Acute Coronary Syndrome Admissions Research Articles

Outcomes of Patients with Normal LDL-Cholesterol at Admission for Acute Coronary Syndromes: Lower Is Not Always Better.

There are few prospective data on the prognostic value of normal admission low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in statin-naïve patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) who are treated with a preemptive invasive strategy. We aimed to analyze the proportion of patients with normal LDL-C at admission for ACS in our practice, and their characteristics and clinical outcomes in comparison to patients with high admission LDL-C. Two institutions' prospective registries of patients with confirmed ACS from Jan 2017 to Jan 2023 were used to identify 1579 statin-naïve patients with no history of prior coronary artery disease (CAD), and with available LDL-C admission results, relevant clinical and procedural data, and short- and long-term follow-up data. Normal LDL-C at admission was defined as lower than 2.6 mmol/L. All demographic, clinical, procedural, and follow-up data were compared between patients with normal LDL-C and patients with a high LDL-C level (≥2.6 mmol/L) at admission. There were 242 (15%) patients with normal LDL-C at admission. In comparison to patients with high LDL-cholesterol at admission, they were significantly older (median 67 vs. 62 years) with worse renal function, had significantly more cases of diabetes mellitus (DM) (26% vs. 17%), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (14% vs. 9%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (8% vs. 2%), and psychological disorders requiring medical attention (19% vs. 10%). There were no significant differences in clinical type of ACS. Complexity of CAD estimated by coronary angiography was similar between the two groups (median Syntax score 12 for both groups). There were no significant differences in rates of complete revascularization (67% vs. 72%). Patients with normal LDL-C had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at discharge (median LVEF 52% vs. 55%). Patients with normal LDL-C at admission had both significantly higher in-hospital mortality (5% vs. 2%, RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.08-3.96) and overall mortality during a median follow-up of 43 months (27% vs. 14%, RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.45-2.37). After adjusting for age, renal function, presence of diabetes mellitus, PAD, COPD, psychological disorders, BMI, and LVEF at discharge in a multivariate Cox regression analysis, normal LDL-C at admission remained significantly and independently associated with higher long-term mortality during follow-up (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.05-2.09). A spontaneously normal LDL-C level at admission for ACS in statin-naïve patients was not rare and it was an independent risk factor for both substantially higher in-hospital mortality and mortality during long-term follow-up. Patients with normal LDL-C and otherwise high total cardiovascular risk scores should be detected early and treated with optimal medical therapy. However, additional research is needed to reveal all the missing pieces in their survival puzzle after ACS-beyond coronary anatomy, PCI optimization, numerical LDL-C levels, and statin therapy.

Impact of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels at Acute Coronary Syndrome Admission on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level reduction is highly effective in preventing the occurrence of a cardiovascular event. Contrariwise, an inverse association exists between LDL-C levels and prognosis in some patients with cardiovascular diseases-the so-called "cholesterol paradox." This study aimed to investigate whether the LDL-C level on admission affects the long-term prognosis in patients who develop acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to examine factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with low LDL-C levels. We enrolled 410 statin-naïve patients with ACS, whom we divided into low- and high-LDL-C groups based on an admission LDL-C cut-off (obtained from the Youden index) of 122 mg/dL. Endothelial function was assessed using the reactive hyperemia index 1 week after statin initiation. The primary composite endpoint included all-cause death, as well as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke occurrences. During a median follow-up period of 6.1 years, 76 patients experienced the primary endpoint. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that patients in the low LDL-C group had a 2.3-fold higher risk of experiencing the primary endpoint than those in the high LDL-C group (hazard ratio, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-4.27; p=0.005). In the low LDL-C group, slow gait speed (frailty), elevated chronic-phase high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (chronic inflammation), and endothelial dysfunction were significantly associated with the primary endpoint. Patients with low LDL-C levels at admission due to ACS had a significantly worse long-term prognosis than those with high LDL-C levels; frailty, chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction were poor prognostic factors.

Factors Affecting Late Atrial Fibrillation and Its Association With Coronary Artery Bypass Outcomes

BackgroundAlthough predictors and outcomes of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) are well studied, evidence is lacking concerning postdischarge late/recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated factors affecting late/recurrent AF and its association with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) outcomes in a real-world setting. MethodsFrom 2012 through 2016, 5175 patients were included. Independent factors associated with late/recurrent AF were identified in a competing risk setting. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to evaluate the association between late/recurrent AF and study outcomes, consisting of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events, acute coronary syndrome, cerebrovascular events, and heart failure admissions. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 60 months (quartile 1-quartile 3, 59.3-60.7 months), late/recurrent AF developed in 85 patients (1.64%). Independent factors associated with late/recurrent AF were age (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), left-ventricular ejection fraction (sHR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99), length of stay (sHR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04), and POAF (sHR, 4.02; 95% CI, 2.50-6.45). Late/recurrent AF was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality and major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events at unadjusted or adjusted levels (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.50-1.28] and 0.74 [95% CI, 0.48-1.13], respectively). Nevertheless, it significantly increased the unadjusted risk of cerebrovascular events (hazard ratio, 2.28; 95% CI, 01.07-4.87), which disappeared after adjustments. ConclusionsPatients with advanced age, a lower left-ventricular ejection fraction, and POAF are more likely to have late/recurrent clinical AF. Albeit counterintuitive, late/recurrent AF was not independently associated with worse midterm post-CABG outcomes. These observations need to be further elucidated in larger-scale studies and interpreted in the context of a developing country with limited resources for late AF surveillance.

Myocardial performance index improves prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events and heart failure in type 1 and type 2 diabetes without known heart disease: Thousand&1 and Thousand&2 study

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite myocardial involvement in diabetes, current risk prediction models do not include parameters of the myocardial function. Myocardial performance index (MPI) reflects left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. The prognostic value of MPI has not been evaluated in larger-scale diabetes populations. Purpose To assess the prognostic value of MPI in a larger-scale diabetes population. Methods We evaluated two prospective cohort studies: The Thousand&1 Study (1093 individuals with T1D) and The Thousand&2 Study (1030 individuals with T2D). Clinical data, including echocardiography, were collected at baseline. We excluded 480 individuals with heart disease. We collected follow-up data from national registries. We defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as the first incident of all-cause death, hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, or stroke. Results For included individuals (56% male, 54±15 years, MPI 0.51±0.1, 63% T1D), follow-up was 100% after a median of 5.3 years (interquartile range: 4.8 to 6.3). MPI was significantly associated with MACE (Hazard ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.0-1.3, p=0.012, per 0.10-unit increase) and heart failure (Hazard ratio 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.6, p=0.005, per 0.10-unit increase) after adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic variables. MPI predicted MACE better in T1D than in T2D (p=0.031 for interaction). MPI added discriminatory power to the Steno T1D Risk Engine (1,2) in predicting heart failure, but not MACE. Conclusions MPI is an independent predictor of MACE and heart failure in T1D and T2D, with the strongest prediction in T1D. Echocardiographic assessment in diabetes may enhance risk prediction.

Long-Term Follow-up Study of Hospitalizations for Acute Coronary Syndrome in Kobe-City and Other Districts Under the Hyogo Smoking Ban Legislation - A Nationwide Database Study.

Hyogo Prefecture has managed smoking ban legislation with partial restrictions in public places (Hyogo-L) since 2013. Previous studies have reported a significant decrease in admissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Kobe-city, but not in other districts of Hyogo Prefecture in the 2 years after Hyogo-L. The aim of the present study was to define the long-term effect of Hyogo-L.Methods and Results: The JROAD-DPC dataset was used to collect information on the number of hospitalizations for ACS in Hyogo Prefecture, and in Osaka-city without smoking ban legislation, from April 2013 to March 2020. Poisson regression analysis was performed to calculate incident rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). ACS records of 3,101 in Kobe-city, 11,375 in areas of Hyogo Prefecture other than Kobe-city and 11,079 in Osaka-city were collected for admissions. The incidence of ACS reduced significantly over time in Kobe-city [IRR (95% CI); 0.96 (0.94-0.97)], but did not reduce in the others. The decrease in Kobe-city was observed in ACS patients without smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, but not in those with such risk factors. The long-term ACS reduction or non-reduction under Hyogo-L was determined at the initial period and the same scenario continued, supporting the importance of legislation and compliance with the smoking ban. The lowering effect was remarkable in ACS patients without risk factors such as non-smoking.

Psychological impact of first admission with cardiovascular disease in a tertiary hospital in Oman

Background and objectivesCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are associated with substantial psychological effects that can adversely influence long term prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the psychological effect of the first hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or congestive heart failure (CHF) in an adult Omani population. MethodsThis cross-sectional questionnaire based study used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients were recruited from the in-patient cardiology and medical wards of our institution. Patients with a prior hospital admission for CHF and ACS were excluded. The questionnaire was administered between days 3 and 7 after admission once patients were clinically stable. ResultsThe study included 116 patients (mean age 60.3 + 13.8 years; 78 (67.8%) men), comprising 52 patients with ACS and 64 patients with CHF. Based on the scores, a total of 45 (38.8%) patients had moderate to severe anxiety, and 32 (27.6%) had moderate to severe depression. Patients with severe anxiety tended to be younger, and no other factors predicted anxiety or depression. The proportion of patients with severe depression was higher among patients with CHF (31.4%), and no other differences were observed between patients with ACS or CHF. ConclusionA substantial proportion of patients admitted to our institution in Oman with CVD had severe anxiety and depression. Treating physicians and caregivers should be more open to identifying these patients, and steps should be taken to address their psychological wellbeing along with the medical management of their illness.

Prognostic value of myocardial performance index in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Thousand&1 and Thousand&2 studies.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite diabetes affects the myocardium, risk prediction models do not include myocardial function parameters. Myocardial performance index (MPI) reflects left ventricular function. The prognostic value of MPI has not been evaluated in large-scale diabetes populations. We evaluated two prospective cohort studies: Thousand&1 (1093 individuals with T1D) and Thousand&2 (1030 individuals with T2D). Clinical data, including echocardiography, were collected at baseline. We collected follow-up data from national registries. We defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as incident events of hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, stroke, or all-cause mortality. For included individuals (56% male, 54 ± 15 years, MPI 0.51 ± 0.1, 63% T1D), follow-up was 100% after median of 5.3 years (range: 4.8-6.3). MPI was associated with MACE (HR 1.2, 95%CI 1.0-1.3, P = 0.012, per 0.10-unit increase) and heart failure (HR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.6, P = 0.005, per 0.10-unit increase) after adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic variables. MPI predicted MACE and heart failure better in T1D than T2D (P = 0.031 for interaction). MPI added discriminatory power to the Steno T1 Risk Engine, based on clinical characteristics, in predicting MACE [area under the curve (AUC) from 0.77 to 0.79, P = 0.030] and heart failure (AUC from 0.77 to 0.83, P = 0.009) in T1D. MPI is independently associated with MACE and heart failure in T1D but not T2D and improves prediction in T1D. Echocardiographic assessment in T1D may enhance risk prediction.

Angiographic Finding in Acute Coronary Syndrome in Female Patient’s Diabetic vs Non-Diabetic

Background: From January 2018 to July 2018, a study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex's Department of Cardiology to analyze the angiographic results of female patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study group consisted of 75 female patients with ACS; thirty patients were diabetic, while the remaining forty-five were non-diabetic. Results from angiography revealed that single vessel disease (36.67%) was the most common finding in non-diabetic patients, followed by two vessel disease (31.11%). The study found that disease severity in diabetic patients varied more, with the majority (43.33%) having two vessel disease. Single vessel disease (33.33%) and three vessel disease (23.33%) were also frequently observed. Conversely, non-diabetic patients displayed more normal coronaries (44.44%) while diabetic patients tended to have more diseased vessels (66.67%). Ultimately, the study determined that female diabetics with ACS exhibit a wider range of complex diseases compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Objectives: From January 2018 to July 2018, Department of Cardiology at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar received admissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in both diabetic and non-diabetic female patients. Our present study aims to compare the findings of their angiograms. Methodology: The present study had 75 female patients admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex's Cardiology Department between January and July 2018 for ACS. Medical records were reviewed for age, medical history, and angiography findings. A comparison of non-diabetic and diabetic patients showed 45 and 30 patients, respectively. The severity of the ACS was determined by the number of vessel involvement and coronary artery status in the angiography report. Results: Single vessel disease was identified as the most common finding in 36.67% of non-diabetic patients, while two vessel disease was noted in 31.11%. However, in diabetic patients, the most frequent discovery was two vessel disease with 43.33%, followed by single vessel disease in 33.33% and three vessel disease in 23.33%. In terms of coronary artery status, more non-diabetic patients had normal coronaries (44.44%) in contrast to diabetic patients who showed more diseased vessels with a percentage of 66.67%. Conclusion: The study revealed a greater range and complexity of illness severity among female ACS patients with diabetes than those without. This indicates that those with diabetes are more susceptible to severe ACS forms, underscoring the importance of their careful monitoring to minimize the chances of cardiovascular complications. Keywords: ACS, Angiography, Diabetic, Non-Diabetic, Coronary Artery.

Characteristics and risk of coronary-related events following hospitalisation for chronic coronary disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Western Australian Department of Health. Background Chronic coronary heart disease (CCD) is associated with a high healthcare burden and expenditure in Western societies, yet population-level data on CCD are limited. Use of hospitalisation data to investigate CCD epidemiology has not been well explored. Our aim was to describe characteristics of patients hospitalised with CCD and to estimate the long-term risk of coronary outcomes in this cohort. Method We used Western Australian state-wide linked hospitalisation/mortality data to identify all hospitalisations for CCD, comprised stable angina (SA, ICD-10-AM I20.1-I20.9) and chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD, I25) from 2002 – 2017. Index admissions were defined as the first SA or chronic IHD admission in the study period. 14-years of hospitalisation history data were used to identify prior medical history, including admissions for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) +/- angiography, PCI and CABG. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to estimate risk of readmission for coronary outcomes and procedures using up to 15-years of follow-up from linked morbidity/mortality data. Results There were 32,557 index SA and 29,505 index chronic IHD admissions from 2002-2017. SA index case number declined by -3.9%/year while chronic IHD admissions increased steadily (+5.3%/year, age-adjusted). The mean age was 66 years for SA and chronic IHD index admissions, with women on average 3 years younger than men; median length of stay was 3 days. Women comprised a higher proportion of SA admissions (37.8%) than chronic IHD (26.9%, p<0.0001). SA admissions were more likely to be emergency admissions (45.6% vs 13.4%) and have comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension and stroke. Patients with a chronic IHD admission were more likely to undergo angiography only (65.3% vs 46.7%) or revascularisation (20.6% vs 12.9%) during the index admission. Around 1/3 of SA and chronic IHD patients had a prior ACS admission (n=9964 and 8291 respectively); around half of these prior ACS admissions occurred in the 1-year preceding the index SA and chronic IHD admissions (Figure), with the majority occurring in the 90 days immediately prior to the index admission. Following an index SA or chronic IHD admission, the risk of ACS within the initial year of follow-up was 9.4% in men and 8.6% in women with SA, and 5.6% in chronic IHD men and women. This risk increased to >20% in both groups with 15 years of follow-up. The 15-year risk of CVD mortality was 4.3% in men and 4.2% in women following a chronic IHD admission; similar long-term risks were seen following SA admissions. Conclusion The heterogeneity in clinical profile and outcomes between patients admitted for SA versus chronic IHD requires cautious interpretation of hospitalisation data to inform the epidemiology of CCD. However, while mortality risk is low, the risk of ACS readmission is high, indicating significant ongoing morbidity and healthcare burden of CCD.

Risk modification role of opportunistic screening of lipoprotein(a) at first acute coronary syndrome admission in patients under 65 years old

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background/Introduction There is a strong association between lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent guidelines recommend its measure once in each adults’ lifetime, but the moment remains undefined. Moreover, little is known about Lp(a) in the acute setting. Purpose To describe Lp(a) levels in young patients (under 65) affected by its first acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as part of the standard evaluation during hospitalization and how it can affect lipid residual risk stratification. Methods We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study involving 51 patients under 65 years old admitted to hospital between July 2022 and October 2022, for ACS, irrespective of the onset of symptoms (unstable angina, myocardial infarction with or without ST-segment elevation (STEMI, NSTEMI). We tested Lp(a), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc, HDLc), triglycerides (TG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), in those patients. Results We included 51 patients in our study. 76,5% were male. Mean age was 56,1 years (± 7,34). The distribution of risk factors was: smoking 68,6%, hypertension 52,9%, diabetes 31,4%, dyslipidaemia 43,1%. 30 patients had STEMI (58,8%), 17 NSTEMI (33,3%); 4 unstable angina. Immediate percutaneous coronary intervention was made in 33 patients (64,7%). Mean LVEF was 55,19% (± 9,4). Mean high-sensivity troponin I (hsTnI) peak was 47648,14 ng/L (± 71365). 13 patients had Lp(a) >50 mg/dL (25,5%), including 2 patients with Lp(a) levels above 180 mg/dL. The rest of the lipid profile is shown in Table 1. Conclusion In our sample of young ACS patients, one of each four patients has Lp(a) levels above 50 mg/dL, which confers a higher risk for ASCVD. We consider screening for Lp(a) in ACS as an opportunity to redefine cardiovascular risk and intensify lipid lowering therapies during follow-up.

Two-year prognosis of acute coronary syndrome during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

BackgroundThe first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic significantly changed behaviour in terms of access to healthcare. AimTo assess the effects of the pandemic and initial lockdown on the incidence of acute coronary syndrome and its long-term prognosis. MethodsPatients admitted for acute coronary syndrome from 17 March to 6 July 2020 and from 17 March to 6 July 2019 were included. The number of admissions for acute coronary syndrome, acute complication rates and 2-year rates of survival free from major adverse cardiovascular events or death from any cause were compared according to the period of hospitalization. ResultsIn total, 289 patients were included. We observed a 30±3% drop in acute coronary syndrome admissions during the first lockdown, which did not recover in the 2months after it was lifted. At 2years, there were no significant differences in the combined endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events or death from any cause between the different periods (P=0.34). Being hospitalized during lockdown was not predictive of adverse events during follow-up (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.66; P=0.67). ConclusionsWe did not observe an increased risk of major cardiovascular events or death at 2years from initial hospitalization for patients hospitalized during the first lockdown, adopted in March 2020 in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, potentially as a result of the lack of power of the study.

Impact of Geriatric Events on Clinical Outcomes and Resource Utilization of Acute Coronary Syndrome Hospitalizations.

Background The effect of geriatric events (GEs) on outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admissions is poorly understood.We evaluated the prevalence and impact of GEs on clinical outcomes and resource utilization of older patients admitted with ACS. Methods Using the 2018 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample, we analyzed all elective hospitalizations forACS in older adults (age ≥ 65 years) and a younger reference group (age 55-64). Nationally-weighted descriptive statistics were generated for GEs based on ACS subtypes. Multivariate logistic regression models controlling for comorbidities, frailty, patient procedure, and hospital-level variables were used to estimate the association of age with GEs and GEs with outcomes. Results Out of 403,760 admissions analyzed, 71.9% occurred in older adults (≥65 years). The overall rate of any GE in older adults with ACS was 3.4%. With advancing age, the number of GEs was found to significantly increase (p<0.001). After adjustments, having any GE was found to have a significant impact on mortality (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.32; 95%CI: 1.15-1.54; p < 0.001), post-myocardial infarction (MI) complications (AOR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.36-1.71; p < 0.001), prolonged hospital stays (AOR: 2.97; 95%CI: 2.56-3.30; p < 0.001), and non-home (acute care and skilled nursing home) discharge (AOR: 1.68; 95%CI: 1.53-1.85; p < 0.001). The occurrence of GEs was also associated with a substantial increase in total hospitalization costs with a mean increase of $48,325.22 ± $5,539 (p < 0.001). A dose-response relationship was established between GEs and all outcomes. Limitations of the study included the use of retrospective data and an administrative database. Conclusion Geriatric events were found to significantly worsen outcomes for older adults with ACS. There is, therefore, a need for increased awareness and effective management of GEs in older adults to improve their health outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Presentation, Management and Early Mortality of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Large Sample Study of a Middle East Country.

Due to lack of contemporary data on the presentation, management, and mortality of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admissions in Iran, in this prospective registry study, we aimed to evaluate the presentation, management, and mortality as the outcome of patients with ACS in Isfahan, Iran, 2001-2016 to address treatment and healthcare depletions. Data of 62,276 patients admitted with the diagnosis of ACS from 2001 to 2016 prospectively were obtained by Surveillance Unit of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan, Iran, in 13 hospitals of Isfahan province. We evaluated data on presentation, management, and in-hospital and 28-day mortality. Nearly half of the patients ranged in age from 51 to 70 years (32050, 51.5%), which did not differ among ACS types (ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI): 53.9%; non-STEMI: 53.4%; unstable angina: 51.9%). In-hospital, anti-platelets use was high (84.9%). Thrombolytic were used in 48.1% of STEMI, 3.8% of non-STEMI, and 1.1% of unstable angina. Discharge medication rates were suboptimal. In-hospital and 28-day mortality were highest for STEMI (6.5 and 12.6%, respectively). These data represent the large ACS registry in Iran. Data revealed the various presentations of ACS and demonstrated opportunities for improving ACS management by focusing on increasing use of recommended drugs especially after discharge due to suboptimal medical treatment in these patients. The high mortality rate needs to be taken into consideration in ACS patients.

Age and Marital Status Predict Mild Cognitive Impairment During Acute Coronary Syndrome Admission: An Observational Study of Acute Coronary Syndrome Inpatients.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been reported after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but it is uncertain who is at risk, particularly during inpatient admission. In this study, we aimed to explore the prevalence and cognitive domains affected in MCI during ACS admission and determine factors that identify patients most at risk of MCI. Inpatients with ACS were consecutively recruited from 2 tertiary hospital cardiac wards and screened with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test. Screening included health literacy (Newest Vital Sign), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and physical activity (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly). Factors associated with MCI were determined using logistic regression. Participants (n = 81) had a mean (SD) age of 63.5 (10.9) years, and 82.7% were male. In total, MCI was identified in 52.5%, 42.5% with 1 screen and 10% with both. Individually, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment identified MCI in 48.1%, and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test identified MCI in 13.8%. In Montreal Cognitive Assessment screening, the cognitive domains in which participants most frequently did not achieve the maximum points available were delayed recall (81.5%), visuospatial executive function (48.1%), and attention (30.9%). Accounting for education, depression, physical activity, and ACS diagnosis, the likelihood of an MCI positive screen increased by 11% per year of age (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.18) and by 3.6 times for those who are unmarried/unpartnered (odds ratio, 3.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-11.89). An estimated half of patients with ACS screen positive for MCI during admission, with single and older patients most at risk. Multiple areas of thinking were affected with potential impact on capacity for learning heart disease management.

Temporal trends in cardiovascular care: Insights from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public health care measures have been implemented to limit spread of the contagion and ensure adequate healthcare resource allocation. Correlating with these measures are observed changes in the incidence and outcomes of cardiovascular conditions in the absence of COVID-19 infection. The pandemic has resulted in a reduction in acute coronary syndrome, heart failure and arrhythmia admissions but with worsened outcomes in those diagnosed with these conditions. This is concerning of an underdiagnosis of cardiovascular diseases during the pandemic. Furthermore, cardiovascular services and investigations have decreased to provide healthcare allocation to COVID-19 related services. This threatens an increasing future prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity in healthcare systems that are still adapting to the challenges of a continuing pandemic. Adaption of virtual training and patient care delivery platforms have been shown to be useful, but adequate resources allocation is needed to ensure effectiveness in vulnerable populations.

Myocardial Injury Portends a Higher Risk of Mortality and Long-Term Cardiovascular Sequelae after Hospital Discharge in COVID-19 Survivors.

Background: Cardiovascular sequelae after COVID-19 are frequent. However, the predictors for their occurrence are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess whether myocardial injury during COVID-19 hospitalization is associated to CV sequelae and death after hospital discharge. Methods: In this prospective observational study, consecutive patients who were admitted for COVID-19 in a metropolitan COVID-19 hub in Italy, between March 2021 and January 2022, with a ≥ 1 assessment of high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) were included in the study, if they were alive at hospital discharge. Myocardial injury was defined as elevation hs-cTnI > 99th percentile of the upper reference limit. The incidence of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, including cardiovascular death, admission for acute or chronic coronary syndrome, hospitalization for heart failure, and stroke/transient ischemic attack) at follow-up were the primary outcomes. Arrhythmias, inflammatory heart diseases, and/or thrombotic disorders were analyzed as well. Results: Among the 701 COVID-19 survivors (mean age 66.4 ± 14.4 years, 40.2% female), myocardial injury occurred in 75 (10.7%) patients. At a median follow-up of 270 days (IQR 165, 380), all-cause mortality (21.3% vs. 6.1%, p < 0.001), MACCE (25.3% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001), arrhythmias (9.3% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.034), and inflammatory heart disease (8.0% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with myocardial injury compared to those without. At multivariate analysis, myocardial injury (HR 1.95 [95% CI:1.05–3.61]), age (HR 1.09 [95% CI:1.06–1.12]), and chronic kidney disease (HR 2.63 [95% CI:1.33–5.21]) were independent predictors of death. Myocardial injury (HR 3.92 [95% CI:2.07–7.42]), age (HR 1.05 [95% CI:1.02–1.08]), and diabetes (HR 2.35 [95% CI:1.25–4.43]) were independent predictors of MACCE. Conclusion: In COVID-19 survivors, myocardial injury during the hospital stay portends a higher risk of mortality and cardiovascular sequelae and could be considered for the risk stratification of COVID-19 sequelae in patients who are successfully discharged.

Short-term DAPT after coronary stenting has similar ischemic and bleeding outcomes as long-term DAPT: a 5-year population-based cohort study.

Optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. We investigated the relationship between DAPT duration following PCI and long-term ischemic and bleeding outcomes under real-world conditions. Patients aged ≥ 65years who underwent PCI with stenting in Western Australian hospitals between 2003 and 2008 and survived 2years were identified from linked hospital admissions data. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) defined as a composite of all-cause death and admissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery revascularization procedure, stroke, and major bleeding. Secondary outcomes were ACS admissions, all-cause death, and major bleeding admissions. Patients were followed up for 5years from initial PCI. A total of 3963 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the cohort was 74.5 ± 6.1years with 67.3% males. No significant difference was seen with 6-12, 12-18, or 18-24months DAPT, compared to 0-6months DAPT duration for MACCE and all secondary outcomes at 3- and 5-year post-PCI. There is no significant difference in both bleeding and ischemic outcomes in long-term DAPT as compared to short-term DAPT for first- and second-generation drug-eluting stents in a real-world population.

Decline of Admission for Acute Coronary Syndromes and Acute Cardiovascular Conditions during COVID-19 Pandemic in Veneto Region.

Background: The present study aimed to examine longitudinal trends in hospitalizations for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, by reviewing the data from 13 hospitals of the Veneto Region, in the north-east of Italy. Methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis including all the consecutive patients presenting with ACS and other acute cardiovascular (CV) conditions (defined as heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest and venous thromboembolism) hospitalized in 13 different hospitals of the Veneto Region covering a population of 2,554,818 inhabitants, during the first (between 15 March 2020 and 30 April 2020) and second (between 15 November 2020 and 30 December 2020) COVID-19 pandemic waves (the 2020 cohort). Data were compared with those obtained at the same time-windows of years 2018 and 2019 (the historical cohorts). Results: Compared to the historical cohorts, a significant decrease in the number of ACS cases was observed in 2020 (−27.3%, p = 0.01 and −32%, p < 0.001, comparing 2018 versus 2020 and 2019 and 2020, respectively). The proportion of patients hospitalized for acute CV conditions decreased during the first and second wave COVID-19 pandemic when compared to the historical cohorts (−36.5%, p < 0.001 and −40.6%, p < 0.001, comparing 2018 versus 2020 and 2019 and 2020, respectively). Pearson’s correlation evidenced a significant inverse relationship between the number of COVID-19 cases and both ACS hospital admissions (r = −0.881, p = 0.005) and hospitalizations for acute CV conditions (r = −0.738, p = 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: The decrease in hospitalizations for ACS and other acute CV conditions will strongly affect future patients’ management since undiagnosed nonfatal CV events represent a source of increased (and unknown) CV morbidity and mortality.

Estimating the economic impact of acute coronary syndrome in New Zealand over time (ANZACS-QI 64): a national registry-based cost burden study

ObjectivesTo estimate the changes in costs associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admissions in New Zealand (NZ) public hospitals over a 12-year period.DesignA cost-burden study of ACS in NZ was...

Pattern of Admission, Management and In hospital Outcome of ACS Patients during COVID-19 pandemic - A study in Tertiary Care hospital

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease2019(Covid-19) outbreak on admissions for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and related mortality, severity of presentation, major cardiac complications, and outcome in tertiary care hospital (NICVD). Method: This is a cross sectional observational study on ACS admitted patients during the 1st and 2nd phase of COVID-19 from 1st June to 31st August in the year 2020 and 2021 who were COVID negative (RT PCR). Using a control of ACS admitted patients during corresponding period of year 2019 from registry. Results: During the 1st phase of COVID (July to August 2020) 736 ACS patients were enrolled where as during 2nd phase (July to August 2021) 722 ACS patients were enrolled. Mean age were 52±8 vs 53±11 years. Demographic variables such as age, sex and risk factors are almost identical in all groups. Our study showed 46% decline in admission in ACS patients comparing same period of 2019. Though some inclination in 2021 still it showed 13% decline in ACS patient admission in comparison to 2019. There was substantial increase in percentage of patient suffering from STEMI in 2020(42% vs66% vs46%). Short time in hospital complications were more pronounced in 2020. During the study period average death rate was higher than the year 2019 (8.6% vs 5.8%). There was significant decline in numbers of interventions(CAG and PCI) for CAD during first phase of Covid which raised during second phase(429 vs 2151). Total number of interventions done of 1884 patients in 2019 whereas 2151 patients were undergone in the year 2021. Conclusion: The Covid-19 outbreak affects hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome. During the first phase of the pandemic, significantly less patients with ACS admitted, but those admitted presented with a higher mortality, more complications and a worse short time outcome. Therefore ,our data indicate that Covid- 19 had relevant impact on non-infectious disease status, such as acute coronary syndrome. Bangladesh Heart Journal 2022; 37(1): 65-71