Classical Cardiovascular Risk Factors Research Articles

Gender cardiology: clinical and pathophysiological features of the course the main diseases in women

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men. Older women, when coronary heart disease first appears, have more comorbidities and usually complain of atypical symptoms. Mortality and hospitalization rates caused by acute myocardial infarction are higher for women. It should be noted that adherence to secondary prevention for women is lower.Female predominance has been noted in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), hereditary pulmonary hypertension, and collagenosisassociated pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, according to the latest data of the European register COMPERA, gender differences disappear for elderly patients and for the patients having concomitant diseases. The more frequent occurrence of cardiomyopathies among women is considered. Peripartum cardiomyopathy associated with pregnancy and childbirth, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy due to psychoemotional status, in particular a stressful situation, determines a woman's further prognosis. Arrythmias are explained by changes in hormonal status during pregnancy, menopause, or are associated with the onset of the underlying disease.Heart failure usually affects both sexes equally, with women more likely to suffer from HFpEF and men from HFrEF. The classic cardiovascular, gender, and social risk factors for cardiovascular disease and heart failure have a different meaning for women than for men. It is necessary to take into account the parameters for EchoCG diagnostics for women, since the size of the women heart is smaller.

#2061 Perirenal fat thickness as a potential marker for cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease: the influence of vitamin D analogs

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with CKD show high cardiovascular complication rates. There are classical cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes; however, other cardiovascular disease risk factors are associated with mineral metabolism disorders (phosphorus, hyperparathyroidism, etc.) typically appear in CKD. Due to their pleiotropic effects, vitamin D analogs, such as cholecalciferol, calcitriol, or paricalcitol, have proven effective in controlling bone mineral disease secondary to CKD and cardiovascular pathologies. On the other hand, visceral adiposity has been shown as a risk factor in the general population and in patients with CKD. Specifically, the fat deposited in regions such as the epicardium generates a complex autocrine and paracrine hormonal mechanism that has been associated with cardiovascular complications. Although it has not been widely evaluated, the adipose tissue surrounding the kidneys (perirenal fat [PRF]) could provide additional information of interest in the CKD population. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between cardiovascular disease, PRF, and the effect of therapeutic interventions for bone and mineral metabolism in patients with CKD. Method This prospective observational and cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the usage of vitamin D analogs in patients with CKD, focusing on cardiovascular history and PRF accumulation. All the patients were evaluated at the outpatient clinic in Consuelo Hospital in Valencia Spain (January-November 2022). Eighty-three patients with different grades of CKD (G1A1 to G5A3 not on dialysis) were included and follow-up for 24 months. All the patient's data from electronic medical and analytical records were entered into a protocol sheet. The patients that meet the inclusion criteria (eGFR ≤90 or>15 ml/min/1.73 m2; age ≥18 years at the time of signing informed consent, and a life expectancy higher than 1 year) were eligible to participate in the study. As exclusion criteria, patients with an active inflammatory process such as infection, active cancer, or other inflammatory states were excluded beyond those mentioned in inclusion. Patients with an AKI, ADPKD, or CKD requiring RRT were also excluded. Patients were discriminated according to their history of cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease) and the use of Vitamin D analogs (Cholecalciferol, Calcitriol, and Paricalcitol). The thickness of the PRF was measured in centimeters (cm) through a B-mode ultrasound with a 3.5-MHz convex transductor (Alpinion®; Alpinion Medical Systems, Korea). Patients underwent a bilateral renal ultrasound, and the kidneys were measured anteroposteriorly, transversally, and longitudinally. PRF was measured in the distal third between the cortex and the hepatic border and/or spleen. Results The mean age of the patients was 58.3 ± 16 years. Patients with a cardiovascular disease history showed significantly higher levels of urea (62.0 vs 45.2 mg/dl, p < 0.05), uric acid (5.5 vs 4.3 mg/dl; p < 0.03), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (186.2 vs 65.2 pcg/dl; p0.05) and decreased eGFR (53.55 vs 89.00 ml/min/1.73 mts2). The mean PRF thickness (0.99 vs 0.80 cm; SD ± 0.30; p0.05) was also observed to be elevated with respect to the group who had no previous cardiovascular events (Fig. 1). Moreover, this group showers higher levels (1.2 vs 7.1; p < 0.005) of CRP. Those patients on oral treatment with Paricalcitol (1 mcg/day) had lesser PRF accumulation than those treated with Cholecalciferol (1000 IU/day) or Calcitriol (0.5 mcg/day) (p < 0.05) (Fig. 2). It was not adjusted for confounding factors such as weight, height, or BMI. Conclusion These results show a close relationship between the presence of cardiovascular disease history and a higher accumulation of PRF. The mechanisms by which paricalcitol could influence the decrease in PRF are so far unknown, however, some studies have shown an association between PTH elevation and obesity. Finally, achieving a decrease in the latter could reduce visceral adipose tissue, thus reducing the cardiovascular risk in CKD-affected patients.

Is the cardioprotective effect of pre-infarction angina blunted by age?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Pre-infarct angina (PIA) has been demonstrated to reduce infarct size and improve prognosis in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the effects of ischemic preconditioning with aging are still controversial. Purpose We aimed at comparing the effect of pre-infarction angina (PIA) on infarct size between two age groups. Methods We retrospectively studied consecutive STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 2008 to December 2017. PIA was diagnosed if a patient had arm, jaw, or chest pain in the preceding eight days. Peak creatine kinase (CK) concentration was used as a surrogate of infarct size. Patients were divided into two groups, based on the median age: ≤62 years and >62 years. Multiple linear regression was used to identify independent predictors for infarct size that included total ischemic time and classic cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and smoking). Interaction between age and PIA was evaluated by 2-way factorial ANOVA. Results From the 1131 patients included in the study, 590 (52,2%) had ≤62 years and 541 (47,8%) had >62 years. Older patients were more often women (17.2% vs 8.6%, p<0.001) and had longer total ischemic time [4.6(3.0-9.0) vs 3.5(2.3-6.0) hours, p<0.001]. They also had higher prevalence of hypertension (32.8% vs 22.8%, p<0.001), diabetes (30.7% vs 18.7%, p<0.001) and were less likely to be smokers (26.9% vs 71.4%, p<0.001). The prevalence of PIA was similar across age groups (≤62Y 31.2% vs >62Y 32.0%, p=0.668). In older patients, PIA was associated with smaller infarct size [1.29(0.72-2.33) vs. 1.76(0.97-2.91) U/Lx103, p<0.001]. This difference was not observed for younger patients [1.72(0.95-3.40) vs. 1.81(0.94-3.37) U/Lx103, p=0.392]. There was no significant interaction between the existence of PIA and age on peak CK (p=0.280 for interaction) (Figure 1). In multivariate analysis, overall, PIA was associated with reduced peak CK (β=-0,320, p=0.011). On subgroup group analysis, PIA was a predictor of infarct size only in the older patients (β=-0,459, p=0.005), but not in the younger group (β=-0,182, p=0.394). Conclusion Older patients with PIA had significantly lower infarct size compared to patients in the same age group without PIA. After adjustment for risk factors and total ischemic time, PIA was a predictor of lower infarct size only for the older patients. These results suggest that the effect of pre-ischemic conditioning is not blunted by age, indicating that older patients should not be excluded from clinical trials investigation of cardioprotective strategies in STEMI patients.

Differences in clinical features according to survival and gender in patients admitted for cardiac arrest

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Cardiac arrest (CA) is a condition with poor vital and neurological prognosis. Although there are widely known clinical features modifying prognosis –such as time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and neuron-specific enolase values-, there is uncertainty around whether gender, ischemic etiology or classic cardiovascular risk factors may influence in the management and prognosis. Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in baseline characteristics and management between survivors and non survivors, among patients admitted for CA in an Intensive Cardiac Care Unit. Methods A prospective unicentric registry was performed from January 2010 to December 2021, including all consecutive cardiac arrest patients admitted to an intensive cardiac care unit of a university hospital. Patients were classified into survivors –to hospital discharge- and non-survivors –deceased during hospital admission, irrespective of time of death. Univariate analysis were performed using Chi-square and Student t tests, and logistic regression was used for a multivariate analysis to compare both groups. Results A total of 324 patients were included, mean age 59.7 (DE 12.2) years, 17.9% were women. In-hospital mortality was 42% (136 patients) and 188 patients survived to hospital discharge. Survivors were significantly younger (mean of 57,37 vs 62,98 years) and had less prevalence of diabetes (17 vs 33%) and previous myocardial infarction (15 vs 25%) than non-survivors. Among survivors, there was a higher prevalence of in-hospital CA (26,6 vs 12,5%), CA due to acute coronary syndrome (68,62 vs 57,78%) and shockable first rhythm (90,43 vs 72,06%). They also had shorter ROSC (mean 22,13 vs 34,25 minutes) and no flow times (mean 2,54 vs 5,67 minutes). Gender, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and smoking habit did not modify prognosis. When comparing genders, women had significantly less prevalence of smoking habit and previous ischemic heart disease, their time to ROSC was lower and they received less coronary angiographies than men. The multivariate analysis showed significant in-hospital mortality risk increase with age (OR 1,04 per year), ROSC (OR 1,04 per minute) and no-flow (OR 1,09 per minute) times, out of hospital CA (OR 2,26) and non shockable rhythm. Conclusions In a consecutive cohort of 324 patients admitted after cardiac arrest, survivors were significantly younger, and had less prevalence of diabetes mellitus and previous myocardial infarction. In-hospital arrest, shockable rhythm, and shorter ROSC and no-flow times were associated with better survival. No differences in survival were found between genders, although women had significantly shorter resuscitation times.Univariate analysisMultivariate analysis

Cardiogenic shock following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in women: complications and outcomes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Differences in women’s prognosis have been described for both ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and cardiogenic shock (CS). These might reflect asymmetries in clinical management, but also gender-specific comorbidities and pathologic mechanisms. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the risk of in-hospital complications and mid-term outcomes of women with CS following STEMI. Methods We retrospectively studied STEMI patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2008 to 2017 in a tertiary care centre, presenting or evolving in Killip class IV (defined as cardiogenic shock or hypotension and organ hypoperfusion). Clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as complications and outcomes, were collected. Major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 1-year follow-up was a composite of death, cerebrovascular accident, new myocardial infarction in any vessel, or target lesion revascularization. Results Among 1131 patients presenting with STEMI, our study included 117 (10.3%) patients in CS, of which 40 (34.2%) were women. Women were older [71.8(±13.4) vs 64.6(±11.72) years, p=0.002] and less frequently smokers (25.0% vs 50.7%, p=0.008). Prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors, namely diabetes (34,1% vs 39.2%, p=0.860), hypertension (71.5% vs 60.8%, p=0.212), and dyslipidaemia (47.5% vs 70.0%, p=0.799), was the same for both groups. Body mass index was also similar [26.6(±5.2) vs 26.1(±3.4) kg/m2, p=0.539]. Women had lower haemoglobin [12.4(±1.9) vs 13.8(±1.9) g/dl, p<0.001] and lower creatinine clearance at admission [52.4(±30.6) vs 67.3(±29.4) ml/min, p=0.017]. Door-to-balloon times [80(59-180) vs 68(48-105) min, p=0.302], total ischemic time [210(120-360) vs 203(120-476) min, p=0.302] and prevalence of anterior STEMI (35.0% vs 50.0%, p=0.123) were not significantly different between sexes. The prevalence of in-hospital complications was generally similar for both sexes (Table 1), except for the risk of advanced atrioventricular (AV) block that was higher in women (32.5% vs 10.7%, p=0.004). Also, haemoglobin nadir was lower in women [10.6(±2.1) vs 11.7(±2.1) g/dl, p=0.023]. In a 1-year follow-up, the occurrence of MACCE was similar for both sexes (60.0% vs 59.7%, log-rank P 0.734) (Figure 1). Conclusion Women with STEMI complicated by CS submitted to PCI had a similar prevalence of in-hospital complications as men. Also, mid-term outcomes, assessed by MACCE at 1 year, did not differ between groups.

The lipid profile of the young patient with ischemic heart disease. Do these patients meet the goals?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena Introduction Ischemic heart disease is becoming increasingly common in young individuals, with dyslipidemia being an important risk factor for developing acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recently, new analytical parameters of the lipid profile have been described, which are associated with a higher cardiovascular risk. Purpose The aim of the study was to analyse characteristics, lipid profile and, whether LDL goals are achieved in young patients with ACS admitted to our Coronary Care Unit (CCU). Methods Retrospective cohort of all patients with ACS minor than 45 years admitted to a CCU between January 2010 and February 2023. The LDL goals were established according to the European clinical practice guidelines (<70 mg/dL or <55 mg/dL after 2019). Results A total of 287 patients were included, with 82.6% being male and an average age of 41 years. 77% were smokers and 9% were ex-smokers. The prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors at admission was as follows: dyslipidemia 105 (37%), overweight 74 (26%), obesity 70 (25%), hypertension 87 (30%), and diabetes 29 (10%). Lipid profile’s results are showed in picture 1. Smoking, gender, as well as obesity or overweight were not significantly associated with a worse lipid profile. Significant differences were also not found based on the extent of coronary involvement (analyzing the number of affected vessels or the presence of coronary occlusion) or the reason for admission (NSTEMI vs. STEMI). As for secondary prevention, 70% of patients completed the cardiac rehabilitation program. The percentage of patients who achieved the LDL goal was 62.4% at 6 months (with an average of 61 mg/dL) and 52.4% at one year (with an average of 72 mg/dL). The majority of patients (74%) who did not meet the goals at 6 months still did not achieve them at one year. A higher initial LDL-C level was associated with a lower likelihood of achieving the goals at 6 months and one year, although it did not reach statistical significance at one year (p = 0.05 and 0.08, respectively). No other predictors of success were found, although participation in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program was associated with a non-significant trend towards goal attainment, likely due to the small sample size (45% vs. 65%, p = 0.09). Conclusion Young patients with ACS have a good short-term and long-term prognosis, which is why secondary prevention becomes particularly important. However, a significant percentage of patients still do not achieve the recommended LDL-C goals, leaving room for improvement in reducing morbidity and mortality in this population. Larger patient series are needed to gain a better understanding of this population.Table 1.Lipid profile'sLDL and Lipoprotein (a) at admission

Associations between hypertension with reproductive and menopausal factors: An integrated women's health programme (IWHP) study.

Women are less likely to have classic cardiovascular risk factors than men, and events during their reproductive and menopausal years may increase hypertension risk. The aim of this study is to examine woman-specific factors, including menstrual, reproductive and pregnancy complications, in relation to the prevalence of hypertension in mid-life Asian women. This is a cross-sectional study of 1146 healthy women aged 45-69 years, from a multi-ethnic Asian cohort. The women completed an extensive questionnaire that included their sociodemographic details, medical history, lifestyle and physical activity, and reproductive and menopausal history. They also underwent objectively measured physical performance tests and a dual X-ray absorptiometry scan. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 and/or diastolic BP ≥90mm Hg, past diagnosis by a physician, or use of antihypertensive medications. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the independent risk factors for hypertension. The average age of the 1146 women analysed was 56.3 (SD 6.2) years, and 55.2 percent of them were hypertensive. The prevalence of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension was 12.6% and 9.4%, respectively. Besides age, abnormal menstrual cycle length at 25 years of age (OR:2.35, CI:1.34-4.13), preeclampsia (OR:2.46, CI:1.06-5.74), increased visceral adiposity (OR:4.21, CI:2.28-7.79) and reduced physical performance (OR:2.83, CI:1.46-5.47) were independently associated with hypertension in Asian women. Our findings highlight the necessity of including features of menstrual and reproductive history as possible indicators of hypertension risk in cardiovascular disease risk assessment and prevention among Asian women. Reducing visceral adiposity and exercise to improve physical performance may help women avoid developing hypertension.

Dietary Fatty Acids Predicting Long Term Cardiovascular Mortality in a Cohort of Middle-Aged Men Followed-Up until Extinction

Objectives: To report the relationships of major dietary fatty acids with major cardiovascular disease mortality groups in a cohort of middle-aged men followed up with until extinction. Material and Methods: In the early 1960s, a cohort of men aged 40 to 59 years was enrolled and examined within the Italian Rural Areas section of the Seven Countries Study including dietary history that allowed for the estimation of major fatty acid (FA) intake (saturated FAs: SAFAs; mono-unsaturated FAs: MUFAs; and poly-unsaturated FAs: PUFAs), their ratios, and the production of a dietary score derived from 18 food groups, the high levels of which corresponded to a Mediterranean diet profile. Results: During a follow-up of 61 years, the intake of SAFAs was directly while that of MUFAs was inversely and significantly associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality (the hazard ratio for one standard deviation was 1.28 and 0.84, respectively) but not with other cases of Heart Disease of Uncertain Etiology (HDUE) and stroke mortality. The hazard ratio for SAFAs remained significant after factoring into the multivariate models the dietary score and other classical cardiovascular risk factors (age, smoking habits, cholesterol levels, and systolic blood pressure). The role of the dietary score was inverse and significant (hazard ratio of 0.73). Again, this was true for CHD but not for HDUE and stroke mortality. Conclusions: Both SAFAs and MUFAs predict long-term CHD mortality, together with a dietary score, but not HDUE and stroke, which represent different diseases also in relation to dietary habits.

Long-term glucocorticoid exposure and incident cardiovascular diseases - the Lifelines cohort.

Long-term glucocorticoid levels in scalp hair (HairGCs), including cortisol and the inactive form cortisone, represent the cumulative systemic exposure to glucocorticoids over months. HairGCs have repeatedly shown associations with cardiometabolic and immune parameters, but longitudinal data are lacking. We investigated 6341 hair samples of participants from the Lifelines cohort study for cortisol and cortisone levels, and associated these to incident cardiovascular diseases (CVD) during 5-7 years of follow-up. We computed the odds ratio (OR) of HairGC levels for incident CVD via logistic regression, adjusting for classical cardiovascular risk factors, and performed a sensitivity analysis in subcohorts of participants <60 years and >= 60 years. Also, we associated HairGC levels to immune parameters (total leukocytes and subtypes). Hair cortisone levels (available in n = 4701) were independently associated with incident CVD (p < 0.001), particularly in younger individuals (multivariate-adjusted OR 4.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91-9.07 per point increase in 10-log cortisone concentration (pg/mg), p < 0.001). All immune parameters except eosinophils were associated with hair cortisone (all multivariate-adjusted p < 0.05). In this large, prospective cohort study, we found that long-term cortisone levels, measured in scalp hair, represent a relevant and significant predictor for future cardiovascular diseases in younger individuals. These results highlight glucocorticoid action as possible treatment target for CVD prevention, where hair glucocorticoid measurements could help identify individuals that may benefit from such treatments.

Factores asociados a la presencia de xantomas tendinosos en la hipercolesterolemia familiar

Introduction and objectivesTendon xanthomas (TX) are lipid deposits highly specific to familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, there is significant variability in their presentation among FH patients, primarily due to largely unknown causes. Lipoprotein(a) is a well-established independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the general population as well as in FH. Given the wide variability of lipoprotein(a) among FH individuals and the likelihood that TX may result from a proatherogenic and proinflammatory condition, the objective of this study was to analyze the size of TX in the Achilles tendons of FH participants and the variables associated with their presence, including lipoprotein(a) concentration. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 377 participants with a molecular diagnosis of heterozygous FH. Achilles tendon maximum thickness (ATMT) was measured using ultrasonography with standardized equipment and procedures. Demographic variables and lipid profiles were collected. A multivariate linear regression model using a log-Gaussian approach was used to predict TX size. Classical cardiovascular risk factors and lipoprotein(a) were included as explanatory variables. ResultsThe mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 277mg/dL without lipid-lowering treatment, and the median ATMT was 5.50mm. We demonstrated that age, sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) were independently associated with ATMT. However, these 4 variables did not account for most the interindividual variability observed (R2=0.205). ConclusionsTX, a characteristic hallmark of FH, exhibit heterogeneity in their presentation. Interindividual variability can partially be explained by age, male sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) but these factors account for only 20% of this heterogeneity.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en

Abstract WP270: Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP): Relationship With Ischemic Stroke Etiology

Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) is defined by the presence of somatic mutations in peripheral blood cells without evidence of a hematological neoplasm. It has recently been associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. The objective of our study is to evaluate the relationship of CHIP with the etiology of the ischemic stroke and how its measurement could contribute to the study of stroke causes. Material and Methods: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients who suffered an ischemic stroke between September 2021 and August 2022. After complete work-up, patients were classified as cardioembolic (CE), atherothrombotic (AT) and cryptogenic (CRIP) stroke; those who presented a double mechanism, incomplete study or were affected by an active neoplasia were excluded from the study. During hospital admission, 13 genes related to CHIP were analyzed, through targeted next generation sequencing. A variant allele fraction of &gt;2% was considered positive. Results: Samples from 78 patients (50% women, mean age 73.5 years) were analyzed and etiologically classified as: 37 CE (47.5%), 33 AT (42.3%) and 8 CRIP (10.3 %). Twenty-one patients had CHIP (31.3%), of which the predominating mutations were: DNMT3A (47.6%), TET2 (28.5%) and SFRS3 (14.2%). Patients diagnosed with CE stroke had a higher frequency of CHIP (p=0.046): CE 14/37 (37.8%) vs. AT 6/33 (18.2%) vs. CRIP 1/8 (12.5%); specifically of the TET2 mutation (p=0.015): CE 6/37 (16.2%) vs. AT 0/33 (0%) vs. CRIP 0/8 (0%). In the multivariate analysis, the TET2 mutation was associated with CE etiology after adjusting by age, coronary artery disease, and classic cardiovascular risk factors (OR 8.1; CI 1.35-48.47; p=0.012). Conclusions: CHIP is frequently found in patients with ischemic stroke. The presence of the TET2 mutation is associated with CE stroke and could constitute a new risk factor and contribute to a more accurate etiological stroke diagnosis.

Liposomal-Associated Phospholipase A 2 Is More Effective in Predicting Cardiac Risk in Law Enforcement Than Framingham Risk Score and Coronary Artery Calcium Score Calculation.

To clarify the methods for identifying officers at high risk for cardiac events. This retrospective review included 3330 patient charts. Classic cardiovascular risk factors, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, and endothelial inflammatory biomarker levels were compared between civilians and law enforcement officers (LEOs). The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was compared with risk assessment using inflammatory biomarkers. The FRS failed to identify more than 90% of LEOs at high risk of cardiovascular events. Similarly, the use of the CAC score was ineffective. Inflammatory biomarker analysis measuring the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 activity was the most reliable method for identifying LEOs at high risk of cardiovascular events. The use of the standard FRS and CAC scores is less effective than that of inflammatory biomarkers in identifying LEOs at high risk of cardiovascular events.

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Arterial Hypertension in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Literature Review

Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are often combined and mutually enhance the adverse effect on vascular and renal prognosis. Hypertension is present in about 50 % of patients with type 2 diabetes, and diabetes, in turn, is detected in about 20 % of people with hypertension. The risk of developing hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes is 2-2.5 times higher than in people without diabetes; the presence of hypertension increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by the same number of times. Hypertension and diabetes mutually burden each other: on the one hand, the presence of hypertension significantly increases the likelihood of developing diabetic macro- and microvascular complications (including diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy); on the other hand, type 2 diabetes, as a classic independent cardiovascular risk factor, increases the risk of complications inherent in hypertension by about 2 times Careful treatment of diabetes with maintenance of target values of glycemia for a long time may be associated with a decrease in the likelihood of developing hypertension by 24 % compared with less adequate control of glycemia. Hypertension in type 2 diabetes may have a number of features that distinguish such patients from the general population of people with hypertension. Such features include a higher proportion of isolated systolic hypertension and resistant hypertension, certain types of circadian rhythm disorders of blood pressure (categories “non-dipper” and “night-peaker”), frequent combination with albuminuria, frequent high salt sensitivity and volume-dependent nature of hypertension, and others.

Evaluation of Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Ordinal Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring in a Lung Cancer Screening Cohort.

(1) Background: Lung cancer screening (LCS) consists of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) results to reduce lung cancer-related mortality. The LCS program has a unique opportunity to impact CVD mortality by providing tools for CVD risk assessment and implementing preventative strategies. In this study, we estimated standardized CVD risk (SCORE) and assessed the prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in a Polish LCS cohort. (2) Methods: In this observational study, 494 LCS participants aged 50-79 years with a cigarette smoking history of at least 30 pack-years were included. Medical history, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, serum glucose, and cholesterol levels were assessed in one visit. CVD risk assessment using SCORE tables was performed. The results were compared to the general population (NATPOL 2011 study). On LDCT scans, CAC was classified using an Ordinal Score ranging from 0 to 12. (3) Results: The prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors was very high. Among study participants, 83.7% of men and 40.7% of women were classified with a very high CVD SCORE risk (>10%). CAC was reported in 190 (47%) participants. Calcification was categorized as severe (CAC ≥ 4) in 84 (21%) participants. (4) Conclusions: Due to the high cardiovascular risk, intensive preventive strategies are recommended for LCS participants.

The diagnostic value of stress echocardiography with limited myocardial ischemia in high-risk patients

BackgroundThe diagnostic value of limited myocardial ischemia in DSE is not well known. ObjectivesWe investigated whether myocardial ischemia during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in 1 apical segment of any of the ventricular walls of the left ventricle relates to the anatomical and functional stenosis of the suppling coronary artery. MethodsOur observational, prospective study enrolled 212 patients, symptomatic or asymptomatic, with newly diagnosed limited myocardial ischemia on DSE. Almost 25% of them had already known CAD, while the rest were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups, integrating 1-2 and ≥3 classical cardiovascular risk factors, respectively. After DSE, all patients underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and were followed up for one year. In coronary arteries distributing ischemic area, the calculated stenosis ≥50% and FFR<0.8 were considered anatomically and functionally significant, respectively. In the latter cases, the patients underwent coronary revascularization. ResultsSignificant anatomical and functional stenosis of the supplying coronary artery was common among patients with already known CAD (62.5% and 44.5%, respectively) or those without CAD but a high-risk profile (60.2% and 25.6%, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, CAD revascularization was independently determined by an already known CAD, diabetes mellitus, and high-risk profile. During follow-up, 24 patients experienced ACS or new angina episodes, which were associated with diabetes and smoking in univariate analysis. ConclusionLimited myocardial ischemia may implicate significant anatomical and functional coronary stenosis among individuals with a history of CAD or those without known CAD but a high-risk profile. The prognostic value of our findings requires further investigation.

Factors associated with the presence of tendon xanthomas in familial hypercholesterolemia

Introduction and objectivesTendon xanthomas (TX) are lipid deposits highly specific to familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, there is significant variability in their presentation among FH patients, primarily due to largely unknown causes. Lipoprotein(a) is a well-established independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the general population as well as in FH. Given the wide variability of lipoprotein(a) among FH individuals and the likelihood that TX may result from a proatherogenic and proinflammatory condition, the objective of this study was to analyze the size of TX in the Achilles tendons of FH participants and the variables associated with their presence, including lipoprotein(a) concentration. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 377 participants with a molecular diagnosis of heterozygous FH. Achilles tendon maximum thickness (ATMT) was measured using ultrasonography with standardized equipment and procedures. Demographic variables and lipid profiles were collected. A multivariate linear regression model using a log-Gaussian approach was used to predict TX size. Classical cardiovascular risk factors and lipoprotein(a) were included as explanatory variables. ResultsThe mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 277mg/dL without lipid-lowering treatment, and the median ATMT was 5.50mm. We demonstrated that age, sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) were independently associated with ATMT. However, these 4 variables did not account for most the interindividual variability observed (R2=0.205). ConclusionsTX, a characteristic hallmark of FH, exhibit heterogeneity in their presentation. Interindividual variability can partially be explained by age, male sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) but these factors account for only 20% of this heterogeneity.

Advances in Prediction Model of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation—Based on Classic Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Advances in Prediction Model of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation—Based on Classic Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Cardiac, possible cardiac, and likely non-cardiac origin of chest pain : Ahitherto underestimated parameter in German chest pain units.

Current guidelines emphasize the diagnostic value of non-cardiac or possibly cardiac chest pain. The goal of this analysis was to determine whether German chest pain units (CPUs) adequately address conditions with "atypical" chest pain in existing diagnostic structures. Atotal of 11,734 patients from the German CPU registry were included. The analyses included mode of admission, critical time intervals, diagnostic steps, and differential diagnoses. Patients with unspecified chest pain were younger, more often female, were less likely to have classic cardiovascular risk factors and tended to present more often as self-referrals. Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mostly had prehospital medical contact. Overall, there was no difference between these two groups regarding the time from the onset of first symptoms to arrival at the CPU. In the CPU, the usual basic diagnostic measures were performed irrespective of ACS as the primary working diagnosis. In the non-ACS group, further ischemia-specific diagnostics were rarely performed. Extra-cardiac differential diagnoses were not specified. The establishment of broader awareness programs and opening CPUs for low-threshold evaluation of self-referring patients should be discussed. Regarding the rigid focus on the clarification of cardiac causes of chest pain, astronger interdisciplinary approach should be promoted.

Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) Related to the Etiology of Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) is associated with cardiovascular disease, including acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, due to immune system dysregulation leading to increased atherosclerotic plaque formation and inflammation. Approximately 25-40% of ischemic strokes have an unknown cause even after a comprehensive etiological study and are eventually categorized as cryptogenic strokes. Our hypothesis is that the presence of CHIP could represent a biomarker for atherosclerotic or cardioembolic ischemic stroke and help to clarify the origin of cryptogenic strokes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of CHIP in patients with different subtypes of ischemic stroke and its prognostic impact on cardiovascular risk. Methods: This prospective observational study included consecutive patients over 60 years of age with no prior history of neoplasia or cytotoxic treatment, who experienced embolic ischemic stroke between September 2021 and August 2022. Ischemic strokes were classified into cardioembolic (CE), atherothrombotic (AT) or cryptogenic (CRYP) etiologies after performing a systematic etiological study. During the stroke admission, peripheral blood samples were obtained in order to analyze the 13 genes most frequently associated with CHIP ( DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, JAK2, PPM1D, TP53, SF3B1, GNB1, SRSF2, CHEK2, CBL, GNAS, NRAS) through targeted next generation sequencing. Libraries were prepared using the KAPA HyperPlus capture chemistry (Roche) and were sequenced on a MiSeq platform (Illumina) following a 2x150bp paired-end read standard protocol, allowing the detection of variants with a variant allelic frequency (VAF) of ≥1%. The analysis was conducted using an in-house developed pipeline. Patients with one or more mutations in these genes with a VAF ≥2% were considered CHIP carriers. Cardiovascular risk factors including: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking and obesity, were also analyzed. Results: Seventy-eight patients with stroke were included (50% female, median age 72 years (range: 59-90). Ischemic strokes were classified etiologically as: 36 CE (46.2%), 34 AT (43.6%) and 8 CRYP (10.3%) (Table 1). CHIP was detected in 21/78 (31.3%) patients, with the following gene mutation frequencies among CHIP carriers: DNMT3A (47.6%), TET2 (28.5%), SRSF2 (14.2%), PPM1D (9.5%), ASXL1 (4.8%), CBL (4.8%), CHEK2 (4.8%) and JAK2 (4.8%). The median VAF detected was 4.85% (range: 2.1%-43.7%), and 23.8% (5/21) of cases presented more than one mutation. The incidence of CHIP varied according to stroke etiology: CE etiology: 38.9% (14/36); AT etiology: 17.6% (6/34) and CRYP etiology: 12.5% (1/8) (p=0.046) (Figure 1). Moreover, only CE strokes showed mutations in TET2 (16.7% (6/36)) compared to AT (0/34) and CRYP (0/8) (p=0.015). No significant differences were observed in the blood counts (Hb, MCV, RDW, neutrophil count, monocytes, platelets or PCR) between stroke patients with CHIP and non-CHIP (Table 1). Finally, in the multivariate analysis, TET2 mutations were associated with CE stroke independently of age, coronary artery disease and classic cardiovascular risk factors (OR 8.1; Cl: 1.35-48.47; p=0.012). Conclusions: Our findings identify that CHIP is common in patients with ischemic strokes, especially in those of cardioembolic etiology, with TET2 being the most frequently mutated gene. The presence of CHIP TET2 could represent a novel cardiovascular risk factor, contributing to a more precise etiological distinction between the different etiologies of ischemic stroke. Funding source: this project is supported by health research fund of Carlos III health institute. FIS PI20/00881

Abstract 16988: Conventional and Regionally Distinctive Risk Factors for First-Onset Myocardial Infarction in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Risk of Acute Vascular Events (BRAVE) Study

Background: South Asians may be particularly susceptible to premature myocardial infarction (MI) owing both to classic cardiovascular risk factors and distinctive practices more common in South Asian populations. Hypothesis: Identifying modifiable risk factors for MI in South Asian populations should inform prevention strategies. Goal: To study conventional risk factors and several distinctive South Asian characteristics and practices in relation to the likelihood of first-ever MI in Bangladesh. Methods: In a case-control study involving 8,133 first MI cases and 8,122 controls, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) for MI (adjusted, when appropriate, for age, sex, smoking status, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, family history of MI, and LDL-cholesterol) and assessed their potential public health impact using population attributable fractions (PAFs). Results: The mean (SD) age of first MI was 53 (11) years. Adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 2.75 (2.53-2.99) for cigarette smoking, 2.33 (2.08-2.60) for parental history of MI, 2.26 (2.07-2.48) for history of hypertension, 1.79 (1.61-1.98) for history of diabetes, and 1.61 (1.55-1.67) per 1-SD higher LDL-cholesterol. The highest PAFs (95% CIs) were for current cigarette smoking (48.9% [46.1%-51.6%]), higher LDL-cholesterol (32.4% [30.2%-34.4%]) and history of hypertension (14.7% [13.2%-16.1%]). As for regionally distinctive practices, ORs were 4.05 (3.15-5.21) with biri smoking, 2.04 (1.48-2.81) with chewing tobacco, and 1.26 (1.05-1.51) with parental history of first cousin marriage. Conclusion: In a large case-control study, we confirmed the relevance of several conventional risk factors to risk of first-onset MI in the Bangladesh population. We also identified significant associations with MI of practices distinctive to South Asian populations, including indigenous modes of tobacco consumption and parental first-cousin marriage, apparently independent of conventional risk factors. These findings should help identify opportunities for cardiovascular disease prevention in South Asia that embrace both conventional and regionally distinctive risk factors.