Nonobstructive Versus Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

A Comprehensive Review on Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA): One size does not fit all

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is defined as clinical evidence of myocardial infarction (MI) without significant obstruction (<50% stenosis) in coronary angiography, making it a clinically distinct and heterogeneous disorder. Unlike MI associated with obstructive coronary artery disease (MICAD), MINOCA is more common in younger women and often involves microvascular dysfunction or vasospastic conditions. Despite recent advancements in understanding MINOCA, its prognosis and predictors remain uncertain, necessitating further research into its pathogenesis. The diverse underlying causes of MINOCA mean that traditional treatment of the "one-size-fits-all" approach used for MICAD may not be appropriate, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment strategies based on accurate diagnosis. There is an urgent need to raise awareness among healthcare providers, implement standardized diagnostic protocols, and conduct targeted research to improve patient outcomes. Multi-centered studies and clinical trials are essential to establish evidence-based therapies and optimize management strategies for MINOCA, ensuring better long-term outcomes.

The PROMISE of Precision Medicine in Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a working diagnosis encompassing several pathophysiological mechanisms with specific treatments and different prognoses. Despite the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease, MINOCA has proven to be associated with a significant risk of mortality, angina burden, and socioeconomic costs. However, due to the heterogeneous nature of this clinical condition and the absence of randomized clinical trials, evidence supporting a standardized diagnostic algorithm and the clinical management of these patients is lacking. The PROMISE trial is the first randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a precision medicine approach strategy in improving the outcomes and quality of life of patients with MINOCA, offering new insights into personalized treatment strategies. This review article discusses the promise of a precision medicine approach in patients with MINOCA, highlighting the potential innovations and challenges of a personalized medicine strategy in MINOCA.

Pathological findings at invasive assessment in MINOCA: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pathological mechanisms of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) are heterogeneous, with an unknown impact on prognosis, and often remain unrecognised in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of pathological findings by invasive coronary angiography (ICA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and coronary function testing in MINOCA.

METHODS

Studies published until August 2023 were searched on PubMed and SCOPUS and included if reporting the prevalence of patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries (NObs-CA; 1-49% coronary stenosis) versus normal coronary arteries (NCA; 0% coronary stenosis) by ICA, pathological findings by OCT, and/or coronary vasomotor tests in MINOCA. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment. The pooled prevalence of pathological findings was estimated with random-effects models. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs of all-cause death, MI and the composite of both in patients with NObs-CA versus NCA were calculated at short-term (<1 month), 1-year and long-term follow-up (> 1 year).

RESULTS

Forty-five studies including 17 539 patients were analysed. The pooled prevalence of NObs-CA at ICA was 53% (95% CI 0.47 to 0.60). OCT showed acute pathological findings in 62% (95% CI 0.44 to 0.78) of patients and coronary vasomotor tests were positive in 49% (95% CI 0.31 to 0.67). NObs-CA compared with NCA was associated with an increased 1-year risk of all-cause death or MI (RR=1.49 (95% CI 1.17 to 1.90)) and MI alone (RR=1.80 (95% CI 1.26 to 2.59)), whereas the risk of all-cause death was comparable. Similar results were seen at long-term, but not at short-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Stratification of MINOCA into NObs-CA versus NCA has prognostic value. OCT and vasospasm testing, often informative about the pathological mechanism of MINOCA, should be part of an invasive diagnostic algorithm.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023468183.

The HET (history, electrocardiogram, and troponin) score has low efficacy and negative predictive value in a multisite U.S. cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The History, Electrocardiogram, and Troponin (HET) score is a simplified alternative to the HEART score for risk stratifying emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the HET score for 30-day cardiac death or myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of the STOP-CP multisite cohort study. Risk score components were determined prospectively by the treating provider. Patients were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk strata based on HEART and HET scores. Negative predictive value (NPV) was calculated for the primary safety outcome of cardiac death or MI at 30 days. Consistent with prior studies, the commonly accepted threshold of NPV ≥ 99 % was used to define safety. Efficacy was the proportion of patients classified as low risk. NPV and efficacy were compared between HET and HEART scores using generalized score statistic and McNemar's test, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 1460 patients, 46.3 % (676/1460) were women and the mean age was 57.6 ± 12.8 years. Cardiac death or MI at 30 days occurred in 12.7 % (186/1460). Among patients with a low-risk HET score, 1.4 % (4/286) experienced 30-day cardiac death or MI, while 2.2 % (12/534) of patients with a low-risk HEART score had 30-day cardiac death or MI. This yielded a NPV for 30-day of 98.6 % (95 % CI 96.5-99.6 %) for the HET score vs 97.8 % (95 % CI 96.1-98.8 %) for the HEART score (p = 0.29).Efficacy of the HET score was 19.6 % (286/1460, 95 % CI 17.6-21.6 %) vs 36.6 % (534/1460, 95 % CI 34.1-39.1 %) for the HEART score (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In a multisite US cohort study, neither the HET score nor the HEART score achieved a safe NPV. The HET score had significantly lower efficacy than the HEART score.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T to Optimize Chest Pain Risk Stratification (STOP-CP; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02984436; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02984436).

Clinical and Genomic Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Subtypes

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex, heterogeneous disease with distinct etiological mechanisms. These different etiologies may give rise to multiple subtypes of CAD that could benefit from alternative preventions and treatments. However, so far, there have been no systematic efforts to predict CAD subtypes using clinical and genetic factors.

METHODS

Here, we trained and applied statistical models incorporating clinical and genetic factors to predict CAD subtypes in 26 036 patients with CAD in the UK Biobank. We performed external validation of the UK Biobank models in the US-based All of Us cohort (8598 patients with CAD). Subtypes were defined as high versus normal LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, high versus normal Lpa (lipoprotein A) levels, ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction versus non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, occlusive versus nonocclusive CAD, and stable versus unstable CAD. Clinical predictors included levels of ApoA, ApoB, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), triglycerides, and CRP (C-reactive protein). Genetic predictors were genome-wide and pathway-based polygenic risk scores (PRSs).

RESULTS

Results showed that both clinical-only and genetic-only models can predict CAD subtypes, while combining clinical and genetic factors leads to greater predictive accuracy. Pathway-based PRSs had higher discriminatory power than genome-wide PRSs for the Lpa and LDL subtypes and provided insights into their etiologies. The 10-pathway PRS most predictive of the LDL subtype involved cholesterol metabolism. Pathway PRS models had poor generalizability to the All of Us cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, we present the first systematic demonstration that CAD subtypes can be distinguished by clinical and genomic risk factors, which could have important implications for stratified cardiovascular medicine.

Age Variation in Patients with Troponin Level Elevation Without Obstructive Culprit Lesion or Suspected Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries-Long-Term Data Covering over Decade

Background/Objectives: Troponin level elevation without an obstructive culprit lesion is caused by heterogenous entities. The effect of aging on this condition has been poorly investigated. Methods: After screening 24,775 patients between 2010 and 2021, this study included a total of 373 patients with elevated troponin levels without an obstructive culprit lesion or suspected myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCAs) categorized into four age groups containing 78 patients (<51 years), 72 patients (51-60 years), 81 patients (61-70 years), and 142 patients (>70 years). This study analyzed the baseline characteristics, the in-hospital complications, in-hospital mortality, and the long-term outcomes. Results: The older patients exhibited a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular in-hospital events than those of the other age groups (15.4% in the <51-year-old group vs. 36.1% in the 51-60-year-old group vs. 33.3% in the 61-70-year-old group vs. 47.2% in the >70-year-old group; p < 0.001). However, the rate of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) was higher in the 51-60-year-old patients than those of the other age groups (5.6% in the 51-60-year-old group vs. 1.3% in the 61-70-year-old group vs. 0.7% in the >70-year-old group; p = 0.027). At the 11-year follow-up, cardiovascular mortality was higher among the older patients compared to that of the younger patients (3.9% in the 61-70-year-old group vs. 4.2% in the >70-year-old group, p = 0.042), while non-cardiovascular mortality was comparable between the age groups. Conclusions: The older patients with troponin level elevation without an obstructive culprit lesion experienced a higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events during hospitalization compared to that of the younger groups. Additionally, higher cardiovascular mortality rates were revealed in the older patients at a long-term follow-up.

Elevated Inflammation and Adhesion Molecule hsCRP, GDF-15 and VCAM-1 in Angina Patients with Non-obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Background

Non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD) is a condition in stable patients that experience angina despite not having significant coronary obstructive lesion. Knowledge on the role of certain biomarkers in patients with NOCAD is still limited. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of inflammation and adhesion molecules in the development of NOCAD. The correlations between the peripheral and coronary levels of the inflammatory biomarkers and adhesion molecules were also investigated.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, symptomatic angina patients scheduled for coronary angiograms were recruited and separated into obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) and NOCAD groups based on those angiograms. Peripheral and coronary blood samples were taken to measure inflammation biomarkers [high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15)], and adhesion molecules [vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)]. Subjects without angina symptoms were recruited for the control group.

Results

The hsCRP, GDF-15, and VCAM-1 levels were higher in the OCAD and NOCAD groups than in the control group. VCAM-1 levels successfully predicted the incidence of NOCAD [p = 0.010, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.716]. All biomarkers' levels in the peripheral and coronary blood were correlated in OCAD and NOCAD patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated levels of the hsCRP, GDF-15, and VCAM-1 were found with NOCAD, despite the absent of significant coronary obstruction. VCAM-1 successfully predicted NOCAD and may thus serve as an early NOCAD biomarker. Significant correlations of hsCRP, GDF-15, and VCAM-1 level in peripheral and coronary blood indicate that the peripheral levels of these biomarkers reflect the levels and changes that occur at the coronary level.

Advancing the access to cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment among women with cardiovascular disease: a joint British Cardiovascular Societies' consensus document

Despite significant progress in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and interventional strategies, cardiovascular disease (CVD), in particular ischaemic heart disease, remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women in the UK and worldwide. Women are underdiagnosed, undertreated and under-represented in clinical trials directed at management strategies for CVD, making their results less applicable to this subset. Women have additional sex-specific risk factors that put them at higher risk of future cardiovascular events. Psychosocial risk factors, socioeconomic deprivation and environmental factors have an augmented impact on women's cardiovascular health, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to care that considers risk factors specifically related to female biology alongside the traditional risk factors. Importantly, in the UK, even in the context of a National Health Service, there exist significant regional variations in age-standardised mortality rates among patients with CVD. Given most CVDs are preventable, concerted efforts are necessary to address the unmet needs and ensure parity of care for women with CVD. The present consensus document, put together by the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS)'s affiliated societies, specifically portrays the current status on the sex-related differences in the diagnosis and treatment of each of the major CVD areas and proposes strategies to overcome the barriers in accessing diagnoses and treatments among women. This document aims at raising awareness of the scale of the current problem and hopes to stimulate a multifaceted approach to address sex disparities and enable future comprehensive sex- and gender-based research through collaboration across different affiliated societies within the BCS.

Prognostic Implications of Coronary Artery Sclerosis in Troponin-Positive Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries

INTRODUCTION

Coronary sclerosis is a risk factor for the progression to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). However, understanding its impact on the outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries is limited. This study aimed to explore the prognostic influence of coronary sclerosis on in- and out-of-hospital events in troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective cohort analysis based on prospectively collected data. A total of 24,775 patients who underwent coronary angiography from 2010 to 2021 in a German university hospital were screened, resulting in a final study cohort of 373 troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries and a follow-up period of 6.2 ± 3.1 years. Coronary sclerosis was defined as coronary plaques without angiographically detectable stenotic lesions of 50% or more in the large epicardial coronary arteries. The primary study endpoint was the occurrence of in-hospital events. Secondary endpoints included events during follow-up.

RESULTS

Patients with coronary sclerosis were significantly older (70 ± 12 vs. 58 ± 16 years, p < 0.001), had ST-segment elevation less frequently on electrocardiogram (9.4% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.013), and suffered more often from diabetes mellitus (23.3% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.009), arterial hypertension (79.6% vs. 59.8%, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17.1% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.028), chronic kidney disease (22.2% vs. 8.4%, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (19.8% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.045), and valvular diseases than patients without CAD. Patients with coronary sclerosis were more likely to receive medication for primary/secondary prevention on admission and at discharge. The incidence of in- and out-of-hospital events was significantly higher in patients with coronary sclerosis (in-hospital: 42.8% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.010; out-of-hospital: 46.0% vs. 26.1%, p < 0.001). Mortality rates tended to be higher in the coronary sclerosis group (29.4% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.066).

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with coronary sclerosis presented a higher incidence of comorbidities and increased medication use, and experienced higher rates of both in-hospital and out-of-hospital events, primarily due to the clustering of cardiovascular risk factors.

Prognostic Value of PRECİSE DAPT Score on Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in MINOCA Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) constitutes a significant subset of acute myocardial infarctions (AMI) with uncertain prognostic markers. Early risk assessment is crucial to identify MINOCA patients at risk of adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive capacity of the PRECISE-DAPT score in assessing short- and long-term prognoses in MINOCA patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

METHODS

Among 741 MINOCA patients, the PRECISE-DAPT score was computed to analyze its association with in-hospital and follow-up major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Parameters showing significance in MACE (+) groups underwent statistical analysis: univariate logistic regression for in-hospital events and univariate Cox regression for follow-up events. For statistical significance, a predefined level of α = 0.05 was adopted. Parameters demonstrating significance proceeded to multiple logistic regression for in-hospital events and multivariate Cox regression for follow-up events.

RESULTS

In-hospital MACE occurred in 4.1% of patients, while 58% experienced follow-up MACE. Hemoglobin levels and the PRECISE-DAPT Score were identified as independent parameters for in-hospital MACE. Furthermore, ejection fraction (EF%) and the PRECISE-DAPT Score emerged as independent predictors of follow-up MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that a higher PRECISE-DAPT score was significantly associated with increased risks of both in-hospital and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events in MINOCA patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), underscoring the score's potential in risk stratification for this patient cohort.

BACKGROUND

_ PRECISE-DAPT score predicts MACE risk in MINOCA patients.

BACKGROUND

_ Hemoglobin level and PRECISE-DAPT score predict in-hospital MACE.

BACKGROUND

_ Ejection fraction and PRECISE-DAPT score predict long-term MACE.

The impact of diabetes mellitus on the outcome of troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a major cardiovascular risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease, but knowledge about the impact of diabetes mellitus on the outcome of patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of diabetes mellitus on in- and out-of-hospital adverse events in troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries.

Methods and Results

A total of 373 troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries between 2010 and 2021 at Bergmannsheil University Hospital Bochum were enrolled, including 65 diabetics and 307 nondiabetics. The median follow-up was 6.2 years. The primary study end point was a composite of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary endpoints covered MACE during follow-up.Mean age of the study cohort was 62.9 years and 49.3 % were male. Although the overall rate of in-hospital MACE was higher in diabetics (41.5 %) than in non-diabetics (33.9 %), this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.240). The in-hospital mortality rate was low in both groups, 0 % of diabetes group versus 2.9 % of non-diabetic patients. During follow-up, diabetic patients had a significantly higher rate of MACE (51.9 % vs. 31.1 %, p = 0.004) and a significantly higher all-cause mortality rate than non-diabetic patients (42.3 % vs. 20.1 %, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study reveals that the impact of diabetes mellitus on cardiovascular outcomes in troponin-positive patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries intensifies over the long term, leading to increased rates of both cardiovascular adverse events and overall mortality.

Men with nonobstructive coronary disease have higher burden of ischemic heart disease detected by cardiopulmonary exercise test

BACKGROUND

Nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD), characterized by the presence of myocardial ischemic symptoms and signs without obstructive coronaries, is a common clinical condition, but it is less well understood. Few studies have analyzed the gender differences in inducible myocardial ischemia assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in NOCAD.

METHODS

We conducted a study of 289 NOCAD patients (mean age 60, 56% women) with ischemic symptoms and confirmed ⫹50% coronaries stenoses by coronary angiography who underwent symptom-limited CPET. We assessed ischemic response using predicted % peak VO2 , O2 pulse trajectory, and exercise ECG test.

RESULTS

Men with NOCAD had significantly lower predicted % peak VO2 (62% vs. 73%), higher proportions of flattening pattern (16% vs. 2%), and downward patterns of O2 pulse trajectory (2% vs. 0%) (p < .0001) compared with women. In contrast, women with NOCAD had a higher prevalence of shallow patterns of O2 pulse trajectory (21% vs. 6%, p < .0001). Men with NOCAD had a higher risk ischemic profile (medium risk: 63% vs. 54%, high risk: 18% vs. 4%, p < .0001). After adjustment, men with NOCAD had significantly lower predicted % peak VO2 (β -27.4, 95% CI -30.74 to -24.07), higher risk for abnormal O2 pulse trajectories (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.93 to 9.19), and myocardial ischemia risk per CPET parameters (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.78 to 5.54) (p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Men with NOCAD had a higher risk profile for ischemic heart disease per CPET. Therefore, they should receive rigorous management and follow-up to prevent cardiovascular events.

A Personalized Approach for Patients with Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) includes coronary embolism, dissection, spasm and microvascular dysfunction, as well as plaque rupture or erosion (causing < 50% stenosis). In the most recent studies, events that can be classified as MINOCA account for approximately 6-8% of all diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Clinical suspect may suggest the need for additional diagnostic procedures beyond the usual coronary angiography, such as cardiac imaging or provocative tests. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is essential for both validating the diagnosis and ruling out other conditions with a comparable clinical presentation. The prognosis is not as good as previously believed; rather, it is marked by morbidity and mortality rates comparable to those of other types of AMI. Identification of the underlying causes of MINOCA is recommended by current guidelines and consensus documents in order to optimize treatment, enhance prognosis, and encourage prevention of recurrent myocardial infarction. In this narrative review, we have outlined the various causes of MINOCA and their specific therapies in an attempt to identify a personalized approach to its treatment.

Predictive value of Killip classification in MINOCA patients

BACKGROUND

Killip classification is a practical clinical tool for risk stratification in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, its prognostic role in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) is still poorly explored. Our purpose was to evaluate the prognostic role of high Killip class in the specific setting of MINOCA and compare the results with a cohort of patients with obstructive coronary arteries myocardial infarction (MIOCA).

METHODS

This study included 2455 AMI patients of whom 255 were MINOCA. We compared the Killip classes of MINOCA with those of MIOCA and evaluated the prognostic impact of a high Killip class, defined if greater than I, on both populations' outcome. Short-term outcomes included in-hospital death, re-AMI and arrhythmias. Long-term outcomes were all-cause mortality, re-AMI, stroke, heart failure (HF) hospitalization and the composite endpoint of MACE.

RESULTS

Killip class >1 occurred in 25 (9.8%) MINOCA patients compared to 327 (14.9%) MIOCA cases. In MINOCA subjects, a high Killip class was associated with a greater in-hospital mortality (p = 0.002) and, at long term follow-up, with a three-fold increased mortality (p = 0.001) and a four-fold risk of HF hospitalization (p = 0.003). Among MINOCA, a high Killip class was identified as a strong independent predictor of MACE occurrence [HR 2.66, 95% CI (1.25-5.64), p = 0.01] together with older age and worse kidney function while in MIOCA population also left ventricular ejection fraction and troponin value predicted MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

Killip classification confirmed its prognostic impact on short- and long-term outcomes also in a selected MINOCA population, which still craves for a baseline risk stratification.

Ankle brachial index and its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors in pre-diabetes: Two-year cross-sectional study

Background

A state of impaired glucose tolerance is called prediabetes. The diagnosis of prediabetes is controversial, yet it still puts a person at risk for developing diabetes. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is useful for identifying persons at risk for peripheral artery disease and for diagnosing the condition in those who have symptoms in their lower extremities and subclinical atherosclerosis. This study highlights ABI and its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors like lipid profile and anthropometric measurement including neck circumference in prediabetes so that primary care physicians may be able to diagnose early before advancing to diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study of 2 years duration from December 2020 to September 2022 was conducted in the Department of Medicine, at a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in a rural area. Patients with pre-diabetes were enrolled and Ankle Brachial Index was calculated. The correlation of ABI with anthropometric measures and lipid profile was assessed.

Results

On calculating ABI by manual method 21% which is 42 out of 200 had low ABI (<0.9). On the other hand, on calculating ABI by probe method low range of ABI was found to be 37% which is 74 patients out of 200. There was a significant correlation between ABI and body mass index and lipid profile. The diagnostic performance of ABI < 0.9 had 56.8% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity.

Conclusion

ABI can be used as a noninvasive and cost-effective modality for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with prediabetes and thus prevent its morbid complications even assessed at the primary care physician level.

Sex- and age-related differences in outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction: MINOCA vs. MIOCA

AIMS

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of sex on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients' clinical presentation and outcomes, comparing those with non-obstructive and obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA vs. MIOCA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 2455 patients with AMI undergoing coronary angiography from January 2017 to September 2021. Patients were divided according to the type of AMI and sex: male (n = 1593) and female (n = 607) in MIOCA and male (n = 87) and female (n = 168) in MINOCA. Each cohort was further stratified based on age (≤/> 70 years). The primary endpoint (MAE) was a composite of all-cause death, recurrent AMI, and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included all-cause and cardiovascular death, recurrent AMI, HF re-hospitalization, and stroke. MINOCA patients were more likely to be females compared with MIOCA ones (P < 0.001). The median follow-up was 28 (15-41) months. The unadjusted incidence of MAE was significantly higher in females compared with males, both in MINOCA [45 (26.8%) vs. 12 (13.8%); P = 0.018] and MIOCA cohorts [203 (33.4%) vs. 428 (26.9%); P = 0.002]. Age was an independent predictor of MAE in both cohorts. Among MINOCA patients, females ≤70 years old had a higher incidence of MAE [18 (23.7%) vs. 4 (5.9%); P = 0.003] compared with male peers, mainly driven by a higher rate of re-hospitalization for HF (P = 0.045) and recurrence of AMI (P = 0.006). Only in this sub-group of MINOCA patients, female sex was an independent predictor of MAE (hazard ratio = 3.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-9.59; P = 0.040). MINOCA females ≤70 years old had worse outcomes than MIOCA female peers.

CONCLUSION

MINOCA females ≤70 years old had a significantly higher incidence of MAE, compared with males and MIOCA female peers, likely due to the different pathophysiology of the ischaemic event.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Data were part of the ongoing observational study 'AMIPE: Acute Myocardial Infarction, Prognostic and Therapeutic Evaluation' (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03883711).

Early recurrence of attack after myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: a case report

Background

Diagnostic strategies depend on non-standardized workup, and the causes of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries remain unclear for some patients. Intracoronary imaging is recommended for detecting the missed causes by coronary angiography. Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries is a heterogeneous entity; a meta-analysis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery studies demonstrated that all-cause mortality rate at 1 year is 4.7%, and its prognosis is not so favourable.

Case summary

A 62-year-old man without remarkable medical history complained of acute chest pain at rest, which resolved at his arrival. Although echocardiography and electrocardiogram exhibited normal findings, the concentration of high-sensitive cardiac troponin T increased up to 0.384 from 0.04 ng/mL. Coronary angiography was performed, and mild stenosis of the proximal right coronary artery was detected. He was discharged without catheter intervention and medications as he reported no symptoms. He returned 8 days later because of inferoposterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with ventricular fibrillation. Emergent coronary angiography showed that the mild stenosis of the proximal right coronary artery had progressed to total occlusion. Optical coherence tomography after thrombectomy revealed rupture of the thin-cap fibroatheroma and protruding thrombus.

Discussion

Patients presenting with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries and plaque disruption and/or thrombus detected by optical coherence tomography do not show normal coronaries on coronary angiography. Aggressive investigation into plaque disruption using intracoronary imaging is recommended even if coronary angiography demonstrates mild stenosis to prevent a fatal attack for suspicious cases of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries.

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries: from pathophysiology to therapeutic strategies

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a heterogeneous group of clinical entities characterized by clinical evidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with normal or near-normal coronary arteries on coronary angiography (stenosis < 50%) and without an over the alternative diagnosis for the acute presentation. Its prevalence ranges from 6% to 11% among all patients with AMI, with a predominance of young, nonwhite females with fewer traditional risks than those with an obstructive coronary artery disease (MI-CAD). MINOCA can be due to either epicardial causes such as rupture or fissuring of unstable nonobstructive atherosclerotic plaque, coronary artery spasm, spontaneous coronary dissection and cardioembolism in-situ or microvascular causes. Besides, also type-2 AMI due to supply-demand mismatch and Takotsubo syndrome must be considered as a possible MINOCA cause. Because of the complex etiology and a limited amount of evidence, there is still some confusion around the management and treatment of these patients. Therefore, the key focus of this condition is to identify the underlying individual mechanisms to achieve patient-specific treatments. Clinical history, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and coronary angiography represent the first-level diagnostic investigations, but coronary imaging with intravascular ultrasound and optical coherent tomography, coronary physiology testing, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging offer additional information to understand the underlying cause of MINOCA. Although the prognosis is slightly better compared with MI-CAD patients, MINOCA is not always benign and depends on the etiopathology. This review analyzes all possible pathophysiological mechanisms that could lead to MINOCA and provides the most specific and appropriate therapeutic approach in each scenario.

Impaired peripheral microvascular reactivity in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether peripheral microvascular reactivity is impaired in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD).

METHODS

Stable patients presenting with angina were recruited and, based on results from coronary angiography, were categorized into OCAD (coronary stenosis of ≥50%) and NOCAD (stenosis <50%) groups. A control group with no history of angina was also recruited. Forearm skin microvascular reactivity was measured using the laser Doppler blood perfusion monitor and the process of postocclusive skin reactive hyperemia (PORH).

RESULTS

Patients were categorized into OCAD (n = 42), NOCAD (n = 40), and control (n = 39) groups. Compared with the control group, the PORH perfusion percent change (PORH% change) was significantly lower in the OCAD and NOCAD groups. No significant differences were noted between the OCAD and NOCAD groups. Additionally, the NOCAD group without any coronary obstruction takes a longer time to reach peak perfusion and had lower PORH% change compared with the nonangina control group.

CONCLUSION

Angina patients with NOCAD have microvascular dysfunction as demonstrated by reduced magnitude of reperfusion with an ischemic stimulus. NOCAD patients without coronary obstruction also displayed a slower response to reperfusion.

Predictors of Long-Term Mortality in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris and Coronary Slow Flow

Background and Objectives: Coronary slow flow (CSF) is an angiographic phenomenon characterized by the slow progression of an injected contrast agent during diagnostic coronary angiography in the absence of significant stenosis. Although CSF is a common angiographic finding, the long-term outcomes and mortality rates are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the underlying causes of mortality over a 10-year period in patients diagnosed with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and CSF. Materials and Methods: This study included patients with SAP who underwent coronary angiography from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012. All patients displayed CSF despite having angiographically normal coronary arteries. Hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidaemia, medication compliance, comorbidities, and laboratory data were recorded at the time of angiography. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) was calculated for each patient. The cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV causes of long-term mortality were assessed. Results: A total of 137 patients with CSF (93 males; mean age: 52.2 ± 9.36 years) were included in this study. Twenty-one patients (15.3%) died within 10 years of follow-up. Nine (7.2%) and 12 (9.4%) patients died of non-CV and CV causes, respectively. Total mortality in patients with CSF was associated with age, HT, discontinuation of medications, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The mean TFC was associated with CV mortality. Conclusion: Patients with CSF exhibited a notable increase in cardiovascular-related and overall mortality rates after 10 years of follow-up. HT, discontinuation of medications, HDL-C levels, and mean TFC were associated with mortality in patients with CSF.

Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of MINOCA

Myocardial infarction with Non Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) is defined by patients presenting with signs and symptoms similar to acute myocardial infarction, but are found to have non-obstructive coronary arteries angiography. What was once considered a benign phenomenon, MINOCA has been proven to carry with it significant morbidity and worse mortality when compared to the general population. As the awareness for MINOCA has increased, guidelines have focused on this unique situation. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has proven to be an essential first step in the diagnosis of patients with suspected MINOCA. CMR has also been shown to be crucial when differentiating between MINOCA like presentations such as myocarditis, takotsubo and other forms of cardiomyopathy. The following review focuses on demographics of patients with MINOCA, their unique clinical presentation as well as the role of CMR in the evaluation of MINOCA.

Assessment of a New Electrocardiographic Marker for the Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is clinically defined as myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive atherosclerosis on coronary angiography. Diagnosis may require multiple diagnostic tools in addition to standard coronary angiography, including cardiac imaging or provocative tests, according to clinical suspicion. We assessed the usefulness of the DETERMINE (Defibrillators to Reduce Risk by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation) score for distinguishing patients with MINOCA from those with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary artery disease (NSTEMI-CAD) in a single-center observational study. The patients were divided into two groups according to coronary angiography findings. The study included 277 patients: 227 with NSTEMI-CAD and 50 with MINOCA. The DETERMINE score (6.1 ± 3.7 vs 1.9 ± 2.1, P<.001) was significantly higher in the NSTEMI-CAD than MINOCA group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the DETERMINE score (OR=0.591, P<0.001) was an independent predictor of MINOCA. The incidence of diabetes mellitus and glucose levels were significantly higher in the NSTEMI-CAD group; however, ejection fraction was significantly higher in the MINOCA group (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that the DETERMINE score constitutes a simple and inexpensive tool for the assessment of MINOCA.

Deep learning image reconstruction algorithm: impact on image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography

PURPOSE

To perform a comprehensive intraindividual objective and subjective image quality evaluation of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) reconstructed with deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) and to assess correlation with routinely applied hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm (ASiR-V).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients (29 males) undergoing clinically indicated CCTA from April to December 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Fourteen datasets were reconstructed for each patient: three DLIR strength levels (DLIR_L, DLIR_M, and DLIR_H), ASiR-V from 10% to 100% in 10%-increment, and filtered back-projection (FBP). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) determined objective image quality. Subjective image quality was assessed with a 4-point Likert scale. Concordance between reconstruction algorithms was assessed by Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

DLIR algorithm did not impact vascular attenuation (P ≥ 0.374). DLIR_H showed the lowest noise, comparable with ASiR-V 100% (P = 1) and significantly lower than other reconstructions (P ≤ 0.021). DLIR_H achieved the highest objective quality, with SNR and CNR comparable to ASiR-V 100% (P = 0.139 and 0.075, respectively). DLIR_M obtained comparable objective image quality with ASiR-V 80% and 90% (P ≥ 0.281), while achieved the highest subjective image quality (4, IQR: 4-4; P ≤ 0.001). DLIR and ASiR-V datasets returned a very strong correlation in the assessment of CAD (r = 0.874, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

DLIR_M significantly improves CCTA image quality and has very strong correlation with routinely applied ASiR-V 50% dataset in the diagnosis of CAD.

Long-term outcomes and predictors of patients with ST elevated versus non-ST elevated myocardial infarctions in non-obstructive coronary arteries: a retrospective study in Northern China

Background

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a heterogeneous disease entity with diverse etiologies and no uniform treatment protocols. Patients with MINOCA can be clinically classified into two groups based on whether they have an ST-segment elevation (STE) or non-ST segment elevation (NSTE), based on electrocardiogram (ECG) results, whose clinical prognosis is unclear. This study aimed to compare the outcomes and predictors of patients with STE and NSTE in the MINOCA population.

Methods

We collected the data for 196 patients with MINOCA (115 with STE and 81 with NSTE) in China. Clinical characteristics, prognoses, and predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were analyzed during the follow-up of all patients.

Results

The proportion of patients with STE was greater than that with NSTE in the MINOCA population. Patients with NSTE were older and had a higher incidence of hypertension. No differences were observed in the outcomes between the STE and NSTE groups during a median follow-up period of 49 (37,46) months. No significant differences were observed in those with MACE (24.35% vs 22.22%, P = 0.73) and those without MACE. The multivariable predictors of MACE in the NSTE groups were Killip grades ≥ 2 (HR 9.035, CI 95% [1.657-49.263], P = 0.011), reduced use of β-blockers during hospitalization (HR 0.238, CI 95% [0.072-0.788], P = 0.019), and higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (HR 2.267, CI 95% [1.008-5.097], P = 0.048); the reduced use of β-blockers during hospitalization was the only independent risk factor of MACE in the STE group.

Conclusions

There were differences between the clinical characteristics of patients with STE and NSTE in the MINOCA population, even though outcomes during follow-up were similar. Independent risk factors for major adverse cardiac events were not identical in the STE and NSTE groups, which could be attributable to the differences in disease pathogenesis.

Association of physical activity with the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and mortality in patients with concomitant atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease

Background

Although regular physical activity benefits cardiovascular health, there is a concern that intense exercise is linked to the promotion of atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary plaque rupture. However, the impact of physical activity on the outcomes of patients with concomitant AF and coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association with clinical outcomes according to the level of physical activity in patients with concomitant AF and CAD.

Methods

We assessed 551 patients with AF and CAD (mean age, 67.1 ± 9.8 years) who completed a self-reported questionnaire for physical activity from 2015 to 2020 in a single tertiary-care hospital. Physical activity levels were converted into metabolic equivalent of task (MET) per week and categorized to correspond with multiple public health recommendations. We examined the association between physical activity, all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results

The risks of all-cause mortality (P for linear trend = 0.017) and MACCE (P for linear trend = 0.05) appeared inverse trend with a greater level of physical activity. Compared with inactive patients, patients who met the recommended target range of physical activity (500–1,000 MET-min/week: unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36–0.99) and highly active patients who exceeded the minimum recommended level (≥ 1,000 MET-min/week: unadjusted HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.25–0.88) had a lower risk of all-cause mortality in the unadjusted model; however, these associations did not remain significant after adjusting for the model. There was no evidence of increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACCE at levels of physical activity above the recommended target range, even with vigorous-intensity physical activity exceeding the recommended target range.

Conclusions

There appears to be an inverse trend between physical activity levels and all-cause mortality and MACCE in patients with concomitant AF and CAD. No excess risk of mortality or MACCE was found at exercise levels above the recommended target range. Further large-scale studies are warranted to create an improved evidence base concerning the effects of physical activity in patients with AF and CAD.

Optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a working diagnosis and requires identification of the underlying causes to optimize treatment, improve prognosis, and prevent the recurrence of myocardial infarction. According to the literature, the prognosis of patients diagnosed with MINOCA is comparable to the group of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and significant stenosis of the coronary arteries. Intracoronary imaging is a crucial diagnostic tool used in identifying epicardial causes of MINOCA that are not visible in coronary angiography. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides the highest spatial resolution, simultaneously allowing detailed visualization of plaque pathology in individuals with MINOCA and identifying the cause of MI in up to 80% of patients. Common causes of a MINOCA may include plaque disruption, spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), coronary artery spasm, and coronary thromboembolism. The optimization of pharmacological treatment in this group of patients, especially dual antiplatelet therapy and statins, improves the prognosis. Data on the indications for invasive treatment of patients with MINOCA based on OCT findings are insufficient. There is a strong need for research comparing treatment strategies, especially in high-risk lesions visualized in OCT. The main aim of this review is to demonstrate the usefulness of OCT in determining the mechanism of MINOCA.

Postoperative myocardial injury and platelet reactivity in patients undergoing vascular surgery: The platelet reactivity and postoperative myocardial injury after major vascular surgery (PROMISE) study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative myocardial injury (PMI) after major vascular surgery, detected by elevated cardiac troponin (cTn), has been associated with morbidity and mortality. It is unclear whether the pathophysiology of PMI is determined by increased platelet activity.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between platelet activation (P-selectin expression) and PMI in patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, single-centre, observational, cohort study included 33 patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery between March 2018 and April 2021. Patients were routinely treated with aspirin. Unstimulated platelet activation was measured by platelet bound P-selectin expression (range 0-100 %). Explorative coagulation measurements were: stimulated platelet aggregation measured with the VerifyNow® assay (aspirin cartridge), with the Multiplate® analyzer (ASPI, ADP and TRAP) and stimulated coagulation status evaluated by the TEG® Hemostasis Analyzer System (global hemostasis cartridge). The primary outcome was cTn release assessed by the fifth generation high-sensitive cTn assay. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the association between platelet function and cTn concentrations over time.

RESULTS

Ten patients (30.3 %) developed PMI. Increased P-selectin expression directly after surgery was associated with the cTn concentrations over 48 h (β = 1.39 (1.1-1.75), P = 0.0064). No association was found between P-selectin measured later after surgery (at 24 h or 48 h) and cTn concentrations. Furthermore, there was no association between the explorative coagulation parameters and cTn release.

CONCLUSION

Platelet reactivity, assessed by P-selectin expression measured directly after surgery is associated with PMI, assessed by elevated cTn concentrations in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery.

Sex Differences in Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Global Perspective

Despite increasing evidence and improvements in the care of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), sex disparities in presentation, comorbidities, access to care and invasive therapies remain, even in the most developed countries. Much of the currently available data are derived from more developed regions of the world, particularly Europe and the Americas. In contrast, in more resource-constrained settings, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia, more data are needed to identify the prevalence of sex disparities in ACS, as well as factors responsible for these disparities, particularly cultural, socioeconomic, educational and psychosocial. This review summarizes the available evidence of sex differences in ACS, including risk factors, pathophysiology and biases in care from a global perspective, with a focus on each of the six different World Health Organization (WHO) regions of the world. Regional trends and disparities, gaps in evidence and solutions to mitigate these disparities are also discussed.

Clinical outcomes of patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction in absence of obstructive coronary atherosclerosis

Up to 50% of patients presenting with stable, mainly exercise-induced, chest pain and 10-20% of those admitted to hospital with chest pain suggesting an acute coronary syndrome show normal or near-normal coronary arteries at angiography. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a major cause of symptoms in these patients. However, controversial data exist about their prognosis. In this article, we critically review characteristics and results of the main studies that assessed clinical outcome of patients with angina chest pain and nonobstructive coronary artery disease presenting with either a stable angina pattern or an acute coronary syndrome. Published data indicate that the patients included in most studies are heterogeneous and a major determinant of clinical outcome is the presence of atherosclerotic, albeit not obstructive, coronary artery disease. Long-term prognosis seems instead excellent in patients with totally normal coronary arteries and a syndrome of CMD-related stable angina (microvascular angina). On the other hand, the prognostic impact of CMD in patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome needs to be better assessed in future studies.

Risk Factors Predisposing to Angina in Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries: A Retrospective Analysis

No hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic plaques are observed in up to 30% of patients reporting angina and undergoing coronary angiography. To investigate risk factors associated with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD), we analyzed the medical records of, consecutively, 136 NOCAD subjects and 128 patients with significant stenosis in at least one coronary artery (the OCAD group). The blood concentrations of the TC (4.40 [3.78−5.63] mmol/L vs. 4.12 [3.42−5.01] mmol/L; p = 0.026), LDL-C (2.32 [1.80−3.50] mmol/L vs. 2.10 [1.50−2.70] mmol/L; p = 0.003), non-HDL-C (2.89 [2.29−4.19] mmol/L vs. 2.66 [2.06−3.39] mmol/L; p = 0.045), as well as the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (1.75 [1.22−2.60] vs. 1.50 [1.10−1.95]; p = 0.018) were significantly increased in the NOCAD patients compared to the OCAD group due to the lower prevalence and intensity of the statin therapy in the NOCAD individuals (p < 0.001). Moreover, the abovementioned lipid parameters appeared to be valuable predictors of NOCAD, with the LDL-C (OR = 1.44; 95%CI = 1.14−1.82) and LDL-C/HDL-C (OR = 1.51; 95%CI = 1.13−2.02) showing the highest odds ratios. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression models determined female sex as the independent risk factor for NOCAD (OR = 2.37; 95%CI = 1.33−4.20). Simultaneously, arterial hypertension substantially lowered the probability of NOCAD (OR = 0.21; 95%CI = 0.10−0.43). To conclude, female sex, the absence of arterial hypertension, as well as increased TC, LDL-C, non-HDL, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio are risk factors for NOCAD in patients reporting angina, potentially as a result of poor hypercholesterolemia management.

[Management of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation]

The collective term acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS). The latter comprises unstable angina pectoris and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The diagnosis of STEMI necessitates an immediate referral to cardiac catheterization. The diagnostics and management of NSTE-ACS are more challenging. The current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for treatment of NSTE-ACS were published in 2020 and deal with the topics of diagnostics, risk stratification, antithrombotic treatment, invasive or non-invasive coronary diagnostics and long-term treatment. The focus of the guidelines is on the application of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assay(hs-cTn) combined with verified diagnostic algorithms to enable a rapid triage decision (rule-in as possible NSTEMI or rule-out as NSTEMI excluded) in the emergency room or the chest pain unit.

Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcomes of MINOCA Accompanied by Active Cancer: A Retrospective Insight Into a Cardio-Oncology Center Registry

Background

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and cancer are insufficiently elucidated.

Objectives

We sought to characterize these patients hospitalized in a tertiary cardio-oncology center and to find the potential determinants affecting their long-term mortality.

Methods

MINOCA was diagnosed in 72 of the 1,011 patients with consecutive myocardial infarction who underwent coronary angiography. Mortality rates and their determinants were analyzed within a median follow-up of 69.2 (37.8-79.9) months.

Results

Active cancer was identified in 21 (29.2%) of patients with MINOCA and in 113 (12.0%) patients with myocardial infarction and obstructive coronary artery disease (MI-CAD) (p < 0.001). MINOCA patients with cancer were characterized by a higher incidence of anemia (47.6 vs. 21.6%, p = 0.03) and more frequently Takotsubo syndrome (19.1 vs. 2.0%, p = 0.01) than in non-cancer MINOCA. The troponin T/hemoglobin ratio was higher in both cancer MINOCA and MI-CAD groups when compared with their respective non-cancer patients (both p < 0.05). The age and sex-standardized mortality rates were significantly higher in cancer MINOCA (26.7%/year) when compared with non-cancer MINOCA (2.3%/year, p = 0.002) and in cancer MI-CAD (25.0%/year) vs. non-cancer MI-CAD (3.7%/year, p < 0.001). Active cancer (HR 3.12, 95% CI 2.41-4.04) was independently associated with higher long-term mortality, while higher hemoglobin levels (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.99, per g/dl) and a MINOCA diagnosis (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.47-0.97) improved long-term survival.

Conclusion

Patients with MINOCA were comorbid with cancer more frequently than MI-CAD. In turn, an active malignancy was associated with an unfavorable long-term survival both in MI-CAD population and in patients with MINOCA.

Major adverse cardiac event rates in moderate-risk patients: Does prior coronary disease matter?

BACKGROUND

Despite negative troponins and nonischemic electrocardiograms (ECGs), patients at moderate risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are frequently admitted. The objective of this study was to describe the major adverse cardiac event (MACE) rate in moderate-risk patients and how it differs based on history of coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

A secondary analysis of the HEART Pathway implementation study was conducted. This prospective interrupted time-series study accrued adults with possible ACS from three sites (November 2013-January 2016). This analysis excluded low-risk patients determined by emergency providers' HEART Pathway assessments. Non-low-risk patients were further classified as high risk, based on elevated troponin measures or ischemic ECG findings or as moderate risk, based on HEAR score ≥ 4, negative troponin measures, and a nonischemic ECG. Moderate-risk patients were then stratified by the presence or absence of prior CAD (MI, revascularization, or ≥70% coronary stenosis). MACE (death, myocardial infarction, or revascularization) at 30 days was determined from health records, insurance claims, and death index data. MACE rates were compared among groups using a chi-square test and likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Among 4,550 patients with HEART Pathway assessments, 24.8% (1,130/4,550) were high risk and 37.7% (1715/4550) were moderate risk. MACE at 30 days occurred in 3.1% (53/1,715; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.3% to 4.0%) of moderate-risk patients. Among moderate-risk patients, MACE occurred in 7.1% (36/508, 95% CI = 5.1% to 9.8%) of patients with known CAD versus 1.4% (17/1,207, 95% CI = 0.9% to 2.3%) in patients without known prior CAD (p < 0.0001). The negative LR for 30-day MACE among moderate-risk patients without prior CAD was 0.08 (95% CI = 0.05 to 0.12).

CONCLUSION

MACE rates at 30 days were low among moderate-risk patients but were significantly higher among those with prior CAD.

Metabolic syndrome and the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is recognized as a significant predictor of poor outcomes in coronary artery disease. However, its prognostic implications in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) have not been examined. We aimed at investigating the role of MeS on the clinical outcomes in MINOCA patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients diagnosed with MINOCA between 2015 and 2019 were included. MeS was defined according to modified NCEP-ATPIII criteria. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between MeS and the hazard of MACE. The integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification index (NRI) were performed to assess MeS incremental predictive value. Of 281 MINOCA patients, 83 (29.5%) patients satisfied the MeS criteria. During a median follow-up duration of 28 months, MINOCA patients with MeS had a notably higher rate of MACE than those without MeS (30.1% vs. 17.6%, respectively P = 0.020). Cox regression analysis revealed that MeS was associated with an increased hazard of MACE (adjusted HR 2.126; 95% CI: 1.193-3.787, P = 0.010). When each component of MeS was analyzed as a categorized variable separately, only high fasting blood glucose and BMI ≥25 kg/m² were associated with an increased hazard of MACE. Moreover, MeS had an incremental predictive ability for MACE when added to a model with clinical risk factors.

CONCLUSION

MeS is relatively common in patients with MINOCA. The presence of MeS significantly increased the hazard of MACE among the MINOCA population.

Long-term outcomes of early-onset myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA)

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is frequent in patients experiencing an early-onset MI, but data concerning its long-term prognosis are limited and conflicting.

METHODS

The Italian Genetic Study on Early-onset MI enrolled 2000 patients experiencing a first MI before the age of 45 years, and had a median follow-up of 19.9 years. The composite primary endpoint was cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal MI, and non-fatal stroke (MACE); the secondary endpoint was rehospitalisation for coronary revascularisation.

RESULTS

MINOCA occurred in 317 patients (15.9%) and, during the follow-up, there was no significant difference in MACE rates between them and the patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (MICAD: 27.8% vs 37.5%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-1.09;p = 0.15). The CV death rate was lower in the MINOCA group (4.2% vs 8.4%, HR 0.26, 95%CI 0.08-0.86;p = 0.03), whereas the rates of non-fatal reinfarction (17.3% vs 25.4%; HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.52-1.13;p = 0.18), non-fatal ischemic stroke (9.5% vs 3.7%; HR 1.79, 95%CI 0.87-3.70;p = 0.12), and all-cause mortality (14.1% vs 20.7%, HR 0.73, 95%CI 0.43-1.25;p = 0.26) were not significantly different in the two groups. The rate of rehospitalisation for coronary revascularisation was lower among the MINOCA patients (6.7% vs 27.7%; HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.15-0.47;p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MINOCA is frequent and not benign in patients with early-onset MI. Although there is a lower likelihood of CV death,the long-term risk of MACE and overall mortality is not significantly different from that of MICAD patients.

The Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Myocardial Infarction and Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries

Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) accounts for 5–15% of all presentations of acute myocardial infarction. The absence of obstructive coronary disease may present a diagnostic dilemma and identifying the underlying etiology ensures appropriate management improving clinical outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is a valuable, non-invasive diagnostic tool that can aide clinicians to build a differential diagnosis in patients with MINOCA, as well as identifying non-ischemic etiologies of myocardial injury (acute myocarditis, Takotsubo Syndrome, and other conditions). The role of CMR in suspected MINOCA is increasingly recognized as emphasized in both European and American clinical guidelines. In this paper we review the indications for CMR, the clinical value in the differential diagnosis of patients with suspected MINOCA, as well as its current limitations and future perspectives.

Randomized Pilot Trial on Optimal Treatment Strategy, Myocardial Changes, and Prognosis of Patients with Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA)

BACKGROUND

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) remains an unresolved challenge. Many different diagnostic approaches are often required to diagnose, confirm, and evaluate MINOCA. The prevalence can be as high as 13% of all acute myocardial infarction patients, indicating that this condition is not rare. At this time, there have been no completed randomized clinical trials involving MINOCA patients, and a better understanding of the mechanisms and management of these patients is important. This exploratory analysis seeks to find possible etiologic factors, the value of novel biomarkers, and the effect of different treatment strategies in patients with MINOCA.

METHODS

This prospective randomized pilot trial will include 150 patients with MINOCA. A thorough clinical, laboratory, and imaging evaluation will be performed, including novel biomarkers and modern imaging techniques (heart magnetic resonance imaging and noninvasive testing). The duration of the enrollment is 18 months, and duration of the follow-up is 12 months from the enrollment of the first patient.

RESULTS

The trial is registered under www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04538924. The study is currently recruiting participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Because MINOCA is not a benign disease, the results of the current investigation could inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and enhance the understanding of MINOCA patients.

Use of Optical Coherence Tomography in MI with Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries

MI with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) comprises an important minority of cases of acute MI. Many different causes have been implicated in the pathogenetic mechanism of MINOCA. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an indispensable tool for recognising the underlying pathogenetic mechanism when epicardial pathology is suspected. OCT can reliably identify coronary lesions not apparent on conventional coronary angiography and discriminate the various phenotypes. Plaque rupture and plaque erosion are the most frequently found atherosclerotic causes of MINOCA. Furthermore, OCT can contribute to the identification of ischaemic non-atherosclerotic causes of MINOCA, such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary spasm and lone thrombus. Recognition of the exact cause will enable therapeutic management to be tailored accordingly. The combination of OCT with cardiac magnetic resonance can set a definite diagnosis in the vast majority of MINOCA patients.

Trends of Sex Differences in Clinical Outcomes After Myocardial Infarction in the United States

BACKGROUND

Female patients have been shown to experience worse clinical outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with male patients. However, it is unclear what trend these differences followed over time.

METHODS

Data from patients hospitalized with AMI between 2004 and 2015 in the National Inpatient Sample were retrospectively analyzed, stratified according to sex. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of invasive management and in-hospital outcomes according to sex. The Mantel-Haenszel extension of the χ2 test was performed to examine the trend of management and in-hospital outcomes over the study period.

RESULTS

Of 7,026,432 AMI hospitalizations, 39.7% (n = 2,789,494) were women. Overall, women were older (median: 77 vs 70 years), with a higher prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and depression. Women were less likely to receive coronary angiography (aOR, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.93) and percutaneous coronary intervention (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.81-0.83) compared with men. Odds of all-cause mortality were higher in women (aOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04; P < 0.001) and these rates have not narrowed over time (2004 vs 2015: aOR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.04-1.09] vs 1.11 [95% CI, 1.07-1.15), with similar observations recorded for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

In this temporal analysis of AMI hospitalizations over 12 years, we showed lower receipt of invasive therapies and higher mortality rates in women, with no change in temporal trends. There needs to be a systematic and consistent effort toward exploring these disparities to identify strategies to mitigate them.

Longitudinal myocardial function is more compromised in cardiac syndrome X compared to insignificant CAD: Role of stress echocardiography and calcium scoring

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the nature of myocardial dysfunction in the cardiac syndrome X (CSX) and insignificant coronary artery disease (ICAD) using dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and coronary calcium scoring (CAC).

METHODS

We prospectively studied 35 consecutive patients who complained of exertional angina, had ≥1 mm ST shift on exercise stress test but normal or no obstructive CAD (<50%) on angiography. Patients were divided into CSX (n = 27) with normal arteries and ICAD (n = 8) with insignificant stenosis.

RESULTS

CSX patients had more females, lower calcium score and less prevalent cardiac risk factors compared to ICAD (p < 0.05 for all). At peak stress, MAPSE and TAPSE failed to increase in both groups. LV septal and lateral s' increased in the two groups but the increment increase was less in CSX than ICAD (p < 0.05) while other diastolic indices did not differ between groups (p > 0.05 for all). CAC correlated modestly with LV and RV systolic velocities: septal s' (r = -0.65, p < 0.001) lateral s' (r = -0.35, p = 0.04) and right s' (r = -0.53, p = 0.005) in CSX, while in ICAD patients only with RV s' (r = -0.58, p = 0.02). On multivariate model, only septal s' OR 1.816 (1.1090-3.820, p = 0.04) proved the most powerful independent predictor of CAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Compromised LV longitudinal systolic velocities were more pronounced and calcium score as a surrogate for atherosclerosis was lower in CSX than ICAD. These findings strengthen the evidence for different pathogenesis of CSX compared to ICAD, with microvascular disease in the former and calcification in the latter.

Association Between Subconjunctival Hemorrhage and Acute Coronary Syndrome: A 14-Year Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Purpose: Subconjunctival hemorrhage (SCH) is usually a benign ocular disorder that causes painless, redness under the conjunctiva. However, since SCH and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) share many vascular risk factors, studies have suggested that these two disorders may be significantly associated with each other, and evaluate the concomitance of ACS in patients with SCH.

Methods: This population-based cohort study, enrolled 35,260 Taiwanese patients, and used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to identify patients with ACS and SCH. Outcomes were compared between the with and without SCH groups. The study population was followed until the date of ACS onset, the date of withdrawal, death, or December 31st 2013, whichever came first.

Results: Of the 85,925 patients identified with SCH between 1996 and 2013, 68,295 were excluded based on the study's exclusion criteria, and a total of 17,630 patients with SCH who were diagnosed by ophthalmologists between 2000 and 2012 were eligible for analysis. After 1:1 propensity score matching for 5-year age groups, gender, and the index year, the results showed that SCH was more common in the 40–59 age group (53.82%) and females (58.66%). As for the ACS-related risk factors, patients with diabetes mellitus (aHR = 1.58, 95% CI = [1.38, 1.81]), hypertension (aHR = 1.71, 95% CI = [1.49, 1.96]) and patients taking aspirin (aHR = 1.67, 95% CI = [1.47, 1.90]) had a notably higher risk of ACS. However, it was found that there were no significant differences in the occurrence of ACS between the non-SCH and SCH patients.

Conclusion: This results of this study regarding the risk factors and epidemiology of SCH and ACS were in keeping with previously reported findings. However, the results revealed no significant association between SCH and ACS.

The Prognosis of Coronary Artery Disease in a Brazilian Community Hospital: Findings from the ERICO Study

Fundamento

O prognóstico de longo prazo pós síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) no cuidado secundário não é bem conhecido. A gravidade da doença arterial coronariana (DAC) como preditor de mortalidade no longo prazo foi avaliada em um hospital público no Brasil.

Objetivo

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o prognóstico de curto e longo prazo após um evento de SCA, de acordo com a gravidade da doença obstrutiva, em pacientes atendidos em um hospital público secundário para um coorte prospectivo sobre DAC no Brasil (o Estudo de Registro de Insuficiência Coronariana, estudo ERICO)

Métodos

Foram realizadas análises de sobrevida por curvas de Kaplan-Meier e modelo de risco proporcional de Cox [razão de risco (RR) com o respectivo intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% para avaliar mortalidade cumulativa global, por DCV e DAC, de acordo com a obstrução arterial coronária: sem obstrução (grupo de referência), doença de um vaso, doença de dois vasos, doença de múltiplos vasos] entre 800 adultos do estudo ERICO durante 4 anos de monitoramento. As RR são apresentadas como dados brutos e posteriormente padronizadas quanto a possíveis fatores de confusão, no período de 180 dias até 4 anos de monitoramento após a SCA. O p-valor <0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo.

Resultados

Taxas de sobrevida mais baixas foram detectadas entre indivíduos com a doença de múltiplos vasos (global, DCV e DAC, p de teste de Log-rank <0,0001). Depois da padronização multivariada, a doença de múltiplos vasos [RR; 2,33 (IC 95%; 1,10-4,95)] e doença de um vaso obstruído [RR; 2,44 (IC 95%; 1,11-5,34)] tiveram o risco mais alto de mortalidade global comparadas aos índices dos sujeitos sem obstrução no monitoramento de 4 anos.

Conclusões

Não só os pacientes com doença de múltiplos vasos como também os com doença de um vaso tiveram alto risco de mortalidade no longo prazo pós-SCA. Esses achados destacam a importância de se ter uma abordagem melhor no tratamento e no controle de fatores de risco cardiovascular, mesmo em indivíduos com risco aparentemente baixo, atendidos em cuidado secundário.

Impact of admission hyperglycemia on short and long-term prognosis in acute myocardial infarction: MINOCA versus MIOCA

Background

The prognostic role of hyperglycemia in patients with myocardial infarction and obstructive coronary arteries (MIOCA) is acknowledged, while data on non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) are still lacking. Recently, we demonstrated that admission stress-hyperglycemia (aHGL) was associated with a larger infarct size and inflammatory response in MIOCA, while no differences were observed in MINOCA. We aim to investigate the impact of aHGL on short and long-term outcomes in MIOCA and MINOCA patients.

Methods

Multicenter, population-based, cohort study of the prospective registry, designed to evaluate the prognostic information of patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction to S. Orsola-Malpighi and Maggiore Hospitals of Bologna metropolitan area. Among 2704 patients enrolled from 2016 to 2020, 2431 patients were classified according to the presence of aHGL (defined as admission glucose level ≥ 140 mg/dL) and AMI phenotype (MIOCA/MINOCA): no-aHGL (n = 1321), aHGL (n = 877) in MIOCA and no-aHGL (n = 195), aHGL (n = 38) in MINOCA. Short-term outcomes included in-hospital death and arrhythmias. Long-term outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

aHGL was associated with a higher in-hospital arrhythmic burden in MINOCA and MIOCA, with increased in-hospital mortality only in MIOCA. After adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, Killip class and AMI phenotypes, aHGL predicted higher in-hospital mortality in non-diabetic (HR = 4.2; 95% CI 1.9–9.5, p = 0.001) and diabetic patients (HR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.5–8.2, p = 0.003). During long-term follow-up, aHGL was associated with 2-fold increased mortality in MIOCA and a 4-fold increase in MINOCA (p = 0.032 and p = 0.016). Kaplan Meier 3-year survival of non-hyperglycemic patients was greater than in aHGL patients for both groups. No differences in survival were found between hyperglycemic MIOCA and MINOCA patients. After adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, smoking, LVEF, STEMI/NSTEMI and AMI phenotypes (MIOCA/MINOCA), aHGL predicted higher long-term mortality.

Conclusions

aHGL was identified as a strong predictor of adverse short- and long-term outcomes in both MIOCA and MINOCA, regardless of diabetes. aHGL should be considered a high-risk prognostic marker in all AMI patients, independently of the underlying coronary anatomy.

Trial registration data were part of the ongoing observational study AMIPE: Acute Myocardial Infarction, Prognostic and Therapeutic Evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03883711.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-021-01384-6.

MINOCA: a heterogenous group of conditions associated with myocardial damage

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) was first described over 80 years ago. The term has been widely and inconsistently used in clinical practice, influencing various aspects of disease classification, investigation and management. MINOCA encompasses a heterogenous group of conditions that include both atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic disease resulting in myocardial damage that is not due to obstructive coronary artery disease. In many ways, it is a term that describes a moment in the diagnostic pathway of the patient and is arguably not a diagnosis. Central to the definition is also the distinction between myocardial infarction and injury. The universal definition of myocardial infarction distinguishes acute myocardial infarction, including those with MINOCA, from other causes of myocardial injury by the presence of clinical evidence of ischaemia. However, these ischaemic features are often non-specific causing diagnostic confusion, and can create difficulties for patient management and follow-up. The purpose of this review is to summarise our current understanding of MINOCA and highlight important issues relating to the diagnosis, investigation and management of patients with MINOCA.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: Score derivation for prediction based on a large national registry

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) and obstructive coronary arteries (MI-CAD) are treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI), while patients with STEMI and non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), usually require non-invasive therapy. The aim of the study is to design a score for predicting suspected MINOCA among an overall group of STEMI patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the Polish national registry of PCIs, we evaluated patients between 2014 and 2019, and selected 526,490 subjects treated with PCI and 650,728 treated using only coronary angiography. These subjects were chosen out of 1,177,218 patients who underwent coronary angiography. Then, we selected 124,663 individuals treated with pPCI due to STEMI and 5,695 patients with STEMI and MINOCA. The score for suspected MINOCA was created using the regression model, while the coefficients calculated for the final model were used to construct a predictive model in the form of a nomogram.

RESULTS

Patients with MINOCA differ significantly from those in the MI-CAD group; they were significantly younger, less often males and demonstrated smaller burden of concomitant diseases. The model allowed to show that patients who scored more than 600 points had a 19% probability of MINOCA, while for those scoring more than 650 points, the likelihood was 71%. The other end of the MINOCA probability scale was marginal for patients who scored less than 500 points (< .2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the created MINOCA score presented in the current publication, we are able to distinguish MINOCA from MI-CAD patients in the STEMI group.

Diagnostic pathways in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA)

When acute myocardial injury is found in a clinical setting suggestive of myocardial ischaemia, the event is labelled as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the absence of coronary stenosis angiographically 50% or greater leads to the working diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). The initial diagnosis of MINOCA can be confirmed or ruled out based on the results of subsequent investigations. This narrative review discusses the downstream diagnostic approaches to MINOCA, and appraises strengths and limitations of invasive and non-invasive investigations for this condition. The aim of this article is to increase the awareness that establishing the underlying cause of a MINOCA is possible in the vast majority cases. Determining the cause of MINOCA and excluding other possible causes for cardiac troponin elevation has notable implications for tailoring secondary prevention measures aimed at improving the overall prognosis of AMI.

Lesion characteristics and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome without angiographically significant coronary artery stenosis

AIMS

While patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) presenting with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) are at high risk for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, detailed lesion characteristics are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the lesion characteristics and prognosis of ACS with non-obstructive CAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study consisted of 82 consecutive ACS patients without obstructive CAD who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT). Based on the presence of high-risk lesions (HL) in the culprit artery, we classified the patients into two groups: HL group and non-high-risk lesions (NHL) group. A systematic clinical follow-up was performed at our outpatient clinic for up to 24 months. Our endpoint was recurrence of ACS with obstructive CAD. OCT revealed that 42 (51.2%) of 82 patients had hidden HL in the culprit artery, including ruptured plaque (15.9%), calcified nodule (11.0%), spontaneous coronary artery dissection (8.5%), lone thrombus (8.5%), thin-cap fibroatheroma (6.1%), and plaque erosion (1.2%). During angiography, 5 (11.9%) HL patients complained of chest pain without ST elevation. Patients in the HL group had poorer prognoses than those in the other groups (P = 0.040).

CONCLUSION

Hidden high-risk lesions accompany ACS patients without obstructive CAD, resulting in poorer outcomes. Vascular injury itself might provoke acute chest pain.

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.