Levels Of High-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Research Articles

Abstract 4137155: Relationship between Subclinical Myocardial Injury and Global Cognitive Performance: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: With demographic trends transitioning towards older adults, dementia and cognitive impairment are predicted to increase dramatically. We aim to elucidate the relationship between subclinical myocardial injury, as indicated by asymptomatic increased levels of high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin (hs-cTnT), and cognitive performance. Methods: We studied MESA participants from Exam 1 (2000-02) to Exam 6 (2016-18), categorizing them based on baseline hs-cTnT at Exam 1. Cognitive decline was defined as a decrease of ≥5 units in CASI between Exam 5&6. We used Pearson correlation and linear regression to analyze the association of hs-cTnT levels with CASI scores, and logistic regression to examine the association with cognitive decline. We also explored the relationship between different hs-cTnT categories and cognitive measures. Models were adjusted for demographics, lifestyle, APOE status, comorbidities, and medication use ( Figure ). Results: 4445 participants had both baseline hs-cTnT and valid Exam 5 CASI scores while only 1776 participants had valid Exam 6 CASI scores. Cohort was predominantly female (53%), mean age of 60 years, and 27% had at least one APOE e4 allele. Median hs-cTnT was 6.32 ng/L, and median CASI scores were 89 at Exam 5 and 91.5 at Exam 6. We found a negative correlation between the log-hs-cTnT at Exam 1 and Exam 5 with CASI scores at Exam 5. An increase of one unit in log-hs-cTnT level was associated with a decrease of 0.67 (CI -1.17, -0.17) in CASI and corresponded to higher odds (OR: 1.44; CI 1.05-1.95) of cognitive decline, after adjusting for covariates. When comparing various categories of hs-cTnT with category 1, we observe that the odd of cognitive decline increases as the category increases. However, this trend does not hold for category 5 with significantly lower sample size ( Figure ). Conclusion: Our findings indicate an inverse relationship between hs-cTnT and cognitive function years later, which is significantly attenuated by known risk factors for cognitive decline. Further research is needed to determine hs-cTnT as a predictor of future global cognitive functions.

Importance of fourth heart sound and preserved left atrial function in wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis.

A fourth heart sound (S4) was reported to be almost never present in patients with amyloid light-chain cardiomyopathy. There have been no reports on S4 in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM). This study aimed to clarify the clinical implications of S4 in patients with ATTRwt-CM. Seventy-six patients with ATTRwt-CM (mean age: 80.4±5.4years, 68 males) who had undergone phonocardiography (PCG) were retrospectively assessed. We measured S4 amplitude on digitally recorded PCG. S4 was considered to be present when its amplitude was 1.0mm or greater on the PCG. Distinct S4 was defined as S4 with an amplitude of 2.0mm or greater, which is usually recognizable by auscultation. According to the rhythm and presence or absence of S4, the patients were divided into three groups, namely, sinus rhythm (SR) with S4, SR without S4, and non-SR. Non-SR consisted of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia. Thirty-six patients were in SR and the remaining 40 patients were in non-SR. In the 36 patients in SR, S4 was shown by PCG to be present in 17 patients (47%), and distinct S4 was recognized in 7 patients (19%) by auscultation. In patients who were in SR, those with S4 had higher systolic blood pressure (124±15 vs. 99±8mmHg, P<0.001), lower level of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (308 [interquartile range (IQR): 165, 354] vs. 508 [389, 765] pg/mL, P=0.034) and lower level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (0.068 [0.046, 0.089] vs. 0.109 [0.063, 0.148] ng/mL, P=0.042) than those without S4. There was no significant difference in left atrium (LA) volume index or LA reservoir strain between patients with S4 and without S4. Patients with S4 had more preserved LA systolic function than those without S4 (peak atrial filling velocity: 53±25 vs. 34±9cm/s, P=0.033; LA contractile strain: 4.1±2.1 vs. 1.6±2.0%, P=0.012). Patients in SR without S4 had worse short-term prognosis compared with the other two groups (generalized Wilcoxon test, P=0.033). S4 was present in 47% of the patients in SR with ATTRwt-CM. Patients in SR without S4 had more impaired LA systolic function than those in SR with S4. The absence of S4 portends a poor short-term prognosis in patients with ATTRwt-CM.

Malignant left ventricular hypertrophy and risk of cognitive impairment in SPRINT MIND trial

BackgroundThe association of malignant left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), a specific subphenotype of LVH characterized by elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) or N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), with cognitive decline remains understudied. MethodsThis post-hoc analysis included a total of 8,027 (67.9±9.3 years) SPRINT MIND trial participants who had with at least one follow-up cognitive assessment. Participants were classified into six groups on the basis of LVH status on electrocardiogram (ECG), and elevations in levels of hs-cTnT ≥14 ng/L or NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL at baseline visit. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association of LVH/biomarker groups with incident probable dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a composite of MCI/probable dementia. ResultsOver a median follow-up period of 5 years, there were 306, 597 and 818 incidents of MCI, probable dementia and a composite of MCI/probable dementia, respectively. Compared with participants without LVH and normal biomarker levels, those with concomitant LVH and elevated levels of both biomarkers were associated with a higher risk of probable dementia (HR, 2.50; 95% CI (1.26 – 4.95), MCI (HR, 1.78; 95% CI (0.99 – 3.23) and the composite of MCI/ probable dementia (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.16 – 3.10). ConclusionsAmong SPRINT participants, malignant LVH is associated with incident probable dementia and mild cognitive impairment. These findings underscore the potential utility of measuring hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP levels when LVH is detected on ECG, aiding in the differentiation of individuals with a favorable risk for cognitive impairment from those with a higher risk.

Cardiometabolic Co-morbidity Burden and Circulating Biomarkers in Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease in the ISCHEMIA Trials

Cardiometabolic co-morbidities, diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN), and obesity contribute to cardiovascular disease. Circulating biomarkers facilitate prognostication for patients with cardiovascular disease. We explored the relation between cardiometabolic co-morbidity burden in patients with chronic coronary disease and biomarkers of myocardial stretch, injury, inflammation, and platelet activity. We analyzed participants from the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA) trials biorepository with plasma biomarkers (N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, soluble CD40 ligand, and growth differentiation factor-15) and clinical risk factors (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], systolic blood pressure [SBP], and body mass index [BMI]) at baseline. We defined cardiometabolic co-morbidities as DM, HTN, and obesity at baseline. Co-morbidity burden is characterized by the number and severity of co-morbidities. Controlled co-morbidities were defined as HbA1c <7% for those with DM, SBP <130 mm Hg for those with HTN, and BMI <30 kg/m2. Severely uncontrolled was defined as HbA1c ≥8%, SBP ≥160 mm Hg, and BMI ≥35 kg/m2. We performed linear regression analyses to examine the association between co-morbidity burden and log-transformed biomarker levels, adjusting for age, gender, estimated glomerular filtration rate controlled for hemodialysis, and left ventricular ejection fraction. A total of 752 participants (mean age 66 years, 19% women, 84% White) were included in this analysis. Self-reported Black race, current smokers, history of myocardial infarction, and heart failure had a greater cardiometabolic co-morbidity burden. The presence of ≥1 severely uncontrolled co-morbidity was associated with significantly higher baseline levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and growth differentiation factor-15 than participants with no co-morbidities. In conclusion, increasing cardiometabolic co-morbidity burden in patients with chronic coronary disease is associated with higher levels of circulating biomarkers of myocardial injury and inflammation.

Posterior wall isolation with pulsed field ablation or radiofrequency ablation with vein of marshall ethanol ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background In patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) two ablation strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) have recently gained increased interest: posterior wall isolation (PWI) using pulsed field ablation (PFA) and Vein of Marshall (VoM) ethanol ablation combined with radiofrequency energy ablation (RFA). However, a direct comparison is lacking. Purpose To compare prospectively enrolled patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation for persistent AF using PVI and PWI with PFA (PFA group) vs. PVI and VoM ethanol ablation using RFA (VoM group) regarding procedural characteristics, safety, myocardial injury and outcomes. Methods Patients undergoing redo PFA-PVI with PWI and VoM ethanol ablation with RFA were included. Isolation and bidirectional block were checked using a multipolar mapping catheter. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was measured after 24h of ablation. Results A total of 84 patients were included (age 69 [interquartile range (IQR) 63-75] years; ejection fraction 56% [IQR 48-60%]; left atrial size 42 [IQR 37-47] mm), baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Of these, 54 patients (64%) were in the PFA group and 30 (36%) in the VoM group. The procedure duration (65 [IQR 56-73] minutes vs 116 [IQR 103-142] minutes; p &amp;lt; .001) and fluoroscopic times (11 [IQR 8–14] minutes vs 14 [IQR 12-19] minutes; p &amp;lt; .001) were significantly shorter for the PFA group than for the VoM group. No major complications were observed except for a probable allergic reaction in the VoM group and a transient AV-block in the PFA group. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin levels post ablation were similar between the PFA group and the VoM group with 886 [IQR 627–1260] ng/L and 793 [IQR 543-1199] ng/L, p=0.28, respectively. During follow-up (median duration 230 [IQR 117-370] days), AF recurrence was observed in 15% in the PFA group and in 40% in the VOM group (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion In patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation for AF, PVI and PWI using PFA is associated with shorter procedure and fluoroscopic times, similar high-sensitivity cardiac troponin levels and a reduced recurrence rate compared to PVI using RFA with additional VoM ethanol ablation.Central Illustration

Fulminant Myocarditis Complicated by Stiff-person Syndrome: A Case Report

This case report described a 61-year-old woman who presented with dizziness, headache, muscle ache, diplopia, and vomiting who lost consciousness. Upon hospital admission, the levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I and partial pressure of carbon dioxide were increased markedly. Loss of consciousness occurred twice after removal of invasive ventilator support. Coronary angiography demonstrated no stenosis in coronary arteries. Ultrasonography revealed inactivity of respiratory muscles. Oculomotor disturbance and autonomic-nerve dysfunctions were observed. Serum antibody against glutamic acid decarboxylase was positive. The rare phenotypes of persistent stiffness of muscles in the neck, face, bilateral upper and lower limbs were observed. The patient was diagnosed with fulminant myocarditis complicated by Stiff-person syndrome. Immunomodulatory treatment (glucocorticoids and immunoglobulins) elicited satisfactory therapeutic effects. In this case report, it was found that fulminant myocarditis and Stiff-person syndrome shared a common pathogenesis: “cytokine storm”. Such patients may benefit from early treatment with immunomodulatory agents.

Predictors of Long-COVID and Chronic Impairment of Exercise Tolerance in Spiroergometry in Patients after 15 Months of COVID-19 Recovery.

The aim of the study was to identify factors that may cause the presence of long COVID and to assess factors that affect chronic limited exercise tolerance in spiroergometry after one-year follow-up in patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Of 146 patients hospitalised in the Cardiology Department, 82 completed a one-year follow-up (at least 15 months post-COVID-19 recovery). We compared their conditions at initial screening and follow-up to analyse the course of long COVID and exercise intolerance mechanisms. Clinical examinations, laboratory tests, echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and body composition analysis were performed. The patients, after one-year follow-up, had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) (p = 0.03), left atrium diameter (LA) (p = 0.03), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) (p = 0.008), and total body water content percentage (TBW%) (p < 0.0001) compared to the 3-month assessment. They also had lower forced vital capacity in litres (FVC) (p = 0.02) and percentage (FVC%) (p = 0.001). The factors independently associated with a decline in maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) after one-year follow-up included the percentage of fat (OR 2.16, 95% CI: 0.51-0.77; p = 0.03), end-diastolic volume (EDV) (OR 2.38, 95% CI 0.53-0.78; p = 0.02), and end-systolic volume (ESV) (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 0.52-0.78; p = 0.02). Higher left ventricular volumes and fat content (%) were associated with a reduced peak VO2max when assessed 15 months after COVID-19 recovery.

Does the paradoxical effect of smoking on troponin impact the safety of the ESC 0/1h algorithm?

Abstract Introduction Paradoxically, recent population-based studies reported lower levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) in current smokers than in never and former smokers. This counterintuitive finding raises questions about the yet not investigated association between smoking and hs-cTn levels and its potential impact on the safety and accuracy of the ESC 0/1h algorithm in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI). Purpose We sought to investigate the impact of smoking on i) quantitative levels of hs-cTnI and T in patients with symptoms indicative of MI, and ii) the performance of the ESC 0/1h algorithm using both assays. Methods We used data from a prospective cohort study investigating patients with symptoms suggestive of an acute MI who presented to the emergency department of a German tertiary care center. Final diagnoses were adjudicated according to the 4th Universal Definition of MI. Patients with ST-elevation MI were excluded. The population was categorized into three subgroups according to self-reported smoking status, i.e. current, never, and former smokers. Diagnostic accuracies of hs-cTnI and T levels at 0h and 1h, as assessed by the area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC), and the performance, i.e. safety, accuracy and efficacy, of the ESC 0/1h algorithm using both assays were compared between smokers and never/former smokers. Results Among 2,527 patients with suspected MI, 562 (22.2%) were current smokers, 1,352 (53.5%) never and 613 (24.3%) former smokers. The prevalence of MI was comparable between the three groups, while age as well as several cardiovascular risk factors differed across the smoking categories. Hs-cTn levels at baseline were quantitatively lower in current smokers (hs-cTnI 4.8 [2.3, 14.8] ng/L; hs-cTnT 7.0 [4.0, 16.0] ng/L) than in never (hs-cTnI 5.6 [2.6, 16.2] ng/L; hs-cTnT 9.0 [5.0, 21.0] ng/L) and former smokers (hs-cTnI 6.2 [2.9, 15.9] ng/L; hs-cTnT 10.0 [5.0, 23.0] ng/L). Diagnostic accuracies did not differ between current and never/former smokers regarding the ROC-AUC for non-ST-elevation MI, neither based on 0h hs-cTnI (AUC 0.89 [0.85-0.93] vs. 0.88 [0.86-0.90], p=0.72) and 1h hs-cTnI (AUC 0.94 [0.91-0.97] vs. 0.92 [0.90-0.94], p=0.22), nor on 0h hs-cTnT (AUC 0.87 [0.82-0.91] vs. 0.87 [0.85-0.89], p=0.79) and 1h hs-cTnT (AUC 0.94 [0.92-0.96] vs. 0.92 [0.90-0.94], p=0.086). Applying the ESC 0/1h algorithm using hs-cTnI provided a very high and comparable safety for ruling-out MI in current and never/former smokers. Rule-in accuracy was also similar in current and never/former smokers, while the observe zone was slightly larger in never/former smokers (Figure 1A). Similar findings were confirmed for hs-cTnT (Figure 1B). Conclusion Despite paradoxically lower hs-cTnI and T concentrations in current than in never or former smokers with suspected MI, the ESC 0/1h algorithm achieves very high and comparable safety, accuracy and efficacy irrespective of smoking status.

Low-attenuation coronary plaque burden and troponin release in chronic coronary syndrome: A mediation analysis

BackgroundCoronary low-attenuation plaque (LAP) burden is a strong predictor of myocardial infarction in patients with stable chest pain. We aimed to assess the relationship between LAP burden and circulating levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and to explore the potential underlying etiology in patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary CT angiography (CCTA). MethodsA comprehensive metabolic and lipid panel, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) and hs-cTnT tests were obtained from consecutive patients with stable chest pain at the time of CCTA. Qualitative and quantitative coronary plaque analysis, CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) calculation, and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation measurement around the right coronary artery were performed on CCTA images. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify independent associations with hs-cTnT concentration and mediation analysis was used to assess whether ischemia or markers of inflammation mediate hs-cTnT elevation. ResultsIn total, 114 patients (56.3 ​± ​10.6 years, 44.7 ​% female) were enrolled. In multivariable analysis, age (β ​= ​0.04 [95%CI: 0.02; 0.06], p ​< ​0.001), female sex (β ​= ​−0.77 [95%CI: −1.20; 0.33], p ​< ​0.001), and LAP burden (β ​= ​0.03 [95%CI: 0.001; 0.06], p ​= ​0.04) were independently associated with hs-cTnT levels. Mediation analysis, on the other hand, did not identify a significant mediating effect of lesion-specific ischemia based on CT-FFR, circulating CRP levels, or PCAT values between LAP burden and hs-cTnT levels (all p ​> ​0.05). ConclusionAlthough ischemia and inflammation have previously been proposed to mediate the association between LAP burden and hs-cTnT levels, our results did not confirm the role of these pathophysiological pathways in patients with stable chest pain.

Plasma Levels of High-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I and Histopathological Findings in Heart Transplant Patients: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in heart transplant patients and the grading of graft rejection. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 92 biopsy samples from the patients who had undergone heart transplantation during 2022, at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, the largest referral center in Tehran, Iran, were evaluated for heart transplant rejection. Transplant rejection grades, high-sensitivity troponin I plasma levels, and the relationship between them were assessed statistically. Results: Forty-two patients (mean age 37 ± 9.6 years, 26 (62%) male) were assessed. The mean transplant age was 3 ± 1.8 years. In terms of graft rejection, 30 (33%) biopsies showed Grade 1R and 4 (4%) showed Grade 2R. Quilty effect was observed in 43 (47%). The median (Q1–Q3) of the cTnI was 0.02 (0.02–0.75) and 43 (47%) had high troponin level (&gt;0.03 ng/mL). A positive association was observed between high cTnI and rejection (P = 0.025). Conclusion: The association between the troponin level and rejection grade suggested the considerable myocardial injury during the rejection process.

Serial echocardiographic evaluation of COVID-19 patients without prior history of structural heart disease: a 1-year follow-up CRACoV-HHS study.

It is a well-known fact that COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system by exacerbating heart failure in patients with preexisting conditions. However, there is a poor insight into the cardiovascular involvement and sequelae in patients without preexisting conditions. The aim of the study is to analyse the influence of COVID-19 on cardiac performance in patients without prior history of structural heart disease. The study is part of the CRACoV project, which includes a prospective design and a 12-month follow-up period. The study included 229 patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of COVID-19 (median age of 59 years, 81 were women). A standard clinical assessment and laboratory tests were performed in all participants. An extended echocardiographic image acquisition was performed at baseline and at a 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. All analyses were performed off-line. A series of echocardiographic parameters was compared using repeated measures or Friedman analysis of variance. In all subjects, the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction at baseline was preserved [63.0%; Q1:Q3 (60.0-66.0)]. Elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T were detected in 21.3% of the patients, and elevated NT-proBNP levels were detected in 55.8%. At the 1-year follow-up, no significant changes were observed in the LV diameter and volume (LV 48.0 ± 5.2 vs. 47.8 ± 4.8 mm, p = 0.08), while a significant improvement of the parameters in the biventricular strain was observed (LV -19.1 ± 3.3% vs. -19.7 ± 2.5%, p = 0.01, and right ventricular -19.9 ± 4.5% vs. -23.2 ± 4.9%, p = 0.002). In addition, a decrease in the LV wall thickness was also observed (interventricular septum 10.4 ± 1.6 vs. 9.7 ± 2.0 mm, p < 0.001; LV posterior wall 9.8 ± 1.4 vs. 9.1 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.001). In an acute phase of COVID-19, the elevation of cardiac biomarkers in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction is a frequent occurrence; however, it does not translate into clinically significant cardiac dysfunction after 1 year. The serial echocardiographic evaluations conducted in patients without preexisting structural heart disease demonstrate an overall trend towards an improved cardiac function and a reduced myocardial thickening at 1-year follow-up. This suggests that the acute cardiac consequences of COVID-19 are associated with systemic inflammation and haemodynamic stress in patients without preexisting conditions.

A case of cardiotoxicity following intramuscular injection of tropicamide and phenylephrine ophthalmic solution in a drug-addicted young woman

We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with a history of an opioid use disorder who presented to our emergency department complaining of palpitations, chest pain, and headache after the intramuscular injection of an ophthalmic solution containing tropicamide and phenylephrine (Visumidriatic Phenylephrine® 100 mg/mL + 5 mg/mL, Visufarma S.p.A., Italy) a few hours earlier for a voluntary purpose. She developed cardiac toxicity with hypertension, tachycardia, and high levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, which required continuous cardiac monitoring for 48 hours with complete resolution of the cardiac damage without complications. Based on the current literature, this is the first reported case of cardiotoxicity induced by an ophthalmic solution of tropicamide and phenylephrine used intramuscularly for voluntary purposes.

Evaluating hs-cTnI serum levels and cTnI gene expression compared with cardiac nuclear scan in patients with angina pectoris.

Exercise stress can cause reversible myocardial ischemia in people with coronary artery disease (CAD). On the other hand, the new troponin biomarker with high sensitivity can detect faster and small amounts of troponin in blood circulation. The present study aimed to investigate the serum troponin level following exercise stress and the result of nuclear heart scans as the gold standard. For this purpose, 93 patients with stable angina and no history of known CAD and organic disease were included in this cross-sectional study. The serum level of the highly sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) was measured 75 minutes after the peak of the exercise test and reached at least 85% of the maximum heart rate. It was compared with the rate of reversible myocardial ischemia based on the nuclear heart scan, the three-month prognosis and the persistence of chest pain were investigated. Also, the expression level of the cTnI gene was evaluated by real-time PCR technique. The results showed that the average age of the patients was 58.9+12.4 years, and 62 (66.66%) patients were female. Reversible myocardial ischemia was observed in 31 patients. The relationship between hs-cTI level and the rate of reversible ischemia cases was significant (p = 0.0041). Also, the cTnI gene expression showed the same results as the serum level. According to the heart nuclear scan report, the hs-cTnI value above 1.6ng/dl had a specificity of 72% and sensitivity of 66%, a positive predictive value of 53%, and a negative predictive value of 78%. There was no significant relationship between hs-cTnI level and prognosis and the continuation of chest pain in patients after three months. Generally, the serum level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin was higher after exercise in the group with reversible myocardial ischemia.

Exploring how enrolment in the TARGET-CTCA clinical trial may modify patient perception of heart health

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation Background The TARGET-CTCA trial aims to determine whether the use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin to target computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) improves outcomes in patients presenting to hospital with suspected acute coronary syndrome in whom myocardial infarction has been ruled out. What patients understand of their subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease in this setting, and how intervention with CTCA may influence this is unknown. Purpose To explore how trial participants perceive their heart health and whether this has been modified by trial participation. Methods The TARGET-CTCA trial randomises patients with intermediate high sensitivity cardiac troponin levels to standard care, or CTCA plus standard care. Patients receive CTCA scan results informing them if they have a normal heart or they have mild, moderate or obstructive coronary artery disease. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with trial participants across standard care and intervention arms ensuring representation across disease category, age, sex and socioeconomic status groups. Data were coded and organized into themes. Results Emergent themes from the data included insights into attitudes to future health, perception of heart health, and health education needs. While some participants displayed a proactive approach to maintaining health, the consideration of future health goals was often a reactive process in response to the initial chest pain episode or the CTCA findings. While some patients discussed personal responsibility for health maintenance others described a passive approached requiring direct management from a health professional. For some standard care participants, the absence of myocardial infarction was a sign of a healthy heart. Others were left with unanswered questions after the hospital assessment. Confirmation of the absence of coronary artery disease with CTCA gave patients great confidence and a positive change to health seeking behaviour patterns was reported. Patients differed in their interpretation of the terms mild, moderate and obstructive coronary artery disease. This affected their subsequent action with some using the presence of disease as an opportunity to appraise their risk of future cardiac events and begin a preventative approach. Others reported fear and reducing activity to avoid precipitating a possible event. Many patients reported a desire to implement lifestyle changes but did not have the knowledge to do so. Conclusion Exploring how the information contained in participant result letters may contribute to the understanding of risk of future cardiac events has provided valuable information for application of the trial intervention outside of the main trial setting.

Elevated level of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

The relationship between the elevation of cardiac troponin and the increase of mortality and hospitalization rate in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is clear. This study investigated the association between the extent of elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and the prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients. A retrospective cohort study consecutively enrolled 470 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction from September 2014 to August 2017. According to the level of hs-cTnI, the patients were divided into the elevated level group (hs-cTnI >0.034 ng/mL in male and hs-cTnI >0.016 ng/mL in female) and the normal level group. All of the patients were followed up once every 6 months. Adverse cardiovascular events were cardiogenic death and heart failure hospitalization. The mean follow-up period was 36.2 ± 7.9 months. Cardiogenic mortality (18.6% [26/140] vs. 1.5% [5/330], P <0.001) and heart failure (HF) hospitalization rate (74.3% [104/140] vs. 43.6% [144/330], P <0.001) were significantly higher in the elevated level group. The Cox regression analysis showed that the elevated level of hs-cTnI was a predictor of cardiogenic death (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.578, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.995-10.386, P <0.001) and HF hospitalization (HR: 3.254, 95% CI: 2.698-3.923, P <0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that a sensitivity of 72.6% and specificity of 88.8% for correct prediction of adverse cardiovascular events when a level of hs-cTnI of 0.1305 ng/mL in male and a sensitivity of 70.6% and specificity of 90.2% when a level of hs-cTnI of 0.0755 ng/mL in female were used as the cut-off value. Significant elevation of hs-cTnI (≥0.1305 ng/mL in male and ≥0.0755 ng/mL in female) is an effective indicator of the increased risk of cardiogenic death and HF hospitalization in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients.

Comparison of Characteristics among Suspected ACS Patients by Normal and Elevated Hs-Troponin Levels

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, some patients with ACS may have normal levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn), a biomarker of myocardial injury, at presentation. This study aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of ACS patients with normal and elevated hs-cTn levels using different assays and thresholds. Material &amp; Methods: This 2-year retrospective observational study was conducted in Bangladesh, using data from hospital records of 420 suspected ACS patients. Patients were divided into two groups based on their Hs-Troponin levels, with group 1 having 60 patients with Hs-Troponin ≤0.014 ug/L, and group 2 having 360 patients with Hs-Troponin &gt;0.014 ug/L. Patients less than 18 years old and those with incomplete records were excluded. Ethical approval was obtained, and SPSS v.25 was used for analysis. Results: Group 1 had a significantly younger mean age of 41.8±14.3 compared to Group 2’s mean age of 68.4±12.6, with a p-value less than 0.001. Group 2 had a higher percentage of male patients (70.56%) compared to Group 1 (31.67%), with a p-value of less than 0.01. Group 2 had a significantly higher mean heart rate of 80.18±20.64 beats per minute compared to Group 1’s mean heart rate of 71.02±12.21, with a p-value less than 0.001. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, BMI, history of smoking, history of AMI, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Group 1 had a significantly lower percentage of patients with hypercholesterolemia (55.00%), but a higher percentage of patients with a history of ACS (25.00%), and a family history of CAD (70.00%) compared to Group 2, with p-values less than 0.001. Group 2 had a significantly higher percentage of patients with known renal failure (21.67%) compared to Group 1 (1.67%), with a p-value less than 0.001. Creatinine levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (98±53 µmol/L) compared to Group 1 (76±17 µmol/L) with a p-value of less than 0.001, and eGFR was significantly lower in Group 2 (76±27 mL/min/1.73 m2) compared to Group 1 (97±23 mL/min/1.73 m2) with a p-value of less than 0.001. The cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (0.28±1.68 ug/L) compared to Group 1 (0.01±0.01 ug/L) with a p-value of less than 0.001, indicating worse kidney function and cardiac damage in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Conclusion: The study found that very few patients presenting with ACS symptoms had normal Hs-Troponin levels, and ultimate diagnosis proved that they did not have ACS, indicating the usability of Hs-Troponin as a biomarker for ACS. Significant differences were observed in age, gender, heart rate, hypercholesterolemia, family history of ACS, family history of CAD, and renal failure between the two groups. The study also found a consistent association between elevated creatinine levels and lower eGFR with higher Hs-Troponin levels.

Pulsed-field ablation versus single catheter high-power short-duration radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation: procedural characteristics, myocardial injury and midterm outcomes

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a novel treatment strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A direct comparison to high-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) ablation using a single catheter is lacking. Aim To compare pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using PFA versus single catheter HPSD-RF ablation regarding efficiency, safety, myocardial injury, and outcomes. Methods 119 patients underwent PVI and were included (age 65.6 ± 10 years, ejection fraction 0.55 ± 0.11, left atrial size 41 ± 6.6 mm, paroxysmal AF 55%). 56 patients (47%) underwent PFA using a multi-electrode pentaspline PFA catheter with a biphasic waveform and 63 patients (53%) underwent single catheter HPSD-RF ablation without a multipolar mapping catheter. Results Using PFA the median procedure time was significantly shorter compared to the single catheter HPSD-RF group with 58 (IQR 51-70) min versus 83 (IQR 71-99) min (p&amp;lt;0.001), while fluoroscopic time was significantly longer with 12 (IQR 10-16) min versus 2.2 (IQR 1.3-3.6) min (p&amp;lt;0.001). First-pass isolation was achieved in 91% of the PFA group and 88% in the HPSD-RF group. 3.3 catheters vs. 1.0 catheters were used in the PFA group versus the HPSD-RF group, p&amp;lt;0.01. One procedural complications was observed in the PFA group and one complication in the HPSD-RF group (Tamponades). High sensitivity cardiac troponin levels were on average significantly higher in patients using the PFA system, 1520 (IQR 1010-1980) ng/l compared to 897 (IQR 725-1240) ng/l in the HPSD-RF group. During a median follow-up of 177 days (IQR 92-300), AF recurrence was observed in five patients (9%) from the PFA group and in 15 patients (24%) from the HPSD-RF group. (Figure 1) Conclusion PFA showed shorter procedure times but longer fluoroscopy times, higher levels of hs cTnT, and a possible improved AF-free survival.

High-Sensitivity Troponins and Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis Evaluated by Coronary Calcium Score Among Older Asians Living With Well-Controlled Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) are suggestive of myocardial cell injury and coronary artery disease. We explored the association between hs-cTn and subclinical arteriosclerosis using coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring among 337 virally suppressed patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who were ≥50 years old and without evidence of known coronary artery disease. Noncontrast cardiac computed tomography and blood sampling for hs-cTn, both subunit I (hs-cTnI) and subunit T (hs-cTnT), were performed. The relationship between CAC (Agatston score) and serum hs-cTn levels was analyzed using Spearman correlation and logistic regression models. The patients, of whom 62% were male, had a median age of 54 years and had been on antiretroviral therapy for a median of 16 years; the CAC score was >0 in 50% of patients and ≥100 in 16%. Both hs-cTn concentrations were positively correlated with the Agatston score, with correlation coefficients of 0.28 and 0.27 (P < .001) for hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT, respectively. hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT concentrations of ≥4 and ≥5.3 pg/mL, respectively, provided the best performance for discriminating patients with Agatston scores ≥100, with a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 60%, respectively, for hs-cTnI and 70% and 50% for hs-cTnT. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, each log unit increase in hs-cTnI level was independently associated with increased odds of having an Agatston score ≥100 (odds ratio, 2.83 [95% confidence interval, 1.69-4.75]; P <.001). Although not an independent predictor, hs-cTnT was also associated with an increased odds of having an Agatston score ≥100 (odds ratio, 1.58 [95% confidence interval, .92-2.73]; P = .10). Among Asians aged ≥50 years with well-controlled HIV infection and without established cardiovascular disease, 50% had subclinical arteriosclerosis. Increasing hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT concentrations were associated with an increased risk of severe subclinical arteriosclerosis, and hs-cTn may be a potential biomarker to detect severe subclinical arteriosclerosis.

Acute Myocarditis Caused by Francisella tularensis: a Case Report

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium with either focal or diffuse involvement and usually gives rise to chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, and fatigue. In severe cases, arrythmias, syncope, and cardiogenic shock may occur. Acute myocarditis is most commonly caused by a variety of viruses with cardiotropic properties. Rare causes of myocarditis include bacterial infections. We, herein, describe a case of acute myocarditis caused by the intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis. A young and previously healthy male in Northern Sweden was referred to the emergency department due to intense upper-chest pain and dyspnea. ECG exhibited minimal ST-segment elevations and laboratory parameters revealed pathological levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin and C-reactive protein. Radiological imaging showed increased metabolism in enlarged lymph nodes in the chest and signs that could be compatible with increased metabolism in the left ventricular of the heart. The combination of acute myocarditis and enlarged lymph nodes was believed to be caused by the intracellular bacterium Francisella tularensis, endemic in the Northern Sweden, and was verified with positive serology. The patient showed full recovery after antimicrobial treatment. As this is the fifth published case of myocarditis associated with Francisella tularensis, we suggest considering tularemia in acute myocarditis in tularemia-endemic area.

Abstract 49: The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease: Results From the Sturdy Trial

Background: In observational studies, older adults with insufficient or deficient serum vitamin D levels are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but randomized trials have failed to demonstrate reduction in CVD risk from vitamin D supplementation. This is possibly because the doses of vitamin D supplements tested were too low. Objective: To determine if higher doses of vitamin D supplementation lower high sensitivity cardiac troponin level (hs-cTnI) and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), markers of subclinical CVD. Methods: The Study to Understand Fall Reduction and Vitamin D in You (STURDY) was a double-blind, randomized, response-adaptive trial that tested the effects of 4 doses of vitamin D3 supplementation (200, 1000, 2000, and 4000 IU/day) on fall risk in adults aged ≥70 years old with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (10-29 ng/ml). Hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP levels were measured at baseline and at 3-, 12- and 24-month follow-up visits. For analysis, participants were divided into low (200 IU/day) and high dose (1000+ IU/day) vitamin D treatment groups. The effects of vitamin D dose on hs-cTnI and NT-proBNP were assessed via mixed effects tobit models. Results: Among 688 participants (mean age of 77 ± 5 years, 44% were women, and 18% were Black), 50.7% were in the high-dose treatment group (1000+ IU/day). Hs-cTnI increased in both the low and high dose groups by 5.1% and 5.8%, respectively; likewise, NT-proBNP increased in both groups by 11.3% and 9.3%, respectively ( Figure). Compared to the low-dose group, high-dose vitamin D treatment did not affect hs-cTnI (1.7 % difference; 95% CI: -5.3, 9.3) or NT-proBNP (-1.8 % difference; 95% CI: -9.3, 6.3). Conclusions: Compared to low dose vitamin D supplementation, a higher dose did not affect markers of subclinical CVD in older adults with low serum vitamin D levels. These findings do not support higher doses of vitamin D as an intervention to reduce the risk of CVD in this population.