Heart Stroke Research Articles

Impact of acute aortic pathology care process reengineering on mortality of type A acute aortic syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Type A Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a life-threatening disease. Although emergent surgery is the treatment of choice, these procedures are highly complex and require a high level of expertise. Process reengineering has demonstrated prognostic benefit in acute cardiovascular pathology. Purpose The aim of the present work is to assess whether the reorganization of AAS care has an impact on patient prognosis. Methods The "Aorta Code" (AC) is a protocol for AAS-patients’ care within a network of 4 hospitals with a tertiary hospital as a referral center. A common diagnostic algorithm was specifically designed and periodical training programs were carried out in the different emergency departments at the 4 hospitals. Once activated, the out of hospital emergency service immediately transfers the patient to the Acute Cardiovascular Care Unit at the referral center. An Aortic Dissection Team was responsible for patients’ care. Only two cardiac surgeons and two vascular surgeons performed all AAS surgeries. All patients with AAS were prospectively and consecutively collected and patients with type A AAS were selected for analysis. Expected 30-day mortality was calculated using the GERAADA score. Results From April-2019 to April-2023, 113 patients with AAS were included. Of them, 75.9% (83) were type A. 12% (10) of the patients died before reaching the operating theatre. In 9% (8) of the sample, surgery was rejected due to comorbidities and unacceptable surgical risk, of whom 4 patients died. Mean age was 66.7±13.7 years and 71% were males. Patients with type A AAS presented a significant burden of pre-surgical complications: severe aortic regurgitation (35.6%), cardiac tamponade (26.8%), shock (32.9%), cardiorespiratory arrest (8.5%), need for intubation (26.8%), acute renal failure (27%), peripheral malperfusion (12.7%) and myocardial ischemia (9.52%). Although the AC included a high risk AAS population, the process reorganization, and concentration of patients’ care in an experienced medical and surgical team resulted in a significant reduction of surgical mortality of patients with type A AAS compared to the expected mortality based on risk (figure). Conclusion AAS process reengineering and concentration of AAS management in an experienced medical-surgical team is associated with an improvement in the expected prognosis and mortality.Pre-surgical type A AAS complications.

Cardiogenic shock in general intensive care unit: a nationwide prospective analysis of epidemiology and outcome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a heterogenous, life-threatening disease burdened by a mortality up to 50%. An increasing incidence of the CS related to other etiological causes, including acute decompensated heart failure, has been reported. However, most of the epidemiological data are derived from patients admitted to dedicated acute cardiac care units. Epidemiology and management of CS patients admitted to general intensive care unit (ICU) in Italy is yet unexplored. Purpose To describe the epidemiology, patients feature, management and outcome of CS patients admitted to Italian general ICUs. Methods Prospective multicentric epidemiological study. Over 600 thousand patients admitted to 316 hundred Italian general intensive care units from 2011 to 2018 were screened trough PROSAFE software. The Margherita PROSAFE project is an observational project for the continuous electronic collection of data on patients admitted to ICUs; it is developed by the GiViTI (Gruppo italiano per la valutazione degli interventi in terapia intensiva - Italian Group for the Evaluation of Interventions in Intensive Care Medicine). The primary outcome of the analysis was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included description of patients features and management. Results 11661 patients (72.1±12.1 years old.; 39.5% women) with a diagnosis of CS were included in the analysis. ICU and in-hospital mortality were respectively 45.5 % and 53.9%. Highest mortality was observed for pulmonary embolism (58.4%), right heart failure (56.3%) and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) (44.2%). 46.9% of patients presented with more than 3 organ failure (panel A). CS commonest aetiologies were ADHF (63,3%), acute myocardial infarction (19.8%) and right heart failure (11%). Invasive mechanical ventilation was used in the 88.6% of cases. Intra-aortic balloon pump was placed in 15.2%, with higher frequency in ischemic aetiologies (43.9%) and ADHF (13.7%); VA-ECMO was most frequently placed in the right heart failure (3.7%) and acute myocardial infarction (2.6%) groups. The factors independently associated with increased hospital mortality were increasing age (p <0.001), lower Glasgow coma scale (p <0.001), hypoxemia (PaO2 <100, OR: 1.91; 95% Cl: 1.58 – 2.3; p <0.001), bradycardia (OR: 1.84; 95% Cl: 1.49 – 2.26; p <0.001), hypotension (OR: 1.27; 95% Cl: 1.12 – 1.43; p <0.001), bilirubin above 12 mg/dl (OR: 7.90; 95% Cl: 2.56 – 24.3), increased creatinine (p <0.001) and reduced platelets (<50000 U/mL, OR: 2.43; 95% Cl: 1.78 – 3.31; p <0.001) (panel B). Curiously, in the predictive model a BMI above normal values was protective as well as tachycardia compared to severe bradycardia (panel C). Conclusions The etiology of CS in general intensive care units is heterogeneous with acute heart failure being the commonest. The mortality rate remains unacceptably high with right heart failure and acute heart failure being burden by the worst outcome.

Subclinical congestion in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction Patients admitted due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are stratified using Killip class for the severity of the post myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF). Killip class classification is mainly based on clinical examination and overt signs and symptoms are usually needed to be present. Purpose To evaluate subclinical congestion with lung ultrasound (LUS) in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Methods For a period of 4 years, we recorded the patients presented to the emergency department of our hospital due to acute coronary syndrome (HF) and no symptoms or signs of heart failure (Killip class I). LUS was performed on admission and patients were classified as having either "wet lung" (>3 b-lines in at least 3 lung fields) or "dry lung". Baseline characteristcs, laboratory findings as well as the result of the coronary angiogram were alse recorded. Results 286 patients were recorded, with mean age 71,2 years, 43,35% were female and 56,6% male. 36.01% of the patients presented with ST elevation MI (STEMI) and 63.98% with non ST elevation MI (NSTEMI). 34.2% of patients were classified as having "wet lung". Of them, 63.98% were STEMI patients and 36.1% NSTEMI. 27.2% were males and 72.8% females and 64.6% older than 60 years old. 10.7% had on admission left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% whereas 89.3 % had LVEF <50%.Finally, 12,7% were found to have 1 vessel disease, 23.4% 2 vessel disease and 63.9% 3 vessel disease. Compared to patients classified as having "dry lung", patients with "wet lung" stayed in the hospital 74 days (vs 3.2, p<0.01), and their mean troponin levels were 10721 pg/ml (vs 3254 pg/ml, p<0.01). "Wet lung" patients were found to have mean GFR 56,2 mL/min/1.73 m² (vs 86.7 mL/min/1.73 m² , p<0.05). Conclusion 34.2% of the patients admitted due to ACS Killip 1, were classified as having "wet lung" when examined with LUS, suggesting a status of subclinical congestion. These patients were most often STEMI patients, female and of older age and were found to have reduced LVEF. Compared to the "dry lung" patients had higher troponin levels and most oftenly impaired renal function. LUS could help identify these patients, that although they seem to be asymptomatic in terms of HF, they probably need closer monitoring.

Impact of age-related arterial degeneration and inflammation on the presentation and etiopathogenesis of acute aortic syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is a critical cardiovascular emergency marked by substantial morbidity and mortality. Both its presentation and accompanying comorbidities hold considerable prognostic and therapeutic implications. Recent observations suggest an age-related increase in the incidence of AAS due to population aging. Nonetheless, the etiopathogenic distinctions between various presentation forms and their connection with age remain enigmatic. Purpose To delineate the forms of presentation of AAS and examine the epidemiological variables according to age, as well as its correlation with the presence of degenerative or inflammatory radiological signs. Methods We analyzed the data from a prospective registry that included all patients with AAS treated at our centre, from 2012 to 2022. The study population was stratified in three age groups: <70 years, 70-80 years and >80 years Three forms of AAS presentation were defined: acute aortic dissection (AAD), intramural hematoma (IMH) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). AAS extension was defined by Stanford classification. Degenerative or inflammatory radiological signs were defined as thickening or calcification in the wall of any segment of the aorta or in any of the main arterial territories, regardless of the degree of stenosis. Results 256 patients were included. 156 were <70 years, 63 were 70-80 years, and 37 were >80 years. 195 (76%) had an AAD, 42 (16%) an IMH, 12 (5%) a PAU and 7 (3%) could not be classified. 181 (71%) were type A. AAD were significantly younger than the rest of AAS (61±14 vs 73±10, p<0.0001). Type B AAS occurred at older ages (67±13 vs 63±14, p 0.03). 87% of AAS in patients <70 years were AAD while IMH and PAU increased significantly with age. Active smoking and history of Marfan syndrome were more prevalent in the <70-year-old group. Patients >70 years had more COPD, ischemic heart disease, previous stroke, aortic aneurysm, non-bicuspid aortic valve disease, history of cardiac catheterization and antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatment. Atherosclerotic/inflammatory changes in the aortic wall were present in 46% of AAD versus 63% in the rest of AAS (p 0.068) and in 43% of AAS type A versus 67% of type B (p 0.005). Age was significantly associated with atherosclerotic/inflammatory changes (35% in <70 years, 78% in 70-80 years and 73% in >80 years, p <0.0001) as well as with thickening/calcification of the coronary arteries and the main arterial trunks. See table for more details. Conclusions Age represents a change in trends in terms of the forms of presentation of AAS. AAD are significantly more prevalent in younger patients than the rest of AAS and type B occurs at later ages. Elderly patients are more likely to present IMH and PAU, in percentage detriment of AAD. These epidemiological differences and radiological findings are related to atherosclerotic/inflammatory changes that increase with age, which could justify these findings.Table 1.Representation of the data.

Plasma microRNA-143 and microRNA-145 levels are elevated in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

MicroRNA(miR)-143 and miR-145 are mainly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the relationship between plasma miR-143 or miR-145 levels and the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with heart diseases remains unclear. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein in patients with heart diseases (n = 52), such as coronary artery disease, old myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease, and controls without heart diseases (n = 22). We measured plasma miR-143 and -145 levels by quantitative RT-PCR using TaqMan MicroRNA Assays and THUNDERBIRD Probe qPCR Mix. Plasma BNP levels were also measured. Echocardiography was performed to measure the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV dilation. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were significantly higher in patients with heart diseases than in controls, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were significantly higher in patients with LVEF < 50% than in those with LVEF ≧ 50%, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were inversely correlated with LVEF, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were positively correlated with LV end-systolic dimension, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and -145 levels were positively correlated with plasma BNP levels, respectively. Plasma BNP levels were inversely correlated with LVEF. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels are elevated in patients with LV dysfunction and may counteract LV dysfunction.

Electrocardiography in myocardial infarction diagnosis: a view through the prism of guidelines (Lecture)

Electrocardiography (ECG) is considered as an essential step in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnostic algorithm. Сurrent classification is based on the ECG changes of ST-segment and includes ACS with persistent ST elevation and without persistent ST elevation. ACS with persistent ST elevation is characterized by prolonged (more than 20 min) ST-segment elevation exceeding 0.1 mV in two or more contiguous ECG leads (except V2–3 as well as aVR). When the symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia are present, ECG should be recorded within 10 minutes from the first contact with a medical professional. Some changes on the initial ECG of a patient with ACS may be nonspecific or absent, so the key role in diagnosis is given to the clinical presentation and the ECG in dynamics.

Analysis of The Feasibility of Hydrogen Injection in Pipeline Gas Challenges in The Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Associated Comorbidities: A Review of The Literature

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the challenges in the management of Acute Myocardial Infarction in patients with associated comorbidities, with the aim of identifying gaps in treatment and proposing strategies to improve care. Theoretical Framework: Modifiable risk factors play a significant role in the incidence of myocardial infarction, as evidenced by a relevant international study. Understanding the epidemiology of heart attack, including its prevalence, incidence and geographic distribution, is essential to develop effective prevention and control strategies. Identifying and managing traditional risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity, is crucial in the preventive approach to this condition. Method: Through an integrative literature review, recent studies are explored that cover everything from epidemiology and risk factors to prevention and treatment strategies. An initial selection of 153 articles was refined to 10 studies that met all criteria. Results and Discussion: The results highlight an increasing trend in the prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), with a stabilization in the age-standardized prevalence rate, suggesting advances in prevention and treatment. The analysis emphasizes the importance of robust and inclusive public health strategies, focused on educating the population about the risks, ensuring rapid access to treatment, and reducing inequalities in access to healthcare. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how results can influence healthcare management, public policy formation, and clinical practice in cardiology. These implications may include the need for continuing education programs for healthcare professionals, the implementation of integrated care models, and the adaptation of healthcare systems to meet the specific needs of patients with comorbidities associated with AMI. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the specific challenges faced in the management of AMI in patients with comorbidities, providing valuable insights to improve the quality of AMI care and reduce disparities in treatment. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its contribution to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the prognosis and quality of life of these patients.

Costs Saved by Visiting a Nurse-Led Primary Care Facility Comparison of Primary Care Models.

Nurse-led primary care is a relatively rare model for primary care, but given nurses more holistic approach to medicine, can prove effective in both reducing costs and disparities in access and outcomes. The present study compares cost adjusted quality of care between a nurse-led primary care facility and the standard primary care. To compare the cost adjusted quality of care between the standard primary care model and a nurse led primary care model the outcomes from a population of patients that visited each (control and experimental, respectively) are compared with respect to three complications of hypertension (stroke, heart attack, and coronary heart disease). The number of three complications (stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease) from hypertension for the experimental population is estimated using time-to-event distributions estimated from the control population. Costs are estimated using the control population data. It is found that the population that visited the nurse-led primary care facility had better cost adjusted outcomes than the population that visited the physician led facilities. We can attribute, at least, $3.7 million in costs not realized due to the quality of care provided by the nursing center. Nurse-led primary care is one way that the U.S. healthcare system could reduce costs while providing consistent quality of care.

Prevalence and correlates of anxiety and depressive symptoms after Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD): a cross-sectional study.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is recognised as a particularly stressful cause of heart attack. However few studies have documented the prevalence of post-SCAD anxiety and depressive symptoms, or identified patients most at risk. This study documents the prevalence and correlates of post-SCAD anxiety and depressive symptoms. 310 (95% women) SCAD survivors were recruited by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute from a database of 433 SCAD survivors. Participants completed an online questionnaire to gather demographic, medical and psychosocial information, including the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to identify the significant demographic, psychosocial and medical correlates of post-SCAD anxiety and depressive symptoms. Time between SCAD and questionnaire completion varied from 2 months to 18 years (mean = 5.5 years; SD = 3.5 years). Rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 20.7% (GAD-7 ≥ 10) and 20.9% (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) respectively, and did not vary by time since event. In bivariate analyses, correlates (p < .05) of anxiety and depressive symptoms were absence of a close confidante, financial strain, mental health diagnosis pre-SCAD, comorbid obesity, not being in paid employment (anxiety only), younger age (depression only), and not knowing another SCAD survivor (depression only). Variables retained in multivariate models were absence of a close confidante, financial strain, not being in paid employment, mental health diagnosis pre-SCAD (depression only), and younger age (depression only). This study demonstrated that over one in four SCAD survivors experience either anxiety or depressive symptoms after SCAD, and identified those who may need additional support in their psychological recovery.

Enhancing Coronary Artery Disease Detection with a Hybrid Machine Learning Approach: Integrating K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) Algorithms

Recent studies have identified coronary artery disease (CAD) as a leading cause of death globally. Early detection of CAD is crucial for reducing mortality rates. However, accurately predicting CAD poses challenges, particularly in treating patients effectively before a heart attack occurs due to the complexity of data and relationships in traditional methodologies. This research has successfully developed a machine learning model for CAD prediction by combining K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) Classifier techniques. The model, trained and tested on a dataset of 918 samples (508 with cardiac issues and 410 healthy cases), achieved an accuracy of 82% for KNN, 84.3% for SVM, and 88.7% for the hybrid model after rigorous training and testing.

Irregular Cycles, Ovulatory Disorders, and Cardiometabolic Conditions in a US-Based Digital Cohort

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism, is a common ovulatory disorder. Having an irregular cycle is a potential marker for cardiometabolic conditions, but data are limited on whether the associations differ by PCOS status or potential interventions. To evaluate the association of PCOS, time to regularity since menarche (adolescence), and irregular cycles (adulthood) with cardiometabolic conditions. This cross-sectional study used a large, US-based digital cohort of users of the Apple Research application on their iPhone. Eligibility criteria were having ever menstruated, living in the US, being at age of consent of at least 18 years (or 19 years in Alabama and Nebraska or 21 years in Puerto Rico), and being able to communicate in English. Participants were enrolled between November 14, 2019, and December 13, 2022, and completed relevant surveys. Self-reported PCOS diagnosis, prolonged time to regularity (not spontaneously establishing regularity within 5 years of menarche), and irregular cycles. The primary outcome was self-reported cardiometabolic conditions, including obesity, prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism measured using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to estimate prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and 95% CIs. Effect modification by lifestyle factors was also estimated. The study sample (N = 60 789) had a mean (SD) age of 34.5 (11.1) years, with 12.3% having PCOS and 26.3% having prolonged time to regularity. Among a subset of 25 399 participants who completed the hormonal symptoms survey, 25.6% reported irregular cycles. In covariate-adjusted logistic regression models, PCOS was associated with a higher prevalence of all metabolic and several cardiovascular conditions, eg, arrhythmia (POR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.20-1.55), coronary artery disease (POR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.95-4.29), heart attack (POR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23-2.54), and stroke (POR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.21-2.24). Among participants without PCOS, prolonged time to regularity was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.46), hypertension (POR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19), arrhythmia (POR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.35), and TIA (POR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01-1.73), and having irregular cycles was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.69), high cholesterol (POR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30), arrhythmia (POR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.43), and TIA (POR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.06-2.26). Some of these associations were modified by high vs low body mass index or low vs high physical activity. These findings suggest that PCOS and irregular cycles may be independent markers for cardiometabolic conditions. Early screening and intervention among individuals with irregular menstrual cycles may be beneficial.

Non-response to ACE items is associated with demographic variables and health indicators in the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACE) encompass traumatic events occurring before age 18, with lasting impacts on health. While ACE disclosure is important for understanding these effects, some individuals decline to respond to ACE-related survey items due to sensitivity, privacy concerns, or psychological distress. This study explores the relationship between non-response to ACE items and health outcomes, shedding light on the implications for those who choose not to disclose. MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)—a national telephone survey querying health behaviors and conditions. Sociodemographic factors, ACE exposure, and non-response to ACE items were analyzed. ResultsIndividuals who decline to respond to ACE items exhibit similar patterns of health behaviors and conditions as those reporting ACE exposure. Non-response is linked to both healthier behaviors (lifetime HIV testing) and riskier behaviors (higher odds of smoking and e-cigarette use). Moreover, non-responders have higher odds of being underweight or obese, experiencing concentration difficulties, reporting poor self-rated health, and reporting multiple health diagnoses including depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. ConclusionsThe study underscores the need to address health disparities associated with ACE, regardless of disclosure status. Healthcare interventions should target respondents and non-respondents of ACE screeners, tailoring strategies to promote healthier coping mechanisms and mitigate maladaptive behaviors. These results emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care, early intervention, and targeted public health initiatives for individuals affected by ACE, irrespective of their disclosure choices.

The Health Costs of Cost-Sharing

Abstract What happens when patients suddenly stop their medications? We study the health consequences of drug interruptions caused by large, abrupt, and arbitrary changes in price. Medicare’s prescription drug benefit as-if-randomly assigns 65-year-olds a drug budget as a function of their birth month, beyond which out-of-pocket costs suddenly increase. Those facing smaller budgets consume fewer drugs and die more: mortality increases 0.0164 percentage points per month (13.9%) for each ${\$}$100 per month budget decrease (24.4%). This estimate is robust to a range of falsification checks, and lies in the 97.8th percentile of 544 placebo estimates from similar populations that lack the same idiosyncratic budget policy. Several facts help make sense of this large effect. First, patients stop taking drugs that are both ‘high-value,’ and suspected to cause life-threatening withdrawal syndromes when stopped. Second, using machine learning, we identify patients at the highest risk of drug-preventable adverse events. Contrary to the predictions of standard economic models, high-risk patients (e.g., those most likely to have a heart attack) cut back more than low-risk patients on exactly those drugs that would benefit them the most (e.g., statins). Finally, patients appear unaware of these risks. In a survey of 65-year-olds, only one-third believe that stopping their drugs for up to a month could have any serious consequences. We conclude that, far from curbing waste, cost-sharing is itself highly inefficient, resulting in missed opportunities to buy health at very low cost (${\$}$11,321 per life-year).

Abstract PO5-12-03: Cardiovascular Toxicities in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Background: Chemotherapy, despite its effectiveness, presents drawbacks in breast cancer patients due to its side effects. Fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and anemia are among the many symptoms associated with chemotherapy. Moreover, chemotherapy can lead to cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, heart failure, heart attacks, and cardiomyopathy, particularly with the use of anthracyclines and HER-2-targeted agents. Risk factors such as weight, age, race, comorbidities (e.g., obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia), and radiation exposure further increase these risks. Despite these potential complications, guidelines are just emerging aiming to prevent these cardiovascular complications in breast cancer patients. Untreated cardiovascular abnormalities can have long-term effects on breast cancer survivors. Our aim is to analyze the relationships between breast cancer treatment and cardiovascular abnormalities, examining associations with various factors, including race, BMI, and age in a majority Hispanic cohort of breast cancer survivors. Methods: retrospective, single institution study data from a total of 53 patients treated with chemotherapy with either anthracyclines and/or HER 2 directed therapy with curative intent between 2018-2020. Our analysis included basic demographic information, menopausal status, breast cancer type, treatment types, use of cardio-protective medications, and cardiovascular effects (both pre-existing and developed during treatment). Results: Our sample of 50 women primarily comprised Hispanic individuals (73%), most of whom were postmenopausal (86%), with an average age of 63 years (range 35-86). Among the breast cancer types identified, 35 were hormone-positive, 8 were HER-2 positive, and 10 were triple negative. 72% of the patients received adjuvant hormonal therapy. 18% of the population received anthracycline-based treatment, 8% received Her 2 directed therapy and 2 % received Immune check point inhibitors. Radiation therapy was administered to 50% of the patients. The most prevalent cardiovascular disease observed was hypertension, affecting 62% of patients, followed by type 2 diabetes (38%), hyperlipidemia (34%), stroke (8%), and heart attack (6%). The predominant cardioprotective medications used were ACE inhibitors/ARBs (48%), followed by statins (46%), beta-blockers (20%), aspirin (16%), and GLP-1 agonists (14%). Conclusion: Our analysis revealed a high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions among breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy in a majority Hispanic cohort of patients. This population has been linked to higher risk of developing comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Further analysis evaluating risk factors and implementation of treatment strategies to minimize adverse effects is needed in this population. Citation Format: Victoria Ayodele, Emily Sherry, Marcela Mazo-Canola. Cardiovascular Toxicities in Breast Cancer Survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-12-03.

Multiwavelength laser diode based portable photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system for point of care applications.

Vascular diseases are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite having precursor conditions like peripheral arterial disease (PAD), they are often only diagnosed after the onset of stroke or heart attack. Low-cost, portable, noninvasive, point-of-care (POC), label-free assessment of deep vascular function benefits PAD diagnosis, especially in resource poor settings of the world. Doppler ultrasound-based blood flow measurements can diagnose PAD, albeit with limited sensitivity and specificity. To overcome this, here, we propose the first-of-its-kind dual-modality photoacoustic-and-ultrasound (PAUS) imaging system that integrates a multiwavelength pulsed laser diode (PLD) with a compact ultrasound data acquisition unit. The mesoscopic imaging depth of the portable PLD-PAUS system was validated using tissue phantoms, and its multispectral photoacoustic imaging capabilities were validated using an atherosclerosis-mimicking phantom. Furthermore, we demonstrated high-contrast volumetric in vivo photoacoustic imaging of rodent abdominal vasculature and quantified vessel reactivity due to hypercapnia stimulation. The multiparametric functional and molecular imaging capabilities of the PLD-PAUS system holds promise for POC applications.

Abstract PO3-27-10: Financial Stress and Care Disruption in Breast Cancer: A Ten-Year National Health Interview Survey Analysis

Abstract Background: Financial stress is an adverse event of BC. Increased availability of oral targeted therapy (OTT) is hypothesized to add to this burden. We assess financial stress at the population level as a function of availability of OTT. Design: We used 2013-2022 NHIS adult BC population data. Financial stress markers were care disruption, food insecurity and percent home ownership. Care disruption was defined as at least 1 event of skipping or taking less medication or delayed filling or unable to afford prescriptions. Available oral therapy Florida Blue July 2023 was cross-referenced with the NCI targeted therapy list for breast cancer as of July 2023. Initial FDA approval date for breast cancer for OTT determined the number of available OTT by survey year. We conducted a time-adjusted logistic regression to account of external effects such as COVID and adjusted for sociodemographics. Results: In a population of over 30 million respondents with BC, care disruption affected &amp;lt; 10%; food insecurity, &amp;lt; 1.3%, &amp;gt;83% reported home ownership. The number of available OTT did not affect outcomes. Survey year was associated with reduced care disruption (adjusted OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99). Self-reported Black race affected home ownership (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.77) and any care disruption (a2.11, 95% CI 1.38-3.24). Non-White patients more likely reported food insecurity (aOR 5.56, 95% CI 2.58-12.01). Income &amp;lt; 200% of poverty level negatively affected outcomes. Stroke (aOR 1.97, 95% CI 1.09-3.55) and heart attack (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.11–4) history increased likelihood of care disruption. Conclusion: Available number of OTT did not influence financial stress in a BC population. Adverse sociodemographics and comorbidities correlated with care disruption. Our study was limited by absence of actual OTT use; further assessment at the individual level is needed. Table. Outcomes Citation Format: Maya Doyle, Erina Quinn, Sarah Bell, Braelyn Wekwerth, Ruth Carlos. Financial Stress and Care Disruption in Breast Cancer: A Ten-Year National Health Interview Survey Analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-27-10.

Cardiological emergency and acute myocardial infarction: physician and physiotherapist perceptions of immediate care, use of prehospital ECGS and patient referrals

Doctors and physiotherapists play a key role in reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality from acute myocardial infarction through well-applied care, as well as through the key point of health education, given that most of the risk factors are modifiable. This article is a literature review, which aims to explore the challenges faced by patients with acute myocardial infarction. This review shows that heart attacks are a serious problem. The study proves that this damage can be reduced or minimized with the training of medical and physiotherapy professionals in recognizing the signs and symptoms in good time, as well as the best treatment.

Nutrition Knowledge and Food Frequency Among People with Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the chronic diseases that causes the highest death in Indonesia. In fact, the number of cases of pain continues to increase. Riskesdas 2018 data shows that the total number of diabetes cases in Indonesia is 8.5%. Complications include heart attacks and strokes, severe leg infections (causing gangrene, which may result in amputation), end-stage renal failure, and sexual dysfunction. After 10-15 years from the time of diagnosis, the prevalence of all complications of diabetes increases markedly. Efforts that can be made to prevent diabetes mellitus are managing lifestyle, regular physical activity, maintaining diet, and conducting early examinations. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between nutrition knowledge and food frequency with the incidence of diabetes mellitus. This was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional study design conducted in Malang. A sample of 54 people was selected by purposive sampling technique. The dependent variable is the incidence of diabetes mellitus. Independent variables include nutrition knowledge and food frequency. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using Pearson correlation. Nutrition knowledge (r = 0.40; p = 0.003) and food frequency (r = 0.33; p = 0.017) related to diabetes mellitus and statistically significant. Good nutritional knowledge and regular food frequency can prevent diabetes mellitus.

Characteristics Associated with Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias and Their Prognostic Impact in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Background: The occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias represents an established risk factor of mortality in heart failure (HF). However, data concerning their prognostic impact in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is limited. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate patient characteristics associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and their prognostic impact in patients with HFmrEF. Methods: Consecutive patients hospitalized with HFmrEF (i.e., left ventricular ejection fraction 41-49% and signs and/or symptoms of HF) were retrospectively included at one institution from 2016 to 2022. The prognosis of patients with HFmrEF and different types of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (i.e., non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT), sustained VT (sVT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF) was investigated for the primary endpoint of long-term all-cause mortality at 30 months. Secondary endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality and long-term HF-related rehospitalization at 30 months. Results: From a total of 2184 patients with HFmrEF, 4.4% experienced ventricular tachyarrhythmias (i.e., 2.0% nsVT, 0.7% sVT, and 1.6% VF). The occurrence of nsVT was associated with higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, whereas the incidence of sVT/VF was associated with acute myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease. However, nsVT (25.0%; HR = 0.760; 95% CI 0.419-1.380; p = 0.367) and sVT/VF (28.8%; HR = 0.928; 95% CI 0.556-1.549; p = 0.776) were not associated with a higher risk of long-term all-cause mortality compared to patients with HFmrEF without ventricular tachyarrhythmias (31.5%). In-hospital cardiovascular mortality was more frequently observed in patients with HFmrEF and sVT/VF compared to those with HFmrEF but without sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias (7.7% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.004). Finally, the risk of rehospitalization for worsening HF was not affected by the presence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Conclusions: The occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients hospitalized with HFmrEF was low and not associated with long-term prognosis.

Impact of combined alpha-lipoic acid and mitoquinone supplementation on myocardial infarction in aged rats: Heart performance and molecular mechanisms

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effects of combined alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and mitoquinone (Mito Q) supplementation on cardiac function and the underlying mechanisms in aged rats with myocardial infarction (MI). MethodsThe aged rats underwent left anterior descending artery (LADA) occlusion for 30 min, followed by reperfusion for 24 h. ALA (100 mg/kg, gavage) and Mito Q (10 mg/kg, IP) were administered daily for two weeks before ischemia. Cardiac function, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers were evaluated 24 h after ischemia. ResultsThe results of this study indicated that the administration of the combination of ALA and Mito Q significantly improved cardiac function. This improvement was linked to a reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P < 0.001) and apoptotic markers (Bax, caspase-3, and Cyt-c), as well as a decrease in the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe study revealed that combined intervention synergistically mitigated cardiac dysfunction by suppressing inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in aged rats with MI. Further research is needed to validate the potential of ALA and Mito Q as therapeutic options for elderly people at risk of heart attacks.