Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors Research Articles

Relationship between pericoronary fat attenuation values quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography and coronary artery disease severity

AimTo explore the relationship between pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI) values and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity measured using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Materials And MethodsThis study retrospectively included 428 patients with CAD who were eligible and underwent CCTA at our hospital. CAD severity on CCTA images including obstructive stenosis and extensive lesions, and segment stenosis and involvement score (SSS, SIS), and CAD-RADS classification were assessed. FAI values for left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX) branches, and right coronary artery (RCA) were quantified using fully automated software. The relationship between FAI values and CAD severity was assessed using univariate and multivariate regression models. ResultsUnivariate analyses showed that sex and current smoking were associated with elevated FAILAD and FAILCX values (all P<0.05), whereas CAD severity was not relevant (all P>0.05). Not only clinical factors such as gender, current smoking, and hypertension were associated with elevated FAIRCA, but also indicators to assess CAD severity including obstructive stenosis, SIS, and SSS were related to it (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that after correcting for the effects of other conventional cardiovascular risk factors and CCTA imaging features, current smoking was an independent risk factor for elevated FAI values (odds ratio [OR] = 0.569, 0.458, and 0.517; all P<0.05), whereas that SSS (OR=1.041, P=0.027) for elevated FAIRCA values. ConclusionsFollowing correction for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and imaging characteristics, current smoking was an independent clinical risk factor for elevated FAI values, and SSS was an independent risk factor for elevated FAIRCA values.

Increased risk of renal events in people with diabetic foot disease: A longitudinal observational study

ObjectiveDiabetic kidney disease favors diabetic foot ulcers, however we do not know whether the reverse relation exists. We investigated whether diabetic foot disease (DFD) related to an increased risk of developing renal events. Research design and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients hospitalized for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) between 2009 and 2017, stratified for the risk of diabetic foot ulcer grades 0 (no risk), 1 and 2 (at risk), and 3 (DFD) according to the International Work Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) classification. We highlighted new renal events (end-stage renal disease or a doubling of serum creatinine) in their medical records until December 2020. The relationship between DFD and later renal events was analyzed by multivariable Cox regression model. ResultsAmong 519 patients, 142 (27 %) had a DFD at baseline, and 159 (30 %) were classified as Grades 1 or 2. Thirty-six renal events occurred during the 54 ± 27 months of follow-up: 19 subjects started dialysis, 1 had a renal transplantation, and 16 had a doubling of serum creatinine: 15 each in subjects with DFD and subjects at risk, versus 6 in subjects with Grade 0 DFD (logrank: P = 0.001). Adjusted for i) age and sex; ii) hyperglycemic exposure; iii) conventional cardiovascular risk factors; iv) renal parameters: and v) new diabetic foot ulcers during follow-up, DFD (HR 2.7 to 5.9) and being at risk of DFD Grades 1–2 (HR 2.8 to 5.1) were significantly related to new renal events. ConclusionThe risk of renal events was increased in people with T2DM and DFD.

Two case reports of spontaneous coronary dissection

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has nowadays been described as a non-negligible etiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Its prevalence approximates 3% in most cohorts. It mainly affects women in the young to middle-aged range. Individuals with SCAD typically exhibit fewer conventional cardiovascular risk factors associated with ischemic heart disease compared to those with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, some SCAD patients may present with risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia, although their direct contribution to SCAD risk remains uncertain. We present two cases of spontaneous coronary dissection to explore its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options. Learning objectives · Recognize spontaneous coronary artery dissection as the possible cause of ACS in females even with cardiovascular risk factors. Learn the importance of angiographic control after a conservative therapy that may lead to a more invasive approach.

Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Risk Factors in Young and Aged Patients, Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the relationship of conventional and/or novel cardiovascular risk factors with coronary artery disease severity in terms of SYNTAX scores in young (≤45 years) and aged (&gt;45 years) patients. Materials and Methods: The final number of patients included in the study was 132 and divided into 2 groups: Group A was young patients with age less than 45 years, and in group B, the age was more than 45 years. The SYNTAX score was determined for each case based on the preoperative coronary angiogram using the Online SYNTAX score calculator version 2.11. Results: It was seen that 33% of patients in group A had high SYNTAX scores, as compared to only 8% in group B. This definitely shows that the younger population has more COMPLEX coronary artery lesions than the elderly. Conclusion: YOUNG patients have significantly higher levels of homocysteine as compared to the elderly. Serum homocysteine correlates with SYNTAX scores in YOUNG patients, with a sensitivity of 83.33%, specificity 91.67%, and diagnostic accuracy 86.67%. Percentage of Low HDL in YOUNG is significantly higher than in the elderly.

Value of the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in refining the detection of prevalent heart failure: Insights from the NHANES 1999-2018.

The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a novel marker that can help estimate the degree of atherosclerosis by considering inflammation and lipid abnormalities. This study aimed to assess the association between the MHR and prevalent heart failure (HF) and to explore the value of the MHR in detecting prevalent HF in the general US population. Our study included 25,374 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2018). Among the participants, 749 (2.95%) reported a history of HF, and the HF group had a significantly higher MHR than the non-HF group. Adjusted analyses revealed that each standard deviation increase in the MHR was associated with a 27.8% increase in the risk of HF. The association between the MHR and prevalent HF was linear across the entire MHR range. Adding the MHR to conventional cardiovascular risk factors significantly improved the area under the curve (0.875; p < 0.001), continuous net reclassification index (0.187; p < 0.001), and integrated discrimination index (0.004; p < 0.001). Our study suggests a potential association between the MHR and HF risk, and the findings enhance HF risk stratification and provide novel insights into the interplay between the coronary atherosclerotic burden and HF in clinical settings.

Risk of recurrent stroke and dementia following acute stroke by changes in kidney function: results from the Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study.

Limited data exist on the relationship between declining kidney function and cardiovascular events, dementia, and mortality in patients with a history of stroke.Thus the aims of the study were to investigate functional relationships between dynamic kidney function change and cardiovascular outcomes, and clarify whether adding kidney parameters to conventional cardiovascular risk factors improves model discrimination. Post hoc analysis of the Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study (PROGRESS) clinical trial of blood pressure lowering for the secondary prevention of stroke. We examined the association between dynamic kidney function defined as percentage change (declines of >30%, and >0 to ≤30%, and increases of ≥0 to <30%, and ≥30%) in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 2 years and recurrent stroke, major cardiovascular events, dementia and all-cause death over the next 2 years using Cox proportional hazard models controlling for eGFR at registration and potential confounders. Restricted cubic splines were used to assess the functional relationships. C-statistics and Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) at 2 years were used to assess model discrimination. In 4591 patients followed for a mean of approximately 2 years, 254 (5.5%) developed recurrent stroke, 391 (8.5%) had a major cardiovascular event, 221 (4.8%) developed dementia, and 271 (5.9%) died. Reverse J-like or U-like relationships were observed for percent declines in eGFR and outcomes. Using declines in eGFR of >0 to ≤30% as a reference, increased risks were evident for a greater decline (>30%) in relation to recurrent stroke [adjusted hazard ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-2.85], major cardiovascular event (2.24, 1.62-3.10) and all-cause death (2.09, 1.39-3.15). A larger increase (≥30%) in eGFR was also associated with a greater risk of all-cause death (1.96, 1.14-3.37). Improvements in the C-statistic were found by adding baseline eGFR and percent change compared with a model with conventional cardiovascular risk factors alone, for major cardiovascular events, dementia, and all-cause mortality. Declining kidney function following an incident cerebrovascular event is associated with additional risk of a major cardiovascular events, dementia, and 2-year mortality. However, a large increase in kidney function was also found to be associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Thrombospondin-1 associated with carotid intima-media thickness among individuals with hypertension.

In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is involved in atherosclerotic pathogenesis. However, the role of TSP-1 in clinical atherosclerosis remains unknown. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between TSP-1 and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and examined whether it interacts with conventional cardiovascular risk factors. A total of 587 participants were enrolled from February 2018 to December 2021. TSP-1 was dichotomized based on median value. Carotid IMT was measured bilaterally in each segment, and the average value was taken as the overall IMT variable. Analysis of covariance models were used to ascertain the main and interaction effects of cardiovascular risk factors and circulating TSP-1 levels on carotid IMT. Those with high TSP-1 (n = 294) had significantly higher carotid IMT than did those with low TSP-1 (n = 293; 0.74 ± 0.12 vs 0.72 ± 0.11 mm; p = 0.011). After the combined effects of TSP-1 and vascular risk factors on carotid IMT were evaluated, an interaction effect on IMT was observed between TSP-1 and hypertension (adjusted F = 8.760; p = 0.003). Stratification analysis revealed that individuals with hypertension and high TSP-1 had significantly higher IMT than did those with low TSP-1 (adjusted p = 0.007). However, this difference was not observed in normotensive individuals (adjusted p = 0.636). In conclusion, this is the first study to provide clinical data supporting the correlation between TSP-1 and atherosclerosis. TSP-1 may be a crucial marker of increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis in individuals with hypertension.

ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ ЭНДОТЕЛИЯ У БОЛЬНЫХ ПСОРИАЗОМ

Abstract. Introduction. Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, accompanied by an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, as compared with the population, which is mainly associated with chronic systemic inflammation (increased levels of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and homocysteine) and with the accumulation of conventional cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, obesity, decreased physical activity, and arterial hypertension. There are only few studies evaluating the link between psoriasis, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to study the relationship between pro-inflammatory mediators and the endothelium functional state indicators of the in patients with psoriasis. Materials and Methods. We examined 116 patients with verified psoriasis, aged 19-62 years. The control group consisted of 25 comparably aged and practically healthy individuals. The diagnosis was made considering the psoriasis clinical form, stage, seasonality, type, and severity. All patients underwent a standard laboratory and instrumental examination. The levels of pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, VEGF,CRPvh) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using commercial ELISA-BEST kits manufactured by OOO Vector-Best, Novosibirsk, Russia. The endothelial function was assessed by using the Biomedical ENDOTELIN test system by BioKhimMak JSC to measure the quantitative content of endothelin-1, a characteristic of the vasomotor function of endothelium, determined by ultrasound according to the method proposed by Celermajer D. et al. Results and Discussion. The study revealed a high incidence of the disease in people of working age and a slight predominance among male patients. In 55.2% of patients, classic atherosclerosis risk factors were identified: Arterial hypertension, smoking, low physical activity, alcohol abuse, and improper nutrition. 33.6% of patients were overweight; 24.1% had obesity I-II degree, and 39.7% with abdominal obesity. According to the findings of the study of pro-inflammatory markers in the blood serum, there is a significant increase in their levels as compared with the control group indicators, which correlates with the severity of psoriasis and a decrease in the ratio of IL-6/CRPvh. Endothelial dysfunction was characterized by a statistically significant increase in endothelin-1 and a significant increase in the content of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the blood serum of psoriasis patients. Percentage increase in the brachial artery diameter on the endothelium-dependent stimulus was reduced and averaged 9.14% in the group of patients with psoriasis. Conclusion. A high comorbidity of psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases has been established. A significant increase in the levels of systemic immune inflammation mediators IL-6 and C-RBhv and a decrease in the ratio of IL-6/C-RPhvh were identified, which correlates with the severity of the disease and the presence of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular endothelium dysfunction is characterized by an increase in the content of ET-1 and VEGF in the blood serum and a decrease in the flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery.

Association of Cancer and Its Interaction with Conventional Risk Factors on Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

Introduction We sought to examine the association of cancer history with the incidence of individual cardiovascular disease events and to clarify whether the history of cancer modifies the relationship between conventional cardiovascular risk factors and incident cardiovascular disease. Methods This retrospective cohort study used the JMDC Claims Database, including 3,531,683 individuals. The primary endpoint was the composite cardiovascular disease outcome, which included myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Results During a follow-up, 144,162 composite endpoints were recorded. Individuals with a history of cancer had a higher risk of developing composite cardiovascular disease events (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.22-1.29). The HRs for myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were 1.11 (95% CI 0.98-1.27), 1.15 (95% CI 1.10-1.20), 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.18), 1.39 (95% CI 1.34-1.44), and 1.22 (95% CI 1.13-1.32), respectively. Individuals who required chemotherapy for cancer had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although conventional risk factors (e.g., overweight/obesity, hypertension, and diabetes) were associated with incident composite cardiovascular disease even in individuals with a history of cancer, the total population-attributable fractions of conventional risk factors were less in individuals with a history of cancer. Conclusion Individuals with a history of cancer (particularly those requiring chemotherapy) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Traditional risk factors are important in the development of cardiovascular disease in individuals with and without a history of cancer. In individuals with a history of cancer, however, the total population-attributable fractions of conventional risk factors decreased.

Coronary Artery Calcification: Current Concepts and Clinical Implications.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) accompanies the development of advanced atherosclerosis. Its role in atherosclerosis holds great interest because the presence and burden of coronary calcification provide direct evidence of the presence and extent of coronary artery disease; furthermore, CAC predicts future events independently of concomitant conventional cardiovascular risk factors and to a greater extent than any other noninvasive biomarker of this disease. Nevertheless, the relationship between CAC and the susceptibility of a plaque to provoke a thrombotic event remains incompletely understood. This review summarizes the current understanding and literature on CAC. It outlines the pathophysiology of CAC and reviews laboratory, histopathological, and genetic studies, as well as imaging findings, to characterize different types of calcification and to elucidate their implications. Some patterns of calcification such as microcalcification portend increased risk of rupture and cardiovascular events and may improve prognosis assessment noninvasively. However, contemporary computed tomography cannot assess early microcalcification. Limited spatial resolution and blooming artifacts may hinder estimation of degree of coronary artery stenosis. Technical advances such as photon counting detectors and combination with nuclear approaches (eg, NaF imaging) promise to improve the performance of cardiac computed tomography. These innovations may speed achieving the ultimate goal of providing noninvasively specific and clinically actionable information.

Associations of health and physical activity selfassessment among the population of a mediumurbanized city of Western Siberia (gender aspect)

Substantiation of research. Health self-assessment is recognized as a lifestyle indicator that establishes the interpretation of behavioral risk factors and the interest of the population in preventive measures at the population level. The validity of using health self-assessment as a significant indicator of its association with the prevalence of behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and particular, with physical activity, is shown both in domestic and foreign scientific literature.Aim. To determine the associations of parameters of health self-assessment and physical activity of the population of a medium-sized city of Western Siberia in terms of gender differences.Methods. The analysis is based on the results of studies obtained by extrapolating data from representative samples of the working-age population to the model of the city of Tyumen. The results are based on the analysis of the questionnaire conducted in the framework of cardiological screenings.Results. It is shown that in a moderately urbanized city of Western Siberia, negative self-assessment of health and complaints about it prevails among women. About 10% of the population of both sexes state sufficient concern for their health. The attitude to physical activity among the working-age population of a medium-urbanized city of Western Siberia is manifested by its low self-esteem with priority among men, and among women by a greater share of lack of leisure in the gender aspect. In the gender aspect, among people who consider themselves healthy, the most negative attitude towards physical activity in terms of positions of a negative attitude towards physical exercise, unsuccessful attempts to do physical exercises, minimal active leisure, low self-esteem of physical activity, as well as its decline over the last year,was established in men. Among people with high self-esteem of health, the prevailing number of men relative to women with a pronounced negative assessment of their physical activity in comparison with other people of their age. Among men, relative to women with low self-esteem of health, the most negative attitude to physical activity was determined in terms of negative attitude to physical exercise, as well as the realization of readiness to perform physical exercises.Conclusion. Thus, the associative patterns established in the Tyumen population for conventional and non-conventional cardiovascular diseases risk factors represent a scientific basis for some important aspects of regional prevention programs. Such programs should be aimed at the in-depth development of the information block, taking into account medical, social, behavioral and gender differences.

The existence of a bidirectional link between ischemic heart disease and fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is one of the most common causes of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, but also sleep disturbances, cognitive and psychological disorders. It has been suggested that FM may have a correlation with cardiovascular events. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between FM and ischemic heart disease (IHD). A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing data retrieved from the largest medical records database in Israel, Clalit Health Services. Patients were defined as having FM or IHD when there were at least two such documented diagnoses in their medical records. The occurrence of IHD was compared between FM and age- and sex-frequency-matched healthy controls. A logistic regression model was used to estimate this association following an adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and depression. An overall population of 18 598 FM patients and 36 985 age- and gender-matched controls were included in the study. The proportion of IHD amongst FM patients was increased in comparison to controls (9.2% and 6.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Furthermore, FM demonstrated an independent association with IHD on multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.33-1.54; P < 0.0001). Finally, IHD was also found to be independently associated with the diagnosis of FM (OR, 1.40; CI, 1.31-1.51; P < 0.0001). Our data suggest a bidirectional link between FM and IHD even after the adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors. These findings should be considered when treating patients with either FM or IHD, and their routine interactional screening may be of clinical importance.

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.

Association Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death across the world. Determination of severity is important in patients with acute myocardial infraction for the therapeutic decision making. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a new prognostic marker in patients with acute MI. Several international studies have found to compare the relation between NLR and severity of coronary artery disease. In these studies, they demonstrated that the NLR is higher in severe CAD. In our country no such study has been done yet to predict the severity of coronary artery disease by estimating NLR in acute MI patients. Moreover, NLR is cheap, easily available, non-invasive and routinely done procedure. Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the association of NLR to severity of CAD in acute MI patients. Methods: This observational cross sectional analytical study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, SSMC and Mitford Hospital and NICVD, Dhaka from March 2021 to February, 2022. Patients with acute MI (STEMI and NSTEMI) were approached for this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups according to NLR: Group A NLR &gt;2.5 and Group B NLR ≤2.5. Coronary angiogram was done during index hospitalization. The severity of coronary artery disease was assessed by Vessel score and Gensini score. According to Gensini score was non severe (≤50) severe (&gt;50). Results: Among 70 patients in our study 30 (42.8%) were in the high NLR group (Group A) and 40 (57.14%) were in low NLR group (Group B). In group A mean NLR was 5.15 ± 2.21 and in group B mean NLR was 1.65 ± 0.35, this difference was statistically significant. Severe coronary artery disease in terms of vessel score and Gensini score was significantly higher in group A than group B (p value 0.001). We found strong positive correlation between NLR and Gensini score (r= 0.7, p= 0.001), and moderate positive correlation between NLR nad vessel score (r= 0.5, p= 0.001). With the increase of NLR, vessel score and Gensini score increases demonstrating more severe CAD. Simple logistic regression analysis of variables of interest revealed that hypertension (p=0.003), diabetes mellitus (p=0.008), dyslipidaemia (p=0.007), WBC count(p=0.034), Neutrophil count (p=0.000), Lymphocyte count (p=0.000), NLR (p=0.000), LVEF (p=0.001) were independent predictor of severe coronary artery disease with odds ratio (OR) being 5.32, 3.88, 4.42, 1.00, 1.20, 0.834, 2.28, 0.805 respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment of confounding, hypertension (p=0.028, OR=5.87) and NLR (P=0.004, OR=1.81) remain independent predictor of severe CAD. In ROC curve analysis, the AUC of NLR for predicting severity of CAD is 0.8 with p value &lt; 0.001, 95% CI (0.78-0.96) and with 75% sensitivity and 86.5% specificity. So, from this study, it is evident that NLR is directly associated with coronary artery disease severity. Conclusion: Increased NLR was associated with angiographically severe coronary artery disease in acute Myocardial Infarction patients, and this association is independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Bangladesh Heart Journal 2024; 39(1): 1-9

Risk factors, Clinical presentation and In-hospital Outcome of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Elderly Patients

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity in the developed and developing country. Ageing is important risk factor for coronary artery disease. The role of conventional cardiovascular risk factors in older persons is incompletely understood because only fragmentary and inadequate data are available in most instance and manifestations of acute myocardial infarction are generally believed to be atypical in the elderly. The aim of the study was to find out the clinical presentation, common risk factors and In-hospital Outcome of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Elderly Patients. Methods: An observational study in tertiary level hospital. Study protocol was approved by ethical review committee of Sir Salimullah Medical College &amp; Mitford Hospital, Dhaka. Sample was selected from the population by purposive sampling technique. Detail demographic data were collected from the subject and recorded in structured case report form. Researcher makes contact with patient and patients caregiver, and describe them about study aim-objective, and then informed consent was taken. All collected questionnaire checked very carefully to identify the error in the data. Data processing work were consisting of registration of schedules, editing, coding and computerization, preparation of dummy tables, analysis and matching data. Result: In this series, the maximum number of patients (57.0%) was between 60-69 years age group, with mean value 67.21 ± 9.05 years. Out of 100 cases (62%) cases were male and (38%) were female (Figure 1). Male – female ratio was 1.63:1. Large numbers of respondents came from urban area (58%). Among the patients the poor class (44%) comprising the major percentage of the myocardial infarction patients. In this study majority (58%) of the patients had sedentary lifestyle before the onset of myocardial infarction. Among all the risk factors hypertension was the most common risk factor, present in 62% cases; next common risk factors were Diabetes mellitus 56%, dyslipidemia 32%, obesity 22%, smoking 40%. In this study majority of patients (56%) presented with shortness of breath as predominant symptoms. Besides typical chest pain others important atypical symptoms were atypical chest pain (31%), upper abdominal pain (18%), giddiness (4%) and confusional state (3%). In this study many of the patients had developed acute LVF (34%), arrhythmia (17%), cardiogenic shock (8%). Conclusion: We concluded that the manifestations of AMI are more subtle in the elderly, with different risk factors. The elderly subjects are under thrombolysed and have higher complication rate. Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; 35(1): 9-14

Association between toothbrushing and cardiovascular risk factors: a cross-sectional study using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2017

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that frequent toothbrushing is associated with a lower risk of future cardiovascular events. We sought to investigate further the relationship between toothbrushing, cardiovascular risk factors, and lifestyle behaviours.MethodsWe analysed a cross-sectional survey including 13,761 adults aged 30 years or older without a history of cardiovascular diseases from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. Conventional cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting glucose), and inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], and white blood cell counts [WBC]) were investigated in relation to the frequency of toothbrushing.ResultsThe estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, calculated using the pooled cohort equations was 13.7%, 9.1%, and 7.3% for participants who reported toothbrushing 0–1, 2, and ≥ 3 times a day, respectively. Both conventional risk factors and inflammatory markers were significantly associated with frequent toothbrushing. However, after adjusting potential confounding factors such as age, sex, comorbidities, and lifestyle behaviours, only inflammatory markers were remained as significant factors.ConclusionsOral hygiene behaviours are closely linked to cardiovascular risk factors. This study suggests that reduced systemic inflammatory burden may explain the benefit of improved oral hygiene in terms of cardiovascular risk.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia Implicated in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): A Case Report of Chest Pain in Young Women

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a well‐recognized cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) which can lead to myocardial infarction and sudden death. Unlike typical atherosclerosis, SCAD operates through distinct pathophysiology, affecting both individuals with and without conventional cardiovascular risk factors. We present a case of a young female presented with retrosternal chest pain radiating to the left arm, mimicking ACS symptoms with mildly elevated troponin levels, and slightly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (45%). Subsequent evaluation using coronary angiography unveiled a Type 2A SCAD. A comprehensive computed tomography angiography (CTA) of her entire body revealed findings suggestive of fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) affecting multiple arteries in different sites. Our case entailed the successful management of a young female patient with SCAD stemming from FMD.

Measurement of atherosclerosis markers in individuals with periodontitis.

The inflammatory response due to inflammatory cytokines, bacterial pathogens, and the altered lipoprotein metabolism in patients with periodontitis indicates that infection with periodontal anaerobic bacteria may influence atherogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to explore the effect of periodontitis concerning clinical and ultrasound markers of early atherosclerosis. In this case-control study, a total of 30 systemically healthy adults (15 with periodontitis and 15 without periodontitis) over 40 years of age were studied. Periodontitis was determined by measuring the clinical attachment level (CAL) and radiographic bone loss (RBL). Conventional cardiovascular risk factors, including body mass index, serum levels of total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), and high-density and low-density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL, respectively) cholesterol were evaluated. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured using ultrasonography. The mean values of the CAL and carotid IMT were 5.02±0.9 mm and 0.084±0.01 cm vs. 1.6±0.61 mm and 0.072±0.02 cm in the periodontitis and healthy groups, respectively, reflecting statistically significant differences (P=0.001 and P=0.037, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in the serum levels of TCH, TG, and LDL between the 2 groups (P=0.017). The CAL and RBL were positively associated with carotid IMT and serum cholesterol levels, except for HDL, whereas tooth loss was not associated with any markers (P<0.05). Compared to the healthy group, participants with periodontitis exhibited 2.09 times higher odds (95% confidence interval, 1.22-3.59) of having subclinical atherosclerosis. The presence of periodontitis increased the risk of atherosclerosis.

Procena odnosa između nivoa TWEAK-a u serumu i stepena vaskularne uključenosti kod pacijenata sa stabilnom anginom pektoris

Introduction: This study investigates the relationship between serum TWEAK levels and the degree of vascular involvement in patients with stable angina pectoris, offering insights beyond conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: This study involved 88 patients (33 women, 55 men) diagnosed with stable angina pectoris. Patients were classified based on angiographic findings. Comprehensive demographic and medical history data were collected, and morning blood samples were analyzed, focusing on TWEAK and IL-6 levels. To assess the severity of coronary artery lesions, a modified version of the Gensini scoring system was employed. Results: Analyses revealed no significant correlation between TWEAK levels and the severity of coronary artery disease. Although some variations in biochemical markers were observed based on gender and diabetic status, these differences did not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with the degree of vascular involvement. Conclusion: The findings indicate that serum TWEAK levels do not have a significant association with the severity of vascular involvement in patients with stable angina pectoris. These results highlight the limited efficacy of TWEAK as a sole biomarker in assessing the severity of coronary artery disease, emphasizing the complexity of its role.

Pulmonary function and atherosclerosis in the general population: causal associations and clinical implications

Reduced lung function is associated with cardiovascular mortality, but the relationships with atherosclerosis are unclear. The population-based Swedish CArdioPulmonary BioImage study measured lung function, emphysema, coronary CT angiography, coronary calcium, carotid plaques and ankle-brachial index in 29,593 men and women aged 50–64 years. The results were confirmed using 2-sample Mendelian randomization. Lower lung function and emphysema were associated with more atherosclerosis, but these relationships were attenuated after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Lung function was not associated with coronary atherosclerosis in 14,524 never-smokers. No potentially causal effect of lung function on atherosclerosis, or vice versa, was found in the 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Here we show that reduced lung function and atherosclerosis are correlated in the population, but probably not causally related. Assessing lung function in addition to conventional cardiovascular risk factors to gauge risk of subclinical atherosclerosis is probably not meaningful, but low lung function found by chance should alert for atherosclerosis.