Sex and racial differences in the management of acute myocardial infarction, 1994 through 2002

Socioeconomic Disparities in Women's Cardiovascular Health in the United States and Canada

Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States and Canada for decades. Although it affects millions of people across a multitude of backgrounds, notable disparities in cardiovascular health are observed among women and become more apparent when accounting for race and socioeconomic status. Although intrinsic sex-specific physiologic differences predispose women to poorer outcomes, social determinants of health (SDOH) and biases at both the individual provider and the larger health care system levels play an equal, if not greater, role. This review examines socioeconomic disparities in women compared with men regarding cardiovascular risk factors, treatments, and outcomes. Although various at-risk subpopulations exist, we highlight the impact of SDOH in specific populations, including patients with disabilities, transgender persons, and South Asian and Indigenous populations. These groups are underrepresented in studies and experience poorer health outcomes owing to structural barriers to care. These findings emphasise the significance of understanding the interplay of different socioeconomic factors and how their stacking can negatively affect women's cardiovascular health. To address these disparities, we propose a multipronged approach to augment culturally sensitive and patient-centred care. This includes increased cardiovascular workforce diversity, inclusion of underrepresented populations into analyses of cardiovascular metrics, and greater utilisation of technology and telemedicine to improve access to health care. Achieving this goal will necessitate active participation from patients, health care administrators, physicians, and policy makers, and is imperative in closing the cardiovascular health gap for women over the coming decades.

The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women - Chapter 7: Sex, Gender, and the Social Determinants of Health

Women vs men have major differences in terms of risk-factor profiles, social and environmental factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Women are more likely than men to experience health issues that are complex and multifactorial, often relating to disparities in access to care, risk-factor prevalence, sex-based biological differences, gender-related factors, and sociocultural factors. Furthermore, awareness of the intersectional nature and relationship of sociocultural determinants of health, including sex and gender factors, that influence access to care and health outcomes for women with cardiovascular disease remains elusive. This review summarizes literature that reports on under-recognized sex- and gender-related risk factors that intersect with psychosocial, economic, and cultural factors in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of women's cardiovascular health.

Myocardial Infarction Within 30 Days of Discharge From an Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study of Albertan Women

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women, which may be due partly to a lack of awareness of the presentation of acute coronary events in emergency departments (EDs). To address an identified gap in women's cardiovascular care, we sought to describe the clinical and comorbid factors of women who, following discharge from an ED, suffered a myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Descriptive analyses were completed on a cohort of women who presented to an ED in Alberta, Canada, between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2020, were discharged, and within 30 days of their index ED visit, were admitted to the hospital with an MI. The cohort was explored for clinical and comorbid data, ED visits pre-MI, type of MI, and presenting complaint/ primary diagnosis for the index ED visit.

Results

1380 women were included in this analysis with a mean age of 67 (standard deviation ±13) years. The frequencies of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among the youngest women, aged 18-45 years, were 47.5%, 31.3%, and 48.8%, respectively. Women across all ages demonstrated a high prevalence of traditional CVD risk factors, and 22% of women presented to an ED 2 or more times within the 30 days pre-MI.

Conclusions

Regardless of their age, the women in this cohort had notable CVD risk factors. Future research is required to better understand the phenomenon of women presenting multiple times to an ED pre-MI. Research is needed on life-stage-specific factors of women presenting to EDs pre-MI, to help reduce MI incidence.

Trends in acute myocardial infarction mortality in the European Union, 2012-2020

AIMS

To assess the sex- and age-specific trends in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality in the modern European Union (EU-27) member states between years 2012 and 2020.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data on cause-specific deaths and population numbers by sex for each country of the EU-27 were retrieved through a publicly available European Statistical Office (EUROSTAT) dataset for the years 2012 to 2020. AMI-related deaths were ascertained when codes for AMI (ICD-10 codes I21.0-I22.0) were listed as the underlying cause of death in the medical death certificate. Deaths occurring before the age of 65 years were defined as premature deaths. To calculate annual trends, we assessed the average annual percent change (AAPC) with relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using joinpoint regression. During the study period, 1 793 314 deaths (1 048 044 males and 745 270 females) occurred in the EU-27 due to of AMI. The proportion of AMI-related deaths per 1000 total deaths decline from 5.0% to 3.5% both in the entire population (P for trend < 0.001) and in males or females, separately. Joinpoint regression analysis revealed a continuous linear decrease in age-adjusted AMI-related mortality from 2012 to 2020 among EU-27 members [AAPC: -4.6% (95% CI: -5.1 to -4.0), P < 0.001]. The age-adjusted mortality rate showed a plateau in some Eastern European countries and was more pronounced in EU-27 females and in subjects aged ≥65 years.

CONCLUSION

Over the last decade, the age-adjusted AMI-related mortality has been continuously declining in most of the in EU-27 member states. However, some disparities still exist between western and eastern European countries.

Gender-Related Factors in Medication Adherence for Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health

This review explores the impact of gender on medication adherence in the context of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Optimal adherence to medication is crucial for achieving treatment goals and preventing adverse outcomes in chronic diseases. The review examines specific conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and heart failure. In type 2 diabetes, female sex, younger age, new drug prescription, non-white ethnicity, low education level, and low income were identified as predictors of non-adherence. Depressive disorders were also found to influence adherence. In hypercholesterolemia, women exhibited poorer adherence to statin therapy compared to men, with statin-related side effects and patient perception being significant factors. Adherence to anti-hypertensive therapy showed conflicting results, with studies reporting both higher and lower adherence in women. Limited evidence suggests that women may have poorer adherence after acute myocardial infarction and stroke. Regarding heart failure, adherence studies have shown inconsistent findings. The reasons for gender differences in medication adherence are multifactorial and include sociodemographic, disease-related, treatment-related, and psychological factors. This review emphasizes the need for further research to better understand these differences and develop gender-customized interventions that can improve medication adherence and reduce the burden of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

The Impact of Sex on Cardiogenic Shock Outcomes Following ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock (CS) remains the leading cause of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-related mortality. Contemporary studies have shown no sex-related differences in mortality.

METHODS

STEMI-CS patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were included based on a dedicated prospective STEMI database. We compared sex-specific differences in CS characteristics at baseline, during hospitalization, and in subsequent clinical outcomes. Endpoints included all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

RESULTS

Of 3202 consecutive STEMI patients, 210 (6.5%) had CS, of which 63 (30.0%) were women. Women were older than men (73.2 vs. 65.5% y, p < 0.01), and more had hypertension (68.3 vs. 52.8%, p = 0.019) and diabetes (38.7 vs. 24.8%, p = 0.047). Fewer were smokers (13.3 vs. 41.2%, p < 0.01), had previous PCI (9.1 vs. 22.3% p = 0.016), or required IABP (35.3 vs. 51.1% p = 0.027). Women had higher rates of mortality (53.2 vs. 35.3% in-hospital, p = 0.01; 61.3 vs. 41.9% at 1 month, p = 0.01; and 73.8 vs. 52.6% at 3 years, p = 0.05) and MACE (60.6 vs. 41.6% in-hospital, p = 0.032; 66.1 vs. 45.6% at 1 month, p = 0.007; and 62.9 vs. 80.3% at 3 years, p = 0.015). After multivariate adjustment, female sex remained an independent factor for death (HR-2.42 [95% CI 1.014-5.033], p = 0.042) and MACE (HR-1.91 [95% CI 1.217-3.031], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

CS complicating STEMI is associated with greater short- and long-term mortality and MACE in women. Sex-focused measures to improve diagnosis and treatment are mandatory for CS patients.

Sex-Based Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes among Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Retrospective Analysis

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent medical condition associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Despite the high clinical burden, sex-based differences among PAD patients are not well defined yet, in contrast to other atherosclerotic diseases. This study aimed to describe sex-based differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes among hospitalized patients affected by PAD. This was a retrospective study evaluating all patients with a diagnosis of PAD admitted to the Emergency Department from 1 December 2013 to 31 December 2021. The primary endpoint of the study was the difference between male and female PAD patients in cumulative occurrence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACEs) and Major Adverse Limb Events. A total of 1640 patients were enrolled. Among them, 1103 (67.3%) were males while females were significantly older (median age of 75 years vs. 71 years; p =< 0.001). Females underwent more angioplasty treatments for revascularization than men (29.8% vs. 25.6%; p = 0.04); males were treated with more amputations (19.9% vs. 15.3%; p = 0.012). A trend toward more MALEs and MACEs reported in the male group did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.27 [0.99-1.64]; p = 0.059) (OR 0.75 [0.50-1.11]; p = 0.153). However, despite lower extremity PAD severity seeming similar between the two sexes, among these patients males had a higher probability of undergoing lower limb amputations, of cardiovascular death and of myocardial infarction. Among hospitalized patients affected by PAD, even if there was not a sex-based significant difference in the incidence of MALEs and MACEs, adverse clinical outcomes were more common in males.

A bibliometric analysis of acute myocardial infarction in women from 2000 to 2022

Background

Plenty of publications had been written in the last several decades on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in women. However, there are few bibliometric analyses in such field. In order to solve this problem, we attempted to examine the knowledge structure and development of research about AMI in women based on analysis of related publications.

Method

The Web of Science Core Collection was used to extract all publications regarding AMI in women, ranging from January 2000 to August 2022. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer, Cite Space, and an online bibliometric analysis platform.

Results

A total of 14,853 publications related to AMI in women were identified from 2000 to 2022. Over the past 20 years, the United States had published the most articles in international research and participated in international cooperation the most frequently. The primary research institutions were Harvard University and University of Toronto. Circulation was the most cited journal and had an incontrovertible academic impact. 67,848 authors were identified, among which Harlan M Krumholz had the most significant number of articles and Thygesen K was co-cited most often. And the most common keywords included risk factors, disease, prognosis, mortality, criteria and algorithm.

Conclusion

The research hotspots and trends of AMI in women were identified and explored using bibliometric and visual methods. Researches about AMI in women are flourishing. Criteria and algorithms might be the focus of research in the near future, which deserved great attentions.

Race-Based Differences in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Process Metrics and Mortality From 2015 Through 2021: An Analysis of 178 062 Patients From the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease Registry

BACKGROUND

Systems of care have been developed across the United States to standardize care processes and improve outcomes in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The effect of contemporary STEMI systems of care on racial and ethnic disparities in achievement of time-to-treatment goals and mortality in STEMI is uncertain.

METHODS

We analyzed 178 062 patients with STEMI (52 293 women and 125 769 men) enrolled in the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease registry between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021. Patients were stratified into and outcomes compared among 3 racial and ethnic groups: non-Hispanic White, Hispanic White, and Black. The primary outcomes were the proportions of patients achieving the following STEMI process metrics: prehospital ECG obtained by emergency medical services; hospital arrival to ECG obtained within 10 minutes for patients not transported by emergency medical services; arrival-to-percutaneous coronary intervention time within 90 minutes; and first medical contact-to-device time within 90 minutes. A secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Analyses were performed separately in women and men, and all outcomes were adjusted for age, comorbidities, acuity of presentation, insurance status, and socioeconomic status measured by social vulnerability index based on patients' county of residence.

RESULTS

Compared with non-Hispanic White patients with STEMI, Hispanic White patients and Black patients had lower odds of receiving a prehospital ECG and achieving targets for door-to-ECG, door-to-device, and first medical contact-to-device times. These racial disparities in treatment goals were observed in both women and men, and persisted in most cases after multivariable adjustment. Compared with non-Hispanic White women, Hispanic White women had higher adjusted in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.12-1.72]), whereas Black women did not (odds ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.74-1.03]). Compared with non-Hispanic White men, adjusted in-hospital mortality was similar in Hispanic White men (odds ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.82-1.18]) and Black men (odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.85-1.09]).

CONCLUSIONS

Race- or ethnicity-based disparities persist in STEMI process metrics in both women and men, and mortality differences are observed in Hispanic White compared with non-Hispanic White women. Further research is essential to evolve systems of care to mitigate racial differences in STEMI outcomes.

Racial Differences in Fatal Out-of-Hospital Coronary Heart Disease and the Role of Income in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Cohort Study (1987 to 2017)

Black patients have higher incident fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) rates than do their White counterparts. Racial differences in out-of-hospital fatal CHD could explain the excess risk in fatal CHD among Black patients. We examined racial disparities in in- and out-of-hospital fatal CHD among participants with no history of CHD, and whether socioeconomic status might play a role in this association. We used data from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study, including 4,095 Black and 10,884 White participants, followed between 1987 and 1989 until 2017. Race was self-reported. We examined racial differences in in- and out-of-hospital fatal CHD with hierarchical proportional hazard models. We then examined the role of income in these associations, using Cox marginal structural models for a mediation analysis. The incidence of out-of-hospital and in-hospital fatal CHD was 1.3 and 2.2 in Black participants, and 1.0 and 1.1 in White participants, respectively, per 1,000 person-years. The gender- and age-adjusted hazard ratios comparing out-of-hospital and in-hospital incident fatal CHD in Black with that in White participants were 1.65 (1.32 to 2.07) and 2.37 (1.96 to 2.86), respectively. The income-controlled direct effects of race in Black versus White participants decreased to 1.33 (1.01 to 1.74) for fatal out-of-hospital and to 2.03 (1.61 to 2.55) for fatal in-hospital CHD in Cox marginal structural models. In conclusion, higher rates of fatal in-hospital CHD in Black participants than in their White counterparts likely drive the overall racial differences in fatal CHD. Income largely explained racial differences in both fatal out-of-hospital CHD and fatal in-hospital CHD.

Sex-Based Differences in Severe Outcomes, Including Cardiovascular Hospitalization, in Adults With COVID-19 in Ontario, Canada

Background

While men have experienced higher risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to women, an analysis of sex differences by age in severe outcomes during the acute phase of infection is lacking.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess heterogeneity in severe outcome risks by age and sex by conducting a retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults in Ontario who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first 3 waves.

Methods

Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using multilevel multivariable logistic regression models including an interaction term for age and sex. The primary outcome was a composite of severe outcomes (hospitalization for a cardiovascular (CV) event, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or death) within 30 days.

Results

Among 30,736, 199,132, and 186,131 adults who tested positive during the first 3 waves, 1,908 (6.2%), 5,437 (2.7%), and 5,653 (3.0%) experienced a severe outcome within 30 days. For all outcomes, the sex-specific risk depended on age (all P for interaction <0.05). Men with SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced a higher risk of outcomes than infected women of the same age, except for the risk of all-cause hospitalization being higher for young women than men (ages 18-45 years) during waves 2 and 3. The sex disparity in CV hospitalization across all ages either persisted or increased with each subsequent wave.

Conclusions

To mitigate risks in subsequent waves, it is helpful to further understand the factors that contribute to the generally higher risks faced by men across all ages, and the persistent or increasing sex disparity in the risk of CV hospitalization.

Impact of gender on mid-term prognosis of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the impact of sex on mid-term prognosis in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Data on gender differences in current management or clinical outcomes after CABG are controversial, and there have been limited data focusing on them.

METHODS

This was a retrospective and prospective, single-center, observational study. Between January 2001 and December 2017, 6613 patients who underwent CABG were enrolled from an institutional registry of Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03870815) and divided into two groups according to sex (female group, n = 1679 vs. male group, n = 4934). The primary outcome was cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (MI) at 5 years. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce confounding factors.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up duration of 54 months, a total of 252 cardiovascular death or MIs occurred (female, 78 [7.5%] vs. male, 174 [5.7%]). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular death or MI at 5 years between female and male groups (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78 to 1.41; p = 0.735). After propensity score matching, the incidence of cardiovascular death or MI was still similar between the two groups (HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.54; p = 0.666). The similarity of long-term outcomes between the two groups was consistent across various subgroups. There was also no significant difference in the risk of 5-year cardiovascular death or MI between males and females according to age (pre- and postmenopausal status) (p for interaction = 0.437).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for baseline differences, sex does not appear to influence long-term risk of cardiovascular death or MI in patients undergoing CABG.

CLINICAL TRIALS.GOV NUMBER

NCT03870815.

Health Inequities in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Literature: A Scoping Review

Although life saving, health inequities exist regarding access and patient outcomes in Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), especially among marginalized groups. This scoping review's goal is to outline existing literature and highlight gaps for future research. Researchers followed guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. We conducted a search to identify articles published between 2016 and 2022 regarding CABG and inequity groups, defined by the National Institutes of Health. Fifty-seven articles were included in our final sample. Race/Ethnicity was examined in 39 incidences, Sex or Gender 29 times, Income 17 instances, Geography 10 instances, and Education Level 3 instances. Occupation Status 2 instances, and LGBTQ+ 0 times. Important disparities exist regarding CABG access and outcomes, especially involving members of the LGBTQ+, Native American, and Black communities. Further research is needed to address health disparities and their root causes for focused action and improved health of minoritized groups.

Are Frail Older People from Racial/Ethnic Minorities at Double Jeopardy of Putting off Healthcare during the Pandemic?

Given the differential impacts of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic groups, it is unclear how racial/ethnic status and frailty combine to influence pandemic-related healthcare disruptions. This study aimed to test the double jeopardy hypothesis: racial/ethnic minority older adults suffer a double disadvantage in access to health care during the pandemic due to the interactive effects of frailty and race. This study uses the linked National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and COVID-19 public use data files. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed. Overall, approximately two out of five (41%) older adults reported postponing care due to the pandemic. The likelihood of putting off care increased slightly by frailty status. We found no significant difference between Whites and non-Whites in putting off care. However, the simple comparison masked significant variation across frailty status. Robust non-White older people were less likely to put off care than robust Whites (robust non-Whites: 29% vs. robust Whites: 39%); in contrast, frail non-White older people were more likely to put off care (frail non-Whites: 55% vs. frail Whites: 42%). Being frail and non-White creates double jeopardy, which has a negative impact on access to healthcare. Timely access to care is essential for frail older people, particularly non-Whites, because of their complex health conditions accentuated by health and social disparities.

Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Patient-Level Emergency Department Workload

BACKGROUND

Work Relative Value Units (wRVUs) are a component of many compensation models, and a proxy for the effort required to care for a patient. Accurate prediction of wRVUs generated per patient at triage could facilitate real-time load balancing between physicians and provide many practical operational and clinical benefits.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether deep-learning approaches could predict the wRVUs generated by a patient's visit using data commonly available at triage.

METHODS

Adult patients presenting to an urban, academic emergency department from July 1, 2016-March 1, 2020 were included. Deidentified triage information included structured data (age, sex, vital signs, Emergency Severity Index score, language, race, standardized chief complaint) and unstructured data (free-text chief complaint) with wRVUs as outcome. Five models were examined: average wRVUs per chief complaint, linear regression, neural network and gradient-boosted tree on structured data, and neural network on unstructured textual data. Models were evaluated using mean absolute error.

RESULTS

We analyzed 204,064 visits between July 1, 2016 and March 1, 2020. The median wRVUs were 3.80 (interquartile range 2.56-4.21), with significant effects of age, gender, and race. Models demonstrated lower error as complexity increased. Predictions using averages from chief complaints alone demonstrated a mean error of 2.17 predicted wRVUs per visit (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07-2.27), the linear regression model: 1.00 wRVUs (95% CI 0.97-1.04), gradient-boosted tree: 0.85 wRVUs (95% CI 0.84-0.86), neural network with structured data: 0.86 wRVUs (95% CI 0.85-0.87), and neural network with unstructured data: 0.78 wRVUs (95% CI 0.76-0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Chief complaints are a poor predictor of the effort needed to evaluate a patient; however, deep-learning techniques show promise. These algorithms have the potential to provide many practical applications, including balancing workloads and compensation between emergency physicians, quantify crowding and mobilizing resources, and reducing bias in the triage process.

Race, Sex, and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Disparities in Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia Within a National Medicare Cohort

Background Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation significantly improves our ability to control VT, yet little is known about whether disparities exist in delivery of this technology. Methods and Results Using a national 100% Medicare inpatient data set of beneficiaries admitted with VT from January 1, 2014, through November 30, 2014, multivariable logistic regression techniques were used to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with receiving ablation. Census block group-level neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was measured for each patient by the Area Deprivation Index, a composite measure of socioeconomic disadvantage consisting of education, income, housing, and employment factors. Among 131 645 patients admitted with VT, 2190 (1.66%) received ablation. After adjustment for comorbidities, hospital characteristics, and sociodemographics, female sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.75 [95% CI, 0.67-0.84]), identifying as Black race (OR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62-0.90] compared with identifying as White race), and living in a highly socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhood (national Area Deprivation Index percentile of >85%) (OR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.69-0.95] versus Area Deprivation Index ≤85%) were associated with significantly lower odds of receiving ablation. Conclusions Female patients, patients identifying as Black race, and patients living in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods are 19% to 25% less likely to receive ablation during hospitalization with VT. The cause of and solutions for these disparities require further investigation.

Age, sex, race, BMI, and duration of diabetes differences in cardiovascular outcomes with glucose lowering drugs in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Summarized data of cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have shown a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), whether these benefits are extended in certain risk groups (elderly or obese patients or those with a longer duration of diabetes) or certain minorities (Black participants) are not clearly established. We aimed to provide overall hazard ratios (HRs) estimates for MACE of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RAs stratified by age (< 65 years vs. ≥ 65 years and < 75 years vs. ≥ 75 years), sex (male vs. female), race (Black vs. White, Black vs. Asian, and White vs. Asian), body mass index (BMI: < 30 kg/m² vs. ≥ 30 kg/m²), and duration of diabetes (< 10 years vs. ≥ 10 years).

METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE database search from inception up to July 31, 2022 to identify all placebo-controlled phase 3 CVOTs that evaluated the efficacy of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RAs on vascular events at least 1-year after randomisation in participants with type 2 diabetes, and we selected those reporting hazard ratios (HRs) for the specific risk groups for MACE. Differences on MACE in risk groups were examined using a random-effect meta-analysis. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022347901).

FINDINGS

A total of 11 studies fulfilled the prespecified criteria, comprising 96,580 patients with T2D were included. Of these patients, 61,975 (64.2%) were male, 34,605 (35.8%) were female, and race groups included 74,982 (77.6%) White, 7760 (8.0%) Asian, and 4023 (4.2%) Black. In two SGLT2i trials, the HR (95% CI) for long-term diabetes duration more than10 years versus short duration was 0.84 (0.77-0.93) vs. 1.02 (0.89-1.16), respectively (P _interaction = 0.03). In four SGLT2i trials, the MACE benefit was similar by sex (P _interaction = 0.13), age (P _interaction = 0.36), BMI (P _interaction = 0.69), and race groups (P _interaction = 0.86 between Black and White, P _interaction = 0.98 between Black and Asian, and P _interaction = 0.69 between White and Asian). For GLP-1 RAs, the MACE benefit from the seven trials tended to be greater for Asian (0.71, [0.58-0.87]) than for White (0.87, [0.81-0.94]), (P _interaction = 0.07). In two GLP-1 RAs trials, the MACE outcome was reduced by 22% (0.78, 0.63-0.95) in elderly patients (≥ 75 years) while no difference was observed in those < 75 years (0.87; 0.75-1.01), (P _interaction = 0.37). In the remaining risk groups, the MACE benefit was similar by sex (P _interaction = 0.37), age < 65 years (P _interaction = 0.80), duration of diabetes (P _interaction = 0.70), and race (P _interaction = 0.57 between Black and White, and P _interaction = 0.15 between Black and Asian), BMI (P _interaction = 0.78). Risk of bias was lower, and overall heterogeneity was high for sex with SGLT2i, and moderate to low for the remaining comparisons, with a I² values ranging from 0% to 54%.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with type 2 diabetes at highest risk of cardiovascular disease or established cardiovascular disease, a greater benefit on MACE was found for elderly patients and for Asian individuals compared with White individuals with GLP-1 RAs, and those with a long duration of diabetes with SGLT2i. These findings could help in providing guidance for treatment prescription and facilitate selection and stratification of patients for future CVOTs. Furthermore, pooled individual patient-level data are urgently needed to support our conclusions, and to derive definitive evidence.

FUNDING

None.

Sex differences in health-related quality of life trajectories following myocardial infarction: national longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate sex-based differences in baseline values and longitudinal trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large cohort of myocardial infarction (MI) survivors after adjusting for other important factors.

DESIGN

Longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Population-based longitudinal study the Evaluation of the Methods and Management of Acute Coronary Events study linked with national cardiovascular registry. Data were collected from 77 hospitals in England between 1 November 2011 and 24 June 2015.

PARTICIPANTS

9551 patients with MI. Patients were eligible for the study if they were ≥18 years of age.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

HRQoL was measured by EuroQol five-dimension, visual analogue scale (EQ-5D, EQ VAS) survey at baseline, 1, 6 and 12 months after discharge. Multi-level linear and logistic regression models coupled with inverse probability weighted propensity scoring were used to evaluate sex differences in HRQoL following MI.

RESULTS

Of the 9551 patients with MI and complete data on sex, 25.1% (2,397) were women. At baseline, women reported lower HRQoL (EQ VAS (mean (SD) 59.8 (20.4) vs 64.5 (20.9)) (median (IQR) 60.00 (50.00-75.00) vs 70.00 (50.00-80.00))) (EQ-5D (mean (SD) 0.66 (0.31) vs 0.74 (0.28)) (median (IQR) 0.73 (0.52-0.85) vs 0.81 (0.62-1.00))) and were more likely to report problems in each HRQoL domain compared with men. In the covariate balanced and adjusted multi-level model sex differences in HRQoL persisted during follow-up, with lower EQ VAS and EQ-5D scores in women compared with men (adjusted EQ VAS model sex coefficient: -4.41, 95% CI -5.16 to -3.66 and adjusted EQ-5D model sex coefficient: -0.07, 95% CI -0.08 to -0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Women have lower HRQoL compared with men at baseline and during 12 months follow-up after MI. Tailored interventions for women following an MI could improve their quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04598048, NCT01808027, NCT01819103.

Multimodality Imaging in the Detection of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women

Women with coronary artery disease tend to have a worse short and long-term prognosis relative to men and the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is increasing. Women are less likely to present with classic anginal symptoms when compared with men and more likely to be misdiagnosed. Several non-invasive imaging modalities are available for diagnosing ischemic heart disease in women and many of these modalities can also assist with prognostication and help to guide management. Selection of the optimal imaging modality to evaluate women with possible ischemic heart disease is a scenario which clinicians often encounter. Earlier modalities such as exercise treadmill testing demonstrate significant performance variation in men and women, while newer modalities such as coronary CT angiography, myocardial perfusion imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are highly specific and sensitive for the detection of ischemia and coronary artery disease with greater parity between sexes. Individual factors, availability, diagnostic performance, and female-specific considerations such as pregnancy status may influence the decision to select one modality over another. Emerging techniques such as strain rate imaging, CT-myocardial perfusion imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging present additional options for diagnosing ischemia and coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Health Disparities Across the Continuum of ASCVD Risk

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Despite marked progress in cardiovascular disease management in the last several decades, there remain significant, persistent disparities in cardiovascular health in historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Here, we outline current state of health disparities in cardiovascular disease, discuss the interplay between social determinants of health, structural racism, and cardiovascular outcomes, and highlight strategies to address these issues.

RECENT FINDINGS

Across the continuum of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention, there remain significant disparities in outcomes including morbidity and mortality by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). These disparities begin early in childhood (primordial prevention) and continue with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (primary prevention), and in the uptake of evidence-based therapies (secondary prevention). These disparities are driven by social determinants of health and structural racism that disproportionately disadvantage historically marginalized populations. Structural racism and social determinants of health contribute to significant disparities in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Disparities in Social Determinants of Health Among Patients Receiving Liver Transplant: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample From 2016 to 2019

Background

Liver transplantation is the life-saving standard of care for those with end-stage liver disease. Unfortunately, many patients on the liver transplant list die waiting. Several studies have demonstrated significant differences based on disparities in race, gender, and multiple socioeconomic factors. We sought to evaluate recent disparities among patients receiving liver transplants using the latest available data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest publicly available inpatient care database in the United States.

Methods

We performed an analysis of discharge data from the NIS between 2016 and 2019. We identified adult patients with chronic liver disease who underwent a liver transplant using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for differences in race, gender, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities among those who received a liver transplant.

Results

A total of 24,595 liver transplants were performed over the study period. Female gender was independently associated with decreased transplant rates (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78-0.89, P < 0.001). Compared to White patients, Black patients had decreased transplant rates (AOR 0.86, 95% CI, 0.75-0.99, P = 0.034), as did Native Americans (AOR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.97, P = 0.035). Hispanics and Asian Americans had increased rates of liver transplantation (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.32, P = 0.022, and 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.67, P = 0.003; respectively). The increase in income quartile was associated with an incremental increase in transplant rates. Additionally, patients with private insurance had much higher transplant rates compared to those with Medicare (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 2.31-2.70, P < 0.001) while patients without insurance had the lowest rates of transplantation (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.12-0.28, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our analysis demonstrates that race, gender, and other social determinants of health have significant impacts on the likelihood of receiving a liver transplant. Our study, on a national level, confirms previously described disparities in receiving liver transplantation. Patient-level studies are needed to better understand how these variables translate into differing liver transplantation rates.

Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on overall physician visits and telemedicine use among patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Japan

BackgroundRegular visits with healthcare professionals are important for preventing serious complications in patients with diabetes. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to clarify whether there was any suppression of physician visits among patients with diabetes during the spread of COVID-19, in Japan and to assess whether telemedicine contributed to continued visits.MethodsWe used the JMDC Claims database which contains the monthly claims reported from July 2018 to May 2020 and included 4595 (type 1) and 123,686 (type 2) patients with diabetes.Using a difference-in-differences analysis, we estimated the changes in the monthly numbers of physician visits or telemedicine per 100 patients in April and May 2020 compared with the same months in 2019.ResultsFor patients with type 1 diabetes, the estimates for total overall physician visits were -2.53 (95% CI, -4.63 to 0.44) in April and -8.80 (-10.85 to -6.74) in May; those for telemedicine visits were 0.71 (0.47 to 0.96) in April and 0.54 (0.32 to 0.76) in May. For patients with type 2 diabetes, the estimates for overall physician visits were -2.50 (-2.95 to -2.04) in April and -3.74 (-4.16 to -3.32) in May; those for telemedicine visits were 1.13 (1.07 to 1.20) in April and 0.73 (0.68 to 0.78) in May.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic was associated with suppression of physician visits and a slight increase in the utilisation of telemedicine among patients with diabetes during April and May 2020.

Trends in Inequities in the Treatment of and Outcomes for Women and Minorities with Myocardial Infarction

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To test whether the differences across sex and race in the treatment of and outcomes for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have changed over a recent decade.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with a diagnosis of STEMI or NSTEMI in California from 2005 to 2015 using the Office of State Health Planning and Development dataset. Using multivariable linear regression with county-fixed effects, we measured the baseline and change over time in the proportions of patients with STEMI or NSTEMI who underwent appropriately-timed coronary angiography (day of admission and within 3 days of admission, respectively) and survived at 1 year according to sex and race (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White) and adjusting for comorbidities, payor, and hospital characteristics.

RESULTS

We analyzed 159,068 STEMI and 294,068 NSTEMI presentations. In 2005, 50.0% of 12,329 men and 35.7% of 6,939 women with STEMI and 45.0% of 14,379 men and 33.1% of 10,674 women with NSTEMI underwent timely angiography. In 2015, 76.7% of 6,257 men and 66.8% of 2,808 women with STEMI underwent timely angiography and 56.3% of 13,889 men and 45.9% of 9,334 women with NSTEMI underwent timely angiography. In 2005, 1-year survival was 82.3% for men and 69.6% for women after STEMI; in 2013, 1-year survival was 88.1% for men and 79.1% for women. In the multivariable model, the baseline difference was 1.1 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2 to 1.9), and survival increased for women compared with men by 0.3 percentage points per year (95% CI 0.2 to 0.5). In 2005, 46.0% (5,878) of 12,789 White patients and 31.2% (330) of 1,057 Black patients with STEMI underwent timely angiography; in 2015 75.2% of 3,928 White patients and 69.2% of 522 Black patients underwent timely angiography for STEMI. In the multivariable model, this difference was 6.4 percentage points at baseline (95% CI 4.5 to 8.3), and the probability of undergoing timely angiography for Black patients increased by 0.3 percentage points per year (95% CI -0.1 to 0.6).

CONCLUSION

Despite overall improvements in the treatment of and outcomes for STEMI and NSTEMI, disparities persist in the treatment of and outcomes for both the conditions, particularly for women.

Sex and Race Differences in the Evaluation and Treatment of Young Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department With Chest Pain

Background Acute myocardial infarctions are increasingly common among young adults. We investigated sex and racial differences in the evaluation of chest pain (CP) among young adults presenting to the emergency department. Methods and Results Emergency department visits for adults aged 18 to 55 years presenting with CP were identified in the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 2014 to 2018, which uses stratified sampling to produce national estimates. We evaluated associations between sex, race, and CP management before and after multivariable adjustment. We identified 4152 records representing 29 730 145 visits for CP among young adults. Women were less likely than men to be triaged as emergent (19.1% versus 23.3%, respectively, P<0.001), to undergo electrocardiography (74.2% versus 78.8%, respectively, P=0.024), or to be admitted to the hospital or observation unit (12.4% versus 17.9%, respectively, P<0.001), but ordering of cardiac biomarkers was similar. After multivariable adjustment, men were seen more quickly (hazard ratio [HR], 1.15 [95% CI, 1.05-1.26]) and were more likely to be admitted (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08-1.81]; P=0.011). People of color waited longer for physician evaluation (HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73-0.93]; P<0.001) than White adults after multivariable adjustment, but there were no racial differences in hospital admission, triage level, electrocardiography, or cardiac biomarker testing. Acute myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 1.4% of adults in the emergency department and 6.5% of admitted adults. Conclusions Women and people of color with CP waited longer to be seen by physicians, independent of clinical features. Women were independently less likely to be admitted when presenting with CP. These differences could impact downstream treatment and outcomes.

Sex differences in mortality after an acute coronary syndrome increase with lower country wealth and higher income inequality

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Although several factors associated with sex differences in the management and outcomes after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been reported, little is known about the influence of socioeconomic factors on sex disparities. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of country wealth and income inequality on national sex differences in mortality after ACS.

METHODS

Sex differences in 2-year postdischarge mortality were evaluated in 23 489 ACS patients from the EPICOR and EPICOR Asia registries. Adjusted Cox regression models by country-based terciles of gross national income per capita and income inequality were used.

RESULTS

Women (24.3%) were older than men (65.5 vs 59.4 years, P <.001), had more comorbidities, were less often revascularized (63.6% vs 75.6%, P <.001) and received fewer guideline recommended therapies at discharge. Compared with men, a higher percentage of women died during follow-up (6.4% vs 4.9%, P <.001). The association between sex and mortality changed direction from hazard ratio (HR) 1.32 (95%CI, 1.17-1.49) in the univariate assessment to HR 0.76 (95%CI, 0.67-0.87) after adjustment for confounders. These differences were more evident with increasing country wealth (HR_{low-incomecountries} = 0.85; 95%CI, 0.72-1.00; HR_{mid-incomecountries} = 0.66; 95%CI, 0.50-0.87; HR_{high-incomecountries} = 0.60; 95%CI, 0.40-0.90; trend test P = .115) and with decreasing income inequality (HR_{low-inequalityindex} = 0.54; 95%CI, 0.36-0.81; HR_{intermediate-inequalityindex} = 0.66; 95%CI, 0.50-0.88; HR_{high-inequalityindex} = 0.87; 95%CI, 0.74-1.03; trend test P = .031).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with ACS living in high socioeconomic countries showed a lower postdischarge mortality risk compared with men. This risk was attenuated in countries with poorer socioeconomic background, where adjusted mortality rates were similar between women and men.

Sex Differences in Symptom Phenotypes Among Older Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Clinicians make a medical diagnosis by recognizing diagnostic possibilities, often using memories of prior examples. These memories, called "exemplars," reflect specific symptom combinations in individual patients, yet most clinical studies report how symptoms aggregate in populations. We studied how symptoms of acute myocardial infarction combine in individuals as symptom phenotypes and how symptom phenotypes are distributed in women and men.

METHODS

In this analysis of the SILVER-AMI Study, we studied 3041 patients (1346 women and 1645 men) 75 years of age or older with acute myocardial infarction. Each patient had a standardized in-person interview during the acute myocardial infarction admission to document the presenting symptoms, which enabled a thorough examination of symptom combinations in individuals. Specific symptom combinations defined symptom phenotypes and distributions of symptom phenotypes were compared in women and men using Monte Carlo permutation testing and repeated subsampling.

RESULTS

There were 1469 unique symptom phenotypes in the entire SILVER-AMI cohort of patients with acute myocardial infarction. There were 831 unique symptom phenotypes in women, as compared with 819 in men, which was highly significant, given the larger number of men than women in the study (P < .0001). Women had significantly more symptom phenotypes than men in almost all acute myocardial infarction subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients with acute myocardial infarction have enormous variation in symptom phenotypes. Women reported more symptoms and had significantly more symptom phenotypes than men. Appreciation of the diversity of symptom phenotypes may help clinicians recognize the less common phenotypes that occur more often in women.

Racial Disparities in Invasive Management for Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction With Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

Due to increased risks of contrast nephropathy, chronic kidney disease (CKD) can deter consideration of invasive management for patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Black patients have a higher prevalence of CKD. Whether racial disparities exist in the use of invasive MI management for patients with CKD presenting with MI is unknown.

METHODS

We examined 717 012 White and 99 882 Black patients with MI treated from 2008 to 2017 at 914 hospitals in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Chest Pain-MI Registry. CKD status was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥90 mL/(min·1.73 m²; no CKD), eGFR <90 but ≥60 (mild), eGFR <60 but ≥30 (moderate), and eGFR <30 or dialysis (severe). We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine the interaction of race and CKD severity in invasive MI management.

RESULTS

Among those with MI, Black patients were more likely than White patients to have CKD (eGFR <90; 61.4% versus 58.5%; P<0.001). Among those with MI and CKD, Black patients were more likely than White patients to have severe CKD (21.2% versus 12.4%; P<0.001). Patients with CKD were more likely than those without CKD to have diabetes or heart failure; Black patients with CKD were more likely to have these comorbidities when compared with White patients with CKD (all P<0.0001). Black race and CKD were associated with a lower likelihood of invasive management (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.75-0.81]; adjusted odds ratio, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.70-0.74]; P<0.001 for both). At eGFR levels ≥10, Black patients were significantly less likely than White patients to undergo invasive management.

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients with MI and mild or moderate CKD were less likely to undergo invasive management compared with White patients with similar CKD severity. National efforts are needed to address racial disparities that may remain in the invasive management of MI.

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The guideline for coronary artery revascularization replaces the 2011 coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the 2011 and 2015 percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines, providing a patient-centric approach to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing coronary revascularization as well as the supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, CINHL Complete, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2021, were also considered. Structure: Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Coronary revascularization is an important therapeutic option when managing patients with coronary artery disease. The 2021 coronary artery revascularization guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease who are being considered for coronary revascularization, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests.

2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The guideline for coronary artery revascularization replaces the 2011 coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the 2011 and 2015 percutaneous coronary intervention guidelines, providing a patient-centric approach to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with significant coronary artery disease undergoing coronary revascularization as well as the supporting documentation to encourage their use.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2019 to September 2019, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, CINHL Complete, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2021, were also considered.

STRUCTURE

Coronary artery disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Coronary revascularization is an important therapeutic option when managing patients with coronary artery disease. The 2021 coronary artery revascularization guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease who are being considered for coronary revascularization, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the management and outcomes of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear if there remain racial/ethnic differences in the management and in-hospital outcomes of acute myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) in contemporary practice.

METHODS

We used the National inpatient Sample (2012-2017) to identify a cohort of adult AMI-CS hospitalizations. Race was classified as White, Black and Others (Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native Americans). Primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included use of invasive cardiac procedures, length of hospital stay and discharge disposition.

RESULTS

Among 203,905 AMI-CS admissions, 70.4% were White, 8.1% were Black and 15.7% belonged to Other races. Black AMI-CS admissions were more often female, with lower socio-economic status, greater comorbidity, and higher rates of non-ST-segment-elevation AMI-CS, cardiac arrest, and multi-organ failure. Compared to White AMI-CS admissions, Black and Other races had lower rates of coronary angiography (75.3% vs 69.3% vs 73.6%), percutaneous coronary intervention (52.7% vs 48.6% vs 54.8%), and mechanical circulatory devices (48.3% vs 42.8% vs 43.7%) (all p < 0.001). Unadjusted in-hospital mortality was comparable between White (33.3%) and Black (33.8%) admissions, but lower for other races (32.1%). Adjusted analysis with White race as the reference identified lower in-hospital mortality for Black (odds ratio [OR] 0.85 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.82-0.88]; p < 0.001) and Other races (OR 0.97 [95% CI 0.94-1.00]; p = 0.02). Admissions of Black race had longer hospital stay, and less frequent discharges to home.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to previous studies, we identified Black and Other race AMI-CS admissions had lower in-hospital mortality despite lower rates of cardiac procedures when compared to White admissions.

Gender Differences in the Impact of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation on Long-Term Risk of Ischemic Stroke after Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been identified as a major risk factor for mortality after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the long-term risk of ischemic stroke associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in ACS remains controversial, and its gender-specific association is unknown.

METHODS

We analyzed the data of 10,137 ACS survivors included in a multicenter, prospective registry for Korean patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) between January 2004 and August 2014. Subjects were categorized into three groups (non-AF vs. NOAF vs. previous AF) based on medical history and electrocardiographic evidence of AF, either at admission or during hospitalization.

RESULTS

Among the total study population (72.3% men), 370 patients (3.6%) had NOAF and 130 (1.3%) had previous AF. During a median follow-up of 61 months (interquartile range, 38.8 to 89.3 months), 245 (2.4%) patients (218 (2.3%) non-AF vs. 15 (4.1%) NOAF vs. 12 (9.2%) previous AF, p < 0.001) experienced ischemic stroke. After adjustment for confounding variables, both NOAF (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-3.24, p = 0.024) and previous AF (adjusted HR 4.00, 95% CI 2.03-7.87, p < 0.001), along with older age, diabetes, current smoker, and previous stroke were independent risk factors of ischemic stroke. In the gender-stratified analysis, men with previous AF but not NOAF had a significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 4.14, 95% CI 1.79-9.55, p = 0.001) than those without AF. In women, NOAF (adjusted HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.21-5.35, p = 0.014) as well as previous AF (adjusted HR 3.72, 95% CI 1.16-11.96, p = 0.028) was a strong predictor of ischemic stroke, and the predictive value was comparable to that of previous AF among patients with a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Both NOAF and previous AF were associated with ischemic stroke after AMI, but the impact of NOAF as a risk factor of ischemic stroke was significant only in women.

Trends in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Hospitalizations in the United States, 2002-2016

ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) remains a major modern-day public health problem. We aimed to assess the demographic trends in STEMI related hospitalizations in the United States over a period of fifteen years. The nationwide inpatient sample was queried to obtain information of patients hospitalized with STEMI from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2016. Annual hospitalization rates were calculated and annual percentage change (APC) was evaluated using regression analysis. A total of 4,121,155 eligible patients were included in this analysis. Overall, the total number of STEMI hospitalization decreased from 421,043 in 2002 to 208,510 in 2016 (P-trend <0.01). With the decreasing trend, the rate was relatively higher among males as compared to females, whites as compared to non-whites, and lower as compared to high socioeconomic status (SES). The rate of PCI in STEMI patients increased from 32.8% in 2002 to 67.8% in 2016 (APC = 5.392%, 95% CI [4.384-6.411], P < 0.001), but was higher among males as compared to females, urban as compared to rural hospitals and higher as compared to lower SES. In-hospital mortality decreased from 11% in 2002 to 10.5% in 2016 (APC = -0.771%, 95% CI [-1.230 to -0.311], P = 0.003), but remained higher among females, rural hospitals and low SES as compared to their correspondent groups. Among STEMI patients, the prevalence of individual comorbidities was noted to be increasing over the study period. Although there has been a declining trend in the number of STEMI hospitalizations, patients with modifiable risk factors presenting with STEMI has been on the rise. Females, rural communities and lower SES groups need special attention because of greater vulnerability.

Race and Gender Differences in the Association Between Experiences of Everyday Discrimination and Arterial Stiffness Among Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

BACKGROUND

Self-reported experiences of discrimination have been linked to indices of cardiovascular disease. However, most studies have focused on healthy populations. Thus, we examined the association between experiences of everyday discrimination and arterial stiffness among patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI).

PURPOSE

We hypothesized that higher reports of discrimination would be associated with greater arterial stiffness and that associations would be more pronounced among Black women, in particular, relative to other race-gender groups, using an "intersectionality" perspective.

METHODS

Data were from 313 participants (49.2% female, mean age: 50.8 years) who were 6 months post-MI in the Myocardial Infarction and Mental Stress 2 study. Data were collected via self-reported questionnaires, medical chart review, and a clinic visit during which arterial stiffness was measured noninvasively using pulse wave velocity.

RESULTS

Reports of discrimination were highest in Black men and women and arterial stiffness was greatest in Black and White women. After adjustment for demographics and relevant clinical variables, discrimination was not associated with arterial stiffness in the overall study sample. However, discrimination was associated with increased arterial stiffness among Black women but not White women, White men, or Black men.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite no apparent association between discrimination and arterial stiffness in the overall study sample, further stratification revealed an association among Black women but not other race-gender groups. These data not only support the utility of an intersectionality lens but also suggest the importance of implementing psychosocial interventions and coping strategies focused on discrimination into the care of clinically ill Black women.

Invasiveness of Treatment Is Gender Dependent in Intensive Care: Results From a Retrospective Analysis of 26,711 Cases

BACKGROUND

Health care and outcome of critically ill patients are marked by gender-related differences. Several studies have shown that male patients in intensive care units (ICU) more often receive mechanical ventilation, dialysis, pulmonary arterial catheterization (PAC), and central venous catheterization (CVC). We investigated gender-related differences in ICU treatment and mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study analyzed adult ICU patients admitted to the University Medical Center Regensburg between January 2010 and December 2017. Illness severity was measured with the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) at ICU admission. We evaluated the intensity of ICU treatment according to the implementation of tracheostomy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We then assessed gender-related differences in the duration of mechanical ventilation and other invasive monitoring (PAC) and treatment methods (CVC, endotracheal intubation rate, and dialysis). ICU treatment and mortality data were obtained from an electronic data capture system. After adjusting for age, reason for hospitalization, and SAPS II score, we assessed the influence of gender on the intensity of ICU treatment using multivariable logistic regression. Odds ratios (OR) for the logistic regression models and incidence rate ratios (IRR) for the negative binomial regression models were calculated as effect estimates together with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A P value of <.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The study analyzed 26,711 ICU patients (64.8% men). The ICU mortality rate was 8.8%. Illness severity, ICU, and hospital mortality did not differ by gender. Women were older than men (62.6 vs 61.3 years; P < .001) at ICU admission. After multivariable adjustment, men were more likely to undergo tracheostomy (OR = 1.39 [1.26-1.54]), ECMO (OR = 1.37 [1.02-1.83]), dialysis (OR = 1.29 [1.18-1.41]), and PAC insertion (OR = 1.81 [1.40-2.33]) and had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation than women (IRR = 1.07 [1.02-1.12]). The frequency of endotracheal intubation (OR = 1.04 [0.98-1.11]) and placement of CVC (OR = 1.05 [0.98-1.11]) showed no gender-specific differences. Of ICU nonsurvivors, men were more likely to undergo tracheostomy (20.1% vs 15.3%; P = .004) and dialysis (54% vs 46.4%; P < .001) than women and had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (6.3 vs 5.4 days; P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjustment for severity of disease and outcome, ICU treatment differs between men and women. Men were more likely than women to undergo tracheostomy and ECMO.

Unmasking bias and perception of lead surgeons in the operating room: A simulation based study

BACKGROUND

Perception of a surgeon based on physical attributes in the operating room (OR) environment has not been assessed, which was our primary goal.

METHODS

A common OR scenario was simulated using 8 different actors as a lead surgeon with combinations of age (<40 vs. >55), race (white vs. black), and gender (male vs. female). One video scenario with a survey was electronically distributed to surgeons, residents, and OR nurses/staff. The overall rating, assessment, and perception of the lead surgeon were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 974 respondents, 64.5% were females. There were significant differences in the rating and assessment based upon surgeon's age (p = .01) favoring older surgeons. There were significant differences in the assessments of surgeons by the study group (p = .03). The positive assessments as well as perceptions trended highest towards male, older, and white surgeons, especially in the stressful situation.

CONCLUSION

While perception of gender bias may be widespread, age and race biases may also play a role in the OR. Inter-professional education training for OR teams could be developed to help alleviate such biases.

Analysis of sex differences in the clinical presentation, management and prognosis of infective endocarditis in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Sex-dependent differences of infective endocarditis (IE) have been reported. Women suffer from IE less frequently than men and tend to present more severe manifestations. Our objective was to analyse the sex-based differences of IE in the clinical presentation, treatment, and prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analysed the sex differences in the clinical presentation, modality of treatment and prognosis of IE in a national-level multicentric cohort between 2008 and 2018. All data were prospectively recorded by the GAMES cohort (Spanish Collaboration on Endocarditis).

RESULTS

A total of 3451 patients were included, of whom 1105 were women (32.0%). Women were older than men (mean age, 68.4 vs 64.5). The most frequently affected valves were the aortic valve in men (50.6%) and mitral valve in women (48.7%). Staphylococcus aureus aetiology was more frequent in women (30.1% vs 23.1%; p<0.001).Surgery was performed in 38.3% of women and 50% of men. After propensity score (PS) matching for age and estimated surgical risk (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II)), the analysis of the matched cohorts revealed that women were less likely to undergo surgery (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.91; p=0.05).The observed overall in-hospital mortality was 32.8% in women and 25.7% in men (OR for the mortality of female sex 1.41; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.65; p<0.001). This statistical difference was not modified after adjusting for all possible confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex was an independent factor related to mortality after adjusting for confounders. In addition, women were less frequently referred for surgical treatment.

The DISCO study-Does Interventionalists' Sex impact Coronary Outcomes?

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of operator sex with appropriateness and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that physician sex may impact outcomes for specific patient cohorts. There are no data evaluating the impact of operator sex on PCI outcomes.

METHODS

We studied the impact of operator sex on PCI outcome and appropriateness among all patients undergoing PCI between January 2010 and December 2017 at 48 non-federal hospitals in Michigan. We used logistic regression models to adjust for baseline risk among patients treated by male versus female operators in the primary analysis.

RESULTS

During this time, 18 female interventionalists and 385 male interventionalists had performed at least one PCI. Female interventionalists performed 6362 (2.7%) of 239,420 cases. There were no differences in the odds of mortality (1.48% vs. 1.56%, adjusted OR [aOR] 1.138, 95% CI: 0.891-1.452), acute kidney injury (3.42% vs. 3.28%, aOR 1.027, 95% CI: 0.819-1.288), transfusion (2.59% vs. 2.85%, aOR 1.168, 95% CI: 0.980-1.390) or major bleeding (0.95% vs. 1.07%, aOR 1.083, 95% CI: 0.825-1.420) between patients treated by female versus male interventionalist. While the absolute differences were small, PCIs performed by female interventional cardiologists were more frequently rated as appropriate (86.64% vs. 84.45%, p-value <0.0001). Female interventional cardiologists more frequently prescribed guideline-directed medical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no significant differences in risk-adjusted in-hospital outcomes between PCIs performed by female versus male interventional cardiologists in Michigan. Female interventional cardiologists more frequently performed PCI rated as appropriate and had a higher likelihood of prescribing guideline-directed medical therapy.

Sex and gender in cardiovascular medicine: presentation and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome

Although health disparities in women presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have received growing attention in recent years, clinical outcomes from ACS are still worse for women than for men. Women continue to experience higher patient and system delays and receive less aggressive invasive treatment and pharmacotherapies. Gender- and sex-specific variables that contribute to ACS vulnerability remain largely unknown. Notwithstanding the sex differences in baseline coronary anatomy and function, women and men are treated the same based on guidelines that were established from experimental and clinical trial data over-representing the male population. Importantly, younger women have a particularly unfavourable prognosis and a plethora of unanswered questions remains in this younger population. The present review summarizes contemporary evidence for gender and sex differences in vascular biology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of ACS. We further discuss potential mechanisms and non-traditional risk conditions modulating the course of disease in women and men, such as unrecognized psychosocial factors, sex-specific vascular and neural stress responses, and the potential impact of epigenetic modifications.

Differential Documentation of Race in the First Line of the History of Present Illness

This cross-sectional study assesses medical records for evidence of racial bias in clinician documentation among patients admitted for breast cancer, sickle cell disease with crisis, status epilepticus, hypertensive emergency, pneumonia, or motor vehicle collision.

Gender differences and long-term outcome of over 75 elderlies in cardiac rehabilitation: highlighting the role of psychological and physical factors through a secondary analysis of a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Despite cardiac rehabilitation for elder people already showed its usefulness, to date it is still not clear the impact of gender and of psychological constructs in influencing the rehabilitation outcomes.

AIM

This study aimed at exploring the gender differences of great elders (over 75 years old) in cardiac rehabilitation, with particular attention to the impact of physical and psychological conditions, as depressive symptoms, on long-term post-discharge outcomes.

DESIGN

A cohort study design was used and a secondary analysis was conducted.

SETTING

Cardiac rehabilitation unit of a postacute rehabilitation Institute.

POPULATION

Elderly patients over 75 years old admitted to the cardiac rehabilitation program.

METHODS

Psychological and functional variables, such as Barthel Index, BMI, quality of life, and depression measured at admission and discharge from CR were matched with mortality information up to 4 years, used as long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 523 patients, 228 females and 295 males, with a mean age of 76.27 years±3.46 were progressively enrolled. Barthel index at admission and discharge was higher for males than females, 74.10±17.31 vs. 68.90 SD±16.81 (P<0.001), and 95.45±10.64 vs. 92.95±13.03 (p=0.021), respectively, while the relative change from admission to discharge Δ% of Barthel was higher for females 0.25±0.18 than for males 0.21±0.17 (P<0.05). Compared to males, either at admission or discharge females presented more severe depressive symptoms (5.21±3.46 vs. 3.86±2.79, P<0.001; 4.15±3.21 vs. 2.93±2.45, P<0.001) and a worse quality of life (10.58±2.15 vs. 9.55±2.24, P<0.001; 7.5±1.63 vs. 7.02±1.08, P=0.018). Cox proportional analysis revealed that female gender, depression at discharge, Barthel, and Comorbidity Index were associated with higher hazard and shorter survival time. On the other hand, higher BMI was associated with lower hazard and longer survival time.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly women following a CR program present more disability, depression, and a worse QoL than men. Obviously, these characteristics influence the length of hospitalization but with significant improvement. Despite the frail-gender paradox regarding survival, after CR program women have a higher risk of mortality than men. Depression has a significant negative impact on elderly psychophysical health.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Gender-specific and individualized rehabilitation programs should be implemented by considering the discussed physical and psychological risk factors. Further insight about gender differences among over 75 elderlies in CR is provided, this knowledge may be useful for clinicians scheduling recovery plans to promote elderlies' psychological and physical health. Psychological interventions should be implemented to relieve the depressive symptoms among elders.

Disparities in Cardiovascular Care and Outcomes for Women From Racial/Ethnic Minority Backgrounds

Purpose of review

Racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in cardiovascular care are well-documented. This review aims to highlight the disparities and impact on a group particularly vulnerable to disparities, women from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds.

Recent findings

Women from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds remain underrepresented in major cardiovascular trials, limiting the generalizability of cardiovascular research to this population. Certain cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in women from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, including traditional risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Female-specific risk factors including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia as well as non-traditional psychosocial risk factors like depressive and anxiety disorders, increased child care, and familial and home care responsibility have been shown to increase risk for cardiovascular disease events in women more so than in men, and disproportionately affect women from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds. Despite this, minimal interventions to address differential risk have been proposed. Furthermore, disparities in treatment and outcomes that disadvantage minority women persist. The limited improvement in outcomes over time, especially among non-Hispanic Black women, is an area that requires further research and active interventions.

Summary

Understanding the lack of representation in cardiovascular trials, differential cardiovascular risk, and disparities in treatment and outcomes among women from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds highlights opportunities for improving cardiovascular care among this particularly vulnerable population.

Trial characteristics associated with under-enrolment of females in randomized controlled trials of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review

AIMS

To evaluate temporal trends in the enrolment of females in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) published in high-impact journals, and assess RCT characteristics associated with under-enrolment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL for studies published from January 2000 to May 2019 in journals with impact factor ≥10. We included RCTs that recruited adults with HFrEF. We used a 20% threshold below the sex distribution of HFrEF to define under-enrolment. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess trial characteristics independently associated with under-enrolment. We included 317 RCTs. Among the 183 097 participants, mean (standard deviation) age was 63.0 (7.0) years and 25.5% were female. Females were under-enrolled in 71.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 66.6-76.6%] of the RCTs; enrolment did not increase significantly between 2000-2019. Sex-related eligibility criteria [odds ratio (OR) 2.05, 95% CI 1.01-4.16; P = 0.046]; recruitment in ambulatory settings (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.37-4.81; P = 0.003); trial coordination in North America (OR 4.44, 95% CI 1.09-18.07; P = 0.037), Europe (OR 6.79, 95% CI 1.63-27.39; P = 0.018) and Asia (OR 9.33, 95% CI 1.40-12.40; P = 0.033); drug (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.96-7.36; P < 0.001) and device/surgical interventions (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16-9.43; P = 0.002); and men in first and last authorship position (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12-3.54; P = 0.047) were associated with under-enrolment of females.

CONCLUSIONS

Females were under-enrolled relative to disease distribution in a majority of high-impact HFrEF RCTs, with no change in temporal trends between 2000 and 2019. Trial characteristics and gender of trial leaders were associated with under-enrolment.

The association of Medicaid expansion and racial/ethnic inequities in access, treatment, and outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction

Introduction

After having an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), racial and ethnic minorities have less access to care, decreased rates of invasive treatments such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and worse outcomes compared with white patients. The objective of this study was to determine whether the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of Medicaid eligibility was associated with changes in racial disparities in access, treatments, and outcomes after AMI.

Methods

Quasi-experimental, difference-in-differences-in-differences analysis of non-Hispanic white and minority patients with acute myocardial infarction in California and Florida from 2010–2015, using linear regression models to estimate the difference-in-differences. This population-based sample included all Medicaid and uninsured patients ages 18–64 hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction in California, which expanded Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act beginning as early as July 2011 in certain counties, and Florida, which did not expand Medicaid. The main outcomes included rates of admission to hospitals capable of performing PCI, rates of transfer for patients who first presented to hospitals that did not perform PCI, rates of PCI during hospitalization and rates of early (within 48 hours of admission) PCI, rates of readmission to the hospital within 30 days, and rates of in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 55,991 hospital admissions met inclusion criteria, 32,540 of which were in California and 23,451 were in Florida. Among patients with AMI who initially presented to a non-PCI hospital, the likelihood of being transferred increased by 12 percentage points (95% CI 2 to 21) for minority patients relative to white patients after the Medicaid expansion. The likelihood of undergoing PCI increased by 3 percentage points (95% CI 0 to 5) for minority patients relative to white patients after the Medicaid expansion. We did not find an association between the Medicaid expansion and racial disparities in overall likelihood of admission to a PCI hospital, hospital readmissions, or in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

The Medicaid expansion was associated with a decrease in racial disparities in transfers and rates of PCI after AMI. We did not find an association between the Medicaid expansion and admission to a PCI hospital, readmissions, and in-hospital mortality. Additional factors outside of insurance coverage likely continue to contribute to disparities in outcomes after AMI. These findings are crucial for policy makers seeking to reduce racial disparities in access, treatment and outcomes in AMI.

Evaluation of STEMI Regionalization on Access, Treatment, and Outcomes Among Adults Living in Nonminority and Minority Communities

IMPORTANCE

Cardiac care regionalization, specifically for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), has been touted as a potential mechanism to reduce systematic disparities by protocolizing the treatment of these conditions. However, it is unknown whether such regionalization arrangements have widened or narrowed disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes for minority communities.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent to which disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes have changed for patients with STEMI living in zip codes that are in the top tertile of the Black or Hispanic population compared with patients in nonminority zip codes in regionalized vs nonregionalized counties.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used a quasi-experimental approach exploiting the different timing of regionalization across California. Nonpublic inpatient data for all patients with STEMI from January 1, 2006, to October 31, 2015, were analyzed using a difference-in-difference-in-differences estimation approach.

EXPOSURE

Exposure to the intervention was defined as on and after the year a patient's county was exposed to regionalization.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Access to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-capable hospital, receipt of PCI on the same day and at any time during the hospitalization, and time-specific all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

This study included 139 494 patients with STEMI; 61.9% of patients were non-Hispanic White, 5.6% Black, 17.8% Hispanic, and 9.0% Asian; 32.8% were women. Access to PCI-capable hospitals improved by 6.3 percentage points (95% CI, 5.5 to 7.1 percentage points; P < .001) when patients in nonminority communities were exposed to regionalization. Patients in minority communities experienced a 1.8-percentage point smaller improvement in access (95% CI, -2.8 to -0.8 percentage points; P < .001), or 28.9% smaller, compared with those in nonminority communities when both were exposed to regionalization. Regionalization was associated with an improvement to same-day PCI and in-hospital PCI by 5.1 percentage points (95% CI, 4.2 to 6.1 percentage points; P < .001) and 5.0 percentage points (95% CI, 4.2 to 5.9 percentage points; P < .001), respectively, for patients in nonminority communities. Patients in minority communities experienced only 33.3% and 15.1% of that benefit. Only White patients in nonminority communities experienced mortality improvement from regionalization.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Although regionalization was associated with improved access to PCI hospitals and receipt of PCI treatment, patients in minority communities derived significantly smaller improvement relative to those in nonminority communities.

Women’s Cardiac Health in 2020: A Systematic Review

Although substantial progress has been made toward improving gender- and sex-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) management and outcomes, contemporary reports indicate a persistent knowledge gap with regard to optimal risk-stratification and management in female cardiac heart disease (CHD) patients. Prominent patient and system delays in diagnosing CHD are, in part, due to the limited awareness for the latent CVD risk in women, a lack of sex-specific thresholds within clinical guidelines, and subsequent limited performance of contemporary diagnostic approaches in women. Several traditional risk factors for CHD affect both women and men. But other factors can play a bigger role in the development of heart disease in women. In addition, little is known about the influence of socioenvironmental and contextual factors on gender-specific disease manifestation and outcomes. It is imperative that we understand the mechanisms that contribute to worsening risk factors profiles in young women to reduce future atherosclerotic CVD morbidity and mortality. This comprehensive review focuses on the novel aspects of cardiovascular health in women and sex differences as they relate to clinical practice and prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CVD. Increased recognition of the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and their differential impact in women, as well as emerging nontraditional risk factors unique to or more common in women, contribute to new understanding mechanisms, leading to worsening outcome for women.