Clinical routines for diabetes screening and treatment in cardiac rehabilitation improves detection and treatment of diabetes mellitus in patients with myocardial infarction

Background

Patients with myocardial infarction (MI) have a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Prognosis in patients with MI and DM is substantially worse than for those without DM. An unacceptably high proportion of patients with DM remain both undiagnosed and undertreated despite follow-up at cardiac rehabilitation (CR) centres.

Purpose

Using nationwide survey and registry data to investigate associations of clinical routines for DM screening and treatment at CR centres in Sweden with detection and treatment of DM at one-year post-MI.

Methods

Data on CR clinical routines were derived from the Perfect-CR survey, evaluating structures and follow-up processes at CR centres in Sweden (n=78). The response rate was 100% and missing data was minimal. Clinical routines for DM screening and treatment during CR (exposures) included the following: 1) laboratory assessments of fasting glucose and/or HbA1c as a part of initial patient assessment by a nurse, 2) routine use of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 3) joint case rounds with diabetologists, and 4) whether diabetes medication is adjusted by cardiologists. Patient baseline and outcome data was derived from the national quality registry SWEDEHEART (n=7549). Primary outcome was DM incidence at one-year post-MI. Secondary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving diabetes medication other than insulin (secondary outcome). The association between exposures (for each clinical routine and cumulatively [0–4 work routines]) and outcomes was estimated using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression, adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results

Number (%) of CR centres applying each of the clinical routines is shown in Table 1. The most common routine applied was fasting glucose and/or HbA1c being routinely evaluated at initial patient assessment (n=48 (62%)), while the least common was CR centres having joint case rounds with diabetologists (n=7 (9%)). Twenty (26%) CR centres did not apply any of the clinical routines while 7 (9%) centres applied 3 or 4 routines. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident DM are shown in Figure 1. Compared to not applying any routines, 1) applying one or more routines was positively associated higher DM incidence at one-year post-MI (p for trend in unadjusted and adjusted models <0.001. Figure 1), and 2) at centres where all four working routines were applied, the odds for patients being treated with diabetes medication was significantly higher (crude OR 2.37 [1.80–3.13], adjusted OR 1.78 [1.19–2.66]).

Conclusion

Applying structured clinical routines for DM screening and treatment within CR can improve detection and treatment of DM in patients with MI

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The current study was supported by The Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE, grant number 2019-00365); The Swedish Heart and Lung Association (grant number 20190431); The Swedish Heart and Lung Patient Organization; The Swedish Cardiology Society; The faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden; Astra Zeneca; and Amgen.

Biomarkers associated with prevalent hypertension and higher blood pressure in a population-based cohort: a proteomic approach

Background

Globally, hypertension represents an enormous health issue as it is a major, yet modifiable risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. Recently, chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1) was shown to be positively associated with the incidence of hypertension among prehypertensive subjects, and variants of CHI3L1 gene were associated with both CHI3L1-levels and hypertension.

Purpose

To explore associations between prevalent hypertension and blood pressure, and 92 proteins with involvement in inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Plasma samples from 1713 individuals from a Swedish population-based cohort (mean age 67.3±6.0 years; 28.9% women) were analysed with a proximity extension assay panel, consisting of 92 proteins. Prior to all analyses, subjects with prevalent cardiovascular disease, defined as having a history of prevalent coronary or stroke event, were excluded (n=189). Univariate logistic regression models were carried out exploring associations between each of the 92 proteins and prevalent hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive treatment (n=1168, 76.4%). Bonferroni-corrected significant associations between proteins and hypertension were further analysed using stepwise selection of covariates, namely age, body mass index, diabetes status, and cystatin C, in logistic regression models. Proteins with significant adjusted associations with prevalent hypertension were further analysed for associations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure individually in stepwise linear regression models. Complete data on all variables were available in 1527 subjects.

Results

Sixteen proteins were significantly associated with prevalent hypertension in univariate analyses. After adjustment, three proteins remained significantly associated with prevalent hypertension (i.e., CHI3L1, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL receptor) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA); Table 1). In analyses of associations with systolic blood pressure, CHI3L1 and LDL receptor showed significant associations. In analyses of associations with diastolic blood pressure, CHI3L1, LDL receptor and tPA showed significant associations (Table 1).

Conclusions

Higher CHI3L1, tPA and LDL receptor levels were positively associated with prevalent hypertension after multivariable adjustment, among 1527 elderly subjects without established cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, higher CHI3L and LDL receptor levels were positively associated with mean systolic, as well as mean diastolic blood pressure in multivariable analyses.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Swedish Medical Research Council and The Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation

Organizational and patient-level predictors for reaching key risk factor targets in cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction – the perfect-CR study

Background

The benefits of specific cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme components on patient outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI) remain unclear, as does their relative predictive strength compared to patient-level predictors.

Purpose

To identify CR organizational and patient-level predictors for reaching risk factor targets at one-year post-MI.

Methods

This was an observational survey- and registry-based study. Data on CR organization at all 78 CR centres in Sweden was collected in 2016 and merged with individual patient data from nationwide registries (n=7549, median age 64 years, 24% females). Cross-validation resampled orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis identified predictors for reaching treatment targets for low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L), blood pressure (BP<140/90 mmHg) and smoking abstinence (yes/no). Predictors with Variables of Importance for the Projection (VIP) value >0.8 and 95% confidence intervals (CI) excluding zero, were considered meaningful.

Results

Of the 71 analysed organizational variables, 36 were identified as meaningful predictors for reaching LDL-C and 35 for BP targets (Figure 1). The strongest predictors (VIP [95% CI]) for LDL-C and BP were: offering psychosocial management at initial CR assessment 2.09 [1.70–2.49]; 2.34 [1.90–2.78], having a CR team psychologist 1.59 [1.28–1.91]; 2.00 [1.46–2.55], having extended CR centre opening hours 2.17 [1.95–2.40]; 1.51 [1.03–2.00], staff reporting satisfaction with CR centre facilities 1.55 [1.07–2.04]; 1.96 [1.64–2.28], having a medical director 1.71 [1.45–1.97]; 1.47 [1.07–1.87], nurses using protocols for antihypertensive and/or lipid lowering medication adjustment 1.58 [1.35–1.81]; 1.56 [1.03–2.08], having operational team meetings 1.36 [1.08–1.64]; 1.34 [0.99–1.70], and using audit data for quality improvement 1.00 [0.79–1.20]; 1.27 [0.99–1.56]. Offering pre-exercise-based CR (exCR) assessment and different modes of exCR were predictors for reaching both targets. The strongest patient-level predictor of reaching LDL-C target was low baseline LDL-C 3.90 [3.25–4.56], and for BP it was having no history of hypertension 2.93 [2.74–3.12]. Second, participation in exCR was the strongest predictor for both outcomes 1.60 [0.83–2.37]; 1.50 [1.15–1.86]. For smoking abstinence, 5 organizational variables were identified as meaningful predictors, the strongest being prescription of varenicline by the centre physicians 1.98 [0.13–3.84] (Figure 2). The strongest patient-level predictors were exCR participation 2.51 [2.24–2.79] and socioeconomic status variables e.g., income 1.67 [1.28–2.06], living with partner 1.47 [0.84–2.09] and education 0.80 [0.48–1.12].

Conclusion

The study identified multiple CR organizational and patient-level predictors for reaching key risk factor targets one-year post-MI. The results might contribute to defining the optimal composition of comprehensive CR programmes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): 1) The Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE)2) The Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation (Hjärt Lung Fonden)

Improving smoking cessation after myocardial infarction by systematically implementing evidence-based treatment methods: a prospective observational cohort study

Background

For smokers who suffer a myocardial infarction (MI), smoking cessation is the most effective measure to reduce recurrent event risk. Still, evidence-based treatment methods for aiding smoking cessation post-MI are underused.

Purpose

To compare the odds of smoking cessation at two-months post-MI before and after implementing a set of pre-specified routines for optimization of evidence-based treatment methods for smoking cessation, with start during admission.

Methods

Structured routines for early smoking cessation counselling and treatment optimization were implemented at six cardiac rehabilitation (CR) centres in Sweden. The routines included CR nurses providing current smokers hospitalized for acute MI with short consultation, written material, and optimal dosage of nicotine replacement therapy during admission, increasing early prescription of varenicline for eligible patients, and contacting the patients by telephone 3–5 days after discharge, after which usual care CR follow-up commenced. Centres were also encouraged to strive for continuity in nurse-patient care. Patient data was retrieved from the SWEDEHEART registry and medical records. Using logistic regression, we compared the odds for smoking cessation at two-months post-MI for currently smoking patients admitted with MI (a) before (n=188, median age 60 years, 23% females) and (b) after (n=195, median age 60 years, 29% females) routine implementation. Secondary outcomes included adherence to implemented routines and the association of each routine with smoking cessation odds at two-months.

Results

In total, 159 (85%) and 179 (92%) of enrolled patients attended the two-month CR follow-up, before and after implementation of the new routines. After implementation, a significantly larger proportion of patients (65% vs 54%) were abstinent from smoking at two-months (crude OR 1.60 [1.04–2.48], p=0.034) (Figure 1). Including only those counselled during admission (n=89), 74% (vs 54%) were abstinent at two-months (crude OR 2.50 [1.42–4.41], p=0.002). After the new routine implementation patients were counselled more frequently during admission (50% vs 6%, p<0.001), prescribed varenicline at discharge or during follow-up (23% vs 7%, p<0.001), and contacted by telephone during the first week post-discharge (18% vs 2%, p<0.001), compared to before implementation. Crude and adjusted associations between each routine and smoking cessation at two-months are shown in Table 1. Entering all routines into the regression model simultaneously, being prescribed varenicline before discharge or during follow-up had the strongest independent association with smoking abstinence at two-months (adjusted OR 4.09 [1.68–10.00], p=0.002).

Conclusion

Our results support that readily available methods for aiding smoking cessation can be implemented effectively in routine practice, with possible beneficial effects on smoking cessation for the high-risk group of smoking MI patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Swedish Heart and Lung AssociationPfizer AB

Characteristics and outcome in foreign-born vs Sweden-born patients with myocardial infarction

Introduction

Immigration is increasing in most European countries. Little is known about differences in baseline characteristics and outcome between foreign-born and native patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

Purpose

To investigate differences in baseline characteristics and one-year mortality after an MI, based on region of birth.

Methods

We included 194 498 MI patients (36% women) between 2005 and 2016 from the SWEDEHEART registry and compared them according to region of birth: Sweden (Sw, n=166020), Other Nordic countries (No, n=10856), EU countries except Nordic (EU, (n=6301), Non-EU Europe (non EU, n=4779), Asia (n=4927), Africa (n=669), S America (n=567) and N America (n=379). One-year mortality was assessed using a Cox regression model (pairwise with Swedish-born as reference) and in a second model adjusting for age and sex. Data are presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

There was an increased proportion of foreign-born patients over time (12.8 to 16.7%).

We observed substantial differences in risk factors and comorbidity according to region of birth (lowest vs highest value) in age (mean) (58 vs 72 year, African vs Sw. born), smoking (19 vs 39%, Sw. vs Asian born), history of diabetes (20 vs 36%, African vs Sw. born), hypertension (40 vs 59%, born in African vs No.), MI (17 vs 23%, S America vs EU born) stroke (9 vs 20%, born in S American vs No.), low income (28% vs 56%, Sw. vs Asian born) and low level of education (27 vs 49%, born in Africa vs No.). One-year mortality according to region of birth was 15.4% for patients born in Sweden, 14.0% for patients born in other Nordic countries, 12.8% in EU, 9.6% for non-EU Europe, 6.3% for Asia, 8.4% for Africa, 6.7% for S America and 15.0% for N America. After adjustment for age and sex, the only significant differences were higher mortality in patients born in other Nordic countries (HR 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12), non-EU Europe (HR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.23) and Africa (HR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.29–2.19) compared to patients born in Sweden.

Conclusions

We observed increased rate of foreign-born MI patients, with differences in risk profile, comorbidity, education and financial resources according to region of birth, which may impact on observed differences in outcome. Equal access to care pose a challenge which may merit a more comprehensive and individualised approach to cardiac care. Future analyses should explore differences in treatment based on region of birth and potential association with outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Kamprad Family for Entrepeneurship, Research and Charity; The County Council of Östergötland, Sweden; Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden

Time trends in risk factor control and use of secondary preventive medication among patients with myocardial infarction attending cardiac rehabilitation: data from the SWEDEHEART registry 2006–2017

Background

Systematically monitoring results within cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been highlighted as a possible way to improve CR outcomes. The nationwide SWEDEHEART registry has monitored quality of care post myocardial infarction (MI) in Sweden since the 1990s. Follow-up data describing treatment and outcomes within CR has been collected since 2006.

Purpose

To describe changes in risk factor control and use of secondary preventive medication for post MI patients after completion of CR in Sweden 2006–2017, and to compare with trends in the EUROASPIRE surveys.

Methods

All patients who suffered an MI and attended a one-year CR follow-up visit registered in SWEDEHEART 2006–2017 were included (n=66 666, 18–74 years, 75% men). Trends in risk factor control and secondary preventive medication were collected yearly and analyzed over the time period using Cochran-Armitage trend test. Comparisons were made to data from the EUROASPIRE III (2006–2007), IV (2012–2013) and V (2016–2017) surveys, where patients with coronary artery events or interventions were interviewed at approximately 1.2 years after the index event (n=25 225, 18–80 years, 74% men).

Results

Trends in blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control, smoking, and central obesity are shown in the Figure. The proportion of patients achieving BP goal <140/90 mmHg and LDL-C goal <1.8 mmol/L increased by 16% and 29% from 2006 to 2017 in SWEDEHEART (p for trend <0.0001 for both), compared to 14% and 8% between EUROASPIRE III and V. Of patients who were active smokers at the time of the index event, the proportion still smoking at one-year remained unchanged in SWEDEHEART (43% in 2006 and 2017) while increasing from 52% to 55% in the EUROASPIRE surveys. An increase in prevalence of central obesity from approximately 50% to 60% was observed in both cohorts. The proportion of patients with obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m2) and diabetes increased in SWEDEHEART during the observed period from 23% to 29% (obesity) and 18% to 25% (diabetes) (p for trend <0.0001 for both). The proportions in 2017 were considerably lower than in EUROASPIRE V (2016–2017), where 38% were obese and 29% had diabetes. The use of statins increased from 89% to 93%, ezetimibe from 5% to 21%, and ACE/ARB from 65% to 82% in SWEDEHEART (p for trend <0.0001 for all). In comparison, in EUROASPIRE V the proportion treated with lipid lowering medication of any kind was 84% and with ACE/ARB was 75%.

Conclusion

Between 2006–2017, considerable improvements were achieved in risk factor control and use of secondary preventive medication for MI patients completing CR in Sweden, where all patients were monitored through the SWEDEHEART registry. The improvements were larger than observed in the EUROASPIRE surveys during the same time period. Continuous and nationwide auditing of CR outcomes, as well as local review of performance, could be possible explanations for some of the observed differences.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Effect of a lifestyle-focused electronic patient support application on risk factor management in post-myocardial infarction patients – a randomized controlled trial

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is central in reducing morbidity and mortality after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the fulfillment of guideline recommended CR targets is unsatisfactory. eHealth offers new possibilities to improve clinical care.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a mobile device application to support adherence to lifestyle advice and self-control of risk factors as a complement to traditional CR after MI.

Method

This unblinded multi-centre randomized controlled trial included 150 patients with MI (81% men, 60.4±8.8 years). All patients in the intervention (INT) and control (CON) groups participated in a 1-year CR program. Additionally, INT patients (n=101) received access to the mobile device application for 25 weeks post-MI where information about lifestyle (i.e., diet, physical activity, smoking), modifiable risk factors (i.e., weight, blood pressure (BP)), and symptoms could be registered. The software provided direct positive feedback and lifestyle advice. Data was reviewed twice weekly by the CR nurse. The primary outcome was change in sub-maximal exercise capacity (W) between an exercise test 2-weeks post MI and at follow-up 4 month later. Secondary outcomes included changes in lifestyle and modifiable risk factors including body mass index, waist circumference, blood-lipids, fasting glucose and HbA1c, between baseline and 2-week, 2-month and 1-year follow-up visits. Regression analysis was used, adjusting for relevant baseline variables.

Results

Participation in CR was high, with 96% of INT patients and 98% of the CON patients attending the 1-year follow-up visit. Forty-six percent of the INT patients and 57% of the CON patients attended centre-based exercise training (p=0.1). In the INT group 86% logged data in the application at least once. Adherence, defined as logging data at least twice per week, was 92% in week 1 and 57% in week 25. There was a numerical trend toward better exercise capacity improvement in the INT group (INT +14.4±19.0 vs. CON +10.3±16.1 W, p=0.2) although differences were non-significant. INT patients achieved larger BP reduction at 2-weeks (systolic) and 2-months (systolic and diastolic) (Figure). At 2-months 70% vs. 46% of smokers in the INT vs CON groups had quit smoking, and at 1-year the respective percentages were 57% vs. 36%. The number of smokers in the study was however low (n=33) and the differences non-significant. For other secondary endpoints no differences were observed.

Conclusion

Complementing CR with a mobile device application improved BP during the first months after MI, and non-significant trends towards better exercise capacity and higher smoking cessation rates were observed. Even though the differences were non-significant in our small study sample, they indicate that using eHealth in the form of a mobile device application could clinically benefit post-MI patients participating in CR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Governmental funding of clinical research within the National Health Services in Sweden.

4952Level A evidence - for A-level patients only? Participants in clinical trials post myocardial infarction have higher socioeconomic status and better prognosis

Introduction

Randomized clinical trials (RCT) produce the highest level of evidence and therefore form the basis for many guidelines. Their Achilles heel is external validity which is still poorly studied. Participants in clinical trials may partly be selected on unknown mechanisms in particular regarding socioeconomic status. To what extent participants in clinical trials after myocardial infarction (MI) are representative for the overall MI population is unknown.

Purpose

To investigate whether participants in clinical trials after myocardial infarction differ regarding socioeconomic status (SES), risk factor profile, prior and recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.

Methods

A total of 34,084 patients attending follow up after myocardial infarction between 2007 and 2014 were identified in the Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) out of which 3,037 had participated in a clinical trial. Information on disposable income, education level, marital status, prior CVD, risk factors and treatment were retrieved from national registers and patients were followed regarding recurrent CVD. Participants in clinical trials were compared to non-participants using logistic and Cox regression analyses. In a multivariable Cox-regression analysis adjustments were made for gender, age, inclusion-year, diabetes, LVEF, previous MI, previous stroke, prior cardiac surgery, ECG rhythm, eGFR, lipid levels, smoking status, use of ASA, use of ACE-I, use of beta-blockers, use of statins, level of education, disposable income and family status.

Results

Trial participants were more likely to be men (odds ratio (OR): 1.42; 95% CI: 1.29–1.55)), to be married (1.17; 1.09–1.27), to have a high income (1.58; 1.45–1.72), have a post-secondary education (>12 years) (1.33; 1.22–1.46) and less likely to be smokers (0.81; 0.72–0.90), have a reduced EF <30% (0.61; 0.46–0.80), history of previous stroke (0.79; 0.65–0.97) or MI (0.86; 0.77–0.97) compared to non-participants. The risk for recurrent CVD was lower among the participants compared to the non-participants (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.67–0.88) and is illustrated in figure 1. In a fully adjusted model the lower risk remained after adjusting for age, gender, risk factors, prior disease including EF, evidence based treatments and SES (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74–0.97).

Trial participation and recurrent CVD

Conclusion

Participants in clinical trials after MI constitute a highly selected group with higher SES, a more favourable risk profile and a better overall prognosis. The lower risk after full adjustments imply that additional selection bias exists. The external validity of post MI- trials in general can thus be questioned. To what extent results from clinical trials apply to the overall post MI population should be carefully scrutinized. Real world registry data are important.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Familjen Janne Elgqvists Stiftelse

P5325A possible paradoxical association between LDL-cholesterol in myocardial infarction patients and relation to major adverse outcomes - a 10-year nationwide cohort study

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk increases with the level of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and LDL-C lowering treatment improves prognosis. Less is known about LDL-C levels at myocardial infarction (MI) admission and long-term prognosis.

Purpose

To investigate admission LDL-C levels in relation to mortality, recurrent MI and baseline characteristics.

Methods

Patients admitted with an MI in Sweden and recorded in the MI-registry (SWEDEHEART) 2006–2016 were included and followed until 2018. Associations between baseline LDL-C, mortality and MI were assessed with Cox regression analysis, adjusting for risk factors (eg. age, diabetes, prior CV events) and lipid lowering therapy.

Results

Of 126,669 patients (median age: 70) admitted with MI, 26.2% (n=32,883) had ongoing statin therapy, and the median LDL-C was 2.96 (interquartile range 2.23, 3.74) mmol/L. During median follow-up of 4.2 years, 31,024 died and 17,896 had an MI (table). Patients with higher LDL-C were younger, had substantially fewer comorbidities such as diabetes and prior CVD (p<0.001). In this analysis there was an interaction with ongoing statin-use (p=0.0025). When dividing patients by LDL-C into quartiles, statin naive in the highest LDL-C quartile (3.95 mmol/L) had a lower risk of death compared to patients in the lowest quartile (2.62 mmol/L) HR 0.86 (95% CI 0.83–0.90). For patients with ongoing statin, the risk was also lower with higher LDL-C (2.84 mmol/L) compared to lower LDL-C (1.72 mmol/L) HR 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.96). No association was observed between LDL-C and recurrent MI.

Table 1. Event rate for mortality and myocardial infarction (MI) by LDL quartile groups Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 LDL-C (mmol/L) Statin naive <2.62 2.62–3.26 3.26–3.95 >3.95 Ongoing <1.72 1.72–2.21 2.21–2.84 >2.84 Mortality Statin naive 0.074 (6553) 0.049 (4596) 0.037 (3706) 0.030 (2949) Ongoing 0.10 (3297) 0.075 (2769) 0.062 (2462) 0.055 (2157) MI Statin naive 0.034 (2808) 0.026 (2292) 0.024 (2269) 0.023 (2094) Ongoing 0.064 (1796) 0.055 (1792) 0.048 (1694) 0.044 (1557) Event/year (n of events) stratified by statin treatment at index event.

Conclusions

In this real-world population with over 126,000 patients and 10 years of follow-up, higher LDL-C at the time of the MI was associated with a markedly better prognosis in patients with and without prior statin therapy. This paradox may, despite adjustment, be caused by a substantially lower CVD baseline risk in patients with higher LDL-C pertaining to a lower burden of risk factors, younger age, and fewer prior CVD events as well as a highly treatable risk factor.

P2684Blood pressure lowering by using a self-care focused smartphone application for patients after myocardial infarction

Background

We have previously shown that complementing traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with a web-based smartphone application designed to support self-control of risk factors can improve secondary prevention outcomes, including lower blood pressure (BP).

Purpose

To explore possible explanations for better BP control among patients with myocardial infarction (MI) receiving access to a smartphone application as a complement to traditional CR, compared to patients receiving traditional CR alone.

Methods

Data from a multi-centre randomized controlled trial that included 150 patients with MI (81% men, 60.4±8.8 years) was used. All patients participated in traditional CR. In addition, patients in the intervention group (APP, n=101) had access to the application. Patients received automated positive feedback on normal values and all registered data was viewed by CR nurses twice weekly. As previously reported, APP patients achieved a 9 mmHg larger reduction in systolic BP than usual care (UC) patients at 2-months follow-up (p=0.02). In the current analysis we assessed differences between APP and UC patients in the number of visits and telephone contacts with the CR clinic, number of reported BP measurements and number and type of interventions on account of out-of-range BP during the first 6 months of follow-up, using Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests.

Results

There was no difference in the median (IQR) number of visits to a CR nurse or physician (APP 2 (2–3) vs UC 2 (2–3), p=0.8) or telephone contacts ((APP 2 (1–4) vs UC 2 (1–4), p=0.8) between the groups. Approximately one in ten telephone contacts were initiated because of BP, with no difference between the groups (p=0.8). Out of 101 APP patients 75 reported BP values through the application, ranging from 1–175 BP values/patient (median 6 (IQR 0–34)). Most measurements (90%) were normal. Grouping clinic visits, telephone contacts due to BP and BP reports through the application as a composite for the number of BP measurements the CR personnel were exposed to during follow-up, there was a significant difference between the groups (APP 9 (4–36) vs UC 3 (2–3), p<0.0001). There was a small non-significant difference between the groups in the proportion of patients where an intervention was performed by the CR nurse on account of out-of-range BP (i.e. medication adjustments, new measurement scheduled) (APP 22% vs UC 12%, p=0.1).

Conclusion

While CR personnel were exposed to significantly more BP measurements from patients using a self-care focused smartphone application as a complement to traditional CR, most BP measurements reported through the application were normal and there was no difference in the number of interventions performed on account of out-of-range BP values. Automated positive feedback on in-range BP measurements, increased patient responsibility with better adherence to BP lowering medication could be possible explanations to improved BP control.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

5130Association between degree of LDL-cholesterol decrease after a myocardial infarction and mortality - a nationwide cohort study

Background

In clinical trials, patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) benefit the most from lipid lowering therapy, and more intensive LDL-C lowering therapy is associated with better prognosis.

Purpose

To investigate the association between degree of LDL-C lowering and prognosis in MI patients from a large real-world setting.

Methods

Patients admitted with an MI between 2006 and 2016 and registered in the Swedish MI-registry (SWEDEHEART) were followed until 2018. The difference in LDL-C between the MI hospitalization and a 6–10 week follow-up was measured. In multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusting for clinical risk factors (eg. age, diabetes, prior cardiovascular disease), the association between LDL-C change, mortality and recurrent MI was assessed using restricted cubic splines. Further, the patients were stratified according to quartile decrease in LDL-C from MI hospitalization to the follow-up.

Results

A total of 44,148 patients (median age: 64) had an LDL-C measured during the MI hospitalization and at follow-up. Of these, 9,905 (22.4%) had ongoing statin treatment prior to admission. The median LDL-C at the MI hospitalization was 2.96 (interquartile range 2.23, 3.74) mmol/L and the median decrease in LDL-C was 1.17 (0.37, 1.86) mmol/L. During a median follow-up of 3.9 years, 3,342 patients died and 3,210 had an MI. Patients with the highest quartile of LDL-C decrease (1.86 mmol/L) from index event to follow-up, had a lower risk of mortality, hazard ratio (HR) 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–0.80) compared to those with the lowest quartile of LDL-C decrease (0.37 mmol/L) (figure). For MI, the corresponding HR was 0.83 (95% CI 0.68–1.02). Ongoing statin-use prior to admission did not alter the effect of LDL-C decrease and outcome in the analysis.

Conclusions

In this large nationwide cohort of MI patients, a gradually lower risk of death was observed in patients with larger decrease in LDL-C from index event to follow-up, regardless of statin use prior to admission. The same trend was observed for recurrent MI, although not reaching statistical significance. This confirms previous findings that efforts should be made to lower LDL-C after MI.

P6352The antimicrobial protein Azurocidin-1 is associated with prevalent diastolic dysfunction and incident congestive heart failure in a Swedish population cohort

Background

Although Azurocidin-1 (Azu-1), also known as heparin binding protein, has been associated with myocardial infarction, possible associations of Azu-1 with congestive heart failure (CHF) remains unknown. Here we tested the possible association of Azu-1 with prevalent diastolic dysfunction and/or incident CHF in a large Swedish prospective population based cohort.

Methods

Azu-1 was analyzed using the Proseek Multiplex CVD III panel in 1737 participants from a subsample of the population (mean age 67 years, 29% women) who underwent a complete echocardiographic examination. All biomarkers were logarithmized and standardized prior to statistical analysis.

Logistic and linear regression were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood, anti-hypertensive treatment and subjects with an ejection fraction below 50% were excluded for the analysis of prevalent diastolic dysfunction and Azu-1. For the linear regression model, we used E/é ratio as a key functional variable in assessing diastolic function according to ESC 2016 Guidelines for Acute and Chronic Heart Failure. Furthermore, we dichotomized the E/é ratio at >13 in another logistic regression model. Finally, in line with ESC Guidelines 2016, we combined the key functional (E/é >13) and key structural (left ventricular mass index (LVMI) ≥115 g/m2 for males and ≥95 g/m2 for females) alterations for diastolic dysfunction and used this variable in both logistic regression for association with Azu-1 and for Cox regression analysis of incident CHF. 1439 subjects (938 cases with some degree of diastolic dysfunction and 501 controls) remained for the analysis.

For the analysis of incident CHF, Cox regression was used excluding subjects with ejection fraction below 50% and prevalent CHF and further adjusted for prevalent coronary disease on top of age, sex, BMI, diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood and anti-hypertensive treatment. 1,511 subjects (64 incident cases of CHF vs 1447 controls; median follow up time 8.9 years) remained.

Results

After adjustment for above mentioned risk factors, each 1 standard deviation (SD) of increase in Azu-1 was associated with any degree of prevalent diastolic dysfunction (odds ratio (OR) 1.13, p=0.048), E/é >13 OR 1.21, p=0.028 and for combined LVMI and E/é OR 1.17, p=0.015. In fully adjusted linear regression Azu-1 was associated with E/é with a β-coefficient of 0.056, p=0.018.

In a fully adjusted Cox regression models Azu-1 was associated with incident CHF (hazard ratio (HR) 1.32, p=0.025). As expected and as proof of concept E/é >13 and combined LVMI with E/é were also associated with incident CHF; HR 2.84, p<0.001 and HR 2.12, p=0.006, respectively.

Conclusion

An inflammatory mediator, Azurocidin-1, is associated with prevalent diastolic dysfunction, E/é, E/é combined with LVMI as well as incident congestive heart failure in a population-based cohort.

Dietary fat intake and early mortality patterns--data from The Malmö Diet and Cancer Study

OBJECTIVES

Most current dietary guidelines encourage limiting relative fat intake to <30% of total daily energy, with saturated and trans fatty acids contributing no more than 10%. We examined whether total fat intake, saturated fat, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fat intake are independent risk factors for prospective all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

DESIGN

Population-based, prospective cohort study.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS

The Malmö Diet and Cancer Study was set in the city of Malmö, southern Sweden. A total of 28,098 middle-aged individuals participated in the study 1991-1996.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjects were categorized by quartiles of relative fat intake, with the first quartile used as a reference point in estimating multivariate relative risks (RR; 95% CI, Cox's regression model). Adjustments were made for confounding by age and various lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

Women in the fourth quartile of total fat intake had a significantly higher RR of cancer mortality (RR 1.46; CI 1.04-2.04). A significant downwards trend was observed for cardiovascular mortality amongst men from the first to the fourth quartile (P=0.028). No deteriorating effects of high saturated fat intake were observed for either sex for any cause of death. Beneficial effects of a relatively high intake of unsaturated fats were not uniform.

CONCLUSIONS

With the exception of cancer mortality for women, individuals receiving more than 30% of their total daily energy from fat and more than 10% from saturated fat, did not have increased mortality. Current dietary guidelines concerning fat intake are thus generally not supported by our observational results.

The association between total energy intake and early mortality: data from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study

OBJECTIVES

In animal studies, low energy intake (EI) has been associated with a longer lifespan. We examine whether EI is an independent risk factor for prospective all-cause mortality, cardiovascular and cancer mortality in humans.

DESIGN

Population-based, prospective cohort study.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS

The Malmö Diet and Cancer Study is a population-based prospective cohort study. A total of 28 098 individuals, mean age 58.2 years, completed questionnaires on diet and life-style and attended a physical examination during 1991-96.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Information on mortality was acquired from national registries during a mean follow-up time of 6.6 years. Subjects were categorized by quartiles of total EI. The first quartile was used as a reference point in estimating multivariate relative risks (RR; 95% CI, Cox's regression model). Adjustments were made for confounding by age and various life-style factors.

RESULTS

The lowest total mortality was observed for women in the third quartile (RR: 0.74; CI: 0.57-0.96) and for men in the second and third quartiles (RR: 0.85; CI: 0.69-1.04 and RR: 0.85; CI: 0.69-1.04 respectively). Similar U-shaped patterns were observed for cardiovascular mortality amongst women and cancer mortality amongst men. A statistically significant trend (P = 0.029) towards lower cardiovascular mortality from the first to the fourth quartile was observed for men.

CONCLUSIONS

Low caloric consumers did, on average, not have lower mortality than average or high caloric consumers. Generally, individuals approximately meeting national recommendations for total EI had the lowest mortality. For men, high caloric intake was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality.