Platelet reactivity and activated clotting time predict hemorrhagic site complications in patients with chronic coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions

BACKGROUND

Radial access is preferred in patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCSs) treated with ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Antithrombotic and antiplatelet treatment before PCI may affect outcomes at vascular access sites. QuikClot Radial is a kaolin-based band that may shorten hemostasis time. Using point-of-care testing, we investigated the effect of antithrombotic and antiplatelet treatment on access-site complications.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included consecutive patients with CCS on chronic aspirin therapy referred for ad hoc PCI. The activated clotting time (ACT), global thrombosis test and VerifyNow P2Y 12 test were done sequentially after unfractionated heparin (UFH) and clopidogrel administration. Patients were monitored for radial artery patency, bleeding and local hematoma until discharge.

RESULTS

We enrolled 40 patients [mean age, 68.8 ± 8.8 years; men, 30 (75%)] who received UFH (median dose, 8000 IU; interquartile range, 7000-9000 IU) and clopidogrel (600 mg). All radial arteries remained patent during follow-up. Local bleeding and hematomas were noted in 11 patients (27.5%) each. Patients with bleeding had lower mean platelet activity at 2 h [122.5 ± 51 platelet reactivity units (PRU) vs. 158.7 ± 43 PRU, P  = 0.04] and higher ACT (216.9 ± 40 s vs. 184.6 ± 28 s, P = 0.006) than patients without bleeding. An ACT >196 s at 2 h predicted bleeding or hematoma (AUC, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56-0.85, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Lower platelet activity and higher ACT after PCI were associated with higher bleeding risk at a vascular access site. Point-of-care testing of ACT after the procedure may help identify patients with CCS undergoing PCI who are at higher risk of access-site bleeding.

Temporal biomarker concentration patterns during the early course of acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Biomarker concentrations and their changes during acute coronary syndrome (ACS) provide clinically useful information on pathophysiological processes, e.g. myocardial necrosis, hemodynamic stress and inflammation. However, current evidence on temporal biomarker patterns early during ACS is limited, and studies investigating multiple biomarkers are lacking.

METHODS

We measured concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and I (hs-cTnI), NT-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, and growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) in plasma samples obtained at randomization in ACS patients from the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. Linear regressions with interaction analyses were used to investigate the associations of biomarker concentrations with the time from symptom onset and to model temporal biomarker concentration patterns.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 16,944 patients (median age 62 years; 71.3 % males) with 6,853 (40.3 %) having ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 10,141 (59.7 %) having non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS). Concentrations of all biomarkers were associated with time from symptom onset (pinteraction<0.001), apart for GDF-15 (pinteraction=0.092). Concentration increases were more pronounced in STEMI compared to NSTE-ACS. Temporal biomarker patterns for hs-cTnT and hs-cTnI were different depending on sex whereas biomarker patterns for the other biomarkers were similar in cohorts defined by age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporal concentration patterns differ for various biomarkers early during ACS, reflecting the variability in the activation and duration of different pathophysiological processes, and the amount of injured myocardium. Our data emphasize that the time elapsed from symptom onset should be considered for the interpretation of biomarker results in ACS.

Sex-specific presentation, care, and clinical events in individuals admitted with NSTEMI: the ACVC-EAPCI EORP NSTEMI registry of the European Society of Cardiology

AIMS

Women have historically been disadvantaged in terms of care and outcomes for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We describe patterns of presentation, care, and outcomes for NSTEMI by sex in a contemporary and geographically diverse cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective cohort study including 2947 patients (907 women, 2040 men) with Type I NSTEMI from 287 centres in 59 countries, stratified by sex. Quality of care was evaluated based on 12 guideline-recommended care interventions. The all-or-none scoring composite performance measure was used to define receipt of optimal care. Outcomes included acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, repeat myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, BARC Type ≥3 bleeding, or death in-hospital, as well as 30-day mortality. Women admitted with NSTEMI were older, more comorbid, and more frequently categorized as at higher ischaemic (GRACE >140, 54.0% vs. 41.7%, P < 0.001) and bleeding (CRUSADE >40, 51.7% vs. 17.6%, P < 0.001) risk than men. Women less frequently received invasive coronary angiography (ICA; 83.0% vs. 89.5%, P < 0.001), smoking cessation advice (46.4% vs. 69.5%, P < 0.001), and P2Y12 inhibitor prescription at discharge (81.9% vs. 90.0%, P < 0.001). Non-receipt of ICA was more often due to frailty for women than men (16.7% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.010). At ICA, more women than men had non-obstructive coronary artery disease or angiographically normal arteries (15.8% vs. 6.3%, P < 0.001). Rates of in-hospital adverse outcomes and 30-day mortality were low and did not differ by sex.

CONCLUSION

In contemporary practice, women presenting with NSTEMI, compared with men, less frequently receive antiplatelet prescription, smoking cessation advice, or are considered eligible for ICA.

Diabetes mellitus and presentation, care and outcomes of patients with NSTEMI: the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care-European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions EURObservational Research Programme NSTEMI Registry of the European Society of Cardiology

AIM

Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is common amongst patients with NSTEMI. We describe presentation, care and outcomes of patients admitted with NSTEMI by diabetes status.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study including 2928 patients (1104 with prior diabetes, 1824 without) admitted to hospital with NSTEMI from 287 centres in 59 countries. Quality of care was evaluated based on 12 guideline-recommended care interventions. Outcomes included in-hospital acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, repeat myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA), BARC Type ≥ 3 bleeding and death, as well as 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Patients with diabetes had higher comorbidity burden and more frequently presented with Killip Class II-IV heart failure (10.2% vs 3.7%, P < 0.001), haemodynamic instability (7.1% vs 3.7%, P < 0.001) and ongoing chest pain (43.1% vs 37.0%, P < 0.001), than those without diabetes. Overall, care quality received was similar by diabetes status (60.0% vs 60.5% received ≥ 80% of eligible care interventions, P = 0.786), but patients with diabetes experienced higher rates of in-hospital acute heart failure (15.3% vs 6.8% P < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (4.5% vs 2.5%, P = 0.002), stroke/TIA (2.0% vs 0.8%, P = 0.006) and death (2.5% vs 1.4%, P = 0.022), and higher 30-day mortality (3.3% vs 2.0%, P = 0.025). Of NSTEMI with diabetes, only 1.9% and 9.0% received prescription for GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors, respectively, on discharge, and only 45.9% were referred for cardiac rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

NSTEMI patients with diabetes, compared to those without, present more clinically unwell and have worse outcomes despite receiving equal quality of care. Prescription of cardiovascular-protective glycaemic agents is an actionable target to reduce risk of further events.

Presentation, care, and outcomes of patients with NSTEMI according to World Bank country income classification: the ACVC-EAPCI EORP NSTEMI Registry of the European Society of Cardiology

BACKGROUND

The majority of NSTEMI burden resides outside high-income countries (HICs). We describe presentation, care, and outcomes of NSTEMI by country income classification.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective cohort study including 2947 patients with NSTEMI from 287 centres in 59 countries, stratified by World Bank country income classification. Quality of care was evaluated based on 12 guideline-recommended care interventions. The all-or-none scoring composite performance measure was used to define receipt of optimal care. Outcomes included in-hospital acute heart failure, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and death, and 30-day mortality. Patients admitted with NSTEMI in low to lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), compared with patients in HICs, were younger, more commonly diabetic, and current smokers, but with a lower burden of other comorbidities, and 76.7% met very high risk criteria for an immediate invasive strategy. Invasive coronary angiography use increased with ascending income classification (LLMICs, 79.2%; upper middle income countries [UMICs], 83.7%; HICs, 91.0%), but overall care quality did not (≥80% of eligible interventions achieved: LLMICS, 64.8%; UMICs 69.6%; HICs 55.1%). Rates of acute heart failure (LLMICS, 21.3%; UMICs, 12.1%; HICs, 6.8%; P < 0.001), stroke/transient ischaemic attack (LLMICS: 2.5%; UMICs: 1.5%; HICs: 0.9%; P = 0.04), in-hospital mortality (LLMICS, 3.6%; UMICs: 2.8%; HICs: 1.0%; P < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (LLMICs, 4.9%; UMICs, 3.9%; HICs, 1.5%; P < 0.001) exhibited an inverse economic gradient.

CONCLUSION

Patients with NSTEMI in LLMICs present with fewer comorbidities but a more advanced stage of acute disease, and have worse outcomes compared with HICs. A cardiovascular health narrative is needed to address this inequity across economic boundaries.

The Role of Galectin-3 in Heart Failure-The Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Potential-Where Do We Stand?

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an important factor in the pathophysiology of HF, mainly due to its role in cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and ventricular remodeling. Fibrosis is a hallmark of cardiac remodeling, HF, and atrial fibrillation development. This review aims to explore the involvement of Gal-3 in HF and its role in the pathogenesis and clinical diagnostic and prognostic significance. We report data on Gal-3 structure and molecular mechanisms of biological function crucial for HF development. Over the last decade, numerous studies have shown an association between echocardiographic and CMR biomarkers in HF and Gal-3 serum concentration. We discuss facts and concerns about Gal-3's utility in acute and chronic HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction for diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification. Finally, we present attempts to use Gal-3 as a therapeutic target in HF.

Stepwise relationship between delay in percutaneous coronary intervention and long-term mortality in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend coronary catheterization in patients with non-ST- -segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) within 24 hours of hospital admission. However, whether there is a stepwise relationship between the time to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and long-term mortality in patients with NSTEMI treated invasively within 24 hours of admission has not been established yet.

AIMS

The study aimed to evaluate the association between door-to-PCI time and all-cause mortality at 12 and 36 months in NSTEMI patients presenting directly to a PCI-capable center who underwent PCI within the first 24 hours of hospitalization.

METHODS

We analyzed data of patients hospitalized for NSTEMI between 2007-2019, included in the nationwide registry of acute coronary syndromes. Patients were stratified into twelve groups based on 2-hour intervals of door-to-PCI time. The mortality rates of patients within those groups were adjusted for 33 confounding variables by the propensity score weighting method using overlap weights.

RESULTS

A total of 37 589 patients were included in the study. The median age of included patients was 66.7 (interquartile range [IQR], 59.0-75.8) years; 66.7% were male, and the median GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) score was 115 (98-133). There were increased 12-month and 36-month mortality rates in consecutive groups of patients stratified by 2-hour door-to-PCI time intervals. After adjustment for patient characteristics, there was a significant positive correlation between the time to PCI and the mortality rates (rs = 0.61; P = 0.04 and rs = 0.65; P = 0.02 for 12-month and 36-month mortality, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The longer the door-to-PCI time, the higher were 12-month and 36-month all-cause mortality rates in NSTEMI patients.

Global Variations in Heart Failure Etiology, Management, and Outcomes

Importance

Most epidemiological studies of heart failure (HF) have been conducted in high-income countries with limited comparable data from middle- or low-income countries.

Objective

To examine differences in HF etiology, treatment, and outcomes between groups of countries at different levels of economic development.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multinational HF registry of 23 341 participants in 40 high-income, upper-middle-income, lower-middle-income, and low-income countries, followed up for a median period of 2.0 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

HF cause, HF medication use, hospitalization, and death.

Results

Mean (SD) age of participants was 63.1 (14.9) years, and 9119 (39.1%) were female. The most common cause of HF was ischemic heart disease (38.1%) followed by hypertension (20.2%). The proportion of participants with HF with reduced ejection fraction taking the combination of a β-blocker, renin-angiotensin system inhibitor, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist was highest in upper-middle-income (61.9%) and high-income countries (51.1%), and it was lowest in low-income (45.7%) and lower-middle-income countries (39.5%) (P < .001). The age- and sex- standardized mortality rate per 100 person-years was lowest in high-income countries (7.8 [95% CI, 7.5-8.2]), 9.3 (95% CI, 8.8-9.9) in upper-middle-income countries, 15.7 (95% CI, 15.0-16.4) in lower-middle-income countries, and it was highest in low-income countries (19.1 [95% CI, 17.6-20.7]). Hospitalization rates were more frequent than death rates in high-income countries (ratio = 3.8) and in upper-middle-income countries (ratio = 2.4), similar in lower-middle-income countries (ratio = 1.1), and less frequent in low-income countries (ratio = 0.6). The 30-day case-fatality rate after first hospital admission was lowest in high-income countries (6.7%), followed by upper-middle-income countries (9.7%), then lower-middle-income countries (21.1%), and highest in low-income countries (31.6%). The proportional risk of death within 30 days of a first hospital admission was 3- to 5-fold higher in lower-middle-income countries and low-income countries compared with high-income countries after adjusting for patient characteristics and use of long-term HF therapies.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study of HF patients from 40 different countries and derived from 4 different economic levels demonstrated differences in HF etiologies, management, and outcomes. These data may be useful in planning approaches to improve HF prevention and treatment globally.

Altered platelet reactivity, coagulation, endothelial and inflammatory markers early after smoking cessation verified with cotinine plasma concentration

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoking is a potent modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known about alterations to prothrombotic state and platelet reactivity early after smoking cessation following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

PURPOSE

We investigated alterations to platelet reactivity, coagulation and markers of platelet, endothelial, inflammatory and coagulation activation in clopidogrel-treated patients with CAD after PCI before and after smoking cessation.

METHODS

Smoking patients aged 18 years or older at least 30 days after PCI were recruited and encouraged to quit the habit. At baseline and at 30 days, we measured platelet reactivity with VerifyNow system, thrombomodulin, P-selectin, platelet factor 4 (CXCL4/PF4), citrullinated histone H3 (H3cit) and cotinine level.

RESULTS

Among 117 patients, 84 patients (72%) at a median age of 60.5 years (40 [interquartile range 30-47] pack-years) completed a 30-day follow-up. At day 30, 30 (35.7%) patients stopped smoking with cotinine level < 50 ng/ml. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. In smoking quitters a change in platelet reactivity was larger (Δ platelet reactivity units (PRU) 19 [2, 43] vs. -6 [-32, 37], p = 0.018), along with a change in P-selectin concentration (-11.82 [-23.62, 1.34] vs. 7.19 [-14.24, 17.19] ng/ml, p = 0.005). Positive correlations was noticed between cotinine and both P-selectin ( r = 0.23, p = 0.045) and CXCL4 (r = 0.27, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

After smoking cessation in CAD patients following PCI an increase in platelet reactivity and a decrease in P-selectin levels were observed. The risk of thrombotic complications post PCI might be paradoxically enhanced among patients who stopped smoking.

Association of Cardiac Biomarkers With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in High-risk Patients With Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of the DECLARE-TIMI 58 Trial

Importance

Dapagliflozin reduces the risk of hospitalizations for heart failure and the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D), whereas the effects on reducing atherosclerotic events appear less clear.

Objective

To explore whether N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) levels can identify a subset of patients with T2D at higher risk and who might benefit more from dapagliflozin with regard to atherosclerotic events.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a secondary analysis of the DECLARE-TIMI 58 trial, a randomized clinical trial of dapagliflozin in patients with T2D and either multiple risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD; approximately 60%) or established ASCVD (approximately 40%). All patients with available blood samples at randomization were included in these analyses. Data were collected from May 2013 to September 2018, and data were analyzed from May 2019 to June 2022.

Interventions

Dapagliflozin vs placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), the composite of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or cardiovascular death, which was one of dual primary outcomes of the main trial.

Results

Of 14 565 included patients, 9143 (62.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 63.9 (6.8) years. When tested individually in a multivariable model for MACE risk, NT-proBNP and hsTnT were each significantly associated with the risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] per 1 SD in log-transformed biomarker: NT-proBNP, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.49-1.76; hsTnT: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.46-1.74). The magnitude of the association was similar in patients with ASCVD (NT-proBNP: aHR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.45-1.77; hsTnT: aHR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.45-1.81) and multiple risk factors for ASCVD (NT-proBNP: aHR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.40-1.88; hsTnT: aHR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.29-1.77). Moreover, both biomarkers remained independently associated with MACE when both were included in the multivariable model (NT-proBNP: aHR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.34-1.60; hsTnT: aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.26-1.53). Modeled as a continuous variable, baseline biomarker levels did not modify the relative treatment effect of dapagliflozin vs placebo with MACE. However, the relative risk reduction numerically grew with higher biomarker levels, as did the baseline risk. Thus, MACE event rates were nominally lower in dapagliflozin-treated vs placebo-treated patients with biomarker concentrations in the top quartile (NT-proBNP: HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97; absolute risk reduction [ARR], 2.4%; hsTnT: HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.72-0.99; ARR, 2.7%), whereas there was no significant treatment effect in patients with biomarkers levels in quartiles 1 to 3 (NT-proBNP: HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.88-1.18; ARR, 0%; hsTnT: HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84-1.13; ARR, 0.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, NT-proBNP and hsTnT levels were associated with the risk for future cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention patients with T2D. Both cardiac biomarkers were helpful to identify patients at very high risk for atherosclerotic events that may derive reduction in risk of MACE with dapagliflozin.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01730534.

Well-palpable pulse over an occluded radial artery: A case series reporting ultrasound outcomes

We report a case series of four patients with radial artery occlusion complicating vascular access who were scheduled for coronary angiography. We describe the challenges in selecting adequate vascular access in patients with a history of coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention, as well as the benefits of using preprocedural ultrasound examination of forearm arteries to detect radial artery occlusion. Our case series suggests that if the anterior interosseous artery provides partial blood supply to the hand as a collateral circulation of the occluded radial artery, the transulnar approach may be an alternative safe option for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention in this population.

Comparison of reorganized versus unaltered cardiology departments during the COVID-19 era: a subanalysis of the COV-HF-SIRIO 6 study

BACKGROUND

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous cardiology departments were reorganized to provide care for COVID-19 patients. We aimed to compare the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality in reorganized vs. unaltered cardiology departments.

METHODS

The present subanalysis is a multicenter retrospective COV-HF-SIRIO 6 study that includes all patients (n = 101,433) hospitalized in 24 cardiology departments in Poland between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020, with a focus on patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

RESULTS

Reduction of all-cause hospitalizations was 50.6% vs. 21.3% for reorganized vs. unaltered cardiology departments in 2020 vs. 2019, respectively (p < 0.0001). Considering AHF alone respective reductions by 46.5% and 15.2% were registered (p < 0.0001). A higher percentage of patients was brought in by ambulance to reorganized vs. unaltered cardiology departments (51.7% vs. 34.6%; p < 0.0001) alongside with a lower rate of self-referrals (45.7% vs. 58.4%; p < 0.0001). The rate of all-cause in-hospital mortality in AHF patients was higher in reorganized than unaltered cardiology departments (10.9% vs. 6.4%; p < 0.0001). After the exclusion of patients with concomitant COVID-19, the mortality rates did not differ significantly (6.9% vs. 6.4%; p = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

In cardiology departments reorganized to provide care for COVID-19 patients vs. unaltered ones, observed: i) a greater reduction in hospital admissions in 2020 vs. 2019; ii) higher rates of patients brought by ambulance and lower rates of self-referrals; and iii) higher all-cause in-hospital mortality for AHF due to COVID-19 related deaths.

Inhibitors of sodium-glucose transport protein 2: A new multidirectional therapeutic option for heart failure patients

Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain positive cardiovascular effects observed in studies with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. The reduction in glucose reabsorption in proximal tubuli induced by SGLT2 inhibitors increases urinary glucose and sodium excretion resulting in increased osmotic diuresis and consequently in decreased plasma volume, followed by reduced preload. In addition, the hemodynamic effects of SGLT2 inhibition were observed in both hyper and euglycemic patients. Due to the complex and multidirectional effects induced by SGLT2 inhibitors, this originally antidiabetic group of drugs has been successfully used to treat patients with heart failure as well as for subjects with chronic kidney disease. Moreover, their therapeutic potential seems to be even broader than the indications studied to date.

Biomarker Concentrations and Their Temporal Changes in Patients With Myocardial Infarction and Nonobstructive Compared With Obstructive Coronary Arteries: Results From the PLATO Trial

Background The pathobiology of myocardial infarction (MI) with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is often uncertain. Investigating biomarker concentrations and their changes may offer novel pathophysiological insights. Methods and Results In this post hoc study of the PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) trial, concentrations of hs-cTnT (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T), NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), and GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15) were measured in patients with MINOCA at baseline (n=554) and at 1-month follow-up (n=107). For comparisons, biomarkers were also measured in patients with MI with obstructive (stenosis ≥50%) coronary artery disease (baseline: n=11 106; follow-up: n=2755]). Adjusted linear regression models were used to compare concentrations and their short- and long-term changes. The adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) in patients with MINOCA (median age, 61 years; 50.4% women) indicated lower hs-cTnT (GMR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.68-0.88]) but higher hs-CRP (GMR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.08-1.37]) and GDF-15 concentrations (GMR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02-1.11]) at baseline compared with patients with MI with obstructive coronary artery disease, whereas NT-proBNP concentrations were similar. Temporal decreases in hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP, and hs-CRP concentrations until 1-month follow-up were more pronounced in patients with MINOCA. At follow-up, patients with MINOCA had lower concentrations of hs-cTnT (GMR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.60-0.84]), NT-proBNP (GMR, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.36-0.56]), and hs-CRP (GMR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.53-0.86]). One-month GDF-15 concentrations were similar between both groups with MI. Conclusions Biomarker concentrations suggest greater initial inflammatory activity, similar degree of myocardial dysfunction, and less pronounced myocardial injury during the acute phase of MINOCA compared with MI with obstructive coronary artery disease but also faster myocardial recovery. Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00391872.

Smoking cessation after coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention

INTRODUCTION

Smoking is a crucial modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. However, effective support in smoking cessation (SC) and data regarding factors related to SC are still inadequate.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess SC rates and factors related to effective SC in patients after coronary angiography (CA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent CA between 2014 and 2018 at a single center in Poland were screened for active smoking. After at least 6 months after the procedure, the patients were contacted by telephone to obtain information about their current smoking status and history of smoking during the follow‑up.

RESULTS

A total of 3719 consecutive patients were screened. Of these, 921 (24.8%) declared active smoking. At least 6 months after CA, 241 patients were available for a follow‑up interview. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 61.2 (9.3) years, 168 (69.7%) were men, and 115 (47.7%) had acute coronary syndrome. The mean (SD) duration of hospitalization was 6 (4.4) days, and 67 patients (27.8%) were scheduled for a second‑stage procedure. A total of 80 patients (33.2%) declared SC at the 6‑month follow‑up. The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that duration of hospitalization equal to or greater than 4 days (odds ratio [OR], 3.62; 95% CI, 1.9-6.89), the Fagerström score equal to or lower than 4 points (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.01-3.79), a scheduled second hospitalization (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.32-4.86), and a smoking load greater than or equal to 51 pack‑years (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.16-4.47) increased the chance of SC.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial number of patients who underwent CA were current smokers, with low SC rates in the follow‑up. A prolonged hospital stay, scheduled second hospitalization, low nicotine dependence but also a high load of pack‑years increased the chances of SC, which underscores the need for intensive and repetitive in‑hospital counseling in the whole population of smokers.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

A Multicenter, Phase 2, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Dose-Finding Trial of the Oral Factor XIa Inhibitor Asundexian to Prevent Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes After Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Oral activated factor XI (FXIa) inhibitors may modulate coagulation to prevent thromboembolic events without substantially increasing bleeding. We explored the pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of the oral FXIa inhibitor asundexian for secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

We randomized 1601 patients with recent acute MI to oral asundexian 10, 20, or 50 mg or placebo once daily for 6 to 12 months in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2, dose-ranging trial. Patients were randomized within 5 days of their qualifying MI and received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor. The effect of asundexian on FXIa inhibition was assessed at 4 weeks. The prespecified main safety outcome was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding comparing all pooled asundexian doses with placebo. The prespecified efficacy outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, MI, stroke, or stent thrombosis comparing pooled asundexian 20 and 50 mg doses with placebo.

RESULTS

The median age was 68 years, 23% of participants were women, 51% had ST-segment-elevation MI, 80% were treated with aspirin plus ticagrelor or prasugrel, and 99% underwent percutaneous coronary intervention before randomization. Asundexian caused dose-related inhibition of FXIa activity, with 50 mg resulting in >90% inhibition. Over a median follow-up of 368 days, the main safety outcome occurred in 30 (7.6%), 32 (8.1%), 42 (10.5%), and 36 (9.0%) patients receiving asundexian 10 mg, 20 mg, or 50 mg, or placebo, respectively (pooled asundexian versus placebo: hazard ratio, 0.98 [90% CI, 0.71-1.35]). The efficacy outcome occurred in 27 (6.8%), 24 (6.0%), 22 (5.5%), and 22 (5.5%) patients assigned asundexian 10 mg, 20 mg, or 50 mg, or placebo, respectively (pooled asundexian 20 and 50 mg versus placebo: hazard ratio, 1.05 [90% CI, 0.69-1.61]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with recent acute MI, 3 doses of asundexian, when added to aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor, resulted in dose-dependent, near-complete inhibition of FXIa activity without a significant increase in bleeding and a low rate of ischemic events. These data support the investigation of asundexian at a dose of 50 mg daily in an adequately powered clinical trial of patients who experienced acute MI.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT04304534; URL: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search; Unique identifier: 2019-003244-79.

Low chronotropic index predicts rehospitalization in post-acute myocardial infarction patients with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Background

There are limited data about the clinical utility of combined stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET-ESE) in predicting prognosis in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Aim

To assess prognostic parameters using CPET-ESE in post-AMI patients with preserved or mildly reduced LVEF.

Methods

Eighty-seven patients after the first AMI with LVEF &gt;40% were followed for 2 years (median 1.93 years IQR 1.16–2.41). The composite end-point was all-cause mortality or rehospitalization due to ischaemic heart disease (AMI, unstable angina, percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass grafting) or heart failure exacerbation. All patients underwent symptom-limited CPET-ESE on a semi-supine cycle ergometer 3 to 5 weeks after AMI. The chronotropic index was calculated as the percent of heart rate reserve. Six patients refused to complete the survey and they were not included in the analysis.

Results

Follow-up was conducted in 81 consecutive patients (mean age 59±10 years, 62% males, 50% AMI with ST-segment elevation, 85% on beta-blockers). Mean LVEF was 56±9% and peak VO2 18.5±5.0 mL/kg/min. There were no deaths during follow-up. The composite end-point occurred in 13 patients. In multivariate Cox regression analysis after correction for demographic and clinical variables, only chronotropic index correlated with the composite end-point (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.99, p=0.026). A positive predictive value of 33.3% and a negative predictive value of 91.3% (sensitivity 61.5%, specificity 76.5%, area under the curve, AUC 71%) for predicting the composite end-point was established for the chronotropic index ≤36.8% (Fig. 1). There was a statistically significant difference in the composite end-point occurrence (p&lt;0.01) between subgroups with the chronotropic index above and below that threshold (Fig. 2).

Conclusions

In patients after the first AMI with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular systolic function, a lower chronotropic index is a predictor of rehospitalization in 2-year follow-up.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland

Altered platelet reactivity, coagulation, endothelial and inflammatory markers early after smoking cessation verified with cotinine plasma concentration

Background/Introduction

Cigarette smoking is a potent modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) including patients after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Cigarette smoking is associated with major changes in platelet, endothelial, inflammatory, and coagulation responses. The early period after PCI witnesses the highest risk of thrombotic events. However, data regarding alterations of prothrombotic state and platelet reactivity early after smoking cessation are scarce.

Purpose

We investigated alterations to platelet reactivity, coagulation and markers of platelet, endothelial and neutrophil activation in clopidogrel-treated patients with CAD after PCI before and after smoking cessation.

Methods

Patients aged 18 years or older, who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day, at least 30 days after successful PCI with stent placement, and those treated with 75 mg clopidogrel and 75 mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) once daily, were included in the study and were encouraged to quit the habit. Platelet reactivity was measured with VerifyNow system and the concentrations of cotinine, thrombomodulin, P-selectin, platelet factor 4 (CXCL4/PF4), citrullinated histone H3 (H3cit), were assessed in blood samples at baseline and at the 30-day follow-up visit. Smoking cessation was defined as cotinine concentrations of &lt;50 ng/ml.

Results

Among 117 patients, being current smokers, who attended the baseline visit, 84 patients completed a 30-day follow-up. The median [interquartile range] age of patients was 50 [55–65] years, median body mass index was 27.55 [25.2–30.9] kg/m2, and a median load of smoking was 40 [30–47] pack-years. At the follow-up visit, 30 patients stopped smoking as confirmed by cotinine concentrations (study group) and 54 patients continued smoking (control group). Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. In the study group as compared to the control group, at day 30 a change in platelet reactivity was larger (Δ platelet reactivity units (PRU) 19 [2, 43] vs −6 [−32, 37], p=0.018), along with a change in P-selectin concentration (−11.82 [−23.62, 1.34] vs 7.19 [−14.24, 17.19] ng/ml), p=0.005). The change in the concentrations of thrombomodulin, CXCL4/PF4, and citH3 did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion

In the early period after smoking cessation in coronary artery disease patients following PCI treated with clopidogrel and ASA, an increase in platelet reactivity with a decrease in P-selectin levels was observed. No significant changes in other markers were noticed. It might be speculated that the risk of thrombotic complications might be paradoxically enhanced among such patients after smoking cessation despite dual antiplatelet therapy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education

Effect of Alirocumab on Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation After Acute Coronary Syndromes: Insights from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES Trial

BACKGROUND

Using data from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial (NCT01663402), we sought to identify factors associated with the development of incident atrial fibrillation in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome without prior atrial fibrillation and to determine whether alirocumab treatment influenced risk of incident atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

ODYSSEY OUTCOMES compared alirocumab treatment with placebo in 18,924 patients with recent acute coronary syndrome and dyslipidemia despite high-intensity or maximum-tolerated statin therapy. The primary outcome of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) comprised death from coronary heart disease, non-fatal myocardial infarction, fatal or non-fatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization. Patients were classified as having previous atrial fibrillation (present prior to or at randomization) or no previous atrial fibrillation. A multivariable model was used to determine factors associated with incident atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

Among 18,262 participants without prior atrial fibrillation at baseline, 499 (2.7%) had incident atrial fibrillation during follow-up. Older age, history of heart failure or myocardial infarction, and higher body mass index were significantly associated with incident atrial fibrillation. Treatment with alirocumab or placebo did not influence the cumulative incidence of atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-1.09). Patients with vs without a history of atrial fibrillation had a higher incidence of MACE (8.8 vs 3.7 events per 100 patient-years), without significant interaction between atrial fibrillation and randomized treatment on risk of MACE (P_interaction = .78).

CONCLUSIONS

While alirocumab did not modify risk of incident atrial fibrillation after acute coronary syndrome, it did reduce the risk of MACE, regardless of prior atrial fibrillation history. History of atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of recurrent cardiovascular events after acute coronary syndrome.

Effects of early myocardial reperfusion and perfusion on myocardial necrosis/dysfunction and inflammation in patients with ST-segment and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: results from the PLATelet inhibition and patients Outcomes (PLATO) trial

Aims

Restoration of myocardial blood flow and perfusion during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) measured using Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade (TFG) and perfusion grade (TMPG) is associated with improved outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Associations between TFG/TMPG and changes in biomarkers reflecting myocardial damage/dysfunction and inflammation is unknown.

Methods and results

Among 2606 patients included, TFG was evaluated in 2198 and TMPG in 1874 with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-segment ACS (NSTE-ACS). Biomarkers reflecting myocardial necrosis [troponin T (TnT)], myocardial dysfunction [N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)], inflammation [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP)], and oxidative stress/ageing/inflammation [growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15)] were measured at baseline, discharge, and 1- and 6-month post-randomization. Associations between TFG/TMPG and changes in biomarker levels were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon signed test. In total, 1423 (54.6%) patients had STEMI and 1183 (45.4%) NSTE-ACS. Complete reperfusion after PCI with TFG = 3 was achieved in 1110 (85.3%) with STEMI and in 793 (88.5%) with NSTE-ACS. Normal myocardial perfusion with TMPG = 3 was achieved in 475 (41.6%) with STEMI and in 396 (54.0%) with NSTE-ACS. Levels of TnT, NT-proBNP, IL-6, CRP, and GDF-15 were substantially lower at discharge in patients with complete vs. incomplete TFG and STEMI (P < 0.01). This pattern was not observed for patients with NSTE-ACS. Patients with normal vs. abnormal TMPG and NSTE-ACS had lower levels of NT-proBNP at discharge (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Successful restoration of epicardial blood flow in STEMI was associated with less myocardial necrosis/dysfunction and inflammation. Attainment of normal myocardial perfusion was associated with less myocardial dysfunction in NSTE-ACS.

Misleading qualification of active smokers based on carbon monoxide measurement of exhaled air

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education

Background

Carbon monoxide (CO) concentration of exhaled air is widely used in clinical trials in assessment of active smoking due to its feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The concentration of nicotine metabolite cotinine in urine is used as an objective index of smoking.

Purpose

We aimed to compare self-reported smoking and smoking cessation (SC) with results of CO and cotinine concentration.

Methods

Patients after coronary angiography (n=62) were included in SC programme with a brief counselling. The self-reported smoking and SC was verified with urine cotinine assessment (NicAlert) and CO level in exhaled air (MicroCO). The criterium of SC was non-smoking (&lt;1 cigarette ) in the last 7 days, NicAlert ≤2, MicroCO test≤6 parts per million (ppm).

Results

The mean age of patients was 61 ± 7.7 years, 49 (79%) patients were men, with median load of smoking 10 pack-years. 40 patients were assessed with both methods at baseline and follow-up visit. At baseline all the patients declaring at least 10 cigarettes daily had Nic Alert 6, but MicroCO indicated non-smoking in 25 (62,5%) patients. At follow up visit after 1 month, 35 (56,5%) patients declared SC and there was numerically higher level of misleading results of CO concentration in the whole group (p=0.077) and significantly higher in the group of patients who self-reported continuation of smoking (p=0.009)(Table 1).

Conclusion

Despite widespread and cost-effective measurement of CO the result should be carefully interpreted. It accurately indicates non-smoking patients, but the measurement in active smokers might be misleading with a significant group of patients with false negative results. To accurately assess active smokers the CO measurement should be supported with other method such as measurement of cotinine levels.

Association between common cardiovascular risk factors and clinical phenotype in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EurObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis registry

AIMS

The interaction between common cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is poorly studied. We sought to explore the relation between CVRF and the clinical characteristics of patients with HCM enrolled in the EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

1739 patients with HCM were studied. The relation between hypertension (HT), diabetes (DM), body mass index (BMI), and clinical traits was analysed. Analyses were stratified according to the presence or absence of a pathogenic variant in a sarcomere gene. The prevalence of HT, DM, and obesity (Ob) was 37, 10, and 21%, respectively. HT, DM, and Ob were associated with older age (P<0.001), less family history of HCM (HT and DM P<0.001), higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (P<0.001), atrial fibrillation (HT and DM P<0.001; Ob p = 0.03) and LV (left ventricular) diastolic dysfunction (HT and Ob P<0.001; DM P = 0.003). Stroke was more frequent in HT (P<0.001) and mutation-positive patients with DM (P = 0.02). HT and Ob were associated with higher provocable LV outflow tract gradients (HT P<0.001, Ob P = 0.036). LV hypertrophy was more severe in Ob (P = 0.018). HT and Ob were independently associated with NYHA class (OR 1.419, P = 0.017 and OR 1.584, P = 0.004, respectively). Other associations, including a higher proportion of females in HT and of systolic dysfunction in HT and Ob, were observed only in mutation-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

Common CVRF are associated with a more severe HCM phenotype, suggesting a proactive management of CVRF should be promoted. An interaction between genotype and CVRF was observed for some traits.

Dual pathway inhibition for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Recent advances

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which includes coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Antiplatelet therapy has long been the mainstay of antithrombotic therapy for the prevention of first-ever and recurrent ASCVD events. More recently, however, randomized trials have demonstrated the benefits and cost-effectiveness of a dual pathway inhibition (DPI) strategy in acute and chronic ASCVD. When used in combination, aspirin and low-dose rivaroxaban work synergistically to inhibit platelet activation and thrombin generation, thereby preventing thrombus formation. Among patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), those with positive cardiac biomarkers or ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, or a history of heart failure derive the greatest absolute benefits. Among patients with chronic ASCVD, those with involvement of two or more vascular beds, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes derive the greatest absolute benefits. Additional trials are underway to assess the impact of DPI therapy in other populations of interest, including patients with ACS at high risk of left ventricular thrombus formation, intracranial atherosclerotic disease with recent transient ischemic attack or stroke, peripheral arterial disease with limiting claudication or post lower extremity revascularization, and advanced chronic kidney disease with ASCVD or risk factors for ASCVD. Further work is required to assess the possible added benefit of combining rivaroxaban with clopidogrel or ticagrelor instead of aspirin.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on acute heart failure admissions and mortality: a multicentre study (COV-HF-SIRIO 6 study)

Aims

The coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has changed the landscape of medical care delivery worldwide. We aimed to assess the influence of COVID‐19 pandemic on hospital admissions and in‐hospital mortality rate in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) in a retrospective, multicentre study.

Methods and results

From 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020, a total of 101 433 patients were hospitalized in 24 Cardiology Departments in Poland. The number of patients admitted due to AHF decreased by 23.4% from 9853 in 2019 to 7546 in 2020 (P < 0.001). We noted a significant reduction of self‐referrals in the times of COVID‐19 pandemic accounting 27.8% (P < 0.001), with increased number of AHF patients brought by an ambulance by 15.9% (P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was overall similar (7.7 ± 2.8 vs. 8.2 ± 3.7 days; P = not significant). The in‐hospital all‐cause mortality in AHF patients was 444 (5.2%) in 2019 vs. 406 (6.5%) in 2020 (P < 0.001). A total number of AHF patients with concomitant COVID‐19 was 239 (3.2% of AHF patients hospitalized in 2020). The rate of in‐hospital deaths in AHF patients with COVID‐19 was extremely high accounting 31.4%, reaching up to 44.1% in the peak of the pandemic in November 2020.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the COVID‐19 pandemic led to (i) reduced hospital admissions for AHF; (ii) decreased number of self‐referred AHF patients and increased number of AHF patients brought by an ambulance; and (iii) increased in‐hospital mortality for AHF with very high mortality rate for concomitant AHF and COVID‐19.

Prognostic value of galectin-3 and right ventricular function for long-term mortality in heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Recently, associations between the biomarker galectin-3 and numerous pathological processes involved in heart failure (HF) and right ventricular (RV) function have been observed. We aimed to assess the long-term prognostic ability of galectin-3 and RV function parameters for all-cause mortality in HF patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We prospectively studied 63 symptomatic HF patients with a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35%. The median serum galectin-3 concentration was 13.4 ng/mL (IQR 11.05, 17.15). A detailed assessment of LV and RV geometry and function was performed with echocardiography. CRT defibrillator implantation was achieved in all patients without major complications. The follow-up lasted 5 years. In the multivariable Cox regression model, independent predictors for all-cause mortality were log baseline galectin-3 and baseline RV function expressed as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion with HR 2.96 (p = 0.037) and HR 0.88 (p = 0.023), respectively. Analysis of subgroups defined by galectin-3 concentration and CRT response showed that patients with high baseline galectin-3 concentrations and a lack of response to CRT had a significantly lower probability of survival. In our patient cohort, the baseline galectin-3 concentration and RV function were independent predictors of long-term all-cause mortality in HFrEF patients following CRT implantation.

Acidic urine as a novel risk factor for diuretic resistance and worse in‑hospital prognosis in patients with acute heart failure

INTRODUCTION Loop diuretic resistance (LDR) is a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Acidic urine (pH <6) might be associated with diminished effect of diuretics and worse in‑hospital course in this patient population. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the influence of acidic urine on in‑hospital prognosis and diuretic efficacy in patients with AHF. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of hospitalizations due to AHF in patients with ejection fraction of 50% or less. Analyzed end points were: in‑hospital death and composite end point (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unplanned revascularization, or catecholamine infusion). Diuretic efficacy was assessed as diuresis per intravenous furosemide dose equivalent. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for in‑hospital death was used to set a cutoff value for diuretic resistance. Logistic regression analysis was used to select independent risk factors for the occurrence of in‑hospital death, composite end point, and LDR. RESULTS A total of 373 hospitalizations (300 patients) were analyzed. Urine pH of less than 6 on admission was present in 158 cases (42.1%). In‑hospital mortality was 7.5% in cases with nonacidic urine as compared with 15% of those with acidic urine (P = 0.03). Composite end point occurred in 10% of patients with nonacidic urine as compared with 31% of those with acidic urine (P <0.001). Acidic urine was found to be an independent risk factor for the composite end point. The threshold for LDR was set at 691.45 ml of diuresis/40 mg of intravenous furosemide. Low urine pH was found to be an independent risk factor for LDR. CONCLUSIONS Low urine pH might be a useful marker identifying patients at high risk for LDR and adverse in‑hospital outcome.

Temporal changes of biomarkers in myocardial infarction patients with non-obstructive compared to obstructive coronary arteries

Background

About 5–10% of all myocardial infarction (MI) patients have non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). The pathobiology of MINOCA is largely unknown compared to myocardial infarction with obstructive coronaries (MI-CAD).

Purpose

To investigate whether baseline concentrations and temporal changes of circulating biomarkers may offer insights into the activation of pathophysiological pathways in MINOCA compared to MI-CAD.

Methods

From the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial, we retrospectively identified 114 patients with MINOCA (adjudicated MI, coronary stenoses &lt;50% and excluding patients with previous coronary revascularization) and 2750 patients with MI-CAD (adjucated MI and stenoses ≥50%) with available biomarker data. Concentrations of high sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were centrally measured by immunoassays in plasma samples obtained at randomization/baseline (median 15 hours from index event) and after one month. Differences in biomarker concentrations and their changes were evaluated by Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests and data at one month were also analysed with adjusted linear regression models.

Results

In MINOCA patients, median concentrations decreased during one month from 238 to 9 ng/L for hs-cTnT, from 3.5 to 1.6 mg/L for CRP and from 507 to 228 pmol/L for NT-proBNP (Figure 1 and 2). In MI-CAD patients, median concentrations decreased from 198 to 13 ng/L for hs-cTnT, from 3.2 to 2.3 mg/L for CRP and increased from 372 to 566 pmol/L for NT-proBNP. Compared to MI-CAD, the baseline concentrations were higher in MINOCA for NT-proBNP (p=0.011), but similar for hs-cTnT (p=0.555) and CRP (p=0.834). However, patients with MINOCA had statistically larger reductions of concentrations from baseline to one month for hs-cTnT (p=0.002), CRP (p=0.005) and NT-proBNP (p&lt;0.001) as compared to patients with MI-CAD. At one month, concentrations were lower in MINOCA than MI-CAD patients for all three biomarkers, which remained significant after adjustment for the baseline biomarker concentration, clinical characteristics and medications (p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

In MINOCA compared to MI-CAD patients, higher concentrations of NT-proBNP and similar concentrations of hs-cTnT and CRP at baseline indicate a higher degree of acute myocardial dysfunction but similar degree of acute myocardial injury and inflammation. Furthermore, concentrations of these biomarkers were lower at one month in MINOCA, suggesting other or less remaining underlying disease processes after MI in MINOCA than MI-CAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): The present study was supported by Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research/Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions. The PLATO study and the biomarker analyses were sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Long-Term Ticagrelor in Patients With Prior Coronary Stenting in the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 Trial

Background Coronary stent type and risk of stent thrombosis remain important factors affecting recommended duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. We investigated the efficacy and safety of long-term ticagrelor in patients with prior coronary stenting enrolled in the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54) trial. Methods and Results Patients in PEGASUS-TIMI 54 had a myocardial infarction 1 to 3 year prior and were randomized 1:1:1 to ticagrelor 60 or 90 mg BID or placebo. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (major adverse cardiovascular events). Stent thrombosis was prospectively adjudicated (Academic Research Consortium definition). Baseline characteristics were compared by most recent stent type (bare metal versus drug-eluting stent and first- versus later-generation drug-eluting stent). Treatment arms were compared using Cox proportional hazards models. Of 21 162 patients randomized, 80% (n=16 891) had prior coronary stenting. Following randomization, myocardial infarction was the most frequent ischemic event in patients with prior stenting in the placebo arm, occurring in 5.2% of patients (Type 1: 4.1%), followed by cardiovascular death (2.3%), stroke (1.7%), and stent thrombosis (0.9%). Ticagrelor_pooled reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (7.0% versus 8.0%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-96) regardless of stent type (bare metal stent versus drug-eluting stent: p_interaction=0.767; first versus later generation: p_interaction=0.940). The rate of any stent thrombosis was numerically lower with ticagrelor_pooled (0.7% versus 0.9%; HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50-1.05) and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major bleeding was increased (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.90-3.68). Conclusions Long-term ticagrelor reduces major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with prior myocardial infarction and coronary stenting regardless of stent type, with the benefit driven predominantly by reduction in de novo events. Nonfatal major bleeding is increased with ticagrelor. Registration Information clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT01225562.

Interleukin 6 and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Chronic Coronary Syndrome

Importance

Inflammation promotes cardiovascular disease and anti-inflammatory treatment reduces cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is unclear how inflammation mediated by interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with CKD is linked to cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To investigate associations between IL-6 and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic coronary syndrome in association with kidney function.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter cohort study included patients enrolled at 663 centers in 39 countries with chronic coronary syndrome who were included in the Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque by Initiation of Darapladib Therapy (STABILITY) trial. Patients were enrolled between December 2008 and April 2010 and were followed up for a median length of 3.7 years. Analysis in this substudy began September 2020.

Exposures

Exposures were IL-6 and creatinine estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), which were collected at baseline. Associations between continuous and categorical levels (<2.0 ng/L vs ≥2.0 ng/L) of IL-6 and cardiovascular outcomes were tested in association with eGFR cutoffs (normal eGFR level [≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2], mildly decreased eGFR level [60-90 mL/min/1.73 m2], and moderately to severely decreased eGFR level [<60 mL/min/1.73 m2]).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Main outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

Results

This substudy of the STABILITY trial included 14 611 patients with available IL-6 levels at baseline. The median (interquartile range) age was 65 (59-71) years, and 2700 (18.5%) were female. During follow-up, MACE occurred in 1459 individuals (10.0%). Higher levels of IL-6 were in continuous models independently associated with risk of MACE (P < .001) in all CKD strata. Using predefined strata, elevated IL-6 level (≥2.0 vs <2.0 ng/L) was associated with increased risk of MACE at normal kidney function (2.9% vs 1.9% events/y [hazard ratio, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02-1.78]), mild CKD (3.3% vs 1.9% [hazard ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.35-1.83]), and moderate to severe CKD (5.0% vs 2.9% [hazard ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.28-1.99]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome, elevated levels of IL-6 were associated with risk of MACE in all CKD strata. Thus, IL-6 and CKD stage may help when identifying patients with chronic coronary syndrome for anti-inflammatory treatment.

A new approach to ticagrelor-based de-escalation of antiplatelet therapy after acute coronary syndrome. A rationale for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated, multicenter clinical study

The risk of ischemic events gradually decreases after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), reaching a stable level after 1 month, while the risk of bleeding remains steady during the whole period of dual antiplatelet treatment (DAPT). Several de-escalation strategies of antiplatelet treatment aiming to enhance safety of DAPT without depriving it of its efficacy have been evaluated so far. We hypothesized that reduction of the ticagrelor maintenance dose 1 month after ACS and its continuation until 12 months after ACS may improve adherence to antiplatelet treatment due to better tolerability compared with the standard dose of ticagrelor. Moreover, improved safety of treatment and preserved anti-ischemic benefit may also be expected with additional acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) withdrawal. To evaluate these hypotheses, we designed the Evaluating Safety and Efficacy of Two Ticagrelor-based De-escalation Antiplatelet Strategies in Acute Coronary Syndrome - a randomized clinical trial (ELECTRA-SIRIO 2), to assess the influence of ticagrelor dose reduction with or without continuation of ASA versus DAPT with standard dose ticagrelor in reducing clinically relevant bleeding and maintaining anti-ischemic efficacy in ACS patients. The study was designed as a phase III, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, investigator-initiated clinical study with a 12-month follow-up (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04718025; EudraCT number: 2020-005130-15).

Is cytisine contraindicated in smoking patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention?

BACKGROUND

Cytisine is contraindicated and its effects have not been evaluated in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

AIM

The safety, feasibility and short-term efficacy of cytisine for smoking cessation were evaluated in active smokers with CAD after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

METHODS

Patients with stable CAD and acute coronary syndromes (ACS), who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day, were included 30 days post PCI and offered cytisine therapy. Adverse events, smoking activity and drug adherence were assessed after 30 days.

RESULTS

117 patients participated (mean standard deviation [SD] age, 60.8 [7.7] years; men, 73.6%, mean [SD] number of pack-years 39.1 [13.9]). Overall, 79 patients consented (study group) and 38 declined (control group) to use cytisine. At follow-up visit the incidence of adverse events did not differ between groups (17.7% vs 21%; P = 0.67). The groups had similar success rate of smoking cessation in the intention-to-treat analysis (41.8% vs 36.8%; P = 0.61). In as treated analysis, patients who completed the therapy achieved a higher success rate than patients who declined (69.7% vs 36.9%; P = 0.006) or did not complete therapy (69.7% vs 34.8%; P = 0.01). In the multivariable analysis, complete cytisine therapy and ACS at admission were associated with an increased and male sex with decreased chance of smoking cessation.

CONCLUSION

Cytisine therapy is not associated with an increase in adverse events in patients with CAD after PCI. Cytisine is tolerable but effective in short-term follow-up only when the treatment is completed.

Smoking cessation after coronary angiography

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education

Background

Smoking cessation is crucial for risk reduction among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Effective support in smoking cessation (SC) and data regarding factors related to SC are still a matter of concern.

Purpose

To assess SC rates and factors related to effective smoking cessation in patients after coronary angiography (CA)

Methods

Patients scheduled to CA between 01.2014 and 11.2018 were screened for active smoking. Patients were contacted by phone after at least 6 months after procedure and investigated about current smoking, history of smoking and nicotine dependence.

Results

3719 consecutive patients were screened, overall 921 (24.8%) patients declared active smoking within the last month before CA. 241 patients were contacted and questionnaired after at least 6 months. The mean age of patients was 61.2 ± 9.3, 168 (69.7%) patients were men, 115 (47,7%) patients had acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Mean hospitalization time was 6 ± 4.4 days, 67 (27.8%) patients were scheduled for the second stage procedure. 80 (33.2%) patients declared SC during follow-up. In multivariate logistic regression analysis hospitalization time ≥4 days (OR 3.62; 95% CI 1.9-6.89), Fagerstrome score ≤4 (OR 1.96; 95%CI 1.01-3.79), scheduled second hospitalization (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.32-4.86), and unexpectedly smoking load with ≥51 pack-years (OR 2.28; 95%CI 1.16-4.47) increased the chance of SC.

Conclusion

Substantial group of patients scheduled to CA are current smokers. Self-reported SC rates after procedure are higher than in general population but still reasonably low. Prolonged in-hospital stay and repeated hospitalization increase chances for smoking cessation as well as low measured nicotine dependence. Paradoxically high load of packing-years also increase the chances of SC which may support repetitive attempts to SC in this group of patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Mortality in Heart Failure: The Global Congestive Heart Failure Study of 23 000 Patients From 40 Countries

BACKGROUND

Poor health-related quality of life (HRQL) is common in heart failure (HF), but there are few data on HRQL in HF and the association between HRQL and mortality outside Western countries.

METHODS

We used the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) to record HRQL in 23 291 patients with HF from 40 countries in 8 different world regions in the G-CHF study (Global Congestive Heart Failure). We compared standardized KCCQ-12 summary scores (adjusted for age, sex, and markers of HF severity) among regions (scores range from 0 to 100, with higher score indicating better HRQL). We used multivariable Cox regression with adjustment for 15 variables to assess the association between KCCQ-12 summary scores and the composite of all-cause death, HF hospitalization, and each component over a median follow-up of 1.6 years.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 65 years; 61% were men; 40% had New York Heart Association class III or IV symptoms; and 46% had left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40%. Average HRQL differed between regions (lowest in Africa [mean± SE, 39.5±0.3], highest in Western Europe [62.5±0.4]). There were 4460 (19%) deaths, 3885 (17%) HF hospitalizations, and 6949 (30%) instances of either event. Lower KCCQ-12 summary score was associated with higher risk of all outcomes; the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for each 10-unit KCCQ-12 summary score decrement was 1.18 (95% CI, 1.17-1.20) for death. Although this association was observed in all regions, it was less marked in South Asia, South America, and Africa (weakest association in South Asia: HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.03-1.14]; strongest association in Eastern Europe: HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.21-1.42]; interaction P<0.0001). Lower HRQL predicted death in patients with New York Heart Association class I or II and III or IV symptoms (HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.14-1.19] and HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.12-1.17]; interaction P=0.13) and was a stronger predictor for the composite outcome in New York Heart Association class I or II versus class III or IV (HR 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13-1.17] versus 1.09 [95% CI, [1.07-1.11]; interaction P<0.0001). HR for death was greater in ejection fraction ≥40 versus <40% (HR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.20-1.26] and HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13-1.17]; interaction P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

HRQL is a strong and independent predictor of all-cause death and HF hospitalization across all geographic regions, in mildly and severe symptomatic HF, and among patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03078166.

Risk markers of incident atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We investigated the associations between clinical risk factors and biomarkers with incident AF in patients with CHD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Around 13,153 patients with optimally treated CHD included in the STabilization of Atherosclerotic plaque By Initiation of darapLadIb TherapY (STABILITY) trial with plasma samples obtained at randomization. Mean follow-up time was 3.5 years. The association between clinical risk factors and biomarkers with incident AF was estimated with Cox-regression models. Validation was performed in 1,894 patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome included in the FRISC-II trial. The median (min-max) age was 64 years (range 26-92) and 2,514 (19.1%) were women. A total of 541 patients, annual incidence rate of 1.2%, developed AF during follow-up. In multivariable models, older age, higher levels of NT-proBNP, higher body mass index (BMI), male sex, geographic regions, low physical activity, and heart failure were independently associated with increased risk of incident AF with hazard ratios ranging from 1.04 to 1.79 (P ≤ .05). NT-proBNP improved the C-index from 0.70 to 0.71. In the validation cohort, age, BMI, and NT-proBNP were associated with increased risk of incident AF with similar hazard ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with optimally treated CHD, the incidence of new AF was 1.2% per year. Age, NT-proBNP as a marker of impaired cardiac function, and BMI were the strongest factors, independently and consistently associated with incident AF. Male sex and low physical activity may also contribute to the risk of AF in patients with CHD.

Chronotropic Incompetence Limits Aerobic Exercise Capacity in Patients Taking Beta-Blockers: Real-Life Observation of Consecutive Patients

Background: Chronotropic incompetence in patients taking beta-blockers is associated with poor prognosis; however, its impact on exercise capacity (EC) remains unclear. Methods: We analyzed data from consecutive patients taking beta-blockers referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess EC. Chronotropic incompetence was defined as chronotropic index (CI) ≤ 62%. Results: Among 140 patients all taking beta-blockers (age 61 ± 9.7 years; 73% males), 64% with heart failure, chronotropic incompetence was present in 80.7%. EC assessed as peak oxygen uptake was lower in the group with chronotropic incompetence, 18.3 ± 5.7 vs. 24.0 ± 5.3 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001. EC correlated positively with CI (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) and male gender (β = 5.12, p < 0.001), and negatively with age (β = −0.17, p < 0.001) and presence of heart failure (β = −3.35, p < 0.001). Beta-blocker dose was not associated with EC. Partial correlation attributable to CI accounted for more than one-third of the variance in EC explained by the model (adjusted R² = 59.8%). Conclusions: In patients taking beta-blockers, presence of chronotropic incompetence was associated with lower EC, regardless of the beta-blocker dose. CI accounted for more than one-third of EC variance explained by our model.

Predictors, Type, and Impact of Bleeding on the Net Clinical Benefit of Long-Term Ticagrelor in Stable Patients With Prior Myocardial Infarction

Background Ticagrelor reduces ischemic risk but increases bleeding in patients with prior myocardial infarction. Identification of patients at lower bleeding risk is important in selecting patients who are likely to derive more favorable outcomes versus risk from this strategy. Methods and Results PEGASUS-TIMI 54 (Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54) randomized 21 162 patients with prior myocardial infarction in a 1:1:1 fashion to ticagrelor 60 mg or 90 mg twice daily or placebo, with ticagrelor 60 mg approved for long-term use. TIMI major or minor bleeding was the primary end point for this analysis. Causes of bleeding were categorized by site and etiology, and independent predictors were identified. At 3 years, ticagrelor 60 mg increased the rate of TIMI major or minor bleeding by 2.0% versus placebo (1.4% placebo versus 3.4% ticagrelor). The bleeding excess was driven primarily by spontaneous gastrointestinal bleeds. A history of spontaneous bleeding requiring hospitalization and the presence of anemia were independent predictors of bleeding but not of ischemic risk. Patients with at least 1 risk predictor had 3-fold higher rates of bleeding with ticagrelor 60 mg versus those who had neither (absolute risk increase, 4.4% versus 1.5%; P=0.01). Patients with neither predictor had a more favorable benefit profile with ticagrelor 60 mg versus placebo including lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.96; P interaction = 0.03). Conclusions In patients with prior myocardial infarction, bleeding with ticagrelor 60 mg twice daily is predominantly spontaneous gastrointestinal. A history of spontaneous bleeding requiring hospitalization or the presence of anemia identifies patients at higher risk of bleeding, and the absence of either identifies patients likely to have a more favorable net benefit with ticagrelor. Registration URL https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01225562.

Antiplatelet therapy in patients with myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 10% of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) have no obstructive coronary artery disease. The prognosis and role of intensified antiplatelet therapy in those patients were evaluated.

METHODS

We analysed data from the Clopidogrel and Aspirin Optimal Dose Usage to Reduce Recurrent Events-Seventh Organisation to Assess Strategies in Ischaemic Symptoms trial randomising patients with ACS referred for early intervention to receive either double-dose (600 mg, day 1; 150 mg, days 2-7; then 75 mg/day) or standard-dose (300 mg, day 1; then 75 mg/day) clopidogrel. Outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) versus those with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and their relation to standard-dose versus double-dose clopidogrel were evaluated. The primary outcome was cardiovascular (CV) death, MI or stroke at 30 days.

RESULTS

We included 23 783 patients with MI and 1599 (6.7%) with MINOCA. Patients with MINOCA were younger, presented more frequently with non-ST-segment elevation MI and had fewer comorbidities. All-cause mortality (0.6% vs 2.3%, p=0.005), CV mortality (0.6% vs 2.2%, p=0.006), repeat MI (0.5% vs 2.3%, p=0.001) and major bleeding (0.6% vs 2.4%, p<0.0001) were lower among patients with MINOCA than among those with obstructive CAD. Among patients with MINOCA, 2.1% of patients in the double-dose clopidogrel group and 0.6% in the standard-dose group experienced a primary outcome (HR 3.57, 95% CI 1.31 to 9.76), whereas in those with obstructive CAD, rates were 4.3% and 4.7%, respectively (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.03; p value for interaction=0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MINOCA are at lower risk of recurrent CV events compared with patients with MI with obstructive CAD. Compared with a standard clopidogrel-based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen, an intensified dosing strategy appears to offer no additional benefit with a signal of possible harm. Further randomised trials evaluating the effects of potent DAPT in patients with MINOCA are warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00335452.

Assessment of quality of care of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Aims:

The 2017 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction recommended assessing quality of care to establish measurable quality indicators in order to ensure that every ST-elevation myocardial infarction patient receives the best possible care. We investigated the quality indicators of healthcare services in Poland provided to ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Methods and results:

The Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes is a nationwide, multicentre, prospective study of acute coronary syndrome patients in Poland. For the purpose of assessing quality indicators, we included 8279 patients from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes hospitalised with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 2018. Four hundred and eight of 8279 patients (4.9%) arrived at percutaneous coronary intervention centre by self-transport, 4791 (57.9%) arrived at percutaneous coronary intervention centre by direct emergency medical system transport, and 2900 (37.2%) were transferred from non-percutaneous coronary intervention facilities. Whilst 95.1% of ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients arriving in the first 12 h received reperfusion therapy, the rates of timely reperfusion were much lower (ranging from 39.4% to 55.0% for various ST-elevation myocardial infarction pathways). The median left ventricular ejection fraction was 46% and was assessed before discharge in 86.0% of patients. Four hundred and eighty-nine of 8279 patients (5.9%) died during hospital stay. Optimal medical therapy is prescribed in 50–85% of patients depending on various clinical settings. Only one in two ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients is enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program at discharge. No patient-reported outcomes were recorded in the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Conclusions:

The results of this study identified areas of healthcare system that require solid improvement. These include direct transport to percutaneous coronary intervention centre, timely reperfusion, guidelines-based medical therapy (in particular in patients with heart failure), referral to cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention programs. Also, there is a need for recording quality indicators associated with patient-reported outcomes.

Prolonged antithrombotic therapy in patients after acute coronary syndrome: A critical appraisal of current European Society of Cardiology guidelines

The increased risk of non-cardiovascular death in patients receiving clopidogrel or prasugrel in comparison with the placebo group in the Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) trial in contrast to the decreased risk of cardiovascular death and all-cause death seen in patients treated with low-dose ticagrelor in the EU label population of the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial, resulted in inclusion in the 2020 ESC NSTE-ACS guidelines the recommendation for use of clopidogrel or prasugrel only if the patient is not eligible for treatment with ticagrelor. The prevalence of the primary outcome composed of cardiovascular death, stroke, or myocardial infarction was lower in the low-dose rivaroxaban and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) group than in the ASA-alone group in the COMPASS trial. Moreover, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality rates were lower in the rivaroxaban-plus-ASA group. Comparison of the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 and COMPASS trial patient characteristics clearly shows that each of these treatment strategies should be addressed at different groups of patients. A greater benefit in post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with a high risk of ischemic events and without high bleeding risk may be expected with ASA and ticagrelor 60 mg b.i.d. when the therapy is continued without interruption or with short interruption only after ACS. On the other hand, ASA and rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.i.d. seems to be a better option when indications for dual antithrombotic therapy (DATT) appear after a longer time from ACS (more than 2 years) and/or from cessation of DAPT (more than 1 year) and in patients with multiple vascular bed atherosclerosis. Thus, both options of DATTs complement each other rather than compete, as can be presumed from the recommendations. However, a direct comparison between these strategies should be tested in future clinical trials.

Younger age of patients with myocardial infarction is associated with a higher number of relatives with a history of premature atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Premature coronary artery disease is one of the most pressing global issues in modern cardiology. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of family history of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients aged < 50 years with myocardial infarction (MI) compared to that in patients aged ≥50 years with MI and to that in young people without MI (no-MI < 50).

METHODS

The studied group (MI < 50) consisted of 240 patients aged 26-49 years with MI. The control groups consisted of 240 patients (MI ≥ 50) with MI aged 50-92 years and 240 healthy people aged 30-49 years without a history of MI (no-MI < 50).

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between the MI < 50 and MI ≥ 50 and no-MI < 50 groups regarding the family history of premature MI/ischaemic stroke and the percentage of patients with ≥2 relatives affected (10.8, 2.9, and 3.7%, respectively; p < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference in the patient age at the first MI occurrence among patients without a family history of premature CVD, those with 1 affected relative, and those with ≥2 affected first-degree relatives (56.6, 48.6 and 41.8 years, respectively) as well as those with affected first- and second-degree relatives (56.5, 50.7 and 47.0 years, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A younger age of patients with myocardial infarction is associated with a higher number of relatives with a history of premature MI/ischaemic stroke. Thus, the family history of premature atherosclerosis involving not only first- but also second-degree relatives seems to be a valuable factor in CVD risk evaluation in young people.

A multinational registry to study the characteristics and outcomes of heart failure patients: The global congestive heart failure (G-CHF) registry

The goal of the global congestive heart failure (G-CHF) registry is to collect comparative international data on heart failure characteristics, management, and outcomes and to better understand the determinants that impact the clinical course of heart failure. METHODS: G-CHF is a multicenter, prospective cohort study of adult patients with a new or prior clinical diagnosis of heart failure. We have enrolled 23,047 participants from 257 centers in 40 countries from 8 major geographic regions of the world, with recruitment ongoing. Approximately 4,000 participants will also participate in substudies to assess frailty, comorbidity, diet, barriers to care, biomarkers, and planned detailed echocardiographic analyses. Follow-up is planned for a period of 5 years. The primary outcome is cause-specific mortality. Key secondary outcomes include hospitalizations, quality of life, and major cardiovascular and noncardiovascular outcomes. A total of 31.9% of participants were enrolled as inpatients. Thus far, mean age of the cohort at baseline is 63.1 years, and 60.8% are male. Participants most commonly have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (53.6%) followed by preserved ejection fraction (24.2%) and midrange ejection fraction (20.6%). The most common causes of heart failure are ischemic (37.8%) followed by hypertensive (20.0%), idiopathic (15.1%), and valvular disease (8.8%). CONCLUSION: G-CHF will provide a greater understanding of the characteristics of the global heart failure population, variations in its management, clinical outcomes, and what continues to impact morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population.

In patients with stable coronary heart disease, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels < 70 mg/dL and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c < 7% are associated with lower major cardiovascular events

BACKGROUND

In patients with stable coronary heart disease, it is not known whether achievement of standard of care (SOC) targets in addition to evidence-based medicine (EBM) is associated with lower major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE): cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke.

METHODS

EBM use was recommended in the STabilisation of Atherosclerotic plaque By Initiation of darapLadIb TherapY trial. SOC targets were blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mm Hg and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) <100 mg/dL and <70 mg/dL. In patients with diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 7% and BP of <130/80 mm Hg were recommended. Feedback to investigators about rates of EBM and SOC was provided regularly.

RESULTS

In 13,623 patients, 1-year landmark analysis assessed the association between EBM, SOC targets, and MACE during follow-up of 2.7 years (median) after adjustment in a Cox proportional hazards model. At 1 year, aspirin was prescribed in 92.5% of patients, statins in 97.2%, β-blockers in 79.0%, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin-II receptor blockers in 76.9%. MACE was lower with LDL-C < 100 mg/dL (70-99 mg/dL) compared with LDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL (hazard ratio [HR] 0.694, 95% CI 0.594-0.811) and lower with LDL-C < 70 mg/dL compared with LDL-C < 100 mg/dL (70-99 mg/dL) (HR 0.834, 95% CI 0.708-0.983). MACE was lower with HbA1c < 7% compared with HbA1c ≥ 7% (HR 0.705, 95% CI 0.573-0.866). There was no effect of BP targets on MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

MACE was lower with LDL-C < 100 mg/dL (70-99 mg/dL) and even lower with LDL-C < 70 mg/dL. MACE in patients with diabetes was lower with HbA1c < 7%. Achievement of targets is associated with improved patient outcomes.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Oral P2Y12 Inhibitors in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Network Meta-Analysis of 52 816 Patients From 12 Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

New randomized, controlled trials have become available on oral P2Y₁₂ inhibitors in acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to evaluate current evidence comparing the efficacy and safety profile of prasugrel, ticagrelor, and clopidogrel in acute coronary syndrome by a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

We performed a network meta-analysis and direct pairwise comparison analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes from 12 randomized controlled trials including a total of 52 816 patients with acute coronary syndrome.

RESULTS

In comparison with clopidogrel, ticagrelor significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82 [95% CI, 0.72-0.92]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.75-0.92]), whereas there was no statistically significant mortality reduction with prasugrel (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.80-1.01] and HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.84-1.02], respectively). In comparison with each other, there were no significant differences in mortality (HR prasugrel versus ticagrelor, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.94-1.29] and 1.12 [95% CI, 0.98-1.28]). In comparison with clopidogrel, prasugrel reduced myocardial infarction (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.98]), whereas ticagrelor showed no risk reduction (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.78-1.22]). Differences between prasugrel and ticagrelor were not statistically significant. Stent thrombosis risk was significantly reduced by both ticagrelor and prasugrel versus clopidogrel (28%-50% range of reduction). In comparison with clopidogrel, both prasugrel (HR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.01-1.56]) and ticagrelor (HR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.04-1.55]) significantly increased major bleeding. There were no significant differences between prasugrel and ticagrelor for all outcomes explored.

CONCLUSIONS

Prasugrel and ticagrelor reduced ischemic events and increased bleeding in comparison with clopidogrel. A significant mortality reduction was observed with ticagrelor only. There was no efficacy and safety difference between prasugrel and ticagrelor. Registration: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Unique identifier: CRD42019155648.