Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Patients Research Articles

Risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with HIV infection undergoing antiretroviral therapy

HistoryThe increased survival of patients with HIV infection thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is accompanied by a higher rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We analysed the prevalence of the cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and estimated the risk of CVD in a cohort of patients with HIV in Spain. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of CRFs in the Spanish VACH cohort of patients with HIV who undergo ART. ResultsThe study assessed 15,559 patients with HIV (76 % men; mean age, 46 years). Some 3.7 % had experienced at least 1 CVD event. The prevalence of CRFs was high (hyperlipidaemia, 64 %; tobacco use, 47 %; arterial hypertension, 22 %; and diabetes, 16 %). According to the Framingham scale, 10.9 % of the patients presented a high CVD risk, and 28.8 % presented a moderate risk. Of the patients with a high CVD risk, 49 % took protease inhibitors and 43 % took abacavir. Fifty-three percent of the patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension took antihypertensive drugs, and 2.6 % of the patients with diabetes took antidiabetic agents. ConclusionsClassical CRFs are common in patients with HIV undergoing ART in Spain, and a large proportion of them have a moderate-high risk of CVD. Therefore, controlling the modifiable CRFs in patients with HIV should be improved, and the use of drugs with a better cardiovascular risk profile should be assessed.

GLP 1 receptor agonists, glycemic variability, oxidative stress and acute coronary syndrome

Glycemic variability (GV) has been recently described as an independent cardiovascular risk factor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Also, new findings suggest that GV plays an important role in the development of complications related to impaired glucose metabolism and oxidative stress. On the other hand, although treatment for diabetes can reduce HbA1c in a similar extent their effectiveness over GV can be radically different. Patients in the acute setting of a coronary syndrome should be strictly monitorized to maintain glucose within recommended values; avoiding values lower than 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) and higher than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Also, evidence suggests the importance of not only maintaining glucose within certain values but also decreasing short-term GV as it has been associated with an increase in MACE in these patients. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) have demonstrated a decrease in GV and oxidative stress; therefore, the aim of this paper is to hypothesize the beneficial effect of GLP-1 RA in short-term GV and oxidative stress during the initial period of an ACS.

Riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular en pacientes con infección VIH en tratamiento antirretroviral

BackgroundThe increased survival of patients with HIV infection thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is accompanied by a higher rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We analysed the prevalence of the cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and estimated the risk of CVD in a cohort of patients with HIV in Spain. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of CRFs in the Spanish VACH cohort of patients with HIV who undergo ART. ResultsThe study assessed 15,559 patients with HIV (76% men; mean age, 46 years). Some 3.7% had experienced at least 1 CVD event. The prevalence of CRFs was high (hyperlipidaemia, 64%; tobacco use, 47%; arterial hypertension, 22%; and diabetes, 16%). According to the Framingham scale, 10.9% of the patients presented a high CVD risk, and 28.8% presented a moderate risk. Of the patients with a high CVD risk, 49% took protease inhibitors and 43% took abacavir. Fifty-three percent of the patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension took antihypertensive drugs, and 2.6% of the patients with diabetes took antidiabetic agents. ConclusionsClassical CRFs are common in patients with HIV undergoing ART in Spain, and a large proportion of them have a moderate-high risk of CVD. Therefore, controlling the modifiable CRFs in patients with HIV should be improved, and the use of drugs with a better cardiovascular risk profile should be assessed.

Arterial stiffness in chronic kidney disease: a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor?

There is an inverse, graded relationship between worsening chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increasing cardiovascular risk independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Increasing arterial stiffness is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in CKD. Developing novel therapeutic strategies to reverse this process is an attractive concept. This review presents the results of a literature survey of the last 18 months to establish if arterial stiffness can be considered a reversible cardiovascular risk factor in patients with CKD. Multiple potential therapeutic approaches to reduce arterial stiffness have been proposed and tested. However, arterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) have a very close bidirectional relationship. Any change in BP will have an effect on arterial stiffness and vice versa. At present, there is no robust evidence to support the notion that arterial stiffness can be considered reversible other than as a direct consequence of reduction in BP. For now, arterial stiffness should be considered an indirectly modifiable cardiovascular risk factor through optimal control of BP. Measures of arterial stiffness should be regarded as research and risk stratification tools rather than a therapeutic target in itself.

Cardiovascular risk factor profiles in familial hypercholesterolemia patients with and without genetic mutation compared to a nationally representative sample of adults in a high-risk European country

There is a paucity of data on the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) as compared to the general population. The aim of the study was to compare cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of FH patients to the representative sample of adults in Poland who represent a high-cardiovascular risk European region. We compared the distribution of risk factors in 1,382 individuals with FH phenotype referred for genetic testing between 2006 and 2014 to the National Centre of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Gdansk, Poland. The cohort was comprised of 637 positive FH(+) and 745 negative FH(-) patients who were compared to a nationally representative sample of 2,413 adults age 18-79, standardized by age and sex, from the NATPOL 2011 study (NATPOL). We analyzed patients' distribution of history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and standard risk factors including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), body mass index, smoking, and diabetes. FH(+) patients (mean age 45.6 years) had the highest LDL-C of 241.7 mg/dL (95% CI 234.8-248.5) compared to 206.1 mg/dL (200.5-211.7) in FH(-) patients (mean age 48.2) and 126.2 mg/dL (124.8-127.6) in NATPOL. Mean SBP was the lowest in FH(+) patients at 128.7 mm Hg (126.7-130.7) compared to 133.4 mm Hg (132.6-134.3) in NATPOL and 134.4 mm Hg (132.3-136.5) in FH(-). No differences were found in the prevalence of diabetes and body mass index. Smoking was less common in FH(+) at 12.4% (9.4-15.4) compared to both FH(-) and NATPOL: 20.4% (16.6-24.1) and 28.4% (26.6-30.2), respectively. The prevalence of individuals with a history of ASCVD in both FH(+) and FH(-) was nearly 3-fold higher compared to NATPOL: 26% (21.8-30.1) and 26.6% (22.2-30.9) versus 9.5% (8.3-10.7), respectively. The FH(+) patients had significantly higher mean LDL-C, but the levels of nonlipid factors were lower or similar compared to the other groups. Both FH(+) and FH(-) were characterized by a heavy burden of ASCVD. This suggests that cholesterol, and no other risk factors, is a key contributor to cardiovascular risk in patients with FH, especially those with genetic mutation.

Efficacy of visceral fat estimation by dual bioelectrical impedance analysis in detecting cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundVisceral fat area (VFA) is a good surrogate marker of obesity-related disorders, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and glucose intolerance. Although estimating the VFA by X-ray computed tomography (CT) is the primary index for visceral obesity, it is expensive and requires invasive radiation exposure. Dual bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a simple and reliable method to estimate VFA; however, the clinical usefulness of dual BIA remains unclear in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsWe estimated the VFAs by dual BIA and CT in 98 patients with T2D and assessed anthropometric parameters, blood test results, and the presence of comorbid hypertension and dyslipidemia. We compared the correlation between the VFAs examined by dual BIA and CT. Furthermore, we performed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses for the VFAs to detect the presence of comorbid hypertension and/or dyslipidemia with T2D, which are major comorbidities of visceral obesity, and estimated the area under the curve (AUC).ResultsThe measurement error between the VFAs by dual BIA and CT was significantly higher among patients with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) ≥ 100 pg/mL than those with BNP < 100 pg/mL (39.2% ± 31.1% vs. 24.1% ± 18.6%, P < 0.05). After excluding patients with BNP ≥ 100 pg/mL, the VFA by dual BIA significantly correlated with the VFA by CT (r = 0.917; P < 0.0001). The AUC in the ROC analysis for the VFA by dual BIA to detect the presence of comorbid hypertension and/or dyslipidemia with T2D was almost equivalent to that for the VFA by CT.ConclusionsIn patients with T2D without elevated BNP > 100 pg/mL as indicator for fluid accumulation interfering with BIA, estimation of the VFA by dual BIA significantly correlated with that by CT and also detected comorbid hypertension and/or dyslipidemia with T2D equivalent to those detected by CT. Hence, dual BIA could be an alternative to CT as a standard method for estimating the VFA in patients with diabetes.

Cardiovascular risk factors are highly overrepresented in Swedish patients with psoriatic arthritis compared with the general population

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) followed at a large Swedish Rheumatology Clinic, and to compare differences in cardiovascular risk factors between men and women with PsA and with the general population.Method: A questionnaire was sent to patients with PsA registered at the Rheumatology Clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg (n = 982). Comparisons with the general population were made using data from the Swedish National Public Health Survey. Descriptive statistics are presented. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported height and weight.Results: Overall, 692 (70.6%) of the patients with PsA responded. The mean ± sd age was 55.6 ± 11.4 years and 52% were women. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was more prevalent (p < 0.001) in patients with PsA (28.6%) than in matched subjects from the general population (16.3%). Hypertension was also more prevalent (p < 0.001) in PsA (40.3%) than in matched subjects from the general population (24.1%), as was diabetes, with a prevalence of 10.5% in the PsA population compared with 6.2% in matched subjects (p < 0.001).Conclusion: We found obesity to be highly overrepresented in patients with PsA compared with matched subjects from the general population. This difference was particularly seen in women with PsA. Hypertension and ever smoking were also more prevalent in women with PsA compared with matched subjects from the general population.

Chronic kidney disease-a cardiovascular high-risk constellation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This is mediated by the high prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD such as arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, but also by the presence of CKD-specific so-called nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors such as vascular calcification, uremic toxins, uremic dyslipidemia as well as inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease represents an integral part of nephrology. This entails optimal control of blood pressure and diabetes, therapy of the uremic dyslipidemia as well as lifestyle-modifying factors such as weight reduction and smoking cessation.

1349Effect of bariatric surgery on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with obesity: a nation-wide nested cohort study

Abstract Background Obesity is a cardinal risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Bariatric surgery is an effective method of achieving weight reduction and improving control of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with obesity. However, the effect of bariatric surgery on long-term cardiovascular outcomes has yet to be defined. Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on long-term risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in a large population of patients with obesity. Methods A nested cohort study was carried out; including the 3,701 patients of the Clinical Practice Research Datalink database who had undergone bariatric surgery, and 3,701 age, gender and BMI matched controls. The primary endpoint was the composite of fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction; and fatal or non-fatal acute ischaemic stroke. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, new diagnosis of heart failure, fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction, and fatal or non-fatal acute ischaemic stroke. Data was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model to account for multiple covariates. Results Patients were followed up for a median of 11.2 years; 20.3% of the population were female, the median age was 36 years and median BMI was 40.4 kg/m2. Patients who had undergone bariatric surgery had a significantly lower occurrence of the primary composite outcome (HR 0.450; 95% CI 0.312–0.671, p&lt;0.001, NNT=62); this was driven by a reduction in myocardial infarction (HR 0.444; 95% CI 0.302–0.654, p&lt;0.001, NNT=64) and not in acute ischaemic stroke (HR 0.528; 95% CI 0.159–1.751, p=0.296). A significant reduction was observed in rates all-cause mortality (HR 0.254; 95% CI 0.183–0.353; p&lt;0.001, NNT=27) and of new diagnosis of heart failure (HR 0.519; 95% CI 0.311–0.864, p=0.012, NNT=153). Table 1. Primary and secondary endpoints during follow-up Events No Bariatric Surgery Bariatric Surgery HR 95% CI p (n=3,701) (n=3,701) Primary endpoint 93 37 0.458 0.312–0.671 &lt;0.001 Secondary endpoints All-cause mortality 182 45 0.254 0.183–0.353 &lt;0.001 Heart failure 46 22 0.519 0.311–0.864 0.012 Fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction 93 36 0.444 0.302–0.654 &lt;0.001 Fatal or non-fatal ischaemic stroke 9 4 0.528 0.159–1.751 0.296 Adjusted primary endpoint rates Conclusion The results of this large, nation-wide nested cohort study support the role of bariatric surgery in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality and new onset of heart failure in patients with obesity.

483Blood pressure and white matter lesions in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). As a potential risk factor for cerebral white matter lesions (WML), HTN might explain the increased risk of cognitive dysfunction in AF patients. Methods In a multicenter cohort study of patients with documented AF in Switzerland, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) was measured up to three times in a supine position and the mean was calculated. HTN was defined as controlled, when SBP was &lt;140 and DBP &lt;90 mmHg with treatment, and uncontrolled when SBP was ≥140 or DBP ≥90 mmHg with treatment. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging. Volumes of WML were assessed and graded using the Fazekas scale. A Fazekas score of ≥2 was defined as moderate or severe WML. Multivariable adjusted regression models were used to assess the association between BP and WML. Results Overall, 1738 patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional analysis (mean age 73 years, 73% males). Mean BP was 135/79 mmHg, 69% had a history of HTN. Any WMLs were found in 99% of the patients and 54% had at least moderate WMLs. The prevalence of Fazekas ≥2 was 47%, 50% and 61% among AF patients with SBP &lt;120, 120–140 and ≥140mmHg (p&lt;0.001), respectively. Volumes of WMLs significantly increased across the same SBP categories (2943, 3512 and 4988 mm3, p&lt;0.001). Among patients with normotension, controlled and uncontrolled HTN, moderate or severe WMLs were present in 173 (42.5%), 345 (55%) and 307 (61%), respectively. SBP was associated with Fazekas ≥2 and WML volume after multivariable adjustment (Table). Compared to normotension, both controlled and uncontrolled HTN were significantly associated with higher WML volume (Table). Association between blood pressure and white matter lesions Blood pressure Fazekas ≥2 OR (95% CI) Volume WML β-coefficient (95% CI) &lt;120 mmHg Ref Ref 120–140 mmHg 1.17 (0.88; 1.55) 0.14 (−0.01; 0.30) ≥140 mmHg 1.49 (1.11; 2.00) 0.28 (0.12; 0.43) Continuous, per SD 1.20 (1.09; 1.36), p&lt;0.001 0.12 (0.06; 0.18), p&lt;0.001 Normotension Ref Ref Treated hypertension 1.26 (0.94; 1.68), p=0.12 0.22 (0.07; 0.38), p=0.005 Treated, uncontrolled hypertension 1.52 (1.13; 2.05), p=0.005 0.38 (0.21; 0.54), p&lt;0.001 Regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, stroke, diabetes, coronary heart disease, AF type, and antihypertensive treatment. One standard Deviation (SD) of SBP = 18 mmHg. Volume of WML was log-transformed. Conclusion Moderate or severe cerebral WMLs are highly prevalent in AF patients and strongly associated with SBP. Our data suggests that optimal treatment of HTN might play an essential role in preventing WMLs. Acknowledgement/Funding Swiss National Science Foundation

P4391Cardiovascular risk factor trends over two decades in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction: a failure of smoking control, especially in women

Abstract Background Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking are established cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Little is known about the changes of risk factor profiles over time in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Purpose To analyze the temporal trends of CVRF in patients presenting with AMI over the last 22 years in Switzerland. Methods We included data of all AMI patients enrolled between 1997 and 2018 in the Swiss nationwide AMIS Plus registry. The rates of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking at presentation were descriptively analyzed dividing the data into 2-year periods. Trend analyses were performed using the CHI-square-test and ANOVA. A p-value of &lt;0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results A total of 57,995 patients were included in the analysis (73.6% male). The mean age was 66.0 years (males: 64.0 years, females 71.6 years) and did not differ over the study period. The mean CVRF rates over the study period were as follows: diabetes 20.5% (males: 19.4%, females: 23.6%), hypertension 60.2% (males: 57.0%, females: 69.0%), dyslipidemia 59.4% (males: 60.5%, females: 56.4%), and smoking 39.3% (males: 43.0%, females: 28.7%). While there was no significant change over time in the rates of diabetes for both genders, there were significant increases in the rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia for both males and females (p&lt;0.001 for all comparisons). In terms of smoking, there was no significant trend for males while there was a significant increase in the rate of smoking for females (p&lt;0.001). As a result, the gap in smoking rates between men and women decreased from 19.9% (45.3% vs. 25.4%) in 1997/98 to 7.9% (41.2% vs. 33.3%) in 2017/18. Trends in the rate of smokers Conclusions Among patients presenting with AMI in Switzerland over two decades, the prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia increased in both men and women, while diabetes at presentation did not change over the years. We documented a failure of smoking control, with a lack of a reduction in the smoking prevalence among males and a striking increase among women.

Role of type 2 diabetes and hemodialysis in serum adipolin concentrations: A preliminary study.

Adipocytokines play a major role in obesity-associated disorders like insulin resistance (IR). IR is prevalent in diabetes and advanced kidney failure. Adipolin is an adipocytokine with major beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate adipolin concentration and its relationship with IR and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with diabetes and/or hemodialysis. In this preliminary study, 24 obese patients with type 2 diabetes (DM) and 30 with hemodialysis (14 with diabetes and hemodialysis (HD/DM) and 16 with hemodialysis (HD/non-DM)) were studied. Anthropometric indexes, serum concentrations of adipolin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profile were assessed. The results showed higher serum adipolin in DM (29 ± 35 ng/mL) than in HD/DM (13 ± 2 ng/mL, P = 0.01) and HD/Non-DM (12 ± 1.6 ng/mL, P = 0.01) groups. Insulin level was lower in DM than HD/DM (P < 0.001) and HD/Non-DM (P < 0.001) groups, and HOMA-IR was also significantly lower in DM compared to HD/DM group (P < 0.001); while, FBG was significantly higher in DM (P < 0.001) and HD/DM (P = 0.006) compared to HD/Non-DM patients. Adipolin was inversely associated with insulin level (r = -0.446, P = 0.001) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.296, P = 0.035). LDL level was higher in DM compared to HD/DM (P = 0.008) and HD/Non-DM (P = 0.005) groups. Adipolin was directly correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.348, P = 0.01) and LDL (r = 0.428, P = 0.001) concentrations. Higher adipolin level in DM group might indicate a compensatory elevation in adipolin production or secretion to modulate IR. It might also be due to medications and inflammation. Further studies are required to investigate the precise role of this adipokine in IR.

57 INVESTIGATING THE COMMON GENETIC BASIS OF ANTIDEPRESSANT RESPONSE

New research is revealing a strong association between inflammatory markers with bipolar disorder (BD), potentially due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors in BD. We aimed to synthesize the literature examining the association between the clinically most relevant inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with BD.MEDLINE, Embase and PsychInfo were systematically searched for all relevant English language articles published prior to April 2017. Articles were included if they examined the association between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors/disease in BD.Fifteen relevant articles were retrieved. Studies were mostly cross-sectional and heterogeneous in the cardiovascular risk factors investigated. Overall, elevated CRP was associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, elevated body mass index, higher waist circumference, and obesity. CRP was inconsistently associated with elevated fasting glucose, insulin levels, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, and low high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Atypical antipsychotic use may mediate some of these effects. No study examined CRP's association with actual cardiovascular disease (e.g. coronary artery disease) in BD.In BD, CRP is associated with increases in several cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting that systemic inflammation could be a shared driving force for both outcomes of BD and cardiovascular risk. Further longitudinal research is needed in this area to verify causality, including an examination of actual cardiovascular disease. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments with anti-inflammatory effects should also be investigated, particularly in patients with increased CRP, for their potential to reduce cardiovascular risk in BD.

Metabolic effects of dopamine agonists in patients with prolactinomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectivesRecent large cohort studies suggest an association between high plasma prolactin and cardiovascular mortality. The objective of this systematic review was to systematically assess the effect of reducing prolactin with dopamine agonist on established cardiovascular risk factors in patients with prolactinomas.DesignBibliographical search was done until February 2019 searching the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, WHO and LILAC. Eligible studies had to include participants with verified prolactinomas where metabolic variables were assessed before and after at least 2 weeks treatment with dopamine agonists.MethodsBaseline data and outcomes were independently collected by two investigators. The study was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42016046525).ResultsFourteen observational studies enrolling 387 participants were included. The pooled standardized mean difference of the primary outcome revealed a reduction of BMI and weight of −0.21 (95% CI −0.37 to −0.05; P = 0.01; I2 = 71%), after treatment. Subgroup analysis suggested that the reduction of weight was primarily driven by studies with high prolactin levels at baseline (P = 0.04). Secondary outcomes suggested a small decrease in waist circumference, a small-to-moderate decrease in triglycerides, fasting glucose levels, HOMA-IR, HbA1c and hsCRP, and a moderate decrease in LDL, total cholesterol and insulin.ConclusionThis systematic review suggests a reduction of weight as well as an improved lipid profile and glucose tolerance after treatment with dopamine agonist in patients with prolactinomas. These data are based on low-quality evidence.

Coste del tratamiento farmacológico de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en población diabética anciana según género (Estudio ESCADIANE)

AimsTo study the cost of pharmacological treatment used for the control of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2)> 65 years and the prevalence of cardiovascular complications according to gender. DesignCross-sectional, observational, multicentric study. LocationNational study. ParticipantsPatients with diabetes mellitus 2> 65 years. Main measurementsprevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their cost in patients with diabetes mellitus 2. ResultsWe studied 947 patients (53% females) with a mean age of 76.2±7.3 years. 14% had suffered acute myocardial infarction (17.8% men vs. 10.7% women, p=.001), 11.9% had stroke (13.7% men vs. 10.5% women; p=ns), 11.3% heart failure (10.9% men vs. 11.7% women, p=ns) and 9% peripheral arterial disease (12.1% men vs. 6.3% women; p=.001). Oral antidiabetic drugs accounted for the highest cost (414.76±210.18 € patient / year), mainly due to DPP-4 inhibitors (49.9% of the cost of antidiabetics), followed by basal insulin (29.95%) and without significant differences between gender. The annual expenditure of antihypertensive drugs per patient/year was higher in women than in men (86.80±32.84 € vs. 78.24 €±26.86, p=0.0001). The antiaggregants significantly lower in women (20.87±7.25 € vs. € 30.21±13.68, p=0.0001). ConclusionsAntidiabetic drugs represented the highest cost in controlling cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients> 65 years of age, followed by hypotensives, hypolipements and antiaggregants. Women had higher spending on anti-hypertensives and men on antiaggregants.The most frequent macrovascular complications in men were AMI, arrhythmias and stroke. There were only gender differences for infarction.

Effect of parathyroidectomy on epicardial fat thickness as a cardiovascular risk factor in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Background/aimSeveral studies demonstrated that primary hyperparathyroidism is related to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and risk is decreased by parathyroidectomy. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) has been postulated as a new marker of CVD risk. We evaluated the impact of parathyroidectomy on EFT in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).Materials and methodsThirty-four PHPT patients (29 female, 5 male) and 28 age- and sex-matched controls (19 female, 9 male) were included in the study. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were recorded both before parathyroidectomy and 6 months after the procedure. Epicardial fat thickness was measured by transthoracic echocardiography.Results Mean age was 53.15 ± 8.44 years. Mean preoperative EFT was higher than mean EFT in the control group (0.49 ± 0.07 cm to 0.46 ± 0.08 cm, P: 0.0005), and EFT decreased after parathyroidectomy (0.49 ± 0.07 cm to 0.44 ± 0.08 cm, P: 0.0005). Systolic blood pressure and calcium, parathormone, and hsCRP levels decreased after parathyroidectomy (P < 0.05). Vitamin D levels increased (P < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, carotid intima-media thickness, and HOMA-IR, fasting plasma glucose, and phosphorus levels were unchanged after parathyroidectomy (P > 0.05). Preoperatively, EFT was correlated with SBP (r: 0.360, P: 0.0285) and age (r: 0.466, P: 0.0036). Multiple linear regression used to identify independent predictors of change in epicardial fat did not find any predictor of change in epicardial fat (P > 0.05).ConclusionEFT was decreased by parathyroidectomy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.However, the decrease in EFT was not correlated with any of the cardiovascular risk factors. More comprehensive studies evaluating the potential relation between PHPT and EFT need to be conducted.

Control glucémico y de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 con enfermedad cardiovascular en España, y su patrón de tratamiento, en función del género: Estudio CODICE

Introduction and objectivesWith the implementation of the Strategy of Health Promotion and Prevention in Spain, the scenario reflected in previous studies of low control of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) can be modified. This study intends to determine the level of blood glucose control and other CVRF in patients with DM2 and CVD currently seen in clinics in Spain, as well as the pattern of antidiabetic treatment, and differences according to gender. Materials and methodsAn epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional, nationwide study was conducted in patients of both genders diagnosed with DM2 and established CVD. ResultsThe study included 3,143 patients with a mean age 69.0±10 years. The mean HbA1c was 7.4±1.1% in females vs 7.3±1.2% in males (P<.05) and systolic blood pressure was 137±15.0mmHg in females vs 135.6±14.7mmHg in males (P<.05). The mean LDL-cholesterol was 101.5±38.1mg/dl in females vs 91.1±37.5mg/dl in males; P<.001) and the mean body mass index (30.7±5.4kg/m2 in females vs 29.6±4.5kg/m2 in males; P<.001). The most used treatments were metformin (68.1%) and/or DPP4 inhibitors (53.7%), with no differences between genders. ConclusionsThe level of blood glucose control of DM2 patients with CVD in Spain can be improved. The treatment profile does not conform to the recommendations of clinical practice guidelines in general. The differences in the control of CVRF are worse in women for lipids and obesity.

Digital microvascular reactivity does not decline with impaired renal function in chronic kidney disease

BackgroundThe reactive hyperemia index (RHI), measured by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), is a novel measurement of endothelial function and has been proven to be valuable in cardiovascular risk stratification in several populations. The current study aims to explore its relation to renal function and its association with traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsSubjects with non-dialysis dependent CKD were recruited and 252 of them had a successful PAT test. In addition to general demographic and medical information, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (crPWV) and augmentation index (AIx) were recorded.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 57.7 (±14.7) years and 155 (61.5%) were males. The average RHI was 1.92 (±14.7) with no difference noted between males and females. There was no statistically significant correlation between RHI and eGFR (r = − 0.107, p = 0.089) or urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (r = 0.036, p = 0.570). With adjustment for age and sex, RHI was associated with systolic blood pressure (BP) (β = 0.006, p = 0.001), diastolic BP (β = 0.008, p = 0.010), heart rate (β = − 0.007, p = 0.015) crPWV (β = 0.037, p = 0.022) and AIx (β = 0.006, p = 0.001), but not with cfPWV or any other conventional risk factors analyzed. Systolic BP remained the only predictor for RHI in the stepwise regression analysis.ConclusionsRHI did not decline with reduced renal function in CKD patients and had a modest association with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies are warranted to determine if RHI could predict cardiovascular outcome in CKD patients.

Lifestyle advice follow-up improves dietary consumption and cardiometabolic risk in type 2 diabetes patients treated with oral antidiabetics

The lifestyle intervention is one of the most effective therapeutic options for improving glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this study was to investigate if monitoring of lifestyle advices could improve glycemic control and atheroma ratios in T2D patients treated with oral anti diabetics (OAD). Patients ( n = 85, sex ratio F/M, 40/45) aged 50 ± 8 years, with T2D since 9 ± 3 years and initially treated with oral anti diabetics during 8 ± 1 years, were recruited. At the beginning of the study (d0), nutritional advices (i.e. consumption of fish, fruits and vegetables diet, with 250 g of carbohydrates distributed over daily different meals) associated to 30 to 45 min walking per day, were recommended, with a follow-up at 3 (d90) and 6 months (d180). The 24-hour recall, followed by a 3-days record, and daily energy expenditure (DEE) questionnaire were realized. Serum glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c ) were measured. Serum insulin was determined by ELISA and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated. Serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and triglycerides (TG) levels were measured by enzymatic colorimetric tests. Apolipoproteins Apo A-1 and Apo B level were analyzed by immuno-turbidimetric test. A significant increase of total energy intake (TEI) (MJ/24 h) was noted in T2D, at d90 and d180, compared to d0 ( P < 0.05). A negative balance (TEI-EE) was noted at d0 (−0.75 MJ),andd90 (−1.42 MJ/24 h) of lifestyle advices follow-up, whereas, a positive balance (+0.42 MJ/24 h)was observed atd180. There was no significant difference in carbohydrate intake distribution between the different meals, over the time. Compared to d0, serum glucose concentration, and HbA 1c value were reduced respectively by 19% and 35%at d90, and by 12% and 14%, at d180. Plasma insulin and HOMA-IR remained unchanged. Serum TG concentrations decreased by 36% at d90 vs. d0, and serum TC levels were lowered by 16% and 26%, at d90 and d180 respectively compared to d0. TC/HDL-C and Apo A-I/ApoB100 ratios were respectively reduced by 32% and 49% at d90, and by 57% and 68%, at d180 compared with d0. The six-month follow-up of dietary advice, associated with regular physical activity by T2D patients, improves their food consumption, HbA 1c as well as atheroma risk.

Association of overweight and obesity with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with atherosclerotic diseases.

The aim of this study was to compare demographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics, including inflammatory markers, according to the nutritional status of patients with verified atherosclerotic disease. This cross-sectional study involved 1045 consecutive patients with verified carotid disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Anthropometric parameters and data on cardiovascular risk factors and therapy for hypertension and hyperlipidemia were collected for all participants. Carotid disease was positively and PAD was negatively associated with body mass index (BMI). Negative association between obesity and PAD was significant only in former smokers, not in current smokers or in patients who never smoked. Overweight and general obesity were significantly related to metabolic syndrome (p < 0.001), lower values of high - density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), increased triglycerides (p < 0.001), hyperglycemia (p < 0.001), self-reported diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), high serum uric acid (p < 0.001), increased high sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.020) and former smoking (p = 0.005) after adjustment for age, gender and type of disease. Antihypertensive therapy seems to be less effective in patients who are overweight and obese. In conclusion, overweight and general obesity were significantly related to several cardiovascular risk factors.