Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Research Articles

Factors Associated with Delayed Care Among Women Veterans Actively Engaged in Primary Care.

Background: Delaying needed medical care contributes to greater health risks and higher long-term medical costs. Women Veterans with complex medical and mental health needs face increased barriers to timely care access. Objectives: In a sample of women Veterans with recent engagement in Veterans Administration (VA) primary care, we aimed to compare characteristics of women Veterans who delayed care in the past 6 months with those who did not and examine factors associated with self-reported delayed care. Our study aims to inform interventions focused on eliminating health care access disparities among women Veterans. Materials and Methods: An innovation to improve women Veterans' engagement and retention in evidence-based health care for cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction (CV Toolkit) was implemented across five primary care sites within the VA. Women Veterans who were exposed to at least one CV Toolkit component participated in a mailed survey (n = 253). We used multivariate logistic regression to model factors associated with delaying care, including trust in VA providers, positive mental health screening (i.e., positive screen for either depression or anxiety), traumatic experience, self-rated health, and age. Results: Women with any mental health symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-4.74) and women who had experienced a traumatic event (OR 2.61, 95%CI: 1.11-6.14) were significantly more likely to report delaying care. Conclusions: Our study identified high rates of delayed care-over one-third of respondents-among women Veterans with recent primary care engagement. Mental health symptoms were the most common reported reason for delay among those who delayed care. Clinical Trial registration: NCT02991534.

Circulating MicroRNA-19 and cardiovascular risk reduction in response to weight-loss diets

MicroRNA-19 (miR-19) plays a critical role in cardiac development and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined whether change in circulating miR-19 was associated with change in CVD risk during weight loss. This study included 509 participants with overweight or obesity from the 24-month weight-loss diet intervention study (the POUNDS Lost trial) and with available data on circulating miR-19a-3p and miR-19b-3p at baseline and 6 months. The primary outcome for this analysis was the change in atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk at 6 and 24 months, which estimates the 10-year probability of hard ASCVD events. Secondary outcomes were the changes in ASCVD risk score components. Circulating miR-19a-3p and miR-19b-3p levels significantly decreased during the initial 6-month dietary intervention period (P=0.008, 0.0004, respectively). We found that a greater decrease in miR-19a-3p or miR-19b-3p was related to a greater reduction in ASCVD risk (β[SE]=0.33 [0.13], P=0.01 for miR-19a-3p; β[SE]=0.3 [0.12], P=0.017 for miR-19b-3p) over 6 months, independent of concurrent weight loss. Moreover, we found significant interactions between change in miR-19 and sleep disturbance on change in ASCVD risk over 24 months of intervention (P interaction=0.01 and 0.008 for miR-19a-3p and miR-19b-3p, respectively). Participants with a greater decrease in miR-19 without sleep disturbance had a greater reduction of ASCVD risk than those with slight/moderate/great amounts of sleep disturbance. In addition, change in physical activity significantly modified the associations between change in miR-19 and change in ASCVD risk over 24 months (P interaction=0.006 and 0.004 for miR-19a-3p and miR-19b-3p, respectively). A greater decrease in miR-19 was significantly associated with a greater reduction in ASCVD risk among participants with an increase in physical activity, while non-significant inverse associations were observed among those without an increase in physical activity. In conclusion, decreased circulating miR-19 levels during dietary weight-loss interventions were related to a significant reduction in ASCVD risk, and these associations were more evident in people with no sleep disturbance or increase in physical activity. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00072995.

Is there a role for earlier use of combination therapy?

As the global population ages and cardiovascular risk factors rise, we can expect a continued increase in atherosclerotic disease. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction is a cornerstone of cardiovascular risk reduction with strong, causal evidence indicating that the greatest benefit is derived from early and large decreases in LDL-C. Despite the adoption of statins as the backbone of lipid-therapy regimens, numerous studies and registry analyses reveal our collective inability to achieve LDL-C goals in high-risk patients. Combination therapy with ezetimibe has been shown to result in statistically significant decreases in LDL-C level, atheroma volume, and cardiovascular adverse event rates. A major barrier to implementing an upfront combination therapy approach is the perceived side effects from therapeutic agents although multiple studies show that a therapeutic patient-physician relationship could overcome this issue. Novel agents such as PCSK-9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, and inclisiran have the potential to achieve similar outcomes although additional research is needed regarding the cost effectiveness of these approaches. Despite these hurdles, there is a role for the newer agents early in the disease course of high-risk patients such as those with markedly elevated LDL-C >190 mg/dL and FH.The implementation of upfront combination therapy, especially in high-risk patients, will decrease clinical inertia while allowing for earlier consideration of newer, effective agents to decrease cardiovascular burden.

Impact of the 2021 European Society for Cardiology prevention guideline's stepwise approach for cardiovascular risk factor treatment in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

This study aimed to evaluate the stepwise approach for cardiovascular (CV) risk factor treatment as outlined by the European Society for Cardiology 2021 guidelines on CV disease (CVD) prevention in patients with established atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD). In patients with ASCVD, included in UCC-SMART (n = 8730) and European parts of the REACH registry (n = 18 364), the 10-year CV risk was estimated using SMART2. Treatment effects were derived from meta-analyses and trials. Step 1 recommendations were LDL cholesterol (LDLc) < 1.8 mmol/L, systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 mmHg, using any antithrombotic medication, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition, and smoking cessation. Step 2 recommendations were LDLc < 1.4 mmol/L, SBP < 130 mmHg, dual-pathway inhibition (DPI, aspirin plus low-dose rivaroxaban), colchicine, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists, and eicosapentaenoic acid. Step 2 was modelled accounting for Step 1 non-attainment. With current treatment, residual CV risk was 22%, 32%, and 60% in the low, moderate, and pooled (very) high European risk regions, respectively. Step 2 could prevent up to 198, 223 and 245 events per 1000 patients treated, respectively. Intensified LDLc reduction, colchicine, and DPI could be applied to most patients, preventing up to 57, 74, and 59 events per 1000 patients treated, respectively. Following Step 2, the number of patients with a CV risk of <10% could increase from 20%, 6.4%, and 0.5%, following Step 1, to 63%, 48%, and 12%, in the respective risk regions. With current treatment, residual CV risk in patients with ASCVD remains high across all European risk regions. The intensified Step 2 treatment options result in marked further reduction of residual CV risk in patients with established ASCVD. Guideline-recommended intensive treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease could prevent additional 198-245 new cardiovascular events for every 1000 patients treated.

Prediabetes and Cardiometabolic Risk: The Need for Improved Diagnostic Strategies and Treatment to Prevent Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.

The progression from prediabetes to type-2 diabetes depends on multiple pathophysiological, clinical, and epidemiological factors that generally overlap. Both insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion are considered to be the main causes. The diagnosis and approach to the prediabetic patient are heterogeneous. There is no agreement on the diagnostic criteria to identify prediabetic subjects or the approach to those with insufficient responses to treatment, with respect to regression to normal glycemic values or the prevention of complications. The stratification of prediabetic patients, considering the indicators of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or HbA1c, can help to identify the sub-phenotypes of subjects at risk for T2DM. However, considering other associated risk factors, such as impaired lipid profiles, or risk scores, such as the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score, may improve classification. Nevertheless, we still do not have enough information regarding cardiovascular risk reduction. The sub-phenotyping of subjects with prediabetes may provide an opportunity to improve the screening and management of cardiometabolic risk in subjects with prediabetes.

Healthy immigrant community study protocol: A randomized controlled trial of a social network intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction among Hispanic and Somali adults

BackgroundImmigrants to the United States face structural barriers that contribute to rising cardiovascular risk factors and obesity after immigration. This manuscript describes the development of the Healthy Immigrant Community protocol and baseline measures for a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial to test the effectiveness of a social network intervention for cardiovascular risk reduction among two immigrant populations. MethodsWe developed a social network-informed, community-based, participatory research-derived health promotion intervention with Hispanic and Somali immigrant communities in Minnesota consisting of mentoring, educational and motivational sessions, group activities, and a community toolkit for healthy weight loss delivered by culturally concordant health promoters (HPs) to their social networks. Using a stepped wedge cluster randomized design, social network-based groups were randomly assigned to receive the intervention either immediately or after a delay of one year. Outcomes, measured at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, were derived from the American Heart Association's “Life's Simple 7”: BMI and waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, physical activity level, and dietary quality. ResultsA total of 51 HPs were enrolled and randomized (29 Hispanic; 22 Somali). There were 475 participants enrolled in the study, representing a mean social network group size of 8 (range, 5–12). The mean BMI of the sample (32.2) was in the “obese” range. ConclusionProcesses and products from this Healthy Immigrant Community protocol are relevant to other communities seeking to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and negative health behaviors among immigrant populations by leveraging the influence of their social networks.

Development of delivery indicators and delivery enablers for cardiovascular disease in the UK: a modified Delphi study

IntroductionStandards to define and measure quality in healthcare for cardiovascular disease risk reduction and secondary prevention are available, but there is a paucity of indicators that could serve as facilitators...

P 025: A real-world evaluation of the cardiovascular risk reduction clinic (CRRC) at Hospital Pulau Pinang: A comprehensive analysis

P 025: A real-world evaluation of the cardiovascular risk reduction clinic (CRRC) at Hospital Pulau Pinang: A comprehensive analysis

Abstract TMP106: Use of Net Promoter Score to Quantify the Participant Experience With a Telehealth Lifestyle Management and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Coaching Program

Introduction: Improving the patient experience of care is 1 of the 3 dimensions of healthcare’s “Triple Aim.” The net promoter score (NPS) measures willingness to recommend a company’s services and is widely used by Fortune 500 companies as an indicator of customer loyalty/satisfaction. The NPS is increasingly being used to assess patients’ healthcare experience. We sought to quantify the experience of participants in the same telehealth lifestyle management and CVD risk reduction coaching program used in multiple NIH/PCORI-funded stroke-related multi-center RCTs (namely, SAMMPRIS, CREST-2, CAPTIVA and TEAMS-BP) by measuring the NPS in real-world (i.e., non-RCT) program participants. Methods: Participants in the coaching program typically have an opportunity to complete a voluntary satisfaction survey after 12 weeks and 1 year of participation and annually thereafter. The survey is conducted online or via telephone. For this analysis the NPS was calculated, from 17,929 consecutive surveys completed by non-RCT program participants, using responses on an 11-point scale (10 = "strongly agree"; 0 = "strongly disagree") to this item: “I would recommend the program to others.” Scores can range from -100 (worst) to +100 (best). In industry, a positive NPS is well regarded, and scores ≥50 are thought to highlight an excellent experience. Results: Three categories of responders were identified and classified as ‘promoters’ (rating = 9 or 10; i.e., those who would likely recommend the program = 78% of responses), ‘passives’ (rating = 7 or 8; i.e., those who are satisfied but would probably not actively promote the program = 16% of responses) and ‘detractors’ (rating = ≤6; i.e., those who might actively discourage participation = 6% of responses). The NPS (calculated from the % of promoters minus the % of detractors) was +72, a score comparable to that achieved by the most popular/successful commercial organizations in other industries. Conclusion: This is the first study to utilize the NPS to evaluate the participant experience with a telehealth coaching program that has been/is currently being successfully deployed in multiple stroke-related multi-center RCTs. The data show that real-world program participants have an NPS indicative of very high satisfaction.

Improving cardiovascular health in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm: development of the cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with aneurysms (CRISP) behaviour change intervention

BackgroundAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cardiovascular health problem. Ultrasound screening is proven to reduce AAA mortality and programmes have been implemented in some healthcare systems. Those who are identified as having a small AAA in screening enter into a surveillance programme to monitor AAA size. Individuals in AAA surveillance are at elevated risk of cardiovascular events, which is not currently addressed sufficiently. We aimed to develop a simple intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk, which could be embedded in AAA surveillance pathways.MethodsIntervention mapping methods were used to co-develop the intervention with individuals with AAA, families/carers, and healthcare staff. We identified “targets for change” by synthesising research evidence and international guidelines and consulting with patients, caregivers and health service providers. We conducted a series of workshops to identify barriers to and facilitators of change and used taxonomies of behaviour change theories and techniques to match intervention strategies to each target. Further stakeholder involvement work helped refine the intervention.ResultsThe developed intervention focusses on assessment and individually tailored discussion of risk factors, exchanging information, building motivation and action planning, followed by review of progress and problem-solving. Workbooks covering physical activity, diet, stress management, alcohol, smoking, blood pressure and mental health are provided to support behaviour change. The intervention is facilitated by trained healthcare professionals during the patient’s AAA screening appointment for the duration that they are in surveillance.DiscussionThe developed intervention will now be tested to assess whether it can be integrated with the current AAA screening programme. The developed intervention is a novel approach to reducing cardiovascular disease in the AAA population, it is also the first intervention which tries to do this in this population.Trial registrationInternational Clinical Trial Registration: ISRCTN93993995.

Real-World Risk of Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Patients with LDL-C Above Guideline-Recommended Threshold: A Retrospective Observational Study.

The 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) guidelines recommend intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction for patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). For patients above LDL-C threshold on maximally tolerated statins, adding ezetimibe and/or a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) is recommended. This population-based, real-world study examined cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with ASCVD who are on statins and above current guideline threshold LDL-C levels. Using administrative health data in Alberta, Canada, we identified patients with myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), or peripheral artery disease with LDL-C > 1.8mmol/L on statins between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2016. Exploratory subgroups included very high-risk patients with ASCVD shown to derive the most benefit from PCSK9i intensification as identified by the CCS guidelines, including those with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or recent MI. Frequencies and rates of individual and composite CV events (primary outcome: MI, IS, hospitalization for unstable angina, coronary revascularization, cardiovascular death; secondary outcome: MI, IS, CV death) were calculated over follow-up. The study included 32,984 patients with a mean (standard deviation) follow-up of 40.8 (21.0) months. Overall, 17.7% and 15.6% experienced a primary and secondary outcome, respectively, with rates of 5.58 and 4.83 per 100 patient-years, respectively. CV death and MI were the most common events. Subgroups with recurrent MI and comorbid diabetes exhibited higher CV event rates (23.6% and 22.2% had a primary outcome, respectively). Rates of CV events were notably high in patients with ACS or recent MI (49.4% and 54.0% had a primary outcome, respectively). This real-world study confirms that statin-treated high-risk patients with ASCVD and above-threshold LDL-C levels have substantial incidence of recurrent CV events. These findings reinforce the opportunity for lipid-lowering therapy intensification in high-risk patients to levels below guideline-recommended threshold in order to reduce CV risk.

The vascular response to acute sauna heating is similar in young and middle-aged adults.

Sauna has been linked to a reduction of cardiovascular disease risk and is a promising nonpharmacological treatment for populations at risk of cardiovascular disease. This study examined the vascular response to an acute bout of sauna heating in young and middle-aged individuals. Ten young (25 ± 4 yr, 6 males and 4 females) and eight middle-aged adults (56 ± 4 yr, 4 males and 4 females) underwent 40 min of sauna exposure at 80°C. Esophageal and intramuscular temperatures, brachial and superficial femoral artery blood flow, artery diameter, and shear rates were recorded at baseline and following heat exposure. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured at baseline and following 90 min of recovery. Esophageal and muscle temperatures increased similarly in the young and middle-aged adults by 1.5 ± 0.53 and 1.95 ± 0.70°C, respectively (P < 0.05). The shear rate increased by 170-200% (P < 0.001), while blood flow increased by 180-390% (P < 0.001) in the superficial femoral and brachial arteries, respectively, and did not differ between age groups (P = 0.190-0.899). Systolic blood pressure was reduced from 135 ± 17 to 122 ± 20 mmHg (P = 0.017) in middle-aged participants. These data indicate that young and middle-aged adults have similar vascular responses to acute sauna heating.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sauna therapy has been shown to improve cardiovascular health and function in older adults and individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Specifically, improvements in vascular function have been reported and have been attributed to the increased hemodynamic stimuli on the vasculature associated with thermal stress. The present study quantified this hemodynamic response to a sauna protocol associated with improved cardiovascular health across the lifespan. Our data show that middle-aged adults have the same shear rate and blood flow response to sauna as young adults.

Differential Effects of Two Isocaloric Healthy Diets on Postprandial Lipid Responses in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

High blood concentrations of triglycerides (TG) in the postprandial period have been shown to be more closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than fasting values in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Dietary changes are the primary determinants of postprandial lipid responses. We investigated the effects of an isocaloric multifactorial diet, rich in n-3 PUFA, MUFA, fiber, polyphenols, and vitamins, compared to an isocaloric diet, containing the same amount of MUFA, on the postprandial lipid response in T2D individuals. Following a randomized, controlled, parallel group design, 43 (25 male/18 female) T2D individuals were assigned to an isocaloric multifactorial (n = 21) or a MUFA-rich diet (n = 22). At the beginning and after the 8 weeks of dietary intervention, the concentrations of plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol were detected at fasting and over a 4-h test meal with the same composition as the prescribed diet. The concentrations of fasting plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol did not change after both diets. Compared with the MUFA diet, the 8-week multifactorial diet significantly lowered the postprandial response, which was evaluated as the incremental area under the curve (iAUC), of triglycerides by 33% (64 ± 68 vs. 96 ± 50 mmol/L·240 min, mean ± SD, respectively, p = 0.018), total cholesterol by 105% (-51 ± 33 vs. -25 ± 29, p = 0.013), and non-HDL cholesterol by 206% (-39 ± 33 vs. -13 ± 23, p = 0.013). In T2D individuals, a multifactorial diet, characterized by several beneficial components, improved the postprandial lipid response compared to a MUFA diet, generally considered a healthy diet being reduced in saturated fat, and probably contributed to the reduction of cardiovascular risk.

Residual risk of cardiovascular complications in statin-using patients with type 2 diabetes: the Taiwan Diabetes Registry Study

BackgroundThe residual risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in statin-treated patients with diabetes remain unclear. This study was conducted to identify factors associated with these residual risks in patients with no prior vascular event.MethodsData on 683 statin-using patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the Taiwan Diabetes Registry were used in this study. Patients aged < 25 or > 65 years at the time of diabetes diagnosis and those with diabetes durations ≥ 20 years were excluded. The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study risk engine (version 2.01; https://www.dtu.ox.ac.uk/riskengine/) was used to calculate 10-year residual nonfatal and fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke risks. Associations of these risks with physical and biochemical variables, including medication use and comorbidity, were examined.ResultsThe 10-year risks of nonfatal CHD in oral anti-diabetic drug (OAD), insulin and OAD plus insulin groups were 11.8%, 16.0%, and 16.8%, respectively. The 10-year risks of nonfatal stroke in OAD, insulin and OAD plus insulin groups were 3.0%, 3.4%, and 4.3%, respectively. In the multivariate model, chronic kidney disease (CKD), neuropathy, insulin use, calcium-channel blocker (CCB) use, higher body mass indices (BMI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting glucose, log-triglyceride (TG), and log–alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were associated with an increased CHD risk. The residual risk of stroke was associated with CKD, neuropathy, CCB use, and lower LDL cholesterol levels, higher BMI and diastolic blood pressure.ConclusionThis study indicated that insulin was probably a residual risk factor of CHD but not stroke, and that there was a possible presence of obesity paradox in patients with T2DM on statin therapy. In addition to lowering TG and normalizing fasting glucose levels, lower LDL cholesterol level is better for reduction of risk of CHD on statin therapy. On the other hand, lower LDL cholesterol level could potentially be related to higher risk of stroke among populations receiving statin therapy. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for residual cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with T2DM on statin therapy.

Intermediate versus morning chronotype has lower vascular insulin sensitivity in adults with obesity.

Chronotype reflects a circadian rhythmicity that regulates endothelial function. While the morning chronotype (MORN) usually has low cardiovascular disease risk, no study has examined insulin action on endothelial function between chronotypes. We hypothesized intermediate chronotypes (INT) would have lower vascular insulin sensitivity than morning chronotype (MORN). Adults with obesity were classified per Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) as either MORN (n = 27, 22 female, MEQ = 63.7 ± 4.7, 53.8 ± 6.7 years, 35.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2) or INT (n = 29, 23 female, MEQ = 48.8 ± 6.7, 56.6 ± 9.0 years, 35.7 ± 6.1 kg/m2). A 120 min euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp (40 mU/m2/min, 90 mg/dl) was conducted to assess macrovascular insulin sensitivity via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (%FMD; conduit artery), post-ischaemic flow velocity (resistance arteriole), as well as microvascular insulin sensitivity via contrast-enhanced ultrasound [e.g. microvascular blood volume (perfusion)]. Fasting plasma arginine and citrulline, as well as fasting and clamp-derived plasma endothelin-1 and nitrate/nitrite, were assessed as surrogates of vasoconstriction and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation. Aerobic fitness (VO2max) and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were also collected. MORN had a higher VO2max compared with INT (p < .01), although there was no difference in fat mass. While fasting FMD was similar between groups, insulin lowered FMD corrected to shear stress and microvascular blood volume in INT compared with MORN after co-varying for VO2max (both p ≤ .02). INT also had a lower fasting nitrate (p = .03) and arginine (p = .07). Higher MEQ correlated with elevated FMD (r = 0.33, p = .03) and lower post-ischaemic flow velocity (r = -0.33, p = .03) as well as shear rate (r = -0.36, p = .02) at 120 min. When measured during the morning, INT had a lower vascular insulin sensitivity than MORN. Additional work is needed to understand endothelial function differences among chronotypes to optimize cardiovascular disease risk reduction.

Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran: prospects for use in the management of heart failure

Scientific articles examine the effectiveness and pharmacokinetics of two oral anticoagulants, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, in the context of treating atrial fibrillation and chronic heart failure. Dabigatran, as a direct thrombin inhibitor, influences the thrombin zone and fibrinogen, preventing fibrin formation. Rivaroxaban, as a selective factor Xa inhibitor, blocks factor X activation. Both medications demonstrate high bioavailability and plasma protein binding. Studies on the efficacy of rivaroxaban in atherosclerosis and low-dose rivaroxaban in chronic heart failure did not reveal statistically significant reductions in cardiovascular risk. The findings emphasize the importance of further research and an individualized approach to selecting anticoagulants for optimal management of patients with diverse cardiovascular conditions.

Influence of Repeated Plaque Visualization on Cardiovascular Risk Reduction after 3 years; a randomized controlled trial.

Helping people to understand their cardiovascular (CV) risk can influence the choices they make for risk reduction, including medication adherence and lifestyle modification. This study sought whether repeated visualization of coronary artery calcium (CAC) images was effective in sustaining long-term risk control in primary prevention, independent of a risk reduction program. Asymptomatic, statin-naïve participants, 40-70 years, with a family history of premature coronary artery disease and a CAC score from 1-400 were randomised to a nurse-led CV risk reduction program or standard care with bi-annual reviews. Only the intervention group (220 of 449 participants) visualised their CAC image (with repeat exposure in the first 3 months) and were initiated on statin therapy. The primary outcome was change in Framingham Risk Score (FRS) at 36 months, and the impact of CAC image recall on CV risk was assessed. The reduction in FRS (difference in differences (DID): -3.4% [95%CI: -4.4% to -2.4%], p=<0.001 and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol -1.2mmol/L [95%CI: -1.4 to -1.0], p=<0.001)) over 36 months was greater in the intervention than the control group. Within the intervention group, sustained recall of CAC images at 24 months was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (DID -4.3mmHg [95%CI: -7.7 to-0.9], p=0.01) and waist circumference (DID -2.0cm [95% CI: -3.9 to -0.1], p=0.03) at 36 months compared to unsustained recall. A nurse-led program, combining personalized patient visualization of CAC imaging with statin therapy, is beneficial for improving CV risk. Recalling the presentation of CAC images through repeated visual exposure may influence risk reduction.

Dietary Salt Restriction and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: A Single Way to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk?

The dietary restriction of salt intake and the adhesion to Mediterranean dietary patterns are among the most recommended lifestyle modifications for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. A large amount of evidence supports these recommendations; indeed, several studies show that a higher adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Likewise, findings from observational and clinical studies suggest a causal role of excess salt intake in blood pressure increase, cardiovascular organ damage, and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, it is also conceivable that the beneficial effects of these two dietary patterns overlap because Mediterranean dietary patterns are typically characterized by a large consumption of plant-based foods with low sodium content. However, there is little data on this issue, and heterogeneous results are available on the relationship between adherence to salt restriction and to Mediterranean dietary patterns. Thus, this short review focuses on the epidemiological and clinical evidence of the relationship between the adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns and dietary salt restriction in the context of cardiovascular risk.

Albuminuria: An Underappreciated Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease.

Albuminuria, an established biomarker of the progression of chronic kidney disease, is also recognized as a biomarker for the risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated urinary albumin excretion indicates kidney damage and systemic vascular disease, including myocardial capillary disease and arterial stiffness. Albuminuria is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias, and microvascular disease. There are now several therapeutic agents that can lead to albuminuria lowering and a reduction in cardiovascular risk. However, screening for albuminuria is still low. Considering the importance of multidisciplinary management of patients with cardiovascular disease, it is crucial that health care professionals managing such patients are aware of the benefits of albuminuria surveillance and management.

Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology practical recommendations for surveillance and prevention of cardiac disease in childhood cancer survivors: the importance of physical activity and lifestyle changes From the Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology Working Group Sports Cardiology, Physical Activity and Prevention, Working Group Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Working Group Imaging and Working Group Heart Failure.

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, presenting as the main causes of morbidity and mortality within this group. Besides the usual primary and secondary prevention in combination with screening during follow-up, the modifiable lifestyle factors of physical activity, nutrition, and body weight have not yet gained enough attention regarding potential cardiovascular risk reduction. These practical recommendations aim to provide summarised information and practical implications to paediatricians and health professionals treating childhood cancer survivors to reduce the risk of cardiovascular late effects. The content derives from either published guidelines or expert opinions from Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology working groups and is in accordance with current state-of-the-art. All usual methods of prevention and screening regarding the risk, monitoring, and treatment of occurring cardiovascular diseases are summarised. Additionally, modifiable lifestyle factors are explained, and clear practical implications are named. Modifiable lifestyle factors should definitely be considered as a cost-effective and complementary approach to already implemented follow-up care programs in cardio-oncology, which can be actively addressed by the survivors themselves. However, treating physicians are strongly encouraged to support survivors to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity as one of the major influencing factors. This article summarises relevant background information and provides specific practical recommendations on how to advise survivors to increase their level of physical activity.