Independent Predictor Of Myocardial Infarction Research Articles

Elevated white blood cell count and long-term clinical outcomes of patients with vasospastic angina.

Inflammation is known as one of key pathophysiologic mechanisms of coronary artery disease. We aimed to investigate the relationship between white blood cell (WBC) count and long-term clinical outcomes of patients with vasospastic angina (VA). A total of 823 patients who were diagnosed as VA without significant coronary lesion by coronary angiography with ergonovine provocation test were enrolled for analysis. Patients were divided according to WBC count tertile at the time of diagnosis: group I, tertile 1 and 2 (n = 546, <7490/ml); group II, tertile 3 (n = 277, ≥7490/ml). Primary outcome was defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite outcome of all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), readmission due to cardiac symptoms, and revascularization. Median follow-up duration was 4.3 years. No significant difference of primary outcome was observed between group I and group II (14.7% vs. 20.2%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.83, P = 0.162), while incidence of cardiac death and MI was significantly higher in group II (1.5% vs. 4.3%, HR 2.86, CI 1.14-7.17), P = 0.025). In multivariate Cox regression model, elevated WBC count at the time of diagnosis of VA was an independent predictor of MI (HR 3.43, CI 1.02-11.59, P = 0.047). Elevated WBC count at the time of diagnosis was associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiac death and MI during long-term follow-up in VA patients.

O250: Blood Pressure Homeostasis and Hyper-perfusion Syndrome Following Carotid Surgeries

Abstract Objectives We aim to compare blood pressure homeostasis in patients undergoing bilateral versus unilateral carotid surgeries. Our primary endpoints are the incidence of postoperative hypertension and hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS). Secondary endpoints are major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Methods All patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) from 2003 to 2022 were reviewed. We performed 1230 carotid interventions, of which 690 procedures had ten years of follow-up. Results Both the unilateral (512) and bilateral (91) carotid interventions caused a significant acute elevation in blood pressure (p&amp;lt;0.001). In unilateral carotid interventions, the mean SBP was 137 ± 19.90 mmHg preoperatively and 152 ± 25.80 postoperatively (p&amp;lt;0.001). Smoking (p=0.007), hyperfibrinogenemia (p=0.004), emergency admission (p=0.005), ipsilateral carotid stenosis &amp;gt;90% (p=0.022), and previous ipsilateral carotid intervention (p=0.003) were significantly associated with the development of postoperative hypertension. No incidence of HPS occurred in the unilateral group. In bilateral carotid interventions, the mean SBP was 138 ± 20.50 mmHg preoperatively and 159 ± 24.60 mmHg postoperatively (p&amp;lt;0.001). Emergency admission (p=0.012) and plaque morphology (p=0.035) were significantly associated with postoperative hypertension. Three patients with bilateral carotid interventions had HPS (3.3%) and developed hemorrhagic stroke within 30 days. Multivariate analysis found postoperative stage II hypertension following bilateral carotid procedures to be an independent predictor of stroke (p=0.004). However, postoperative hypertension was not an independent predictor of myocardial infarction (p=0.475) and mortality (p=0.608). Conclusion Significant acute elevation in blood pressure occurred following carotid surgeries. We observed HPS post bilateral carotid interventions, with postoperative hypertension being an independent predictor of peri-operative stroke.

Abstract 17428: Severity of Diastolic Dysfunction Predicts Risk of Myocardial Infarction

Background: Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is known to be a predictor of mortality. However, the impact of DD on the risk for myocardial infarction (MI) is not well defined. Research Question: We sought to examine whether DD is an independent predictor of risk of MI in patients with a preserved ejection fraction. Methods: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent an echocardiogram that showed normal systolic function and had ≥3 months of follow-up. DD was graded using the contemporaneous guidelines at the time of the echocardiogram. Subsequent MI was determined by the presence of an inpatient encounter with a primary diagnosis of MI. Results/Data: 136,455 patients were included (mean age 56 years; 58% women). DD was present in 18.3% of patients (14.1% Grade 1, 3.8% Grade 2, 0.4% Grade 3). Patients with DD were more likely to be older (71 vs 53 years) and have coronary artery disease (27% vs 12%), diabetes (27% vs 14%), hypertension (69% vs 47%) and hyperlipidemia (64% vs 41%), among other comorbidities. Survival free from MI was significantly lower as diastolic dysfunction severity increased (Figure 1). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling demonstrated that DD was an independent predictor of MI (hazard ratios [CI]: Grade 1: 1.51 [1.35-1.69]; Grade 2: 1.92 [1.64-2.25]; Grade 3: 2.82 [1.94-4.09]). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the risk of MI is significantly increased in the presence of DD, with higher risk at higher grades of DD. The increased risk associated with grade 3 DD is comparable to that from a prior history of coronary artery disease. These findings suggest that the severity of DD may be a useful tool in risk stratifying patients for risk of MI.

Soluble LDL-receptor is induced by TNF-α and inhibits hepatocytic clearance of LDL-cholesterol

Defective LDL-C clearance and hence its elevation in the circulation is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as myocardial infarction (MI). A soluble LDL-receptor (sLDL-R) has been detected in human plasma which correlates strongly with circulating LDL-C and classical conditions that promote chronic inflammation. However, the mechanistic interplay between sLDL-R, inflammation, and CVDs remains to be investigated. Here, we report that stimulation of HepG2 cells with TNF-α induces the release of sLDL-R into culture supernatants. In addition, TNF-α induces gene expression of peptidases ADAM-17 and MMP-14 in HepG2 cells, and inhibiting these peptidases using TMI 1 significantly reduces the TNF-α induced sLDL-R release. We found that a soluble form of recombinant LDL-R (100 nM) can strongly bind to LDL-C and form a stable complex (KD = E-12). Moreover, incubation of HepG2 cells with this recombinant LDL-R resulted in reduced LDL-C uptake in a dose-dependent manner. In a nested case-control study, we found that baseline sLDL-R in plasma is positively correlated with plasma total cholesterol level. Furthermore, a twofold increase in plasma sLDL-R was associated with a 55% increase in the risk of future MI [AOR = 1.55 (95% CI = 1.10–2.18)]. Nevertheless, mediation analyses revealed that a significant proportion of the association is mediated by elevation in plasma cholesterol level (indirect effect β = 0.21 (95% CI = 0.07–0.38). Collectively, our study shows that sLDL-R is induced by a pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α via membrane shedding. Furthermore, an increase in sLDL-R could inhibit hepatic clearance of LDL-C increasing its half-life in the circulation and contributing to the pathogenesis of MI.Key messagesTNF-α causes shedding of hepatocytic LDL-R through induction of ADAM-17 and MMP-14.sLDL-R binds strongly to LDL-C and inhibits its uptake by hepatocytic cells.Plasma sLDL-R is positively correlated with TNF-α and cholesterol.Plasma sLDL-R is an independent predictor of myocardial infarction (MI).Plasma cholesterol mediates the association between sLDL-R and MI.

Risk factors for major adverse cardiovascular events after coronary artery bypass grafting using radial artery grafts.

Coronary artery bypass grafting using radial artery grafts (RA-CABG) has improved long-term outcomes. However, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE-4, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization) after RA-CABG still occur and the predictors remain uncertain. This study aimed to detect independent risk factors of MACE-4 after RA-CABG. This is a retrospective case-control study (NCT04935086) conducted among patients who underwent primary isolated RA-CABG between 2009 and 2019 in our center. Baseline characteristics, procedure characteristics, and medication use were compared to identify the independent predictors of MACE-4, all-cause death, and myocardial infarction (MI) with univariate and then multivariate logistic regression. A total of 370 patients were analyzed using a mean follow-up duration of 48.8 ± 41.0 months. MACE-4, all-cause death, and MI occurred in 102 (27.6%), 27 (7.3%), and 66 patients (17.8%), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed prior MI (OR = 2.12, 95%CI 1.05-4.25, P = 0.04) and RA to the left anterior descending artery (LAD) (non-left internal mammary artery to LAD) (OR = 4.87, 95%CI 1.41-16.82, P = 0.01) as independent predictors of MACE-4 after surgery. Female (OR = 4.53, 95%CI 1.06-19.41, P = 0.04), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% (OR = 21.00, 95%CI 1.20-368.35, P = 0.04), and RA to LAD (OR = 8.55, 95%CI 1.35-54.10, P = 0.02) were independent predictors of all-cause death. Prior MI (OR = 3.11, 95%CI 1.40-6.94, P = 0.006) emerged as an independent predictor of MI. Our data suggested that prior MI and RA to LAD were independent predictors of MACE-4 after RA-CABG. Being female, having an LVEF < 40% and RA to LAD indicated death. Prior MI indicated new MI.

Assessment of Atherothrombotic Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundRisk of atherothrombotic events is not uniform in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Tailored risk assessment may help guide selection of pharmacotherapies for cardiovascular primary and secondary prevention. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop a risk model for atherothrombosis in patients with T2DM. MethodsWe developed and validated a risk model for myocardial infarction (MI) or ischemic stroke (IS) in a pooled cohort of 42,181 patients with T2DM from 4 TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) clinical trial cohorts. Candidate variables were assessed with multivariable Cox regression, and independent variables (P < 0.05) were retained in the final model. Discrimination and calibration were assessed. Treatment interactions with dapagliflozin (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor) and evolocumab (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor) were explored in the DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on CardiovascuLAR Events-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 58) and FOURIER (Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk) trials, respectively. ResultsSixteen variables were independent predictors of MI or IS. The model identified a >8-fold gradient of MI or IS rates between the top vs bottom risk quintiles in the validation cohort (3-year Kaplan-Meier rate: 14.9% vs 1.4%; P < 0.0001). C-indexes were 0.704 and 0.706 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The model was well-calibrated in both primary and secondary prevention. Absolute reduction in the rates of MI or IS tended to be greater in patients with higher baseline predicted risk for both dapagliflozin (absolute risk reduction: 2.1% vs 0.2%) and evolocumab (absolute risk reduction: 3.2% vs 1.0%). ConclusionsWe developed and validated a risk score for atherothrombotic events, leveraging 16 routinely assessed clinical variables in patients with T2DM. The score has the potential to improve risk assessment and inform clinical decision-making.

Latent Coronary Plaque Morphology From Computed Tomography Angiography, Molecular Disease Activity on Positron Emission Tomography, and Clinical Outcomes.

Assessments of coronary disease activity with 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and radiomics-based precision coronary plaque phenotyping derived from coronary computed tomography angiography may enhance risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease. We sought to investigate whether the prognostic information provided by these 2 approaches is complementary in the prediction of myocardial infarction. Patients with known coronary artery disease underwent coronary 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography on a hybrid positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanner. Coronary 18F-NaF uptake was determined by the coronary microcalcification activity. We performed quantitative plaque analysis of coronary computed tomography angiography datasets and extracted 1103 radiomic features for each plaque. Using weighted correlation network analysis, we derived latent morphological features of coronary lesions which were aggregated to patient-level radiomics nomograms to predict myocardial infarction. Among 260 patients with established coronary artery disease (age, 65±9 years; 83% men), 179 (69%) participants showed increased coronary 18F-NaF activity (coronary microcalcification activity>0). Over 53 (40-59) months of follow-up, 18 patients had a myocardial infarction. Using weighted correlation network analysis, we derived 15 distinct eigen radiomic features representing latent morphological coronary plaque patterns in an unsupervised fashion. Following adjustments for calcified, noncalcified, and low-density noncalcified plaque volumes and 18F-NaF coronary microcalcification activity, 4 radiomic features remained independent predictors of myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.03-2.08]; P=0.03; hazard ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.04-2.54]; P=0.02; hazard ratio, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.07-2.06]; P=0.01; and hazard ratio, 1.50 (95% CI, 1.05-2.13); P=0.02). In patients with established coronary artery disease, latent coronary plaque morphological features, quantitative plaque volumes, and disease activity on 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography are additive predictors of myocardial infarction.

18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and coronary plaque radiomics derived from computed tomography angiography for prediction of myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Assessments of coronary disease activity with 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography (18F-NaF PET) and radiomics-based precision coronary plaque phenotyping derived from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) have both been shown to enhance risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). To date, no study has investigated whether these two promising methods (which can be obtained during a single imaging session on a hybrid PET/CT scanner) are interchangeable or can provide superior predictive performance when used in combination. Purpose We sought to investigate whether the prognostic information provided by latent morphological radiomic coronary plaque features and assessments of disease activity by 18F-NaF PET are complementary in prediction of myocardial infarction. Methods Patients with known CAD underwent coronary 18F-NaF PET and CT angiography on a hybrid PET/CT scanner. Coronary 18F-NaF uptake was determined by the coronary microcalcification activity (CMA). We performed quantitative plaque analysis of coronary CT angiography datasets. Additionally, coronary plaque segmentations on CT angiography were used to extract 1103 radiomic features. Using weighted correlation network analysis we derived latent morphological features of coronary plaques which were aggregated to patient-level radiomic normograms to predict myocardial infarction using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. Results The study cohort comprised of 260 patients with established CAD (age: 65±9 years; 84% men); 179 (69%) participants showed increased coronary 18F-NaF activity (CMA &amp;gt;0). Over 53 [40–59] months of follow-up 18 patients had a myocardial infarction. Using weighted correlation network analysis, from the 1103 radiomic features we derived 15 distinct eigen radiomic features representing latent morphological coronary plaque patterns. On univariate cox modelling 7 of these emerged as predictors of myocardial infarction (Figure). Following adjustments for calcified, noncalcified and low-density noncalcified plaque volumes and 18F-NaF CMA 4 radiomic features (related to texture and geometry) remained independent predictors of myocardial infarction (Figure). Conclusion(s) In patients with established CAD latent morphological features of coronary plaques are predictors of myocardial infarction above and beyond plaque volumes and 18F-NaF uptake. Comprehensive plaque analysis with radiomics may enhance risk stratification of CAD patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NIH, Wellcome Trust

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Predicts Myocardial Infarction and Mortality After Vascular Surgery-A Prospective Cohort Study.

This study aims to investigate the association between preoperative Red blood cell Distribution Width (RDW) and postoperative outcomes, including myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality. A prospective cohort including all patients submitted to elective vascular arterial surgery at a university hospital. The primary and secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day MI, respectively. Atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and dependent functional status were more prevalent in deceased patients. After multivariable analysis, age (adjusted OR 1.08, 95% Confidence Interval [1.01-1.15], p = 0.027) and RDW-standard deviation (RDW-SD) (1.08 [1.01-1.16], p = 0.032) remained independent predictors of mortality. Patients with MI had higher rates of diabetes, CKD, dependent functional status, ASA physical status IV, and insulin medication. After multivariable analysis, dependent functional status (4.8 [1.6-15.0], p = 0.007), insulin medication (4.4 [1.5-12.6], p = 0.007) and RDW-SD (1.10 [1.02-1.19], p = 0.020) were independent predictors of MI. RDW-SD independently predicted postoperative MI and mortality, and may provide valuable information for prevention and early management of adverse outcomes.

Velika vaskularna hirurgija kod gerijatrijske populacije - stratifikacija srčanog rizika

Reliance on surgery, improvements in surgical techniques, and perioperative management have led to a dramatic increase in the frequency of surgical procedures in the elderly population. According to the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, major vascular surgery is defined as high-risk, considering the frequency of myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest, which is higher than 5%. Age is an independent predictor of myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest. Heart function alterations are primary changes that occur with advancing age. Risk stratification represents a set of procedures that include identifying chronic systemic diseases, determining their severity, stability and the need for further evaluation and/or therapy optimization, with the aim of reducing perioperative and postoperative mortality and morbidity. In addition to the application of risk scores, accurate risk stratification requires the combined application of both preoperative and postoperative biomarkers. The main idea of integrating biomarkers with scoring systems is to reveal those patients with clinically unmanifested disease, who carry a mortality risk and remain undetected by scoring systems. Biomarkers, such as NT-proBNP and highly sensitive C-reactive protein, have the greatest predictive influence in geriatric vascular surgery.

Vitamin D Deficiency as an Independent Predictor of Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common causes of disability and death in the world, and the number of patients with this category of diseases is increasing every year. This study aimed to investigate the role of vitamin D and the problems caused by its deficiency on the cardiovascular system. Level of D-(25(OH]D) in blood was studied by enzyme immunoassay in 95 elderly patients with myocardial infarction (MI) (the main group) and 92 elderly patients with no history of MI. The level of lipid metabolism as an indicator was determined using a KoneLab 300 auto-analyzer. Based on the results of this study, it was found that the elderly group without MI had the highest amount of D-(25(OH]D)(24.5±1.2), compared to the elderly group with MI (14.8±1.3). The rates of expressed deficiency, deficiency, and insufficiency in the group of elderly with MI were 53.6±5.1, 23.2±4.4, and 12.6±3.4%, respectively. This experiment has shown that D-(25(OH]D) is involved in lipid metabolism and reduces the accumulation of cholesterol by macrophages. The content of vitamin D in blood plasma was a prognostic predictor of MI, which improved MI in the elderly. Regardless of pathological changes, the deficit level of D-(25(OH]D) should be considered a laboratory predictor of MI in the elderly.

The Association between Type-2 Diabetes Duration and Major Adverse Cardiac Events after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and portends adverse prognosis in diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to nondiabetic patients. Few studies are currently available regarding the relationship between diabetes duration and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) post-PCI. This study is aimed at assessing the association between diabetes duration and major adverse cardiac events after PCI. Methods. A total of 302 cases of diabetic patients undergoing an elective PCI with drug-eluting stent (DES) deployment and or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) using a drug-coated balloon (DCB) were prospectively studied. We divided patients into three groups based on diabetes duration: &lt;5 years group ( n = 165 ), 5–10 years’ group ( n = 72 ), and ≥10 years’ group ( n = 65 ). Angiographic and clinical follow-up were conducted 12 months after the procedures for all the patients and at any given time during the study when needed. Results. A significantly higher rate of myocardial infarction (MI) in diabetic patients with the longest diabetes duration (7.7% vs. 0% and 0.6%, P = 0.001 ) was observed compared with groups of shorter duration. Repeat coronary revascularization was found to be significantly higher in the &gt;10-year group than was it in groups with shorter duration of diabetes (23.1% vs. 19.4% and 9.10%, P = 0.03 ). After adjustment for confounding risk factors, longer diabetes duration remained an independent predictor of MI (hazard ratio (HR): 5.525, confidence interval (CI): 1.273-23.978, P = 0.022 ) and repeat revascularization (HR: 1.608, CI: 1.058-2.443, P = 0.026 ). Repeat revascularization was significantly related to the progression of nontreated lesions (De novo lesions 20% vs. 18% and 7.3%, P = 0.009 ) compared to previously treated lesions (target lesion revascularization (TLR) 3% vs. 1.3% and 2%, P = 0.774 ). However, all-cause mortality was not significantly different among the groups (3.1% vs. 5.6% and 0.6%, P = 0.06 , HR: 2.403, CI: 0.464-12.436, P = 0.293 ). Conclusion. Diabetes duration was associated with significant differences in major adverse cardiac events after the percutaneous coronary intervention; the longest diabetes duration portended higher rates of MACEs than shorter duration at the 12-month follow-up.

Advances in Quantitative Analysis of 18F-Sodium Fluoride Coronary Imaging.

18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) has emerged as a promising noninvasive imaging tool for the assessment of active calcification processes in coronary artery disease. 18F-NaF uptake colocalizes to high-risk and ruptured atherosclerotic plaques. Most recently, 18F-NaF coronary uptake was shown to be a robust and independent predictor of myocardial infarction in patients with advanced coronary artery disease. In this review, we provide an overview of the advances in coronary 18F-NaF imaging. In particular, we discuss the recently developed and validated motion correction techniques which address heart contractions, tidal breathing, and patient repositioning during the prolonged PET acquisitions. Additionally, we discuss a novel quantification approach—the coronary microcalcification activity (which has been inspired by the widely employed method in oncology total active tumor volume measurement). This new method provides a single number encompassing 18F-NaF activity within the entire coronary vasculature rather than just information regarding a single area of most intense tracer uptake.

Association of changes in lipids with risk of myocardial infarction among people without lipid-lowering therapy

Background and aimsAlthough serum lipids are widely accepted as independent predictors of myocardial infarction (MI), there is insufficient evidence for associations of changes in lipid levels with MI. The present study aimed at investigating the associations between changes in lipids and incidence of MI in people without lipid-lowering therapy. Methods64,031 Chinese participants (mean age: 53.42 ± 11.95 years) without previous MI were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into four categories based on quartiles of lipid changes. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MI. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 7.03 years, 599 individuals developed MI. After adjustment for covariates, increased total cholesterol (TC), increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increased non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were associated with elevated risk of MI, with HRs (95% CIs) in the highest quartile group compared with the lowest quartile group of 1.56 (1.21–2.01), 1.96 (1.49–2.57), 1.95 (1.52–2.50), and 0.69 (0.53–0.90), respectively. However, changes in triglyceride (TG) were not associated with MI risk (p = 0.8030). ConclusionsChanges in levels of TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and HDL-C, but not TG, were associated with risk of MI. Early detection and control of lipid levels may be beneficial and necessary for young people and those with healthy lipid levels at baseline.

Clinical Impact of Routine Cardiology Consultation Prior to Elective Carotid Endarterectomy in Neurologically Asymptomatic Patients

The aim was to determine the clinical impact of routine cardiology consultation before carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in neurologically asymptomatic patients, in terms of early and long term cardiovascular events. A single centre retrospective review of consecutive patients receiving CEA from 2007 to 2017 for asymptomatic carotid stenosis was performed. Two groups were compared: patients operated on from 2007 to 2012 received a pre-operative cardiology consultation only in selected cases (group A); from 2012 to 2017 patients received a routine pre-operative cardiology consultation (group B). In hospital death, myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, dysrhythmias, and stroke were compared. A multiple logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of peri-operative complications. Long term overall survival and freedom from fatal cardiovascular events were compared. In total, 878 CEAs were performed in group A and 1094 in group B. Patients in group B were more likely to have had a previous coronary intervention (0.5% vs. 5.1%; p<.001), and to be on dual antiplatelet (4.6% vs. 9.5%; p=.001), statin therapy (60.3% vs. 72.4%; p<.001), and a higher number of cardiac drugs (1.77±1.22 vs. 1.92±1.23; p=.01) at the time of CEA. In hospital mortality was 0.1% for both groups (p=1.0), and there were no significant differences regarding neurological complications (0.8% vs. 0.3%; p=.20); group B had a significant reduction in overall cardiac complications (3.4% vs. 1.9%; p=.05) and MI (1.6% vs. 0.6%; p=.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed that routine cardiology consultation was an independent predictor of MI (odds [OR] ratio 0.61; p=.04) and overall reduction in cardiac complications (OR 0.28; p=.01). At five years, overall survival was similar (84.2% vs. 82.4%; p=.72), but patients in group B had a significantly lower mortality from cardiovascular events (92.0% vs. 95.8%; p=.04). Routine cardiology consultation before elective CEA in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis reduced peri-operative cardiac complications and long term fatal cardiovascular events. This approach may be considered to maximise the risk/benefit ratio of CEA in asymptomatic patients.

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Acute Myocardial Infarction Following Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) may increase the risk of myocardial infarction. We conducted a study to investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the risk. We used the Nationwide Poisoning Database in Taiwan to identify COP patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2012. We compared the risk for myocardial infarction between patients with and without HBOT by following up through 2013 and identified the independent predictors of myocardial infarction. The risk of myocardial infarction in the 7278 patients with HBOT was lower than in the 18,459 patients without HBOT, but this difference did not reach statistical significance [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45-1.07]. Stratified analyses showed that the reductions in the risk associated with HBOT for myocardial infarction reached statistical significance in male patients (AHR: 0.45; 95% CI 0.24-0.83) and during the first 2weeks of follow-up (AHR: 0.22; 95% CI 0.05-0.96). In patients without HBOT, independent predictors of myocardial infarction were old age, male sex, and the underlying comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. In patients with HBOT, however, old age, male sex, and the underlying comorbidities of diabetes, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure were not independent predictors. HBOT was associated with a reduced risk of myocardial infarction in male patients and within 2weeks following COP. These results may provide important reference for using HBOT in treating COP.

Female Gender as a Risk Factor for Adverse Outcomes After Carotid Revascularization

We aim to identify gender differences in complications after carotid surgery. Our primary endpoint is the incidence of perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality. Secondary endpoints include restenosis and reintervention rates. All patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy from July 2003 to May 2016 were reviewed. The Society for Vascular Surgery carotid reporting standards were used as a guideline for data collection. Over 13years, 9,585 patients with carotid disease were referred to our institution. A total of 690 procedures were performed (633 carotid endarterectomies, 54 carotid angioplasties and stenting, and 3 bypasses). Of these 633 carotid endarterectomy procedures, 31.8% (201) were in women and 68.2% (432) were in men. In the perioperative period, female gender was found to be an independent predictor of stroke (odds ratio [OR]: 8.597, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.967-76.429, P=0.041), restenosis (OR: 2.103, 95% CI: 1.445-3.060, P<0.001), and reintervention (OR: 6.448, 95% CI: 1.313-31.667, P=0.019). Mortality and cardiac morbidity did not significantly differ between genders. Ten-year stroke-free survival was 98.0% in women and 99.1% in men (logrank P=0.259). Ten-year restenosis-free survival was 77.6% (45 of 201) in women and 89.4% (45 of 425) in men (logrank P<0.001). Ten-year reintervention-free survival was 97.0% in women and 99.5% in men (logrank P=0.008). Female gender was not an independent predictor of myocardial infarction (P=0.713) and mortality (P=0.856), respectively. The mean follow-up time was 47.06±37.48months with a median follow-up time of 43months (interquartile range: 14.0-72.5). Female gender was an independent predictor of postoperative stroke, restenosis, and reintervention. Symptom status at the time of surgery and type of closure of the arteriotomy did not influence development of stroke in female patients.

Prognostic value of electrocardiogram exercise testing for risk stratification in asymptomatic coronary artery disease.

Several variables of electrocardiogram exercise testing (EET) predict cardiovascular events in the general population and in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, most of the studies have not included patients with asymptomatic CAD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of EET in asymptomatic CAD patients. We carried out a retrospective single-center analysis including all patients with asymptomatic CAD documented by angiography who underwent EET from January 2010 to December 2013. A number of EET variables and three exercise scores [Duke Treadmill Score (DTS), Morise score, and FIT score] were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the combined incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial revascularization, and death from any cause during follow-up. A total of 306 patients were included (mean age was 65±10 years, 61% had previous MI, and the median exercise capacity was 9.4±2.7 metabolic equivalent of task). The primary endpoint occurred in 15.7% of patients during 3.3 years of follow-up. The DTS and FIT were independent predictors of the primary endpoint unlike the Morise score (DTS: hazard ratio=0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.85-0.99, P=0.018; FIT score: 0.99, 0.98-0.996, P=0.001; Morise score: 0.97, 0.93-1.02, P=0.20). The DTS was independent predictor of MI or revascularization, whereas FIT predicted death from any cause. Excluding patients with early revascularization, DTS had no predictive power at the composite endpoint. In our population with asymptomatic CAD, FIT and DTS had significant value for risk prediction and consequently the EET can be a valid tool in the clinical follow-up of this population.

Complications of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Mortality, Myocardial Infarction and Acute Kidney Injury.

Patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) have comorbidities that increase the risk of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and acute kidney injury (AKI). Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of mortality, MI and AKI after EVAR and to compare AKI incidence with Vascular Surgery Kidney Injury Predictive Score (VSKIPS). We conducted a retrospective study of EVAR procedures performed between March 2006 and November 2013. We defined mortality at 30 days, MI as an increase in troponin level to >0.034 ng mL-1 in the first 72 h and AKI as an increase in creatinine level to >0.3 mg dL-1 in the first 48 h after surgery. Risk factors were analysed using logistic regression calculating Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC). Ninety-eight patients were included in the study. The incidence of mortality, MI, and AKI was 2%, 5%, and 18%, respectively. AKI increased the risk of MI [odds ratio (OR) 24.4, p=0.006]. Preoperative serum urea level of >50 mg dL-1 (OR 4.97, p=0.038), general anaesthesia (OR 9.64, p=0.002) and surgery duration (OR 1.53, p=0.043) were considered independent predictors of AKI. The AUROC of the AKI model was 0.886 compared with 0.793 of VSKIPS. We found the incidence of mortality, MI and AKI consistent with that of previous studies. However, we may be underestimating the last two because of the short follow-up time. AKI was an independent predictor of MI. Preoperative serum urea level of >50 mg dL-1, general anaesthesia and surgery duration were considered independent predictors of AKI.

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 and Risk of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Events in Community-Based Older Adults in China.

We explored the associations between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) level and carotid atherosclerosis with all phenotypes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in Chinese older adults. A total of 1257 adults aged ≥55 years who were free of CVD were enrolled in this cohort study. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 level was evaluated in 3 categories: Lp-PLA2 < 175, 175≤ Lp-PLA2 < 223, and Lp-PLA2 ≥ 223 ng/mL. The highest level of Lp-PLA2 was independently associated with common carotid artery intima-media thickening (≥1.0 mm; odds ratio [OR]: 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-2.26) and carotid plaque (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01-1.99) in individuals without carotid artery stenosis. At the end of the 5-year follow-up, after adjustment for CVD risk factors and carotid atherosclerosis status, Lp-PLA2 had remained an independent predictor for myocardial infarction (MI; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.02-3.55) and CVD death (HR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.02-3.13). However, no association was found with stroke. Therefore, elevated Lp-PLA2 level in the older adults studied was associated with an increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis and MI and CVD mortality. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 assessment might be used for MI and CVD death risk prediction.