Increase In Cardiovascular Deaths Research Articles

Geospatial analysis of cardiovascular mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru: analysis of the national death registry to support emergency management in Peru.

COVID-19 has led to significant global mortality, with Peru being among the countries most affected. While pre-existing comorbidities have been linked to most cases, the exact distribution of fatalities within the country remains unclear. We aimed to assess deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic across various regions and provinces in Peru. An observational georeferencing study was designed. Peru faced four waves of COVID-19 over three years, with variable impacts across its three regions (Coast, Highlands, and Jungle). Deaths related to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure (HF), arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), strokes, and acute coronary syndrome, were examined as primary variables. The study period spanned pre-pandemic years (2017-2019) and pandemic years (2020-2021), utilizing death data from the National Death Information System (SINADEF). The georeferencing analysis was conducted using ArcGIS v10.3. A total of 28,197 deaths were recorded during the study period, with significant increases during the pandemic (2020-2021). Cardiovascular deaths were disproportionately higher during the pandemic, totaling 19,376 compared to 8,821 in the pre-pandemic period (p < 0.001). AMI and HF were the leading causes of mortality, showing significant increases from the pre-pandemic (5,573 and 2,584 deaths) to the pandemic period (12,579 and 5,628 deaths), respectively. Deaths due to CVD predominantly affected individuals aged over 60, with significant increases between the two study periods (7,245 vs. 16,497 deaths, p = 0.002). Geospatial analysis revealed regional disparities in CVD mortality, highlighting provinces like Lima and Callao as COVID-19 critical areas. The substantial increase in cardiovascular deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru showed distinctive patterns across regions and provinces. Geospatial analysis identified higher-risk areas and can guide specific interventions to mitigate the impact of future health crises. Understanding the dynamic relationship between pandemics and cardiovascular health is crucial for effective public health strategies.

The impact of urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and glomerular filtration rate on long-term mortality in patients with heart failure: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018

Background and aimsThe urinary albumin‒creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are important markers of renal dysfunction, but few studies have simultaneously examined their impact on long-term mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods and resultsThis study included patients with HF from the National Health and Nutrition Survey from 1999 to 2018. The fully adjusted Cox proportional risk model was adopted, and propensity score matching (PSM) was also used for risk adjustment. Among 988 patients, a median follow-up of 7.75 years was recorded. A higher UACR corresponded to a higher risk of cardiovascular death (P < 0.001 for trend). No statistically significant difference was found in the trend of eGFR risk stratification on the risk of cardiovascular death (P = 0.09 for trend). After PSM, the results showed that when grouped by UACR, the high-risk group had a higher risk of cardiovascular death regardless of a cutoff value of 30 or 300 mg/g (all P < 0.05). When grouped by eGFR, regardless of a cutoff value of 45 or 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, compared to the low-risk group, the high-risk group did not have a statistically significant increase in cardiovascular death (P = 0.086 and P = 0.093, respectively). The subgroup analysis of the main outcome showed an interaction between the UACR and eGFR (P = 0.044). ConclusionsBoth the UACR and eGFR are markers for predicting the progression of HF, but the UACR may be a more important indicator than the eGFR, and they synergistically and complementarily reflect the long-term cardiovascular risk of HF patients.

A comprehensive analysis of cardiovascular mortality trends in Peru from 2017 to 2022: Insights from 183,386 deaths of the national death registry

Background/objectivesCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of global mortality. Systematic studies on cardiovascular-related mortality at national and subnational levels in Peru are lacking. We aimed to describe the trends in cardiovascular-related mortality between 2017 and 2022 in Peru at national and subnational levels and by socioeconomic indicators. Subjects/methodsWe used data from the Peruvian death registry 2017–2022. Using ICD-10 codes, mortality was categorized into: hypertensive-, coronary-, and cerebrovascular- related deaths. We estimated age-standardized cardiovascular-related mortality rates by sex at national and regional levels, and by natural regions (Coast, Highlands, Amazon). We estimated the change in mortality rates between 2017–2019 and 2020–2022 and explored factors that contributed to such a change. We explored ecological relationships between mortality rates and socioeconomic indicators. FindingsOverall 183,386 cardiovascular-related deaths were identified. Coronary-related deaths (37.2 %) were followed by hypertensive-related (25.1 %) and cerebrovascular-related deaths (22.6 %). Peru showed a marked increasing trend in cardiovascular-related mortality in 2020–2022 (77.8 %). The increase clustered in the Coast and Highlands, with the highest change observed in Lima (132.1 %). Mortality was highest in subjects with lower education and subjects with public health insurance. Gini coefficient was associated with lower mortality rates while unemployment was associated with higher mortality rates. InterpretationThere was a notable rise in cardiovascular-related mortality in Peru, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic with a slight decrease in 2022. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the increase in cardiovascular deaths in Peru will facilitate the development of precise interventions at both the national and regional levels.

Prediction of cardiovascular death and non-fatal cardiovascular events by the Kidney age–Chronological age Difference (KCD) score in men and women of different ages in a community-based cohort

ObjectiveWe examined the utility of the Kidney age–Chronological age Difference (KCD) score, an age-adapted measure of kidney function, to identify increased cardiovascular (CV) death or non-fatal CV event risk in...

Timing of Complete Revascularization in Patients with STEMI and Multivessel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

About half of patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) have multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). Our aim was to provide a quantitative comparison of single-stage complete revascularization during the index revascularization versus deferred staged complete revascularization in STEMI patients with MVD. All studies evaluating patients with STEMI and MVD were included. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular death, acute kidney injury and trial defined major bleeding. Eight studies and 2256 patients with STEMI and MVD were included. No difference was evident in the rate of the primary composite endpoint among the study group (Risk Ratio 0.95; 95% CI 0.71-1.27, p = 0.74), while meta-regression showed a significant interaction with drug eluting stent (DES) use (Coefficient -0.005; 95% CI -0.01 to -0.001; p = 0.007). Higher rates of cardiovascular (CV) death were found in the immediate complete revascularization group (5.0% vs 2.6%; Risk Ratio 0.39; 95% CI 0.25-0.62; p 0.01). Our analysis documented similar clinical outcomes with either single-stage immediate complete revascularization and delayed staged complete revascularization. Secondary analyses suggest that an increase in cardiovascular death might be expected with single-stage percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While new randomized trials on the topic are ongoing, revascularization can be personalized and guided by the acute clinical setting, patients'-related factors and workflow logistics.

Noninvasive Physiologic Assessment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Is Prognostic for Post-Transplant Events

BackgroundCardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) causes impaired blood flow in both epicardial coronary arteries and the microvasculature. A leading cause of post-transplant mortality, CAV affects 50% of heart transplant recipients within 10 years of heart transplant. ObjectivesThis analysis examined the outcomes of heart transplant recipients with reduced myocardial blood flow reserve (MBFR) and microvascular CAV detected by 13N-ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging. MethodsA total of 181 heart transplant recipients who underwent PET to assess for CAV were included with a median follow-up of 4.7 years. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to the total MBFR: >2.0 and ≤2.0. Microvascular CAV was defined as no epicardial CAV detected by PET and/or coronary angiography, but with an MBFR ≤2.0 by PET. ResultsIn total, 71 (39%) patients had an MBFR ≤2.0. Patients with an MBFR ≤2.0 experienced an increased risk for all outcomes: 7-fold increase in death or retransplantation (HR: 7.05; 95% CI: 3.2-15.6; P < 0.0001), 12-fold increase in cardiovascular death (HR: 12.0; 95% CI: 2.64-54.12; P = 0.001), and 10-fold increase in cardiovascular hospitalization (HR: 10.1; 95% CI: 3.43-29.9; P < 0.0001). The 5-year mean survival was 302 days less than those with an MBFR >2.0 (95% CI: 260.2-345.4 days; P < 0.0001). Microvascular CAV (adjusted HR: 3.86; 95% CI: 1.58-9.40; P = 0.003) was independently associated with an increased risk of death or retransplantation. ConclusionsAbnormal myocardial blood flow reserve, even in the absence of epicardial CAV, identifies patients at a high risk of death or retransplantation. Measures of myocardial blood flow provide prognostic information in addition to traditional CAV assessment.

Cumulative Systolic Blood Pressure Load and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Diabetes

BackgroundStandard measures of blood pressure (BP) do not account for both the magnitude and duration of exposure to elevated BP over time. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the association between cumulative systolic blood pressure (SBP) load and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. MethodsA post hoc analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes followed by the ADVANCE-ON (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation - Observational Study). Cumulative SBP load was defined as the area under curve for SBP values ≥130 mm Hg divided by the area under curve for all measured SBP values over a 24-month exposure period. HRs for the association between cumulative SBP load with major cardiovascular events and death were estimated using Cox models. ResultsOver a median 7.6 years of follow-up, 1,469 major cardiovascular events, 1,615 deaths, and 660 cardiovascular deaths were observed in 9,338 participants. Each 1-SD increase in cumulative SBP load was associated with a 14% increase in major cardiovascular events (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.09-1.20), 13% increase in all-cause mortality (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.13-1.18), and 21% increase in cardiovascular death (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13-1.29). For the prediction of cardiovascular events and death, cumulative SBP load outperformed mean SBP, time-below-target SBP, and visit-to-visit SBP variability in terms of Akaike information criterion and net reclassification indexes. ConclusionsCumulative SBP load may provide better prediction of major cardiovascular events compared with traditional BP measures among patients with type 2 diabetes. These findings reinforce the importance of both the magnitude and duration of exposure to elevated SBP in assessing cardiovascular risk. (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease Preterax and Diamicron MR Controlled Evaluation Post Trial Observational Study [ADVANCE-ON]; NCT00949286)

Lung transplantation long-term survival is worse in patients who have undergone previous cardiac surgery.

Approximately 10% of lung transplant recipients have had previous cardiothoracic surgery. We sought to determine if previous surgery affects outcomes after lung transplant at a national level. The United Network for Organ Sharing database was analysed from 2005 to 2019 to include adult patients who underwent lung transplant who had previous cardiac surgery and previous thoracic surgery. T-test and chi-squared analysis were used to compare perioperative outcomes. Long-term survival comparison was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method in an unadjusted and propensity-matched analysis. Out of 24784 lung transplants, 691 (2.7%) had previous cardiac surgery and 1321 (6.5%) had previous thoracic surgery. Operative mortality was worse in previous cardiac surgery [42 (6.1%)] versus no previous cardiac surgery [740 (3.1%), P < 0.001] and in previous thoracic surgery [65 (4.9%)] versus no previous thoracic surgery [717 (3.1%), P < 0.001]. The previous thoracic surgery group had more primary graft failure and treated rejection during the first-year post-transplant. There was no difference in stroke, dialysis, intubation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation at 72 h. Long-term survival was significantly worse for lung transplant patients who had undergone previous cardiac surgery (median 3.8 vs 6.3 years, P < 0.001) due to an increase in cardiovascular deaths (P = 0.008) and malignancy (P = 0.043). However, there was no difference in previous thoracic surgery (median 6.6 vs 6.1 years, P = 0.337). Previous cardiac surgery prior to lung transplant results in worse survival related to cardiovascular death and malignancies. Previous thoracic surgery worsens perioperative outcomes but does not affect long-term survival.

Investigating Trend in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality and Its Association with Obesity in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) Countries from 1990 to 2019

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke. Over three quarters of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries. We have studied the pattern of mortality due to cardiovascular in the six countries of the Arabian Gulf and its association with obesity over the 29 years 1990 to 2019. Methods: We used the linear mixed effect models to investigate the pattern of CVD mortality over the year 1990 to 2019, together with the pattern of change in one of the most important risk factors that is obesity, and its association with CVD mortality over the same period. Conclusions: Although there were fluctuations in the pattern of mortality and the prevalence of obesity over the specified period, there has been a steady decline in the per-100,000 number of deaths and the prevalence of obesity. However, there was a strong association between the two variables. From the fitted models we estimated that a one percent increase in obesity is associated with an average increase in cardiovascular deaths of 2.7 deaths per 100,000.

Impact of socioeconomic position on coronary artery disease burden in men and women with de-novo symptoms suggestive of chronic coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Low socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with shorter life expectancy and one of the main drivers is an increase in cardiovascular deaths. A higher prevalence of risk factors only partly explains the complex multifactorial pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SEP and the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed as calcium score (CACS) at coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as well as stenosis at downstream invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in a population presenting with symptoms suggestive of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). A secondary aim was to establish whether SEP affects men and women differently. Methods We included 50,561 patients (Mean age 57.35±11.50, 53.7% women) from the Western Denmark Heart Registry (WDHR) with no previous CAD undergoing CCTA from 2008–2019 for suspected CCS. ICA was conducted in patients where obstructive CAD was not excluded at CCTA. Outcome measures was level of CACS and haemodynamically significant stenosis at ICA defined as either fractional flow reserve &amp;lt;0.80 or visually assed diameter stenosis of ≥50% stenosis. Odds Ratio of haemodynamically significant stenosis at ICA was calculated using multiple logistic regression and models adjusted for risk factors (smoking, medical treatment for hypertension, medical treatment for high cholesterol, diabetes and family history of CAD). Information on SEP was obtained from national registries. We included mean individual income at age 30–60 or until CCTA (quintiles); and length of education (&amp;lt;10 years, 10–13 years or &amp;gt;13 years). Information on risk factors was obtained from the WDHR registry. Results Mean number of risk factors are presented in each educational group in Figure 1. Median CACS for women with &amp;lt;10 years of education is 2 [0–82] vs. 0 [0–15] for women with &amp;gt;13 years of education (p&amp;lt;0.001). For men &amp;lt;10 years of education median CACS is 10 [0–143] vs. 8 [0–118] for men with &amp;gt;13 years of education (p=0.05) (Figure 1). Mean number of risk factors are presented at each level of income in Figure 2. For women with low income median CACS was 6 [0–103] vs. 0 [0–3] for women with high income (p&amp;lt;0.001). For men with low income median CACS is 8 [0–144] vs. 5 [0–105] for men with high income (p=0.002) (Figure 2). The odds ratio (OR) of a stenosis at downstream ICA was 1.47 (p=0.004) for women with &amp;lt;10 years of education vs. &amp;gt;13 years of education and 1.17 for men (p=0.122). OR of stenosis at ICA was 2.40 (p&amp;lt;0.001) for women with low income (1 quintile) using high income (5 quintile) as reference and 1.12 for men (p=0.321). Conclusion In de-Novo patients referred for CAD rule-out both coronary calcium score and the prevalence of stenosis at ICA is strongly correlated to low income and short education. The correlation seems to be stronger in women compared to men and calls for further research into the mechanism behind low SEP and atherosclerosis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Hospital Unit West Jutland Research foundation Figure 2

Abstract 17477: Delay in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Presentation During the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has been associated with a reduction in STEMI volume in cardiac catheterization centers around the United States; yet a paradoxical increase in cardiovascular death within the same time period. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that reduction in STEMI volume during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been secondary to patient reluctance to present to the hospital. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who presented to the emergency department from March 1st-April 19th, 2020 and March 1st-April 19th, 2019 across Northwell Health. Data on clinical comorbidities, time from symptoms onset, and patient outcomes was abstracted through manual chart review. The primary outcome of our study was time from onset of chest pain to presentation to the emergency room. Patients with COVID-19 were excluded from analysis. Variables were compared using the Chi-square test for categorical variables and the student-t for continuous variables. Results: In total 197 patients met our inclusion criteria, with 135 (69%) admitted in 2019 as compared to 62 (31%) presenting during the same time period in during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no significant differences in the age of our patients and in comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients who presented for STEMI during the COVID-19 waited significantly longer from time of onset of symptoms as compared to patients in 2019, (13.5 hours vs. 6.5 hours, p = .05). Patients who presented for STEMI in 2020 were more likely to die during hospitalization, but this did not reach statistical significance (9.7% vs 6.7%, p = .45). Conclusions: Reduction in STEMI volume during the COVID-19 pandemic may be related to patient reluctance to present to the hospital. Efforts to reduce the stigma of hospitalizations during the pandemic is important.

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION AS A COMPLICATION OF CARFILZOMIB THERAPY

SESSION TITLE: Monday Medical Student/Resident Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: 10/21/2019 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM INTRODUCTION: Carfilzomib is a second generation proteasome inhibitor approved for use in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Pooled safety data from Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials showed 3.8-6.4% incidence of cardiac failure (monotherapy and combination therapy respectively). Review of the ASPIRE trial reveals that 3.8% had cardiac toxicity vs 1.8% in the control group, but there was no increase in cardiovascular death. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis showed overall 8.6% rate of cardiotoxicity in patients treated with carfilzomib which is significantly greater than other proteasome inhibitors. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 53-year-old male with past medical history of hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and refractory multiple myeloma which was first diagnosed in May 2017. He presented to clinic for routine visit and was noted to have hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury; he was sent for hospital admission. During the admission interview he reported that he had been feeling rather poorly since initiation of his current chemotherapy regimen with progressive chest tightness and severe dyspnea on exertion along with orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and peripheral edema. His pre-treatment echocardiogram had been normal. After admission, he had an echocardiogram which showed normal LVEF, dilated RV with severely reduced systolic function, PASP >55mmHg. A VQ scan was negative. A right heart catheterization showed PA pressure 61/34, wedge 23, pulmonary vascular resistance 480dyn-sec/cm5. DISCUSSION: This patient presented with right heart failure and pulmonary hypertension shortly after starting chemotherapy including carfilzomib. Though cardiac toxicity of carfilzomib is well described, early reports primarily consisted of left heart failure. Basic science literature dating back to 2006 showed that proteasome inhibition could modulate eNOS function; more recent literature suggests that carfilzomib specifically increased resting vasogenic tone in arterial samples. His response to standard treatment for Group I pulmonary hypertension also supports the mechanism being related to endothelial dysfunction. There is no way to prove that carfilzomib was the culprit agent; however, the timeline is highly suggestive and increasing literature confirms significant cardiotoxicity of carfilzomib. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data above, the patient’s cardiac illness was consistent with mixed presentation of chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with superimposed acute pulmonary hypertension. In addition to diuresis, he was started on tadalafil which was well tolerated. These therapies increased exercise tolerance, resolved volume overload and reduced NT pro BNP levels. Reference #1: Shah, C, et al. (2018). Cardiotoxicity associated with carflizomib: Systematic review and meta analysis . Leukemia and Lymphoma, 10. Reference #2: Wei, Q., & Xia, Y. (2006). Proteasome inhibition down-regulates endothelial nitric-oxide synthase phosphorylation and function. Journal of Biological Chemistry , 281(31), 21652–21659. Reference #3: Perel G, Bliss J, Thomas CM. 2016. Carfilzomib (Kyprolis): A Novel Proteasome Inhibitor for Relapsed And/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma.Pharmacy and Therapeutics 41:303–307. DISCLOSURES: no disclosure on file for MaryEllen Antkowiak; No relevant relationships by Julia Powelson, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Hibba tul Rehman, source=Web Response

General Population vs. Patient Preferences in Anticoagulant Therapy: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

Preference weights derived from general population samples are often used for therapeutic decision making. In contrast, patients with cardiovascular disease may have different preferences concerning the benefits and risks of anticoagulant therapy. Using a discrete choice experiment, we compared preferences for anticoagulant treatment outcomes between the general population and patients with cardiovascular disease. A sample of the general US population and a sample of patients with cardiovascular disease were selected from online panels. We used a discrete choice experiment questionnaire to elicit preferences in both populations concerning treatment benefits and risks. Seven attributes described hypothetical treatments: non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, minor bleeding, major bleeding, fatal bleeding, and the need for monitoring. We measured preference weights and maximum acceptable risks in both populations. A total of 352 individuals from the general population and 341 patients completed the questionnaire. After propensity score matching, 284 from each group were included in the analysis. On average, the general population members valued a 1% increased risk of fatal bleeding as being the same as a 4.2% increase in a non-fatal myocardial infarction, a 2.8% increase in cardiovascular death, or a 14.1% increase in minor bleeding. Patients, in contrast, perceived a 1% increased risk of fatal bleeding as being the same as a 2.0% increase in a non-fatal myocardial infarction, a 3.2% increase in cardiovascular death, and a 16.7% increase in minor bleeding. The general population and patients with cardiovascular disease had slightly different preferences for treatment outcomes. The differences can potentially influence estimated benefits and risks and patient-centered treatment decisions.

Perspective: interesterified triglycerides, the recent increase in deaths from heart disease, and elevated blood viscosity.

The authors hypothesize that consumption of interesterified fats may be the cause of the continuous increase in cardiovascular deaths in the United States which began in 2011. Interesterification is a method of producing solid fats from vegetable oil and began to supplant partial hydrogenation for this purpose upon recognition of the danger of trans fats to cardiovascular health. Long, straight carbon chains, as are present in saturated and trans fatty acids, decrease the fluidity of the erythrocyte cell membrane, which decreases erythrocyte deformability and increases blood viscosity. This decrease in cell membrane fluidity is caused by increased van der Waals interactions, which also solidify dietary fats. Elevated blood viscosity is favored as the pathogenic mechanism by which trans fats increase cardiovascular mortality because changes in lipoprotein levels do not account for all the mortality attributable to their consumption. The rapid changes in cardiovascular mortality noted with the introduction and withdrawal of trans fats from the food supply are reviewed. The evidence implicating elevated blood viscosity in cardiovascular disease is also reviewed. Data regarding the production and consumption of interesterified fats in the US should be released in order to determine if there is an association with the observed increase in cardiovascular deaths.

Marital Status and Outcomes in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease.

BackgroundBeing unmarried is associated with decreased survival in the general population. Whether married, divorced, separated, widowed, or never‐married status affects outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease has not been well characterized.Methods and ResultsA prospective cohort (inception period 2003–2015) of 6051 patients (mean age 63 years, 64% male, 23% black) undergoing cardiac catheterization for suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease was followed for a median of 3.7 years (interquartile range: 1.7–6.7 years). Marital status was stratified as married (n=4088) versus unmarried (n=1963), which included those who were never married (n=451), divorced or separated (n=842), or widowed (n=670). The relationship between marital status and primary outcome of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction was examined using Cox regression models adjusted for clinical characteristics. There were 1085 (18%) deaths from all causes, 688 (11%) cardiovascular‐related deaths, and 272 (4.5%) incident myocardial infarction events. Compared with married participants, being unmarried was associated with higher risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.47), cardiovascular death (HR: 1.45; 95% CI, 1.18–1.78), and cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (HR: 1.52; 95% CI, 1.27–1.83). Compared with married participants, the increase in cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction was similar for the participants who were divorced or separated (HR: 1.41; 95% CI, 1.10–1.81), widowed (HR: 1.71; 95% CI, 1.32–2.20), or never married (HR: 1.40; 95% CI, 0.97–2.03). The findings persisted after adjustment for medications and other socioeconomic factors.ConclusionsMarital status is independently associated with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with or at high risk of cardiovascular disease, with higher mortality in the unmarried population. The mechanisms responsible for this increased risk require further study.

Predictors of 1-Year Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With and Without Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent predictor of mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to identify predictors of 1-year mortality in patients after TAVI stratified by the presence or absence of advanced CKD (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤30 ml/min/1.73 m2 or permanent renal replacement therapy). Patients (n = 1204) from 10 centers in Europe, Japan, and Israel were included: 464 with and 740 without advanced CKD. Advanced CKD was associated with a 2-fold increase in the adjusted risk of 1-year all-cause death (p <0.001), and a 1.9-fold increase in cardiovascular death (p = 0.016). Interaction-term analysis was used to identify and compare independent predictors of 1-year mortality in both groups. Impaired left ventricular ejection fraction and poor functional class were predictive of death in the advanced CKD group (odds ratio [OR] 2.27, p = 0.002 and OR 3.87, p = 0.003, respectively) but not in patients without advanced CKD (p for interaction = 0.035 and 0.039, respectively), whereas bleeding was a predictor of mortality in the nonadvanced CKD group (OR 3.2, p = 0.005) but not in advanced CKD (p for interaction = 0.006). Atrial fibrillation was associated with a 2.2-fold increase (p = 0.032) in the risk of cardiovascular death in the advanced CKD group but not in the absence of advanced CKD (p for interaction = 0.022). In conclusion, the coexistence of advanced CKD and either reduced left ventricular ejection fraction or poor functional class has an incremental effect on the risk of death after TAVI. In contrast, bleeding had a greater effect on risk of death in patients without advanced CKD.

Outcome of Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy According to New York Heart Association Functional Classification

We aimed to assess if the outcome of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) without cardiac resynchronization therapy is dependent on New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Among the participants of Défibrillateur Automatique Implantable-Prévention Primaire (DAI-PP; NCT01992458) multicenter cohort study, 155patients in NYHA class I, 504 in NYHA class II, and 188 in NYHA class III had a QRSwidth <120ms and were implanted with an ICD without cardiac resynchronization therapy and, thus, were eligible for the purpose of this analysis. Total and specific mortalities and the incidence of appropriate therapies were assessed for every NYHA. During 2,606 patient-years (3.1 ± 2.1years), 104 (12.3%) subjects died and 188 (22.2%) experienced appropriate therapies. After adjustment, overall mortality increased with NYHA class (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11 to 2.41, p= 0.014), driven by an increase in cardiovascular death. Conversely, incidence of appropriate ICDintervention was comparable among the 3 NYHA groups (NYHA class I 7.43, NYHA class II 7.91, and NYHA class III 12.10 per 100 patient-years; HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.59, p= 0.231). Incidence of ICD-unresponsive sudden death was very low and also comparable (NYHA class I 0.22, NYHA class II 0.36, and NYHA class III 0.83 per 100 patient-years (HR 6.34, 95% CI 0.32 to 124.49, p= 0.224). No significant differences were observed in the other specific modes of death. In conclusion, although patients in NYHA class III have higher overall mortality, they experience a comparable incidence of appropriate ICD therapies. The low incidence of ICD-unresponsive sudden death in all assessed NYHA classes also supports the efficacy of ICDs, irrespective of NYHA class.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Blood Pressure in Indians: Systematic Review.

Introduction. High blood pressure (BP) is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which accounts for one in every eight deaths worldwide. It has been predicted that, by 2020, there would be 111% increase in cardiovascular deaths in India. Aerobic exercise in the form of brisk walking, jogging, running, and cycling would result in reduction in BP. Many meta-analytical studies from western world confirm this. However, there is no such review from Indian subcontinent. Objective. Our objective is to systematically review and report the articles from India in aerobic exercise on blood pressure. Methodology. Study was done in March 2016 in Google Scholar using search terms “Aerobic exercise” AND “Training” AND “Blood pressure” AND “India.” This search produced 3210 titles. Results. 24 articles were identified for this review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Total of 1107 subjects participated with median of 25 subjects. Studies vary in duration from +3 weeks to 12 months with each session lasting 15–60 minutes and frequency varies from 3 to 8 times/week. The results suggest that there was mean reduction of −05.00 mmHg in SBP and −03.09 mmHg in DBP after aerobic training. Conclusion. Aerobic training reduces the blood pressure in Indians.

Expert position paper on air pollution and cardiovascular disease.

Air pollution has wide-ranging and deleterious effects on human health and is a major issue for the global community. The Global Burden of Disease study has described the worldwide impact of air pollution with as many as 3.1 million of 52.8 million all-cause and all-age deaths being attributable to ambient air pollution in the year 2010.1 Moreover, ambient air pollution ranked ninth among the modifiable disease risk factors, being listed above other commonly recognized factors, such as low physical activity, a high-sodium diet, high cholesterol, and drug use. Finally, air pollution accounts for 3.1% of global disability-adjusted life years, an index that measures the time spent in states of reduced health.1 Although it is intuitive that air pollution is an important stimulus for the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer, there is generally less public awareness of its substantial impact on cardiovascular disease. Historically, the 1952 Great Smog of London led to an increase in cardiovascular death as well as deaths due to respiratory disease. Subsequent studies in the 1990s, such as the Harvard Six Cities2 and American Cancer Society cohort studies,2,3 established an enduring positive association between long-term exposure to air pollution and total and cardiovascular mortality, mainly due to coronary artery disease.4 In Europe, the first study that supported this association between long-term exposure and mortality was the Netherlands Cohort Study on Diet and Cancer.5 Associations with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are also seen with short-term (e.g. day-to-day fluctuations) pollutant exposures of residents in large urban areas worldwide, including the United States of America6 …

Patients' preferences in anticoagulant therapy: discrete choice experiment.

With proliferating treatment options for anticoagulant therapy, physicians and patients must choose among them based on their benefits and risks. Using a Discrete Choice Experiment, we elicited patients' relative preferences for specific benefits and risks of anticoagulant therapy. We selected a sample of US patients with cardiovascular disease from an online panel and elicited their preferences for benefits and risks of anticoagulant therapy: nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, minor bleeding, major bleeding, bleeding death, and need for monitoring. These attributes were used to design scenarios describing hypothetical treatments that were labeled as new drug, old drug, or no drug. Latent class analysis was used to identify groups of patients with similar preferences. A total of 341 patients completed all Discrete Choice Experiment questions. On average, patients valued a 1% increased risk of a fatal bleeding event the same as a 2% increase in nonfatal myocardial infarction, a 3% increase in nonfatal stroke, a 3% increase in cardiovascular death, a 6% increase in major bleeding, and a 16% increase in minor bleeding. The odds of choosing no drug or old drug versus new drug were 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.84) and 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.93), respectively. Previous stroke or myocardial infarction was associated with membership in the class with larger negative preferences for these outcomes. Patients' preferences for various outcomes of anticoagulant therapy vary and depend on their previous experiences with myocardial infarction or stroke. Incorporating these preferences into benefit risk calculation and treatment decisions can enhance patient-centered care.