fall short of accurately gauging the risk among Pakistani individuals, underscoring the urgent need for more tailored and effective assessment methodologies. Moreover, social determinants play a crucial role in shaping cardiovascular health. The burden of cardiovascular disease and upstream risk factors is high among American Pakistani individuals. Future research is needed to better understand the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease among Pakistani individuals.

Real-world evaluation of an algorithmic machine-learning-guided testing approach in stable chest pain: a multinational, multicohort study

Aims

An algorithmic strategy for anatomical vs. functional testing in suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) (Anatomical vs. Stress teSting decIsion Support Tool; ASSIST) is associated with better outcomes than random selection. However, in the real world, this decision is rarely random. We explored the agreement between a provider-driven vs. simulated algorithmic approach to cardiac testing and its association with outcomes across multinational cohorts.

Methods and results

In two cohorts of functional vs. anatomical testing in a US hospital health system [Yale; 2013-2023; n = 130 196 (97.0%) vs. n = 4020 (3.0%), respectively], and the UK Biobank [n = 3320 (85.1%) vs. n = 581 (14.9%), respectively], we examined outcomes stratified by agreement between the real-world and ASSIST-recommended strategies. Younger age, female sex, Black race, and diabetes history were independently associated with lower odds of ASSIST-aligned testing. Over a median of 4.9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.4-7.1) and 5.4 (IQR: 2.6-8.8) years, referral to the ASSIST-recommended strategy was associated with a lower risk of acute myocardial infarction or death (hazard ratioadjusted: 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.85, P < 0.001 and 0.74 [95% CI 0.60-0.90], P = 0.003, respectively), an effect that remained significant across years, test types, and risk profiles. In post hoc analyses of anatomical-first testing in the Prospective Multicentre Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) trial, alignment with ASSIST was independently associated with a 17% and 30% higher risk of detecting CAD in any vessel or the left main artery/proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, respectively.

Conclusion

In cohorts where historical practices largely favour functional testing, alignment with an algorithmic approach to cardiac testing defined by ASSIST was associated with a lower risk of adverse outcomes. This highlights the potential utility of a data-driven approach in the diagnostic management of CAD.

Lifestyle Medicine: An Antidote to Cardiovascular Diseases

Despite numerous advances in basic understanding of cardiovascular disease pathophysiology, pharmacology, therapeutic procedures, and systems improvement, there hasn't been much decline in heart disease related mortality in the US since 2010. Hypertension and diet induced risk continue to be the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity. Even with the excessive mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, heart disease remained the leading cause of death. Given the degree of disease burden, morbidity, and mortality, there is an urgent need to redirect medical professionals' focus towards prevention through simple and cost effective lifestyle strategies. However, current practice paradigm and financial compensation systems are mainly centered disease management and not health promotion. For example, the financial value placed on 3-10 min smoking cessation counseling (.24RVUs) is 47-fold lower than an elective PCI (11.21 RVUs). The medical community seems to be enamored with the latest and greatest technology, new devices, and surgical procedures. What if the greatest technology of all was simply the way we live every day? Perhaps when this notion is known by enough, we will switch to this lifestyle medicine technology to prevent disease in the first place.

Relative predictive value of sociodemographic factors for chronic diseases among All of Us participants: a descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND

Although sociodemographic characteristics are associated with health disparities, the relative predictive value of different social and demographic factors remains largely unknown. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of All of Us participants and evaluate the predictive value of each factor for chronic diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis using de-identified survey data from the All of Us Research Program, which has collected social, demographic, and health information from adults living in the United States since May 2018. Sociodemographic data included self-reported age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, income, education, health insurance, primary care provider (PCP) status, and health literacy scores. We analyzed the self-reported prevalence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, any cancer, skin cancer, lung disease, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. Finally, we assessed the relative importance of each sociodemographic factor for predicting each chronic disease using the adequacy index for each predictor from logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the 372,050 participants in this analysis, the median age was 53 years, 59.8% reported female sex, and the most common racial/ethnic categories were White (54.0%), Black (19.9%), and Hispanic/Latino (16.7%). Participants who identified as Asian, Middle Eastern/North African, and White were the most likely to report annual incomes greater than $200,000, advanced degrees, and employer or union insurance, while participants who identified as Black, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander were the most likely to report annual incomes less than $10,000, less than a high school education, and Medicaid insurance. We found that age was most predictive of hypertension, coronary artery disease, any cancer, skin cancer, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. Insurance type was most predictive of lung disease. Notably, no two health conditions had the same order of importance for sociodemographic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Age was the best predictor for the assessed chronic diseases, but the relative predictive value of income, education, health insurance, PCP status, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation was highly variable across health conditions. Identifying the sociodemographic groups with the largest disparities in a specific disease can guide future interventions to promote health equity.

Trends in Stroke Thrombolysis Care Metrics and Outcomes by Race and Ethnicity, 2003-2021

Importance

Understanding is needed of racial and ethnic-specific trends in care quality and outcomes associated with the US nationwide quality initiative Target: Stroke (TS) in targeting thrombolysis treatment for acute ischemic stroke.

Objective

To examine whether the TS quality initiative was associated with improvement in thrombolysis metrics and outcomes across racial and ethnic groups.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included patients who presented within 4.5 hours of ischemic stroke onset at hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2021. The data analysis was performed between December 15, 2022, and November 27, 2023.

Exposures

TS phases I (2010-2013), II (2014-2018), and III (2019-2021).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were thrombolysis rates and time metrics. Patient function and mortality were secondary outcomes.

Results

Analyses included 1 189 234 patients, of whom 1 053 539 arrived to the hospital within 4.5 hours. The cohort included 50.4% female and 49.6% male patients and 2.8% Asian [median (IQR) age, 72 (61-82) years], 15.2% Black [median (IQR) age, 64 (54-75) years], 7.3% Hispanic [median (IQR) age, 68 (56-79) years], and 74.1% White [median (IQR) age, 75 (63-84) years] patients). Unadjusted thrombolysis rates increased in both the pre-TS (2003-2009) and TS periods in all racial and ethnic groups from 10% to 15% in 2003 to 43% to 46% in 2021, but disparities were observed in adjusted analyses and persisted in TS phase III, with Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients having significantly lower odds of receiving thrombolysis than White patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.81-0.90], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.74-0.78], and 0.86 [95% CI, 0.83-0.89], respectively). Door-to-needle (DTN) times improved in all racial and ethnic groups during TS, with DTN times of 60 minutes or less increasing from 26% to 28% in 2009 to 66% to 72% in 2021. However, in adjusted analyses, racial and ethnic disparities emerged. During TS phase III, compared with White patients, Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients had significantly lower odds of receiving thrombolysis with a DTN time of 60 minutes or less compared with White patients (risk-adjusted odds ratios, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.84-0.98], 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75-0.81], and 0.87 [95% CI, 0.83-0.92], respectively). During TS, clinical outcomes improved for all racial and ethnic groups from pre-TS, with TS phase III showing higher odds of ambulation at discharge among Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White patients. Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients were less likely to present within 4.5 hours.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with ischemic stroke, the TS quality initiative was associated with improvement in thrombolysis frequency, timeliness, and outcomes for all racial and ethnic groups. However, disparities persisted, indicating a need for further interventions.

De-escalation of Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in East Asian Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

PURPOSE

East Asian individuals have a lower risk of thromboembolic events while potentially carrying a higher risk of bleeding events compared with non-Asian individuals. The aim of the present analysis was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the de-escalation of antiplatelet therapy compared with standard dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in East Asian patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials comparing de-escalation with DAPT in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were retrieved from electronic databases from their inception until March 2022. Outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), ischemic events, major bleeding, minor bleeding, and any bleeding. Subgroup analyses based on treatment strategy were conducted. Statistical analysis was performed by using Review Manager version 5.4.

FINDINGS

Eight randomized controlled trials from 539 potentially relevant publications with a total of 15,744 East Asian patients were included. Pooled data from these studies found a significantly lower MACE (0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.98) and major bleeding event (0.62; 95% CI, 0.46-0.82) in de-escalation than standard-DAPT without heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was divided into DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy and a reducing dose of P2Y12 inhibitors. DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy had a 48% lower incidence of major bleeding events than standard DAPT (0.52; 95% CI, 0.27-1.00); there was no significant difference in major bleeding (0.99; 95% CI, 0.55-1.76) between the reducing dose of P2Y12 inhibitors and standard DAPT.

IMPLICATIONS

De-escalation is a promising and potentially optimal antiplatelet therapy for patients from East Asia with PCI. DAPT followed by P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy might be a safer and equally effective approach compared with standard DAPT in East Asian patients with PCI. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022319983.

Periodontitis in ischemic stroke: impact of Porphyromonas gingivalis on thrombus composition and ischemic stroke outcomes

Background

Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.

Objectives

Our objective was to determine whether Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a periodontal bacterium, could be detected within thrombus aspirates, modify thrombus composition, and endovascular therapy responses.

Methods

The presence of Pg gingipain in 175 consecutive thrombi from patients with large vessel occlusion stroke enrolled in the multicenter research cohort compoCLOT was investigated by immunostaining. Thrombus blood cell composition according to gingipain status was analyzed in a subset of 63 patients.

Results

Pg gingipain immunostaining was positive in 33.7% of thrombi (95% CI, 26.7%-40.8%). The percentage of near to complete reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Score 2c/3) at the end of the procedure was lower in the Pgpos group than the Pgneg group (39.0% vs 57.8% respectively; adjusted odds ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.19-0.77). At 3 months, 35.7% of patients in the Pgpos group had a favorable neurological outcome vs 49.5% in the Pgneg group (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.30-1.40). Quantitative analysis of a subset of 63 thrombi showed that neutrophil elastase content was significantly (P < .05) higher in Pgpos thrombi than in Pgneg thrombi.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that intrathrombus Pg gingipain is associated with increased neutrophil content and resistance to endovascular therapy.

Intravascular imaging during percutaneous coronary intervention: temporal trends and clinical outcomes in the USA

AIMS

Prior trials have demonstrated that intravascular imaging (IVI)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) results in less frequent target lesion revascularization and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) compared with standard angiographic guidance. The uptake and associated outcomes of IVI-guided PCI in contemporary clinical practice in the USA remain unclear. Accordingly, temporal trends and comparative outcomes of IVI-guided PCI relative to PCI with angiographic guidance alone were examined in a broad, unselected population of Medicare beneficiaries.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiary data from 1 January 2013, through 31 December 2019 to evaluate temporal trends and comparative outcomes of IVI-guided PCI as compared with PCI with angiography guidance alone in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The primary outcomes were 1 year mortality and MACE, defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), repeat PCI, or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Secondary outcomes were MI or repeat PCI at 1 year. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the adjusted association between IVI guidance and outcomes. Falsification endpoints (hospitalized pneumonia and hip fracture) were used to assess for potential unmeasured confounding. The study population included 1 189 470 patients undergoing PCI (38.0% female, 89.8% White, 65.1% with MI). Overall, IVI was used in 10.5% of the PCIs, increasing from 9.5% in 2013% to 15.4% in 2019. Operator IVI use was variable, with the median operator use of IVI 3.92% (interquartile range 0.36%-12.82%). IVI use during PCI was associated with lower adjusted rates of 1 year mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-0.98], MI (aHR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99), repeat PCI (aHR 0.74, 95% CI 0.73-0.75), and MACE (aHR 0.85, 95% CI 0.84-0.86). There was no association with the falsification endpoint of hospitalized pneumonia (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.04) or hip fracture (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94-1.10).

CONCLUSION

Among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing PCI, use of IVI has increased over the previous decade but remains relatively infrequent. IVI-guided PCI was associated with lower risk-adjusted mortality, acute MI, repeat PCI, and MACE.

The Influence of Sex, Age, and Race on Coronary Artery Disease: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular disease has remained one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. The basic pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) is a reduction of the blood flow in coronary vessels, leading to restricted blood flow to the heart muscle. Both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors contribute to its multifactorial etiology. The clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to typical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and left arm or jaw pain. The purpose of this review is to investigate and analyze the variation of CAD depending on the biological sex, age, race, or ethnicity and how it might differ in the studied population while comparing the symptoms and prognosis of CAD. For this research, PubMed's database was used. A total of 926 articles were selected using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 74 articles eligible to be included in the narrative review. Studies were selected from the general population of patients with CAD, regardless of their severity, stage of diagnosis, and treatment plan. The scale for the assessment of non-systematic review articles (SANRA) was used to assess the quality of the study. As humans age, the incidence of CAD increases, and people over 75 are more likely to have multiple-vessel CAD. It has been observed that South Asians have the highest rate of CAD at 24%, while the White population has the lowest at 8%. The prevalence of CAD also depends on race, with the White population having the lowest rate at 3.2%, followed by Hispanics at 5%, Black women at 5.2%, and Black men at 5.7%. Younger Black women tend to have more chest pain. Men with CAD commonly experience chest pain, and women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms. Modifiable risk factors such as smoking and alcoholism are more commonly observed in young men than in young women. Coronary artery disease in the elderly, female, minority, and Black patients is associated with a higher mortality rate. Acknowledging the prevalence of certain risk factors, signs, results, and responses to treatment in certain socio-demographic groups, as well as the provision and accessibility of diagnosis and treatment, would lead to a better outcome for all individuals. The impact of this shift can range from an earlier diagnosis of CAD to a faster and more customized treatment plan tailored to each patient's individual requirements.

The Racial Differences in the Clinical Outcomes of Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been reported to significantly reduce major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) compared with angiography-guided PCI. We aimed to explore whether there were racial differences regarding the beneficial effects of IVUS-guided PCI. Randomized controlled trials for comparison of clinical outcomes between IVUS-guided and angiography-guided PCI were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to March 15, 2023. The clinical outcomes included MACE, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST). Finally, 18 randomized controlled trials were included in this study (8 in East Asian patients and 10 in Western patients). Results showed that IVUS-guided PCI was associated with a significant reduction of MACE, TVR, TLR, and ST, but not all-cause mortality and MI in both East Asian and Western patients. The reduction of MACE was more significant in East Asian patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46 to 0.70) than that in Western patients (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.02). Meta-regression analysis revealed that the country the study was performed in (East Asian vs Western countries) was associated with significant heterogeneity between groups, suggesting that racial differences existed (p = 0.033). In conclusion, IVUS-guided PCI was associated with a lower risk of MACE, TLR, TVR, and ST, but not all-cause mortality and MI in both East Asians and Westerners. East Asians benefited more than Westerners upon using IVUS-guided PCI in reducing MACE, suggesting that racial differences do exist between different imaging methods. Larger-sample studies are warranted for further clarification of our findings.

Use of Antihypertensives, Blood Pressure, and Estimated Risk of Dementia in Late Life: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

Importance

The utility of antihypertensives and ideal blood pressure (BP) for dementia prevention in late life remains unclear and highly contested.

Objectives

To assess the associations of hypertension history, antihypertensive use, and baseline measured BP in late life (age >60 years) with dementia and the moderating factors of age, sex, and racial group.

Data Source and Study Selection

Longitudinal, population-based studies of aging participating in the Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC) group were included. Participants were individuals without dementia at baseline aged 60 to 110 years and were based in 15 different countries (US, Brazil, Australia, China, Korea, Singapore, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, and Greece).

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Participants were grouped in 3 categories based on previous diagnosis of hypertension and baseline antihypertensive use: healthy controls, treated hypertension, and untreated hypertension. Baseline systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were treated as continuous variables. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Individual Participant Data reporting guidelines.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The key outcome was all-cause dementia. Mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations between the exposures and the key outcome variable. The association between dementia and baseline BP was modeled using nonlinear natural splines. The main analysis was a partially adjusted Cox proportional hazards model controlling for age, age squared, sex, education, racial group, and a random effect for study. Sensitivity analyses included a fully adjusted analysis, a restricted analysis of those individuals with more than 5 years of follow-up data, and models examining the moderating factors of age, sex, and racial group.

Results

The analysis included 17 studies with 34 519 community dwelling older adults (20 160 [58.4%] female) with a mean (SD) age of 72.5 (7.5) years and a mean (SD) follow-up of 4.3 (4.3) years. In the main, partially adjusted analysis including 14 studies, individuals with untreated hypertension had a 42% increased risk of dementia compared with healthy controls (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; 95% CI 1.15-1.76; P = .001) and 26% increased risk compared with individuals with treated hypertension (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.53; P = .02). Individuals with treated hypertension had no significant increased dementia risk compared with healthy controls (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.99-1.28; P = .07). The association of antihypertensive use or hypertension status with dementia did not vary with baseline BP. There was no significant association of baseline SBP or DBP with dementia risk in any of the analyses. There were no significant interactions with age, sex, or racial group for any of the analyses.

Conclusions and Relevance

This individual patient data meta-analysis of longitudinal cohort studies found that antihypertensive use was associated with decreased dementia risk compared with individuals with untreated hypertension through all ages in late life. Individuals with treated hypertension had no increased risk of dementia compared with healthy controls.

Age-based disparities in statin use for primary prevention in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2013-2020

Statin use among younger adults at high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk compared with older adults at the same risk is unclear. We determined prevalent statin use by 10-year ASCVD risk and age among US participants aged 40-75 eligible for risk-indicated primary prevention statins from the 2013-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles. Among 3,503 participants, statin use by ASCVD risk (5-<7.5%, 7.5-<20%, and ≥20%) was 9.4%, 9.0%, and 12.2% among those age 40-54 compared to 22.0%, 23.9%, and 14.3% among adults 55-64 years and 39.3%, 33.6%, and 38.1% age 65-75 years. After adjusting for sociodemographic and healthcare access, the prevalence ratio (vs. 65-75 years) for statin use among adults with an ASCVD risk of 7.5-<20% age 40-54 years was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39,0.41) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.87,0.88) for adults 55-64 years. Among high ASCVD-risk adults aged 40-75 years, primary prevention statin use was lower among adults <65 years despite similar ASCVD risk as older adults.

2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease" provides an update to and consolidates new evidence since the "2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease" and the corresponding "2014 ACC/AHA/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Focused Update of the Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease."

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from September 2021 to May 2022. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

This guideline provides an evidenced-based and patient-centered approach to management of patients with chronic coronary disease, considering social determinants of health and incorporating the principles of shared decision-making and team-based care. Relevant topics include general approaches to treatment decisions, guideline-directed management and therapy to reduce symptoms and future cardiovascular events, decision-making pertaining to revascularization in patients with chronic coronary disease, recommendations for management in special populations, patient follow-up and monitoring, evidence gaps, and areas in need of future research. Where applicable, and based on availability of cost-effectiveness data, cost-value recommendations are also provided for clinicians. Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease" provides an update to and consolidates new evidence since the "2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease" and the corresponding "2014 ACC/AHA/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Focused Update of the Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease."

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from September 2021 to May 2022. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline.

STRUCTURE

This guideline provides an evidenced-based and patient-centered approach to management of patients with chronic coronary disease, considering social determinants of health and incorporating the principles of shared decision-making and team-based care. Relevant topics include general approaches to treatment decisions, guideline-directed management and therapy to reduce symptoms and future cardiovascular events, decision-making pertaining to revascularization in patients with chronic coronary disease, recommendations for management in special populations, patient follow-up and monitoring, evidence gaps, and areas in need of future research. Where applicable, and based on availability of cost-effectiveness data, cost-value recommendations are also provided for clinicians. Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.

Rarely tested or treated but highly prevalent: Hypercholesterolemia in emergency department observation unit patients with chest pain

BACKGROUND

Hypercholesterolemia (HCL) is common among Emergency Department (ED) patients with chest pain but is typically not addressed in this setting. This study aims to determine whether a missed opportunity for Emergency Department Observation Unit (EDOU) HCL testing and treatment exists.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients ≥18 years old evaluated for chest pain in an EDOU from 3/1/2019-2/28/2020. The electronic health record was used to determine demographics and if HCL testing or treatment occurred. HCL was defined by self-report or clinician diagnosis. Proportions of patients receiving HCL testing or treatment at 1-year following their ED visit were calculated. HCL testing and treatment rates at 1-year were compared between white vs. non-white and male vs. female patients using multivariable logistic regression models including age, sex, and race.

RESULTS

Among 649 EDOU patients with chest pain, 55.8% (362/649) had known HCL. Among patients without known HCL, 5.9% (17/287, 95% CI 3.5-9.3%) had a lipid panel during their index ED/EDOU visit and 26.5% (76/287, 95% CI 21.5-32.0%) had a lipid panel within 1-year of their initial ED/EDOU visit. Among patients with known or newly diagnosed HCL, 54.0% (229/424, 95% CI 49.1-58.8%) were on treatment within 1-year. After adjustment, testing rates were similar among white vs. non-white patients (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.37-1.38) and men vs. women (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 0.69-2.57). Treatment rates were similar among white vs. non-white (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53-1.03) and male vs. female (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 0.77-1.51) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Few patients were evaluated for HCL in the ED/EDOU or outpatient setting after their ED/EDOU encounter and only 54% of patients with HCL were on treatment during the 1-year follow-up period after the index ED/EDOU visit. These findings suggest a missed opportunity to reduce cardiovascular disease risk exists by evaluating and treating HCL in the ED or EDOU.

Chest pain observation unit: A missed opportunity to initiate smoking cessation therapy

BACKGROUND

Emergency Department Observation Unit (EDOU) patients with chest pain have a high prevalence of smoking, a key cardiovascular disease risk factor. While in the EDOU, there is an opportunity to initiate smoking cessation therapy (SCT), but this is not standard practice. This study aims to describe the missed opportunity for EDOU-initiated SCT by determining the proportion of smokers who receive SCT in the EDOU and within 1-year of EDOU discharge and to evaluate if SCT rates vary by race or sex.

METHODS

We performed an observational cohort study of patients ≥18 years old being evaluated for chest pain in a tertiary care center EDOU from 3/1/2019-2/28/2020. Demographics, smoking history, and SCT were determined by electronic health record review. Emergency, family medicine, internal medicine, and cardiology records were reviewed to determine if SCT occurred within 1-year of their initial visit. SCT was defined as behavioral interventions or pharmacotherapy. Rates of SCT in the EDOU, 1-year follow-up period, and the EDOU through 1-year of follow-up were calculated. SCT rates from the EDOU through 1-year were compared between white vs. non-white and male vs. female patients using a multivariable logistic regression model including age, sex, and race.

RESULTS

Among 649 EDOU patients, 24.0% (156/649) were smokers. These patients were 51.3% (80/156) female and 46.8% (73/156) white, with a mean age of 54.4 ± 10.5 years. From the EDOU encounter through 1-year of follow-up, only 33.3% (52/156) received SCT. In the EDOU, 16.0% (25/156) received SCT. During the 1-year follow-up period, 22.4% (35/156) had outpatient SCT. After adjusting for potential confounders, SCT rates from the EDOU through 1-year were similar among whites vs. non-whites (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 0.61-2.32) and males vs. females (aOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.40-1.56).

CONCLUSIONS

SCT was rarely initiated in the EDOU among chest pain patients who smoke and most patients who did not receive SCT in the EDOU never received SCT at 1-year of follow-up. Rates of SCT were similarly low among race and sex subgroups. These data suggest an opportunity exists to improve health by initiating SCT in the EDOU.

Racial Differences in Mental Stress-Induced Transient Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Association With Cardiovascular Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate differences in transient endothelial dysfunction (TED) with mental stress in Black and non-Black individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD), and their potential impact on cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

We examined 812 patients with stable CHD between June 2011 and March 2016 and followed through February 2020 at a university-affiliated hospital network. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) was assessed before and 30 minutes after mental stress. TED was defined as a lower poststress FMD than prestress FMD. We compared prestress FMD, post-stress FMD, and TED between Black and non-Black participants. In both groups, we examined the association of TED with an adjudicated composite end point of cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (first and recurring events) after adjusting for demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors.

RESULTS

Prestress FMD was lower in Black than non-Black participants (3.7 [2.8] versus 4.9 [3.8], p < .001) and significantly declined with mental stress in both groups. TED occurred more often in Black (76%) than non-Black patients (67%; multivariable-adjusted odds ratio = 1.6, 95% confidence interval = 1.5-1.7). Over a median (interquartile range) follow-up period of 75 (65-82) months, 142 (18%) patients experienced either cardiovascular death or nonfatal myocardial infarction. Black participants had a 41.9% higher risk of the study outcome than non-Black participants (95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.95). TED with mental stress explained 69% of this excess risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Among CHD patients, Black individuals are more likely than non-Black individuals to develop endothelial dysfunction with mental stress, which in turn explains a substantial portion of their excess risk of adverse events.

State-Level Cardiovascular Mortality Rates Among Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, and Non-Hispanic White Populations, 1990 to 2019

Importance

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US, with considerable variation by both state and race and ethnicity group. Consistent, comparable measures of mortality by specific CVD cause at the state level and by race and ethnicity have not previously been available and are necessary for supporting policy decisions aimed at reducing health inequities.

Objective

To quantify and describe levels and trends of mortality due to overall CVD and its component causes for 3 mutually exclusive race and ethnicity groups and by state.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used Census data, population surveys, and US vital registration records to estimate cause-specific cardiovascular mortality by state and by the following race and ethnicity groups, defined by the US Office of Management and Budget: Hispanic of any race, non-Hispanic Black (hereafter, Black), and non-Hispanic White (hereafter, White). Data were analyzed from January 2020 to September 2022.

Exposures

State of residence at time of death; Hispanic ethnicity and Black or White race.

Main Outcomes and Measures

CVD death counts and mortality rates.

Results

An estimated 25 397 029 persons died of cardiovascular diseases from 1990 to 2019. The mean (SD) age of individuals was 78.20 (14.01); 13 087 290 individuals (51.53%) were female and 12 309 739 (48.47%) were male; 2 921 650 (11.50%) were Black, 1 159 498 (4.57%) were Hispanic, and 21 315 880 (83.93%) were White. Age-standardized CVD mortality per 100 000 persons in 2019 was 194.4 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 172.7 to 207.4), 107.7 (95% UI, 92.9 to 121.4), and 153.8 (95% UI, 133.8 to 163.8) among Black, Hispanic, and White populations, respectively. The median (IQR) percentage change across states was smaller for 2010 to 2019 compared with 1990 to 2000 for both White female and White male populations (-6.8 [-10.1 to -4.3] vs -10.2 [-12.9 to -5.9] and -4.6 [-8.6 to -2.5] vs -16.5 [-19.3 to -15.4]). For the Black and Hispanic groups, the percentage change (IQR) was larger for the female populations for the latter time period (-15.1 [-18.9 to -11.7] vs -12.6 [-19.6 to -7.8] and -23.5 [-29.2 to -18.5] vs -8.2 [-17.8 to 5.96]). The converse was observed among male individuals in both groups, with smaller percentage change (IQR) values in 2010 to 2019 compared with 1990 to 2000 (-13.1 [-18.7 to -8.6] vs -18.6 [-25.5 to -14.7] among the Black male population and -20.4 [-25.6 to -15.6] vs -21.5 [-31.1 to -5.7] among the Hispanic male population). There was substantial variability at the state level for death due to total CVD and component causes in 2019 and changes in CVD mortality from 1990 through 2019.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study indicate that CVD mortality varied widely by state and race and ethnicity group. Changes over the time period were not consistent for all groups and varied by cardiovascular subcause. These results highlight ongoing health disparities in cardiovascular mortality.

The association of preoperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin i and long-term outcomes in colorectal cancer patients received tumor resection surgery

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative hs-cTnI and long-term mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in colorectal cancer patients.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 1105 consecutive colorectal cancer patients who received tumor resection surgery between January 2018 and June 2020. Inclusion criteria were an age ≥ 18 years and had been tested for hs-cTnI on admission within 7 days prior to tumor resection surgery. Exclusion criteria were emergent surgery, failure to received tumor resection surgery, hospital death, there was clinical evidence of unstable coronary artery disease or pulmonary embolism occurred before operation according to medical record. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

RESULTS

A total of 1105 patients were enrolled: 1032 with normal hs-cTnI and 73 with elevated hs-cTnI. The mean follow-up was 24.4 ± 10.8 months, 176 patients died and 39 patients met MACE. In the elevated troponin group, 50%, 32.1% and 17.9% died from cancer, cardiovascular and other causes, while those in the normal troponin group were 75.7%, 2% and 22.3%, there was statistical difference between 2 groups (P < 0.001). Patients with elevated preoperative hs-cTnI had significantly higher mortality (P < 0.001) and more MACE (P < 0.001) compared with those with normal hs-cTnI. A propensity-matching analysis were performed, resulting in 151 patients with normal hs-cTnI and 60 patients with elevated hs-cTnI. The matched population had the similar results for all-cause death (P = 0.009) and MACE (P = 0.001). The results were consistent after further excluding 147 patients who had received chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery in subgroup analysis. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis shown that hs-cTnI was one of the best predictors for all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.278; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-4.361) and MACE (HR, 3.523; 95%CI, 1.477-8.403) in total populations, similar results were found in subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal cancer patients without myocardial ischemia manifestation but with elevated hs-cTnI prior to tumor resection surgery were at increased risk for long-term all-cause death and MACE, irrespective of whether they have received chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery.

Identification and Management of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in South Asian Populations in the U.S

South Asians (SAs, individuals with ancestry from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) are among the fastest growing ethnic subgroups in the United States. SAs typically experience a high prevalence of diabetes, abdominal obesity, and hypertension, among other cardiovascular disease risk factors, which are often under recognized and undermanaged. The excess coronary heart disease risk in this growing population must be critically assessed and managed with culturally appropriate preventive services. Accordingly, this scientific document prepared by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians and investigators in cardiology, internal medicine, pharmacy, and SA-centric researchers describes key characteristics of traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, compares and contrasts available risk assessment tools, discusses the role of blood-based biomarkers and coronary artery calcium to enhance risk assessment and prevention strategies, and provides evidenced-based approaches and interventions that may reduce coronary heart disease disparities in this higher-risk population.

Social determinants of health in pulmonary embolism management and outcome in hospitals: Insights from the United States nationwide inpatient sample

Background

The role of social determinants in the treatment and course of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is understudied.

Objective

To investigate the association between social determinants of health with in-hospital management and early clinical outcomes following acute PE.

Methods

We identified hospitalizations of adults with acute PE discharge diagnosis from the nationwide inpatient sample (2016-2018). Multivariable regression was used to investigate the association between race/ethnicity, type of expected primary payer, and income with the use of advanced PE therapies (thrombolysis, catheter-directed treatment, surgical embolectomy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), length of stay, hospitalization charges, and in-hospital death.

Results

A total of 1,124,204 hospitalizations with a PE diagnosis were estimated from the 2016-2018 nationwide inpatient sample, corresponding to a hospitalization rate of 14.9/10,000 adult persons-year. The use of advanced therapies was lower in Black and Asian/Pacific Islander (vs. White patients: adjusted odds ratio [OR_adjusted], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.92 and OR_adjusted 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.98) and in Medicare- or Medicaid-insured (vs. privately-insured; OR_adjusted, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.69-0.77 and OR_adjusted, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.63-0.74), although they had the greatest length of stay and hospitalization charges. In-hospital mortality was higher in the lowest income quartile (vs. highest quartile; OR_adjusted, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17). Among high-risk PE, patients of other than the White race had the highest in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

We observed inequalities in advanced therapies used for acute PE and higher in-hospital mortality in races other than White. Low socioeconomic status was also associated with lesser use of advanced treatment modalities and greater in-hospital mortality. Future studies should further explore and consider the long-term impact of social inequities in PE management.

Association of Sociodemographic Characteristics With 1-Year Hospital Readmission Among Adults Aged 18 to 55 Years With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Importance

Among younger adults, the association between Black race and postdischarge readmission after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is insufficiently described.

Objectives

To examine whether racial differences exist in all-cause 1-year hospital readmission among younger adults hospitalized for AMI and whether that difference retains significance after adjustment for cardiac factors and social determinants of health (SDOHs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

The VIRGO (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients) study was an observational cohort study of younger adults (aged 18-55 years) hospitalized for AMI with a 2:1 female-to-male ratio across 103 US hospitals from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2012. Data analysis was performed from August 1 to December 31, 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was all-cause readmission, defined as any hospital or observation stay greater than 24 hours within 1 year of discharge, identified through medical record abstraction and clinician adjudication. Logistic regression with sequential adjustment evaluated racial differences and potential moderation by sex and SDOHs. The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition quantified how much of any racial difference was explained and not explained by covariates.

Results

This study included 2822 participants (median [IQR] age, 48 [44-52] years; 1910 [67.7%] female; 2289 [81.1%] White and 533 [18.9%] Black; 868 [30.8%] readmitted). Black individuals had a higher rate of readmission than White individuals (210 [39.4%] vs 658 [28.8%], P < .001), particularly Black women (179 of 425 [42.1%]). After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, cardiac factors, and SDOHs, the odds of readmission were 34% higher among Black individuals (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% CI, 1.06-1.68). The association between Black race and 1-year readmission was positively moderated by unemployment (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.09- 2.59; P for interaction = .02) and fewer number of working hours per week (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; P for interaction = .01) but not by sex. Decomposition indicates that 79% of the racial difference in risk of readmission went unexplained by the included covariates.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this multicenter study of younger adults hospitalized for AMI, Black individuals were more often readmitted in the year following discharge than White individuals. Although interventions to address SDOHs and employment may help decrease racial differences in 1-year readmission, more study is needed on the 79% of the racial difference not explained by the included covariates.

Healthcare Disparities in Cardiovascular Medicine

There are significant healthcare disparities in cardiovascular medicine that represent a challenge for cardiologists and healthcare policy-makers who wish to provide equitable care. Disparities exist in both the management and outcomes of hypertension, coronary artery disease and its sequelae, and heart failure. These disparities are present along the lines of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Despite recent efforts to reduce disparity, there are knowledge and research gaps among cardiologists with regards to both the scope of the problem and how to solve it. Solutions include increasing awareness of disparities in cardiovascular health, increasing research for optimal treatment of underserved communities, and public policy changes that reduce disparities in social determinants of health.

Evaluation of race and ethnicity disparities in outcome studies of CYP2C19 genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy

Dual antiplatelet therapy with a P2Y₁₂ inhibitor (clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) and aspirin remains the standard of care for all patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It is well-established that patients carrying CYP2C19 no function alleles have impaired capacity to convert clopidogrel into its active metabolite and thus, are at higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The metabolism and clinical effectiveness of prasugrel and ticagrelor are not affected by CYP2C19 genotype, and accumulating evidence from multiple randomized and observational studies demonstrates that CYP2C19 genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy following PCI improves clinical outcomes. However, most antiplatelet pharmacogenomic outcome studies to date have lacked racial and ethnic diversity. In this review, we will (1) summarize current guideline recommendations and clinical outcome evidence related to CYP2C19 genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy, (2) evaluate the presence of potential racial and ethnic disparities in the major outcome studies supporting current genotype-guided antiplatelet therapy recommendations, and (3) identify remaining knowledge gaps and future research directions necessary to advance implementation of this precision medicine strategy for dual antiplatelet therapy in diverse, real-world clinical settings.

High Social Risk Influence Progression of White Matter Hyperintensities of Presumed Vascular Origin: A Prospective Study in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Information on cerebrovascular consequences of high social risk, as determined by the social determinants of health, is limited. We sought to evaluate the impact of high social risk on the progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) of presumed vascular origin.

METHODS

Following a longitudinal prospective study design, participants of the Atahualpa Project Cohort received baseline social risk determinations by means of social determinants of health components included in the Gijon's Social-Familial Evaluation Scale together with clinical interviews and brain magnetic resonance imagings. Those who also received follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging at the end of the study were included. We used Poisson regression models adjusted for demographics, education levels and traditional cardiovascular risk factors to assess the incidence rate ratio of WMH progression according to the Gijon's Social-Familial Evaluation Scale score.

RESULTS

The study included 263 individuals aged ≥60 years (mean age, 65.7±6.2 years; 57% women). The Gijon's Social-Familial Evaluation Scale mean score was 8.9±2.2 points. Follow-up magnetic resonance imagings revealed WMH progression in 103 (39%) individuals after a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (SD±1.4 years). Poisson regression models showed increased WMH progression rate among individuals in the third tertile of the Gijon's Social-Familial Evaluation Scale score compared with those in the first tertile (incidence rate ratio, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.05-2.61]; P=0.032). Separate Poisson regression models using individual social determinants of health components showed that poor social relationships (incidence rate ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.10-1.77]; P=0.006) and deficient support networks (incidence rate ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.19-2.69]; P=0.005) were independently associated with WMH progression, whereas family situation, economic status, and housing did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor social relationships and deficient support networks were significantly associated with WMH progression in community-dwelling older adults living in a rural setting. Our findings may help planning cost-effective preventive policies to reduce progression of cerebral small vessel disease among vulnerable populations.