Cardiovascular Disease Group Research Articles

Blood C-peptide concentration as a proxy marker of cardiovascular disease: An observational cross-sectional study.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of disability and early death in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the current blood tests for CVD diagnosis involve performing about three test profiles; often at additional cost to patients. C-peptide, a cleavage product of proinsulin, is a promising marker that has the potential to serve as a proxy marker for diagnosing CVDs in resource-poor settings. The study was an observational cross-sectional one and involved 127 consenting persons diagnosed with CVD and 127 individuals without CVD. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were obtained. Blood levels of C-peptide, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total creatinine kinase (CK), creatine kinase myocardial bound (CKMB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), propeptide of brain natriuretic peptide (PBNP), Troponin T, lipids, and biomarkers of kidney and liver function were analyzed using ELISA and an automated analyzer. Insulin resistance was computed using the modified homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR). The CVD Group had significantly higher levels of C-peptide, CK, CKMB, troponin T, PBNP, FPG, HOMA-IR, and several selected kidney, liver, and lipid parameters compared to the non-CVD Group (p < 0.05 for all). Troponin T recorded a positive correlation (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) with C-peptide among the CVD Group. The sensitivity and specificity of C-peptide in identifying CVD were 96.1% and 91.3% respectively (area under the curve = 0.938, p < 0.001). C-peptide levels were higher in the CVD Group and appeared to be a valuable (high sensitivity and specificity) biomarker in detecting CVD.

Plasma branched-chain amino acid concentrations in individuals without cardiovascular diseases versus patients diagnosed with hypertension and coronary artery disease

Aim. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been postulated as potential indicators of cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between plasma BCAAs and different stages of cardiovascular disorders.Material and methods. In our cross-sectional study, plasma BCAAs (valine, leucine and isoleucine) in individuals without cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) (nonCVD group, total n=27, with n=16 healthy, but with metabolic disorders) were compared to patients diagnosed with CVDs [CVD group, total n=109, being n=61 hypertension (n=31 with signs of beginning of myocardial remodeling) and n=48 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD)].Results. The plasma concentration of BCAAs was significantly higher in the group of patients with cardiovascular disease compared with the healthy group (p&lt;0.05 for all amino acids tested): valine concentration was 238.7 [219.6; 267.0] μM in the non-CVD group and 261.2 [233.8; 298.7] μM in the CVD group; leucine concentration was 134.8 [122.4; 153.2] μM and 146.8 [129.0; 166.6] μM, respectively; and isoleucine 72.7 [65.3; 84.4] μM and 81.7 [68.0; 96.2] μM, respectively. Leucine and isoleucine concentration levels were minimal in the healthy participant subgroup and maximal in the IBS patient subgroup. No statistically significant differences in BCAAs concentrations were found in the subgroups without CAD. Significant increases in concentrations were observed in the subgroups of patients with CAD as follows: valine concentration was 256.3 [219.0; 297.9] μM in hypertension group and 261.7 [236.5; 307.5] μM in CAD group; leucine concentration was 141.8 [123.5; 166.6] μM and 154.1 [134.7; 172.7] μM, respectively, and isoleucine 72.8 [65.7; 94.0] μM and 85.7 [74.9; 101.7] μM, respectively. BCAAs profiles in all participants with metabolic disorders had “good” diagnostic accuracy with area under the receiver operating characteristics curve being 0.72, 0.70 and 0.70 for valine, leucine and isoleucine, respectively.Conclusion. BCAAs concentrations are elevated with higher severity of the cardiovascular disorder and exhibit potential as early independent indicators of coronary artery disease.

The clinical value of carotid plaque score in patients with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between carotid plaque load score (CPS) and metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), in order to provide theoretical basis for the precaution and control of MS and CVD. MethodsA total of 1962 patients were incorporated into the study and divided into MS group and non-MS group, CVD group and non-CVD group. CPS and CIMT were obtained by carotid artery ultrasound, and the data of each group were statistically analyzed. ResultsAge, BMI, basal metabolic rate, body fat rate, gender, and the incidence of central obesity, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia are statistical different between MS group and non-MS group (P < 0.05). CIMT between CVD group and non-CVD group are statistical different (1.040 ± 0.239 VS 0.972 ± 0.297, P < 0.001).CPS was statistically significant between MS group and non-MS group(2.254 ± 2.728 VS 1.548 ± 2.219, P = 0.003) and between CVD group and non-CVD group (2.322 ± 2.760 VS 1.688 ± 2.347, P = 0.004). ConclusionPatients in MS group and CVD group have higher carotid plaque burden than those in non-MS group and non-CVD group. The higher the CPS was, the higher the incidence of MS and CVD was, and the distribution of CPS in MS and CVD population was consistent.

Thyroid Hormones and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Saudi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The PCOS-thyroid nexus has recently drawn the focus of various investigations due to the prevalence of thyroid problems in PCOS. Additionally, risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are more prevalent in PCOS women. Therefore, we aim to assess the levels of thyroid hormones in Saudi females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to examine the correlation between cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and thyroid hormones in PCOS patients. A cross-sectional research with 200 PCOS-diagnosed female patients was conducted from April 2018 to April 2020. In addition to other anthropometric and serum biochemical markers, glycemic status, thyroid function test, lipid profiles, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein levels were detected in patients. In PCOS, hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism (55 vs 27.5%, p = 0.05). While women with raised TSH (hypothyroidism) had a higher BMI, WC, FBG, and poorer HDL-C (p<0.05). Significant differences were found in LDL-C, TG, Homocysteine, and CRP levels (all p<0.001 and<0.05). PCOS women with hypothyroidism at increased risk of CVD, as indicated by AIP (Atherogenic Index of plasma) (0.57±0.42) was found. The elevated TSH levels were favorably linked with TG, Homocysteine, CRP, BMI, AIP, and WC (all p<0.001, 0.05) but negatively connected with HDL-C and FT4. A strong relationship between PCOS and thyroid dysfunction was detected since PCOS hypothyroid groups had higher TSH levels and CMRFs. This group's CVD risk was elevated due to CRP, homocysteine, triglycerides, and obesity.

The effect of dapagliflozin therapy on ventricular repolarization parameters in electrocardiography in patients with diabetic cardiovascular disease

BackgroundDapagliflozin is an agent that has both antihyperglycemic effects and is significantly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, there is insufficient data and information about the effect of dapagliflozin on electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters. AimThe effects of dapagliflozin on ventricular repolarization parameters have not been fully elucidated yet. This study aimed to investigate whether dapagliflozin has a positive effect on ventricular repolarization heterogeneity parameters in patients with type 2 DM. MethodWe retrospectively enrolled 140 patients with a known diagnosis of type 2 DM who were newly prescribed dapagliflozin in addition to standard anti-diabetic therapy. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effect of dapagliflozin treatment on ventricular repolarization parameters (frontal plane QRST angle, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QTc, QTc, and QTc dispersion) was investigated, patient groups were compared before and after treatment. ResultsAmong 140 patients, 70 (50 %) had CVD and 70 (50 %) did not have CVD. Dapagliflozin treatment resulted in significant reductions in ventricular repolarization parameters over the study period in the CVD group with diabetes. Mean fQRST angle, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QTc, QTc, and QTc dispersion were significantly lower than baseline values at 6-month follow-up visits in the CVD group (61.61 ± 9.22° vs 52.55 ± 8.31°, 74.45 ± 16.06 msec vs 63.27 ± 13.99 msec, 0.19 ± 0.03 vs 0.16 ± 0.03, 384.12 ± 47.93 msec vs 356.15 ± 43.31 mesc, 55.28 ± 5.50 msec vs 48.08 ± 6.48 msec for all pairwise comparisons p < 0.001). ConclusionSimilar antihyperglycemic effects were found with dapagliflozin treatment in patients with and without CVD. However, significant reductions in ventricular repolarization parameters were observed only in patients with CVD.

Use of diabetes medications in adults with T2D and CVD in Japan: secondary analysis of the CAPTURE study.

The CAPTURE study estimated the global prevalence of established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and characterized the usage of glucose-lowering agents (GLAs) in adults with type2 diabetes (T2D) across 13 countries. The purpose of this secondary analysis of data from the Japanese sites within CAPTURE (NCT03786406, NCT03811288) was to provide data about medication usage stratified by CVD status among Japanese participants with T2D. Data on GLA usage (including those with proven cardiovascular [CV] benefits) in Japanese participants with T2D managed in clinics or hospitals were collected and stratified by CVD subgroups. There were 800 Japanese participants in the CAPTURE study (n = 502 [no CVD group], n = 298 [CVD group], n = 268 [atherosclerotic CVD subgroup]). Oral antidiabetic agents and insulin were used by 88.5% and 23.4%, respectively, of participants overall. Among participants with established CVD, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (65.1%) were most frequently used, followed by biguanides (50.7%) and insulins (26.2%). The pattern was similar among participants with atherosclerotic CVD. A lower proportion of participants in the CVD group used glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) with proven CV benefits versus the no CVD group (GLP-1RAs: 7.0% vs. 8.6%; SGLT-2is: 13.4% vs. 19.1%). This analysis of the CAPTURE study provided a comprehensive overview of prescription patterns for the treatment of T2D in Japan. Use of GLAs with proven CV benefit was low, even in participants with established CVD, which was comparable to the findings from the global cohort. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-023-00638-w.

Predictors of cardiovascular disease in a familial hypercholesterolemia unit

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Screening and cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is advised in patients with early coronary heart disease (ECHD) or high-risk dyslipidemia LDL-c &amp;gt;190 mg/dL without secondary cause. The diagnostic rates of FH by genetic testing are 5-9% in patients with ECHD and 2-5% in patients with high-risk dyslipidemia. Methods Observational retrospective study of a cohort of 615 patients over 18 years of age, included in an HF unit (177 index cases and 438 first-grade relatives). The population was divided into 201 (32.7%) patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Group A), and 414 patients without CVD (Group B). Clinical characteristics, variables of the inclusion blood test in the HF unit and the lipid-lowering treatment implemented were compared. Results Group A patients were older, wiht a higher proportion of male, higher rates of hypertension and diabetes, higher body mass index (BMI), higher percentage of obese, and no difference in historical maximum LDL-c levels compared to Group B. Group A patients, as a result of CVD, receivedmore potent lipid-lowering treatment, had lower levels of LDL-c but without differences in meeting their LDL-c objective (45.7% vs 39%, p=0.19), presented a higher rate of small and dense LDL-c either measured by LDL-c/ApoB ratio &amp;lt;1.3 or Triglycerides/HDL-c &amp;gt;2, and lower HDL-c values with a higher percentage of values minor than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 45 mg/dL in women (HDL-c &amp;lt;40-45). Group A had higher lipoprotein (a) values and higher lipoprotein (a) &amp;gt;180 mg/dL (equivalent to FH), a higher proportion of chronic kidney desease and increased uric acid (table 1). Conclusions In a population of patients with suspected FH, the presence of CV risk factors (male sex, older age, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney desease), and atherogenic blood test (HDL&amp;lt;40-45, increased lipoprotein (a), increased uric acid, small and dense LDL-c) were associated with CVD. The detection of these in this patient population of patients should lead us to act early and aggressively to prevent the development of CV events.

Associations of animal source foods, cardiovascular disease history, and health behaviors from the national health and nutrition examination survey: 2013–2016

BackgroundSome individuals adopt vegetarian or plant-based diets to improve their health. Observational evidence suggests diets composed of higher amounts of animal-source foods (ASFs) are associated with increased risk for disease and early mortality. In many of these studies, those who ate fewer animal-source foods reported fewer disease risk factors and unhealthy behaviors, which could indicate bias. PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationships between ASF consumption, health behaviors, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in a population-representative sample of U.S. civilians controlling for confounders. MethodsRespondent data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 collection years. Collected data included demographics, ASF intake, healthy lifestyle variables, body mass index, and blood lipids. ResultsThere was a higher proportion of those with CVD history who consumed red meat (61.3%; C.I. 41.7%–77.8%), but the proportion was lower for white (23.3%; C.I. 12.6%–39.0%) and processed meat (15.4%; C.I. 6.5%–32.3%). When adjusted for sex, the odds of CVD history increased for red meat compared to processed meat consumption (OR 2.95; C.I. 1.14–7.66). Unhealthy lifestyle increased the odds of CVD history by nearly 8-fold (OR 7.8; C.I. 3.44–17.7). Individual factors including age, smoking history, body mass index, and blood lipids, and demographic factors, including education level, race, and income, were also associated with increased odds for CVD history. ROC analysis revealed 77.2% AUC for CVD history classified by individual factors (BMI ≥30 kg/m**2, ≤ 30 min moderate physical activity, smoker, fiber intake ≤25 g, dental visit more than two years ago, and age above 60 years). Three or more factors moderately predicted CVD history when optimized for sensitivity (73.4%) and specificity (71%). Adjusted for sex, the relationship between CVD and moderate physical activity became stronger possibly reflecting lifestyle changes. Despite evidence of lifestyle changes, modifiable risk factors persisted in the CVD group. CVD diagnosis in males was substantially delayed compared to females concerning the sex-specific age cutoff associated with higher risk. The healthy lifestyle group was characterized by earlier CVD diagnosis and fewer overall risk factors compared to the unhealthy lifestyle group. ConclusionCVD history was strongly associated with demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors. Future research should focus on multidimensional models for disease risk stratification and prevention, including individual, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors.

Cardiovascular Mortality in 10 Cohorts of Middle-Aged Men Followed-Up 60 Years until Extinction: The Seven Countries Study.

To investigate mortalities from three major groups of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in a pooled cohort and followed up until extinction. Ten cohorts of men (N = 9063) initially aged 40-59, in six countries, were examined and followed-up for 60 years. The major CVD groups were coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular diseases (STROKE) and other heart diseases of uncertain etiology (HDUE). Death rates from CHD were higher in countries with high serum cholesterol levels (USA, Finland and The Netherlands) and lower in countries with low cholesterol levels (Italy, Greece and Japan), but the opposite was observed for STROKE and HDUE, which became the most common CVD mortalities in all countries during the last 20 years of follow-up. Systolic blood pressure and smoking habits were, at an individual level, the common risk factors for the three groups of CVD conditions, while serum cholesterol level was the most common risk factor only for CHD. Overall, death rates for the pooled CVDs were 18% higher in North American and Northern European countries, while CHD rates were 57% higher in the same countries. Differences in lifelong CVD mortalities across different countries were smaller than expected due to the different rates of the three groups of CVD, and the indirect determinant of this seemed to be baseline serum cholesterol levels.

Moderate intensity exercise in pregnant patients with cardiovascular disease: A pilot study

Exercise in pregnancy has proven health benefits, yet the safety of exercise in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not been established. Our aim was to determine the feasibility and safety profile of moderate intensity exercise during pregnancy in patients with CVD, compared with those without CVD. This is a prospective single center pilot study of a moderate intensity exercise regimen, with data collection through wearable fitness trackers and personal exercise logs in pregnant patients with and without pre-existing CVD. The primary outcome was Doppler umbilical artery systolic to diastolic (S/D) ratio measured between 32 and 34 weeks' gestation. The secondary outcomes were adverse maternal and fetal events, trends in wearable fitness tracker data, C-reactive protein levels, and weight changes. At baseline, the CVD group (62% congenital heart disease) took part in more prepregnancy walking, less weightlifting, and had a higher body mass index compared to the control group, and on average walked 539 fewer steps per day during pregnancy than the control group. Resting heart rate (HR) was found to increase in both groups up to 30 weeks' gestation. The cardiovascular disease group displayed an overall lower exercise intensity, as measured by the ability to increase HR with exercise over resting heart rate 1 hour prior to exercise at study baseline (45% vs 59% P < .001). Umbilical artery S/D ratio was normal in both groups. No differences were seen in adverse events between groups. This pilot study of moderate intensity exercise in pregnant individuals with pre-existing CVD demonstrated that patients with CVD were not able to increase their HR during exercise throughout pregnancy compared to those in the control group. Although a small study group, this data supports the hypothesis that exercise interventions during pregnancy for patients with CVD are feasible without evidence abnormal fetal Doppler profiles. Further studies using wearable fitness trackers may provide the opportunity to understand how to safely tailor exercise programs to pregnant individuals with CVD.

Can peripheral biomarkers reflect the psychological condition in geriatric populations? The influence of cardiovascular comorbidities.

Although previous studies indicated the association between peripheral biomarkers and psychological conditions, a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among geriatric populations may hinder the applicability of the biomarkers. The objective of this study was to assess the adequacy of the application of biomarkers to evaluate psychological conditions among geriatric populations. We collected information on the demographics and history of CVD in all participants. All participants completed the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) and the Chinese Happiness Inventory (CHI), which are the measurement of negative and positive psychological conditions, respectively. Four indicators of the peripheral biomarkers, including the standard deviation of normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN), finger temperature, skin conductance, and electromyogram were collected for each participant during a 5-min resting state. Multiple linear regression models were conducted to evaluate the association between the biomarkers and the psychological measurements (BSRS-5, CHI) with and without the inclusion of the participants with CVD. A total of 233 participants without CVD (non-CVD group) and 283 participants with CVD (CVD group) were included. The CVD group was older and with higher body mass index compared to the non-CVD group. In the multiple linear regression model with all participants, only BSRS-5 scores had a positive association with electromyogram. After the exclusion of the CVD group, the association between the BSRS-5 scores and electromyogram was more relevant, while CHI scores became positively associated with SDNN. A single measurement of the peripheral biomarker may be insufficient to depict psychological conditions among geriatric populations.

Can biomarkers predict the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome?

Background/Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by recurrent partial or total obstruction of the upper airway. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is more common in OSAS patients. Biomarkers can predict the progression of OSAS disease and the occurrence of CVD. Here we investigate the effects of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and monocyte to HDL cholesterol (MHR) on the severity of OSAS and the occurrence of CVD in OSAS patients. Method: This cross-sectional study included 172 OSAS patients presenting to Erzincan Binali Yildirim University Mengucek Gazi Training and Research Hospital, Sleep Service between 01.01.2021 and 31.08.2022. Polysomnography (PSG) was applied to patients participating in the study, and routine complete blood and biochemistry tests were performed. Comorbidities and demographic data of the participants were recorded. Results: The frequency of CVD, chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) and hyperlipidemia increased as the severity of OSAS increased (P=0.005, P&lt;0.001, P=0.016, respectively). As the severity of OSAS disease increased, only the MHR indices increased (P=0.009). When OSAS groups with and without CVD were examined, OSAS patients with CVD were older and had higher BMI (P&lt;0.001, P=0.001, respectively). In addition, tended to be females with hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM) and high Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores (all P&lt;0.001). When the polysomnography of OSAS patients with CVD was evaluated, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), non-rapid eye movement (NREM)-AHI (NREM-AHI), respiratory disorder index (RDI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) values were higher and sleep efficiency (SE) values were lower than patients with OSAS without CVD (P=0.002, P=0.002, P=0.003, P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusion: CVD is common in OSAS patients. As the severity of OSAS increases, the risk of developing CVD increases. Elderly female OSAS patients with hyperlipidemic, DM, high BMI, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) constitute a relatively risky group for CVD. OSAS patients with high AHI, NREM-AHI, RDI, ODI, and low SE values should be monitored more closely for CVD.

Factors associated with successful smoking cessation in men with or without cardiovascular disease or cancer: Nationwide Korean population analysis.

This study was conducted to explore factors associated with smoking cessation in male smokers with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer, the two leading causes of death worldwide, and to compare them with quitting factors in smokers without the two diseases. This is a secondary dataset analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), nationally representative data from 2008-2019 (excluding 2013-2014), and included 12998 men without CVD or cancer (group without CVD or cancer), 1027 men with CVD (CVD group), and 616 men with cancer (cancer group). A Wald test with multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted. The quitting success rates in the CVD and cancer groups were consistently higher than those in the group without CVD or cancer. Old age and willpower in the CVD group, and old age and being married in the cancer group were associated with quitting success. Secondhand smoking and methods of quitting other than willpower were related to quitting failure in both groups. When interaction effects between the groups were examined, household income was the only factor associated with successful cessation in the group without CVD or cancer (AOR=1.17, 1.18, and 1.40, among the second, third, and fourth highest income quartiles, respectively; p for interaction=0.023). Higher smoking amounts (AOR=0.85; p<0.001) and poor health perception (AOR=0.64; p=0.035) were associated with quitting failure in the group without CVD or cancer. However, no significant factor was detected related to smoking cessation in both the CVD and cancer groups when the interaction effect was investigated. The quitting success rates in the CVD and cancer groups were higher, but no disease-specific quitting factors were identified. Therefore, being diagnosed with CVD or cancer itself could be inferred as a motive for quitting smoking.

Association of hemoglobin variability with the risk of cardiovascular disease: a nationally representative retrospective cohort study from South Korea

Hemoglobin variability is known to increase cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease, but the association of hemoglobin variability with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population is yet unclear. This retrospective cohort study based on ‘the South Korean National Health Insurance Service database’ consisted of 198,347 adults who went through all three health examinations. Hemoglobin variability is defined as the average successive variability of three separate hemoglobin values from each health screening period. Participants were followed up for 6 years to determine the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the adjusted hazard ratios for CVD according to hemoglobin variability. Per 1 unit increase of hemoglobin variability, the risk for CVD (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.09) and stroke (aHR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.13) increased significantly. The risk-increasing trend was preserved in the low-to-moderate risk group of CVDs (aHR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.11). This result suggests that subjects with high hemoglobin variability who would otherwise be categorized as having low-to-moderate CVD risk may have higher risk of CVD than those with low hemoglobin variability.

Main operating room deliveries for patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease

BackgroundHigh-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence in pregnant patients is increasing. Management of this complex population is not well studied, and little guidance is available regarding labour and delivery planning for...

Development and Validation of a Nomogram to Predict the Future Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.

Early identification of individuals at a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial. This study aimed to construct a nomogram for CVD risk prediction in the general population. This retrospective study analyzed the data between January 2012 and September 2020 at the Physical Examination Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (randomized 7:3 to the training and validation cohorts). The outcome was the occurrence of CVD events, which were defined as sudden cardiac death or any death related to myocardial infarction, acute exacerbation of heart failure, or stroke. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and multivariate logistic regression were applied to screen the significant variables related to CVD. Among the 537 patients, 54 had CVD (10.1%). The median cardiac myosin-binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) level in the CVD group was higher than in the no-CVD group (42.25 pg/mL VS 25.00 pg/mL, p = 0.001). After LASSO selection and multivariable analysis, cMyBP-C (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.004, 95% CI [CI, confidence interval]: 1.000-1.008, p = 0.035), age (OR = 1.023, 95% CI: 0.999-1.048, p = 0.062), diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.025, 95% CI: 0.995-1.058, p = 0.103), cigarettes per day (OR = 1.066, 95% CI: 1.021-1.113, p = 0.003), and family history of CVD (OR = 2.219, 95% CI: 1.003-4.893, p = 0.047) were associated with future CVD events (p 0.200). The model, including cMyBP-C, age, diastolic blood pressure, cigarettes per day, and family history of CVD, displayed a high predictive ability with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.816 (95% CI: 0.714-0.918) in the training cohort (specificity and negative predictive value of 0.92 and 0.96) and 0.774 (95% CI: 0.703-0.845) in the validation cohort. A nomogram based on cMyBP-C, age, diastolic blood pressure, cigarettes per day, and family history of CVD was constructed. The model displayed a high predictive ability.

Association of Interleukin-32 and Interleukin-34 with Cardiovascular Disease and Short-Term Mortality in COVID-19.

Excess cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality has been observed in patients with COVID-19. Both interleukin-32 (IL-32) and interleukin-34 (IL-34) have been hypothesized to contribute to CV involvement in COVID-19. This prospective, observational study of patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection was conducted from 6 June to 22 December 2020 in a tertiary care hospital in Vienna, Austria. IL-32 and IL-34 levels on admission were collected and tested for their association with CV disease and short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19. CV disease was defined by the presence of coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke or atrial fibrillation and patients were stratified by CV disease burden. A total of 245 eligible patients with COVID-19 were included, of whom 37 (15.1%) reached the primary endpoint of 28-day mortality. Of the total sample, 161 had no CV disease (65.7%), 69 had one or two CV diseases (28.2%) and 15 patients had ≥three CV diseases (6.1%). Median levels of IL-32 and IL-34 at admission were comparable across the three groups of CV disease burden. IL-32 and IL-34 failed to predict mortality upon both univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. The two CV disease groups, however, had a significantly higher risk of mortality within 28 days (one or two CV diseases: crude HR 4.085 (95% CI, 1.913-8.725), p < 0.001 and ≥three CV diseases: crude HR 13.173 (95% CI, 5.425-31.985), p < 0.001). This association persisted for those with ≥three CV diseases after adjustment for age, gender and CV risk factors (adjusted HR 3.942 (95% CI, 1.288-12.068), p = 0.016). In our study population of hospitalized patients with COVID-19, IL-32 and IL-34 did not show any associations with CV disease or 28-day mortality in the context of COVID-19. Patients with multiple CV diseases, however, had a significantly increased risk of short-term mortality.

Features of COVID-19 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, and cardiovascular comorbidity

Aim. The aim of the study was to identify the features of a new coronavirus infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma (BA), and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Materials and Methods. The retrospective study included 58 patients with novel coronavirus infection, which were divided into four groups: group 1 comprised 12 patients with COPD and CVD; group 2 comprised 15 patients with BA and CVD; and group 3 comprised 31 patients with CVD only. All patients underwent a clinical examination, complete blood count, biochemical blood examination, coagulation testing, serum ferritin test, and multi-slice computed tomography.Results. The severity of dyspnea was greater in patients with COPD/CVD compared with BA/CVD, and in patients without bronchopulmonary pathology. The frequency of desaturation was the lowest in BA/CVD group compared with COPD/CVD and COPD/BA/CVD. A lower level of saturation was observed in COPD/CVD group in comparison with BA/CVD. The extent of lung damage also prevailed in group with COPD/CVD compared with patients without bronchopulmonary pathology. Patients with CVD only demonstrated the lowest level of leukocytes in contrast with all other study groups. However, the platelet count prevailed in the CVD group compared with the COPD/CVD group. Serum ferritin in patients with COPD/CVD was higher than in the AD/CVD group.Conclusion. Patients with COPD had more severe coronavirus infection due to severity of dyspnea, low saturation indicators, high values of ferritin, and greater severity of lung damage according to computed tomography. Patients with asthma were prone to a less severe course of coronavirus infection due to less dyspnea, rare episodes of desaturation, high saturation rates, and low ferritin values.

Relationship Between Cardiovascular Events and Serum Lipid and Plasma Fatty Acid Profile in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients With Diabetic Mellitus.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a frequent complication in hemodialysis (HD) patients, especially when the underlying disease is diabetes mellitus (DM). In this study, we investigated cardiovascular events and lipid and fatty acid profile in maintenance HD patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The subjects were 123 patients undergoing HD at Oyokyo Kidney Research Institute Hirosaki Hospital, who were considered to have DKD as the underlying cause of dialysis induction. Among these patients, the lipid and fatty acid profile were examined in two groups, CVD group (n=53) and non-CVD group (n=70), according to the presence or absence of a history of cardiovascular events (coronary artery disease, stroke, arteriosclerosis obliterans, valvular disease, and aortic disease). For serum lipid profile, the levels of total-cholesterol (T-C), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured, and for fatty acid balance, 24 fractions of fatty acid composition in plasma total lipids were measured. These markers were compared between the CVD and non-CVD groups. The levels of T-C and TG were significantly lower in the CVD group compared with the non-CVD group (147.7±36.9 mg/dl vs. 159.2±35.6 mg/dl, p<0.05, 120.2±65.7 mg/dl vs. 143.8±124.4 mg/dl, p<0.05). In the plasma fatty acid composition, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) were significantly lower in the CVD group compared with the non-CVD group (0.74±0.26 wt% vs. 0.84±0.31 wt%, p<0.05; 0.61±0.21 wt% vs. 0.70±0.30 wt%, p<0.05). Abnormal fatty acid balance, especially low levels of ALA and DPA, rather than serum lipids, are more likely the factors associated with cardiovascular events in maintenance HD patients with underlying DKD.

TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT HYPERTENSION: XANTHINE OXIDASE ACTIVITY AND URIC ACID CONCENTRATION

A metabolic condition known as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has spread all over the world. Pancreatic insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction are its defining features. In 2021, almost 537 million people worldwide had diabetes. The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in T2DM more than 50% result from uncontrolled blood glucose. The prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications in T2DM with HTN, more common than in those without HTN. Hyperglycemia is related to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress (OS). The etiology of metabolic disorders is associated with OS. On the other hand, OS increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by causing endothelial dysfunction. An important source of ROS is xanthine oxidase (XOD), while uric acid (UA) has two properties: pro- oxidant and antioxidant. Sixty T2DM patients with and without hypertension participated in this research. These patients were compared to a control group of thirty people. Lipid profile, XOD and UA were determined in this research. The results of the study showed a significant increase in XOD and UA values in T2DM patients compared to controls. The elevated OS agents and lipids biomarkers mainly in T2DM group could contribute to increasing cardiometabolic risks and weakening the overall health status of the participants. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-c and HDL-c abnormalities are risk factors of CVD. Dyslipidemia and elevated HbA1c in diabetic patients can be considered as a very high-risk group for CVD.