Independent Predictor Of Cardiovascular Events Research Articles

Prevalence and correlates of vascular plaques and high intima thickness in a group of patients with high cardiovascular risk in Cameroon.

Introductioncarotid and femoral intima-media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic plaques are considered as markers of generalized atherosclerosis and as independent predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates between carotid and femoral intima-media thickness and plaques in patients with major cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs).Methodswe carried out a cross-sectional study at the Yaoundé Central Hospital between December 2017 and May 2018. B-mode ultrasound was used to assess for the presence of plaques and also measure the IMT at the carotid and femoral arteries in patients with CVRFs. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between ultrasound findings (presence of plaques or IMT > 0.9mm) and cardiovascular risk factors. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.Resultsamongst the 71 patients, 43.7% were male and 56.3% were female. The mean age was 61.6 ± 8.4 years and ranged from 40 to 75 years. Thirty-nine (54.9%) participants had carotid atherosclerotic plaques and 33 (46.5%) participants had femoral artery plaques. The plaque burden was higher in the carotid arteries. Plaques at one or more artery sites were seen in 67.6% of participants. An IMT ≥ 0.9 mm was seen in only 1.4 to 2.8% of participants. In the multivariable analysis using binary logistic regression, age > 50 years (males) or 60 years (females) (aOR: 11.3 [95% CI: 2.2 - 56.8], p=0.002) and presence of dyslipidemia (aOR: 3.6 [95% CI: 1.2 - 11], p=0.043) were associated with carotid artery plaques, while presence of dyslipidemia (aOR: 4.8 [95% CI1.8 - 13.3], p=0.004) and high cardiovascular risk profile (10-year risk> 20%) (aOR: 4.2 [95% CI: 1.2 - 13.2], p=0.0495) were associated with femoral artery plaques.Conclusionplaques were more frequent than an IMT > 0.9 mm, with a higher plaque burden in the carotid arteries. Plaques were associated with advanced age, dyslipidemia, and a high cardiovascular risk profile.

Vasostatin-1 as a potential novel circulating biomarker in patients with chronic systolic heart failure: A pilot study

Background and aimsPrevious studies have shown that circulating chromogranin A (CgA) increases in patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF). Aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential role of circulating vasostatin-1 (VS-1), a cardioregulatory fragment of CgA, as prognostic marker in patients with chronic HF. Materials and methodsThe plasma levels of CgA and VS-1 were determined in 80 patients with chronic systolic HF. Patients were followed-up to evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular (CV) events. ResultsCgA and VS-1 plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with CV events at follow-up. VS-1, but not CgA, was associated to NT-proBNP. No significant association of CgA and VS-1 with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was observed. CgA, NT-proBNP and age, but not VS-1, were independent predictors of CV events. ConclusionIn patients with chronic systolic HF those who experienced CV events had higher levels of VS-1 and CgA. Given its established effect on cardiac cells, the association of VS-1 levels with NT-proBNP levels but not with LVEF, suggests that this fragment might provide complementary information to NT-proBNP and CgA in HF patients.

Investigation on the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events Based on Multi-Scale Time Irreversibility Analysis

Investigation of the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) plays an important part in the prevention and treatment of CVD. This study investigated whether alteration in the multi-scale time irreversibility of sleeping heart rate variability (HRV) was a risk factor for cardiovascular events. The D-value, based on analysis of multi-scale increments in HRV series, was used as the measurement of time irreversibility. Eighty-four subjects from an open-access database (i.e., the Sleep Heart Health Study) were included in this study. None of them had any CVD history at baseline; 42 subjects had cardiovascular events within 1 year after baseline polysomnography and were classed as the CVD group, and the other 42 subjects in the non-CVD group were age matched with those in the CVD group and had no cardiovascular events during the 15-year follow-up period. We compared D-values of sleeping HRV between the CVD and non-CVD groups and found that the D-values of the CVD group were significantly lower than those of the non-CVD group on all 10 scales, even after adjusting for gender and body mass index. Moreover, we investigated the performance of a machine learning model to classify CVD and non-CVD subjects. The model, which was fed with a feature space based on the D-values on 10 scales and trained by a random forest algorithm, achieved an accuracy of 80.8% and a positive prediction rate of 86.7%. These results suggest that the decreased time irreversibility of sleeping HRV is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events that could be used to assist the intelligent prediction of cardiovascular events.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Skin Tissue Advanced Glycation End Products Are Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Risk of cardiovascular events is not homogeneous in subjects with type 2 diabetes; therefore, its early identification remains a challenge to be met. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the presence of diabetic retinopathy and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products in subcutaneous tissue can help identify patients at high risk of cardiovascular events. For this purpose, we conducted a prospective study (mean follow-up: 4.35 years) comprising 200 subjects with type 2 diabetes with no history of clinical cardiovascular disease and 60 non-diabetic controls matched by age and sex. The primary outcome was defined as the composite of myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, lower limb amputation or cardiovascular death. The Cox proportional hazard multiple regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of cardiovascular events. The patients with type 2 diabetes had significantly more cardiovascular events than the non-diabetic subjects. Apart from the classic factors such as age, sex and coronary artery calcium score, we observed that the diabetic retinopathy and advanced glycation end-products in subcutaneous tissue were independent predictors of cardiovascular events. We conclude that the diabetic retinopathy and advanced glycation end-products in subcutaneous tissue could be useful biomarkers for selecting type 2 diabetic patients in whom the screening for cardiovascular disease should be prioritized, thereby creating more personalized and cost-effective medicine.

636 Global cardiovascular assessment in patients with PH+ chronic myeloid leukaemia treated with TKI: long-term follow-up

Abstract Aims Patients affected by Philadelphia chromosome+ chronic myeloid leukaemia (Ph+CML) undergoing to therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are prone to develop cardiovascular complications, which have relevant prognostic implications. Speckle-tracking echocardiography, allowing strain and myocardial work analyses, can be useful in the early detection of cardiac toxicity. Aim of our study was to assess the cardiotoxic effects of TKIs. Methods We evaluated, at baseline and during FU, 20 patients affected by Ph+ CML (59.7 ± 12.2 years, 13 males), treated Imatinib (52.6%), Nilotinib (36.8%), Ponatinib (5.3%), Dasatinib (5.3%). We measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP-DBP) and calculated corrected QT interval (QTc). In addition, we analysed echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE), and peak left atrial longitudinal strain (PALS). Cardiovascular (CV) events that we considered were symptomatic or asymptomatic LV dysfunction, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and arrhythmias. Results Follow-up (FU) time was 3.4 ± 1 years. Most of patients (63.2%) had cardiovascular risk factors, including arterial hypertension (50%), type2 diabetes mellitus (15%), dyslipidaemia (40%) and cigarette smoking (15%). At the end of FU, SBP was unchanged (128.9 ± 19.6 mmHg vs. 129.1 ± 9.8 mmHg; P=NS) whereas DBP increased (69.4 ± 8.5 mmHg vs. 75 ± 7.7 mmHg; P = 0.004); moreover QTc was longer than baseline (404.4 ± 20.1 ms vs. 424.3 ± 29.8 ms; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and LVEF showed a significant decrease (62.2 ± 3.9% at baseline vs. 59.3 ± 4.8% at FU; P = 0.003); similarly, GCW (2444.1 ± 540mmHg% vs. 2234.7 ± 179.4 mmHg%; P = 0.034), GWI (2158.1 ± 589.6 mmHg% vs. 1923.1 ± 174.5 mmHg%; P = 0.022) and PALS (36.3 ± 17.1% vs. 32.8 ± 9.7%; P = 0.002) decreased during cancer therapy. On the other hand, GLS (−18.6 ± 3.1% vs. −19.4 ± 1.1%; P=NS), GWE (94.3 ± 4.1% vs. 93.6 ± 3.6%; P=NS) and GWW (120.6 ± 94.3 mmHg% vs. 106.3 ± 68.9 mmHg%; P=NS) did not change significantly. CV events were observed in 66.7% of the study population. These were mostly represented by ACS, atrial arrhythmias and symptomatic LV dysfunction (30.7% for each) and, to a lesser extent, PAD (7.6%). By comparing patients with events (group A) with those without events (group B) we found that differently from group B, group A showed during FU a significant increase of DBP (from 66 ± 5.2 mmHg to 71.2 ± 6.1 mmHg, P = 0.010; vs. group B= from 76 ± 12.mmHg to 78 ± 4.1 mmHg, P=NS) and a significant QTc prolongation (from 415.7 ± 16.1 ms to 441 ± 29.8 ms, P &amp;lt; 0.001; vs. group B= from 390.4 ± 19.3 ms to 405.6 ± 23.3 ms, P=NS); as to echocardiographic parameters, we found, in patients with CV events, a significant decrease of: LVEF (from 62.7 ± 4.7% to 58.8 ± 4.3%, P = 0.004; vs. group B from 61.4 ± 2.8% to 60 ± 1.7%, P=NS), GCW (from 2566.2 ± 669.6 mmHg% to 2230.1 ± 199.4 mmHg%, P = 0.021, vs. group B 2194 ± 167.5 mmHg% to 2212.6 ± 160mmHg%, P=NS) and PALS (from 36.1 ± 17% to 29.6 ± 6.6%, P = 0.022 vs. group B from 32.7 ± 8% to 35 ± 8.5%, P = 0.003). Of these parameters, only PALS was significant independent predictor of CV events on logistic regression analysis (OR 0.82 CI 95 0.69–0.98, P = 0.034). Conclusions Advanced echocardiographic parameters, including myocardial work and left atrial strain analysis, are particularly valuable in the early detection of TKI-induced cardiac toxicity. PALS could be an useful tool to predict outcome in these patients.

Myocardial Extracellular Volume Fraction and T1 Mapping by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Compared Between Patients With and Without Type 2 Diabetes, and the Effect of ECV and T2D on Cardiovascular Outcomes.

Background: To investigate the difference in myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping between patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the effect of ECV and T2D on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.Methods: All patients aged > 18 years with known or suspected coronary artery disease who underwent CMR for assessment of myocardial ischemia or myocardial viability at the Department of Cardiology of the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand from September 2017 to December 2018 were screened for inclusion eligibility. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), late gadolinium enhancement, and T1 mapping were performed. ECV values were derived from myocardial native T1 and contrast-enhanced T1 values that were obtained using modified Look-Locker inversion recovery at the septum of the mid-cavity short-axis map. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and CV outcomes were collected by retrospective chart review. Composite CV outcomes included CV death, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure hospitalization, or ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation.Results: A total of 739 subjects (mean age: 69.5 ± 14.0 years, 49.3% men) were included. Of those, 188 subjects had T2D (25.4%). ECV was significantly higher in T2D than in non-T2D (30.0 ± 5.9% vs. 28.8 ± 4.7%, p = 0.004). During the mean follow-up duration of 26.2 ± 8.5 months, 43 patients (5.8%) had a clinical composite outcome, as follows: three CV death (0.4%), seven acute coronary syndrome (0.9%), 33 heart failure hospitalization (4.5%), and one VT (0.1%). T2D, low LVEF, and high ECV were all identified as independent predictors of CV events. Patients with T2D and high ECV had the highest risk of CV events.Conclusion: Among patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease, patients with T2D had a higher ECV. T2D and high ECV were both found to be independent risk factors for adverse CV outcomes.

Aorta unfolding index as an indicator for coronary artery disease severity.

Aortic unfolding index (AUI) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events, yet there is scarcity in the literature on its association with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). To investigate the correlation between aortic unfolding and coronary artery disease severity score. The study included 115 patients with various degrees of CAD who underwent invasive coronary angiography and were retrospectively studied. AUI derived from non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the chest was correlated to the Gensini score describing the CAD severity. Its sensitivity and specificity in the detection of severe stenosis were examined at various cutoff points. CAD severity was significantly correlated with the patient age and AUI. On multivariate regression analysis, AUI was an independent predictor of severe CAD. The best cutoff value was ≥66, with 94.9% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity. AUI ≥66 was a predictor of severe CAD independent of the patient age.

Abstract 11485: Left Ventricular Dimensions and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Systolic Heart Failure: The WARCEF Trial

Introduction: There is limited information on the association between left ventricular (LV) dimensions and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced LV ejection fraction (HFrEF) receiving recommended HF treatment. We investigated the association between LV dimensions and CV outcomes in HFrEF patients receiving recommended HF treatment. Methods: We investigated the association between LV echocardiographic dimensions and CV outcomes using conventional Cox models in 1138 HFrEF patients in sinus rhythm randomized to warfarin or aspirin treatment in the WARCEF (Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction) trial. Results: LV enlargement, whether by diameter (LV end-diastolic diameter index: LVEDDI, and LV end-systolic diameter index: LVESDI) or volume (LV end-diastolic volume index: LVEDVI, and LV end-systolic volume index: LVESVI), was independently associated with all-cause death [LVEDDI: hazard ratio (HR) per cm/m 2 1.53, LVESDI: HR per cm/m 2 1.65, LVEDVI: HR per 10 ml/m 2 1.07 and LVESVI: HR per 10 ml/m 2 1.10; all p-values &lt; 0.001], CV death (HR 1.68, 1.79, 1.09 and 1.12, respectively; all p-values &lt; 0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR 1.59, 1.79, 1.06 and 1.08, respectively; all p-values &lt; 0.001). No association was observed with myocardial infarction or stroke. The associations were independent of LV ejection fraction values, and incremental to them. LV volumes conferred additional predictive value over LV diameters. Conclusions: LV enlargement is an independent predictor of CV events in patients with HFrEF and recommended HF treatment. LV dimensions should be considered in the risk assessment.

Abstract 12930: The Prognostic Value of Korean vs. Western Nomogram for Exercise Capacity in Korean Patients With Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Exercise capacity is known to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. However, most of previous studies were based on western population. Further study is warranted for Asian patients according to ethnic or national standard. We aimed to compare prognostic value of Korean and Western nomogram for exercise capacity in Korean patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 1178 patients (62 ± 11 years; 78 % male) who referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing in cardiac rehabilitation program. Median follow-up was 1.6 years. Exercise capacity was measured in metabolic equivalents (MET) by direct gas exchange method during the treadmill test. The nomogram for exercise capacity from healthy Korean and previous landmark western study was used to determine the percentage of predicted exercise capacity. The endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; all-cause death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization and stroke) and hospital readmission for heart failure. Results: In multivariable cox proportional hazard analysis, the risk of primary endpoint was more than twice (hazard ratio [HR] 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-4.46) in the patients with lower exercise capacity (&lt;85% of predicted) by Korean nomogram. The lower exercise capacity was the most powerful predictor following age and left ventricular ejection fraction. However, the lower exercise capacity by Western nomogram could not predict the primary endpoint (HR 1.28, 95% CI 0.81-2.04). Conclusion: CVD patients with lower exercise capacity have higher risk of MACE and readmission for heart failure. Considering inter-ethnic differences in cardiorespiratory fitness, Korean nomogram provides more suitable reference values to determine lower exercise capacity to predict cardiovascular events in Korean patients with CVD.

Relationships between monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and cardiovascular outcomes in patients commencing dialysis.

ObjectiveHigh monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) complications. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between MHR and CV outcomes in patients commencing dialysis.MethodsThe medical records of patients who started maintenance dialysis between January 2006 and July 2017 were reviewed. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and overall CV mortality and the secondary outcomes were CV event-free survival and the incidence of CV complications.ResultsFive hundred ninety-seven patients were enrolled and allocated to low- or high-MHR groups. All-cause mortality did not differ between the groups during a mean follow-up period of 3.9 years. In addition, overall CV mortality did not differ between the groups. However, CV event-free survival was significantly lower in the high-MHR group than in the low-MHR group (47.5% vs. 59.0%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high MHR was an independent predictor of CV events (HR 1.886, 95% CI 1.015–3.505).ConclusionHigh MHR at the time of initiation of dialysis may represent a useful predictor of CV complications.

Cardiovascular disease prediction model for Indonesian adult population with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus: The Bogor Cohort study of Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors

Background and aimsThis study aims to develop a predictive model of cardiovascular events in dysglycemia among the Indonesian adult population. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study conducted on subjects over 25 years in the “The Bogor Cohort Study of Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors” from 2011 to 2018. Data associated with age, gender, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, blood glucose, cholesterol, smoking habits, family history of cardiovascular disease, and physical activity were obtained. Cardiovascular events in six years were observed; this included coronary heart disease, stroke, or all-cause cardiovascular mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine independent predictors of cardiovascular events. ResultsA total of 1085 subjects with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus were included in this study, with 73.5% female. The cumulative incidence of cardiovascular events in six years was 9.7%. Predictors of cardiovascular events were age ≥45 years (HR = 2.737; 95% CI 1.565–4.787) and hypertension (HR = 2.580; 95% CI 1.619–4.112). ConclusionsAge ≥45 years and hypertension were predictors of cardiovascular events in six years among the adult Indonesian population with prediabetes and diabetes, necessitating targeted intervention among these subjects.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Patient Management of Incidental Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-ECG Gated Computed Chest Tomography: A Systematic Review

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and can be reliably detected on non-Electrocardiogram (ECG) gated computed tomography (CT) scans. The increased use of CT has made CAC a common incidental finding, although the frequency remains variable in published literature. We aimed to identify the incidence of CAC found on routine non-ECG gated CT scans, risk factors associated with these findings, and management outcomes that resulted from discovery of CAC. A systematic review was conducted through literature search using predetermined search criteria. Applicable studies were screened by 3 investigators for eligibility. Data regarding indication for CT imaging, presence of CAC, cardiovascular risk factors, and management outcomes was collected. A total of 3585 study subjects were included for review. CAC was found in 31.2% (n = 1118) patients. Indications for CT imaging were 33.0% lung cancer screening, 16.0% for intrapulmonary pathology, and 50.0% for other reasons. In patients with CAC, the average age was 61.5 + 8.8 years old, 77.2% were male, 41.4% were smokers, 32.2% had hypertension, 31.5% had hyperlipidemia, and 11.2% had diabetes. Patients with CAC were older (p &lt; 0.001), more likely to be smokers (p = 0.002), and more likely to have hyperlipidemia (p &lt; 0.001). The presence of CAC in reports did not significantly alter management plans. In conclusion, traditional cardiovascular risk factors are associated with incidental CAC. Not reporting incidental CAC is a missed opportunity for identification of patient at increased risk of cardiovascular events in the community.

Atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with primary aldosteronism

Abstract Background A higher risk of cardiovascular events has been reported in patients with hypertension due to primary aldosteronism (PA) than essential hypertension. This study sought to determine the independent predictors for the risk of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients with PA. Methods The Japan Primary Aldosteronism Study (JPAS) has retrospectively recruited 3,654 patients with PA between January 2006 and January 2019 as a nationwide registry and we evaluated the differences between patients with and without AF from these data. The patients underwent general laboratory test, electrocardiography, echocardiography, diagnostic confirmatory tests including saline-loading, captopril-challenge, and upright furosemide-loading tests and adrenal venous sampling (AVS). We evaluated the cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure and renal failure, with a mean follow-up duration of approximately 4 years. Results The prevalence of AF was 2.4% (88/ 3,654). PA patients with AF were older (60.3 vs 52.8 years old), more male (77.3% vs 46.6%) and had longer duration of hypertension (14.3 vs 8.3 years) than those without AF. Each prevalence of cerebral infarction (12.5% vs 3.5%), chronic kidney disease (12.5% vs 4.8%), coronary artery disease (CAD) (10.2% vs 1.7%), heart failure (5.7% vs 0.7%) and left ventricular hypertrophy evaluated by echocardiography (46.4% vs 31.9%) was higher in PA patients with AF. Patients with AF had more kinds of antihypertensive drugs (1.3 vs 1.1). There was no significant difference of basal plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity, each confirmatory tests, lateralized ratio in AVS after stimulation with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and laterality between the 2 groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), past history of CAD and heart failure were independent determinants for AF. PA patients with AF had higher rates of cardiovascular events compared to those without AF (Figure, P&amp;lt;0.005). Multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated AF in addition to adrenal PAC before ACTH stimulation, age, hypokalemia and duration of hypertension as independent prognostic factors for cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR] 1.993, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.042–3.815, P&amp;lt;0.05; HR 1.ehab724.231608, 95% CI 1.ehab724.231604–1.ehab724.231612, P&amp;lt;0.0005; HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.012–1.048, P&amp;lt;0.005; HR 1.748, 95% CI 1.242–2.461, P&amp;lt;0.005; HR 1.029, 95% CI 1.013–1.044, P&amp;lt;0.0005, respectively). Conclusions This study provides evidence that comorbid AF is associated with older age, male sex, X-ray CTR and prevalence of CAD and heart failure. Furthermore, AF is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with PA, in addition to the adrenal venous concentration of aldosterone, hypokalemia, older age and duration of hypertension. Earlier recognition and intervention of AF can prevent cardiovascular events in PA. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Aortic systolic blood pressure predicts periprocedural myocardial injury after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Abstract Background/Introduction Periprocedural myocardial injury (PPMI) is a complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) associated with worse outcome. Central (aortic) systolic blood pressure (SBP) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Purpose We sought to investigate the effect of TAVI on peripheral and central hemodynamics, as well as the predictive ability of brachial and aortic SBP for PPMI. Methods We enrolled 70 patients (mean age 79.9±8.7 years, 50% males) with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AVS) undergoing TAVI. Brachial pressures were measured with an oscillometric device and central pressures were assessed by arterial tonometry at baseline and after the procedure at discharge. PPMI was identified based on Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) criteria. Biomarkers for MI (cardiac troponin and creatinine kinase MB) were analyzed and signs and symptoms according to VARC-2 criteria were collected from clinical records. Stepwise multivariable regression analysis was performed for the prediction of PPMI. Results According to VARC-2 definition, 38 (54%) patients had PPMI. In stepwise multivariable regression analysis, brachial SBP at baseline was not predictive of PPMI (p=0.07) after adjusting for age, sex and history of coronary artery disease. On the contrary, aortic SBP predicted PPMI even after adjustment for the abovementioned confounders (Odds ratio [OR]=1.032, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.004–1.061, p=0.026). Interestingly, both SBP and aortic SBP were higher at discharge in patients with PPMI compared to patients without PPMI after adjustment (p=0.021 and p=0.006, respectively). On the contrary, the periprocedural changes of aortic SBP and SBP were not different between patients with PPMI and without PPMI. Conclusions Aortic SBP, as assessed by tonometry, is an independent predictor stronger than brachial SBP for PPMI in AVS patients treated with TAVI. This finding suggests the possible clinical role of aortic pressures as a risk stratification tool for PPMI prior to TAVI, as well as, warrants further investigation on their role as therapeutic targets to decrease the incidence of PPMI. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Genomic prediction of cardiovascular events in a coronary Southern European population

Abstract Background Traditional and clinical risk factors are indicators of atherosclerosis over time and strong independent predictors of cardiovascular events, but it is unknown whether other genetic markers could provide information about the evolution of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Objective We propose identifying the genetic predisposition to atherosclerotic plaque progression and events occurrence, through a study cohort from GENEMACOR study population. Methods We performed a study with a cohort of 1,712 patients who underwent coronary angiography with more than 70% stenosis of at least one main coronary vessel, during a mean follow-up of 5 years (amplitude range 20 years). 33 SNPs associated with risk of CAD in previous GWAS, were genotyped by TaqMan assays methodology. The best model in the bivariate analysis at 95% CI with all genetic variants was generated, to investigate their association with prognostic and events occurrence. The hazard function at a set of confounding-variables was determined to evaluate their relationship with the event's incidence by the Cox survival analysis regression model. Finally, we constructed Kaplan–Meier cumulative-event curves for the significant variants. Results The analysis revealed two SNPs associated with the progression of atherosclerosis and events occurrence: rs12190287 G&amp;gt;C in the TCF21 gene on chromosome 10 (dominant model; OR=1.542; 95% CI 1.069 – 2.224; p=0.020) and the rs1333049 G&amp;gt;C in the CDKN2-AS1 gene on chromosome 9 (recessive model; OR=1.228; 95% CI 1.001 – 1.518; p=0.050). The Kaplan-Meier cumulative event curves in the TCF21 variant rs12190287 G&amp;gt; C showed that the GC+CC vs GG genotype was associated with a worse prognosis (log-rank test, p=0.016) and the CDKN2B-AS1 rs1333049 G&amp;gt; C revealed that the CC vs GG+GC genotype also presented severe prognosis and more events at the end of the follow-up period (log-rank test, p=0.046). Conclusion We have identified two SNPs associated with the prognosis of CAD, rs12190287 of TCF21 gene and rs1333049 of CDKN2-AS1 gene. Both are in non-coding enhancer regions and regulate transcriptional mechanisms shared among multiple CAD risk loci and could provide new insights into CAD's pathophysiology identifying core mechanisms for therapeutic intervention modulating the disease risk. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Tobacco cigarette smoking accelerates impairment of aortic elastic properties in middle-aged patients with high normal blood pressure

Abstract Background The impact of smoking on atherosclerosis progression is greater in patients with arterial hypertension. High blood pressure (BP) is a major determinant of increased aortic stiffness which is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Aim of this study was to examine whether there are differences between office BP categorization and aortic stiffness on the basis of smoking status. Methods We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave (PWV) in 185 men (mean age: 55±10 years) who were not receiving antihypertensive medications and they had no history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The cohort was divided into three groups according to office systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP): normal (SBP &amp;lt;130 and DBP &amp;lt;85 mmHg, n=79), high normal (130≤SBP&amp;lt;140 or DBP 85≤DBP&amp;lt;90mmHg, n=42), and hypertension (SBP≥140 or DBP≥90mmHg, n=64). Results The three groups had similar age and metabolic parameters (body mass index, fasting blood glucose and LDL-C). PWV progressively increased from normotensive to high normal BP, and to hypertensive patients (7.8±1.4 vs 8.2±1.4 vs 8.6±1.6 m/s, respectively, overall P&amp;lt;0.01). Then we subdivided the three office BP groups into subgroups according to smoking status. Figure shows PWV of the three groups stratified by smoking status. The three subgroups of smokers had similar tobacco exposure (40 pack-years). There were not statistically significant differences between smokers and non smokers in each office BP category with regard to age and metabolic parameters. In separate analysis, among individuals with either normal BP the association of smoking status with PWV level was not significant. However, in hypertensive patients but also in patients with high normal BP, smoking status was significantly correlated with PWV (all P&amp;lt;0.01). Furthermore, the differences in mean PWV between smokers with high normal BP and patients with hypertension were not statistically significant reflecting a detrimental effect of smoking on aortic stiffness among males with high normal BP. Conclusion Smoking has an unfavorable effect on aortic elastic properties in men with high normal BP. The smokers with high normal BP have PWV comparable to that of hypertensive patients. This finding imply that smoking cessation should be a premising non pharmacological intervention in men with high-normal BP and increased aortic stiffness who are considered to be at a higher cardiovascular risk. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Smoking, BP categories and PWV

Predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with primary systemic vasculitis: a 5-year prospective observational study

Abstract Introduction Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is one of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated systemic vasculitis and is characterised by necrotizing inflammation of small/medium-sized blood vessels. Systemic vasculitis exhibits an enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a leading cause of death in this group of patients. Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis and its relation with classic risk factors for atherosclerosis, echocardiographic parameters and laboratory findings in GPA patients. Patients and methods The group of consecutive patients with GPA were followed in the study. In all patient's echocardiography and laboratory tests were performed. Results One hundred six patients with GPA (mean age 50.4±14.9 yrs, 67 female) were prospectively followed for 5.1±1.6 yrs. In 19 patients (18%) cardiovascular disease (9 acute coronary syndromes, 4 symptomatic peripheral vascular diseases and 6 strokes) occurred in association with GPA. Analysis showed that the levels of hs-CRP on both visits correlated with BVAS, PR3-ANCA, D-dimer and creatinine. In a multivariate model, only age was predictive of cardiovascular events in this group of patients (OR=1.078, 95% CI: 1.025–1.134, p=0.003). During observation in patients without CVD the level of hs-CRP and D-dimer were significantly reduced on the follow-up visit (p=0.041, p=0.0002). On the other hand, in patients with CV events there was no significant differences in both markers' concentrations despite clinical remission. Conclusions Patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis have high risk of cardiovascular disease. The age was the only independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Persistent elevation of inflammatory and prothrombotic markers despite clinical remission of the disease could be an indicator of premature atherosclerosis development in patients with systemic vasculitis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Lifestyle intervention improves Left atrial strain in type 2 diabetes: results from the DIASTOLIC randomised trial

Abstract Introduction Left atrial (LA) strain has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in many conditions and superior to conventional measures of LA function (LA volumes and emptying fraction). The effects of low-energy diet or exercise on cardiovascular function in younger adults with type 2 diabetes (DIASTOLIC) study has previously demonstrated an improvement in left ventricle peak early diastolic strain rate in response to aerobic exercise in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D). However, the effect of lifestyle intervention on LA function, assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, is unknown. Methods The DIASTOLIC study was a prospective, randomised, open-label, blind endpoint trial, that randomised 90 obese participants with T2D (aged 18–65 years) to a 12-week intervention of: (i) routine care, (ii) aerobic exercise training, or (iii) low energy (≈810kcal/day) meal replacement plan (MRP). CMR was performed at baseline and week-12. Images were analysed using Medis v3.1. LA strain (LAS) was assessed using Feature Tracking (QStrain v2.0), corresponding to LA reservoir (LAS-r), conduit (LAS-cd), and booster pump (LAS-bp) using 4- and 2-chamber standard steady-state free precession cine images, and average values calculated. LA emptying fraction (LAEF) was calculated using biplane area-length method (QMass v8.1) for total, passive and active EF. Results 73 participants with T2D completed the trial and had analysable LA images (28 routine care, 22 exercise and 23 MRP). There was no significant change in CMR measured standard LA volumetric function (LAV/LAEF) and echocardiogram measured LV filling pressures (E/e') in any groups. The routine care arm showed no significant change in body mass index (BMI) or LAS (see Table). In the MRP group, there were significant reductions in BMI (4.8 kg/m2), mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) (13mmHg), and a significant increase in LAS-r and LAS-bp (29.9±7.0 to 32.3±7.0,p=0.036 and 14.6±5.3 to 17.2±3.7,p=0.034). The exercise arm showed a small reduction in BMI (0.8kg/m2), with no significant change in BP or LAS. Conclusion There was significant improvement in LAS post-lifestyle intervention in young adults with T2D, despite no change in volumetric measurements. MRP led to weight loss and improved SBP, with associated improved LA filling and contraction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) a career development fellowship.

Impact of Diastolic Interventricular Septal Flattening on Clinical Outcome in Patients With Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of diastolic interventricular septal flattening on the clinical outcome in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. This study sought to evaluate the association of diastolic interventricular septal flattening with clinical outcome in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation.Methods and ResultsWe retrospectively studied 407 patients who underwent 2‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and were diagnosed with severe tricuspid regurgitation between January 2014 and December 2015. Cardiovascular events were defined as cardiovascular death or admission for heart failure. The magnitude of interventricular septal flattening was calculated by the eccentricity index (EI) of the left ventricle, and hemodynamic parameters were obtained from transthoracic echocardiography. During follow‐up (median, 200 days; interquartile range, 35–1059), 117 of the patients experienced cardiovascular events. By multivariate analysis including potential covariates, EI at end‐diastole and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 5.33 [1.63–17.41]; hazard ratio, 0.98 [0.97–0.99], respectively). An EI of 1.2 at end‐diastole was the optimal cutoff value for identifying poor hemodynamic status defined as cardiac index ≤2.2 L/min per m2 and right atrial pressure 15 mm Hg, both on transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with D‐shaped left ventricle defined as EI ≥1.2 at end‐diastole showed worse outcomes than those without (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.80 [1.18–2.74]).ConclusionsIncreasing EI at end‐diastole was strongly associated with worse outcomes in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Furthermore, the presence of D‐shaped left ventricle defined as EI ≥1.2 at end‐diastole provides prognostic value for cardiovascular events.

Left ventricular dimensions and cardiovascular outcomes in systolic heart failure: the WARCEF trial.

AimsThere is limited information on the association between left ventricular (LV) dimensions and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced LV ejection fraction (HFrEF) receiving recommended HF treatment. We investigated the association between LV dimensions and CV outcomes in HFrEF patients receiving recommended HF treatment.Methods and resultsWe investigated the association between LV echocardiographic dimensions and CV outcomes using conventional Cox models in 1138 HFrEF patients in sinus rhythm randomized to warfarin or aspirin treatment in the Warfarin vs. Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction (WARCEF) trial. LV enlargement, whether by diameter [LV end‐diastolic diameter index (LVEDDI) and LV end‐systolic diameter index (LVESDI)] or volume [LV end‐diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) and LV end‐systolic volume index (LVESVI)], was independently associated with all‐cause death [LVEDDI: hazard ratio (HR) per cm/m2 1.53, LVESDI: HR per cm/m2 1.65, LVEDVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.07, and LVESVI: HR per 10 mL/m2 1.10; all P values < 0.001], CV death (HR 1.68, 1.79, 1.09, and 1.12, respectively; all P values < 0.001), and HF hospitalization (HR 1.59, 1.79, 1.06, and 1.08, respectively; all P values < 0.001). No association was observed with myocardial infarction or stroke. The associations were independent of LV ejection fraction values, and incremental to them. LV volumes conferred additional predictive value over LV diameters.ConclusionsLeft ventricular enlargement is an independent predictor of CV events in patients with HFrEF and recommended HF treatment. LV dimensions should be considered in the risk assessment.