Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol response to statins according to comorbidities and co-medications: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

The response of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to statin therapy is variable, and may be affected by the presence of co-morbid conditions or the use of concomitant medications. Systematic variation in the response to statins based on these factors could affect the selection of the statin treatment regimen in population subgroups. We investigated whether common comorbidities and co-medications had clinically important effects on statin responses in individual patients.

METHODS

This register-based cohort study included 89,006 simvastatin or atorvastatin initiators with measurements of pre-statin and on-statin LDL-C levels, in Denmark, 2008-2018. We defined statin response as the percentage reduction in LDL-C, and used linear regression to estimate percentage reduction differences (PRD) according to 175 chronic comorbidities and 99 co-medications. We evaluated both the statistical significance (p-values corrected for multiple testing) and the clinical importance (PRD of 5 percentage points or more) of the observed associations.

RESULTS

Concomitant use of oral blood-glucose lowering drugs, which included metformin in 96% of treated individuals, was associated with a greater response to statin therapy that was both statistically significant and clinically important, with a PRD of 5.18 (95% confidence interval: 4.79 to 5.57). No other comorbidity or co-medication reached the prespecified thresholds for a significant, clinically important effect on statin response. Overall, comorbidities and co-medications had little effect on statin response, and altogether explained only 1.7% of the total observed population variance.

CONCLUSION

Most of the studied comorbidities and co-medications did not have a clinically important effect on statin response, suggesting no need to modify treatment regimens. However, use of metformin was associated with a significantly enhanced LDL-C response to statins, suggesting that lower statin doses may be effective in patients taking metformin.

Vitamin D and Dyslipidemia: Is There Really a Link? A Narrative Review

Nowadays, the interest in the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D is growing. In the literature, its several possible actions have been confirmed. Vitamin D seems to have a regulatory role in many different fields-inflammation, immunity, and the endocrine system-and many studies would demonstrate a possible correlation between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we deepened the relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia by reviewing the available literature. The results are not entirely clear-cut: on the one hand, numerous observational studies suggest a link between higher serum vitamin D levels and a beneficial lipid profile, while on the other hand, interventional studies do not demonstrate a significant effect. Understanding the possible relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia may represent a turning point: another link between vitamin D and the cardiovascular system.

Correlation among job-induced stress, overall well-being, and cardiovascular risk in Italian workers of logistics and distribution

Introduction

Work-related stress is an occupational risk that has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). While previous studies have explored this association in various work contexts, none have focused specifically on logistics and distribution personnel. These workers may be exposed to significant job stress, which potentially increases the risk of CVD.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between work-related stress and cardiovascular risk in a sample of 413 healthy workers of a logistics and distribution company. To assess work-related stress and cardiovascular risk, we used the organisational well-being questionnaire proposed by the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority, the Framingham Heart Study General Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Prediction Score and the WHO General Wellbeing Index (WHO-5).

Results

Our results revealed that individuals with low job support had a significantly higher CVD risk score and lower well-being index than those reporting high job support. Furthermore, workers with high-stress tasks showed higher well-being index scores than those with passive tasks. Approximately 58% of the subjects were classified as low CVD risk (CVD risk <10%), approximately 31% were classified as moderate risk (CVD risk between 10 and 20%) and 11% were considered high risk (CVD risk >20%). The overall median CVD risk for the population was moderate (6.9%), with individual scores ranging from 1 to 58%.

Discussion

Further analyses confirmed the protective effect of work support, also identifying physical inactivity, regular alcohol consumption and low educational level as factors contributing to an increased risk of CVD. Interestingly, factors such as job control and work support demonstrated a positive impact on psychological well-being. These results emphasise the importance of intervention strategies aimed at promoting health in the workplace. By addressing these combined factors, organisations can effectively reduce the risk of CVD and improve the general well-being of their workforce.

Statin Twitter: Human and Automated Bot Contributions, 2010 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Many individuals eligible for statin therapy decline treatment, often due to fear of adverse effects. Misinformation about statins is common and drives statin reluctance, but its prevalence on social media platforms, such as Twitter (now X) remains unclear. Social media bots are known to proliferate medical misinformation, but their involvement in statin-related discourse is unknown. This study examined temporal trends in volume, author type (bot or human), and sentiment of statin-related Twitter posts (tweets).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed original tweets with statin-related terms from 2010 to 2022 using a machine learning-derived classifier to determine the author's bot probability, natural language processing to assign each tweet a negative or positive sentiment, and manual qualitative analysis to identify statin skepticism in a random sample of all tweets and in highly influential tweets. We identified 1 155 735 original statin-related tweets. Bots produced 333 689 (28.9%), humans produced 699 876 (60.6%), and intermediate probability accounts produced 104 966 (9.1%). Over time, the proportion of bot tweets decreased from 47.8% to 11.3%, and human tweets increased from 43.6% to 79.8%. The proportion of negative-sentiment tweets increased from 27.8% to 43.4% for bots and 30.9% to 38.4% for humans. Manually coded statin skepticism increased from 8.0% to 19.0% for bots and from 26.0% to 40.0% for humans.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past decade, humans have overtaken bots as generators of statin-related content on Twitter. Negative sentiment and statin skepticism have increased across all user types. Twitter may be an important forum to combat statin-related misinformation.

The Effect of Glycemic Status on P Wave Dispersion

Background and aim The growing number of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) across the world is a public health concern. The diabetes epidemic involves enormous health costs to the patients, their careers, and society at large. Cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation (AF) often develop in the diabetic population. An increase in the P wave dispersion (PWD) has been established as an independent risk factor for the occurrence of AF, hence the present study was conducted to establish a possible relationship between PWD and the glycemic status of the individual to predict the occurrence of AF ahead of clinical symptomology. Methodology A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee and written consent of each study subject. The main steps included the selection and categorization of the study population based on their glycemic status, collection of demographic data, performing ECGs calculating PWD using digital calipers, and recording the data systematically for evaluation. Results In this study, 234 patients with a mean age of 53.3 ± 13.1 years were studied, of which 121 (51.7%) were male and 113 (48.29%) were female. The 234 patients were divided into four groups based on their glycemic status - 74 uncontrolled DM patients (31.62%), 51 type 2 DM (T2DM) patients (21.78%), 56 prediabetes patients (23.93%), and 53 patients in the control group (22.64%; not a known case of diabetes with normal HbA1c and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels). Minimal correlation was observed between FBS with PWD (r value 0.175) and age with PWD (r value 0.161), but statistical significance was observed only between age and PWD (p-value 0.014). The difference in means between the four different study groups was found to be not statistically significant (p-value- 0.104); hence, no intergroup variation was noted. Conclusion Advancing age and higher fasting blood sugars have shown minimal correlation with widening P-wave dispersion. With further studies involving larger populations, this can be a promising aid in identifying PWD as a probable early predictor of atrial arrhythmias among diabetic patients.

Cholesterol-Lowering Strategies for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: The Importance of Intensive Treatment and the Simplification of Medical Therapy

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality and are primarily driven by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Their pathogenesis involves multi-factorial mechanisms, among which low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a causative role. Recent ESC/EAS guidelines advocate for a shift toward new risk estimation algorithms that better emphasize non-fatal cardiovascular events, lifetime risk prediction, and tailored pharmacological approaches, including statin + ezetimibe and triple therapy, in specific cases. Intensive lipid-lowering therapy has been shown to be pivotal, especially in post-acute coronary events. Intracoronary imaging has revealed insights into the composition of plaque and demonstrated the significant regression that can be achieved through the use of statins such as rosuvastatin and atorvastatin. The positive effects of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, particularly alirocumab and evolocumab, on plaque regression, have been demonstrated. Inclisiran, which targets PCSK9 gene expression, significantly reduces LDL cholesterol. The associated challenges include hesitancy to prescribe intensive regimens and limited treatment adherence, highlighting the need for pharmacological combinations to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality in women, necessitating innovative primary prevention strategies. Contemporary guidelines on primary prevention of CVD highlight the increasing prevalence of CVD risk factors and emphasize the significance of female-specific risk enhancers that substantially augment the future risk of CVD. These risk factors occur throughout a woman's life cycle, such as hormonal contraception, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and menopause, all of which confer an added layer of risk in women beyond the conventional risk factors. Despite this, current methods may not fully capture the nuanced vulnerabilities in women that increase their risk of CVD. In this review, we highlight gender-specific risk enhancers and subsequent prevention as well as strategies to improve primary prevention of CVD in women.

The heart-mind relationship in women cardiovascular primary prevention: the role of depression, anxiety, distress and Type-D personality in the 10-years cardiovascular risk evaluation

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among women. Prevention programmes underscore the need to address women-specific risk factors. Additionally, mental well-being is a significant aspect to consider when grappling with cardiovascular disease in women, particularly depression, anxiety, distress, and personality traits. This study aimed to create "at-risk" psychological profiles for women without prior cardiovascular disease history and to evaluate the association between anxiety, depression, distress, and Type-D personality traits with increased cardiovascular risk over 10 years.

Methods

219 women voluntarily participated in the "Monzino Women's Heart Centre" project for primary prevention and early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Psychological profiles were developed utilising cluster analysis.

Results

The primary finding indicating that belonging to the "at-risk" psychological cluster was associated with a surge in the 10-year cardiovascular risk prediction score, despite the number of comorbid risk factors (Psychological "at-risk" cluster: β = .0674; p = .006; Risk factors: β = .0199; p = .242).

Conclusions

This finding suggests that psychological well-being of women should be assessed from the very beginning of cardiovascular prevention programmes.

ABO Blood Groups, RhD Factor and Their Association with Subclinical Atherosclerosis Assessed by Carotid Ultrasonography

Background: The ABO blood group system has previously been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), where non-O blood group individuals have shown an increased risk. Studies assessing early atherosclerotic disease while also including RhD are few. We aimed to determine whether the ABO and RhD blood groups are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in a healthy population. Methods: We included 3532 participants from the VIPVIZA trial with available carotid ultrasonography results to assess subclinical disease. Information about blood groups was obtained from the SCANDAT-3 database, where 85% of VIPVIZA participants were registered. Results: RhD- individuals aged 40 years showed increased carotid intima-media thickness (B 1.09 CI 95% 1.03; 1.14) compared to RhD+ individuals. For ABO, there were no differences in ultrasonography results when assessing the whole study population. However, 60-year-old individuals with heredity for CVD and a non-O blood group had decreased odds for carotid plaques (OR 0.54 CI 95% 0.33; 0.88). Conclusions: RhD blood group is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in younger individuals, indicating a role as a mediator in the atherosclerotic process. In addition, a non-O blood group was associated with decreased subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals aged 60 and with heredity (corresponding to the group with the highest atherosclerotic burden).

Plant Sterols and Stanols for Pediatric Patients with Increased Cardiovascular Risk

The atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and progresses throughout adult age. Hypercholesterolemia, especially familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and metabolic dysfunctions linked to weight excess and obesity, are the main atherosclerosis risk factors in pediatric patients and can be detected and treated starting from childhood. Nutritional intervention and a healthy-heart lifestyle are cornerstones and first-line treatments, with which, if necessary, drug therapy should be associated. For several years, functional foods enriched with plant sterols and stanols have been studied in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, mainly as nutritional complements that can reduce LDL cholesterol; however, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials defining their long-term efficacy and safety, especially in pediatric age. This review aims to evaluate what the main published studies on sterols and stanols in pediatric subjects with dyslipidemia have taught us, providing an updated picture of the possible use of these dietary supplements in children and adolescents with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk. Nowadays, we can state that plant sterols and stanols should be considered as a valuable therapy in pediatric patients with hypercholesterolemia, bearing in mind that nutritional and lifestyle counseling and, when necessary, pharmacologic therapy, are the cornerstones of the treatment in developmental age.

Cost-Effectiveness of Icosapent Ethyl in REDUCE-IT USA: Results From Patients Randomized in the United States

BACKGROUND

In 3146 REDUCE-IT USA (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl Intervention Trial USA) participants, icosapent ethyl (IPE) reduced first and total cardiovascular events by 31% and 36%, respectively, over 4.9 years of follow-up.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used participant-level data from REDUCE-IT USA, 2021 US costs, and IPE costs ranging from $4.59 to $11.48 per day, allowing us to examine a range of possible medication costs. The in-trial analysis was participant-level, whereas the lifetime analysis used a Markov model. Both analyses considered value from a US health sector perspective. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (incremental costs divided by incremental quality-adjusted life-years) of IPE compared with standard care (SC) was the primary outcome measure. There was incremental gain in quality-adjusted life-years with IPE compared with SC using in-trial (3.28 versus 3.13) and lifetime (10.36 versus 9.83) horizons. Using an IPE cost of $4.59 per day, health care costs were lower with IPE compared with SC for both in-trial ($29 420 versus $30 947) and lifetime ($216 243 versus $219 212) analyses. IPE versus SC was a dominant strategy in trial and over the lifetime, with 99.7% lifetime probability of an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio <$50 000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. At a medication cost of $11.48 per day, the cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained was $36 208 in trial and $9582 over the lifetime.

CONCLUSIONS

In this analysis, at $4.59 per day, IPE offers better outcomes than SC at lower costs in trial and over a lifetime and is cost-effective at $11.48 per day for conventional willingness-to-pay thresholds. Treatment with IPE should be strongly considered in US patients like those enrolled in REDUCE-IT USA.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01492361.

Specialty preference for cardiovascular prevention practice in the Southeast US and role of a preventive cardiologist

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention is practiced concurrently by providers from several specialties. Our goal was to understand providers' preference of specialties in CVD prevention practice and the role of preventive cardiologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 11 October 2021 and 1 March 2022, we surveyed providers from internal medicine, family medicine, endocrinology, and cardiology specialties to examine their preference of specialties in managing various domains of CVD prevention. We examined categorical variables using Chi square test and continuous variables using t or analysis of variance test.

RESULTS

Of 956 invitees, 263 from 21 health systems and 9 states responded. Majority of respondents were women (54.5%), practicing physicians (72.5%), specializing in cardiology (43.6%), and working at academic centers (51.3%). Respondents favored all specialties to prescribe statins (43.2%), ezetimibe (37.8%), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (30.5%), and aspirin in primary prevention (36.3%). Only 7.9% and 9.5% selected cardiologists and preventive cardiologists, respectively, to prescribe SGLT2 inhibitors. Most preferred specialists (i.e. cardiology and endocrinology) to manage advanced lipid disorders, refractory hypertension, and premature coronary heart disease. The most common conditions selected for preventive cardiologists to manage were genetic lipid disorders (17%), cardiovascular risk assessment (15%), dyslipidemia (13%), and refractory/resistant hypertension (12%).

CONCLUSIONS

For CVD prevention practice, providers favored all specialties to manage common conditions, specialists to manage complex conditions, and preventive cardiologists to manage advanced lipid disorders. Cardiologists were least preferred to prescribe SGLT2 inhibitor. Future research should explore reasons for selected CVD prevention practice preferences to optimize care coordination and for effective use of limited expertise.

Coronary artery calcium and the risk of a cardiovascular events and mortality in younger adults: a meta-analysis

AIMS

ACC/AHA 2019 prevention guidelines recommend utilizing coronary artery calcium (CAC) to stratify cardiovascular risk in selected cases. However, data regarding CAC and risk in younger adults is less robust due to the lower prevalence of CAC and lower incidence of events. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the ability of CAC to predict the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in adults less than 50.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were electronically searched through May 2022 for studies with a primary prevention cohort under age 55 who underwent CAC scoring.

RESULTS

Six observational studies with a total of 45,919 individuals with an average age of 43.1 and mean follow-up of 12.1 years were included. The presence of CAC was associated with an increased risk of adverse events (pooled hazard ratio (HR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-2.56, P = 0.012, I2 = 65.5). Compared to a CAC of 0, a CAC of 1-100 did carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events (pooled HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.08-3.16, p = 0.0248, I2 = 50.3), but not mortality (pooled HR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.85-1.69, p = 0.2917), while a CAC > 100 did carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events (pooled HR = 6.57, 95% CI 3.23-13.36, p < 0.0001, I2 = 72.6) and mortality (pooled HR = 2.91, 95% CI 2.23-3.80, p < 0.0001) .

CONCLUSIONS

In a meta-analysis of younger adults undergoing CAC scoring, a CAC of 1-100 was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular events, while a CAC>100 was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular events and mortality.

STRUGGLE FOR. Italian-Polish-Spanish-Uzbek-Vietnamese Expert Forum Position Paper 2023 for better control of classical modifiable risk factors in clinical practice

The progress in pharmacotherapy that has been made in recent years, including the introduction of very effective and safe lipid-lowering and antihypertensive drugs, has not yet translated into the expected universal control of blood pressure, lipid disorders and diabetes. In the STRUGGLE FOR Italian- -Polish-Spanish-Uzbek-Vietnamese Expert Forum Position Paper 2023, experts from five countries recounted several points about the paradigms of cardiological and cardiometabolic care for better control of classical modifiable risk factors in the year 2023. It is believed herein, that the need to intensify treatment, actively search for patients with cardiovascular risk factors, especially with arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes, should go hand in hand with the implementation of the latest therapy, based on single pill combinations including proven, effective antihypertensive, lipid-lowering and antidiabetic molecules, many of which are listed in the present document. There is a need to use both new technological concepts, completely new drugs, as well as novel treatment concepts such as metabolic treatment in coronary artery disease, try to intensify the fight against smoking in every way, including the available range of drugs and procedures reducing the harm. This approach will provide substantially better control of the underlying cardiovascular risk factors in countries as varied as Italy, Poland, Spain, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Left Atrial Strain and Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Older Adults

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent in older adults and associated with left atrial (LA) dysfunction. LA strain (LAε) and LA strain rate (LASR) may detect subclinical LA disease. We investigated whether reduced LAε and LASR predict new-onset AF in older adults without history of AF or stroke. LAε and LASR were assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography in 824 participants from the community-based Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions study. Positive longitudinal LAε and LASR during ventricular systole, LASR during early ventricular diastole, and LASR during LA contraction were measured. Cause-specific hazards regression model evaluated the association of LAε and LASR with incident AF, adjusting for pertinent covariates. The mean age was 71.1 ± 9.2 years (313 men, 511 women). During a mean follow-up of 10.9 years, new-onset AF occurred in 105 participants (12.7%). Lower LAε and LASR at baseline were observed in patients with new-onset AF (all p <0.01). In multivariable analysis, positive longitudinal LAε (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] per SD decrease 2.05, confidence interval [CI] 1.24 to 3.36) and LASR during LA contraction (HR per SD increase 2.24, CI 1.37 to 3.65) remained associated with new-onset AF, independently of LA volumes and left ventricular function. Along with positive longitudinal LAε, reduced LASR during ventricular systole predicted AF in participants with LA volume below the median value (HR 2.54, CI 1.10 to 6.09), whereas reduced LASR during LA contraction predicted AF in participants with larger LA (HR 2.35, CI 1.31 to 4.23). In conclusion, reduced positive longitudinal LAε and LASR predict new-onset AF in older adults regardless of LA size and may improve AF risk stratification.

Statin therapy in multimorbid older patients with polypharmacy- a cross-sectional analysis of the Swiss OPERAM trial population

Background

Statin therapy in multimorbid older individuals with polypharmacy is controversial, particularly in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Thereby, physicians must weigh potential benefits against potential side effects, drug-drug interactions, and limited life expectancy.

Aim

To assess the prevalence and determinants of potentially inappropriate statin therapy in multimorbid older patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patients aged ≥70 years with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in the Swiss study center of OPERAM, a cluster-randomized trial on pharmacotherapy optimization to reduce drug-related hospital admissions. We assessed potential underuse (no statin but formal indication) and potential overuse (statin but no formal indication, including predicted >60% one-year mortality based on the Walter Score) based on current guidelines for patients in secondary and primary cardiovascular prevention. We assessed the association of potential statin overuse and underuse with six patient characteristics (age, gender, number of diagnoses, number of medications, mental impairment, being housebound) in LASSO-selection analyses.

Results

Of 715 multimorbid older adults (79.7 ± 6.5 years, 39.9% women), 337 (47%) were on statin. Statin therapy was appropriate in 474 (66.3%), underused in 130 (18.2%), and overused in 111 (15.5%) patients. In participants in secondary cardiovascular prevention (n = 437), being female (odds ratio [OR] 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67-4.22) was significantly associated with potential underuse while being housebound (OR 3.53, 95%CI 1.32-9.46) and taking ≥10 medications (OR 1.95,95%CI 1.05-3.67) were associated with potential overuse. In participants in primary cardiovascular prevention (n = 278), 28.1% were potentially under- (9%) or overusing (19%) a statin, with no identified risk factor.

Conclusion

A third of hospitalized multimorbid older patients with polypharmacy potentially (either) overused or underused statin therapy. Among patients in secondary cardiovascular prevention, women were at risk for potential statin underuse. Housebound patients and those taking ≥10 medications were at risk for potential overuse of a statin. Physicians should carefully evaluate the indication for statin prescription in multimorbid older patients with polypharmacy.

Sport in ischemic heart disease: Focus on primary and secondary prevention

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity in the world. The role of primary prevention is particularly relevant since IHD can be for a long time asymptomatic until the occurrence of a condition that could lead to plaque instabilization or increased oxygen demand. Secondary prevention is also essential to improve patients' prognosis and quality of life. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed and updated description of the role of sport and physical activity both in primary prevention and secondary prevention. In primary prevention, sport and physical activity are effective through the control of the main cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. In secondary prevention, sport and physical activity can lead to a reduction in subsequent coronary events. Every effort must be made to encourage the performance of physical and sports activity both in asymptomatic subjects at risk and those with a history of IHD.

Clinicians' self-reported efficacy in cardiovascular prevention practice in the southeastern United States

Aim: We assessed self-reported efficacy in cardiovascular prevention practice among internal medicine, family medicine, endocrinology and cardiology clinicians. Patients & methods: We emailed a 21-item questionnaire to 956 physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and pharmacists. Results: 264 clinicians responded (median age: 39 years, 55% women, 47.9% specialists). Most expressed high self-efficacy in lifestyle counselling, prescribing statins, metformin, and aspirin in primary prevention, but low self-efficacy in managing specialized conditions like elevated lipoprotein(a). Compared with specialists, PCPs expressed lower self-efficacy in managing advanced lipid disorders and higher self-efficacy in prescribing sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Conclusion: Self-efficacy in cardiovascular prevention varied across specialties. Future research should explore relevant provider, clinic and system level factors to optimize cardiovascular prevention.

Sixty years of the Bruce protocol: reappraising the contemporary role of exercise stress testing with electrocardiographic monitoring

The cardiovascular response to exercise has long been a focus of interest. Over a century ago, the first descriptions of electrocardiographic changes occurring during exercise highlighted the possible relevance of this dynamic assessment. In this background, the inception of the Bruce protocol circa 60 years ago allowed for a major leap in this field by providing a standardized framework with which to address this issue, by means of an integrated and structured methodology. Since then, exercise stress testing with electrocardiographic monitoring (ExECG) has become one of the most widely appraised tests in cardiovascular medicine. Notably, past few decades have been profoundly marked by substantial advances in the approach to cardiovascular disease, challenging prior notions concerning both its physiopathology and overall management. Among these, the ever-evolving presentations of cardiovascular disease coupled with the development and implementation of several novel diagnostic modalities (both invasive and noninvasive) has led to a shifting paradigm in the application of ExECG. This technique, however, has continuously shown to be of added value across various momentums of the cardiovascular continuum, as depicted in several contemporary guidelines. This review provides a pragmatical reflexion on the development of ExECG, presenting a comprehensive overview concerning the current role of this modality, its challenges, and its future perspectives.

Non-Conventional Risk Factors: "Fact" or "Fake" in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, etc., still represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They significantly modify the patients' quality of life with a tremendous economic impact. It is well established that cardiovascular risk factors increase the probability of fatal and non-fatal cardiac events. These risk factors are classified into modifiable (smoking, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL cholesterol, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, high-fat and high-calorie diet, reduced physical activity) and non-modifiable (sex, age, family history, of previous cardiovascular disease). Hence, CVD prevention is based on early identification and management of modifiable risk factors whose impact on the CV outcome is now performed by the use of CV risk assessment models, such as the Framingham Risk Score, Pooled Cohort Equations, or the SCORE2. However, in recent years, emerging, non-traditional factors (metabolic and non-metabolic) seem to significantly affect this assessment. In this article, we aim at defining these emerging factors and describe the potential mechanisms by which they might contribute to the development of CVD.

Statins for primary prevention in multimorbid patients: to prescribe or not to prescribe? A qualitative analysis of general practitioners' decision-making processes

INTRODUCTION

A better understanding of the determinants involved in general practitioners' (GPs) decision-making processes when it comes to prescribing statins as primary prevention in patients with multimorbidity could provide insights for improving implementation of primary prevention guidelines.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study using a deductive framework-based and inductive analysis of GPs' semi-structured interviews verbatim, from which expertise profiles of prescribers were also drawn. The analytical framework was built from a pragmatic synthesis of the evidence-based medicine, Modelling using Typified Objects (MOT) model of clinical reasoning processes, Theoretical Domains Framework, and shared decision-making frameworks.

RESULTS

Fifteen GPs were interviewed between June 2019 and January 2020. Diabetes seemed to represent a specific motivation for deciding about statin prescription for primary prevention purposes; and in situations of multimorbidity, GPs differentiated between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular multimorbidity. Expert prescribers seemed to have integrated the utilisation of cardiovascular risk calculation scores throughout their practice, whereas non-expert prescribers considered them difficult to interpret and preferred using more of a "rule of thumb" process. One interviewee used the risk calculation score as a support for discussing statin prescription with the patient.

CONCLUSION

Our results shed light on the reasons why statins remain under-prescribed for primary prevention and why non-diabetic multimorbid patients have even lower odds of being prescribed a statin. They call for a change in the use of risk assessment scores, by placing them as decision aids, to support and improve personalised shared decision-making discussions as an efficient approach to improve the implementation of recommendations about statins for primary prevention.

Challenges in Caring for People with Cardiovascular Disease through and beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Advantages of Universal Access to Home Telemonitoring

(1) Background: Cardiovascular prevention was left in second place during the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of telemedicine turned out to be very useful. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a telemedicine application for remote monitoring and treatment adjustments in terms of improving cardiovascular prevention. (2) Methods: A prospective study of 3439 patients evaluated between the 1st of March 2019 and the 1st of March 2022, in the pre-pandemic period by face-to-face visits and during the pandemic by teleconsultations or hybrid follow-up. We compared four periods: pre-pandemic-Pre-P (1 March 2019-1 March 2020), lockdown-Lock (1 March-1 September 2020), restrictive-pandemic-Restr-P (1 September 2020-1 March 2021), and relaxed-pandemic-Rel-P (1 March 2021-1 March 2022). (3) Results: The average values of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and glucose had an increasing trend during Lock and Restr-P, and they decreased close to the baseline level during the Rel-P, with the exception of glucose which remained elevated in Rel-P. The number of patients with newly discovered DM increased significantly in the Rel-P, and 79.5% of them had mild/moderate forms of COVID-19. During Lock and Res-P, the percentage of obese, smoking, or hypertensive patients increased, but probably through the use of telemedicine, we managed to reduce it, although it remained slightly higher than the pre-pandemic level. Physical activity decreased in the first year of the pandemic, but in Rel-P people became more active than before the pandemic. (4) Conclusions: The use of telemedicine for cardiovascular prevention seems to yield favorable results, especially for secondary prevention in the very high-risk group and during the second year.

Pre-eclampsia and Cardiovascular Disease: From Pregnancy to Postpartum

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) complicate approximately 10% of pregnancies. In addition to multiorgan manifestations related to endothelial dysfunction, HDP confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease during delivery hospitalisation, such as heart failure, pulmonary oedema, acute MI and cerebrovascular events. However, the cardiovascular legacy of HDP extends beyond birth since these women are significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular risk factors in the immediate postnatal period and major cardiovascular disease in the long term. The main mediator of cardiovascular disease in women with a history of HDP is chronic hypertension, followed by obesity, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. Therefore, optimising blood pressure levels from the immediate postpartum period until the first months postnatally could have beneficial effects on the development of hypertension and improve long-term cardiovascular health. Peripartum screening based on maternal demographic, and clinical and echocardiographic data could help clinicians identify women with HDP at highest risk of developing postpartum hypertension who would benefit from targeted primary cardiovascular prevention.

Dyskeratosis Congenita: A Case Report of a Patient With Coronary Artery Disease

Clinical evidence demonstrates that patients with telomere biology disorders, such as dyskeratosis congenita, are more prone to coronary artery disease. We present the case of a 43-year-old female diagnosed with dyskeratosis congenita with critical cardiovascular disease. She underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with improvement of her cardiac function. Although this is a rare genetic disease, further studies are warranted to investigate the underlying pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in patients with dyskeratosis congenita.

First Line of Defense: The Vital Role of Family Medicine Physicians in Preventing Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in High-Risk Patients

Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate despite surgical interventions. Morbidity and mortality are especially high in those with risk factors, which include diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease, recent myocardial infarction, and rheumatic autoimmune diseases, among others. We present the case of a 70-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with AMI. The patient presented acutely to the emergency department after nine episodes of vomiting and was admitted to the surgical floor the same day for an emergent exploratory laparotomy. She presented acutely with an atypical presentation and without any progressive symptoms, despite various comorbidities. This patient was classified as "very high risk", but she had not been on any medications or monitored for any of her comorbidities. We highlight the essential and multifaceted role of family medicine physicians, also known as primary care physicians (PCPs), in the prevention of bowel ischemia and recommend the use of routine outpatient monitoring with clinical examination, blood testing, and imaging. These, along with a high index of suspicion, have clinical utility in preventing hospitalization, surgical intervention (bowel resection), and other serious sequelae of AMI. Timely detection, management, and specialist referrals from a family medicine physician can lower the overall burden on healthcare resources and personnel.

Telemedicine for Optimizing Secondary Prevention in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a major disruption to the delivery of secondary prevention measures in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). It required a rapid and widespread adoption of new medical services, including the use of telemedicine. This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on secondary prevention in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to evaluate the effectiveness of the telemedicine application for the implementation of lifestyle change measures, remote monitoring, and treatment regimen adjustment; (2) Methods: This prospective study on 194 CABG patients evaluated three consecutive years between 2019 and 2022 in the pre-pandemic period by face-to-face visits and during the pandemic by teleconsultations or hybrid follow-up. Variables of interest were compared between four periods: pre-pandemic-pre-P (1 March 2019-29 February 2020), lockdown-Lock (1 March-31 August 2020), restrictive-pandemic-Restr-P (1 September 2020-28 February 2021), and relaxed-pandemic-Rel-P (1 March 2021-1 March 2022). (3) Results: The average values of the lipidogram, blood sugar, and uric acid increased during Lock and Restr-P, but, through the use of teleprevention, they returned to the pre-pandemic level or even below this level. The exception was blood sugar, which remained high in Rel-P. The number of newly diagnosed patients with diabetes also increased, with most of them having moderate forms of COVID. During Lock and Res-P, the percentage of obese, smoking, or hypertensive patients increased, but, through the use of teleprevention, we managed to reduce it, although it remained slightly higher than the pre-pandemic level. Physical activity decreased in the first year of the pandemic, but, in Rel-P, CABG patients became more active than before the pandemic (4) Conclusions: The use of telemedicine for cardiovascular secondary prevention allowed us to not only continue seeing CABG patients but, also, to adjust their medication and to expand cardiovascular preventive counseling and testing with favorable results, especially during the second year of the pandemic.

Focus on the Prevention of Acute Limb Ischemia: Centrality of the General Practitioner from the Point of View of the Internist

The thrombotic mechanism, being common to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and stroke, is responsible for the highest number of deaths in the western world. However, while much has been done for the prevention, early diagnosis, therapy of AMI and stroke, the same cannot be said for PAD, which is a negative prognostic indicator for cardiovascular death. Acute limb ischemia (ALI) and chronic limb ischemia (CLI) are the most severe manifestations of PAD. They both are defined by the presence of PAD, rest pain, gangrene, or ulceration and we consider ALI if symptoms last less than 2 weeks and CLI if they last more than 2 weeks. The most frequent causes are certainly atherosclerotic and embolic mechanisms and, to a lesser extent, traumatic or surgical mechanisms. From a pathophysiological point of view, atherosclerotic, thromboembolic, inflammatory mechanisms are implicated. ALI is a medical emergency that puts both limb and the patient's life at risk. In patients over age 80 undergoing surgery, mortality remains high reaching approximately 40% as well as amputation approximately 11%. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the scientific evidence on the possibilities of primary and secondary prevention of ALI and to raise awareness among doctors involved in the management of ALI, in particular by describing the central role of the general practitioner.

Epigenetic Regulation and its Effects on Aging and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), specifically coronary atherosclerosis, is regulated by an interplay between genetic and lifestyle factors. Most recently, a factor getting much attention is the role epigenetics play in atherosclerosis; particularly the development of coronary artery disease. Furthermore, it is important to understand the intricate interaction between the environment and each individual genetic material and how this interaction affects gene expression and consequently influences the development of atherosclerosis. Our main goal is to discuss epigenetic regulations; particularly, the factors contributing to coronary atherosclerosis and their role in aging and longevity. We reviewed the current literature and provided a simplified yet structured and reasonable appraisal of this topic. This role has also been recently linked to longevity and aging. Epigenetic regulations (modifications) whether through histone modifications or DNA or RNA methylation have been shown to be regulated by environmental factors such as social stress, smoking, chemical contaminants, and diet. These sensitive interactions are further aggravated by racial health disparities that ultimately impact cardiovascular disease outcomes through epigenetic interactions. Certainly, limiting our exposure to such causative events at younger ages seems our "golden opportunity" to tackle the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis and probably the answer to longevity.

Real-World Attainment of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Goals in Patients at High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Treated with High-Intensity Statins: The TERESA Study

Despite steady improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, a scarce proportion of patients achieve the recommended LDL-C goals, even under high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Our study aimed to evaluate the attainment rate of LDL-C targets recommended by the 2019 European guidelines, and to characterize potential factors associated with LDL-C goal achievement and change patterns in LLT. We conducted a retrospective, observational study on patients treated with high-intensity atorvastatin or rosuvastatin ± ezetimibe at cardiology and internal medicine clinics across Spain. It included 1570 evaluable patients (median age: 62 years; established CVD: 77.5% [myocardial infarction: 34.3%]; and 85.8% at very high cardiovascular risk). Rosuvastatin ± ezetimibe was the LLT in 52.2% of patients, and atorvastatin ± ezetimibe in 47.8%. LLT had been modified in 36.8% of patients (side effects: 10%), being the most common switch from atorvastatin- to rosuvastatin-based treatment (77.2%). The risk-based LDL-C goal attainment rate was 31.1%, with 78.2% high-risk and 71.7% very high-risk patients not achieving the recommended LDL-C targets. Established CVD and familial hypercholesterolemia were significantly associated with the non-achievement of LDL-C goals. Although having limitations, this study shows that the guideline-recommended LDL-C goal attainment rate is still suboptimal despite using high-intensity statin therapy in a real-world setting in Spain.

Long-term outcomes of the Coordinated Care Program in Patients after Myocardial Infarction (KOS-MI)

BACKGROUND

The Coordinated Care in Myocardial Infarction Program (KOS-MI) was introduced to improve prognosis for patients after myocardial infarction (MI). The program includes complete revascularization followed by unrestricted access to rehabilitation, electrotherapy and cardiac care.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) of patients enrolled in the KOS-MI at 3-year follow-up.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, multicenter registry of patients treated for MI. Study group (KOS-MI) of 963 patients was compared to the control group (standard of care) of 1009 patients. At 3-year follow-up MACCE including death, MI, stroke and repeated revascularization were reported. Additionally, hospitalization due to heart failure (HF) was analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized for group baseline characteristics adjustment.

RESULTS

Patients in the KOS-MI group were younger (65 vs. 68; P < 0.001), mostly men (70% vs. 62.9%; P < 0.001), admitted with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (44.6% vs. 36.2%; P < 0.001). Patients in the control group had more comorbidities and were admitted more often with non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (63.8% vs. 55.4%; P < 0.001) and acute HF (5.1% vs. 2.7%; P = 0.007). Following PSM 530 well matched pairs were selected. At three years (92.3% follow-up completeness), the relative risk reduction was: 25% in MACCE (P = 0.008), 38% in mortality (P = 0.008), 29% in repeated revascularization(P = 0.04) and 28% (P = 0.0496) in hospitalization for HF in the KOS-MI group.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of contemporary invasive techniques, complete revascularization, cardiac rehabilitation and ambulatory care included in the KOS-MI Program improves long-term prognosis of patients after MI up to 3-year follow-up.

Soluble PCSK9 Inhibition: Indications, Clinical Impact, New Molecular Insights and Practical Approach-Where Do We Stand?

Current research on cardiovascular prevention predominantly focuses on risk-stratification and management of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) to optimize their prognosis. Several basic, translational and clinical research efforts aim to determine the etiological mechanisms underlying CAD pathogenesis and to identify lifestyle-dependent metabolic risk factors or genetic and epigenetic parameters responsible for CAD occurrence and/or progression. A log-linear association between the absolute exposure of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardio-vascular disease (ASCVD) was well documented over the year. LDL-C was identified as the principal enemy to fight against, and soluble proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) was attributed the role of a powerful regulator of blood LDL-C levels. The two currently available antibodies (alirocumab and evolocumab) against PCSK9 are fully human engineered IgG that bind to soluble PCSK9 and avoid its interaction with the LDLR. As documented by modern and dedicated "game-changer" trials, antibodies against soluble PCSK9 reduce LDL-C levels by at least 60 percent when used alone and up to 85 percent when used in combination with high-intensity statins and/or other hypolipidemic therapies, including ezetimibe. Their clinical indications are well established, but new areas of use are advocated. Several clues suggest that regulation of PCSK9 represents a cornerstone of cardiovascular prevention, partly because of some pleiotropic effects attributed to these newly developed drugs. New mechanisms of PCSK9 regulation are being explored, and further efforts need to be put in place to reach patients with these new therapies. The aim of this manuscript is to perform a narrative review of the literature on soluble PCSK9 inhibitor drugs, with a focus on their indications and clinical impact.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor Therapy for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Heart Failure in Patients With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

The global prevalence of heart failure (HF) is rising and carries a heavy social and economic burden. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients are at an increased risk of incident HF even in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with established HF are at an increased risk of death following a worsening HF event. Various trials on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have shown that these novel drugs prevent incident HF and reduce the risk of worsening HF in both patients with T2DM and those without diabetes. This literature review analyzed the data from 13 randomized controlled trials that met the pre-specified inclusion criteria. The aim was to compare the clinical outcomes of SGLT2 inhibitors for primary and secondary prevention of HF in patients with T2DM and those without diabetes. In addition, this study collated and summarized the patients' clinical characteristics with respect to the clinical outcome, and finally, it evaluated the safety considerations when using SGLT2 inhibitors. The data showed that SGLT2 inhibitors are effective and safe in the primary and secondary prevention of HF across a broad spectrum of patient populations and care settings. Therefore, wider eligibility for their use should be considered.

Role of the advanced nurse practitioner within the vascular team: A qualitative study of vascular physicians and nurses

Objective

To assess the perception of Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANP) by physicians and nurses in vascular medicine. As the status of ANP in France was recently enacted by law in 2018, we aimed to investigate physicians and nurses working with patients suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) to gather their opinions and draw the cooperation outlines these practitioners could have with an ANP.

Methods

A qualitative study based on in-depth interviews was conducted among healthcare practitioners taking care of patients with PAD: 10 physicians working either in a private practice settings or hospital settings or both, and eight nurses working within a hospital inpatients vascular unit. Verbatim responses were extracted and coded according to a continuous thematization method.

Results

Three main features emerged from participants' responses. Vascular medicine has a specific organization with a significant lack of time and staff to fulfill the mission regarding patients' severity of illness. Second, the ANP is wanted to fill part of this gap. The expected benefits include a smoother care pathway and increased capacity for cardiovascular education and prevention, especially during consultations. Lastly, some clarification is required to integrate such new practitioners within vascular teams already in place.

Conclusion

Advanced nurse practitioners could be the missing link in a "Vascular team" by creating a continuum in the care of patients with PAD, ensuring clinical assessment, nursing supervision, adverse event screening, and renewing drug prescriptions with the required adaptations while ensuring essential part of therapeutic education adapted to each patient.

Pharmacological Efficacy and Gastrointestinal Safety of Different Aspirin Formulations for Cardiovascular Prevention: A Narrative Review

Aspirin inhibits platelet function by irreversibly inhibiting the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TxA2). Aspirin, at low doses, is widely used for cardiovascular prevention. Gastrointestinal discomfort, mucosal erosions/ulcerations and bleeding are frequent complications of chronic treatment. To reduce these adverse effects, different formulations of aspirin have been developed, including enteric-coated (EC) aspirin, the most widely used aspirin formulation. However, EC aspirin is less effective than plain aspirin in inhibiting TxA2 production, especially in subjects with high body weight. The inadequate pharmacological efficacy of EC aspirin is mirrored by lower protection from cardiovascular events in subjects weighing >70 kg. Endoscopic studies showed that EC aspirin causes fewer erosions of the gastric mucosa compared to plain aspirin (which is absorbed in the stomach) but causes mucosal erosions in the small intestine, where it is absorbed. Several studies demonstrated that EC aspirin does not reduce the incidence of clinically relevant gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Similar results were found for buffered aspirin. Although interesting, the results of experiments on the phospholipid-aspirin complex PL2200 are still preliminary. Considering its favorable pharmacological profile, plain aspirin should be the preferred formulation to be used for cardiovascular prevention.

The eSports Medicine: Pre-Participation Screening and Injuries Management-An Update

Recently, electronic sports (eSports) became one of the growing forms of new media due to the wide diffusion of games and online technologies. Even if there is still a debate about the definition and characterization of eSports, eAthletes train heavily, compete in tournaments, must abide by competition, association, and governing body rules, just like all other athletes. Furthermore, as in any other competitive discipline, there can be injuries. Aberrant sitting posture, repetitive movements, screen vision, prolonged playing hours, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to several medical hazards in musculoskeletal, ophthalmology, neurological, and metabolic systems. Moreover, several cardiovascular changes occur in eAthletes. This paper aims to explore the different injuries that can occur in a professional eAthlete, suggesting how every high-level gamer could benefit from a pre-participation evaluation and a correct injury prevention strategy.

Monoclonal Antibodies, Gene Silencing and Gene Editing (CRISPR) Therapies for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia-The Future Is Here

Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Undertreatment of elevated lipids persists despite existing therapies. Here, we provide an update on monoclonal antibodies, gene silencing therapies, and gene editing techniques for the management of hyperlipidemia. The current era of cutting-edge pharmaceuticals targeting low density lipoprotein cholesterol, PCSK9, lipoprotein (a), angiopoietin-like 3, and apolipoprotein C3 are reviewed. We outline what is known, studies in progress, and futuristic goals. This review of available and upcoming biotechnological lipid therapies is presented for clinicians managing patients with familial hyperlipidemia, statin intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, or elevated lipoprotein (a) levels.

Clinical Evaluation of Patients with Genetically Confirmed Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic disorder associated with premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease (ASCVD). However, it still is severely underdiagnosed. Initiating lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in FH patients early in life can substantially reduce their ASCVD risk. As a result, identifying FH is of the utmost importance. The increasing availability of genetic testing may be useful in this regard. We aimed to evaluate the genetic profiles, clinical characteristics, and gender differences between the first consecutive patients referred for genetic testing with FH clinical suspicion in our institution (a Spanish cohort). Clinical information was reviewed, and all participants were sequenced for the main known genes related to FH: LDLR, APOB, PCSK9 (heterozygous FH), LDLRAP1 (autosomal recessive FH), and two other genes related to hyperlipidaemia (APOE and LIPA). The genetic yield was 32%. Their highest recorded LDLc levels were 294 ± 65 SD mg. However, most patients (79%) were under > 1 LLT medication, and their last mean LDLc levels were 135 ± 51 SD. LDLR c.2389+4A>G was one of the most frequent pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and its carriers had significantly worse LDLc highest recorded levels (348 ± 61 SD vs. 282 ± 60 SD mg/dL, p = 0.002). Moreover, we identified an homozygous carrier of the pathogenic variant LDLRAP1 c.207delC (autosomal recessive FH). Both clinical and genetic hypercholesterolemia diagnosis was significantly established earlier in men than in women (25 years old ± 15 SD vs. 35 years old ± 19 SD, p = 0.02; and 43 ± 17 SD vs. 54 ± 19 SD, p = 0.02, respectively). Other important CV risk factors were found in 44% of the cohort. The prevalence of family history of premature ASCVD was high, whereas personal history was exceptional. Our finding reaffirms the importance of early detection of FH to initiate primary prevention strategies from a young age. Genetic testing can be very useful. As it enables familial cascade genetic testing, early prevention strategies can be extended to all available relatives at concealed high CV risk.

Benefits in Cardiac Function from a Remote Exercise Program in Children with Obesity

Physical activity (PA) is a crucial factor in preventing and treating obesity and related complications. In this one-arm pre−post longitudinal prospective study, we evaluated the effects of a 12-week online supervised training program on cardiac morphology, function and blood pressure (BP) in children with obesity. The training program consisted of three sessions per week, each lasting 60 min. Advanced echocardiographic imaging (tissue Doppler and longitudinal strain analysis) was used to detect subclinical changes in heart function. Categorical variables were described as counts and percentages; quantitative variables as the mean and standard deviation (SD) as they were normally distributed (Shapiro−Wilks test). Pre−post comparisons were made with a paired t-test. A total of 27/38 (71%) enrolled patients (18M/9F, 11 ± 2 years) completed the training protocol and were considered in the analysis. At baseline, no hypertensive patient was noted; all echocardiographic variables were within the normal range. After training, we observed a significant reduction in BP parameters, including systolic BP values and Z-score, diastolic BP values, centiles and Z-score, and mean arterial pressure (all p < 0.05). Significant variations in echocardiographic interventricular septum (IVSd) thickness (p = 0.011), IVSd Z-score (p = 0.001), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter (p = 0.045), LV posterior wall thickness Z-score (p = 0.017), and LV global longitudinal strain (p = 0.016) were detected. No differences in LV diastolic function and right ventricular strain were noted. PA plays a decisive role in improving BP control and has benefits on left ventricle systolic function, representing a strategic approach to limit CV risk. Online exercise could be an excellent method of training in children with obesity.

Position of the international forum of internal medicine on habits, lifestyle changes and a healthy environment for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mainly ischemic heart disease and stroke, is the main cause of death worldwide and each year more people die from CVD than from any other cause. These data call for a paradigm shift, where health promotion and cardiovascular prevention will acquire a central role in health policies. From this perspective, dedicating time during the consultation to promoting the acquisition of heart-healthy habits would be indicated in all individuals, regardless of cardiovascular risk classification, the role of the internist being fundamental. This position document from the International Forum of Internal Medicine (FIMI) presents the main indications regarding changes in lifestyle and acquisition of healthy habits to prevent CVD. The different sections will address topics including: nutrition, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, stress, environmental problems related to CVD and specific conditions in women. A section is included about starting CVD promotion and prevention measures at an early age, childhood and adolescence, also mentioning epigenetic aspects related to CVD. Social determinants in CVD are also taken into account, since some of these aspects, such as low socioeconomic level, modify cardiovascular risk and should be taken into account.

[Position of the international forum of internal medicine on habits, lifestyle changes and a healthy environment for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mainly ischemic heart disease and stroke, is the main cause of death worldwide and each year more people die from CVD than from any other cause. These data call for a paradigm shift, where health promotion and cardiovascular prevention will acquire a central role in health policies. From this perspective, dedicating time during the consultation to promoting the acquisition of heart-healthy habits would be indicated in all individuals, regardless of cardiovascular risk classification, the role of the internist being fundamental. This position document from the International Forum of Internal Medicine (FIMI) presents the main indications regarding changes in lifestyle and acquisition of healthy habits to prevent CVD. The different sections will address topics including: nutrition, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, stress, environmental problems related to CVD and specific conditions in women. A section is included about starting CVD promotion and prevention measures at an early age, childhood and adolescence, also mentioning epigenetic aspects related to CVD. Social determinants in CVD are also taken into account, since some of these aspects, such as low socioeconomic level, modify cardiovascular risk and should be taken into account.

Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI) - Poland's nationwide program of comprehensive post-MI care improves prognosis in 2-year follow-up. A single high-volume center intention-to-treat analysis

BACKGROUND

Managed Care in Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI) is a program introduced in Poland aimed at comprehensive, scheduled, and supervised care for AMI patients to improve longterm prognosis.

AIMS

Our study aimed to compare 24-month mortality and the incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACE: a composite of death, recurrent MI, and hospitalization for heart failure) in a cohort of AMI patients treated in the MC-AMI era (intention-to-treat analysis) vs. similar population treated before the MC-AMI era.

METHODS

We analyzed 2323 consecutive patients with AMI: 1261 patients enrolled in the MC-AMI era (study group) and 1062 patients treated 12 months before the MC-AMI era (control group). In the study group, 57% of patients participated in MC-AMI while 43% of patients remained under standard care. The patients were followed up for 24 months. Mortality and MACE were recorded.

RESULTS

Treatment in the MC-AMI era was related to a 30% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 14% reduction of MACE although it was not related to the reduction of hospitalization for heart failure (HF) or AMI in 24 months. The 24-month survival rate was the highest in MC-AMI enrolled patients while patients treated in the MC-AMI era but not enrolled had a similar prognosis to those treated before the MC-AMI era. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed the MC-AMI era to be inversely associated with mortality in 24-month follow-up (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 0.38-0.65; P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AMI treatment in the MC-AMI era reduces 24-month mortality and MACE. Moreover, AMI treatment in MC-AMI is inversely related to mortality, MACE, and hospitalization for HF. The effect is pronounced in patients enrolled in MC-AMI.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with significant coronary artery disease newly diagnosed by computed tomography coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

The Current European Society of Cardiology guidelines indicate specific target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels for different cardiovascular risk categories in terms of prevention. However, the target for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides has not been established.

AIM

The study aims to investigate the associations betweenHDL-C,triglycerides, andcoronary plaque characteristics.

METHODS

This was a prospective single-center study with enrolled consecutive patients with newly diagnosed significant (≥1stenosis ≥50%) CAD on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). Patients had lipids andCTCA analysis, including high-risk plaque (HRP) features: low-attenuation plaque (LAP), napkin-ring sign (NRS), positive remodeling (PR), and spotty calcium (SC), type of the plaque (calcified, noncalcified, mixed), and their composition (calcified, fibrous, fibro-fatty, necrotic core).

RESULTS

The study included 300 patients (191 men, 66 [8] years). Sixty-six percent of them had lipid-lowering therapy. HRPwas found in 208 patients. There was no association between LDL-C, plaque composition, and HRP presence. There was a negative correlation between HDL-C, fibro-fatty and necrotic core plaque components (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0009). There was a positive correlation between triglycerides and necrotic core (P = 0.038). There were differences in HDL-C and triglycerides in patients with and without NRS (47 vs. 53 mg/dl, P = 0.0002 and 128 vs. 109 mg/dl, P = 0.02). In logistic regression, HDL-C (odds ratio [OR], 0.95;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93-0.98; P <0.001), triglycerides (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01; P = 0.02), and male sex (OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.41-6.52; P = 0.004) were NRS predictors. In multivariable regression, only HDL-C (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; P = 0.02) was an independent predictor of NRS.

CONCLUSION

Lower HDL-C and higher triglycerides were associated with NRS presence and more necrotic core plaque components in coronary plaques in patients with newly diagnosed CAD.

Primary care physicians' awareness and perceptions on adherence to primary cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the awareness and have an insight on practice patterns of primary care physicians (PCPs) with respect to several professional primary cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) preventive guidelines.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study, questionnaire-based using a non-probability convenience sampling. Data collection occurred at the annual conferences of the Lebanese Societies of General Practice, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine in Lebanon. 104 PCPs were recruited.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Awareness and practices of CVDs preventive guidelines.

RESULTS

The response rate was 37%. Awareness of the various CVD preventive guidelines was high among PCPs (&gt;81%). Around 69% of PCPs reported that they always calculate the total cardiovascular risk assessment score. Gaps in managing patients according to guidelines' recommendations were higher in statin initiation compared to antihypertensive initiation. There is over prescription of statin in low risk patients and underutilization in high risk patients. Around 20% of PCPs would initiate aspirin for a low risk patient. Around 17% of physicians do not perform abdominal aortic aneurysm screening.

DISCUSSION

Although PCPs demonstrated high level of awareness regarding CVD preventive guidelines, gaps remain present in managing patients according to guidelines' recommendations. Less adherence to guidelines will increase mortality and affect patient care.

Impact of Dietary Fats on Cardiovascular Disease with a Specific Focus on Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Dietary habits have major implications as causes of death globally, particularly in terms of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, but to precisely define the role of the single components of diet in terms of cardiovascular risk is not an easy task, since current epidemiological cohorts do not include sufficient information regarding all the confounding factors typical of nutritional associations. As an example, complex and multifactorial are the possible nutritional or detrimental effects of dietary fats, due to the huge variety of lipid metabolites originating from either the enzymatic or non-enzymatic oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol and phospholipids. The area of research that has allowed the benefit/risk profile of a dietary supplement to be tested with controlled studies is that of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have showed a potential therapeutic role only in secondary cardiovascular prevention, while controlled studies in primary prevention have consistently produced neutral results. Despite some favorable evidence in patients with chronic heart failure; a treatment with n-3 PUFA in this clinical context is presently overlooked. The potential risk of atrial fibrillation, especially when n-3 PUFA are used in high doses, is still under scrutiny.

Effect of a Run-In Period on Estimated Treatment Effects in Cardiovascular Randomized Clinical Trials: A Meta-Analytic Review

Background A run-in period may increase adherence to intervention and reduce loss to follow-up. Whether use of a run-in period affects the magnitude of treatment effects is unknown. Methods and Results We conducted a meta-analysis comparing treatment effects from 11 systematic reviews of cardiovascular prevention trials using a run-in period with matched trials not using a run-in period. We matched run-in with non-run-in trials by population, intervention, control, and outcome. We calculated a ratio of relative risks (RRRs) using a random-effects meta-analysis. Our primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events, and the primary analysis was a matched comparison of clinical trials using a run-in period versus without a run-in period. We identified 66 run-in trials and 111 non-run-in trials (n=668 901). On meta-analysis there was no statistically significant difference in the magnitude of treatment effect between run-in trials (relative risk [RR], 0.83 [95% CI, 0.80-0.87]) compared with non-run-in trials (RR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.84-0.91]; RRR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.90-1.01]). There was no significant difference in the RRR for secondary outcomes of all-cause mortality (RRR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.91-1.03]) or medication discontinuation because of adverse events (RRR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.85-1.21]). Post hoc exploratory univariate meta-regression showed that on average a run-in period is associated with a statistically significant difference in treatment effect (RRR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.90-0.99]) for cardiovascular composite outcome, but this was not statistically significant on multivariable meta-regression analysis (RRR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.90-1.0]). Conclusions The use of a run-in period was not associated with a difference in the magnitude of treatment effect among cardiovascular prevention trials.

A Systematic Review of Whether the Use of N95 Respirator Masks Decreases the Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease in the General Population

The usage of masks such as the N95 has increased exponentially worldwide. With the ever-increasing global rates of cardiovascular disease, it is vital that preventative measures are adopted to help tackle this crisis. N95 masks have been promoted as health prevention odysseys in the battle against viruses such as COVID-19. A systematic review was conducted on whether the N95 masks could help improve our cardiovascular health. Our data sources included PubMed, Medline and Scopus. Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria to be included in the review. N95 mask usage led to increased reports of dyspnoea, however, no significant effect was seen on blood pressure. N95 masks also showed improvement in aortic parameters. While encouraging results were yielded, further focussed studies on the use of N95 masks and the effect on various cardiovascular parameters would help strengthen the association.