A perspective on the New American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment

Implementing Reporting Standards for Polygenic Risk Scores for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is considerable interest in using polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for assessing risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). A barrier to the clinical use of PRSs is heterogeneity in how PRS studies are reported. In this review, we summarize approaches to establish a uniform reporting framework for PRSs for coronary heart disease (CHD), the most common form of ASCVD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Reporting standards for PRSs need to be contextualized for disease specific applications. In addition to metrics of predictive performance, reporting standards for PRSs for CHD should include how cases/control were ascertained, degree of adjustment for conventional CHD risk factors, portability to diverse genetic ancestry groups and admixed individuals, and quality control measures for clinical deployment. Such a framework will enable PRSs to be optimized and benchmarked for clinical use.

Does Losing 5-7% of Prediabetic Body Weight from a Diabetes Prevention Program decrease Cardiovascular Risks?

INTRODUCTION

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of adults have prediabetes (i.e., at risk for developing type 2 diabetes), a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) focuses on lifestyle modifications to help participants lose 5-7% of their body weight and prevent Type 2 Diabetes. The purpose of this community-based pilot study was to investigate how successful completion of the DPP might be associated with decreases in body weight and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risks.

METHODS

Single-site, prospective cohort study. The DPP was implemented at the Farmington Village Family Practice Clinic and delivered virtually via Zoom from January 2020 through December 2020. During the first six months, participants met weekly for one hour. In the remaining six months, monthly sessions were held for one hour. Each session began with a private weigh-in followed by a uniquely designed lesson plan. A total of 14 prediabetic patients, based on hemoglobin A1c (A1c), fasting blood glucose levels, or diabetic risk calculator scores, were enrolled. For analyses, data concerning body mass index (BMI), smoking status, anti-hypertensive medications, age, race, sex, A1c, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were measured at baseline, six and 12 months. These parameters were used to calculate composite ASCVD risk percentages based on the 2013 Risk Calculator from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology.

RESULTS

Using a series of Wilcoxon Matched Signed Rank Pair T test procedures, initial base-to six-month analyses showed a statistically significant improvement in ASCVD risk scores (p < 0.01), BMI (p < 0.01), HDL (p < 0.01), estimated weekly minutes of physical activity (p =< 0.01), and total cholesterol (p = 0.048) levels. In addition, base-to-12-month differences for ASCVD, BMI, HDL and physical activity outcomes remained statistically significant.

DISCUSSION

After completion of the DPP program, both initial (base to six month) as well as follow up (base to 12-month) statistically significant improvements in ASCVD, HDL, BMI, physical activity levels, and total cholesterol were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These pilot study results are promising and consistent with the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. These findings support the value of a structured, evidence-based educational curriculum focused on nonpharmacologic intervention to decrease weight loss and ASCVD risk scores for prediabetes adults.

Revisiting the internal mammaries as recipient vessels in breast reconstruction: considerations in current practice

BACKGROUND

The internal mammary artery (IMA) has supplanted the thoracodorsal artery as the primary recipient vessel in autologous breast reconstruction. Additionally, the IMA continues to be the preferred bypass graft choice in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, practice patterns in breast reconstruction have evolved considerably since the adoption of the IMA for this application. The authors sought to evaluate the safety of IMA harvest for breast reconstruction in our current practice, given the possibility that patients may require CABG in the future.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the prospective database of free flaps for breast reconstruction performed at their center from 2009 to 2017. Patients were divided into three groups (2009-2011, 2011-2013, 2014-2017) and compared on the basis of demographics, medical comorbidities, and laterality of reconstruction. Patients were further risk stratified for 10-year risk of cardiovascular events using the American College of Cardiology's atheroscletoric and cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk calculator.

RESULTS

There was a marked increase in the number of patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction at our institution over the past three years (2009-2011, n = 55; 2012-2014, n = 50; 2015-2017, n = 145). The distribution of unilateral versus bilateral flaps changed meaningfully; however, they did not change statistically significantly over the study period (2009-2011 = 32.7%, 2012-2014 = 28.0%, 2015-2017 = 49.0%, p = 0.12). The rise in bilateral reconstructions over the study period is commensurate with the observed significant rise in contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (2009-2011 = 25.5%, 2012-2014 = 20.0%, 2015-2017 = 42.1%, p = 0.022). The mean 10-year risk of major cardiovascular events in the entire sample was 6.3 ± 7.1% (median 4.0%). The maximum individual risk score exceeded 25% in all three groups.

CONCLUSION

Given overall trends in breast reconstruction and the sometimes-elevated cardiac risk profiles of our patients, the authors recommend risk stratification of all patients using the proposed Breast Reconstruction Internal Mammary Assessment (BRIMA) scoring system and consideration of left internal mammary artery preservation in select cases.

Strategies for Image-Guided Therapy, Surgery, and Drug Delivery Using Photoacoustic Imaging

Photoacoustic imaging is a rapidly maturing imaging modality in biological research and medicine. This modality uses the photoacoustic effect ("light in, sound out") to combine the contrast and specificity of optical imaging with the high temporal resolution of ultrasound. The primary goal of image-guided therapy, and theranostics in general, is to transition from conventional medicine to precision strategies that combine diagnosis with therapy. Photoacoustic imaging is well-suited for noninvasive guidance of many therapies and applications currently being pursued in three broad areas. These include the image-guided resection of diseased tissue, monitoring of disease states, and drug delivery. In this review, we examine the progress and strategies for development of photoacoustics in these three key areas with an emphasis on the value photoacoustics has for image-guided therapy.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol outcomes post-non-PCSK9i lipid-lowering therapies in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and probable heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients

Background

This study evaluated the proportion of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and probable heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) achieving ≥50% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or reaching the LDL-C ≤70 mg/dL threshold, after initiating or modifying statin, and/or ezetimibe therapy.

Materials and methods

Adult ASCVD patients with baseline LDL-C >70 mg/dL (index) and a subset of patients with probable HeFH (proxied by LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL) were identified between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2014, from the IQVIA electronic medical record database. Patients were followed for 12 months pre-index to examine baseline lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) use, and 12 months post index to evaluate treatment modifications and post-treatment LDL-C levels, stratified by type of treatment received and LDL-C levels at baseline.

Results

Of the sample of ASCVD patients who initiated treatment post-index (n=111,147), only 7.6% patients achieved a ≥50% reduction from baseline LDL-C and 19.1% of patients reached the LDL-C ≤70 mg/dL threshold. Among treated ASCVD patients who modified therapy post-index (n=75,523), 5.6% achieved a ≥50% reduction in LDL-C, and proportion of patients achieving LDL-C ≤70 mg/dL ranged from 6.9% to 26.7%, depending on the baseline LDL-C levels. Approximately 50% of the untreated probable HeFH patients (n=3,064) initiated LLT; however, the mean (SD) post-treatment LDL-C remained high (136.2 [47.8] mg/dL), with only 4.4% reaching LDL-C ≤70 mg/dL. Of the treated probable HeFH patients (n=1,073), 41.5% modified treatment; 22.1% achieved a ≥50% reduction in LDL-C and 1.1% reached LDL-C ≤70 mg/dL.

Conclusion

This study found that most patients had suboptimal LDL-C responses after initiating or modifying standard LLT (statin and/or ezetimibe). More frequent and aggressive lipid management, including increasing statin intensity and alternative therapies, may be needed in patients with ASCVD and probable HeFH to reduce their cardiovascular risk.

Low-density lipoprotein 4: a novel predictor of coronary artery disease severity

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia is a well established risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Severe CAD has been observed in patients with normal levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Small dense LDL particle subtypes (LDL₃ and LDL₄) have been observed to be more oxidizable and atherogenic. We aimed to identify the role of cholesterol particle subtypes in predicting CAD severity.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained immediately before cardiac catheterization in 179 consecutive patients with suspected CAD. Detailed lipid profiling was performed using a VAP cholesterol test. CAD severity was categorized angiographically as no/minor CAD (<20% luminal diameter stenosis [LDS]), moderate CAD (20% to 74% LDS) and severe CAD (>75% LDS of any major coronary vessel).

RESULTS

Patients with severe CAD had significantly higher LDL₄ and triglycerides, and lower total HDL, HDL₂, HDL₃, LDL₂ and LDL₃ compared to patients with no/minor CAD (p < .05 for all). Multivariate analysis showed high LDL₄ as an independent predictive of severe CAD. ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.62 (p < .0001) with a cut-point of >16.9 mg/dL to predict severe CAD with a sensitivity of 53% and specificity of 79%.

CONCLUSION

Elevated LDL₄ levels are associated with severe CAD. Further large-scale investigations are required to evaluate the utility of LDL₄ in predicting CAD severity.

Cardiovascular Health in African Americans: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Population-wide reductions in cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality have not been shared equally by African Americans. The burden of cardiovascular disease in the African American community remains high and is a primary cause of disparities in life expectancy between African Americans and whites. The objectives of the present scientific statement are to describe cardiovascular health in African Americans and to highlight unique considerations for disease prevention and management.

METHOD

The primary sources of information were identified with PubMed/Medline and online sources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RESULTS

The higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk) underlies the relatively earlier age of onset of cardiovascular diseases among African Americans. Hypertension in particular is highly prevalent among African Americans and contributes directly to the notable disparities in stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease among African Americans. Despite the availability of effective pharmacotherapies and indications for some tailored pharmacotherapies for African Americans (eg, heart failure medications), disease management is less effective among African Americans, yielding higher mortality. Explanations for these persistent disparities in cardiovascular disease are multifactorial and span from the individual level to the social environment.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategies needed to promote equity in the cardiovascular health of African Americans require input from a broad set of stakeholders, including clinicians and researchers from across multiple disciplines.

Family history of atherosclerotic vascular disease is associated with the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm

We investigated whether family history (FHx) of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was associated with presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The study cohort comprised of 696 patients with AAA (70±8 years, 84% men) and 2686 controls (68±10 years, 61% men) recruited from noninvasive vascular and stress electrocardiogram (ECG) laboratories at Mayo Clinic. AAA was defined as a transverse diameter of abdominal aorta ⩾ 3 cm or history of AAA repair. Controls were not known to have AAA. FHx was defined as having at least one first-degree relative with aortic aneurysm or with onset of ASCVD (coronary, cerebral or peripheral artery disease) before age 65 years. FHx of aortic aneurysm or ASCVD were each associated with presence of AAA after adjustment for age, sex, conventional risk factors and ASCVD: adjusted odds ratios (OR; 95% confidence interval): 2.17 (1.66-2.83, p < 0.01) and 1.31 (1.08-1.59, p < 0.01), respectively. FHx of ASCVD remained associated with AAA after additional adjustment for FHx of aortic aneurysm: adjusted OR: 1.27 (1.05-1.55, p = 0.01). FHx of ASCVD in multiple arterial locations was associated with higher odds of having AAA: the adjusted odds were 1.23 times higher for each additionally affected arterial location reported in the FHx (1.08-1.40, p = 0.01). Our results suggest both unique and shared environmental and genetic factors mediating susceptibility to AAA and ASCVD.

Pathways Forward in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention One and a Half Years After Publication of the 2013 ACC/AHA Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Guidelines

The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines represent an important step forward in the risk assessment and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in clinical practice. Differentiated risk prediction equations for women and black individuals were developed, and convenient 10-year and lifetime risk assessment tools were provided, facilitating their implementation. Lifestyle modification was portrayed as the foundation of preventive therapy. In addition, based on high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials, statins were prioritized as the first lipid-lowering pharmacologic treatment, and a shared decision-making model between the physician and the patient was emphasized as a key feature of personalized care. After publication of the guidelines, however, important limitations were also identified. This resulted in a constructive scientific debate yielding valuable insights into potential opportunities to refine recommendations, fill gaps in guidance, and better harmonize recommendations within and outside the United States. The latter point deserves emphasis because when guidelines are in disagreement, this may result in nonaction on the part of professional caregivers or nonadherence by patients. In this review, we discuss the key scientific literature relevant to the guidelines published in the year and a half after their release. We aim to provide cohesive, evidence-based views that may offer pathways forward in cardiovascular disease prevention toward greater consensus and benefit the practice of clinical medicine.

Quality Markers in Cardiology. Main Markers to Measure Quality of Results (Outcomes) and Quality Measures Related to Better Results in Clinical Practice (Performance Metrics). INCARDIO (Indicadores de Calidad en Unidades Asistenciales del Área del Corazón): A SEC/SECTCV Consensus Position Paper

Cardiology practice requires complex organization that impacts overall outcomes and may differ substantially among hospitals and communities. The aim of this consensus document is to define quality markers in cardiology, including markers to measure the quality of results (outcomes metrics) and quality measures related to better results in clinical practice (performance metrics). The document is mainly intended for the Spanish health care system and may serve as a basis for similar documents in other countries.

The Challenge of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes to Public Health: A Study Based on Qualitative Systemic Approach

The most common modeling approaches to understanding incidence, prevalence and control of chronic diseases in populations, such as statistical regression models, are limited when it comes to dealing with the complexity of those problems. Those complex adaptive systems have characteristics such as emerging properties, self-organization and feedbacks, which structure the system stability and resistance to changes. Recently, system science approaches have been proposed to deal with the range, complexity, and multifactor nature of those public health problems. In this paper we applied a multilevel systemic approach to create an integrated, coherent, and increasingly precise conceptual framework, capable of aggregating different partial or specialized studies, based on the challenges of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health - ELSA-Brasil. The failure to control blood pressure found in several of the study's subjects was discussed, based on the proposed model, analyzing different loops, time lags, and feedback that influence this outcome in a population with high educational level, with reasonably good health services access. We were able to identify the internal circularities and cycles that generate the system's resistance to change. We believe that this study can contribute to propose some new possibilities of the research agenda and to the discussion of integrated actions in the field of public health.