Quality of life after coronary angioplasty or continued medical treatment for angina: three-year follow-up in the RITA-2 trial. Randomized Intervention Treatment of Angina

Surgical Management of Ischemic Heart Disease Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Lower-Middle-Income Countries: Our Strategies and Experience at the Medical Teaching Institute-Hayatabad Medical Complex (MTI-HMC) Peshawar, Pakistan

Introduction and objectives Severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in coronary artery disease (CAD) is linked to high risks and limited outcomes. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a key surgical intervention for these patients. This study aimed to assess hospital and short-term outcomes in patients with severe LVD undergoing isolated CABG and identify predictors of adverse outcomes. Methodology We conducted a retrospective study of 454 patients who underwent CABG for CAD with significant LVD at Hayatabad Medical Complex between 2018 and 2024. Data were extracted from clinical records and analyzed statistically to evaluate outcomes and predictors. Results The study included 454 patients with a mean age of 58.14 ± 9.576 years and a mean ejection fraction of 35.59 ± 3.996%. There were 396 (87.2%) male patients with common comorbidities, including hypertension (122, 26.9%), diabetes mellitus (88, 19.4%), and smoking (39, 8.6%). Intraoperative findings showed a mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time of 155.94 ± 38.120 minutes, with 451 (99.3%) achieving LIMA (left internal mammary artery) to LAD (left anterior descending artery) revascularization. Postoperative in-hospital mortality was 21 (4.6%), re-intubation occurred in 18 (4.0%), and arrhythmias were observed in 26 (5.7%). Wound infections were minimal (444 (97.8%) without infection), and 406 (89.4%) underwent elective CABG, while nine (2.0%) had emergent CABG, mostly due to ventricular septal rupture. Conclusion CABG remains a vital surgical intervention for patients with severe LVD, offering favorable short-term outcomes despite the inherent risks. Key factors contributing to these results include comprehensive myocardial revascularization, effective use of internal mammary artery grafting, and advanced myocardial protection strategies. This study highlights the potential of CABG to improve survival and functional outcomes in this high-risk population.

Factors associated with health-related quality of life in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: Thai PCI registry

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The objectives of this study were to assess the changes in HRQoL and factors influencing these changes in CAD patients after undergoing PCI.

Methods

Data from a nationwide PCI registry across 39 hospitals in Thailand were collected in 2018-2019, including baseline characteristics, comorbid diseases, angiographic CAD severity, procedural details, and type of health insurance. HRQoL, as measured by utility scores, was determined in all patients using the Thai version of EQ-5D-5l at admission, discharge, and 6 and 12 months after discharge. The effects of time after PCI procedure and various factors on mean utility scores were assessed using a mixed-effect linear regression model.

Results

A total of 19,701 patients were included in the analysis; they had a mean age of 64.2 ± 11.7 years and were predominantly (69.1%) male. Following PCI, the mean utility scores increased from 66.6 ± 19.6 at admission to 81.9 ± 13.8 at discharge, and remained stable at 6 and 12 months (86.1 ± 12.3 and 88.0 ± 11.7, respectively). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, several factors were found to be independently associated with improved HRQoL, including angiographic success, male gender, overweight status, dyslipidemia, and radial access. Six other factors were associated with less improved HRQoLs, including cardiogenic shock/IABP support, old age, CKD, clinical presentation (STEMI and NSTEMI), prior cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure. There were no associations of CAD severity and procedural details with HRQoL. No differences were found related to type of health insurance, except that patients who were uninsured or self-pay tended to have less improvement in HRQoL.

Conclusion

HRQoL improved significantly after PCI in these subjects, as observed through 1 year of follow-up. Identifying the factors influencing these improvements may assist clinicians in tailoring patient interventions to optimise quality of life after PCI.

Health-Related Quality of Life After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There has been no meta-analysis of whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with optimal medical therapy (OMT) improves health-related quality of life (HRQL) compared with OMT alone in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform in November 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared PCI with OMT vs OMT alone with HRQL in patients with SIHD. The primary outcome was the aggregated physical HRQL, including physical functioning using the Short Form (SF)-36 or RAND-36, physical limitation using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) or SAQ-7, McMaster Health Index Questionnaire, and Duke Activity Status Index within 6 months. Data were analyzed using a random effects model when substantial heterogeneity was identified or a fixed effect model otherwise.

RESULTS

Among 14 systematically reviewed RCTs, 12 RCTs with 12,238 patients were meta-analyzed. Only 1 trial had a low risk of bias in all domains. PCI with OMT improved aggregated physical HRQL (standardized mean difference, 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1-0.23; P < 0.0001) at 6 months. Also, PCI with OMT improved physical functioning on the SF-36/RAND-36 (mean difference 3.65; 95% CI, 1.88-5.41) and physical limitation on the SAQ/SAQ-7 (mean difference, 3.09; 95% CI, 0.93-5.24) compared with OMT alone at 6 months. However, all of the aggregated physical HRQL domains were classified into small effects, and no HRQL domain exceeded the prespecified minimal clinically important difference.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings showed that PCI with OMT improved HRQL compared with OMT alone in patients with SIHD, but the benefit was not large.

Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a non-surgical invasive procedure to treat coronary artery occlusion. The quality of life (QoL) is a way to measure the impact of illness and additionally its treatments to traditional measures of clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to explore the levels of QoL pre-PCI, 6 and 12 months after PCI, as well as the factors associated with the QoL pre-PCI.

METHODS

In the present study, 100 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled. Data were collected through the completion of the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), which included participants' characteristics. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Patients had moderate levels of QoL at baseline, with a median general health score of 45 (IQR: 30-65). A gradual statistically significant increase in scores was observed in all subcategories of the patients' QoL at 6 and 12 months after PCI (p < 0.001). A greater increase in scores was observed in physical functioning, physical role, emotional role and social functionality. In terms of the pre-PCI phase, it was found that physical functionality was statistically significantly associated with educational level (p = 0.005), occupation (p = 0.026) and whether the patients had children (p = 0.041). The physical and emotional role was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.046 and p = 0.040) and educational level (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001). Energy-fatigue was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.028), marital status (p = 0.001), educational level (p = 0.001), whether the patients had children (p= 0.012) and other diseases (p = 0.001). Emotional well-being was significantly associated with family history of coronary artery disease (p = 0.011) and the frequency of physical exercise (p = 0.001). Social functioning was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.033), marital status (p = 0.034) and educational level (p = 0.002). Pain was not found to be significantly associated with patients' demographics. General health was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.003), age (p = 0.043), educational level (p = 0.001), other diseases (p = 0.005) and the frequency of physical exercise (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Information about the QoL of PCI and its determinants is important to define an effective and comprehensive care plan.

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and the Effect on Outcome in Patients Presenting with Coronary Artery Disease and Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Differences Noted by Sex and Age

Background and aim: poor quality of life (QoL) has been identified as an independent risk factor for mortality and major cardiac events (MACE) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at baseline and its association with outcome in patients with coronary artery disease presenting for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The outcome was measured by mortality and MACE at 1-year, and whether there was any difference for sex and different age groups. Methods and results: all patients prospectively enrolled into the GenesisCare Outcome Registry (GCOR) over a 11-year period were included in the study. The EQ-5D-5L and VAS patient survey were used for assessment of baseline HRQoL. Of the 15,198 patients, only 6591 (43.4%) completed the self-assessment. Women had significantly more impairment of all five dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L survey, and their self-reported QoL was significantly lower than men (68.3 in women vs. 71.9 in men, p < 0.001). Poor QoL was strongly associated with increased mortality (HR 2.85; 95% CI 1.76 to 4.62, p < 0.001) and MACE (HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.79, p = 0.01). A similar trend was noted for women and men, but did not reach significance in women due to the smaller number of female patients. Conclusion: poor HRQoL is associated with subsequent mortality and MACE in patients undergoing PCI. By not assessing quality of life as a standard of care, an opportunity is lost to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from targeted interventions to improve health outcomes.

Relation of the Number of Cardiovascular Conditions and Short-term Symptom Improvement After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Stable Angina Pectoris

With aging of the population, cardiovascular conditions (CC) are increasingly common in individuals undergoing PCI for stable angina pectoris (AP). It is unknown if the overall burden of CCs associates with diminished symptom improvement after PCI for stable AP. We prospectively administered validated surveys assessing AP, dyspnea, and depression to patients undergoing PCI for stable AP at our institution, 2016-2018. The association of CC burden and symptoms at 30-days post-PCI was assessed via linear mixed effects models. Included individuals (N = 121; mean age 68 ± 10 years; response rate = 42%) were similar to non-included individuals. At baseline, greater CC burden was associated with worse dyspnea, depression, and physical limitations due to AP, but not AP frequency or quality of life. PCI was associated with small improvements in AP and dyspnea (p ≤ 0.001 for both), but not depression (p = 0.15). After multivariable adjustment, including for baseline symptoms, CC burden was associated with a greater improvement in AP physical limitations (p = 0.01) and depression (p = 0.002), albeit small, but not other symptom domains (all p ≥ 0.05). In patients undergoing PCI for stable AP, increasing CC burden was associated with worse dyspnea, depression, and AP physical limitations at baseline. An increasing number of CCs was associated with greater improvements, though small, in AP physical limitations and depression. In conclusion, the overall number of cardiovascular conditions should not be used to exclude patients from PCI for stable AP on the basis of an expectation of less symptom improvement.

Quality of Life Assessment in Trials of Revascularization for Chronic Stable Angina: Insights from ORBITA and the Implications of Blinding

The main aims of therapy in chronic stable angina are to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and death and improve symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Unblinded trials have shown that revascularization does not reduce the risk of myocardial infarction or death but does appear to improve symptoms. However, symptoms are susceptible to the placebo effect which can bias therapies to appear more effective than they are. To assess the true physical impact of a treatment on symptoms, placebo-controlled trials with patients and medical and research teams blinded to treatment allocation are necessary. Symptoms and QoL can be reported directly by the patient or indirectly by the physician. Patient-reported outcome measures in angina trials can include angina frequency, frequency of nitrate use, exercise capacity, and questionnaires such as the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and the generic EuroQOL-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) QoL questionnaire. Physician-assessed outcome measures include Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class. The Objective Randomised Blinded Investigation with Optimal Medical Therapy of Angioplasty in Stable Angina (ORBITA) trial was the first blinded placebo-controlled study investigating the role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic stable angina. The trial showed a smaller than expected and not statistically significant effect of placebo-controlled PCI on the primary endpoint of change in exercise time at 6 weeks follow-up in single-vessel coronary artery disease. There was also no significant placebo-controlled treatment effect of PCI for the prespecified secondary endpoints of SAQ or EQ-5D-5L, although PCI did result in 20% more patients becoming free from angina than placebo in a non-prespecified secondary analysis. ORBITA has demonstrated the need for symptomatic and QoL effects of PCI to be studied using placebo control. Here, we describe ways of measuring QoL, the impact of the unblinded and blinded trials to date, what we have learned from ORBITA, and what is next for this common and complex condition.

Role of endothelial dysfunction in determining angina after percutaneous coronary intervention: Learning from pathophysiology to optimize treatment

Endothelial dysfunction (EnD) is a hallmark feature of coronary artery disease (CAD), representing the key early step of atherosclerotic plaque development and progression. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed daily worldwide to treat symptomatic CAD, however a consistent proportion of patients remain symptomatic for angina despite otherwise successful revascularization. EnD plays a central role in the mechanisms of post-PCI angina, as it is strictly associated with both structural and functional abnormalities in the coronary arteries that may persist, or even accentuate, following PCI. The assessment of endothelial function in patients undergoing PCI might help to identify those patients at higher risk of future cardiovascular events and recurrent/persistent angina who might therefore benefit more from an intensive treatment. In this review, we address the role of EnD in determining angina after PCI, discussing its pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic approaches and therapeutic perspectives.

Residual Angina After Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Previous studies suggest that among patients with stable coronary artery disease, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have less angina and more silent ischemia when compared with those without DM. However, the burden of angina in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been recently examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a 10-site US PCI registry, we assessed angina before and at 1, 6, and 12 months after elective PCI with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire angina frequency score (range, 0-100, higher=better). We also examined the rates of antianginal medication prescriptions at discharge. A multivariable, repeated-measures Poisson model was used to examine the independent association of DM with angina over the year after treatment. Among 1080 elective PCI patients (mean age, 65 years; 74.7% men), 34.0% had DM. At baseline and at each follow-up, patients with DM had similar angina prevalence and severity as those without DM. Patients with DM were more commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers and long-acting nitrates at discharge (DM versus not: 27.9% versus 20.9% [P=0.01] and 32.8% versus 25.5% [P=0.01], respectively), whereas β-blockers and ranolazine were prescribed at similar rates. In the multivariable, repeated-measures model, the risk of angina was similar over the year after PCI in patients with versus without DM (relative risk, 1.04; range, 0.80-1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stable coronary artery disease and DM exhibit a burden of angina that is at least as high as those without DM despite more antianginal prescriptions at discharge. These findings contradict the conventional teachings that patients with DM experience less angina because of silent ischemia.

Treatment of Angina: Where Are We?

Ischaemic heart disease is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, while angina represents its most common symptom. It is estimated that approximately 9 million patients in the USA suffer from angina and its treatment is challenging, thus the strategy to improve the management of chronic stable angina is a priority. Angina might be the result of different pathologies, ranging from the “classical” obstruction of a large coronary artery to alteration of the microcirculation or coronary artery spasm. Current clinical guidelines recommend antianginal therapy to control symptoms, before considering coronary artery revascularization. In the current guidelines, drugs are classified as being first-choice (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and short-acting nitrates) or second-choice (ivabradine, nicorandil, ranolazine, trimetazidine) treatment, with the recommendation to reserve second-line modifications for patients who have contraindications to first-choice agents, do not tolerate them, or remain symptomatic. However, such a categorical approach is currently questioned. In addition, current guidelines provide few suggestions to guide the choice of drugs more suitable according to the underlying pathology or the patient comorbidities. Several other questions have recently emerged, such as: is there evidence-based data between first- and second-line treatments in terms of prognosis or symptom relief? Actually, it seems that newer antianginal drugs, which are classified as second choice, have more evidence-based clinical data that are more contemporary to support their use than what is available for the first-choice drugs. It follows that actual guidelines are based more on tradition than on evidence and there is a need for new algorithms that are more individualized to patients, their comorbidities, and pathophysiological mechanism of chronic stable angina.

Prognostic Value of Serial N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Testing in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are important predictors of outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but can change over time. The association of patterns of NP changes after AMI on outcomes is less clear. We measured N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) during the AMI admission and at 1 month in a prospective AMI registry. Outcomes included 1-year readmission and 2-year mortality. An elevated NT-proBNP was defined using age-specific criteria. Patients were classified into 3 groups (low/low [referent group], high/low, high/high) based on NT-proBNP value at enrollment and 1 month. The incremental predictive value of NT-proBNP was determined after adjusting for 6-month GRACE risk score, diabetes, and ejection fraction <40%. Among 773 patients, 303 (38%) were low/low, 240 (30%), and were high/high, 230 (29%) were high/low. Two-year mortality was highest in high/high patients but similar in the high/low and low/low patients (13.1% vs 2.7% and 2.3%, respectively). Similarly, readmission was significantly more likely in the high/high versus the high/low and low/low groups. After adjustment, mortality was significantly higher in the high/high group (hazard ratio 4.02, 95% CI 1.67 to 9.66) compared with the low/low group, although readmission was no longer statistically different (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.03). In conclusion, a persistently elevated NT-proBNP assessed 1 month after discharge was associated with a higher risk of mortality in patient with AMI. Postdischarge risk stratification using NT-proBNP has the potential to identify higher risk patients after AMI.

WITHDRAWN: Trimetazidine for stable angina

BACKGROUND

Patients with stable angina not controlled by monotherapy with nitrates, beta blockers, or calcium channel blockers are often treated with combinations of these drugs. There may be adverse effects from, or contraindications to, the use of combinations. In low risk groups, medical treatment appears to be as good an option as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in terms of averting myocardial infarction, death, or subsequent revascularization. Revascularization procedures are too costly or inaccessible for many patients in developing countries therefore effective and safe medical treatment is needed. Trimetazidine is a less well known anti-anginal drug that controls myocardial ischaemia through intracellular metabolic changes. Trimetazidine has been reported, in some studies, to be better tolerated than combined anti-anginal therapy; however it is not considered in published guidelines.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and tolerability of trimetazidine in patients with stable angina.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS and SCISEARCH, without language restriction, from inception to October 2003. Experts in the field were contacted to locate unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised studies comparing trimetazidine with placebo, or other anti-angina drug in adults with stable angina.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria, assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-three studies (1378 patients) met the inclusion criteria. There was a paucity of information about mortality, cardiovascular events and quality of life. Trimetazidine, compared with placebo, reduced the number of weekly angina attacks ( mean difference -1.44, 95% CI -2.10 to -0.79; P < 0.0001), reduced weekly nitroglycerin tablet consumption (95% CI -1.47 to -2.20, -0.73; P < 0.0001) and improved exercise time to 1 mm segment depression (P = 0.0002). Four small trials (263 patients) compared trimetazidine against other anti-anginal agents. One favoured trimetazidine over nitrates. Three tended to favour alternative regimens but with confidence intervals consistent with both major increases and decreases in frequency of angina episodes. In this subgroup, adverse events were considered in 5 trials (448 patients) and totals of 2 versus 12 drop outs due to adverse events were observed in the trimetazidine and alternative regimens respectively, but this was mostly driven by a single trial.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Trimetazidine is effective in the treatment of stable angina compared with placebo, alone or combined with conventional anti-anginal agents. Trimetazidine may result in fewer dropouts due to adverse events. Large, long term trials comparing trimetazidine with other anti-anginal drugs assessing clinically relevant important outcomes are required to establish its role in clinical management.

Beneficial Effects of a Novel Bioabsorbable Polymer Coating on Enhanced Coronary Vasoconstricting Responses After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in Pigs in Vivo

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine which component of drug-eluting stents (DES) plays a major role in enhanced coronary vasoconstricting responses after DES implantation in pigs.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have reported unremitting angina due to vasomotion abnormalities even after successful DES implantation. However, it remains to be elucidated which component of DES (metal stent, polymer coating, or antiproliferative drug) is responsible for DES-induced coronary hyperconstricting responses.

METHODS

We developed poly-dl-lactic acid and polycaprolactone (PDLLA-PCL) copolymer technology with higher biocompatibility that is resorbed within 3 months. Four types of coronary stents were made: 1) a stent with polylactic acid (PLA) polymer coating containing antiproliferative drug (P1+D+); 2) a stent with PLA polymer coating alone without any drug (P1+D-); 3) a stent with novel PDLLA-PCL polymer coating alone (P2+D-); and 4) a bare metal stent (P-D-). The 4 stents were randomly deployed in the left anterior descending and left circumflex coronary arteries in 12 pigs.

RESULTS

After 1 month, coronary vasoconstriction by intracoronary serotonin was enhanced at P1+D+ and P1+D- stent edges compared with P2+D- and P-D- stent edges and was prevented by a specific Rho-kinase (a central molecule of coronary spasm) inhibitor, hydroxyfasudil. Immunostainings showed that inflammatory changes and Rho-kinase activation were significantly enhanced at P1+D+ and P1+D- sites compared with P2+D- and P-D- sites. There were significant positive correlations between the extent of inflammation or Rho-kinase expression/activation and that of coronary vasoconstriction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate the important roles of PLA polymer coating in DES-induced coronary vasoconstricting responses through inflammatory changes and Rho-kinase activation in pigs in vivo, which are ameliorated by PDLLA-PCL copolymers.

Pain and Anxiety in Rural Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Awaiting Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization

CONTEXT

In rural areas of Canada, people with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) can wait up to 32 hours for transfer for diagnostic cardiac catheterization (CATH). While awaiting CATH, it is critical that pain and anxiety management be optimal to preserve myocardial muscle and minimize the risk of further deterioration.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between clinical management, cardiac pain intensity, and state anxiety for rural ACS patients awaiting diagnostic CATH.

METHODS

In a prospective, descriptive-correlational repeated-measures design involving 121 ACS rural patients, we examined the associations of analgesic and nitroglycerin administration with cardiac pain intensity (numeric rating scale) and state anxiety (Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory) and also nurses' pain knowledge and attitudes (Toronto Pain Management Inventory-ACS Version and Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain) using linear mixed models.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 67.6 ± 13, 50% were men, and 60% had unstable angina and the remainder had non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction. During follow-up, cardiac pain intensity scores remained in the mild range from 1.1 ± 2.2 to 2.4 ± 2.7. State anxiety ranged from 44.0 ± 7.2 to 46.2 ± 6.6. Cumulative analgesic dose was associated with a reduction in cardiac pain by 1.0 points (numeric rating scale, 0-10) (t108 = -2.5; SE, -0.25; confidence interval, -0.45 to -0.06; P = .013). Analgesic administration was not associated with state anxiety. Over the course of follow-up, ACS patients reported consistently high anxiety scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas cardiac pain declines in most patients in the early hours after admission, many patients experience a persistent anxious state up to 8 hours later, which suggest that development and testing of protocols for anxiety reduction may be needed. More urgently, the development and examination of a treatment intervention, early on in the ACS trajectory, are warranted that targets pain and anxiety for those for whom immediate angioplasty is not possible and who continue to experience cardiac pain and persistent high levels of anxiety. Moreover, a larger prognostic study is required to determine whether high levels of anxiety in rural ACS patients are predictive of major adverse cardiac events.

Comparison of different strategies for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with high thrombus burden in clinical practice: Symptom-free outcome at one year

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of different strategies for preventing coronary microvascular obstruction in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with a high thrombus-burden plaque.

METHODS

Between January, 2007 and December, 2012, 354 patients suffering from STEMI with high thrombus-burden were enrolled and divided into three groups as the first group received a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor, and the second group received a distal protective device, and the third group was treated with primary PCI alone.

RESULTS

A high percentage of patients in the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor (96.8% and 90.5%), distal protective device (99.3% and 87.6%) had better thirty-day and one-year symptom-free outcomes when compared with PCI only group (91.6% and 65.6%) (P = 0.008 and P < 0.001; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with intracoronary GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor injection or distal protection device to prevent coronary microvascular obstruction was demonstrated to increase the occurrences of thirty-day and one-year symptom-free outcomes; thus, these treatments can help decrease post-MI medical care costs.

Aspiration Thrombectomy and Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation Decrease the Occurrence of Angina Pectoris One Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Angina pectoris is a treatable symptom that is associated with mortality and decreased quality of life. Angina eradication is a primary care goal of care after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our aim was to evaluate factors influencing angina pectoris 1 year after an AMI.From January 2005 to December 2013, 1547 patient received primary percutaneous intervention in our hospital for an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Of these patients, 1336 patients did not experience post-MI angina during a 1-year follow-up, and 211 patients did. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors influencing angina pectoris 1 year after an AMI. Propensity score matched analyses were performed for subgroups analyses.The average age of the patients was 61.08 ± 12.77 years, with a range of 25 to 97 years, and 82.9% of the patients were male. During 1-year follow-up, 13.6% of the patients experienced post-MI angina. There was a longer chest pain-to-reperfusion time in the post-MI angina group (P = 0.01), as well as a higher fasting sugar level, glycohemoglobin (HbA1C), serum creatinine, troponin-I and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB). The post-MI angina group also had a higher prevalence of multiple-vessel disease. Manual thrombectomy, and distal protective device and intracoronary glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor injection were used frequently in the no post-MI angina group. Antiplatelet agents and post-MI medication usage were similar between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that prior MI was a positive independent predictor of occurrence of post-MI angina. Manual thrombectomy use and drug-eluting stent implantation were negative independent predictors of post-MI angina. Higher troponin-I and longer chest pain-to-reperfusion time exhibited a trend toward predicting post-MI angina.Prior MIs were strong, independent predictors of post-MI angina. Manual thrombectomy and drug-eluting stent implantation could decrease the occurrence of angina pectoris 1 year after an AMI, decrease long-term healthy costs, and increase post-MI quality of life.

Field triage to primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Factors influencing health-related quality of life for patients aged ≥70 and <70 years with non-complicated ST-elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To examine clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes and predictors of HRQOL for uncomplicated field triage ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients aged ≥70 years and <70 years after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

BACKGROUND

Pre-hospital field triage for PPCI is associated with lower mortality but the impact of age and other factors on HRQOL remains unknown.

METHODS

77 field triage STEMI patients were assessed for HRQOL using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at 4 weeks and 6 months after PPCI.

RESULTS

Regression analysis showed improvements in SF-12 domains and angina stability for older people. Age predicted lower physical function (p = 0.001) and better SAQ QOL at 6 months (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Age, length of hospitalization, recurrent angina and hypertension were important predictors of HRQOL with PPCI. Assessment of HRQOL combined with increased support for physical and emotional recovery is needed to improve clinical care for field triage PPCI patients.

Feasibility of a Tablet Computer System to Collect Patient-reported Symptom Severity in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Angiography

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention is the most commonly performed revascularization modality for chronic stable angina, but does not improve survival or reduce major adverse cardiovascular event. Percutaneous coronary intervention in this population is performed primarily for symptomatic benefit; therefore, symptom reduction is an important marker of quality. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed for chest pain and dyspnea which are valid and responsive to treatment; however, they are not widely used in routine care. We present a model for use of PROMs in routine care.

METHODS

Partners Health System funded a tablet computer software platform to collect PROMs and include them in the medical record. We implemented this platform in the catheterization laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital, targeting patients presenting for coronary angiography. Patients are assessed using the SAQ-7, the Rose dyspnea scale, the PHQ-2, and the PROMIS-10. We used a phased implementation, with the final program including preprocedure measurement, presentation of data to clinical providers, and follow up using an email platform.

RESULTS

We successfully captured measures from 474 patients, 53.5% of outpatient visits. Key success factors included high-level leadership support and resources, a user-friendly interface for patients and staff, easily interpretable measures, and clinical relevance.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that routine capture of patient-reported symptom severity is technically feasible in a real-world care environment. We share our experiences to provide others with a model for similar programs, and to accelerate implementation nationwide by helping others avoid pitfalls. We believe expansion of similar programs nationally may lead to more robust quality infrastructure.

Relationship between stent type and quality of life after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Drug-eluting stents (DES) reduce restenosis, as compared with bare-metal stents (BMS); however, the relationship between stent type and health status is unknown. We examined whether stent type was associated with health status outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated 6- and 12-month health status in 2,694 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) enrolled in the TRIUMPH and PREMIER registries who underwent PCI with DES (n = 1,361) or BMS (n = 1,333). Health status was assessed with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12, and Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale. Propensity matching was performed to account for baseline differences in patient characteristics, resulting in a comparison cohort of 784 patients treated with DES and 784 patients treated with BMS. Both groups experienced significant improvements in health status at 6 and 12 months after PCI. Drug-eluting stent use was associated with a small improvement in Seattle Angina Questionnaire quality of life and functional limitation scores at 6 months (3.6 [95% CI 0.96-6.21], P = .007, and 3.8 [1.55-6.01], P < .001, respectively), but not at 12 months (2.3 [-0.46 to 5.03], P = .10, and 0.3 [-2.04 to 2.48], P = .85, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AMI undergoing PCI, DES use was associated with transient but unsustained health status benefits over 12 months after AMI.

Revascularization options in stable coronary artery disease: it is not how to revascularize, it is whether and when to revascularize

Patients with acute coronary syndromes and severe multivessel or left main coronary artery disease have better outcomes when prompt revascularization is performed in addition to optimal medical therapy (OMT). However, in patients with stable ischemic heart disease, randomized strategy trials have revealed equipoise between initial strategies of OMT alone and OMT plus revascularization. Conducted in diverse stable ischemic heart disease patient populations and throughout the spectrum of atherosclerotic and ischemic burden, the RITA-2, MASS II, COURAGE, BARI 2D and FAME 2 trials demonstrate that OMT alone and OMT plus revascularization yield similar outcomes with respect to mortality and myocardial infarction. What remains unclear is whether there may be one or more subsets of patients with stable ischemic heart disease in whom revascularization may be associated with a reduction in mortality or myocardial infarction, which is to be addressed in the ongoing ISCHEMIA trial.

Factors influencing health-related quality of life after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

AIMS

This study compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between patients aged ≥ 70 and <70 years at 4 weeks and 6 months after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and examined predictors of HRQOL.

BACKGROUND

HRQOL is an important patient outcome following PPCI for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) including pre-hospital field triage.

METHODS

A comparative cohort design was conducted on STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. HRQOL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at 4 weeks and 6 months post-PPCI.

RESULTS

HRQOL improved significantly from 4 weeks to 6 months in all aspects measured except anginal frequency and mental health. Patients aged ≥ 70 years had poorer physical HRQOL (SF-12) and physical limitations (SAQ), but better mental HRQOL (SF-12), angina frequency and QOL (SAQ) at both time points. Age, length of hospital stay, gender, partnership status and number of stents deployed are independent predictors of HRQOL improvement over time.

CONCLUSION

People ≥ 70 years reported better cardiac-specific quality of life, primarily from angina relief and improved mental function, despite worse physical limitations. HRQOL assessment is an important gauge of health status after PPCI for STEMI.

Improvement of ejection fraction after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in patients with impaired left ventricular function

OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluates our experience with aorto-coronary bypass grafting in patients with severe dysfunction of left ventricle (LV) and low ejection fraction-EF(<35%). Revascularization of myocardium in this settings remains contraversial because of concerns over morbidity, mortality and quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODES

Forty patients with severe coronary artery disease and dysfunction of LV (low ejection fraction <35%) underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in period of 3 years. Preoperative diagnostic of 40 patients was consisted of anamnesis, clinical exam, non-invasive methods EHO, MR and invasive diagnostic methods-cateterization. The major indication for surgery was severe anginal pain, heart failure symptoms and low ejection fraction. Internal mammary artery was used in all operated patients.

RESULTS

Average age of patients who have been operated was 59,8. In the present study, 81,3% were male and 18,8% female. We found one-vessel disease present in 2,5% (1/40) of patients, two -vessel disease in 40% (16/40), three-vessel disease in 42,5% (17/40) and four -vessel disease in 15% (6/40) of patients. One bypass grafting we implanted in 2,5% patients, two bypasses in 42,5%, three bypasses in 45 5%, and four bypasses in 10% of patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction assessed preoperativly was 18%-27% and postoperatively was improved to 31, 08% in period of 30 days.

CONCLUSION

In patients with left ventricular dysfunction, coronary artery bypass grafting can be performed safely with improvement in quality of life and in left ventricular ejection fraction.

Systematic review of health-related quality of life in older people following percutaneous coronary intervention

People aged over 60 years represent an increasingly high proportion of the population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. While risks are greater for older people in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events and higher mortality for this treatment, it is unclear if the benefits of health-related quality of life outcomes may outweigh risks. A search of the PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica, and Cochrane databases was conducted for the period from January 1999 to June 2012 using key words "percutaneous coronary intervention"/"angioplasty," "older," "elderly," and "quality of life"/"health-related quality of life." Using a systematic review approach, data from 18 studies were extracted for description and synthesis. Findings revealed that everyone regardless of age reported better health-related quality of life, primarily from the relief of angina and improved physical and mental function. Age itself did not have an independent predictive effect when other factors such as comorbid conditions were taken into account. Assessment of older peoples' health status following percutaneous coronary intervention by nurses and other health professionals is therefore important for the provision of quality care.

Ranolazine reduces patient-reported angina severity and frequency and improves quality of life in selected patients with chronic angina

BACKGROUND

Chronic stable angina negatively affects quality of life (QoL). American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines highlight maintaining/restoring a level of activity, functional capacity, and QoL that is satisfactory to the patient as an objective of treatment, and further define the treatment goal for most patients as maximizing survival and achieving prompt and complete (or near-complete) elimination of angina with a return to normal activities.

OBJECTIVE

To assess self-reported angina severity, frequency, and QoL in patients with chronic stable angina who had not undergone revascularization and who were prescribed and remained on ranolazine.

METHODS

Patients (N = 92) answered a survey evaluating their perceptions of angina prior to ranolazine initiation (based on recall of previous experience) and during ranolazine treatment. Change in QoL was assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Change scale.

RESULTS

Most respondents were female (64%) and had taken ranolazine for ≥6 months (89%); mean age was 64 years. The majority of respondents selected higher scores for angina severity before ranolazine treatment (54%), and lower scores for severity while on ranolazine (68%). Most respondents reported experiencing ≥1 angina attack/week before ranolazine treatment (82%) and <1 attack/week while on ranolazine (73%). The effect of angina on daily activities was less while taking ranolazine than before ranolazine treatment; 52 and 8% of respondents, respectively, reported significant impact, and 12 and 67%, respectively, reported little/no impact. Most respondents reported noticeably improved angina-related QoL since starting ranolazine (79%).

CONCLUSION

Patients who maintained ranolazine treatment for durations ranging from <6 months to >4 years reported substantial improvements in angina severity, frequency, and QoL.

Use of stress testing and diagnostic catheterization after coronary stenting: association of site-level patterns with patient characteristics and outcomes in 247,052 Medicare beneficiaries

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine diagnostic testing patterns after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Little is known about patterns of diagnostic testing after PCI in the United States or the relationship of these patterns to clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services inpatient and outpatient claims were linked to National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry data from 2005 to 2007. Hospital quartiles of the cumulative incidence of diagnostic testing use within 12 and 24 months after PCI were compared for patient characteristics, repeat revascularization, acute myocardial infarction, and death.

RESULTS

A total of 247,052 patients underwent PCI at 656 institutions. Patient and site characteristics were similar across quartiles of testing use. There was a 9% and 20% higher adjusted risk for repeat revascularization in quartiles 3 and 4 (highest testing rate), respectively, compared with quartile 1 (lowest testing rate) (p = 0.020 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The adjusted risk for death or acute myocardial infarction did not differ among quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patient characteristics were largely independent of rates of post-PCI testing, higher testing rates were not associated with lower risk for myocardial infarction or death, but repeat revascularization was significantly higher at these sites. Additional studies should examine whether increased testing is a marker for improved quality of post-PCI care or simply increased health care utilization.

Influence of diabetes on health-related quality of life results in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with coronary angioplasty

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the impact of diabetes on HRQOL at baseline and 6-months following ACS treated by PCI and to determine which predictors: demographic, clinical, and other variables influence QOL results in physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) of SF-36 health survey. The 120 consecutive patients (mean age 62.5, SD ± 9.8) with acute coronary syndrome ACS including non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction NSTEMI, n = 60 and ST-elevation myocardial infarction STEMI, n = 60 were entered into the study. Each patient was prospectively interviewed at baseline (at discharge) and 6-months following ACS. We relied on previously validated questionnaire to assess the patient's overall health perception, namely the SF-36 health survey. Generally, the whole group demonstrated the better PCS score at 6-month follow-up: 54.7 versus 55.5; P < 0.0001. With regard to PCS, an increase in life quality results was observed in both groups. However, it should be emphasize that the diabetic group demonstrated considerably lower life quality baseline. Also, the whole group demonstrated better MCS score at 6-month follow-up: 55.9 versus 56.5; P < 0.0001. The influence of diabetes, multivessel disease, hypertension, and the high triglyceride level have negative impact on life quality evaluation, whereas male patients and patients with ACS-STEMI had better quality of life results. The influence of diabetes, multivessel disease, hypertension, and the high triglyceride level have negative impact on life quality evaluation, whereas male patients and patients with ACS-STEMI had better quality of life results. The influence of diabetes, the history of myocardial infarction, and the high triglyceride level have negative impact on life quality evaluation. Patients with ACS-STEMI had better quality of life results. The influence of diabetes, the history of myocardial infarction, and the high triglyceride level have negative impact on quality of life evaluation. Male patients had better quality of life results. (1) Diabetic patients obtain worse life quality results than non-diabetic patients, both at baseline and 6-months following PCI. (2) Positive predictors of patient's life quality are the male sex and clinical manifestation of the disease (STEMI). (3) As regards PCS, negative predictors of patient's life quality are diabetes, multivessel disease, high triglyceride level, and arterial hypertension. (4) As regards MCS, negative predictors are diabetes, the history of myocardial infarction, and high triglyceride level.