Electrocardiographic Ischemia Research Articles

Relation of ECG Abnormalities to Clinical Severity and Troponin I Changes in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Relation of ECG Abnormalities to Clinical Severity and Troponin I Changes in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Rethinking the false positive exercise stress test in the context of coronary microvascular dysfunction

Abstract Background Exercise stress testing (EST) was the traditional tool to detect myocardial ischaemia, but its use has declined due to its perceived high false positive rate. However, EST was historically validated against the reference standard of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). It is now well recognised that myocardial ischaemia can occur in the absence of CAD and this cohort, termed angina with non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA), comprises nearly 50% of all patients presenting with stable angina. Purpose Our study assesses the accuracy of EST in detecting a substrate for myocardial ischaemia, with the reference standard being comprehensive coronary physiology assessment in patients with ANOCA. Methods Patients with typical angina and non-obstructive coronary arteries underwent physiological characterisation of the coronary circulation using a dual sensor-tipped intracoronary guidewire in the left anterior descending artery. The epicardial vessel was assessed by Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and the microcirculation by both endothelium-independent function (coronary flow reserve, CFR, using intravenous adenosine) and endothelium-dependent function (acetylcholine flow reserve, AChFR, using intracoronary acetylcholine infusion). Those with FFR≤0.80 were excluded per protocol. Coronary microvascular dysfunction was defined a priori as impaired CFR (<2.5) or impaired AChFR (≤1.5). All patients underwent a treadmill EST, using a standard Bruce protocol, with ischaemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes defined as the appearance of 0.1mV ST-segment depression 80 milliseconds from the J-point. Patients, physiologists, and researchers were all blinded to the coronary physiology data. All data are presented as mean±SD or median (IQR). Results Ninety-one patients [67% female, 62±9 years, CCS 3 (2 to 3)] were recruited into this study. EST was performed 27 (15 to 139) days after angiography. Twenty-seven patients (30%) developed ischaemic ECG changes during their EST (Ischaemic group), whereas 64 patients (70%) did not (Control group). Both groups were phenotypically similar for demographics, risk factors, exercise time and FFR (Figure 1). 100% of the Ischaemic group and 69% of the control group had CMD. Conversely, 38% of patients with CMD developed ischaemic ECG changes on exercise but none (0%) of those with normal microvascular function did (p=0.001) (Figure 2A). The false positive rates with progressively granular reference standards are depicted in Figure 2B; there were no false positive ESTs using a comprehensive physiological reference standard. Angina reported during EST was less specific for CMD than induced ECG changes (70% vs 100%, p<0.001). Conclusions In patients with ANOCA a positive EST is always indicative of CMD. The potential utility of EST as a rule-in test for CMD makes it an attractive non-invasive widely available test that could be re-integrated into clinical pathways for assessing new onset angina.Patient characteristicsEST versus coronary physiology

Detection of Ischemic ST-Segment Changes Using a Novel Handheld ECG Device in a Porcine Model

BackgroundPortable, smartphone-sized electrocardiography (ECG) has the potential to reduce time to treatment for patients suffering acute cardiac ischemia, thereby lowering the morbidity and mortality. In the UMC Utrecht, a portable, smartphone-sized, multi-lead precordial ECG recording device (miniECG 1.0, UMC Utrecht) was developed. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the miniECG to capture ischemic ECG changes in a porcine coronary occlusion model. MethodsIn 8 animals, antero-septal myocardial infarction was induced by 75-minute occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, after the first or second diagonal. MiniECG and 12-lead ECG recordings were acquired simultaneously before, during and after coronary artery occlusion and ST-segment deviation was evaluated. ResultsDuring the complete occlusion and reperfusion period, miniECG showed large ST-segment deviation in comparison to 12-lead ECG. MiniECG ST-segment deviation was observed within 1 minute for most animals. The miniECG was positive for ischemia (ie, ST-segment deviation ≥1 mm) for 99.7% (Q1-Q3: 99.6%-99.9%) of the occlusion time, while the 12-lead was only positive for 79.8% (Q1-Q3: 81.1%-98.7%) of the time (P = 0.018). ST-segment deviation reached maxima of 10.5 mm [95% CI: 6.5-14.5 mm] vs 5.0 mm [95% CI: 2.0-8.0 mm] for the miniECG vs 12-lead ECG, respectively. ConclusionsMiniECG ST-segment deviation was observed early and was of large magnitude during 75 minutes of porcine transmural antero-septal infarction. The miniECG was positive for ischemia for the complete occlusion period. These findings demonstrate the potential of the miniECG in the detection of cardiac ischemia. Although clinical research is required, data suggests that the miniECG is a promising tool for the detection of cardiac ischemia.

Radial Versus Femoral Access in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Although it safeguards patients from hemorrhagic disorders during cardiac procedures, the radial route is technically more challenging than the femoral approach. Aim: To evaluate the hypothesis that radial approach is the preferred strategy in ACS patients, and identifying independent predictors of the choice to choose radial access. Methods: Between August 2021 and January 2022, this prospective study was conducted in the interventional cardiology unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. The study included all ACS (unstable angina or myocardial infarction) patients who had previously had invasive diagnostic or therapeutic cardiac procedures. Patients who opted out of the trial were excluded. Results: Those in group 1 had a lower mean GRACE score (112±31 versus 127±40; p<0,001), improved renal function according to cretanine level (0.9±0.3 versus 1.1±1.0; p < 0.001) and a reduced prevalence of indications of left ventricular failure (6% versus 21%, p 0.003) when compared to patients in group 2. There was no difference in the groups at the time of admission for the type of ACS heart rate (69±15 Vs 75±16), systolic arterial pressure (148±31 Vs 151±33), positive troponin 59(79.7%) Vs 51(68.9%), electrocardiographic ischemia 23(31%) Vs 19(25.7%), three-vessel disease (30, 40.5%) VS 25(33.8%) Practical implication: The variables that determined the preference for radial approach reflect the clinical status and severity of the patients, demonstrating that the convenience of the approach is more valued in extremely complex patients than its antihemorrhagic effectiveness. Conclusion: The trend for radial access to be preferred over femoral access during coronary intervention was not primarily influenced by the patient population's risk of bleeding. Keywords: Angioplasty, Coronary Artery Disease, Radial Artery, Femoral Artery.

Myocardial infarction in the population of some Russian regions and its prognostic value

Aim. To study the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) in the population of Russian regions and its contribution to cardiovascular events.Material and methods. The analysis material was representative samples of the population aged 35-64 years from 11 Russian regions, examined within the multicenter study “Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation”. The response rate was about 80%. The study used a community-based systematic stratified multiply random sample. During the study, information on prior MI was obtained using a standard questionnaire. Anthropometry and measurement of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) with an automatic BP monitor were performed. Resting electrocardiography (ECG) was performed, followed by Minnesota coding. Major and minor QQS waves and STT segments were considered as ischemic ECG abnormalities. Biochemical parameters were determined using an Arkhitect 000 Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. The median prospective follow-up was 6,21 [5,25; 6,75] years. A composite endpoint (CE) was analyzed, including cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI. During the follow-up period, 363 all-cause deaths were detected, of which 134 were from cardiovascular diseases, while 196 — CEs. Statistical analysis was carried out in R 3.6.1 environment.Results. The MI prevalence among the Russian population was 2,9%; 5,2% for men and 1,5% for women, increasing with age. Men with prior MI were more likely to take statins and beta-blockers than women as follows: 39,0% vs 25,6% and 29,3% vs 27,1%, respectively. MI newly diagnosed within the follow-up period was associated with the following risk factors (RFs): smoking, increased BP, HR, triglycerides and glucose. For individuals with prior MI, a significant relationship was found only with smoking. Multiple comparison of the contribution of RFs, ECG abnormalities, and prior MI showed that the inclusion of ischemic ECG abnormalities in the analysis significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals without prior MI compared with individuals without both MI and ECG changes. A high CE risk was noted in patients with prior MI: relative risk (RR), 4,73 (2,92-7,65); the addition of ischemic ECG abnormalities increased the RR to 5,75 (3,76-8,8).Conclusion. The RR of CEs in patients with prior MI without or with ischemic ECG changes is 4,73 and 5,75 times higher than in patients without MI and ECG abnormalities. The risk factors identified in this case cannot explain such an increase in CEs. It is obvious that people with prior MI need rehabilitation. The presence of RFs in patients with newly diagnosed MI indicates insufficient primary prevention, which suggests that strengthening preventive measures to eliminate conventional risk factors in patients with newly diagnosed MI will help reduce the risk of recurrent MI or cardiovascular mortality.

Abnormal vasodilator stress electrocardiogram with normal myocardial perfusion: Clinical decision-making and review of literature

Ischemic electrocardiographic (ECG) changes during vasodilator stress testing in the presence of abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are associated with more severe coronary artery disease (CAD). However, significance of ECG changes during vasodilator stress test with normal MPI has been controversial. Here, we discuss two cases of significant ischemic ECG changes with vasodilator stress and normal MPI, whose subsequent workup revealed severe obstructive CAD. We also review the available literature on the occurrence and mechanism of these discrepant findings and propose recommendations for management.

Cardiotoxicity from Capecitabine Chemotherapy: Prospective Study of Incidence at Rest and During Physical Exercise.

BackgroundPhysical activity may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity (myocardial ischemia, major arrhythmias) of 5-Fluorouracil, but this risk has never been investigated for its prodrug capecitabine.Patients and MethodsOne hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing capecitabine chemotherapy from December 1, 2010 through July 31, 2016 were prospectively evaluated. The baseline evaluation included electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (2DE); a follow-up evaluation, including ECG and exercise stress testing (2DE in case of ECG abnormalities), was done after ≥10 days of treatment. Cardiotoxicity was suspected from ischemic ECG changes, new kinetic abnormalities at 2DE, Lown classification ≥2 ventricular arrhythmia, symptomatic arrhythmias, or positive stress test, and confirmed by a negative stress test after capecitabine washout.ResultsCardiotoxicity was diagnosed in 32 patients (16.7%): six at rest and 26 during exercise. All 32 patients had ECG abnormalities: ST-segment changes (24 patients), negative T-waves (2) and/or arrhythmias: ventricular arrhythmias (14 cases), supraventricular tachycardia (2), complete heart block (1). Eight patients had typical symptoms, 6 had atypical symptoms, 1 had syncope, 17 (53%) were asymptomatic. Cardiotoxicity was more common in patients with atypical symptoms during daily life (OR = 15.7) and in those on a therapeutic schedule of 5 days/week (OR = 9.44).ConclusionCapecitabine cardiotoxicity is frequent, and often elicited by physical effort. Oncologists, cardiologists, and general practitioners should be aware of this risk. Active cardiotoxicity surveillance with ECG (and echocardiogram and/or stress testing in suspected cases) during therapy is recommended.Clinical Trials registration numberCRO-2010-17.

Clinico-histopathological correlation of symptomatic left main coronary artery electrocardiographic ischemia pattern in a young child with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The specific electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern of left main coronary artery ischemia is exceptionally rare in children and under recognized. Occasional reports are bereft of a detailed mechanistic ECG description and limited to dissection, spasm, or anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery. An association with pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is hitherto unreported. We furbish a detailed electrocardiographic description of this entity in the unusual setting of a 4-year-old child with HCM with a restrictive phenotype and exertional symptoms consistent with myocardial ischemia. Heart transplant was performed for this rare indication. Histopathology of the explanted heart in particular revealed left main coronary artery narrowing and provided us with a unique window of opportunity to correlate with clinical findings. The pathophysiology was also likely exacerbated by diffuse sub endocardial ischemia in the milieu of left ventricular hypertrophy with elevated end diastolic pressures. We anticipate that this illustrative case will help contextualize this as well as pediatric scenarios in which the ‘left main ischemia’ ECG pattern can be encountered and foster an accurate electrocardiographic recognition of this entity in children.

High-sensitivity troponin I predicts major cardiovascular events after noncardiac surgery

Abstract Background Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is common and is associated with postoperative major cardiac events and 30-day mortality. We have previously established the diagnostic criteria for MINS with the 4th-generation cardiac troponin T assay (TnT) and 5th-generation high-sensitivity TnT assay (hsTnT) based on prognostically relevant thresholds. Little is known about diagnostic criteria for MINS using the high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) assay. Purpose To determine hsTnI thresholds associated with 30-day major cardiac events and death after noncardiac surgery. Methods We performed a nested prospective biobank cohort study of 4545 patients from the VISION Study. Patients were aged ≥45 years and underwent in-patient noncardiac surgery under regional or general anesthesia. Patients had samples collected and frozen preoperatively, and on postoperative days 1, 2 and 3. We measured hsTnI on thawed preoperative and postoperative samples. We used iterative Cox proportional hazard models to determine peak postoperative hsTnI thresholds independently associated with major cardiac events (i.e., composite of death, non-fatal cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure within 30 days and non-fatal myocardial infarction from postoperative days 4–30). Results Major cardiac events occurred in 89/4545 (2.0%) patients. Peak hsTnI values of <75 ng/L, 75 ng/L to <1000 ng/L, and ≥1000 ng/L were associated with an incidence of major cardiac events of 1.2% (95% CI 0.9–1.6), 7.1% (95% CI 4.8–10.5) and 25.9% (95% CI 16.3–38.4), respectively. Compared to peak hsTnI <75 ng/L (reference), hsTnI values 75 ng/L to <1000 ng/L and ≥1000 ng/L were associated with adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of 4.53 (95% CI 2.75–7.48) and 16.17 (95% CI 8.70–30.07), respectively. No change from preoperative hsTnI to peak postoperative hsTnI significantly improved the model when included on top of the identified thresholds. Incidence of major cardiac events was 31/343 (9%) in patients with postoperative peak hsTnI ≥75 ng/L versus 52/4178 (1%) in patients with postoperative peak hsTnI <75 ng/L (aHR 5.76; 95% CI 3.64–9.11). A postoperative peak hsTnI ≥75 ng/L was associated with increased risk of major cardiac events either in the presence (aHR 9.35; 95% CI 5.28–16.55) or absence (aHR 3.99; 95% CI 2.19–7.25) of clinical features of myocardial injury (e.g., chest pain, ischemic electrocardiography changes). Conclusion A hsTnI elevation within the first 3 days after noncardiac surgery independently predicts major cardiac events at 30 days. A peak postoperative hsTnI ≥75 ng/L was associated with a 6-fold increase in the risk of subsequent major cardiac events at 30 days as compared to peak postoperative hsTnI<75 ng/L. This hsTnI threshold can be used to diagnose MINS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Cost-effectiveness of myocardial perfusion SPECT and stress test according to coronary revascularization therapy, cardiac events and total mortality: Register of 8496 patients

ObjectiveThe aim was to analyze the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) of stress electrocardiogram (ES) and stress myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) according to coronary revascularization (CR) therapy, cardiac events (CE) and total mortality (TM). Material and methodsA total of 8496 consecutive patients who underwent SPECT-MPI were followed-up (mean 5.3±3.5 years). Cost-effectiveness for coronary bypass (CABG) or percutaneous CR (PCR) (45.6%/54.4%) according to combined electrocardiographic ischemia and scintigraphic ischemia were evaluated. Effectiveness was evaluated as TM, CE, life-year saved observed (LYSO) and CE-LYSO; costs analyses were conducted from the perspective of the health care payer. A sensitivity analysis was performed considering current CABG/PCR ratios (12%/88%). ResultsWhen electrocardiogram and SPECT approaches are combined, the cost-effectiveness values for CABG ranged between 112,589€ (electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia) and 2,814,715€ (without ischemia)/event avoided, 38,664 and 2,221,559€/LYSO; for PCR ranged between 18,824€ (electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia) and 46,377€ (without ischemia)/event avoided, 6464 and 36,604€/LYSO. To CE: the cost-effectiveness values of the CABG and CPR in presence of electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia were 269,904€/CE-avoided and 24,428€/CE-avoided, respectively; and the €/LYSO of the CABG and PCR were 152,488 and 13,801, respectively. The RCE was maintained for the current proportion of revascularized patients (12%/88%). ConclusionsCombined ES and SPECT-MPI results, allows differentiation between patient groups, where the PCR and CABG are more cost-effective in different economic frameworks. The major CER in relation to CR, CE and TM occurs in patients with electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia. PCR is more cost-effective than CABG.

Coste-efectividad de la SPECT de perfusión miocárdica y de la prueba de esfuerzo en relación con la revascularización coronaria, eventos cardíacos y mortalidad total. Registro de 8.496 pacientes

ObjectiveThe aim was to analyze the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) of stress electrocardiogram (ES) and stress myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) according to coronary revascularization (CR) therapy, cardiac events (CE) and total mortality (TM). Material and methodsA total of 8,496 consecutive patients who underwent SPECT-MPI were followed-up (mean 5.3±3.5years). Cost-effectiveness for coronary bypass (CABG) or percutaneous CR (PCR) (45.6%/54.4%) according to combined electrocardiographic ischemia and scintigraphic ischemia were evaluated. Effectiveness was evaluated as TM, CE, life-year saved observed (LYSO) and CE-LYSO; costs analyses were conducted from the perspective of the health care payer. A sensitivity analysis was performed considering current CABG/PCR ratios (12%/88%). ResultsWhen electrocardiogram and SPECT approaches are combined, the cost-effectiveness values for CABG ranged between 112,589€ (electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia) and 2,814,715€ (without ischemia)/event avoided, 38,664 and 2,221,559€/LYSO; for PCR ranged between 18,824€ (electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia) and 46,377€ (without ischemia)/event avoided, 6,464 and 36,604€/LYSO. To CE: the cost-effectiveness values of the CABG and CPR in presence of electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia were 269,904€/CE-avoided and 24,428€/CE-avoided, respectively; and the €/LYSO of the CABG and PCR were 152,488 and 13,801, respectively. The RCE was maintained for the current proportion of revascularized patients (12%/88%). ConclusionsCombined ES and SPECT-MPI results, allows differentiation between patient groups, where the PCR and CABG are more cost-effective in different economic frameworks. The major CER in relation to CR, CE and TM occurs in patients with electrocardiographic and scintigraphic ischemia. PCR is more cost-effective than CABG.

Can Emergency Physician Gestalt "Rule In" or "Rule Out" Acute Coronary Syndrome: Validation in a Multicenter Prospective Diagnostic Cohort Study.

Chest pain is a common problem presenting to the emergency department (ED). Many decision aids and accelerated diagnostic protocols have been developed to help clinicians differentiate those needing admission from those who can be safely discharged. Some early evidence has suggested that clinician judgment or gestalt alone could be sufficient. Our aim was to externally validate whether emergency physician's gestalt could "rule in" or "rule out" acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We performed a multicenter prospective diagnostic accuracy study including consenting patients presenting to the ED in whom the physician suspected ACS. At the time of arrival, clinicians recorded their perceived probability of ACS using a 5-point Likert scale. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of ACS, defined as acute myocardial infarction or major adverse cardiac events within 30 days. A total of 1,391 patients were included; 240 (17.3%) had ACS. Overall, gestalt had fair diagnostic accuracy with a C-statistic of 0.75 (95% confidence interval= 0.72 to 0.79). If ACS was "ruled out" in the 60 (4.3%) patients where clinicians perceived that the diagnosis was "definitely not" ACS, a sensitivity of 98.0% and negative predictive value of 95.0% could have been achieved. If ACS was only ruled out in patients who also had no electrocardiographic (ECG) ischemia and a normal initial cardiac troponin (cTn) concentration, 100.0% sensitivity and NPV could be achieved. However, this strategy only applied to 4.1% of patients. If patients with "probably not" ACS who had normal ECG and cTn were also ruled out (n=418, 30.8%), sensitivity fell to 86.2% with 99.2% NPV. Using gestalt "definitely" ACS to rule in ACS gave a specificity of 98.5% and positive predictive value of 71.2%. Clinician gestalt is not sufficiently accurate or safe to either rule in or rule out ACS as a decision-making strategy. This study will enable emergency physicians to understand the limitations of our clinical judgment.

Preoperative Myocardial Ischemia Detected With Electrocardiography Is Associated With Reduced 1-Year Survival Rate in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplant

BackgroundAlthough electrocardiography (ECG) is routinely used as a preoperative cardiac assessment tool, impact of ECG-detected myocardial ischemia on postoperative outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to assess use of ECG as a predictor of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing liver transplant (LT). MethodsElectronic medical records of patients who underwent LT were retrospectively analyzed. The primary end point was postoperative 1-year all-cause mortality. Electrocardiographic myocardial ischemia was diagnosed based on automated ECG interpretation suggesting ischemia or infarction. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors including Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, revised cardiac risk index, echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities, and myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) abnormalities. ResultsOf the 1430 patients, 78 (5.5%) showed ischemic change on ECG. The 1-year mortality of patients with ischemic change on ECG was significantly higher than that of those without (11.5% vs 4.0%; P = .004). In the Cox proportional hazard model, ischemic change on ECG (hazard ratio [HR], 2.91; 95% CI, 1.43-5.92; P = .003), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.04-1.09; P < .001), and revised cardiac risk index (HR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.86-4.35; P < .001) were independent variables predicting 1-year mortality; however, MPS abnormalities and echocardiographic wall motion abnormalities were not. ConclusionIn patients undergoing LT, preoperative ischemic ECG findings should not be overlooked, as they are associated with increased mortality, while abnormalities on MPS and resting ECG are not. Thorough evaluations to detect underlying modifiable coronary artery disease are needed in patients with these findings.

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery: diagnosis and management.

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) is due to myocardial ischaemia (i.e. supply-demand mismatch or thrombus) and is associated with an increased risk of mortality and major vascular complications at 30 days and up to 2 years after non-cardiac surgery. The diagnostic criteria for MINS includes an elevated post-operative troponin measurement judged as resulting from myocardial ischaemia (i.e. no evidence of a non-ischaemic aetiology), during or within 30 days after non-cardiac surgery, and without the requirement of an ischaemic feature (e.g. ischaemic symptom, ischaemic electrocardiography finding). For patients with MINS who are not at high risk of bleeding, physicians should consider initiating dabigatran 110 mg twice daily and low-dose aspirin. Physicians should also consider initiating statin therapy in patients with MINS. Most MINS patients should only be referred to cardiac catheterization if they demonstrate recurrent instability (e.g. cardiac ischaemia, heart failure). Patients ≥65 years of age or with known atherosclerotic disease should have troponin measurements on days 1, 2, and 3 after surgery while the patient is in hospital to avoid missing >90% of MINS and the opportunity to initiate secondary prophylactic measures and follow-up.

Shenzhu Guanxin Recipe Granules () for Improving Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Stable Angina (SERIES Trial): A Protocol of Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Parallel Controlled Clinical Trial.

Many patients with chronic angina experience anginal episodes despite successful recanalization, antianginal and antiischemic medications. Empirical observations suggested that Shenzhu Guanxin Recipe Granules (, SGR), a Chinese herbal compound, exerted potential impacts on increased treadmill exercise performance and angina relieve. However, there has been no systematic study to clarify the impact of SGR on exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina. The SERIES (ShEnzhu guanxin Recipe for Improving Exercise tolerance in patients with Stable angina) trial is designed to determine the effects of SGR on exercise duration, electrocardiographic (ECG) evidence of myocardial ischemia, and incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in stable anginal patients. A total of 184 eligible patients with stable angina will be randomly assigned to receive placebo or SGR (10 g/day for 12 weeks) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome will be the change from baseline in total exercise tolerance duration, time to onset of angina and ECG ischemia during exercise treadmill testing performed over a 12-week study period. The secondary outcome will include ECG measures, the occurrence and composite of MACE and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire score. Moreover, the coronary microcirculation will be evaluated to explore the possible effects in response to treatment of SGR. After the procedure, all participants will be followed up by interview at 3 and 6 months, enquiring about any cardiac events, hospitalizations, cardiac functional level and medication usage. Additionally, the occurrence of adverse events will be evaluated at each follow-up. This study may provide novel evidence on the efficacy of SGR in improving exercise tolerance and potentially reducing clinical adverse events. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-14004504).

Identification of Hypotensive Emergency Department Patients with Cardiogenic Etiologies.

Identify predictors of cardiogenic etiology among emergency department (ED) patients with hypotension, and use these predictors to create a clinical tool to discern cardiogenic etiology of hypotension. This secondary analysis evaluated a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with hypotension in an urban, academic, tertiary care ED from November 2012 to September 2013. We included adults with hypotension, defined as a new vasopressor requirement, systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mm Hg after at least 1 L of crystalloid or 2 units packed red blood cells, or SBP < 90 mm Hg and fluids withheld due to concern for fluid overload. The primary outcome was cardiogenic etiology, adjudicated by two physician chart review, with 25% paired chart review (kappa = 0.92). We used multivariable logistic regression to predict cardiogenic etiology, utilizing clinical data abstracted from the electronic medical record. We created a prediction score from significant covariates and calculated its test characteristics for cardiogenic hypotension. Of 700 patients with hypotension, 107 (15.3%, 95% CI: 12.6%-18.0%) had cardiogenic etiology. Independent predictors of cardiogenic etiology were shortness of breath (OR 4.1, 95% CI: 2.5-6.7), troponin > 0.1 ng/mL (37.5, 7.1-198.2), electrocardiographic ischemia (8.9, 4.0-19.8), history of heart failure (2.0, 1.1-3.3), and absence of fever (4.5, 2.3-8.7) (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.83). The prediction score created from these predictors yielded 78% sensitivity and 77% specificity for cardiogenic etiology (AUC = 0.827). Clinical predictors offer reasonable ED screening sensitivity for cardiogenic hypotension, while demonstrating sufficient specificity to facilitate early cardiac interventions.

Unusual electrocardiographic changes in a patient with pericardial effusion caused by rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-related inflammatory disease which affects almost 1% of the general population and which is ranked among the top 15% of diseases causing major disability worldwide. RA shares some pathologic features, genetic predisposition, and risk factors with atherosclerosis, and inflammation plays a central pathophysiologic role in both diseases. RA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. In RA, pericardial involvement is a frequent complication but rarely occurs as the first manifestation. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old male patient with RA presented with an acute chest pain and in the Electrocardiography (ECG) ischemic ST-down-sloping in multiple leads. Echocardiography showed an abnormal \&amp;quot;bounce\&amp;quot; of the interventricular septum and a small-medium size pericardial effusion. The laboratory values showed high inflammatory parameters and confirmed the presence of active RA. Troponin T was normal and NT-proBNP was at level 2. There were no signs for vasculitis. Coronarography found only small non-stenotic changes in the coronary arteries. A rheumatologic consultant recommended prednisone and later on, tocilizumab. He was also treated with colchicine. The clinical condition improved within 2 weeks and the ECG changes normalized within a month. Three months later, an echocardiographic follow-up showed that the pericardial effusion and the left ventricular bounce had disappeared. Conclusion: Small-medium size pericardial effusion manifesting as an acute coronary syndrome and with ischemic ECG changes is the most unusual finding. Indeed, the proper diagnosis of a pericardial effusion was made retrospectively

Impact of alcohol drinking on acetylcholine-induced coronary artery spasm in Korean populations

Generally, immoderate alcohol consumption is associated with variant angina and accepted as one of the risk factors for coronary artery spasm (CAS), but evidence is lacking in this regard. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of alcohol consumption and drinking pattern on CAS by acetylcholine (ACH) provocation test and long-term clinical outcomes. A total of 5491 patients with typical or atypical chest pain, without significant coronary artery disease, who underwent intracoronary ACH provocation test, were enrolled prospectively, and retrospectively analyzed in this study. They were divided into two groups according to their alcohol drinking status; the current alcohol (CA) drinking group (n=1792), and non-CA group (n=3699). To adjust for potential confounders, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed. The primary endpoint was incidence of CAS, and secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and recurrent angina requiring repeat coronary angiography (CAG) at 5 years. After PSM analysis, alcohol consumption was a strong risk factor for CAS. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption was correlated with a higher risk for CAS. As compared with the non-CA group, the CA group showed worse angiographic and clinical findings, including higher incidence of CAS (58% vs. 62%, p=0.016), spontaneous spasm (17% vs. 22%, p=0.004), multi-vessel spasm (31% vs. 37%, p=0.009), proximal epicardial spasm (39% vs. 46%, p=0.002), ischemic electrocardiography changes such as T-inversion (0.4% vs. 1.2%, p<0.001) and chest pain (42% vs. 46%, p=0.047) during ACH provocation test. However, the status and pattern of alcohol drinking had no influence on long-term clinical outcomes such as MACE or recurrent angina. Alcohol consumption is a strong risk factor for CAS, and excessive alcohol consumption was correlated with a higher risk for CAS. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm the results.

Exaggerated hypertensive response to exercise and myocardial ischemia in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease

ObjectivesThe association between an exaggerated hypertensive response to exercise (EHRE) and the probability of ischemia in stress tests is controversial. Our purpose was to determine the possible association between an EHRE and the development of chest pain and electrocardiographic or echocardiographic ischemia with exercise. Patients and methodsA retrospective observational study was conducted of 10,047 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease referred for exercise echocardiography. A logistic regression analysis assessed the effect of developing an EHRE (defined as a maximum systolic blood pressure with exercise ≥220mmHg) and the onset of chest pain and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes suggestive of ischemia. ResultsA total of 402 patients developed an EHRE. The rates of angina, electrocardiographic ischemia and echocardiographic ischemia among the patients with an EHRE were 8.2, 16.2 and 22.6% versus 13.8, 14.7 and 27.5%, respectively, for patients without an EHRE (p=.001, p=.4, p=.032). After a multivariate fit, EHRE was associated with a lower probability of exercise-induced angina (OR, 0.44; 95% CI 0.30–0.65; p<.001) and echocardiographic ischemia (OR, 0.63; 95% CI 0.48–0.83; p=.001) but not with the onset of electrocardiographic ischemia. ConclusionsEHRE is associated with a lower prevalence of angina and echocardiographic ischemia in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

Respuesta hipertensiva exagerada al ejercicio e isquemia miocárdica en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria conocida o sospechada

ObjectivesThe association between an exaggerated hypertensive response to exercise (EHRE) and the probability of ischaemia in stress tests is controversial. Our purpose was to determine the possible association between an EHRE and the development of chest pain and electrocardiographic or echocardiographic ischaemia with exercise. Patients and methodsA retrospective observational study was conducted of 10,047 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease referred for exercise echocardiography. A logistic regression analysis assessed the effect of developing an EHRE (defined as a maximum systolic blood pressure with exercise ≥220mmHg) and the onset of chest pain and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic changes suggestive of ischaemia. ResultsA total of 402 patients developed an EHRE. The rates of angina, electrocardiographic ischaemia and echocardiographic ischaemia among the patients with an EHRE were 8.2, 16.2 and 22.6% versus 13.8, 14.7 and 27.5%, respectively, for patients without an EHRE (p=.001, p=.4, p=.032). After a multivariate fit, EHRE was associated with a lower probability of exercise-induced angina (OR, 0.44; 95% CI 0.30-0.65; p<.001) and echocardiographic ischaemia (OR, 0.63; 95% CI 0.48-0.83; p=.001) but not with the onset of electrocardiographic ischaemia. ConclusionsEHRE is associated with a lower prevalence of angina and echocardiographic ischaemia in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.