American Heart Association Recommendations Research Articles

Greater Adherence to Life's Essential 8 for Cardiovascular Health Is Associated With Lower Arterial Stiffness in Survivors of Cancer.

Survivors of cancer have elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, likely stemming from the negative impact of anticancer therapies on vascular function. Arterial stiffness is a strong indicator of vascular function and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends Life's Essential 8 for optimal cardiovascular health. It is currently unknown, however, whether greater adherence to Life's Essential 8 is associated with low arterial stiffness in survivors of cancer. This cross-sectional study included 172 older adult (≥65 years) survivors of cancer (74±6 years; 58% female). Life's Essential 8 100-point cardiovascular health score, with higher scores indicative of better cardiovascular health, was calculated based on 8 components: diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Participants were classified as having low (<60), moderate (60-79), or high (≥80) cardiovascular health. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used to assess arterial stiffness; with high arterial stiffness defined as a pulse wave velocity ≥10 m/s. The mean cardiovascular health score was 72±11 and 40 survivors (23%) had high arterial stiffness. Compared with low cardiovascular health, the odds ratio of high arterial stiffness was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.03-0.50) and 0.02 (95% CI, 0.003-0.18) for moderate and high cardiovascular health, respectively. Every 10-point increase in the cardiovascular health score was associated with a 0.43 m/s reduction in pulse wave velocity (P<0.001). Greater adherence to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 was associated with lower prevalence of high arterial stiffness in older adult survivors of cancer. Prospective studies with larger samples are needed.

Electronic Heart (ECG) Monitoring at Birth and Newborn Resuscitation.

Approximately 10% of newborns require assistance at delivery, and heart rate (HR) is the primary vital sign providers use to guide resuscitation methods. In 2016, the American Heart Association (AHA) suggested electrocardiogram in the delivery room (DR-ECG) to measure heart rate during resuscitation. This study aimed to compare the frequency of resuscitation methods used before and after implementation of the AHA recommendations. This longitudinal retrospective cohort study compared a pre-implementation (2015) cohort with two post-implementation cohorts (2017, 2021) at our Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. An initial increase in chest compressions at birth associated with the introduction of DR-ECG monitoring was mitigated by focused educational interventions on effective ventilation. Implementation was accompanied by no changes in neonatal mortality. Investigation of neonatal outcomes during the ongoing incorporation of DR-ECG may help our understanding of human and system factors, identify ways to optimize resuscitation team performance, and assess the impact of targeted training initiatives on clinical outcomes.

Size Dimension Chart for Reference Cuff Validation and Limitations in Current Recommendations.

International standards used for device validation protocols require that the reference cuff conform to a width and length that is 37 to 50% and 75 to 100% of the arm circumference, respectively. However, there is no published chart of appropriate width and length dimensions across the range of arm circumferences. Our objective was to create a chart that could be used to guide reference cuff selection and compare recommended dimensions with two common cuff systems. Arm circumferences, ranging from 22 to 52cm were used to create a reference table for width and length requirements. Arm circumferences were grouped following the American Heart Association recommendation for cuff sizes. Cuff dimension data was extracted from the website of a cuff system commonly used for validations (the Baum Corporation) and compared both the American Heart Association recommendations and Baum sizes with the recommended reference dimensions. There were discrepancies in size naming conventions between the Baum Corporation and the American Heart Association cuff systems. Moreover, there were gaps in both systems where the cuff would not be recommended for validation (31-32cm for Baum and 30-31cm for the American Heart Association). Neither system had cuffs that could be used for the largest arm circumferences. Our chart highlights the need for more than one cuff system in validation studies and the critical need for cuffs that could be used for validation among larger arm circumferences.

Effects of a Serious Smartphone Game on Nursing Students' Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Skills in Adult Basic Life Support: Randomized Wait List-Controlled Trial.

Retention of adult basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills after professional training declines over time. To combat this, the European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association recommend shorter, more frequent BLS sessions. Emphasizing technology-enhanced learning, such as mobile learning, aims to increase out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival and is becoming more integral in nursing education. The aim of this study was to investigate whether playing a serious smartphone game called MOBICPR at home can improve and retain nursing students' theoretical knowledge of and practical skills in adult BLS. This study used a randomized wait list-controlled design. Nursing students were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a MOBICPR intervention group (MOBICPR-IG) or a wait-list control group (WL-CG), where the latter received the MOBICPR game 2 weeks after the MOBICPR-IG. The aim of the MOBICPR game is to engage participants in using smartphone gestures (eg, tapping) and actions (eg, talking) to perform evidence-based adult BLS on a virtual patient with OHCA. The participants' theoretical knowledge of adult BLS was assessed using a questionnaire, while their practical skills were evaluated on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality parameters using a manikin and a checklist. In total, 43 nursing students participated in the study, 22 (51%) in MOBICPR-IG and 21 (49%) in WL-CG. There were differences between the MOBICPR-IG and the WL-CG in theoretical knowledge (P=.04) but not in practical skills (P=.45) after MOBICPR game playing at home. No difference was noted in the retention of participants' theoretical knowledge and practical skills of adult BLS after a 2-week break from playing the MOBICPR game (P=.13). Key observations included challenges in response checks with a face-down manikin and a general neglect of safety protocols when using an automated external defibrillator. Playing the MOBICPR game at home has the greatest impact on improving the theoretical knowledge of adult BLS in nursing students but not their practical skills. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating diverse scenarios into adult BLS training. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05784675); https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05784675.

Trends in cardiovascular health metrics and associations with long-term mortality among US adults with coronary heart disease

Background and aimsOur study examined the trends of cardiovascular health metrics in individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) and their associations with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in the US. Methods and resultsThe cohort study was conducted based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018 and their linked mortality files (through 2019). Baseline CHD was defined as a composite of self-reported doctor-diagnosed coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris. Cardiovascular health metrics were assessed according to the American Heart Association recommendations. Long-term all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality were the primary outcomes. Survey-adjusted Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the associations between cardiovascular health metrics and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. The prevalence of one or fewer ideal cardiovascular health metrics increased from 14.15% to 22.79% (P < 0.001) in CHD, while the prevalence of more than four ideal cardiovascular health metrics decreased from 21.65% to 15.70 % (P < 0.001) from 1999 to 2018, respectively. Compared with CHD participants with one or fewer ideal cardiovascular health metrics, those with four or more ideal cardiovascular health metrics had a 35% lower risk (hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 0.82) and a 44% lower risk (0.56; 0.38, 0.84) in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, respectively. ConclusionSubstantial declines were noted in ideal cardiovascular health metrics in US adults with CHD. A higher number of cardiovascular health metrics was associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in them.

Prophylactic Anticoagulation to Prevent Left Ventricular Thrombus Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Clinical practice guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend consideration of prophylactic anticoagulation to prevent left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation in anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. These guidelines were given a low certainty of evidence (Class IIb, Level C), relying primarily on case studies and expert consensus to inform practice. Our objective was to compare the safety and efficacy of prophylactic anticoagulation, in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), in the current era of timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from January 2012 through June 2022. A total of 7,378 publications were screened, and 5 publications were eventually included in this review: 1 randomized control trial and 4 retrospective studies involving 1,461 patients. Data were pooled using a fixed effects model and reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The primary outcome of interest was the rate of LVT formation, and the secondary outcomes were the rate of major bleeding and systemic embolism. Pooled analysis showed a significantly lower rate of LVT formation (OR: 0.28 [95% CI: 0.11–0.73; p < 0.01]) and significantly higher rates of bleeding (OR: 2.85 [95% CI: 1.13–7.24; p= 0.03]) in the triple therapy (TT) group compared to DAPT. No significant difference was observed in the rate of systemic embolism between the groups (OR: 0.37 [95% CI: 0.12–1.13; p = 0.08]). In this meta-analysis, there is no conclusive evidence to either support or oppose the use of TT for LVT prevention in anterior STEMI patients treated with pPCI. Appropriately powered randomized controlled trials are warranted to further evaluate the benefits of LVT prevention against the risks of major bleeding in this population.

American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Blood Pressure Categories: A Systematic Review of the Relationship With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in the First Half of Pregnancy

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023;228(4):418–429.e34) Many risk factors contribute to adverse outcomes in pregnancy related to elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension, has also been shown to be connected to poor outcomes outside of pregnancy, and clinical guidelines have recently changed to reflect stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension rather than a global definition of hypertension. Guidelines for defining hypertension in pregnancy, however, have not changed with general practice guidelines. There is substantial evidence linking hypertension with pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, but there has been no movement to adjust guidelines for hypertension diagnosis or treatment in pregnancy. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether there is evidence to support the changing of practice guidelines and the definition of hypertension in pregnancy to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations to help identify individuals at risk of developing pre-eclampsia or other pregnancy complications.

Life's Essential 8 and osteoporosis in adults aged 50years or older: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and bone mineral density (BMD), as well as osteoporosis risk, in adults aged 50years or over. This cross-sectional study recruited individuals who were 50years old or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. LE8 scores were evaluated and calculated according to the scoring algorithm based on the American Heart Association recommendations, which were further categorized into health behaviors (LE8-HB) and health factors (LE8-HF) scores. Furthermore, the present study utilized multivariate linear regression models to examine the correlations between BMD and LE8 scores. In addition, ordinal logistic regression models were employed to determine the associations between the risk of osteoporosis (normal BMD, osteopenia, and osteoporosis) and LE8 scores. The final analysis included a total of 2910 participants, whose mean age was 64.49 ± 9.28years. LE8 and LE8-HF scores exhibited a negative association with BMD and a positive association with osteoporosis risk in unadjusted models. Nevertheless, after adjustment for covariates, LE8 and LE8-HB scores exhibited a positive association with BMD and a negative association with osteoporosis risk, regardless of age, sex, or menopausal status. Scoring systems based on multiple lifestyle and behavior factors, similar to LE8, have the potential to become a novel option and be used for osteoporosis risk assessment.

Cardiovascular health and the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia in a biracial population‐based study

AbstractBackgroundThe cardiovascular health (CVH) index, created by the American Heart Association (AHA) to assess and monitor the risk of cardiovascular disease, has been related to dementia risk. However, evidence is limited, and most studies originate from populations comprised of primarily white participants. We examined the association of the CVH index with the risk of incident Alzheimer’s dementia in a biracial population‐based study.MethodOur study consisted of 1,702 non‐Hispanic Black and white participants of the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a population‐based cohort. CVH was based on seven risk factors: diet, physical activity, body mass index, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. Following AHA recommendations, we assigned points of 0, 1, or 2 based on adherence to each factor, with an overall score ranging from 0 to 14 – a higher score indicates better cardiovascular health. Clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia was based on the NINCDS‐ADRDA criteria. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compute the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, education, ApoE4 allele, cognitive activities, and cardiovascular disease.ResultThe average baseline age of the study population was 73 years and comprised 62% women and 53% black participants. During 14,226 person‐years of follow‐up, there were 351 incident Alzheimer’s dementia. In a multivariable‐adjusted model, CVH was linearly associated with a lower risk of incident Alzheimer’s dementia. For each additional CVH score, the HR was lower by 0.84 (95% CI 0.76 ‐ 0.94). Compared to individuals with inadequate CVH (score: 0‐6), the HRs (95% CIs) of incident Alzheimer’s dementia in participants with average (7‐9) and optimal CVH (10‐14) was 0.44 (95%CI 0.28 ‐ 0.69) and 0.37 (95%CI 0.21 ‐ 0.65), respectively. We found similar associations between CVH score, per one additional score, and risk of Alzheimer’s dementia in Black (HR 0.84, 95%CI 0.74 ‐ 0.95) and white (HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.7 ‐ 0.98) individuals.ConclusionIn a biracial cohort of older adults, the cardiovascular health burden was higher among Black individuals. However, promoting a better CVH in the general population may help lower dementia risk in Black and white older adults.

Role of ideal cardiovascular health metrics in reducing risk of incident arrhythmias.

Cardiovascular health (CVH) has been proven to reduce cardiovascular disease burden and mortality, but data are lacking regarding cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to assess the association between CVH metrics and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF), ventricular arrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias. This study analysed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort, with participants recruited from four different communities across the United States. Cardiovascular health metrics were scored at baseline (1987-89) following the American Heart Association's recommendations and categorized as poor, intermediate, or ideal. Arrhythmia episodes were diagnosed by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 code. Adjusted associations were estimated using Cox models and event rates and population attributable fractions were calculated by CVH metrics category. The study population consisted of 13 078 participants, with 2548 AF, 1363 ventricular arrhythmias, and 706 bradyarrhythmias occurred. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for ideal (vs. poor) CVH metrics were 0.59 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50-0.69] for AF, 0.38 (95% CI: 0.28-0.51) for ventricular arrhythmias, and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.51-0.97) for bradyarrhythmia. The risk of incident arrhythmias decreased steadily as the CVH metrics improved from 0 to 14 scores. The adjusted population attributable fractions were calculated to be 29.9% for AF, 54.4% for ventricular arrhythmias, and 21.9% for bradyarrhythmia, respectively. The association between CVH metrics and incident arrhythmias was also seen in people who remained free of coronary heart disease over the follow-up. Achieving ideal CVH metrics recommendations by AHA in midlife was associated with a lower risk of incident arrhythmias later in life.

Beneficial Effects of RESMENA Diet on Anthropometric, Metabolic, and Reproductive Profile in Adolescents with Obesity and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Intervention Study

Introduction: The optimal dietary strategy to improve the metabolic and reproductive endocrine profile in adolescents with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is undefined. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the MEtabolic Syndrome REduction in NAvarra (RESMENA) diet versus a control diet based on American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for the treatment of PCOS in adolescents with PCOS. Methods: A total of 40 adolescents diagnosed with PCOS between the ages of 13–18 years were randomized to either a RESMENA or control diet for 6 months. Dietary status, anthropometry, body composition, biochemical parameters, and reproductive endocrine hormones were compared between the 2 groups before and after the intervention. Results: Both diet groups showed significant decreases in anthropometric parameters, whereas the RESMENA diet provided a greater decrease in all these parameters except neck circumference and fat percentage (p p p Conclusions: Both dietary patterns resulted in significant improvement in anthropometric measurements and body composition, but the RESMENA diet showed beneficial effects on insulin resistance parameters and androgen levels.

Ideal cardiovascular health metrics and cardiovascular mortality in patients with renal insufficiency

Abstract Background With high cardiovascular mortality, the benefits of cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics to renal insufficiency populations remain unclear. Objectives To investigate ideal cardiovascular health metrics (ICVHMs) associations with cardiovascular mortality in a renal insufficiency population compared to normal individuals. Methods We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) 2007–2018 Survey, with mortality follow-up through December 31st, 2019. We divided 29,682 participants into three groups based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate. CVH was updated in the latest 2022 American Heart Association recommendations. Cox regression analyses based on NHANES data were used to determine associations between ICVHMs and cardiovascular mortality in patients with renal insufficiency. Results In 29,682 participants, the mean (standard error) age ranged from 40.2 (0.2) to 71.6 (0.4) years. When compared with participants with normal renal function, participants with mild renal insufficiency who had ideal CVH reduced their risk of cardiovascular mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14–0.81), while the HR for cardiovascular mortality gradually decreased from 1.47 (95% CI: 0.85–2.52) in participants who had ≤ 1 ICVHMs, to 0.30 (95% CI: 0.12–0.77) in those who had ≥ 6 ICVHMs. In participants with renal insufficiency, for each ICVHMs increment, a 25% reduction in cardiovascular mortality risk was observed (95% CI: 0.69–0.82). Conclusions More ICVHMs counteracted renal impairment harm when compared with populations with normal functions, and cardiovascular benefits increased with ICVHMs in patients with renal insufficiency.

Abstract 13589: Prophylactic Anticoagulation to Prevent Left Ventricular Thrombus Following Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) complicates an estimated 12% of anterior STEMI. The current standard of care for STEMI patients includes primary PCI and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend consideration of prophylactic anticoagulation to prevent LVT in select high-risk patients following STEMI. These guidelines have a low certainty of evidence (level C), with most studies published prior to the current era of primary PCI and DAPT. Therefore, an updated review is needed in this area. Methods: Electronic databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL were systematically searched from January 2012 to June 2022. We included primary studies that used PCI as the lone revascularization strategy for STEMI. Studies were included if they compared the incidence of LVT in patients receiving prophylactic anticoagulation and DAPT with those receiving DAPT alone. Results: 7,378 studies were screened, with 4 studies eventually included in this review. One study was a randomized control trial and three were retrospective cohort studies. Pooled analysis using a fixed-effects model showed LVT was significantly less common in the triple therapy (TT) group compared to the DAPT group (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.17-0.86; p = 0.02). However, using a random-effects model, there was no significant difference in LVT between the TT and DAPT group (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.04-4.67; p = 0.33). Conclusions: Based on the current state of knowledge, there is no compelling evidence to either support or oppose prophylactic anticoagulation in STEMI. An appropriately powered clinical trial is warranted due to the need for more robust data in this area.

Abstract 13983: Reproductive Health Counseling and Experiences Among Females With Congenital Heart Defects: Results From the Congenital Heart Survey to Recognize Outcomes, Needs, and Well-Being

Introduction: The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends clinicians discuss reproductive health with women with congenital heart defects (CHD) beginning in adolescence due to their unique pregnancy and contraceptive needs. Therefore, we assessed reproductive health counseling and experiences among women with CHD, and differences by CHD severity. Methods: Women with CHD ages 19 to 38 years, identified in active, population-based birth defects registries from Arkansas, Arizona, and Atlanta, GA, completed the Congenital Heart Survey To Recognize Outcomes, Needs, and well-beinG (CH STRONG) from 2016 to 2019, including questions about reproductive health counseling, concerns and experiences. Prevalence estimates standardized to all CH STRONG-eligible women and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR), calculated with multivariable Poisson regression, assessed differences by CHD severity. Results: Of 765 female respondents, 40.7% were 19-24 years, 66.7% were non-Hispanic white, and 67.7% had &gt; high school education. Overall, 21.3% received CHD-specific contraceptive counseling, 28.3% pregnancy counseling, and 12.8% advice to avoid pregnancy (Fig). Women with severe, compared to non-severe CHD, were more likely to receive clinician counseling about safe contraception (aPR=3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-4.0), pregnancy (aPR=3.5, 95% CI: 2.7-4.6), and advice to avoid pregnancy (aPR=4.3, 95% CI: 2.9-6.5), and they were more likely to be concerned about their ability to have children (aPR=1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8) and delay/avoid pregnancy (aPR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.5-3.2). No differences were seen in ever being pregnant (aPR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.6-1.1). Conclusions: Results suggest most women with CHD are not receiving AHA-recommended reproductive health counseling. Almost one in three women with severe CHD received clinician advice to avoid pregnancy, although AHA guidelines state pregnancy is contraindicated for few women with CHD.

Abstract 13952: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Early Adolescence: The Pediatric Heart Network’s Single Ventricle Reconstruction Trial

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental (ND) and functional impairments for survivors of palliated hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) are among the most consequential morbidities, resulting in an increased risk of poor school performance and lower reported quality of life. Longitudinal follow-up of those enrolled in the Single Ventricle Reconstruction (SVR) III study provides opportunity to measure important outcomes such as ND, and understand associated risk factors. Goals/Aims: Describe and identify predictors of ND outcomes at 10-12 years of age in participants enrolled in SVR. Methods: Transplant-free survivors from the SVR III trial were invited to complete in-person ND assessments, including the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-V, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Descriptive and regression analyses were performed. Results: Of the 237 enrolled in SVR III, 200 (84%) received a ND assessment. Participants who did vs did not undergo assessment were more likely to be male (63% vs 51%), white (87% vs 76%) and have a higher Child Opportunity Index (61 ±26 vs 46 ±39). Mean Full Scale IQ for the cohort was almost 1 standard deviation (SD) below the normative mean (88 ±18), with 39% &gt;1 and 15% &gt;2 SD below the normative mean. Similar patterns were seen for Reading (38% &gt;1 SD and 16% &gt; 2SD) and Math Composites (38% &gt;1 SD, 19% &gt; 2SD). Executive functions measured with the BRIEF were similarly affected, with 25% to 45% of individuals showing clinically significant (T score &gt;65) Plan/Organization problems on parent and teacher forms, respectively. Measures of socioeconomic status, number of complications, and requirement for a gastrostomy-tube were all independent predictors for multiple ND outcomes. Conclusions: In early adolescence, transplant-free survivors of surgical palliation for HLHS show clinically significant ND concerns across multiple domains of functioning. The distribution of outcomes is broad. Our findings support the American Heart Association recommendations for screening and evaluation in middle school to inform interventions that promote academic success and quality of life.

Concordance of a High Lipoprotein(a) Concentration Among Relatives

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) concentrations are a highly heritable and potential causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent consensus statements by the European Atherosclerosis Society and American Heart Association recommend screening of relatives of individuals with high Lp(a) concentrations, but the expected yield of this approach has not been quantified in large populations. To measure the prevalence of high Lp(a) concentrations among first- and second-degree relatives of individuals with high Lp(a) concentrations compared with unrelated participants. In this cross-sectional analysis, pairs of first-degree (n = 19 899) and second-degree (n = 9715) relatives with measured Lp(a) levels from the UK Biobank study and random pairs of unrelated individuals (n = 184 764) were compared. Data for this study were collected from March 2006 to August 2010 and analyzed from December 2021 to August 2023. Serum Lp(a) levels, with a high Lp(a) level defined as at least 125 nmol/L. Concordance of clinically relevant high Lp(a) levels in first- and second-degree relatives of index participants with high Lp(a) levels. A total of 52 418 participants were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 57.3 [8.0] years; 29 825 [56.9%] women). Levels of Lp(a) were correlated among pairs of first-degree (Spearman ρ = 0.45; P < .001) and second-degree (Spearman ρ = 0.22; P < .001) relatives. A total of 1607 of 3420 (47.0% [95% CI, 45.3%-48.7%]) first-degree and 514 of 1614 (31.8% [95% CI, 29.6%-34.2%]) second-degree relatives of index participants with high Lp(a) levels also had elevated concentrations compared with 4974 of 30 258 (16.4% [95% CI, 16.0%-16.9%]) pairs of unrelated individuals. The concordance in high Lp(a) levels was generally consistent among subgroups (eg, those with prior ASCVD, postmenopausal women, and statin users). The odds ratios for relatives to have high Lp(a) levels if their index relative had a high Lp(a) level compared with those whose index relatives did not have high Lp(a) levels were 7.4 (95% CI, 6.8-8.1) for first-degree relatives and 3.0 (95% CI, 2.7-3.4) for second-degree relatives. The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that the yield of cascade screening of first-degree relatives of individuals with high Lp(a) levels is over 40%. These findings support recent recommendations to use this approach to identify additional individuals at ASCVD risk based on Lp(a) concentrations.

Navigating the challenges of bicuspid aortic valve-aortopathy.

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital heart defect that affects 0.5-2% of the general population with familial predominance. The modifications in hemodynamics and structure change at cellular level contribute to the dilation of aorta, resulting in bicuspid aortopathy, which can result in catastrophic aortic events. The American Heart Association recommends screening first-degree relatives of patients with bicuspid aortic valve and aortic root disease. BAV may or may not be associated with a syndrome, with the non-syndromic variety having a higher chance of predisposition to congenital and vascular abnormalities. Many genes have been implicated in the etiology of non-syndromic aortic aneurysm such as ACTA2, MYH11, FLNA, and SMAD3. Common diagnostic modalities include transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), multi system computer tomography (MSCT), and cardiac MRI. Medical management reduces the rate of disease progression and surgical management is indicated based on the diameter of the ascending aorta, which differs in American and European guidelines. Our article aims to explore the current understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical aspects, and surgical management of bicuspid aortic valve disease. Additionally, we have included a discussion on the management of this condition in special populations, such as athletes and pregnant women, who require distinct treatment recommendations.

Description of Baseline Nutrition and Physical Activity Knowledge and Behavior in Acute Stroke/TIA Patients Enrolled in the Health Education on Information Retention and Behavior Change in Stroke (HERBS) Pilot Trial.

Lifestyle modifications after stroke are associated with better risk factor control and lower mortality. The primary objective of this study was to describe the knowledge of American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for diet and exercise in survivors of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). The secondary objectives were to describe their diet and exercise behaviors, self-efficacy (SE), behavioral intent (BI), stage of change, and barriers to change. Data are described from participants enrolled in a prospective educational intervention in mild stroke/TIA survivors. A multiple-choice questionnaire ascertained knowledge of AHA recommendations for diet and exercise, nutrition and physical activity behavior, SE, BI, stage of change, and barriers to change. Twenty-eight stroke/TIA survivors, with a mean age of 61.7 ± 11.8 years, completed questionnaires during their acute hospitalization. Participants underestimated the recommended intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and participation in aerobic exercise and overestimated the recommended intake of sugar and salt. SE demonstrated a significant positive association with combined behavior scores (rs = 0.36, p = 0.043). Greater knowledge of the AHA recommendations was not associated with healthier behavior, greater SE, higher BI, or more advanced stage of change. The gaps between AHA recommendations and stroke/TIA patient knowledge identifies an area for potential intervention in stroke prevention and recovery.

Life's Essential 8 and Risk of Stroke: A Prospective Community-Based Study.

Data are lacking regarding cardiovascular health (CVH) with Life's Essential 8 approach and future stroke risk. We sought to elucidate whether the CVH score constructed by the Life's Essential 8 metrics predicted stroke risk in 2 Chinese ongoing cohorts. This included 41 043 participants of the Kailuan I study and 27 842 participants of the Kailuan II study who were free of cardiovascular disease or cancer in 2014. CVH score (ranged from 0 to 100) was assessed using the Life's Essential 8 metrics (body mass index, cigarette smoking, diet quality, physical activity, sleep health, lipid, blood glucose, and blood pressure). A composite of incident stroke events (ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke) was identified via review of medical records. The follow-up period was calculated from the finishing date of the 2014 survey to either the date of stroke occurrence, death, loss to follow-up, or the end of follow-up (December 31, 2020). We also examined the longitudinal association between the CVH score and arterial stiffness status, as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, in 25 922 participants free of cardiovascular disease during the follow-up. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the association between CVH, based on the 2010 American Heart Association recommendation, and stroke integrating the results of current study and previous studies. During a median follow-up of 5.65 years (interquartile range, 5.20-6.09), a total of 1750 incident stroke events were identified in the pooled Kailuan study. The pooled hazard ratios were 0.33 (95% CI, 0.20-0.54) for ideal versus poor health category of CVH (Ptrend<0.0001). Higher CVH scores were also associated with lower brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity values at baseline and slower increments of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity during follow-up (Ptrend≤0.001 for both). Arterial stiffness mediated 9.07% (95% CI, 5.83%-15.0%) of the total association between CVH and incident stroke. The pooled hazard ratio comparing 2 extreme CVH categories for stroke was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.35-0.59) when including 10 published studies and the current study. The CVH score as assessed by the Life's Essential 8 metrics significantly predicted future stroke risk and arterial stiffness status.

Cuff Size Variation Across Manufacturers of Home Blood Pressure Devices: A Current Patient Dilemma.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends cuff sizes of blood pressure (BP) monitoring devices based on patient arm circumference, which is critical for accurate BP measurement. This study aimed to assess cuff size variation across validated BP devices and to examine the degree of alignment with the AHA recommendations. Data on home BP devices were obtained from the US BP Validated Device Listing website and listed cuff sizes were compared against AHA recommendations: small adult (22-26 cm), adult (27-34 cm), large (35-44 cm), and extra-large (XL) (45-52 cm). There were 42 home validated BP devices from 13 manufacturers, and none offered cuffs that were aligned with the AHA recommendations. Over half of the devices (22, 52.4%) were compatible with only a broad-range cuff, generally excluding arm sizes larger than 44 cm. Only 5 devices from 4 manufacturers offered a cuff labeled "XL," and of these, only 3 devices had sizes that covered the AHA XL range. Terminology lacked consistency with manufacturers using: different labels to describe the same-sized cuffs (e.g., 22-42 cm was labeled "integrated," "standard," "adult," "large," and "wide range"); the same labels to describe differently sized cuffs (e.g., cuffs labeled "large" were sized 22-42 cm, 32-38 cm, 32-42 cm, 36-45 cm). Manufacturers of US home BP devices employ inconsistent terminologies and thresholds for cuff sizes, and sizes were not aligned with AHA recommendations. This lack of standardization could pose challenges for clinicians and patients attempting to select a properly sized cuff to support hypertension diagnosis and management.