Marker Of Coronary Heart Disease Research Articles

Immuno-inflammatory markers of syntropic cardiovascular diseases

Objective: To study the immuno-inflammatory markers of coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension and their combined course. The research work included 116 patients with cardiovascular disease of middle and old age. The average age of patients is 62.4±1.27. All patients were examined at the Bukhara branch of the Republican scientific and practical Center for emergency medical care. During the analysis, it was found that the level of systolic arterial blood pressure directly depends on the concentration of fibrinogen – r = 0.30 and oppositely depends on the concentration of procalcitonin (PCT) – r = -0.3 and IL-6 – r = -0.26. At the same time, a noticeable positive association of heart rate with creatinine in the blood – r = 0.35 was also revealed. The established connections show the contribution of inflammation syndrome (immune) in the progression of hypertension, or rather, indicators of the progression of hypertension in coronary heart disease are creatinine, fibrinogen, PCT and IL-6. Due to the high and noticeable correlation with the studied immuno-biochemical parameters of blood and functional parameters of the heart, IL-6 is a more informative indicator of the progression of coronary heart disease with the risk of complications and multiple organ failure. Thus, the established connections in our studies allow us to include the conclusion that, along with the above, risk factors for the development of rupture and/ or aneurysm of the aorta in CHD are an increase in the blood level of complement C3, IL-17 and PCT. Consequently, with an increase in the level of VEGF in the blood in CHD AS, the risk of an increase in the thickness of the LV in the diastole increases, and an increase in IL-6, IL-17A and urea in the blood shows a decrease in the thickness of the LV in the diastole, which makes it possible to differentiate the restrictive variant from the hypertrophic form in atypical angina. Due to the high and noticeable correlation with the studied immuno-biochemical parameters of blood and functional parameters of the heart, IL-6 is a more informative indicator of the progression of coronary artery disease with the risk of complications and multiple organ failure.

Prognostic value of the PDW/HDL-C ratio in patients with chest pain symptoms and coronary artery calcification

BackgroundPlatelet-related parameters and HDL-C have been regarded as reliable and alternative markers of coronary heart disease (CHD) and the independent predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. PDW is a simple platelet index, which increases during platelet activation. Whether the PDW/HDL-C ratio predicts major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients who complained of chest pain and confirmed coronary artery calcification remains to be investigated. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the PDW/HDL-C ratio in patients with chest pain symptoms and coronary artery calcification.MethodsA total of 5,647 patients with chest pain who underwent coronary computer tomography angiography (CTA) were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their PDW/HDL-C ratio or whether the MACCE occurs. The primary outcomes were new-onset MACCEs, defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, revascularization, malignant arrhythmia, and severe heart failure.ResultsAll patients had varying degrees of coronary calcification, with a mean CACS of 97.60 (22.60, 942.75), and the level of CACS in the MACCEs group was significantly higher than that in non-MACCE (P<0.001). During the 89-month follow-up, 304 (5.38%) MACCEs were recorded. The incidence of MACCEs was significantly higher in patients with the PDW/HDL-C ratio > 13.33. The K–M survival curves showed that patients in the high PDW/HDL-C ratio group had significantly lower survival rates than patients in the low PDW/HDL-C ratio group (log-rank test: P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis reveals that the PDW/HDL ratio was an independent predictor of MACCEs (HR: 1.604, 95% CI: 1.263–2.035; P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that participants with a lower PDW/HDL-C ratio had a higher risk of MACCEs than those in the higher ratio group. The incidence of MACCEs was also more common in the PDW/HDL-C ratio > 13.33 group among different severities of coronary artery calcification. Furthermore, adding the PDW/HDL-C ratio to the traditional prognostic model for MACCEs improved C-statistic (P < 0.001), the NRI value (11.3% improvement, 95% CI: 0.018–0.196, P = 0.01), and the IDI value (0.7% improvement, 95% CI: 0.003–0.010, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe higher PDW/HDL-C ratio was independently associated with the increasing risk of MACCEs in patients with chest pain symptoms and coronary artery calcification. In patients with moderate calcification, mild coronary artery stenosis, and CAD verified by CTA, the incidence of MACCEs increased significantly in the PDW/HDL-C ratio > 13.33 group. Adding the PDW/HDL-C ratio to the traditional model provided had an incremental prognostic value for MACCEs.

M281 High-sensitivity C - reactive protein: A novel and promising marker of coronary heart disease in obese population

M281 High-sensitivity C - reactive protein: A novel and promising marker of coronary heart disease in obese population

Earlobe crease as a marker of coronary heart disease: a systematic review

Earlobe crease (ELC) is a wrinkle-line in the skin that surrounds the ear approximately one third of the length between the tragus and the posteroinferior edge of the earlobe. Since the first study in 1973, the relationship between ELC and coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. In addition, the pathogenesis of ELC has not well described, yet. This review aimed to evaluate the relationship between CHD and the presence of ELC using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Eligible studies obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant keywords were collected. The assessment of quality of the studies was carried out based on the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Among 21 studies collected, 19 studies reported a correlation between the ELC and CHD indicating that ELC as a potential marker of CHD. Seven studies reported a significant association of ELC with CHD after adjusting confounding variables such as age, sex and other risk factors for atherosclerosis in analysis. Seven studies reported that subjects with ELC had more significantly severe CHD based on coronary angiography. The sensitivity of the ELC was reported between 30-98% and the specificity between 43-91%. Two studies reported no relationship between ELC and CHD after adjustment of age in analysis. Earlobe crease is a dermatological sign which was reported to have potential as a marker of CHD. Further study with large sample in population from various ethnics is needed in order to obtain a robust conclusion regarding the clinical importance of ELC in predicting CHD.

Clinical Significance of Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Determination as a Predictor for Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Middle-Aged Men.

Background: Not only low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol but also non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (VLDL-C), and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) cholesterol (IDL-C) are reported to be significant risk markers for coronary heart disease (CHD). We reported the relevance of IDL-C to Framingham risk score (F-score), but the present study addressed the relevance of IDL-C to Suita score (S-score), a risk score for coronary heart disease (CHD) developed for the Japanese individuals in addition to F-score.Methods: The cholesterol levels of lipoproteins, including triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins (IDL and VLDL), were measured by an anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (AEX-HPLC). This study enrolled 476 men, aged mean 51 years and free of CHD and stroke.Results: Non-HDL-C, IDL-C, and VLDL-C significantly correlated with F-score and S-score. In the multiple stepwise regression analysis, IDL-C as well as body mass index (BMI) significantly correlated with both F-score and S-score in both the total subjects and the subjects without drug therapy. The multivariate logistic analysis with the model composed of BMI and IDL-C as the predictor variables demonstrated that 1 SD increase in IDL-C was an independent predictor for 10-year CHD risk >10% of F-score (OR 1.534, 95% CI 1.266–1.859, p < 0001) and that of S-score (OR 1.372, 95% CI 1.130–1.667, p = 0.0014) in the total subjects. Even in the subjects without the drug therapy, the increased IDL-C, as well as BMI, were significant predictors for 10-year CHD risk >10% of S-score as well as F-score.Conclusion: These results suggest the significant relevance of the increased IDL-C for CHD risk scores in middle-aged men free of CHD and stroke. Further investigations are needed in women and elderly subjects.

Prognostic signs of an unfavorable course of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background. Despite the successful development of medical technologies in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease, mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in the population of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is not reduced. The development of an algorithm for the early diagnosis of coronary heart di­sease and ways to correct it is a topical problem of cardiology and endocrinology. The purpose is to determine prognostic signs for an unfavorable course of coronary heart disease and develop a table of test probabilities in order to enhance the effectiveness of risk stratification in patients with type 2 DM. Materials and methods. During 2017–2019, there were observed 40 patients (16 men and 24 women) with type 2 DM in combination with coronary heart disease. We took into account the presence of acute myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accidents (stroke), repeated surgical interventions (percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting) for the last 3 years. The average age of patients was 65.5 years. Results. In total, 119 signs recorded in the first three days from the moment of patient’s admission were analyzed as possible predictors of an unfavorable prognosis. As markers of coronary heart disease, parameters were adopted that showed the highest occurrence in the group of patients with adverse course of DM and coronary heart disease. The most patho­gnomonic predictors of coronary heart disease progression in patients with type 2 DM were left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction &lt; 40 %), systolic blood pressure &gt; 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure above 100 mmHg, electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia, persisting upon discharge from the hospital. Conclusions. Criteria that negatively affect the long-term outcome of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes are decompensation of DM, in particular, a high level of fasting glycemia (&gt; 13 mmol/l), as well as an increase in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Polymorphism in Apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) and Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins (FABP2) Genes in Nondiabetic Dyslipidemic Patients: A Tertiary Care Hospital-Based Pilot Study

Context Dyslipidemia is a multifactorial disease in which lipoproteins play an important role as one of the early markers for coronary heart disease (CHD). Mixed dyslipidemia is common in people with diabetes mellitus, but nondiabetic dyslipidemics (NDD) remain unidentified for the risk of developing dyslipidemia and eventually CHD. Objectives This pilot study attempts to analyze the genetic basis of lipid metabolism alterations, emphasizing the association between fatty acid-binding protein-2 (FABP2-Ala54Thr) and apolipoprotein-C3 (APOC3-rs5128) genetic polymorphism, as a risk for developing dyslipidemia and CHD in NDD. Methods and Design Total 90 subjects—30 DD, 30 NDD, and 30 apparently healthy subjects representing Central India—were included. Biochemical analysis and DNA genotyping were done by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical Analysis The biochemical parameters were reported as means ± standard deviation. One-way analysis of variance test was used to compare biochemical parameters of three groups. Chi-squared test was done to compare genotype distributions. The strength of association was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All statistical analysis was done using SPSS-PC software and Graph Pad. Results In NDD, maximum polymorphism was observed followed by DD and least polymorphism was observed in controls. There was a significant association of APOC3 G allele with occurrence of hypertriglyceridemia ( p < 0.05); however, no such association was found for FABP2 A allele ( p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed APOC3 polymorphism to be significantly associated with dyslipidemia (OR = 2.6667, 95% CI = 1.0510–6.7663, p = 0.0341); no such association was found for FABP2 polymorphism (OR = 0.4643, 95% CI = 0.1641–1.3136, p = 0.1347). The triglyceride and cholesterol values in individuals with homozygous genotype indicate that genetic study is comparable to the biochemical findings in carriers of polymorphic allele than noncarriers, especially in NDD patients. Conclusions Pilot study indicates that the presence of APOC3 gene polymorphism is associated with pro-atherogenic dyslipidemia in nondiabetic patients and may raise risk of CHD. This information could be used for preventive strategies in NDD group that may otherwise go unnoticed.

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN YOUNG MEN, FEATURES OF CLINICAL COURSE AND STATE OF ERECTILE FUNCTION

Aim of the study is to determine the features of the clinical course and study the state of erectile function in young men who have suffered MI.&#x0D; 112 male patients of Caucasian race of the Ukrainian population under the age of 50 (mean 43.21±2.8 years) who have had MI were examined.&#x0D; Clinical and anamnestic data indicate the similarity of young men who have suffered MI with their peers. Yes, there are no significant differences in the percentage of smokers, burdened family history. Analysis of erectile dysfunction, according to the IIEF-5 questionnaire, indicates the presence of problems in young men who have suffered MI.&#x0D; All examined patients were admitted to the hospital within 12 hours from the first symptoms of MI, which allowed to perform urgent coronary angiography with subsequent endovascular intervention - stenting. According to the cardiac ventriculography, about half of the patients (50 - 44.6%) had a three-vessel disease despite the young age.&#x0D; One third of patients received as a beta-blocker the new class of drug of the 3rd generation - nebivalol (37 patients - 33.0%), which is important for young patients, as this drug has no adverse effects on erectile function in men. 44 (39.3%) received bisoprolol, a more common long-term beta-blocker. 31 patients had contraindications to beta-blockers.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions.&#x0D; &#x0D; Myocardial infarction in young men was characterized by a high frequency of anginal form of the clinical course, multivessel disease of the coronary arteries, lipid profile disorders, a high proportion of patients with erectile dysfunction.&#x0D; Erectile dysfunction in young men is an early marker of coronary heart disease. All men with ED should undergo a thorough cardiac examination to determine lipid profile and testosterone levels.&#x0D; In patients with coronary heart disease, the symptoms of ED should be actively identified, initiate targeted lifestyle changes to reduce risks, as well as taken into account when choosing drugs for medical treatment.&#x0D;

Abstract PS13-02: Global myocardial perfusion is reduced in premenopausal breast cancer patients treated with ovarian function suppression and aromatase inhibitor therapy: An adenosine stress T1 map CMR study

Abstract Introduction: Premenopausal women with high-risk hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) undergo abrupt menopause induction with aromatase inhibitor (AI) anti-estrogen therapy and ovarian function suppression (OFS). This treatment improves recurrence-free survival but may increase cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with early hypoestrogenemia as observed in women with non-cancerous reasons for early loss of ovarian function. We sought to identify if OFS+AI therapy is associated with myocardial perfusion changes, a subclinical marker of coronary heart disease. Methods: We evaluated women with paired adenosine cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging scans at 3-to 6-month intervals using cines and T1 maps in standard short-axis planes. As increased blood flow from vasodilation increases adenosine stress parametric T1 values of the myocardial tissue, the myocardial perfusion reactivity was calculated from the percent increase of stress versus native (pre-stress) T1 maps. Double-blinded post-processing of images was performed in CircleCVI software. Statistical analyses were performed in MATLAB (p&amp;lt;0.05 defined as statistically significant) using paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and two-sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. Results: Twenty-one premenopausal women (16 Caucasian, 5 African American; median age 44.7 years) were accrued in 16 months - 14 with HR+ BC within 3 years of initiating OFS+AI (median 8 months) and 7 with triple negative BC within 3 years of chemotherapy (median 10 months) for comparators. Global myocardial perfusion reactivity to adenosine stress declined in HR+ women on OFS+AI therapy during the 3-6 month study interval (-1.3%; 95%CI: -3.4-0.7%) which was significantly different (p=0.02) from changes observed in comparators who had an improvement in perfusion during the interval (3.2%; 95%CI: -1.2-7.6%) (Table). Left ventricular (LV) function remained unchanged during the 3-6 month interval for all groups (p&amp;gt;0.05). The cardiovascular stress tests identified two HR+ women (14%) with abnormal results during stress imaging who were sent for further cardiovascular evaluations.Conclusions: Women with HR+ BC treated with OFS+AI exhibited a decline in global microcirculatory perfusion during an adenosine cardiac stress test with normal LV functional parameters. Alternatively, triple negative BC patients trended to have an improvement in LV function during the interval with non-significant improvement in myocardial perfusion. This study demonstrates a decline in myocardial perfusion in premenopausal women on OFS+AI therapy, suggesting subclinical coronary artery effects due to early hypoestrogenemia. Future work should confirm these results, identify women at higher risk, and test strategies to mitigate cardiotoxicity in premenopausal women with HR+ BC. Table: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study measures for HR+ BC patients on OFS+ AI therapy and triple negative BC patientsCMR MeasureHormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer(n=14)Triple Negative Breast Cancer(n=7)p-value for difference in change by groupBaselineFollow-upp-valueBaselineFollow-upp-valueLV Ejection Fraction, %56 (51, 61)56 (51, 62)0.8255 (50, 60)60 (55, 65)0.060.12EDVindex, mL/m270.6 (63.7, 77.5)69.9 (63.5, 76.3)0.7365.2 (58.0, 72.3)66.8 (51.4, 82.1)0.740.60ESVindex, mL/m231.3 (26.2, 36.5)30.4 (26.2, 34.5)0.3729.4 (23.8, 35.0)27.1 (19.4, 34.8)0.360.55SVindex, mL/m239.3 (34.3, 44.2)39.5 (33.9, 45.1)0.9035.8 (32.3, 39.3)39.7 (31.2, 48.2)0.230.29Myocardial mass index, g/m248.1 (42.7, 53.6)44.6 (40.0, 49.3)0.0843.5 (40.2, 46.8)41.0 (33.3, 48.7)0.420.77Global myocardial perfusion reactivity, %2.8 (1.1, 4.4)1.4 (-0.4, 3.3)0.191.4 (-0.9, 3.7)4.6 (0.9, 8.4)0.130.02Basal SAX myocardial perfusion reactivity, %2.2 (0.7, 3.7)1.4 (0.3, 2.5)0.261.8 (0.2, 3.4)2.1 (-1.7, 5.9)0.850.46Mid SAX myocardial perfusion reactivity, %2.4 (-.3, 5.2)0.5 (-1.5, 2.7)0.221.2 (-1.9, 4.2)3.3 (-0.9, 7.6)0.360.12Apical SAX myocardial perfusion reactivity, %3.4 (1.2, 5.7)2.1 (-1.4, 5.7)0.490.8 (-2.6, 4.1)8.8 (3.7, 13.9)&amp;lt;0.05&amp;lt;0.01LV = left ventricular, EDV = end diastolic volume, ESV = end systolic volume, SV = stroke volume, SAX = short-axis slice; volumetric and mass measures indexed to body surface area. Data are presented as mean (95% Confidence Interval). Citation Format: Alexandra Thomas, Ralph B. D'Agostino, Jr., Katherine C. Ansley, Sung Park, Anuj Kotak, Steven M. Sorscher, Susan Melin, Emily H. Douglas, Sujethra Vasu, Paul A. Romitti, William G. Hundley, Jennifer H. Jordan. Global myocardial perfusion is reduced in premenopausal breast cancer patients treated with ovarian function suppression and aromatase inhibitor therapy: An adenosine stress T1 map CMR study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS13-02.

Amelioration of hyperlipidemia and coronary risk markers with supplementation of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extracts on Triton WR-1339 induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar albino rats

Introduction: Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark used in Indian traditional medicine to treat hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Objective: The present study was to evaluate the antihyperlipidemic effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark against Triton induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty rats (200-230gm) were randomly divided into five groups of six rats in each, received standard diet and water daily. Normal control (5% CMC), positive control (Triton 400mg/kg), standard control (atorvastatin 40mg/kg), ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Cinnamon groups (CZEE and CZAE 500 mg/kg of each) were assigned and treated respectively. All the groups except normal control were administered triton to induce hyperlipidemia. Both the standard and plant extracts were administered for seven days orally. At the end of the study, fasting blood was collected and serum was separated out to estimate the lipid profile and various markers of coronary heart diseases. Results:Post supplementation of atorvastatin, CZEE and CZAE significantly (P Conclusion: From the observations, it can be concluded that supplementation of Cinnamon extracts can significantly decline the lipid abnormalities and ameliorate the markers of coronary heart disease and provides the scientific evidence for their traditional claims. Further molecular studies are warranted to evaluate the causative molecule for antihyperlipidemic effect. Keywords: Hyperlipidemia, Cardiovascular diseases, Triton, Atorvastatin and Cinnamon extracts

Questions of the mathematical modeling of the progression of coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

In 2017-2019, 40 patients were examined (16 of them men, 24 women) with type 2 diabetes mellitus in combination with IHD, of which 38 patients had a favorable course and 8 with an unfavorable course. For an unfavorable profile, the presence of strokes, mycocardial infarction (fatal, nonfatal), repeated hospitalizations for worsening chronic heart failure (decrease in ejection fraction), repeated surgical interventions (percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass grafting) for the current 3 years was taken into account. The average age of patients was 65.5 years. In total, 119 signs recorded in the first three days from the moment of patient's arrival were analyzed as possible predictors of an unfavorable prognosis. From this whole set, a number of parameters with corresponding values ​​were selected as markers of coronary heart disease, which showed the highest incidence rate in the group of patients with adverse course (NBT) and the highest in the group of patients with favorable course (BT). the most pathognomonic predictors of IHD progression in patients with type 2 diabetes were systolic LV dysfunction (fv &lt;40%), SBP&gt; 160 mm Hg and/or DBP above 100 mm Hg. Art., severe angina pectoris, LVH and ECG signs of myocardial ischemia, persisting upon discharge from the hospital, history of ACVA comorbidity plus DM-2.

비만 여성 노인의 건강운동 트레이닝에 의한 신체기능, 대사성증후군 위험요인 및 심장질환지표의 변화

비만 여성 노인의 건강운동 트레이닝에 의한 신체기능, 대사성증후군 위험요인 및 심장질환지표의 변화

Discovering Novel Biochemical and Genetic Markers for Coronary Heart Disease in Qatari Individuals: The Initiative Qatar Cardiovascular Biorepository.

Background:We aimed to describe the creation and challenge of a DNA and plasma biorepository (Qatar Cardiovascular Biorepository) with linkage to the electronic health record of cardiovascular risk factors to facilitate discovery of novel genetic and proteomic biomarkers for coronary heart disease in Qatari individuals.Methods:A prospective case–control study was conducted between October 2013 and February 2018. CHD was defined as a history of an acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction [MI]/unstable angina) or coronary revascularization. Controls were identified from blood donors who had no history of coronary heart diesase. After informed consent, blood samples were obtained for DNA and plasma. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical variables were derived from the electronic medical record, and information regarding history of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors was collected from surveys. Challenges in establishing the biorepository were noted, and processes to promote use of the biorepository by Qatari investigators were put in place.Results:During the study period, 2671 individuals were approached; of them, 2087 participants were recruited (1029 patients and 1058 controls). Relevant risk factors were ascertained from the electronic health record and surveys. The mean age was 49 ± 16 years, with 61% males. Challenges included setting up the infrastructure for qatar cardiovascular biorepository, developing an informed consent document in Arabic/English, and meeting target recruitment goals. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking was 41%, 44.5%, 40%, and 19%, respectively. History of myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass surgery was 55%, 68%, and 17%, respectively, among patients.Conclusions:This study addresses the challenges in setting up qatar cardiovascular biorepository, the first cardiovascular genomics biorepository in the Arab Middle Eastern region. QCBio is a unique resource for identifying genetic susceptibility variants and novel circulating markers for coronary heart disease in Qatari adults and enables individualized assessment of risk for coronary heart disease.

The Association of Water-Pipe Smoking and Coronary Artery Calcium in a Community-Based Sample

Water-pipe smoking is increasing in popularity, driven partly by a perception of reduced harm compared with cigarette smoking. This study evaluates the association of water-pipe smoking with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a marker of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, in a community-based sample. A total of 175 exclusive water-pipe smokers and 170 nonsmokers,≥ 35 years of age, were recruited from the community in Lebanon and Qatar. Water-pipe smoking was assessed using a validated questionnaire. CAC score was assessed using multidetector CT scan. The association of water-pipe smoking with the presence and extent of CAC was evaluated using regression analyses adjusted for CHD risk factors. CAC was present in 41%of water-pipe smokers vs28%of nonsmokers (P= .01), with an average CAC score ± SD of 90.6 ± 400.3 Agatston units (AUs) in water-pipe smokers and 52.4 ± 218.6 AUs in nonsmokers. In adjusted analyses, water-pipe smokers had significantly higher adjusted odds of having CAC (OR= 2.20; 95%CI, 1.20-4.01; P=.01) and being in the high CHD risk category defined by CAC > 300 AUs (OR= 3.41; 95%CI, 1.08-10.77; P= .04) or CAC > 75%of age, sex, and race-predicted (OR= 3.11; 95%CI, 1.55-6.24; P= .001) than nonsmokers. CAC extent was significantly associated with water-pipe smoking extent measured by smoking duration (β= 0.17/year; 95%CI, 0.05-0.29; P= .004) or the product of smoking duration and the number of water pipes smoked daily (β= 0.04/water-pipe-year; 95%CI, 0.003-0.07; P= .03). Exclusive water-pipe smoking was associated with the presence and extent of CAC, with twice the risk of having CAC and three times the risk of being in the high CHD risk category while accounting for other risk factors.

Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Cohort Study.

Aim: Recent studies have suggested that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) may be a good marker of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and non-HDL-C.Methods: We evaluated CRF and the incidence of high level of non-HDL-C in 4,067 Japanese men without dyslipidemia. The participants were given a submaximal exercise test, a medical examination, and questionnaires on their health habits in 1986. A cycle ergometer was used to measure the CRF and maximal oxygen uptake was estimated. The incidence of a high level of non-HDL -C (≥ 170 mg/dL) from 1986 to 2006 was ascertained based on the fasting blood levels. A high level of non-HDL-C was found in 1,482 participants during the follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models were used to obtain the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the incidence of a high level of non-HDL-C.Results: Following age adjustment, and using the lowest CRF group (quartile I) as reference, the HRs and 95% CIs for quartiles II through IV were: 1.00 (95% CI: 0.87–1.15), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76–1.00), and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.60–0.81), respectively (P for trend < 0.001). After additional adjustment for body mass index, systolic blood pressure, smoking, alcohol intake, and family history of dyslipidemia, the HRs and 95% CIs were: 1.05 (95% CI: 0.92–1.21), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.81–1.08), and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.67–0.92), respectively (P for trend = 0.001).Conclusions: These results suggest that there is an inverse relationship between CRF levels and the incidence of a high level of non-HDL-C in Japanese men.

Role of Serum Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) as a Marker of Coronary Heart Disease in PostMenopausal Women secondary to reduction in serum HDL-C

Role of Serum Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) as a Marker of Coronary Heart Disease in PostMenopausal Women secondary to reduction in serum HDL-C

Comparison of carotid plaque burden among healthy middle-aged men living in the US, Japan, and South Korea

BackgroundCarotid plaque has emerged as a marker of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Comparison of carotid plaque burden between different race/ethnic groups may provide a relative estimate of their future CHD risk. MethodsWe conducted a population-based study among apparently healthy middle-aged men aged 40–49 years (ERA JUMP study (n = 924)) and recruited 310 Whites in Pittsburgh, US, 313 Japanese in Otsu, Japan, and 301 Koreans in Ansan, South Korea. The number of carotid plaque and CHD risk factors was assessed using a standardized protocol across all centers. The burden of carotid plaque was compared between race/ethnic groups after adjustment for age and BMI, and after multivariable adjustment for other CHD risk factors using marginalized zero-inflated Poisson regression models. Cross-sectional associations of risk factors with plaque were examined. ResultsWhites (22.8%) had more than four-fold higher prevalence (p < 0.01) of carotid plaque than Japanese men (4.8%) while the prevalence among Koreans was 10.6%. These differences remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI as well as other risk factors – incidence density ratio (95% confidence interval) for plaque was 0.13 (0.07, 0.24) for Japanese and 0.32 (0.18, 0.58) for Koreans as compared to Whites. Age, hypertension and diabetes were the only risk factors significantly associated with presence of carotid plaque in the overall population. ConclusionWhites have significantly higher carotid plaque burden than men in Japan and Korea. Lower carotid plaque burden among Japanese and Koreans is independent of traditional CVD risk factors.

Arterial Stiffness: A Prognostic Marker in Coronary Heart Disease. Available Methods and Clinical Application.

Multiple biomarkers may predict short and long-term prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease, but their impact is limited when used in addition to established risk factors such blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus, smoking as well as age and sex. Arteries are an integral part of the cardiovascular (CV) system. Arterial stiffness has been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality independent of traditional risk factors. It has also been shown that increased arterial stiffness may predict cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals without overt cardiovascular disease. Measuring arterial stiffness may, therefore, identify patients at risk at an early stage. Antihypertensive treatment has been shown to reduce arterial stiffness beyond its antihypertensive effect. Arterial stiffness could, therefore, be a surrogate marker of treatment that relates to prognosis. Arterial stiffness has mostly been used in research protocols, and its use as a prognostic indicator in clinical practice is still uncommon. Several methods exist that can determine parameters related to arterial stiffness, both local and in specific artery beds such as the aorta. In this brief review we present methods to evaluate arterial stiffness, their clinical utility, limitations and the advantages of a novel method, the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index. Easier and more reproducible methods to evaluate arterial stiffness may increase the use of parameter as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in common clinical practice.

MiR-33 may be a Biological Marker for Coronary Heart Disease.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and specific role of miR-33 in the progression of coronary heart disease (CAD), thereby evaluating their diagnostic ability and use in treatment in CAD patients. Real time PCR was carried out to explore the level of miR-33 in the plasma of CAD patients and controls. ELISA was performed to analyze the level of placenta growth factor fragment (PLGF). Correlations between miR-33 and PLGF as well as other biochemical parameters were performed with Pearson's correlation analysis. First, we evaluated the level of plasma miR-33 in CAD patients and healthy controls. Compared with the control group, the level of plasma miR-33 was significantly increased in CAD patients. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation assay showed that plasma miR-33 positively correlated with the Gensini score (r = 0.354, p = 0.003). Meanwhile, plasma miR-33 was significantly enhanced in CAD patients with single- (1 ± 0.48), double- (1.85 ± 0.687), and triple-vessel disease (2.35 ± 0.87). In addition, Spearman's correlation assay demonstrated that plasma miR-33 positively correlated with plasma PLGF level (r = 0.354, p = 0.003). Lastly, ROC analysis showed that plasma miR-33 could screen CAD patients from healthy controls. In summary, we showed novel data that enhanced plasma miR-33 may promote the progression of CAD. Furthermore, plasma miR-33 could be used as a potential non-invasive biomarker for CAD patients, which may shed light on the diagnosis and therapy of CAD.

“Frank Sign” – A clinical indicator in the detection of coronary heart disease among dental patients: A case control study

Background: The diagonal earlobe crease (DELC) has been proposed to be a marker of coronary heart disease (CHD), but this association remains controversial. Data available in Indian population seeking dental treatment are limited. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between DELC and CHD. Methods: This case–control study investigated 118 cases with CHD and 50 controls without CHD. Characteristic differences and the relation of DELC to CHD were assessed by Chi-square and Student's t-tests. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to estimate the risk of various factors between cases and control. Results: The prevalence of DELC was 63.21% in cases and 26.79% in controls (