Heart disease complicating pregnancy as a leading cause of maternal deaths in LMIC settings: the Sri Lankan experience

Background

Heart disease (HD) is one of the leading indirect causes of maternal deaths worldwide, both in high- and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to describe maternal deaths due to cardiovascular disease complicating pregnancy in Sri Lanka.

Methods

The national Maternal Death Surveillance Response (MDSR) system in Sri Lanka investigates all female deaths during pregnancy and 12 months after delivery. These maternal death investigation records were perused in this analysis. Maternal deaths from 2006 to 2018 with HD complicating pregnancy as the immediate or underlying cause of death were re-coded using the ICD-11 classification.

Findings

Of the 2855 pregnancy-related deaths reported to the MDSR from 2006 to 2018, 1646 (57.7%) were confirmed as maternal deaths. Of those, 284 (17.25%) were attributed to HD complicating pregnancy. The cause-specific maternal mortality ratio due to heart disease from 2006 to 2018 was 7.24 per 100,000 live births. Rheumatic heart disease was the leading cause of HD (60, 21.1%), while cardiomyopathies (59, 20.7%) and congenital anomalies (34, 12.0%) accounted for a sizeable share. Medically contraindicated pregnancies accounted for 54 (19%) deaths. Application of the 3-delay model identified 186 (65.5%) cases with possible delays. Out of all deaths, 158 (55.6%) cases were categorized as preventable.

Interpretation

Preventing maternal mortality from HD in LMICs requires a lifecycle approach with situation-specific interventions and highly specialized care. Community awareness, capacity building related to management, and specific infrastructure development will be key strategies.

Funding

None.

Changing Patterns of Heart Disease Mortality in Rural and Urban Areas - China, 1987-2021

What is already known about this topic?

The burden of heart disease is increasing rapidly due to the aging population and changing lifestyles in China.

What is added by this report?

This study investigated the evolution of mortality rates due to heart disease in urban and rural areas of China over the past 35 years, and identified the age-period-cohort effects on mortality changes.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Healthcare providers should prioritize attention to heart disease among older males living in rural areas.

Causes of death in nonmalignant meningioma

OBJECTIVES

Nonmalignant meningioma (NM) is the most common brain tumor in the United States (US), accounting for 54% of nonmalignant brain tumors. This study aims to investigate the causes of death (CODs) in NM patients and their possible associations with demographic factors.

METHODS

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we analyzed 116,430 NM patients diagnosed between the years 2004 and 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 31,640 deaths were observed. Non-tumor diseases accounted for 63.9% of all deaths. Out of these non-tumor deaths, we found the most common causes were heart disease (18.7% of deaths), cerebrovascular disease (7.4% of deaths), and Alzheimer's disease (4.5% of deaths). On the other hand, cancer was responsible for 27.4% of deaths, while in-situ and benign tumor deaths accounted for only 8.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first US population-based study to investigate the causes of death in NM patients. We found that non-tumor diseases accounted for the majority of deaths. The risks of mortalities caused by heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease were significantly elevated. These data can help improve survival outcomes for NM patients, particularly if adjusted by demographic risk factors.

Mortality and morbidity in ageing men: Biology, Lifestyle and Environment

Males live shorter lives than women in all countries. The universality of shorter male life expectancy is a 21st Century phenomena. It occurs with the decline in infectious diseases and the rise in cardiovascular diseases accounting for mortality. Male/female differences in morbidity are not as succinctly characterized. Men have a higher prevalence of lethal diseases, which is linked to their lower life expectancy. Women have more non-lethal conditions such as depression and arthritis; which may also be linked in part to longer survival. Men have better physical functioning and less disability which is partly explained by gender differences in diseases and also by their greater strength, size, and stamina. Gender differences in risk factors for disease have changed over time with the prevalence and treatment of risk as well as differential behavior by gender. Examination of what are seen as basic molecular and cellular measures related to aging indicates men age faster than women; however, even these basic biological measures result from a combination of biology, behavior, and social factors.

The complicated lives of GPCRs in cardiac fibroblasts

The role of different G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the cardiovascular system is well understood in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In the former, stimulation of Gs-coupled receptors leads to increases in contractility, while stimulation of Gq-coupled receptors modulates cellular survival and hypertrophic responses. In VSMCs, stimulation of GPCRs also modulates contractile and cell growth phenotypes. Here, we will focus on the relatively less well studied effects of GPCRs in cardiac fibroblasts, focusing on key signalling events involved in the activation and differentiation of these cells. We also review the hierarchy of signalling events driving the fibrotic response and the communications between fibroblasts and other cells in the heart. We discuss how such events may be distinct depending on where the GPCRs and their associated signalling machinery are localized in these cells with an emphasis on nuclear membrane-localized receptors. Finally, we explore what such connections between cell surface and nuclear GPCR signalling might mean for cardiac fibrosis.

Telomere Length as a marker of biological aging: A critical review of recent literature

INTRODUCTION

Aging is characterized as a syndrome of deleterious, progressive, universal, and irreversible function changes affecting every structural and functional aspect of the organism and accompanied by a generalized increase in mortality. Although a substantial number of candidates for biomarkers of aging have been proposed, none has been validated or universally accepted. Human telomeres constitute hexameric repetitive DNA sequence nucleoprotein complexes that cap chromosome ends, regulating gene expression and modulating stress-related pathways. Telomere length (TL) shortening is observed both in cellular senescence and advanced age, leading to the investigation of TL as a biomarker for aging and a risk factor indicator for the development and progression of the most common age-related diseases.

OBJECTIVE

The present review underlines the connection between TL and the pathophysiology of the diseases associated with telomere attrition.

METHODS

We performed a structured search of the PubMed database for peer-reviewed research of the literature regarding leukocyte TL and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), more specifically stroke and heart disease, and focused on the relevant articles published during the last 5 years. We also applied Hill's criteria of causation to strengthen this association.

RESULTS

We analyzed the recent literature regarding TL length, stroke, and CVD. Although approximately one-third of the available studies support the connection, the results of different studies seem to be rather conflicting as a result of different study designs, divergent methods of TL determination, small study samples, and patient population heterogeneity. After applying Hill's criteria, we can observe that the literature conforms to them weakly, with chronology being the only Hill criterion of causality that probably cannot be contested.

CONCLUSION

The present review attempted to examine the purported relation between leukocyte TL and age-related diseases such as CVD and more specific stroke and heart disease in view of the best established, comprehensive, medical and epidemiological criteria that have characterized the focused recent relevant research. Although several recommendations have been made that may contribute significantly to the field, a call for novel technical approaches and studies is mandatory to further elucidate the possible association.

Cardiovascular determinants of impaired placental function in women with cardiac dysfunction

Female heart disease has for a long time been an underrecognized problem in the field of cardiology. With an ever-growing number of these patients getting pregnant, cardiac dysfunction during pregnancy is an increasingly large medical problem. Previous work has shown that maternal heart disease may have an adverse effect on pregnancy outcome in both mother and child. The placenta forms the connection and it is postulated that cardiac dysfunction negatively affects the placenta, and consequently, neonatal outcome. Given the paucity of data in this field, more research on the influence of cardiac (mal)function on placental (mal)function is needed. The present review describes placental function in women with various types of cardiac dysfunction, thereby aiming to provide more insight into possible underlying mechanisms of placental malfunction. Organ dysfunction in patients with heart failure is for an important part based on reduced perfusion and venous congestion. This has been shown in other organs such as kidneys, liver and brain. In pregnant women with cardiac dysfunction, placental dysfunction may follow similar patterns. Moreover, other factors, such as pre-existing hypertension and chronic hypoxia may lead to further impairment of placental function, through abnormal vascular remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries. The pathophysiology of placental dysfunction in pregnant women with cardiac dysfunction may thus be multifactorial. It is therefore important to monitor closely cardiac and placental function in such high-risk pregnancies. Gaining a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms may have important clinical implications in terms of pregnancy counseling, monitoring and outcome.

Food Pantry Usage Patterns are Associated with Client Sociodemographics and Health

Characterizing food pantry (FP) clients' FP usage patterns may provide opportunities to tailor health-related interventions. Respondents (n=245) at seven FPs reported their frequency and reliance on FPs and their sociodemographics, health status, and health-related trade-offs. Clients were categorized via latent class analysis. Higher FP usage was associated with being older, having a household member with heart disease, and putting off buying medicine to buy food. Lower FP usage was associated with higher levels of education and having a household member with cancer. Findings highlight the potential importance of measuring FP clients' degree of FP use.

Association of Hepatic Steatosis With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, Independent of Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatic steatosis has been associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) but it is not clear whether steatosis is independently associated with risk of MACE. We investigated whether steatosis is associated with risk of MACE independently of the presence and extent of baseline coronary artery disease, assessed by comprehensive contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA).

METHODS

We conducted a nested cohort study of 3756 subjects (mean age, 60.6 years; 48.4% men) who underwent coronary CTA at 193 sites in North America, from July 2010 through September 2013, as part of the PROMISE study, which included noninvasive cardiovascular analyses of symptomatic outpatients without coronary artery disease. Independent core laboratory readers measured hepatic and splenic attenuation, using non-contrast computed tomography images to identify steatosis, and evaluated coronary plaques and stenosis in coronary CTA images. We collected data on participants' cardiovascular risk factors, presence of metabolic syndrome, and body mass index. The primary endpoint was an adjudicated composite of MACE (death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina) during a median follow-up time of 25 months.

RESULTS

Among the 959 subjects who had steatosis (25.5% of the cohort), 42 had MACE (4.4%), whereas among the 2797 subjects without steatosis, 73 had MACE (2.6%) (hazard ratio [HR] for MACE in subjects with steatosis, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.16-2.48; P = .006 for MACE in subjects with vs without steatosis). This association remained after adjustment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores, significant stenosis, and metabolic syndrome (adjusted HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.16-2.54; P = .007) or obesity (adjusted HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.19-2.59; P = .005). Steatosis remained independently associated with MACE after adjustment for all CTA measures of plaques and stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic steatosis is associated with MACE independently of other cardiovascular risk factors or extent of coronary artery disease. Strategies to reduce steatosis might reduce risk of MACE. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT01174550.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Fibrosis Associated With Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events in a Prospective Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at increased chance for cardiovascular events (CVEs). Severity of liver fibrosis is used to determine prognoses for patients with NAFLD, but little is known about the relationship between liver fibrosis and CVEs in the real world.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the prospective observational progression of liver damage and cardiometabolic disorders in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease study, comprising 898 consecutive outpatients (mean age, 56.4 ± 12.7 years; 37.5% women) screened for liver steatosis by ultrasound according to Hamagughi criteria. Liver fibrosis was defined as FIB-4 score greater than 2.67 and NAFLD fibrosis score greater than 0.676. After enrolment, patients were interviewed by phone every 6 months and examined every 12 months in the outpatient clinic, and CVEs were recorded (fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction, cardiac or peripheral revascularization, new-onset arterial fibrillation and cardiovascular death). The primary outcomes were incidence rate of CVEs in patients with vs without NAFLD and factors associated with CVEs in patients with NAFLD.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up time of 41.4 months (3044.4 patient-years), 58 CVEs (1.9%/year) were registered. The rate of CVEs was higher in patients with (n = 643, 2.1%/year) vs without NAFLD (n = 255, 1.0%/year) (P = .066). In multivariable Cox proportional regression analysis, NAFLD increased risk for CVEs (hazard ratio [HR], 2.41; 95% CI, 1.06-5.47; P = .036), after adjustment for metabolic syndrome. Among patients with NAFLD, male sex, previous CVEs, metabolic syndrome and FIB-4 scores greater than 2.67 (HR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.21-13.38; P = .023) were independently associated with risk of incident CVEs. NFS scores greater than 0.676 were also independently associated with risk of incident CVEs (HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.05-5.27; P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of data from a study of patients screened for NAFLD and followed, individuals with NAFLD had more than a 2-fold increase in risk of CVEs, and those with liver fibrosis had a 4-fold increase in risk. In patients with NAFLD, liver fibrosis indexes were independently associated with risk of incident CVEs. ClinicalTrials.gov no:NCT04036357.

Evaluating the Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Biomarkers for Heart Disease and Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients With Muscular Dystrophy

AIMS

Heart disease is recognized as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD). Our study demonstrates the clinical utility of cardiac biomarkers to improve the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and prognostication of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in these vulnerable patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively followed 117 patients (median age, 42 (interquartile range [IQR], 26-50) years; 49 [41.9%] women) at the Neuromuscular Multidisciplinary clinic diagnosed with a dystrophinopathy, limb-girdle MD, type 1 myotonic dystrophy, or facioscapulohumeral MD. We determined that B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and high-sensitive troponin I (hsTnI) were effective diagnostic markers of cardiomyopathy (area under the curve [AUC], 0.64; P=0.017; and AUC, 0.69; P=0.001, respectively). Patient risk stratification for MACE was based on cutoff values of BNP and hsTnI defined a priori as 30.5000 pg/mL and 7.6050 ng/L, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 2.09 (IQR, 1.17-2.81) years there were 36 confirmed MACE. Multivariate regression analyses showed that patients with BNP and hsTnI levels above the respective cutoff values had a 3.70-fold (P=0.001) and 3.24-fold (P=0.002) greater risk of MACE, respectively, compared to patients with biomarker levels below. Furthermore, patients with biomarker levels above both cutoff values had a 4.08-fold (P=0.001) greater risk of MACE. Inflammatory biomarkers did not show clinical utility for heart disease in these patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates important diagnostic and prognostic value of BNP and hsTnI as part of a comprehensive cardiac assessment to augment the management and treatment of heart disease in patients with MD.

Non-inferiority trials in cardiology: what clinicians need to know

Clinical trials traditionally aim to show a new treatment is superior to placebo or standard treatment, that is, superiority trials. There is an increasing number of trials demonstrating a new treatment is non-inferior to standard treatment. The hypotheses, design and interpretation of non-inferiority trials are different to superiority trials. Non-inferiority trials are designed with the notion that the new treatment offers advantages over standard treatment in certain important aspects. The non-inferior margin is a predetermined margin of difference between the new and standard treatment that is considered acceptable or tolerable for the new treatment to be considered ‘similar’ or ‘not worse’. Both relative difference and absolute difference methods can be used to define the non-inferior margin. Sequential testing for non-inferiority and superiority is often performed. Non-inferiority trials may be necessary in situations where it is no longer ethical to test any new treatment against placebo. There are inherent assumptions in non-inferiority trials which may not be correct and which are not being tested. Successive non-inferiority trials may introduce less and less effective treatments even though these treatments may have been shown to be non-inferior. Furthermore, poor quality trials favour non-inferior results. Intention-to-treat analysis, the preferred way to analyse randomised trials, may favour non-inferiority. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses should be recommended in non-inferiority trials. Clinicians should be aware of the pitfalls of non-inferiority trials and not accept non-inferiority on face value. The focus should not be on the p values but on the effect size and confidence limits.

Do age, period or cohort effects explain circulatory disease mortality trends, Scotland 1974-2015?

Objective

We aimed to explore whether age, period or cohort effects explain the trends and inequalities in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) mortality in Scotland.

Methods

We analysed IHD and CeVD deaths for 1974–2015 by sex, age and area deprivation, visually explored the data using heatmaps and dotplots and built regression models.

Results

CeVD mortality improved steadily over time while IHD mortality improved more rapidly from the late 1980s. Age effects were evident; both outcomes showed an exponential relationship with age for all except males for IHD in the 1980s and 1990s. The mortality profiles by age became older, although improvement was slower for those aged <50 years for IHD, especially for males, and faster for CeVD in females aged <65 years. Rates were higher, and inequalities greater, among males, especially for IHD. For IHD, increased risk for males over females reduced with age (incidence rate ratio for 41–50 year old males=4.28 (95% CI 4.12 to 4.44) and 1.17 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.18) for 71–80 year olds). Inequalities in IHD mortality by area deprivation persisted over time, increasing from around 10% to around 25% higher risk in the most deprived areas between 1974 and 1986 before declining in absolute terms from around 2000. Inequalities for CeVD increased after the late 1980s.

Conclusions

IHD and CeVD mortality in Scotland exhibit age but not recent distinct period or cohort effects. The improvements in mortality rates have been more sustained for CeVD and inequalities greater for IHD.

Acquisition, Processing and Analysis of Electrocardiogram in Awake Zebrafish

Long-term monitoring of intrinsic electrocardiogram (ECG) in zebrafish plays a crucial role in heart disease studies as well as drug screening. In this work, we developed a polymer-based apparatus with embedded flexible thin-film electrodes to acquire ECG signals of awake zebrafish. The apparatus was made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using the molding technique with molds formed by 3D printing. A graphical user interface (GUI) was built in National Instruments LabView platform for real-time recording, processing and analysis. The program provided important features, such as signal de-noising, characteristic wave detection and anomaly detection. Further, it could operate on both real-time coming signals as well as previously-saved data, facilitating analysis and interpretation. We demonstrated the use of our system to investigate the effects of the anesthetic drug, namely Tricaine (MS-222), on cardiac electrophysiology of zebrafish, revealing promising findings. We speculate that our novel system may contribute to a host of studies in various disciplines using the zebrafish model.

Effects of Weight-Loss Medications on Cardiometabolic Risk Profiles: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the overall and comparative effects of weight-loss medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for long-term use on cardiometabolic risk profiles of obese adults.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature review through February 28, 2017 to identify randomized clinical trials of the effects of Food and Drug Administration-approved weight-loss medications (ie, orlistat, lorcaserin, naltrexone-bupropion, phentermine-topiramate, and liraglutide) administered to obese adults for 1 year or more, compared with placebo or another active agent. Outcomes of interest included changes in blood glucose (fasting blood glucose [FBG] and hemoglobin A1c), cholesterol profile (low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoproteins), blood pressure (BP; systolic/diastolic), and waist circumference (WC). We performed pair-wise and network meta-analyses with outcomes reported as weighted and standardized mean differences. Quality of evidence was rated using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

RESULTS

In a meta-analysis of 28 randomized controlled trials (29,018 participants; median body mass index, 36.1 kg/m²), we associated weight-loss medications with a modest decrease in FBG (weighted mean difference, 4.0 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, -4.4 to -3.6 mg/dL) and WC (weighted mean difference, reduction of 3.3 cm; 95% confidence interval, -3.5 to -3.1 cm), without clinically meaningful changes in systolic/diastolic BP or cholesterol profile vs placebo (standardized mean difference <0.2); effects varied among drugs. Phentermine-topiramate use was associated with a substantial decrease in WC and a modest decrease in FBG, hemoglobin A1c, and BP, and had minimal effect on cholesterol. Liraglutide use was associated with a substantial decrease in FBG, hemoglobin A1c, and WC, and a minimal effect on BP and cholesterol. Naltrexone-bupropion use was associated with moderate increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but had a minimal effect on FBG and WC. Orlistat use was associated with a decrease in low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. No drug improved all cardiometabolic risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In a systematic review and network meta-analysis, we found Food and Drug Administration-approved weight-loss medications to have only modest positive effects on cardiometabolic risk profile. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term cardiometabolic benefits of these medications.

PROSPERO

CRD42016039486.

No Increase in Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Privately Insured Adults Prescribed Proton Pump Inhibitors vs Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists (2002-2014)

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used medications. Recent studies reported an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) in PPI users vs non-users. We evaluated MI risk associated with PPIs compared with histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) in privately insured adults in the United States.

METHODS

Using administrative claims from commercial and Medicare Supplemental plans (2001-2014), we compared risk of MI in patients who started a new prescription for PPIs vs H2RAs. Enrollees were followed from their first prescription until MI, medication discontinuation, plan disenrollment, or December 31, 2014. MI was defined using hospital diagnosis codes. Risk differences (RD), risk ratios, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods at 3, 12, and 36 months after treatment initiation. Standardized morbidity ratio weights were used to control measured confounding. Analyses were stratified by plan type (commercial vs Medicare Supplemental).

RESULTS

We identified more than 5 million new users of prescription PPIs and H2RAs. Median follow-up time was 60 days for patients with commercial insurance and 96 days in patients with Medicare Supplemental insurance. The 12-month weighted risk of MI was low overall (approximately 2 cases per 1000 among patients in commercial plans; 8 per 1000 among patients in Medicare Supplemental plans). In the RD analysis, we found no significant differences in MI risk between patients who started PPIs vs H2RAs for the first 12 months, either in the commercial population (weighted RD per 1000, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.51 to 0.36) or the Medicare Supplemental population (weighted RD per 1000, -0.45; 95% CI, -1.53 to 0.58).

CONCLUSION

In an analysis of administrative claims from commercial and Medicare Supplemental plans, we found no evidence that prescription PPIs increase risk of MI compared with prescription H2RAs. Physicians and patients should not avoid starting a PPI because of concerns related to MI risk.

Alcohol Use and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Moderate drinking (vs abstinence) is associated with lower risk of CVD in the general population. We assessed whether alcohol use is associated with CVD risk in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

We analyzed data from participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults longitudinal cohort study of 5115 black and white young adults, 18-30 years old, recruited from 4 cities in the United States from 1985 through 1986. Participants self-reported alcohol use at study entry and then again after 15, 20, and 25 years. At year 25 (2010-2011), participants underwent computed tomography examination of the thorax and abdomen and tissue Doppler echocardiography with myocardial strain measured by speckle tracking. Coronary artery calcification was defined as an Agatston score above 0. NAFLD was defined as liver attenuation <51 Hounsfield Units after exclusions. Drinkers reported 1-21 (men) or 1-14 (women) standard drinks/week at years 15, 20, or 25. Nondrinkers reported no alcohol use at years 15, 20, and 25.

RESULTS

Of the 570 participants with NAFLD (mean age, 50 years; 54% black; 46% female), 332 (58%) were drinkers; significantly higher proportions of drinkers were white, male, and with higher levels of education compared with nondrinkers (P < .05 for all). Higher proportions of drinkers had obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome compared with nondrinkers (P < .01). There was no difference in liver attenuation between groups (P = .12). After multivariable adjustment, there was no association between alcohol use and CVD risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia) or subclinical CVD measures (coronary artery calcification, early transmitral velocity/late (atrial) transmitral velocity (E/A) ratio, global longitudinal strain).

CONCLUSIONS

In a population-based sample of individuals with NAFLD in midlife, prospectively assessed alcohol use is not associated with significant differences in risk factors for CVD or markers of subclinical CVD. In contrast to general population findings, alcohol use may not reduce the risk of CVD in patients with NAFLD.

Bilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis Following Paediatric Cardiac Surgery: Experience of four cases at the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman

Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis (BDP) is a rare complication of paediatric cardiac surgery. We report four children who developed BDP following cardiac surgery who were managed at the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between 2009 and 2014. All four children suffered severe respiratory distress soon after extubation and required re-intubation within two hours. In addition, all of the children underwent a tracheostomy as an interim method for ventilation. The four children were successfully weaned from positive pressure ventilation following the functional recovery of at least one side of the diaphragm.

Premenopausal Reproductive Health Modulates Future Cardiovascular Risk - Comparative Evidence from Monkeys and Women

Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the major cause of mortality among postmenopausal women living in industrialized countries. Several lines of evidence suggest that ovarian hormones (especially estrogen) protect the coronary arteries of premenopausal women. However, it is also known that women commonly experience disruptions in cyclic hormonal function during their reproductive years. In this perspective, we hypothesize that if regular, cyclic ovarian function affords protection against CHD, ovulatory abnormalities in young women may conversely promote the development of atherosclerosis (the pathobiological process underlying CHD) in the years prior to menopause and thus substantially increase the risk of subsequent heart disease. This hypothesis is supported by evidence from premenopausal nonhuman primates showing that relatively common, subclinical ovarian disruptions - as may be induced by psychosocial stress - are associated with the initiation and acceleration of coronary artery atherosclerosis. If extending to women, these findings would suggest that ovarian dysfunction is an early biomarker for CHD risk and, further, that primary prevention of CHD should begin during the premenopausal phase of life.

Ischaemic heart disease in the former Soviet Union 1990-2015 according to the Global Burden of Disease 2015 Study

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality and risk factor burden across former Soviet Union (fSU) and satellite countries and regions in 1990 and 2015.

Methods

The fSU and satellite countries were grouped into Central Asian, Central European and Eastern European regions. IHD mortality data for men and women of any age were gathered from national vital registration, and age, sex, country, year-specific IHD mortality rates were estimated in an ensemble model. IHD morbidity and mortality burden attributable to risk factors was estimated by comparative risk assessment using population attributable fractions.

Results

In 2015, age-standardised IHD death rates in Eastern European and Central Asian fSU countries were almost two times that of satellite states of Central Europe. Between 1990 and 2015, rates decreased substantially in Central Europe (men −43.5% (95% uncertainty interval −45.0%, −42.0%); women −42.9% (−44.0%, −41.0%)) but less in Eastern Europe (men −5.6% (−9.0, –3.0); women −12.2% (−15.5%, −9.0%)). Age-standardised IHD death rates also varied within regions: within Eastern Europe, rates decreased −51.7% in Estonian men (−54.0, −47.0) but increased +19.4% in Belarusian men (+12.0, +27.0). High blood pressure and cholesterol were leading risk factors for IHD burden, with smoking, body mass index, dietary factors and ambient air pollution also ranking high.

Conclusions

Some fSU countries continue to experience a high IHD burden, while others have achieved remarkable reductions in IHD mortality. Control of blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking are IHD prevention priorities.

Navigating air travel and cardiovascular concerns: Is the sky the limit?

As the population ages and our ability to care for patients with cardiac disease improves, an increasing number of passengers with cardiovascular conditions will be traveling long distances. Many have had cardiac symptoms, recent interventions, devices, or surgery. Air travel is safe for most individuals with stable cardiovascular disease. However, a thorough understanding of the physiologic changes during air travel is essential given the potential impact on cardiovascular health and the risk of complications in passengers with preexisting cardiac conditions. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current recommendations and precautions that need to be taken before and during air travel for passengers with cardiovascular concerns.

Depression, social support, and long-term risk for coronary heart disease in a 13-year longitudinal epidemiological study

Depression has been linked with long-term risk for a variety of physical health ailments, including coronary heart disease (CHD). Little is known about resilience factors that may attenuate this relationship. The current study assessed whether social support moderates the long-term risk for CHD associated with this disorder. Data were drawn from the Americans' Changing Lives study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of adults in the United States. Participants (unweighted n=1636) completed initial assessments of functional social support, body mass index, recent history of major depression, CHD, hypertension, and diabetes. Participants were again assessed for CHD at a follow-up assessment 13 years later. Social support was found to moderate the relationship between depression and the occurrence of CHD 13 years later. Specifically, among individuals with low social support, depression was prospectively associated with CHD. In contrast, depression was not prospectively associated with CHD among individuals with high social support. The results indicate that social support may function as a resilience factor against the long-term cardiovascular risk associated with depression. Clinical interventions focusing on the development of social support systems are important not only for addressing depression itself, but also for associated long-term physical health outcomes.

Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound techniques in the physical examination: better at the bedside

The development of hand-carried, battery-powered ultrasound devices has created a new practice in ultrasound diagnostic imaging, called 'point-of-care' ultrasound (POCUS). Capitalising on device portability, POCUS is marked by brief and limited ultrasound imaging performed by the physician at the bedside to increase diagnostic accuracy and expediency. The natural evolution of POCUS techniques in general medicine, particularly with pocket-sized devices, may be in the development of a basic ultrasound examination similar to the use of the binaural stethoscope. This paper will specifically review how POCUS improves the limited sensitivity of the current practice of traditional cardiac physical examination by both cardiologists and non-cardiologists. Signs of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement, lung congestion and elevated central venous pressures are often missed by physical techniques but can be easily detected by POCUS and have prognostic and treatment implications. Creating a general set of repetitive imaging skills for these entities for application on all patients during routine examination will standardise and reduce heterogeneity in cardiac bedside ultrasound applications, simplify teaching curricula, enhance learning and recollection, and unify competency thresholds and practice. The addition of POCUS to standard physical examination techniques in cardiovascular medicine will result in an ultrasound-augmented cardiac physical examination that reaffirms the value of bedside diagnosis.

Cardiovascular diseases in the mirror of science

Introduction: Heart disease or cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a kind of illness that involve heart and/or blood vessels of people throughout the world. The major aim of current study was to show the trend of global scientific activities in the field of CVD during a period of 10 years through 2001-2010. Methods: A scientometrics analysis was carried out to show the world wide activities towards scientific production in the field of CVD during a period of 10 years. Science Citation Index- Expanded (SCI-E) was used to extract all documents indexed as a topic of CVD throughout 2001- 2010. Results: Analysis of data showed that the number of publications in the field of cardiovascular has increased steadily. The number of publication indexed in SCI-E in 2010 was three times greater than in 2001. It reached from 5080 documents in 2001 into 15,584 documents in 2010. English consisting 95% of total publication was the most dominant language of publications. Based on Bradford scatterings law the journal of Circulation was the most prolific journal among core journals. The USA sharing 29.5% of world's profiles in the field was the most productive country Harvard University was the most productive Institution followed by Brigham Women's Hospital. Conclusion: The vast majority of scientific publication in the field of CVD was produced by authors from North America and Western Europe. The results of study concluded that research activities in the field of CVD have become an interesting subject area of scientists during years 2001-2010.

Time trends in adult chronic disease inequalities by education in Brazil: 1998-2013

Background

Socioeconomic differences in health in Brazil are largely driven by differences in educational attainment. In this paper, we assess whether educational gradients in chronic disease prevalence have narrowed in Brazil from 1998 to 2013, a period of a booming economy accompanied by major investments in public health in the country.

Methods

Individual-level data came from the 1998, 2003 and 2008 Brazilian National Household Survey and the 2013 National Health Survey. We first evaluate age-standardized prevalence rates of chronic disease by education and second, we predict the estimated prevalence rate between those in low vs. high education to assess if relative changes in chronic disease have narrowed over time. Third, we estimate the slope index of inequality (SII) that evaluates the absolute change in the predicted prevalence of a disease between those in low vs. high education. Finally, we tested for statistically significant time trends in adult chronic disease inequalities by education.

Results

Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension have increased over the period, whereas the prevalence of heart disease decreased. Brazilian adults with no education had higher levels of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease than those with some college or more. Adjusted prevalence for hypertension and heart disease indicate some progress in reducing educational disparities over time. However, for diabetes, adjusted results show a continuously increasing educational disparity from 1998 to 2013. By 2013, individuals with no education had about two times higher diabetes prevalence than those with higher education with larger disparity among women.

Conclusions

Results confirm findings from previous work that educational inequalities in health are large in Brazil but also provide evidence suggesting some improvement in narrowing these differentials in recent times. Recent policies aiming at reducing the prevalence of obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption, and increasing physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables may increase the overall health and wellbeing of the Brazilian population. These programs are likely to be more effective if they target those with low socioeconomic status, as they appeared to be at a higher risk of developing chronic conditions, and promote educational opportunities.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection Is Associated With Increased Cardiovascular Mortality: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There have been many studies of the effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on cardiovascular risk, but these have produced ambiguous results. We performed a meta-analysis of these studies to systematically assess the risk of HCV infection on cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

We searched PubMed Central, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library, as well as reference lists of articles, for studies published through July 2015 that compared the occurrence of CVD between HCV-infected and HCV-uninfected subjects, or assessed the prevalence of HCV infection among subjects with CVDs. In total, 22 studies were analyzed. Data on the patient populations and outcomes were extracted from each study by 3 independent observers and combined by a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Compared with uninfected individuals (controls), HCV-infected patients had increased risks of CVD-related mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.56; P = .02), carotid plaques (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.76-2.94; P < .001), and cerebrocardiovascular events (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10-1.55; P = .002). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the risk of cerebrocardiovascular disease among individuals with HCV infection. The effect of HCV infection on cerebrocardiovascular disease was stronger in populations with a higher prevalence of diabetes (>10%) or hypertension (>20%) (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.32-2.23; P < .001 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

In a meta-analysis of published studies, individuals with HCV infections were found to be at increased risk for CVD-related morbidity and mortality-especially patients with diabetes and hypertension.

Intelligence System for Diagnosis Level of Coronary Heart Disease with K-Star Algorithm

OBJECTIVES

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and it is important to diagnose the level of the disease. Intelligence systems for diagnosis proved can be used to support diagnosis of the disease. Unfortunately, most of the data available between the level/type of coronary heart disease is unbalanced. As a result system performance is low.

METHODS

This paper proposes an intelligence systems for the diagnosis of the level of coronary heart disease taking into account the problem of data imbalance. The first stage of this research was preprocessing, which included resampled non-stratified random sampling (R), the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE), clean data out of range attribute (COR), and remove duplicate (RD). The second step was the sharing of data for training and testing using a k-fold cross-validation model and training multiclass classification by the K-star algorithm. The third step was performance evaluation. The proposed system was evaluated using the performance parameters of sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction value (PPV), negative prediction value (NPV), area under the curve (AUC) and F-measure.

RESULTS

The results showed that the proposed system provides an average performance with sensitivity of 80.1%, specificity of 95%, PPV of 80.1%, NPV of 95%, AUC of 87.5%, and F-measure of 80.1%. Performance of the system without consideration of data imbalance provide showed sensitivity of 53.1%, specificity of 88,3%, PPV of 53.1%, NPV of 88.3%, AUC of 70.7%, and F-measure of 53.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results it can be concluded that the proposed system is able to deliver good performance in the category of classification.

Data-Mining-Based Coronary Heart Disease Risk Prediction Model Using Fuzzy Logic and Decision Tree

Objectives

The importance of the prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) has been recognized in Korea; however, few studies have been conducted in this area. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method for the prediction and classification of CHD in Koreans.

Methods

A model for CHD prediction must be designed according to rule-based guidelines. In this study, a fuzzy logic and decision tree (classification and regression tree [CART])-driven CHD prediction model was developed for Koreans. Datasets derived from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (KNHANES-VI) were utilized to generate the proposed model.

Results

The rules were generated using a decision tree technique, and fuzzy logic was applied to overcome problems associated with uncertainty in CHD prediction.

Conclusions

The accuracy and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve values of the propose systems were 69.51% and 0.594, proving that the proposed methods were more efficient than other models.

Cardiovascular diseases in populations: secular trends and contemporary challenges-Geoffrey Rose lecture, European Society of Cardiology meeting 2014

Geoffrey Rose pioneered the concept that, to reduce the burden of disease, improving the population distribution of a risk factor was preferable to interventions that target high-risk individuals. Reflecting on this concept prompted us to ask if temporal trends in the burden of cardiovascular disease support this hypothesis. This perspective article summarizes the Geoffrey Rose lecture given at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in 2014 and examines how cardiovascular diseases have evolved over the past three decades focusing on temporal trends in myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and progression to cirrhosis are associated with atherogenic lipoprotein profile

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated independently with increased cardiovascular mortality. Although NAFLD is associated with dyslipidemia, it is not clear whether recently identified markers of cardiovascular risk indicate liver disease progression in patients with histologically confirmed NAFLD. We evaluated an extensive panel of serum markers of cardiovascular risk in nondiabetic patients with histologically proven NAFLD.

METHODS

We performed a case-control study in which we compared serum levels of laboratory markers of cardiovascular risk among 81 nondiabetic subjects with histologically confirmed NAFLD vs lean (N = 81) and obese (N = 81) individuals without NAFLD (based on liver fat score, controls). For ex vivo studies, liver tissues were obtained from subjects undergoing elective cholecystectomy or from a tissue repository.

RESULTS

Subjects with NAFLD had increased serum levels of insulin, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B; increased size and concentration of very large density lipoprotein particles; increased concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and small dense LDL (sdLDL) cholesterol, and an increased percentage of sdLDL, compared with controls. Although nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was associated with a worse profile of serum atherogenic markers than NAFLD, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Despite hyperinsulinemia, triglyceride and apolipoprotein B levels, concentrations of LDL particles and LDL cholesterol, and sdLDL-related parameters decreased significantly in patients with cirrhosis. Ex vivo studies showed that patients with NAFLD had increased sensitivity of hepatic triglyceride levels and cholesterol synthesis to insulin, and that sensitivity increased the development of cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is related to increased insulin-induced hepatic lipid synthesis in patients with NAFLD. Reduced dyslipidemia in patients with cirrhosis is associated with increased insulin resistance and possibly failed lipid synthesis.

Factors predicting nutrition and physical activity behaviors due to cardiovascular disease in tehran university students: application of health belief model

Background:

Disease preventing methods focus mostly on lifestyle factors such as physical activity, healthy diet and not smoking. Previous studies verified using theory and models to change unhealthy behaviors, so that health belief model (HBM) is a useful framework for describing the healthy nutrition behavior.

Objectives:

This study aimed to predict factors related to unhealthy nutrition and inactive life in students of Tehran University, Tehran, Iran based on the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Patients and Methods:

In this cross sectional study, proportional quota sampling from three different educational levels was conducted from October to December 2012. A self-administered validated instrument based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) with 69 items and four sections was used to collect data. In this study through using linear and logistic regression, the effect of body mass index, age, gender, marriage, self-efficacy, cues to action, knowledge, perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits and barriers on nutrition and physical activity behavior were assessed. SPSS version 18 was used to analyze data.

Results:

Totally, 368 students including 318 female students (86.4%) and 50 male students (13.6%) with a mean age of 24.9 years (SD = 4.55) took part in the study. Among all independent variables, gender (P < 0.001), knowledge (P = 0.023) and perceived barriers (P = 0.004) predicted nutrition behavior. In case of physical activity, knowledge (P = 0.011), perceived severity (P = 0.009), perceived barriers (P = 0.019) and self-efficacy (P = 0.033) had significance association with physical activity behavior.

Conclusions:

This study indicated that health belief model contrasts could predict the risky behavior of university students due to heart disease. However, more researches are needed to verify the predictors of high risky behaviors in students.

Single Dose Corticosteroid Therapy After Surgical Repair of Fallot's Tetralogy; A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background:

Inflammatory reaction can produce several complications after cardiac surgery. Many attempts have been made to reduce these complications; perioperative corticosteroid therapy is one of the simplest methods.

Objectives:

We conducted a randomized study to evaluate the efficacy of single dose methylprednisolone, prescribed after surgery, for reducing the complications. Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot was chosen as a homogenous large group for the study.

Patients and Methods:

One hundred children who underwent total repair of Tetralogy of Fallot were enrolled in this study. After the surgery, all patients were transferred to pediatric ICU and were randomized (in a double-blind fashion) in 2 groups (A and B); a single dose of methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg of body weight) was injected to participants of group “A” just at the time of ICU entrance. Group “B” received no drug. Then, clinical outcomes and laboratory data were compared between the two groups.

Results:

The only significant differences were lower incidence of bacteremia and higher incidence of hyperglycemia in the group who were used methylprednisolone.

Conclusions:

Using a single postsurgical dose of methylprednisolone does not significantly alter the clinical outcome after repairing Tetralogy of Fallot.

Relationship between Awareness of Disease and Adherence to Therapeutic Regimen among Cardiac Patients

BACKGROUND

Adherence to prescribed therapeutic regimen is an important element of self-care behaviors in cardiac patients. Awareness of disease may play an important role in patient adherence. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the relationship between awareness of the disease and adherence to therapeutic regimen among cardiac patients admitted to selected hospitals in Mashhad, Iran.

METHODS

Using a descriptive correlational design, 340 patients with heart disease were selected using convenience sampling from five hospitals in Mashhad during December 2009 to May 2010. Data were collected using three questionnaires including demographic information, awareness of disease and treatment adherence (including medication, diet and physical activity). Validity and reliability of the questionnaires were examined by content validity and test-retest, respectively. Also, inter-rater reliability was examined for two data raters. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, using Spearman and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

The results showed that only 15 percent of the study subjects had a good awareness of their disease. The majority of patients followed a good medication adherence (79 %), good diet adherence (60%), and weak physical activity adherence (61%). A significant correlation was found between knowledge and adherence to therapeutic regimen (P=0.001, rp=0.32).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that awareness of disease and adherence to physical activity was low in the majority of patients. It is recommended that studies should be conducted to explore effective educational programs and strategies to improve adherence to therapeutic regimen among cardiac patients.

Increasing Area Deprivation and Socioeconomic Inequalities in Heart Disease, Stroke, and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among Working Age Populations, United States, 1969-2011

OBJECTIVES

We examined the extent to which area- and individual-level socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular-disease (CVD), heart disease, and stroke mortality among United States men and women aged 25-64 years changed between 1969 and 2011.

METHODS

National vital statistics data and the National Longitudinal Mortality Study were used to estimate area- and individual-level socioeconomic gradients in mortality over time. Rate ratios and log-linear and Cox regression were used to model mortality trends and differentials.

RESULTS

Area socioeconomic gradients in mortality from CVD, heart disease, and stroke increased substantially during the study period. Compared to those in the most affluent group, individuals in the most deprived area group had, respectively 35%, 29%, and 73% higher CVD, heart disease, and stroke mortality in 1969, but 120-121% higher mortality in 2007-2011. Gradients were steeper for women than for men. Education, income, and occupation were inversely associated with CVD, heart disease, and stroke mortality, with individual-level socioeconomic gradients being steeper during 1990-2002 than in 1979-1989. Individuals with low education and incomes had 2.7 to 3.7 times higher CVD, heart disease, and stroke mortality risks than their counterparts with high education and income levels.

CONCLUSIONS AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Although mortality declined for all US groups during 1969-2011, socioeconomic disparities in mortality from CVD, heart disease and stroke remained marked and increased over time because of faster declines in mortality among higher socioeconomic groups. Widening disparities in mortality may reflect increasing temporal areal inequalities in living conditions, behavioral risk factors such as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, and access to and use of health services. With social inequalities and prevalence of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity on the rise, most segments of the working-age population in low- and middle-income countries will likely experience increased cardiovascular-disease burden in terms of higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Social disparities in heart disease risk and survivor bias among autoworkers: an examination based on survival models and g-estimation

OBJECTIVES

To examine gender and racial disparities in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) mortality related to metalworking fluid exposures and in the healthy worker survivor effect.

METHODS

A cohort of white and black men and women autoworkers in the USA was followed from 1941 to 1995 with quantitative exposure to respirable particulate matter from water-based metalworking fluids. Separate analyses used proportional hazards models and g-estimation.

RESULTS

The HR for IHD among black men was 3.29 (95% CI 1.49 to 7.31) in the highest category of cumulative synthetic fluid exposure. The HR for IHD among white women exposed to soluble fluid reached 2.44 (95% CI 0.96 to 6.22). However, no increased risk was observed among white men until we corrected for the healthy worker survivor effect. Results from g-estimation indicate that if white male cases exposed to soluble or synthetic fluid had been unexposed to that fluid type, then 1.59 and 1.20 years of life would have been saved on average, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We leveraged the strengths of two different analytic approaches to examine the IHD risks of metalworking fluids. All workers may have the same aetiological risk; however, black and female workers may experience more IHD from water-based metalworking fluid exposure because of a steeper exposure-response or weaker healthy worker survivor effect.

A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture in stable ischemic heart disease patients

BACKGROUND

Heart rate variability (HRV) is reduced in stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) patients and is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD). We evaluated the impact of traditional acupuncture (TA) on cardiac autonomic function measured by HRV in SIHD patients.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled study of TA, sham acupuncture (SA), and waiting control (WC) in 151 SIHD subjects. The TA group received needle insertion at acupuncture sites, the SA group received a sham at non-acupuncture sites, while the WC group received nothing. The TA and SA groups received 3 treatments/week for 12 weeks. 24-Hour, mental arithmetic stress, and cold pressor (COP) HRV was collected at entry and exit, along with BP, lipids, insulin resistance, hs-CRP, salivary cortisol, peripheral endothelial function by tonometry (PAT), and psychosocial variables.

RESULTS

Mean age was 63 ± 10; 50% had prior myocardial infarction. Comparison of WC and SA groups demonstrated differences consistent with the unblinded WC status; therefore by design, the control groups were not merged. Exit mental stress HRV was higher in TA vs. SA for markers of parasympathetic tone (p ≤ 0.025), including a 17% higher vagal activity (p=0.008). There were no differences in exit 24-hour or COP HRV, BP, lipids, insulin resistance, hs-CRP, salivary cortisol, PAT, or psychosocial variables.

CONCLUSIONS

TA results in intermediate effects on autonomic function in SIHD patients. TA effect on HRV may be clinically relevant and should be explored further. These data document feasibility and provide sample size estimation for a clinical trial of TA in SIHD patients for the prevention of SCD.

CONDENSED ABSTRACT

We conducted a randomized, single-blind trial of traditional acupuncture (TA) vs. sham acupuncture (SA) vs waiting control (WC) in stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) patients to evaluate cardiac autonomic function measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Exit mental stress HRV was higher in the TA compared to SA group for time and frequency domain markers of parasympathetic tone (all p ≤ 0.025), including a 17% higher vagal activity (p=0.008). These data document feasibility and provide sample size estimation for an outcome-based clinical trial of TA in SIHD patients for the prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Evaluation of Aggregometery Parameters and Efficacy of Plavix versus Clopidex in Patients Suffering from Ischemic Heart Disease: A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in most societies. In a pathophysiologic point of view, it chiefly results from the formation of thrombus in coronary arteries which could not be only prevented by aspirin. Many of clinical trials have shown the long-term benefits of antiplatelet drugs in reducing the risk of thrombotic accidents.

OBJECTIVES

Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine derivative used to prevent platelets from adhering together by direct inhibition of Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), the major factor behind platelets aggregation. Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers are companies that produce Clopidogrel by the name of Clopidogrel bisulfate. Its trade name is Plavix, nonetheless in Iran it is distributed under the name of Clopidex by Exir Company. In this study we are to compare Plavix and Clopidex in terms of efficacy as well as aggregometry parameters like ADP and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a double blind clinical trial in which we had two groups of patients suffering from Ischemic heart disease who were selected by inclusion criteria. Group A (36 patients) took Plavix (75 mg/d) and group B (36 patients) used clopidex (75 mg/d) both for 30 days. The aggregometry parameters also consisted of PRP and ADP that were run on the patients before and after the study. Finally, a comparison of aforementioned tests, quality of life, lab parameters and compliance in both groups was provided.

RESULTS

In groups A and B, the mean levels of PRP before the study were 348000 and 340000/µL respectively. The ADPs were also 73/76 and 68/07 µM that showed no significant difference (P > 0.05).The Means of ADP5 in group A before and after the study were 66.40 and 43.84 µM respectively that there was significant difference (P = 0.001). The Means of ADP5 in group B before and after the study were 58.04 and 40.16 µM respectively that there was significant difference (P < 0.001).The Means of ADP20 in group A before and after the study were 73.76 and 54.97 µM respectively which showed significant difference (P < 0.001). The Means of ADP20 in group B before and after the study were 68.07 and 52.49 µM respectively which showed significant difference (P = 0.001). Difference of ADP5 between group A and B was not significant (P = 0.495). Difference of ADP20 between group A and B was not significant (P = 0.721). The Means of PRP in group A before and after the study were 348000 and 335000/ µL respectively that there was no significant difference (P = 0.66). The Means of PRP in group B before and after the study were 340000 and 336000/ µL respectively that indicated no significant difference (P = 0.81). Difference of PRP between group A and B was not significant (P = 0.563).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that both drugs significantly lessen the ADP level; even so there was no significant difference between two groups in PRP and ADP factors.

Association between high-normal levels of alanine aminotransferase and risk factors for atherogenesis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver disease has been associated with cardiovascular disorders, but little is known about the relationship between serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and markers of atherogenesis. We investigated the relationship between low-normal and high-normal levels of ALT and an extended panel of cardiovascular risk factors among individuals with no known diseases in a primary care setting.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected from 6442 asymptomatic patients at wellness visits to a primary care setting in central Virginia from 2010 through 2011. Serum levels of ALT were compared with levels of lipids and lipoproteins, as well as metabolic, inflammatory, and coagulation-related factors associated with risk for cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Serum levels of ALT were higher than 40 IU/L in 12% of subjects, and in the high-normal range (19-40 IU/L in women and 31-40 IU/L in men) in 25% of subjects. ALT level was associated with the apolipoprotein B level, concentration and particle size of very-low-density lipoproteins, concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (LDL-P), and percentages of small dense LDL (sdLDL) and sdLDL-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) (P < .0001 for all). A high-normal level of ALT was associated with higher levels of LDL-C, LDL-P, sdLDL-C, and sdLDL particles (P < .001 for all). These effects were independent of age, body mass index, and hyperinsulinemia. Increasing levels of ALT and fasting hyperinsulinemia (>12 μU/mL) synergized with increasing levels of triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein particles, LDL-P, sdLDL-C, and percentage of sdLDL-C. Levels of APOA1, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein-class 2 were associated inversely with serum level of ALT (P < .0001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of asymptomatic individuals, increased serum levels of ALT (even high-normal levels) are associated with markers of cardiovascular disease.

Low rate of postpolypectomy bleeding among patients who continue thienopyridine therapy during colonoscopy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

It is not clear whether the cardiovascular risk of discontinuing treatment with antiplatelet agents, specifically the thienopyridines, before elective colonoscopy outweighs the risks of postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB). We studied the rate of PPB in patients who continue thienopyridine therapy during colonoscopy.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of 516 patients not taking warfarin who received polypectomies during elective colonoscopies; 219 were receiving thienopyridines, and 297 were not (controls). The occurrence of immediate PPB and delayed PPB was recorded. Delayed PPB was categorized as clinically important if it resulted in repeat colonoscopy, hospitalization, or blood transfusion.

RESULTS

Patients receiving thienopyridines were older and had significantly more comorbid diseases than controls; the mean number of polyps removed per patient was significantly higher (3.9 vs 2.9) in the thienopyridine group. Immediate PPB developed in 16 patients in the thienopyridine group (7.3%) and in 14 in the control group (4.7%, P = .25). Among patients who completed a 30-day follow-up analysis (96% of patients enrolled), clinically important, delayed bleeding occurred in 2.4% of patients receiving thienopyridines and in none of the controls (P = .01). All PPB events in both groups were resolved without surgery, angiography, or death.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a significantly higher percentage of patients who continue thienopyridine therapy during colonoscopy and polypectomy develop clinically important delayed PPB than patients who discontinue therapy, the rate of PPB events is low (2.4%), and all are resolved without sequelae. The risk for catastrophic cardiovascular risks among patients who discontinue thienopyridine therapy before elective colonoscopies could therefore exceed the risks of PPB. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number NCT01647568.