Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimator Research Articles

Optimizing Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review of Risk Assessment Strategies for Primary Prevention.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global health concern, and effective primary prevention strategies are essential to mitigate its impact. This comprehensive review examines current risk assessment strategies for primary prevention of CVD, emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention to reduce disease incidence. Traditional risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and lifestyle choices are discussed alongside emerging factors, including genetic predispositions and biomarkers. The review evaluates various risk assessment tools and models, such as the Framingham risk score, atherosclerotic CVD risk calculator, QRISK, and Reynolds risk score, highlighting their methodologies, strengths, and limitations. Additionally, the review explores lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation, and pharmacological interventions like statins and antihypertensives. Special considerations for different populations, including the elderly, women, and those with a family history of CVD, are addressed. Future directions in cardiovascular risk assessment are also discussed, focusing on technological advancements and personalized medicine. This review aims to enhance the implementation of effective primary prevention measures and improve cardiovascular health outcomes by providing a thorough analysis of risk assessment strategies.

The MindMoves Trial: Cross-Sectional Analyses of Baseline Vascular Risk and Cognition in Older Women with Cardiovascular Disease.

Vascular diseases, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and stroke, increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment. Serum biomarkers, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), may be indicators of cognitive health. We examined whether vascular risk was associated with levels of cognition and serum biomarkers in older women with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Baseline data from a lifestyle trial in older women (n = 253) with CVD (NCT04556305) were analyzed. Vascular risk scores were calculated for ASCVD (ASCVD risk estimator) and stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc) based on published criteria. Cognition-related serum biomarkers included BDNF, VEGF, and IGF-1. Cognition was based on a battery of neuropsychological tests that assessed episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, and executive function. A series of separate linear regression models were used to evaluate associations of vascular risk scores with outcomes of cognition and serum biomarkers. All models were adjusted for age, education level, and racial and ethnic background. In separate linear regression models, both ASCVD and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were inversely associated with semantic memory (β= -0.22, p = 0.007 and β= -0.15, p = 0.022, respectively), with no significant findings for the other cognitive domains. There were no significant associations between vascular risk scores and serum biomarkers. Future studies should prospectively examine associations between vascular risk and cognition in other populations and additionally consider other serum biomarkers that may be related to vascular risk and cognition.

Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in Veterans undergoing lung cancer screening who were not prescribed statins despite U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendations.

e20583 Background: It is well established that Veterans eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS) are also at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to smoking. Current concepts suggest that statins could play a role in lung cancer prevention and treatment. Accordingly, the purpose of this retrospective, quality improvement project was to determine whether newly diagnosed stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NCSLC) rate is higher in Veterans undergoing LCS who were not prescribed statins despite U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations. Methods: Electronic health records of Veterans undergoing LCS and subsequently diagnosed with NSCLC at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois between 2021 and 2023 were reviewed. In each case, pertinent demographic, clinical, pathological, and pharmacy data were retrieved. The American College of Cardiology’s ASCVD Risk Estimator was used to assess the Veteran’s 10-year risk for a first ASCVD event. Data are presented as means ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t- and chi-squared tests as indicated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 57 Veterans diagnosed NSCLC, 33 (all males; 71±6 years; 28 African Americans) were prescribed and 24 (21 males, 3 females; 70±7 years; 18 African Americans) were not prescribed statins. Body mass index was similar in both groups (26.6±6.0 and 26.0±6.0 kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.73). Twenty one out of 24 Veterans (88%) not prescribed statins were eligible according to USPSTF recommendations (10-year calculated risk, 15.23%±6.9%). Stage IV NSCLC was diagnosed in 7/33 (21%) Veterans prescribed statins and in 10/21 (48%) USPSTF-eligible Veterans not prescribed statins (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Clinicians should assess the needfor a statin for primary prevention of ASCVD in each Veteran undergoing LCS. Stage IV NSCLC is more prevalent in Veterans with ASCVD risk who were not prescribed statins despite USPSTF recommendations. A larger, multi-site study is warranted to support or refute these initial observations.

Association Between Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Score and Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the vascular access of choice for hemodialysis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients but has a significant failure rate. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a major cause of mortality in ESRD patients. Atherosclerosis of the peripheral vessels may contribute to poor maturation of AVF leading to the exploration of the ASCVD score as a prognostic tool for AVF failure. Thisstudy included 110 hemodialysis patients with AVFsand aimed to examine the association between ASCVD score and AVF failure. Participants were categorized into the presence of vascular access failure (N=12) and absence of vascular access failure (N=98), and demographic and clinical data were collected. Results: The study comprised predominantly male patients (63.6%), with a notable prevalence of hypertension anddiabetes. Twelve patients experienced AVF failure, with pseudoaneurysms and thrombosis being the predominant causes. The ASCVD risk group at intermediate and high stages exhibited a statistically significant risk (relative risk (RR)=1.403; 95% CI, 1.041-1.904) of AVF failure in comparison to the low and borderline ASCVD risk groups.There was no association of age, gender (male and female), body mass index (BMI),serum calcium, serum phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and serum albumin with AVF failure. The ASCVD score emerges as a potential prognostic tool to identify dialysis patients at high risk of AVF failure, suggesting avenues for targeted interventions and improved patient care. However, limitations of the ASCVD risk estimator and study limitations, such as small sample size and absence of mortality data, warrant cautious interpretation and necessitate further exploration in larger patient populations.

The Impact of an Educational Intervention on Enhancing Clinical Knowledge of Physicians and Pharmacists Regarding Statins and Monitoring Parameters: The Experience of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital.

Understanding the latest guideline recommendations is crucial for healthcare professionals to apply statin therapy effectively. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention in enhancing the awareness and understanding of physicians and pharmacists concerning risk assessment of Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and the role of statin therapy. This pre- and post-intervention study was conducted in Sana'a, Yemen's capital city, at the University of Science and Technology Hospital. The study was done between 11/2021-12/2021, and two separate educational sessions were ‎held. The McNemar's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were employed as necessary. Participants' awareness of the Framingham CVD risk calculator improved significantly from 40.4% pre-intervention to 78.7% post-intervention. Similarly, understanding of the parameters used in the 10-year ASCVD Risk calculator rose from 46.8% pre-intervention to 76.6% post-intervention. The ability to identify high, moderate, and low-intensity statin therapy, for instance, increased from 34% to 63.8% post-intervention. Regarding statins' contraindications, safety, and efficacy monitoring parameters, pre-intervention knowledge was unsatisfactory, and the educational intervention improved it significantly (p <0.05). For physicians, the median ASCVD risk assessment knowledge score was significantly improved from ‎‎4 (IQR = 3-5) pre-intervention to 7 (6.25-8) immediately post-intervention, while the statin therapy clinical knowledge median score ‎significantly improved from 3 (1.25-6.5) to 9 (7.25-14.75) post-education intervention, p-values were 0.002 and 0.003; respectively. For pharmacists, a similar significant improvement (p <0.05) in the overall knowledge scores for both ASCVD risk ‎assessment and statin therapy was noted. The educational intervention improved participants' knowledge of statin therapy and ASCVD risk assessment. Therefore, further education lectures and training programs through continuing ‎medical ‎education on the up-to-date guidelines' recommendations should be regularly implemented to raise ‎awareness and improve ‎the clinical knowledge and appropriateness of statins use in clinical settings.‎.

Abstract MP28: Declines in Plasma Levels of Nonnutritive Sweetener Erythritol Are Related to Two-Year Improvements in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimates Among Adults With Overweight and Obesity

Background: A potential adverse relationship between the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has been proposed. High levels of circulating erythritol, a sugar alcohol (polyol) used as one of the non-nutritive sweeteners, have been recently linked to increased risks of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, associations of temporal changes in plasma erythritol and other polyols with cardiometabolic risk remain unclear. Hypothesis: We tested whether changes in plasma levels of non-nutritive sweetener erythritol and other polyols in response to weight-loss dietary interventions were associated with improved atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimates and atherogenic lipoproteins among adults with overweight and obesity. Methods: This study included 804 adults (mean BMI: 32.7 [SD 3.9] kg/m 2 ) without diabetes or unstable CVD at baseline who participated in a 2-year intervention of weight-loss diets, the POUNDS Lost trial. Metabolomic profiling was performed to measure plasma erythritol and its precursor erythronate, other sugar alcohols, and low-calorie sweeteners at baseline and 6 months after randomization. The primary outcome was the change in 10-year ASCVD risk scores calculated by the validated pooled cohort equations. Two-year changes in lipid profiles and cholesterol [Chol] in lipoprotein subfractions defined by the presence or absence of apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Results: The mean estimated value of the 10-year ASCVD risk was 4.0% at baseline; 16% of the participants were at intermediate or high ASCVD risk (score ≥7.5%). Higher levels of erythritol (per 1 SD increment: β 1.1% [SE 0.2%], p &lt;.0001) and erythronate (β 1.3% [0.2%], p &lt;.0001), as well as other sugar alcohols, such as mannitol-sorbitol, myoinositol, arabitol-xylitol ( p &lt;.0001 for all), and low-calorie sweetener saccharin ( p = 0.02), but not acesulfame ( p =0.8), were related to a higher ASCVD risk at baseline after adjusting for BMI. There was large variability in the changes in metabolite levels across participants; greater decreases in erythritol in response to the interventions were significantly related to greater reductions in ASCVD risk estimates at 6 months (per 1 SD reduction: β -0.2% [SE 0.1%]; p =0.023) and at 2 years (β -0.3% [0.1%]; p = 0.015) after adjusting for covariates, including BMI, the initial metabolite levels, and baseline ASCVD risk. The 6-month decrease in erythritol was associated with long-term (2-year) improvements in atherogenic lipids, including Chol in VLDL+LDL with apoCIII ( p &lt;0.05). Conclusions: Higher plasma levels of erythritol and other sugar alcohols were associated with greater 10-year ASCVD risk scores among adults with overweight and obesity. Weight-loss diet-induced decreases in erythritol levels were related to improved ASCVD risk and atherogenic lipid profiles.

Abstract P282: Pooled Cohort Equation Performance at Quantile Thresholds of African and European Ancestry Among Hispanic/Latino: Findings From Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: Current recommendations include using the non-Hispanic White (NHW) pooled cohort equation (PCE) for 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimation among Hispanic individuals and the non-Hispanic Black (NHB) PCE when African ancestry is present. We studied PCE performance at thresholds of African and European ancestry among US Hispanics. Methods: Hispanic participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), ages 44-75 years without diabetes mellitus or prior cardiovascular disease were included. ADMIXTURE software was used to estimate quantile thresholds of continental genetic ancestry (African and European). We compared 10-year survival Kaplan-Meier estimates among Mexican Hispanics, Caribbean Hispanics and Other Hispanics using a log-rank analysis. We calculated the predicted-to-observed (P/O) ASCVD event ratios using the NHW and NHB PCE across quantile threshold of African and European ancestry. Results: 966 MESA Hispanics were stratified into: Mexican (n=504), Caribbean (n=284) or Other Hispanic (n=178). At 10-years, there were 179 ASCVD events [Mexicans (n=107), Caribbean (n=49), Other Hispanic (n=23)]. We observed overestimation using the NHW and NHB PCE as evidenced by P/O ratios &gt;1. Both PCEs performed better (P/O ratios converge toward 1) with increasing quantiles of European Ancestry and performed worse (P/O ratios diverge from 1) with increasing quantiles of African Ancestry. At a greater than 0.7 quantile of African ancestry, a sharp increase in overestimation was recorded for both PCEs. (Fig1A). Though Mexican Hispanics had the lowest ASCVD-free survival probability at 10 years’ time mark, results were not statistically significant. (Fig 1B) Conclusion: We observed overestimation in the 10-year ASCVD risk estimation using the NHW and NHB PCE among Hispanics as evidenced by P/O ratios &gt;1. Both PCEs performed better with increasing quantiles of European ancestry and performed poorly with increasing quantiles of African ancestry.

The importance of LDL-C lowering in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention: Lower for longer is better

Cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. An armamentarium of therapies to achieve robust and sustained reduction in LDL-C can reduce ASCVD risk. The gold standard for LDL-C assessment is ultracentrifugation but in routine clinical practice LDL-C is usually calculated and the most accurate calculation is the Martin/Hopkins equation. For primary prevention, consideration of estimated ASCVD risk frames decision making regarding use of statins and other therapies, and tools such as risk enhancing factors and coronary artery calcium enable tailoring of risk assessment and decision making. In patients with diabetes, lipid lowering therapy is recommended in most patients to reduce ASCVD risk with an opportunity to tailor therapy based on other risk factors. Patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with baseline LDL-C greater than or equal to 190 mg/dL are at elevated risk, and LDL-C lowering with high-intensity statin therapy is often combined with non-statin therapies to prevent ASCVD. Secondary prevention of ASCVD, including in patients with prior myocardial infarction or stroke, requires intensive lipid lowering therapy and lifestyle modification approaches. There is no established LDL-C level below which benefit ceases or safety concerns arise. When further LDL-C lowering is required beyond lifestyle modifications and statin therapy, additional medications include oral ezetimibe and bempedoic acid, or injectables such as PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies or siRNA therapy. A novel agent that acts independently of hepatic LDL receptors is evinacumab, which is approved for patients with homozygous FH. Other emerging agents are targeted at Lp(a) and CETP. In light of the expanding lipid treatment landscape, this manuscript reviews the importance of early, intensive, and sustained LDL-C-lowering for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD.

Role Played by Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk

Introduction: The term “cardiovascular diseases” (CVDs) refers to any disease affecting the heart or blood vessels. CVDs are the most common cause of death worldwide and the most responsible reason for 10% of deaths in the early 20th century. These CVDs can emerge as myocardial infarction or ischemic heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure. For diagnosing CVDs, physical, radiological investigations, and laboratory investigations for cardiac enzymes and lipid profile are used. In clinical practices, cardiovascular risk prediction models are very important in the identification, prevention, and staging of the severity of CVDs. Framingham Risk Score-coronary heart disease, Framingham Risk Score-cardiovascular disease, QRESEARCH-cardiovascular risk algorithm, Joint British Society risk-calculator-3, WHO/ISH CVD risk prediction charts, and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk-estimator are some of the available CVD risk estimators. However, many of these estimators can be used only to evaluate individuals more than 40 years and to assess the risk for 10-years. Therefore, new risk estimators are needed to overcome the deficiencies of the available risk estimators. Research have been done in novel directions; on ratios of routinely performing hematological and biochemical laboratory parameters such as Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Aspartate aminotransferase to Alanine aminotransferase ratio (AST/ALT). The outcomes indicate a relationship between the above-said ratios and the risk for CVDs. &#x0D; Conclusion: On such grounds, this review describes the importance of developing a CVD risk estimator by amalgamating some of the biochemical and hematological parameters, including NLR, PLR, and AST/ALT ratios, aiming to overcome the existing shortcomings.

Changes in bile acid subtypes and improvements in lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk: the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS Lost) trial

BackgroundDistinct circulating bile acid (BA) subtypes may play roles in regulating lipid homeostasis and atherosclerosis. ObjectivesWe investigated whether changes in circulating BA subtypes induced by weight-loss dietary interventions were associated with improved lipid profiles and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimates. MethodsThis study included adults with overweight or obesity (n = 536) who participated in a randomized weight-loss dietary intervention trial. Circulating primary and secondary unconjugated BAs and their taurine-/glycine-conjugates were measured at baseline and 6 mo after the weight-loss diet intervention. The ASCVD risk estimates were calculated using the validated equations. ResultsAt baseline, higher concentrations of specific BA subtypes were related to higher concentrations of atherogenic very low-density lipoprotein lipid subtypes and ASCVD risk estimates. Weight-loss diet-induced decreases in primary BAs were related to larger reductions in triglycerides and total cholesterol [every 1 standard deviation (SD) decrease of glycocholate, glycochenodeoxycholate, or taurochenodeoxycholate was related to β (standard error) –3.3 (1.3), –3.4 (1.3), or –3.8 (1.3) mg/dL, respectively; PFDR < 0.05 for all]. Greater decreases in specific secondary BA subtypes were also associated with improved lipid metabolism at 6 mo; there was β –4.0 (1.1) mg/dL per 1-SD decrease of glycoursodeoxycholate (PFDR =0.003) for changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We found significant interactions (P-interaction < 0.05) between dietary fat intake and changes in BA subtypes on changes in ASCVD risk estimates; decreases in primary and secondary BAs (such as conjugated cholate or deoxycholate) were significantly associated with improved ASCVD risk after consuming a high-fat diet, but not after consuming a low-fat diet. ConclusionsDecreases in distinct BA subtypes were associated with improved lipid profiles and ASCVD risk estimates, highlighting the importance of changes in circulating BA subtypes as significant factors linked to improved lipid metabolism and ASCVD risk estimates in response to weight-loss dietary interventions. Habitual dietary fat intake may modify the associations of changes in BAs with ASCVD risk.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00072995

Intensity of and adherence to lipid-lowering therapy as predictors of goal attainment and major adverse cardiovascular events in primary prevention

The effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in routine care may depend on treatment intensity and adherence. Observational study of adults with newly initiated LLT for primary prevention of ASCVD in Stockholm, Sweden, during 2017-2021. Study exposures were LLT adherence [proportion of days covered (PDC)], LLT intensity (expected reduction of LDL cholesterol), and the combined measure of adherence and intensity. At each LLT fill, adherence and intensity were calculated during the previous 12 months, and the patients estimated ASCVD risk was categorized. Study outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and LDL-C goal attainment. Thirty-six thousand two hundred eighty-three individuals (mean age 63 years, 47% women, median follow-up 2 years), with a baseline low-moderate (40%), high (49%), and very-high (11%) ASCVD risk started LLT. Increases in LLT adherence, intensity, or adherence-adjusted intensity of 10% over 1 year were associated with lower risks of MACE (with hazard ratios of 0.95 [95% CI, 0.93-0.98]; 0.93 [0.86-1.00]; and 0.90 [0.85-0.95], respectively) and higher odds of attaining LDL goals. Patients with good adherence (≥80%) had similar risks of MACE and similar odds ratios for LDL-C goal attainment with low-moderate and high-intensity LLT. Treatment discontinuation was associated with increased MACE risk. The relative and absolute benefits of good adherence were greatest in patients with very high ASCVD risk. In routine-care primary prevention, better adherence to LLT was associated with a lower risk of MACE across all treatment intensities. Improving adherence is especially important among patients with very high ASCVD risk.

Correlation of Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Atherogenic Coefficient with Cardiovascular Disease Risk assessed by ASCVD Risk Calculator

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of approximately one-third deaths worldwide. Absolute lipid parameters are inadequate in predicting CVD risk and several lipid indices have been introduced namely “Atherogenic index of plasma” (AIP) and “Atherogenic coefficient” (AC). CVD risk of a patient for the upcoming 10 years can be calculated using atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk calculator. Though, this method currently accepts as the gold standard, certain drawbacks have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of AIP and AC with CVD risk estimation for the upcoming 10 years calculated by ASCVD risk calculator. Methods: Hundred and fifty-three patients were recruited for the study. Socio-demographic data were collected through interviewer-based questionnaire. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides values were obtained from the lipid profile test results of the study participants. AIP and AC were calculated using formulas while 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated by ASCVD risk calculator. Results: There was no significant correlation between AIP and 10-year ASCVD risk (p&gt;0.05) and AC and 10-year ASCVD risk (p&gt;0.05), but a significant correlation was observed between AIP and AC (Pearson’s correlation r=0.425, p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: CVD risk of patients should be assessed routinely especially as it is overlooked in most patients presenting normal lipid profile variables, hence the actual risk remains silent unless it is properly investigated using laboratory investigations

Abstract 16145: Statin Prescription and Cholesterol Control Among Persons With HIV Without Existing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction: Persons with HIV (PWH) have significantly increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) including acute MI. The REPRIEVE trial recently demonstrated that statins reduce cardiac events in PWH at low-intermediate ASCVD risk. However, statins are underutilized even among PWH who are at high ASCVD risk. Accordingly, we sought to characterize current gaps in cholesterol management in a population of PWH and identify factors associated with statin prescription. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of PWH 40 years and older without existing ASCVD at three HIV clinics in San Francisco, U.S. from 2019-2022. We used ICD-10 codes and electronic health record data to assess cholesterol screening and treatment. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated clinical factors associated with statin prescription among those eligible. Results: The clinical cohort included 2,567 PWH, of which 14% were female, 54% White, 24% Hispanic, and 18% Black, with a median age of 55 years. Among those with complete data on the components of the ASCVD Risk Estimator, the median 10-year ASCVD risk was 7.6%. The majority of PWH (87%) had undergone cholesterol screening, and 43% were eligible for statin therapy based on current guidelines (Figure 1). Of the 1,097 PWH eligible for statins, only 478 (44%) were prescribed statins. Among statin-eligible PWH, statin prescription was positively associated with older age, antiretroviral therapy, undetectable viral load, and chronic kidney disease and negatively associated with hepatitis C. Cholesterol control (non-HDL cholesterol &lt;130 mg/dL) was achieved in 47% of the study population. Conclusions: PWH in this study demonstrate suboptimal rates of statin prescription and cholesterol control. Identification of PWH eligible for statin therapy, prescribing statins, and ensuring lipid control are opportunities for improving primary prevention of ASCVD among PWH at heightened risk.

Effects of Race and Gender Classifications on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimates for Clinical Decision-Making in a Cohort of Black Transgender Women

Effects of Race and Gender Classifications on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Estimates for Clinical Decision-Making in a Cohort of Black Transgender Women

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Longitudinal Risk Factor Management Among Patients With Breast Cancer

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of noncancer mortality for breast cancer survivors. Data are limited regarding patient-level atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimation and preventive medication use. This study aimed to characterize ASCVD risk and longitudinal preventive medication use for a cohort of patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer. Patients and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 326 patients at an academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ from January 2009 through December 2015. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory studies, medication exposure, and incident cardiovascular outcomes were collected. Estimated 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated for all patients from nonlaboratory clinical parameters. ResultsMedian follow up time was 6.5 years (IQR 5.0, 8.1). At cancer diagnosis, 23 patients (7.1%) had established ASCVD. Among those without ASCVD, 10-year estimated ASCVD risk was ≥20% for 77 patients (25.4%) and 7.5% to <20% for 114 patients (37.6%). Two-hundred and sixteen patients (66.3%) had an indication for lipid-lowering therapy at cancer diagnosis, 123 of whom (57.0%) received a statin during the study. Among 100 patients with ASCVD or estimated 10-year ASCVD risk ≥20%, 92 (92.0%) received an antihypertensive medication during the study. Clinic blood pressure >140/90 mmHg was observed in 33.0% to 55.6% of these patients at each follow up assessment. ConclusionA majority of patients in this breast cancer cohort had an elevated risk of ASCVD at the time of cancer diagnosis. Modifiable ASCVD risk factors were frequently untreated or uncontrolled in the years following cancer treatment.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Patients.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally elevated levels of blood glucose. The hyperglycemic condition is caused by abnormalities in either insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Two-thirds of diabetes-related deaths are caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of ASCVD and related factors in type 2 DM patients in Medan, North Sumatra. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 252 DM patients visiting primary health centers in Medan were recruited after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The level of risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was determined by using ASCVD Risk Calculator. Data required to use this calculator are age, sex, race, total cholesterol, HDL-C, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, history of diabetes, history of hypertension treatment, smoking history, and use of statins for anti-hyperlipidemia. The data were then analyzed with Chi-square Test (p < 0.0%) and processed with SPSS. There were 59 (23.41%), 140 (55.56%), and 53 (21.03%) participants who had high, moderate, and low risks of ASCVD, respectively. Bivariate analysis showed significant association between risk of ASCVD with age, SBP, total cholesterol level, HDL-C levels, and duration of diabetes (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, gender and familial history not related to ASCVD risks among DM patients (p > 0.05). The risks for atherosclerotic complications of cardiovascular disease in type 2 DM patients in Medan were predominantly high. The variables related to ASCVD risks included age, gender, HbA1C, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol levels, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels.

Cardiovascular disease risk stratification in the Pakistani population with and without metabolic syndrome: A single centre cross-sectional study.

Existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk stratification algorithms are predominantly validated only for Western populations, and do not include parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which may increase the relative risk for cardiovascular disease in South Asians. This study aimed to compare the differences between 10-year ASCVD risk by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), Pooled Cohort Risk Equations (PCE), and QRISK3 calculators in a cohort of apparently healthy Pakistani adults and stratify the ASCVD risk by MetS status.A cross-sectional study recruited 179 subjects between the ages of 40 to 74 years from the outpatient department of the Aga Khan University Hospital between May 2019 to November 2022. Anthropometry, demography, and blood samples were collected from each subject after informed consent. The IDF criteria were used to categorize subjects as MetS positive (n = 122) and MetS negative (n = 57). The mean age of study participants was 51.07±7.38 years. The average 10-year ASCVD risk (%) for our cohort was calculated to be 15.34 ± 11.60, 9.66 ± 10.87, and 17.02 ± 14.66 using the FRS algorithm, PCE calculator, and QRISK3 calculator respectively. MetS status did not show a statistically significant association with the risk categories determined by any of the calculators, although numerical ASCVD risk estimates were significantly higher in the MetS positive group for all calculators.Although ASCVD risk is a useful way to reduce CVD burden by identifying asymptomatic individuals at the highest risk of developing ASCVD, a high proportion of individuals with MetS may still be identified as low risk by the current risk stratification algorithms in South Asians. Powered validation studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal follow-up are needed in South Asians to modify existing calculators to make them more applicable to South Asian populations.

Added value of arterial stiffness index for the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk determination in a middle-aged population-based study.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is considered the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Arterial stiffness, measured by arterial stiffness index (ASI), could be a main predictor in target damage of organs. Uncertainty remains regarding the contribution of ASI to estimated ASCVD risk. This study investigates the added value of ASI in ASCVD risk determination using the general UK Biobank middle-aged population. Among 100,598 participants from the UK Biobank population, ASI was assessed and associations between ASCVD risk were stratified by sex and estimated using multiple linear and logistic regressions adjusted for heart rate, physical activity, alcohol status, smocking pack years, BMI categories and CKD. Males presented higher ASCVD risk than females (8.58% vs. 2.82%, p < 0.001) and higher ASI levels (9.50m/s vs. 7.00m/s, p < 0.001). The Youden index was determined at 9.70m/s in males (p < 0.001) and 10.46m/s in females (p < 0.001). Among females, participants with ASI > 10.46m/s showed higher ASCVD risk than others (3.64% vs. 2.56%, p < 0.001), similar results were observed for males (9.92% vs. 7.21%, p < 0.001). In males, ASI showed significant added value information when including overall covariates (AUC = 0.695 vs. AUC = 0.663, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed in females (AUC = 0.693 vs. AUC = 0.687, p = 0.001). In both genders, for the association between ASI and ASCVD risk, nonlinear relationships were observed with higher accuracies than linear models. Further studies should investigate ASCVD risk stratification management depending on ASI measurement.

Coronary artery calcium scoring for cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with higher incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Data investigating the role of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in identifying subclinical atherosclerotic disease in IBD patients is scarce. Using data obtained from the CLARIFY registry, a prospective study of no-charge coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing at University Hospitals, we reviewed patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) who underwent CAC scoring from 2014 to 2020. We investigated the concordance between CAC risk and 10-year estimated ASCVD risk by AHA/ACC pooled cohort equation using pre-established thresholds for statin prescription (CAC≥100, 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5%). We additionally investigated the association between CAC, preventive therapy initiation and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE). A total of 369 patients with IBD were included (174 UC, 195 CD), with median age of 60 years. The median CAC score was 14.9 with no significant difference between UC and CD (P=.76). Overall, 151 (41%) had CAC of 0, 108 (29%) had CAC 1-99, 61 (17%) had CAC 100 to 399, and 49 (13%) had CAC ≥400 with no difference in CAC distribution between CD and UC (P=.17). There was no difference in median CAC between IBD or age/sex-matched controls (P=.34). Approximately half of the patients (52%) with IBD had 10-year estimated ASCVD risk of 7.5% or higher. Among patients with ASCVD risk <7.5% (n=163), 29 (18%) had CAC≥100 and among patients with ASCVD risk ≥7.5% (n=178), 102 (57%) had CAC <100. There was no difference between CAC<100 vs CAC≥100 with respect to CRP, use of immunosuppressive or amino-salicylate therapy, IBD severity or complications. CAC score (AUROC 0.67 [0.56-0.78]), but not PCE ASCVD risk (AUROC 0.60 [0.48-0.73]), was predictive of MACE. The best cut-off for CAC score was 76 (sensitivity=60%, specificity=69%), and was associated with 4-fold increase in MACE (Hazard Ratio 4.0 [2.0-8.1], P < .001). Subclinical atherosclerosis, as evaluated by CAC scoring, is prevalent in patients with IBD, and is associated with cardiovascular events. Further studies are needed to understand underlying biological processes of increased atherosclerotic disease risk among adults with IBD.

Statin use for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in breast cancer (BC) patients (pts).

e24051 Background: CVD is the leading cause of non-cancer mortality for BC survivors. Clinical practice guidelines support the assessment and management of ASCVD risk factors among BC pts, including lipid-lowering therapy when indicated. We performed a single-institution, retrospective, longitudinal study of ASCVD risk factors and statin use for primary and secondary ASCVD prevention among BC pts. Methods: Pts diagnosed with BC from 2009-2015 were identified from the institutional cancer registry. Pts with non-metastatic BC or ductal carcinoma in situ and at least 2 years of follow up were included. Records were reviewed at 12-month intervals from BC diagnosis until last follow up or the study end date of 12/31/19. BC characteristics and treatment, prevalent and incident CV risk factors, CV diagnoses, CV medications, and CV events were manually abstracted and confirmed by a second reviewer. 10-year estimated ASCVD risk, based on non-laboratory predictors, was calculated for each pt. Chi-square tests were performed to assess the relationship between race/ethnicity, age category, and statin exposure. Results: 326 pts were included (median age at diagnosis 60.7 yrs; 67% White, 16% Asian (Chinese), 10% Black; 54% with stage I disease). At baseline, 53% had hypertension, 40% had hyperlipidemia, 37% were former or current smokers, 32% had a BMI ≥30, 7% had a history of ASCVD, and 5% had a family history of premature coronary artery disease. 52% received radiation therapy. 114 pts had radiation dosimetry available; 59 (18%) received a mean heart dose ≥1 Gy. Median follow up was 6.5 yrs. At the time of BC diagnosis, 64% of pts had an established indication for lipid-lowering therapy: history of ASCVD, diabetes, or estimated 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5% (Table). Of these pts with an indication for statin, 35% were prescribed a statin at baseline and 57% were prescribed a statin at any time during the study period. No association between baseline statin exposure and pt age category (X2 = 3.75, p = 0.290) or race/ethnicity (X2 = 2.64, p = 0.562) was observed. Among 11% of pts with ASCVD at any time, 83% were prescribed a statin but only 40% received a guideline-recommended high-intensity statin. Conclusions: A majority of pts in our study were candidates for statin therapy for primary or secondary ASCVD prevention at the time of BC diagnosis. 43% were never prescribed a statin, predominantly pts whose indication was primary prevention. There is opportunity for improvement in ASCVD prevention during BC treatment and follow up. [Table: see text]