Pain Tolerance in Persons With Recognized and Unrecognized Myocardial Infarction: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

Periodontitis is associated with decreased experimental pressure pain tolerance: The Tromsø Study 2015-2016

AIM

To assess the relationship between periodontitis and experimental pain tolerance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants from the population-based seventh survey of the Tromsø Study with data on periodontitis were included (n = 3666, 40-84 years old, 51.6% women). Pain tolerance was assessed through (i) pressure pain tolerance (PPT) test with a computerized cuff pressure algometry on the leg, and (ii) cold-pressor tolerance (CPT) test where one hand was placed in circulating 3°C water. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess the association between periodontitis and pain tolerance adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking and obesity.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted model using the 2012 Centers for Disease Control/American Academy of Periodntology case definitions for surveillance of periodontitis, moderate (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.18) and severe (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.42) periodontitis were associated with decreased PPT. Using the 2018 classification of periodontitis, having Stage II/III/IV periodontitis was significantly associated with decreased PPT (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.18) compared with having no or stage I periodontitis. There were no significant associations between periodontitis and CPT in fully adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate and severe periodontitis was associated with experimental PPT.

Myocardial Infarction Signs and Symptoms: Females vs. Males

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of females in the United States today, and myocardial infarction (MI) plays a role in many of these deaths. Females also present with more "atypical" symptoms than males and appear to have differences in pathophysiology underlying their MIs. Despite both differences in symptomology and pathophysiology being present in females versus males, a possible link between the two has not been studied extensively. In this systematic review, we analyzed studies examining differences in symptoms and pathophysiology of MI in females and males and evaluated possible links between the two. A search was performed for sex differences in MI in the databases PubMed, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Complete, Biomedical Reference Collection: Comprehensive, Jisc Library Hub Discover, and Web of Science. Seventy-four articles were ultimately included in this systematic review. Typical symptoms for both ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) such as chest, arm, or jaw pain were more common in both sexes, but females presented on average with more atypical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Females with MI also presented with more prodromal symptoms such as fatigue in days leading up to MI, had longer delays in presentation to the hospital after symptom onset, and were older with more comorbidities than males. Males on the other hand were more likely to have a silent or unrecognized MI, which concurs with their overall higher rate of MI. As they age, females have a decrease in antioxidative metabolites and worsened cardiac autonomic function than male. In addition, at all ages, females have less atherosclerotic burden than mles, have higher rates of MI not related to plaque rupture or erosion, and have increased microvasculature resistance when they have an MI. It has been proposed that this physiological difference is etiologic for the male-female difference in symptoms, but this has not been studied directly and is a promising area of future research. It is also possible that differences in pain tolerance between males and females may play a role in differing symptom recognition, but this has only been studied one time where females with higher pain thresholds were more likely to have unrecognized MI. Again, this is a promising area for future study for the early detection of MI. Finally, differences in symptoms for patients with different atherosclerotic burden and for patients with MI due to a cause other than plaque rupture or erosion has not been studied and are both promising avenues to improve detection and patient care in the future.

Gray matter volume and pain tolerance in a general population: the Tromsø study

ABSTRACT

As pain is processed by an extensive network of brain regions, the structural status of the brain may affect pain perception. We aimed to study the association between gray matter volume (GMV) and pain sensitivity in a general population. We used data from 1522 participants in the seventh wave of the Tromsø study, who had completed the cold pressor test (3°C, maximum time 120 seconds), undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, and had complete information on covariates. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted with time to hand withdrawal from cold exposure as outcome. Gray matter volume was the independent variable, and analyses were adjusted for intracranial volume, age, sex, education level, and cardiovascular risk factors. Additional adjustment was made for chronic pain and depression in subsamples with available information on the respective item. FreeSurfer was used to estimate vertexwise cortical and subcortical gray matter volumes from the T1-weighted MR image. Post hoc analyses were performed on cortical and subcortical volume estimates. Standardized total GMV was associated with risk of hand withdrawal (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-0.93). The effect remained significant after additional adjustment for chronic pain (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.97) or depression (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.94). In post hoc analyses, positive associations between standardized GMV and pain tolerance were seen in most brain regions, with larger effect sizes in regions previously shown to be associated with pain. In conclusion, our findings indicate that larger GMV is associated with longer pain tolerance in the general population.

Is Physical Activity an Effective Factor for Modulating Pressure Pain Threshold and Pain Tolerance after Cardiovascular Incidents?

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether regular physical activity can alter the pressure pain threshold, pain tolerance, and subjective pain perception in individuals who have experienced a cardiovascular event. The study involved 85 individuals aged 37 to 84 years (M = 65.36) who qualified for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation, which consisted of 24 physical training sessions. The patients were all tested twice: on the first and last day of the outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. Assessments of the pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance were performed with an algometer. To assess the pain coping strategies, the Pain Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) and parenting styles were measured retrospectively with subjective survey questions. The main results of the study showed that patients achieved significantly higher pressure pain thresholds after a physical training cycle (ps < 0.05, η² = 0.05-0.14), but found no differences in the pain tolerance (ps > 0.05). A lower preference for the better pain coping strategy explanation (ß = -0.42, p = 0.013) and growing up in a family with a less neglectful atmosphere (ß = -0.35, p = 0.008) were associated with increased pressure pain threshold after physical training. The results suggest that physical activity is an important factor in modulating the pressure pain threshold.

Association of pre‐hospital time intervals and clinical outcomes in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction patients

Study Objectives

Timely coronary reperfusion is critical for favorable outcomes after ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A substantial proportion of the total ischemic time is patient related, occurring before first medical contact (FMC). We aimed to expand the limited current understanding of the associations between prehospital intervals and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) (January 2009–March 2016) and assessed the associations between prehospital intervals and the incidence of new heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and hospital length of stay (LOS), adjusting for important clinical variables.

Results

A total of 773 patients (77% men, median age 65 years) met eligibility criteria. The median pre‐911 activation interval was 29 minutes (interquartile range: 11, 89); the median 911 call to FMC interval was 12 minutes (interquartile range: 9, 15). In multivariable analysis, there was a V‐shaped relationship between the pre‐911 activation interval and outcomes: a lower likelihood of new heart failure (odds ratio [OR] 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30, 0.87), cardiogenic shock (OR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.75) and prolonged LOS (OR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.42) for midrange intervals (11–88 minutes) when compared to the early (< 11‐minute) interval. There was no statistically significant relationship between total pre‐FMC time and FMC to device activation time.

Conclusions

Among ambulance‐transported STEMI patients receiving pPCI, the shortest and longest pre‐911 activation time intervals were associated with poorer outcomes. However, variation in post‐FMC interval alone was not associated with outcomes, suggesting that interventions to reduce pre‐FMC intervals must be prioritized.

Functional Angioplasty: Definitions, Historical Overview, and Future Perspectives

Myocardial ischemia plays a central role in the pathophysiology of angina pectoris. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guidance has evolved from anatomic stenosis to physiologic evidence of flow limitation. However, there is no evidence that one guidance is superior to another in improving clinical outcomes after PCI. Hallmarks of inducible ischemia such as electrocardiographic changes and wall motion abnormalities may be more clinically relevant as the reference standard to define ischemia-inducing lesions. Considering all available evidence, PCI should be considered as symptomatic therapy without altering the atherosclerotic process, and reserved for patients with inducible ischemia who are non-responsive to medical therapy.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used to treat obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). The role of PCI is well defined in acute coronary syndrome, but that for stable CAD remains debatable. Although PCI generally relieves angina in patients with stable CAD, it may not change its prognosis. The extent and severity of CAD are major determinants of prognosis, and complete revascularization (CR) of all ischemia-causing lesions might improve outcomes. Several studies have shown better outcomes with CR than with incomplete revascularization, emphasizing the importance of functional angioplasty. However, different definitions of inducible myocardial ischemia have been used across studies, making their comparison difficult. Various diagnostic tools have been used to estimate the presence, extent, and severity of inducible myocardial ischemia. However, to date, there are no agreed reference standards of inducible myocardial ischemia. The hallmarks of inducible myocardial ischemia such as electrocardiographic changes and regional wall motion abnormalities may be more clinically relevant as the reference standard to define ischemia-causing lesions. In this review, we summarize studies regarding myocardial ischemia, PCI guidance, and possible explanations for similar findings across studies. Also, we provide some insights into the ideal definition of inducible myocardial ischemia and highlight the appropriate PCI strategy.

Low Pain Tolerance Is Associated With Coronary Angiography, Coronary Artery Disease, and Mortality: The Tromsø Study

Background

The initial presentation to coronary angiography and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) vary greatly among patients, from ischemia with no obstructive CAD to myocardial infarction with 3‐vessel disease. Pain tolerance has been suggested as a potential mechanism for the variation in presentation of CAD. We aimed to investigate the association between pain tolerance, coronary angiography, CAD, and death.

Methods and Results

We identified 9576 participants in the Tromsø Study (2007–2008) who completed the cold‐pressor pain test, and had no prior history of CAD. The median follow‐up time was 10.4 years. We applied Cox‐regression models with age as time‐scale to calculate hazard ratios (HR). More women than men aborted the cold pressor test (39% versus 23%). Participants with low pain tolerance had 19% increased risk of coronary angiography (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.03–1.38]) and 22% increased risk of obstructive CAD (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.01–1.47]) adjusted by age as time‐scale and sex. Among women who underwent coronary angiography, low pain tolerance was associated with 54% increased risk of obstructive CAD (HR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.09–2.18]) compared with high pain tolerance. There was no association between pain tolerance and nonobstructive CAD or clinical presentation to coronary angiography (ie, stable angina, unstable angina, and myocardial infarction). Participants with low pain tolerance had increased risk of mortality after adjustment for CAD and cardiovascular risk factors (HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.19–1.64]).

Conclusions

Low cold pressor pain tolerance is associated with a higher risk of coronary angiography and death.

Sudden Death from Ischemic Heart Disease While Driving: Cardiac Pathology, Clinical Characteristics, and Countermeasures

Background

Sudden death from ischemic heart disease while driving is an important cause of traffic accidents. This study discusses causes of traffic accidents in relation to risk factors for acute myocardial infarction such as hypertension and overwork and provides references for the early prevention and regulation of drivers’ health conditions.

Material/Methods

Data on 21 cases of sudden death by ischemic heart disease while driving from January 2015 to December 2019 were collected. Age, symptoms, and cardiac pathological changes of patients were summarized by systematic anatomical and medical history data.

Results

Patients were 21 men with an average age of 47±7.27 years (most aged 40 to 60 years), and the average weight of their hearts was 439.45±76.3 g. Twelve patients had a history of hypertension, 8 had previous myocardial infarction, and 4 had fatty liver. All had at least 1 severe narrowing of a major coronary artery. Twelve patients died within a short period; 9 died more than 12 h after myocardial infarction onset. Ten patients had worked more than 80 h of overtime per month, 4 patients, more than 45 h, and 7 patients, less than 45 h.

Conclusions

Regular physical examination and information about ischemic heart disease should be emphasized for men aged 40 to 60 years who drive frequently, especially for those with hypertension, overwork, or previous myocardial infarction. Incorporating objective evaluation criteria for the severity of ischemic heart disease and overwork into health condition-related driving regulations is needed.

Association Between Silent Myocardial Infarction and Long-Term Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death

Background Although silent myocardial infarction (SMI) is prognostically important, the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among patients with incident SMI is not well established. Methods and Results We examined 2 community-based cohorts: the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study (n=13 725) and the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study) (n=5207). Incident SMI was defined as electrocardiographic evidence of new myocardial infarction during follow-up visits that was not present at the baseline. The primary study end point was physician-adjudicated SCD. In the ARIC study, 513 SMIs, 441 clinically recognized myocardial infarctions (CMIs), and 527 SCD events occurred during a median follow-up of 25.4 years. The multivariable hazard ratios of SMI and CMI for SCD were 5.20 (95% CI, 3.81-7.10) and 3.80 (95% CI, 2.76-5.23), respectively. In the CHS, 1070 SMIs, 632 CMIs, and 526 SCD events occurred during a median follow-up of 12.1 years. The multivariable hazard ratios of SMI and CMI for SCD were 1.70 (95% CI, 1.32-2.19) and 4.08 (95% CI, 3.29-5.06), respectively. The pooled hazard ratios of SMI and CMI for SCD were 2.65 (2.18-3.23) and 3.99 (3.34-4.77), respectively. The risk of SCD associated with SMI is stronger with White individuals, men, and younger age. The population-attributable fraction of SCD was 11.1% for SMI, and SMI was associated with an absolute risk increase of 8.9 SCDs per 1000 person-years. Addition of SMI significantly improved the predictive power for both SCD and non-SCD. Conclusions Incident SMI is independently associated with an increased risk of SCD in the general population. Additional research should address screening for SMI and the role of standard post-myocardial infarction therapy.

Association of Silent Myocardial Infarction and Sudden Cardiac Death

Importance

Myocardial infarction in the absence of major or unrecognized symptoms are characterized as silent (SMI). The prevalence of SMI among individuals who experience sudden cardiac death (SCD), with or without concomitant electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, has not previously been described in detail from large studies to our knowledge.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of SMI in individuals who experience SCD without a prior diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to detect ECG abnormalities associated with SMI-associated SCD.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study compared autopsy findings, clinical characteristics, and ECG markers associated with SMI in a consecutive cohort of individuals in the Finnish Genetic Study of Arrhythmic Events (Fingesture) study population who were verified to have had SCD. The Fingesture study consists of individuals who had autopsy-verified SCD in Northern Finland between 1998 and 2017. Individuals who had SCD with CAD and evidence of SMI were regarded as having had cases; those who had SCD with CAD without SMI were considered control participants. Analyses of ECG tests were carried out by investigators blinded to the SMI data. Data analysis was completed from October 2018 through November 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Silent MI was defined as a scar detected by macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of myocardium without previously diagnosed CAD. Clinical history was obtained from medical records, previously recorded ECGs, and a standardized questionnaire provided to the next of kin. The hypothesis tested was that SMI would be prevalent in the population who had had SCD with CAD, and it might be detected or suspected from findings on ECGs prior to death in many individuals.

Results

A total of 5869 individuals were included (2459 males [78.8%]; mean [SD] age, 64.9 [12.4] years). The cause of SCD was CAD in 4392 individuals (74.8%), among whom 3122 had no history of previously diagnosed CAD. Two individuals were excluded owing to incomplete autopsy information. An ECG recorded prior to SCD was available in 438 individuals. Silent MI was detected in 1322 individuals (42.4%) who experienced SCD without a clinical history of CAD. The participants with SMI were older than participants without MI scarring (mean [SD] age, 66.9 [11.1] years; 65.5 [11.6] years; P < .001) and were more often men (1102 of 1322 [83.4%] vs 1357 of 1798 [75.5%]; P < .001). Heart weight was higher in participants with SMI (mean [SD] weight, 483 [109] g vs 438 [106] g; P < .001). In participants with SMI, SCD occurred more often during physical activity (241 of 1322 [18.2%] vs 223 of 1798 [12.4%]; P < .001). A prior ECG was abnormal in 125 of the 187 individuals (66.8%) who had SCD after SMI compared with 139 of 251 (55.4%) of those who had SCD without SMI (P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

Many individuals who experienced SCD associated with CAD had a previously undetected MI at autopsy. Previous SMI was associated with myocardial hypertrophy and SCD during physical activity. Premortem ECGs in a subset with available data were abnormal in 67% of the individuals who had had a SCD after an SMI.

Sex-Based Differences in Unrecognized Myocardial Infarction

Background

Myocardial infarction is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women. Atypical or the absence of symptoms, more prevalent among women, may contribute to unrecognized myocardial infarctions and missed opportunities for preventive therapies. The aim of this research is to investigate sex‐based differences of undiagnosed myocardial infarction in the general population.

Methods and Results

In the Lifelines Cohort Study, all individuals ≥18 years with a normal baseline ECG were followed from baseline visit till first follow‐up visit (≈5 years, n=97 203). Individuals with infarct‐related changes between baseline and follow‐up ECGs were identified. The age‐ and sex‐specific incidence rates were calculated and sex‐specific cardiac symptoms and predictors of unrecognized myocardial infarction were determined. Follow‐up ECG was available after a median of 3.8 (25th and 75th percentile: 3.0–4.6) years. During follow‐up, 198 women experienced myocardial infarction (incidence rate 1.92 per 1000 persons‐years) compared with 365 men (incidence rate 3.30; P<0.001 versus women). In 59 (30%) women, myocardial infarction was unrecognized compared with 60 (16%) men (P<0.001 versus women). Individuals with unrecognized myocardial infarction less often reported specific cardiac symptoms compared with individuals with recognized myocardial infarction. Predictors of unrecognized myocardial infarction were mainly hypertension, smoking, and higher blood glucose level.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of myocardial infarctions are unrecognized, especially in women. Opportunities for secondary preventive therapies remain underutilized if myocardial infarction is unrecognized.

Abnormal Fasting Glucose Increases Risk of Unrecognized Myocardial Infarctions in an Elderly Cohort

OBJECTIVES

To investigate glucose levels as a risk factor for unrecognized myocardial infarctions (UMIs).

DESIGN

Cohort SETTING: Cardiovascular Health Study.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older with fasting glucose measurements (N=4,355; normal fasting glucose (NFG), n = 2,041; impaired fasting glucose (IFG), n = 1,706; DM: n = 608; 40% male, 84% white, mean age 72.4 ± 5.6).

MEASUREMENTS

The relationship between glucose levels and UMI was examined. Participants with prior coronary heart disease (CHD) or UMI on initial electrocardiography were excluded. Using Minnesota codes, UMI was identified according to the presence of pathological Q-waves or minor Q-waves with ST-T abnormalities. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication use, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and smoking status.

RESULTS

Over a mean follow-up of 6 years, there were 459 incident UMIs (NFG, n=202; IFG, n=183; DM, n=74). Participants with IFG were slightly more likely than those with NFG to experience a UMI (hazard ratio (HR)=1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.91-1.36, p = .30), and those with DM were more likely than those with NFG to experience a UMI (HR=1.65, 95% CI=1.25-2.13, p < .001). After adjustment HR for UMI in IFG those with IFG were no more likely than those with NFG to experience a UMI (HR=1.01, 95% CI=0.82-1.24, p = .93), whereas those with DM were more likely than those with NFG to experience a UMI (HR=1.37, 95% CI=1.02-1.81, p = .03). The 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test was not statistically significantly associated with UMI.

CONCLUSION

Fasting glucose status, particularly in the diabetic range, forecasted UMI during 6 years of follow-up in elderly adults. Further studies are needed to clarify the level of glucose at which risk is greater. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:43-49, 2019.

Small and large vessel disease in persons with unrecognized compared to recognized myocardial infarction: The Tromsø Study 2007-2008

BACKGROUND

Unrecognized myocardial infarction (MI) is a frequent condition with unknown underlying reason. We hypothesized the lack of recognition of MI is related to pathophysiology, specifically differences in underlying small and large vessel disease.

METHODS

6128 participants were examined with retinal photography, ultrasound of the carotid artery and a 12‑lead electrocardiography (ECG). Small vessel disease was defined as narrower retinal arterioles and/or wider retinal venules measured on retinal photographs. Large vessel disease was defined as carotid artery pathology. We defined unrecognized MI as ECG-evidence of MI without a clinically recognized event. We analyzed the cross-sectional relationship between MI recognition and markers of small and large vessel disease, adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

Unrecognized MI was present in 502 (8.2%) and recognized MI in 326 (5.3%) of the 6128 participants. Compared to recognized MI, unrecognized MI was associated with small vessel disease indicated by narrower retinal arterioles (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05-2.62, highest vs. lowest quartile). Unrecognized MI was less associated with wider retinal venules (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.87, lowest vs. highest quartile). Compared to recognized MI, unrecognized MI was less associated with large vessel disease indicated by presence of plaque in the carotid artery (OR for presence of carotid artery plaque in unrecognized MI 0.51, 95% CI 0.37-0.69). No significant sex interaction was present.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrecognized MI was more associated with small vessel disease and less associated with large vessel disease compared to recognized MI. These findings suggest that the pathophysiology behind unrecognized and recognized MI may differ.

Unrecognized myocardial infarction assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is associated with adverse long-term prognosis

Background

Unrecognized myocardial infarctions (UMIs) are common. The study is an extension of a previous study, aiming to investigate the long-term (>5 year) prognostic implication of late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) detected UMI in patients with suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD) without previously diagnosed myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

In 235 patients with suspected stable CAD without previous MI, LGE-CMR imaging and coronary angiography were performed. LGE with a subendocardial component detectable in more than one imaging plane was required to indicate UMI. The stenosis grade of the coronary arteries was determined, including in the artery supplying an infarcted area. Stenosis ≥70% stenosis was considered significant. Patients were followed for 5.4 years in mean regarding a composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, MI, hospitalization due to heart failure, stable or unstable angina.

Results

UMI were present in 58 of 235 patients (25%). Thirty-nine of the UMIs were located downstream of a significant coronary stenosis. During the follow-up 40 patients (17.0%) reached the composite endpoint. Of patients with UMI, 34.5% (20/58) reached the primary endpoint compared to 11.3% (20/177) of patients with no UMI (HR 3.7, 95% CI 2.0–6.9, p<0.001). The association between UMI and outcome remained (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.4, p = 0.012) after adjustments for age, gender, extent of CAD and all other variables univariate associated with outcome. Sixteen (41%) of the patients with an UMI downstream of a significant stenosis reached the endpoint compared to four (21%) patients with UMI and no relation to a significant stenosis (HR 2.4, 95% CI 0.8–7.2, p = 0.12).

Conclusion

The presence of UMI was independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events during long-term follow up.