High Coronary Risk Research Articles

Emergency Department Referral of Patients With Chest Pain for Noninvasive Cardiac Testing and 2-Year Clinical Outcomes.

Noninvasive cardiac testing (NICT) has been associated with decreased long-term risks of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) among emergency department patients at high coronary risk. It is unclear whether this association extends to patients without evidence of myocardial injury on initial ECG and cardiac troponin testing. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients presenting with chest pain between 2013 and 2019 to 21 emergency departments within an integrated health care system in Northern California, excluding patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction or myocardial injury by serum troponin testing. To account for confounding by indication, we grouped patient encounters by the NICT referral rate of the initially assigned emergency physician relative to local peers within discrete time periods. The primary outcome was MACE within 2 years. Secondary outcomes were coronary revascularization and MACE, inclusive of all-cause mortality. Associations between the NICT referral group (low, intermediate, or high) and outcomes were assessed using risk-adjusted proportional hazards methods with censoring for competing events. Among 144 577 eligible patient encounters, the median age was 58 years (interquartile range, 48-68) and 57% were female. Thirty-day NICT referral was 13.0%, 19.9%, and 27.8% in low, intermediate, and high NICT referral groups, respectively, with a good balance of baseline covariates between groups. Compared with the low NICT referral group, there was no significant decrease in the adjusted hazard ratio of MACE within the intermediate (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.02-1.14]) or high (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.99-1.11]) NICT referral groups. Results were similar for MACE, inclusive of all-cause mortality, and coronary revascularization, as well as subgroup analyses stratified by estimated risk (history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, troponin [HEART] score: percent classified as low risk, 48.2%; moderate risk, 49.2%; and high risk, 2.7%). Increases in NICT referrals were not associated with changes in the hazard of MACE within 2 years following emergency department visits for chest pain without evidence of acute myocardial injury. These findings further highlight the need for evidence-based guidance regarding the appropriate use of NICT in this population.

Relationship of Mitochondrial DNA Oxidation and Content with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk in Obesity Phenotypes.

Obesity, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress can influence mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content. Our objective was to evaluate the oxidation level and content of mtDNA and its relationship with metabolic parameters in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) compared to metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) and normal weight (NW) controls. We studied 94 NW, 95 MHO, and 97 MUO individuals between 18 and 80 years old. Relative mtDNA content and mtDNA oxidation level (8-oxoguanine, 8-OxoG) were determined in peripheral blood leukocytes by the SYBR Green method of real-time PCR. One-way ANOVA and Tukey test were used to compare biochemical, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics, as well as mtDNA content and 8-OxoG. A progressive decrease in mtDNA content was observed between NW, MHO, and MUO with significant differences in MUO vs. NW (p: 0.04). An increase in 8-OxoG was observed in MUO patients compared to the other groups (MUO vs. MHO p: 0.01; MUO vs. NW p: 0.04). mtDNA content was directly correlated with HDL-c (p < 0.01) and inversely with waist circumference (p: 0.01) and LDL-c (p: 0.05). mtDNA content decreased, and the oxidation level increased concomitantly with the presence of obesity, the number of MS components, higher coronary risk, and insulin resistance parameters. MHO presented a similar mtDNA oxidation level to NW and mtDNA content to the MUO, placing the MHO individuals as having an intermediate phenotype. Changes in mtDNA content and oxidation were correlated to the lipid profile related to obesity and/or MS presence, probably associated with oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension often coexisted in type 2 diabetes patients. Hypertension is often present at the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Our study aim to evaluate the prevalence of arterial hypertension in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics and to evaluate the comorbidities associated with hypertension at the time of diagnosis of diabetes. Design and method: Is a prospective study based on 126 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics, 66 men, and 60 women, aged 45 to 70, hospitalized in Internal Medicine. Blood pressure is taken in consultation according to the recommendations of the ESH, based at least in two consecutive consultations. All patients underwent the assessment of the impact on the target organs, as well as a systematic evaluation for micro and macro-vascular complications. Results: At the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of arterial hypertension is 56.2%. The patients were already followed for arterial hypertension in 24% of the cases, among them, only 11% considered for therapeutic objectives, and 3% presented with ketosis. Hypertensive diabetics are on average 61.2 years old and have metabolic syndrome in 81.1%. Women are more obese and have a significantly higher waist circumference. Men have higher blood sugar, lower HDL, higher coronary risk, and more frequently present with albuminuria. The level of blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, rises significantly with the number of metabolic syndrome criteria, and the number of cardiovascular risk factors. We find microangiopathy in 59.1% of cases, and cardiovascular disease in 65.2% of cases. The association of microangiopathy with cardiovascular disease is significantly more frequent in hypertensive diabetics than in non-hypertensives (58% vs 31%, p = 0.005). Conclusions: High blood pressure is very prevalent in newly diagnosed diabetics. The hypertensive diabetic has a higher degree of morbidity, and presents a cardiometabolic profile with a very high cardiovascular risk compared to the non-hypertensive diabetic at the time of diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Estimated sdLDL-C for predicting high-risk coronary plaque features in psoriasis: a prospective observational study

BackgroundPsoriasis (PSO) is a skin disorder with systemic inflammation and high coronary artery disease risk. A distinct lipid phenotype occurs in psoriasis, which is characterized by high plasma triglycerides (TGs) with typically normal or even low LDL-C. The extent to which cholesterol on LDL subfractions, such as small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), are associated with vulnerable coronary plaque characteristics in PSO remains elusive.MethodsA recently developed equation for estimating sdLDL-C from the standard lipid panel was utilized in a PSO cohort (n = 200) with 4-year follow-up of 75 subjects. Coronary plaque burden was assessed by quantitative coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Multivariate regression analyses were used for establishing associations and prognostic value of estimated sdLDL-C.ResultsEstimated sdLDL-C was positively associated with non-calcified burden (NCB) and fibro-fatty burden (FFB), which remained significant after multivariate adjustment for NCB (β = 0.37; P = 0.050) and LDL-C adjustment for FFB (β = 0.29; P < 0.0001). Of note, total LDL-C calculated by the Friedewald equation was not able to capture these associations in the study cohort. Moreover, in the regression modelling estimated sdLDL-C was significantly predicting necrotic burden progression over 4 years follow-up (P = 0.015), whereas LDL-C did not. Finally, small LDL particles (S-LDLP) and small HDL particles (S-HDLP), along with large and medium TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLPs) had the most significant positive correlation with estimated sdLDL-C.ConclusionsEstimated sdLDL-C has a stronger association than LDL-C with high-risk features of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in psoriasis patients.Clinical trial registrationURL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT01778569

Effects of Age, Metabolic and Socioeconomic Factors on Cardiovascular Risk among Saudi Women: A Subgroup Analysis from the Heart Health Promotion Study.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in women. Along with the effect of age on the risk of CVD, the reproductive profile of women can influence cardiac health among women. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of age and reproductive stages on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease risks in Saudi women. Methods: For this study, we included 1907 Saudi women from the Heart Health Promotion Study. The study cohort was divided into five age groups (less than 40 years, 40-45 years, 46-50 years, 51-55 years, and ≥56 years). The cohort stratification was meant to correspond to the social and hormonal changes in women's life, including reproductive, perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal age groups. The groups were compared with respect to the prevalence of metabolic, socioeconomic, and cardiac risks, and the age group of less than 40 years was considered as the reference group. The World Health Organization stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor Surveillance-Instrument v2.1 was used in this study to collect the anthropometric and biochemical measurements and the Framingham Coronary Heart Risk Score was used to calculate the cardiovascular risk (CVR). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent effect of age on CVD risks after adjustment of sociodemographic factors. Results: Metabolic and CVR increased progressively with the increase in age. There was a sharp increase in obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, from the age group <40 years to 41-45 years and then again between the age groups of 46-50 and ≥56 years. A similar noticeable increase in metabolic risk factors (high cholesterol, high triglyceride, high Low-Density Lipoprotein) was observed between the age group <40 years and 41-45 years, but with a steady increase with the increase in age between the other age groups. The high and intermediate Framingham Coronary Heart Risk Scores showed a progressive increase in prevalence with the increase in age, where the proportion doubled from 9.4% at the age group 46-50 years, to 22% at the age group 51-55 years. It doubled again at the age group ≥56 years to 53%-these sharp inflections in the risk of CVD correspond to the women's reproductive lives. Conclusions: In Saudi women, CVR increases with the increase of age. The influence of pregnancy and menopause is apparent in the prevalence of increased risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

One-month changes in blood pressure-adjusted pulse wave velocity for predicting long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

The prognostic value of changes in arterial stiffness has not been well evaluated. This study was conducted to investigate whether the change in arterial stiffness one month after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) affects the long-term cardiovascular prognosis. A total of 405 patients (mean age, 62.0 ± 11.0 years; female sex, 27.7%) who underwent PCI with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation was prospectively enrolled. The measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was taken in all the study patient at the time of admission for index PCI. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), a composite of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and ischemic stroke, was assessed during clinical follow-up after index PCI. During the median follow-up duration of 5.3 years (interquartile range. 2.9-7.9 years), there was 65 MACE (16.0%). There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between patients with and without MACE except for higher prevalence of triple vessel disease in those with MACE. The baPWV value decreased at one month after index PCI (1560 ± 305 to 1530 ± 318 cm, P < 0.001). In multivariable cox regression analysis, the change of baPWV at one month was not associated with MACE occurrence ( P > 0.05). However, the change in systolic blood pressure (SBP)-adjusted baPWV (baPWV/SBP) at one month (increased vs . decreased) was significantly associated with MACE occurrence even after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-3.69; P = 0.001). The baPWV/SBP change at one month was associated with long-term MACE in patients undergoing DES implantation. The results of this study suggest that baPWV/SBP changes at one month may be helpful in risk stratification of patients at a high coronary risk.

Clinical relevance of coronary risk classification and reclassification with coronary artery calcium score in asymptomatic people living with diabetes. An observational study

AimsTo explore (i) in what proportion and direction coronary artery calcium (CAC) score reclassifies coronary risk in asymptomatic diabetic patients at high a priori coronary risk, and (ii) whether screening for asymptomatic myocardial ischemia / coronary stenosis only in patients at very high coronary risk - whether a priori or combined with those reclassified at very high risk according to their CAC score - has good sensitivity to detect these conditions. MethodsWe retrospectively selected 377 asymptomatic primary prevention diabetic patients at high or very high a priori coronary risk according to national guidelines. All had their CAC score measured and underwent stress myocardial scintigraphy to detect myocardial ischemia. Those identified with ischemia then had a coronary angiography to identify coronary stenoses. ResultsOf the selected patients, 242 and 135 patients had a high and very high a priori coronary risk, respectively. After taking into account their CAC score, the former were reclassified into three risk categories: moderate (n = 159, 66%), high (n = 38) and very high (45 patients) risk.Myocardial ischemia was identified in 35 patients and coronary stenoses in 14 of the latter. Had a stress scintigraphy been performed only in the 135 patients at very high risk a priori, 18 patients would have been detected with ischemia (sensitivity 51%), and 9 with coronary stenoses (sensitivity 64%). Had a scintigraphy also been performed on the 45 patients at very high risk after CAC-reclassification, an additional 7 and 5 patients with ischemia and coronary stenoses, respectively, would have been identified. ConclusionFollowing national guidelines, 66% of our population of asymptomatic diabetic persons at high a priori coronary risk were reclassified into the moderate risk category, translating into less stringent goals for risk factor control. Eighteen percent were reclassified into the very high-risk category, leading to 100% detection sensitivity for patients with ischemia and coronary stenoses.

Usefulness of Cardiac Computed Tomography in Coronary Risk Prediction: A Five-Year Follow-Up of the SPICA Study (Secure Prevention with Imaging of the Coronary Arteries).

Accurate identification of individuals at high coronary risk would reduce acute coronary syndrome incidence and morbi-mortality. We analyzed the effect on coronary risk prediction of adding coronary artery calcification (CAC) and Segment Involvement Score (SIS) to cardiovascular risk factors. This was a prospective cohort study of asymptomatic patients recruited between 2013–2017. All participants underwent a coronary computed tomography angiography to determine CAC and SIS. The cohort was followed-up for a composite endpoint of myocardial infarction, coronary angiography and/or revascularization (median = five years). Discrimination and reclassification of the REGICOR function with CAC/SIS were examined with the Sommer’s D index and with the Net reclassification index (NRI). Nine of the 251 individuals included had an event. Of the included participants, 94 had a CAC = 0 and 85 a SIS = 0, none of them had an event. The addition of SIS or of SIS and CAC to the REGICOR risk function significantly increased the discrimination capacity from 0.74 to 0.89. Reclassification improved significantly when SIS or both scores were included. CAC and SIS were associated with five-year coronary event incidence, independently of cardiovascular risk factors. Discrimination and reclassification of the REGICOR risk function were significantly improved by both indexes, but SIS overrode the effect of CAC.

Continuous Epidural Block and Balanced General Anesthesia in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery in a General Hospital. Case Report

Introduction: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) are becoming more frequent in our population; the surgical management of this pathology represents a highly complex surgery which must be performed in a well-equipped medical unit, with implements and suitable personnel, since morbidity and mortality depends a lot on the preoperative evaluation of these patients with high coronary risk. Peripheral locoregional anesthesia techniques occupy an important place in anesthetic treatment and postoperative resuscitation due to the frequent possibility of cardiovascular, respiratory, renal complications or mesenteric ischemia, which justifies a treatment adapted to the high surgical risk, therefore, postoperative management should generally be in an Intensive Care Unit. Objective: Present the case of a patient with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) with acute abdomen urgently operated in a second-level hospital using mixed anesthesia. Case: Octogenarian patient with a diagnosis of infrarenal AAA, undergoing emergency surgery for abdominal pain, which was under balanced general anesthesia plus epidural block a bifurcated Dacron synthetic graft was interposed, with postoperative management in general surgery hospitalization area because there was no availability in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), evolving properly. Conclusion: Evolution depends a lot on the anesthetic technique, which must be directed towards a multimodal strategy, where hemodynamic stability is a priority.

Нефрологічні аспекти метаболічного синдрому у пацієнтів з хронічною хворобою нирок на перитонеальному діалізі з різними клінічними варіантами ішемічної хвороби серця

The purpose of the study was to identify the components of the metabolic syndrome most characteristic of different clinical variants of ischemic heart disease in patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis. Materials and methods. 114 patients took part in the study. The average duration of peritoneal dialysis therapy was 53 months. Clinical variants of ischemic heart disease were determined by angina attacks, by painless myocardial ischemia detected by ECG-load cycle ergometer test, by increasing phenomena of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (diastolic dysfunction, calcification and atheromatosis of aorta and heart valves) by echocardiographic study in dynamics and by the previous myocardial infarction episodes. All patients were accordingly divided into 5 clinical groups, one of which was patients with no evidence of coronary heart disease (comparison group). The data were processed using the SPSS 19.0 for Windows statistical software package. Results and discussion. Considering different components of metabolic syndrome: body weight, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, the highest body mass index in patients on peritoneal dialysis was found in the group of patients suffering from ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. High-density lipoproteins were lowest in the group of patients who underwent myocardial infarction. Hypertriglyceridemia was most pronounced in the group of patients with painless myocardial ischaemia. Low-density lipoproteins were highest in the group of patients with stable angina pectoris. Mean arterial pressure was highest in the group of patients with stable angina and in the group of patients with painless myocardial ischaemia. Conclusion. The highest number of patients with metabolic syndrome was found in the groups of patients with non-painful myocardial ischemia and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (67% and 51% respectively). In the group of patients with non-painful myocardial ischaemia (high acute coronary risk group), metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by four features: visceral obesity, raised blood sugar, arterial hypertension, raised very low density of lipoproteins and triglycerides. In the group of patients with ICDMP (group of patients with severe diastolic heart failure), metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by three features: visceral obesity, elevated blood sugar and low density lipoproteins. Thus, a vector for further research may be to investigate the effect of complexly corrected components of the metabolic syndrome on the occurrence of acute coronary risks or progression of chronic heart failure in patients with chronic kidney disease on peritoneal dialysis

Evaluation of the effect of the use of the drug ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome on achieving the target indicator “reduction of mortality from diseases of the circulatory system” in 2022-2024

Aim. To evaluate the effect of the use of the double antiplatelet therapy (DAT) with ticagrelor compared to DAT with clopidogrel and antithrombotic therapy with acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) in patients with acute coronary syndrome and patients with high coronary risk on the target indicator (CP) of the state program (GP) “Development of Healthcare” and the federal project “Fight against cardiovascular diseases” — reducing mortality from diseases of the circulatory system (BSC).Material and methods. All adult Russian patients with a diagnosis of ACS eligible for DAT were considered as the target population; in the second and third years, only patients with high coronary risk continued treatment. The calculation of the number of deaths that can be prevented using DAT ticagrelor 90 mg + ASA vs DAT of clopidogrel + ASA within 1st year from the date of diagnosis was based on the clinical efficacy data of the PLATO study. The number of deaths that can be prevented with the use of DAT ticagrelor 60 mg + ASA — instead of ASA monotherapy patients with a history of myocardial infarction was made based in the clinical efficacy results of the PEGASUS study. It was calculated what proportion of the target indicators could be achieved in 2022-24 years by using DAT with ticagrelor instead of clopidogrel or ASA monotherapy.Results. The use of DAT with ticagrelor vs DAT with clopidogrel or ASA for the treatment of patients with ACS will prevent additional 5389, 5704 and 6012 deaths in 2022-2024, that will ensure the implementation of the CP “reduction of mortality from BSC” GP “Development of healthcare” in the Russian Federation by 36,9%, 26,0% and 20,6% respectively.Conclusion. The use of DAT with ticagrelor for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome ensure the implementation of the CP “reduction of mortality from BSC” GP “Development of healthcare” in the Russian Federation in 2024 by 20,6%.

Associations between measurements of central blood pressure and target organ damage in high-risk patients

BackgroundIt is not well-known which components of central blood pressure (CBP) are more influential to target organ damage (TOD). This study aimed to determine the relationship between CBP measurements and various types of TOD in high-risk patients.MethodsA total of 148 patients who had documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or its multiple risk factors were prospectively enrolled. CBP was measured by using applanation tonometry of the radial artery. The following nine TOD parameters were evaluated: left ventricular mass index, relative wall thickness, septal e′ velocity, septal E/e′, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine protein and obstructive coronary artery disease.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 67.1 ± 9.0 years and 108 (73 %) were male. Among four CBP measurements (systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressures), central pulse pressure (CPP) was associated with the largest number of TOD parameters. As CPP increased, the number of TOD increased (P = 0.010), but this association was not observed in other CBP measurements (P > 0.05 for each).ConclusionsCPP had a stronger correlation with TOD than other CBP measurements. Non-invasive CPP could be a useful indicator for predicting TOD in patients at high coronary risk.

Abstract 13252: Is There a Gender-Specific Association Between High Coronary Artery Calcium Score and High Polygenic CAD Risk Score?

Introduction: Genetic predisposition for CAD is well established. Polygenic risk scores are emerging as tools which attempt to quantify the genomic component of an individual’s risk for CAD. However, their clinical utility for individual risk stratification is unclear. Hypothesis: 180 SNPs previously identified in Caucasian Genome Wide-Association Studies for CAD were used to construct a weighted restricted polygenic risk score (PRS; normalized range 11.18 -17.58). This study hypothesizes a gender-specific association between high PRS (&gt;=85th percentile) and high coronary artery calcium score (CAC) score, defined as &gt;400. Methods: Between January 2018 &amp; March 2020, 21,784 patients underwent CAC screening and/or PRS testing. Caucasian patients with both PRS and CAC scores were identified. Fisher’s exact test was utilized to test the association between high PRS and high CAC in men and women. Results: Both PRS and CAC were available for 3,197 Caucasian patients, out of which 2,106 (65.8%) were women (figure 1: gender adjusted PRS distribution). Odds ratio of high PRS and high CAC was 1.64 (95% CI: 0.86-2.97; p &gt;0.05) in women and 1.59 (95% CI: 0.98 - 2.53; p&gt;0.05) in men. Conclusions: There is no statistically significant, gender-specific association between high PRS and high CAC in our Caucasian cohort. However, there is a trend suggestive of a positive correlation in women. This clinical data is the first of its kind in a real world setting on the use of PRS for CAD risk assessment. Larger, ethnically diverse studies are needed.

The impact of physical activity on cardiovascular mortality in the general population.

The beneficial effect of moderate physical activity (PA) on morbidity and mortality has been observed in the general population. However, the ideal intensity of PA for improving cardiovascular longevity in Japanese general population is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the PA and cardiovascular mortality in the general population. This longitudinal cohort study included 1,826 apparently healthy subjects who participated in a community-based health checkup. There were 31 cardiovascular deaths during 10-year follow-up. Subjects were divided into 4 groups based on the quartiles of PA (low, mild, moderate and high). Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that the most favorable cardiovascular prognosis was observed in subjects with moderate PA followed by those with mild PA. High PA as well as low PA were associated with higher cardiovascular mortality compared with mild and moderate PA. Noteworthy, in subjects with high PA, Cox hazard analysis revealed that previous cardiovascular disease, smoking, brain natriuretic peptide levels, and Framingham risk score were associated with cardiovascular mortality. The results suggest a U-shaped association between cardiovascular mortality and PA. Mild to moderate PA was associated with favorable cardiovascular outcomes in the Japanese general population. High PA might be associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in subjects with a history of heart disease and high coronary risk factors.

Valve-in-Valve Procedure for Failed Aortic Bioprosthesis With the Novel Acurate Neo2 and Mini-Chimney Stenting Due to High Coronary Risk Obstruction

Valve-in-Valve Procedure for Failed Aortic Bioprosthesis With the Novel Acurate Neo2 and Mini-Chimney Stenting Due to High Coronary Risk Obstruction

The Primary Management Strategies for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Sub-Study of the Saudi Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry.

Background and objectiveNot all patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Saudi Arabia are managed with a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). We analyzed the management strategies for STEMI patients in the Saudi Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (STARS). The strategies include PPCI, revascularization with thrombolytic therapy, and conservative management. This study involved a sub-study of the STARS.MethodsSTEMI patients were categorized into three groups. Group 1 was managed with PPCI, group 2 with revascularization with thrombolytic therapy, and group 3 with conservative approaches. The data were collected at presentation, at one month, and at one year after discharge.ResultsThe sample consisted of 1,471 patients. The mean age of the participants was 54 ±12 years; 51% were Saudi citizens, and the majority (89%) were male. Their background revealed a high coronary risk profile, with 48% diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 44% with hypertension (HTN); 54% were active or ex-smokers, 30% had a high lipid profile, and 74% were overweight. PPCI was performed in 42%, and 29% were managed with revascularization using thrombolytic therapy. A conservative approach was followed in 29% of the patients. Patients who had a stroke were treated conservatively due to the risk of bleeding. The patients in group 1 were mostly hypertensive with recurrent angina and a history of prior revascularization, with PPCI or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The crude all-cause mortality at one year was 11%; it was 7% at one month for group 1, 8% for group 2, and 9% for group 3, which was not statistically significant.ConclusionsControlling the risk factors and improving access to PPCI in hospitals are fundamental in the management of STEMI patients. PPCI is still underused. Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is a reasonable approach if PPCI is not available.

Peripheral artery disease in outpatients with a recent history of acute coronary syndrome or at high atherothrombotic risk.

The frequency and implications of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in some risk groups are not entirely characterized in Latin America. We studied PAD prevalence, risk factors, and six-month outcomes in stable outpatients with a history of a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), or at high coronary risk. We recruited 830 outpatients in 43 Mexican sites (median age: 64.8 years; 57.8% men). Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, and ACS within 30 days, or age <55 years plus ≥2 major vascular risk factors, or age ≥55 years plus ≥1 vascular risk factors. Patients received standardized assessments at baseline and six-month follow-up for medical history, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire (ECQ). ABI <0.8 was found in 10.5%, <0.9 in 22.5%, >1.3 in 4.8%, and >1.4 in 3.6%, without differences according to sex or selection criteria. Positive ECQ was found in 7.6%. ABI <0.9 was directly associated with age, diabetes, ACS, and chronic kidney disease, but inversely associated with BMI >27. The six-month case-fatality and atherothrombotic events rates were 1.6% and 3.6%, respectively. In patients with ABI <0.9 and ABI <0.8, the six-month case-fatality rates were 2.5% (p = 0.27) and 5.4% (p = 0.03), respectively. In a Cox proportional-hazards model, baseline factors associated with death were age ≥65, ABI <0.8, and ACS. Subclinical PAD is more common than symptomatic claudication in high-risk coronary outpatients. Low ABI is associated with reduced short-term survival in patients with recent ACS or at high coronary risk.

Commentary: Temporarily omitting oral anticoagulants early after stenting for acute coronary syndromes patients with atrial fibrillation

The joint occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) entails a three-dimensional – cardioembolic, coronary and hemorrhagic – risk. Triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT), i.e., oral anticoagulation (OAC) on top of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), has been the default strategy for such patients until recently. Due to the high hemorrhagic burden of TAT, several dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) regimens, i.e., OAC plus a single antiplatelet agent, have been proposed in randomized trials with the aim of improving safety without hampering efficacy. Current guidelines and consensus documents still leave here, however, OAC as an undisputed cornerstone. Such documents do not sufficiently distinguish between the ischemic risk due to ACS treated with stenting and the one due to AF, which may dissociate in some patients and definitely have a different time course. The possibility of postponing the introduction of OAC in such conditions, rather taking advantage of the use of newer P2Y12 inhibitors prasugrel and ticagrelor, is not currently sufficiently contemplated in contemporary documents. We here question the claimed lack of alternatives to the “anticoagulant always and immediately” approach in most such patients, propose some risk simulations, claim that skipping anticoagulation in the presence of modern DAPT for one month after an ACS in the context of a high bleeding risk and a high coronary risk is a valuable, currently unlisted option, and raise the need of a proper trial on this controversial issue.

Lipid Profile in Peruvian Athletes

The active movement of sport improves insulin sensitivity, regulates lipid and glucose metabolism, lowers blood pressure and reduces the incidence of metabolic syndrome [ Myers et al., 2019]. We seek to analyze the lipid profile in high performance athletes. The participants (both sexes) were 326 athletes of ~21.5 years from 11 disciplines of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) – Trujillo Subsidiary and 80 non‐athletes of ~22.2 years. To diagnose the lipid profile, biochemical blood tests were performed on the participants, complying with the pre‐analytical conditions determined. We found a low percentage of high total cholesterol in gymnastics disciplines (~5%) followed by taekwondo (~8.4%), instead the powerlifters show the highest incidence (~ 25%). Nevertheless, a lower percentage of high triglycerides occurs in powerlifting as in rugby (~ 8.4%), while athletics and gymnastics show the highest incidence (~23.5% and ~22.5% respectively). On the other hand, the lowest incidence of high coronary risk was found in taekwondo (~ 13.9%) and Basketball (~15.8%), however the highest percentages were presented by athletics (~23.5%) and gymnastics (~22.5%). When comparing general averages of athletes with non‐athletes; in the first group, the percentages of high cholesterol, triglyceride and coronary risk values were 12.8%, 14.55% and 18.7% respectively, unlike the second group, in the same assessments that were 22.5%, 35% and 32.5% respectively. Among the factors that could have a negative effect on lipid parameters, it would be in consumption of androgenic anabolic steroids, suggesting that users are prone to increased coronary risk [ Mirza and Ahmed., 2014]. However, sports practice is related to normal ranges of lipid profile, even in master athletes [ Bando et al., 2015]. Finally, we consider that those who practice sports are less likely to suffer from dyslipidemias, and therefore develop protection against cardiovascular diseases.Support or Funding InformationAntenor Orrego Private University Percentage Distribution of Elevated Lipid Profile Values in Peruvian Athletes SPORT SEX NUMBER AGE % LIPID PROFILE IN PERUVIAN ATHLETES Total Cholesterol Lipoproteins Triglycerides Coronary risk HDL LDL XTDL Karate F 17 18.3 100 11.8 18.0 11.8 5.9 23.5 29.0 M 17 23.4 100 11.8 18.0 00.0 11.8 11.8 11.8 Average 34 20.9 100 11.8 18 5.9 8.9 17.7 20.4 Volleybal F 18 23.9 100 16.7 27.8 11.1 11.1 16.7 16.7 M 18 22.5 100 11.1 27.8 11.1 00.0 22.2 22.2 Average 36 23.2 100 13.9 27.8 11.1 5.55 19.45 19.45 Soccer M 30 21.7 100 16.7 20.0 13.3 06.7 20.0 16.7 Average 30 21.7 100 16.7 20.0 13.3 06.7 20.0 16.7 Baseball M 32 19.1 100 12.5 21.9 15.6 09.4 15.6 21.9 Average 32 19.1 100 12.5 21.9 15.6 09.4 15.6 21.9 Taekwondo F 18 22.7 100 11.1 27.8 22.2 16.6 16.7 11.1 M 18 20.5 100 05.6 22.2 22.2 11.1 11.1 16.7 Average 36 21.6 100 8.4 25 22.2 13.9 13.9 13.9 Athletics F 17 20.3 100 11.8 23.5 23.5 11.8 23.5 23.5 M 17 19.9 100 11.8 29.4 23.5 05.9 23.5 23.5 Average 34 20.1 100 11.8 26.5 23.5 8.9 23.5 23.5 Coronary risk=Total colesterol:HDL ratio, F=female, M=male Percentage Distribution of Elevated Lipid Profile Values in Peruvian Athletes SPORT SEX NUMBER AGE % LIPID PROFILE IN PERUVIAN ATHLETES Total Cholesterol Lipoproteins Triglycerides Coronary risk HDL LDL VLDL Basketball F 19 23.8 100 15.8 26.3 26.3 15.8 21.0 21.0 M 19 25.0 100 05.3 31.6 15.8 10.5 10.5 10.5 Average 38 24.4 100 10.6 29 21.1 13.2 15.8 15.8 Gymnastics F 20 21.5 100 00.0 25.0 15.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 M 20 23.8 100 10.0 30.0 30.0 10.0 15.0 15.0 Average 40 22.7 100 05 27.5 22.5 10 22.5 22.5 Swimming F 11 15.4 100 09.1 18.2 09.1 09.1 09.1 18.2 M 11 19.7 100 09.1 36.4 18.2 09.1 09.1 18.2 Average 22 17.6 100 9.1 27.3 13.7 9.1 9.1 18.2 Rugby F 06 22.9 100 16.7 00.0 00.0 00.0 00.0 16.7 M 06 21.7 100 16.7 00.0 00.0 00.0 16.7 16.7 Average 12 22.3 100 16.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.4 16.7 Powerlifting F 06 20.9 100 33.3 33.3 16.7 00.0 00.0 16.7 M 06 23.6 100 16.7 16.7 00.0 00.0 16.7 16.7 Average 12 22.3 100 25 25 8.4 0.0 8.4 16.7 Female average 133 21.1 100 14 22.2 15.1 8.9 13.4 18.1 Male average 194 21.9 100 11.6 23.1 13.6 6.8 15.7 17.3 General average 326 21.45 100 12.8 22.65 14.35 7.85 14.55 18.7 Non‐Athletes F 40 21.6 100 25.0 05 10.0 05 30.0 35.0 M 40 22.7 100 20.0 05 15.0 05 40.0 30.0 Average 80 22.15 100 22.5 05 12.5 05 35 32.5

Dyslipidemia and its associated factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor known to be associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study determined the frequency of lipid abnormalities among type 2 diabetes patients. A cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling method was conducted among 125 diabetes patients admitted or attending Ho Teaching Hospital in Ho between February 2019 and March 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics and health status of participants. Blood samples were taken from participants after 9–12 h of overnight fasting, and their serum lipid profiles were estimated. The frequency of high total cholesterol (TC), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high triglycerides (TG), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high coronary risk ratio (CR) were 42%, 16%, 3%, 33%, and 78% respectively. The majority of the study participants had low risk atherogenicity, but the frequency of intermediate and high risk atherogenicity was 36% and 22% respectively. Also, most of the study participants were obese. Participants with secondary educational level had the highest frequency of dyslipidemia, while those with no educational background had the least. Dyslipidemia was very pronounced in the participants with elevated TC, TG, LDL-C, and low HDL-C supporting previous assertion that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus are prone to the development of lipid abnormalities.