Prevalence Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Research Articles

The Use of SGLT-2 Inhibitors and GLP-1RA in Frail Older People with Diabetes: A Personalised Approach Is Required

Background: Frailty is an increasingly recognised complication of diabetes in older people and should be taken into consideration in management plans, including the use of the new therapies of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA). The frailty syndrome appears to span across a spectrum, from a sarcopenic obese phenotype at one end, characterised by obesity, insulin resistance, and prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, to an anorexic malnourished phenotype at the other end, characterised by significant weight loss, reduced insulin resistance, and less prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, the use of the new therapies may not be suitable for every frail older individual with diabetes. Objectives: To review the characteristics and phenotype of frail older people with diabetes who should benefit from the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1RA. Methods: A narrative review of the studies investigating the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RA in frail older people with diabetes. Results: The current evidence is indirect, and the literature suggests that the new therapies are effective in frail older people with diabetes and the benefit appears to be proportional with the severity of frailty. However, frail patients described in the literature who benefited from such therapy appeared to be either overweight or obese, and to have a higher prevalence of unfavourable metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidaemia, gout, and hypertension compared to non-frail subjects. They also have a higher prevalence of established cardiovascular disease compared with non-frail individuals. In absolute terms, their higher cardiovascular baseline risk meant that they benefited the most from such therapy. The characteristics of this group of frail patients fulfil the criteria of the sarcopenic obese frailty phenotype, which is likely to benefit most from the new therapies due to the unfavourable metabolic profile of this phenotype. There is no current evidence to suggest the benefit of the new therapies in the anorexic malnourished phenotype, which is underrepresented or totally excluded from these studies, such as in patients living in care homes. This phenotype is likely to be intolerant to such therapy due to its associated risk of inducing further weight loss, dehydration, and hypotension. Conclusions: Clinicians should consider the early use of the new therapies in frail older people with diabetes who are either of normal weight, overweight, or obese with prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, and avoid their use in those frail subjects who ae underweight, anorexic, and malnourished.

Impact of menopausal status and menopausal hormone therapy on cardiovascular risk factor prevalence in a large French urban population: The CARVAR 92 study

Impact of menopausal status and menopausal hormone therapy on cardiovascular risk factor prevalence in a large French urban population: The CARVAR 92 study

Physical activity in kidney transplant recipients: benefits, barriers, interventions

Kidney transplant recipients are reported to have low levels of physical activity compared to the general population. This population is burdened by high prevalence of both traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Physical activity has multiple known health benefits, including reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors, which are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in this group. Sedentary lifestyle has been associated with poorer long-term graft outcomes and inferior quality of life. Lack of specific guidelines regarding exercise post-transplantation has been cited as one of the barriers to physical activity, alongside comorbidities and immunosuppressive drugs’ side effects. Exercise interventions, leading to improved physical functioning both pre- and post-transplant, have been demonstrated to lead to improved muscle strength, overall physical functioning, as well as cardiorespiratory performance. Currently available data on physical activity in kidney transplant recipients and its role in long term management of these patients remains limited, but promising results regarding its impact on long-term outcomes highlight the need for further research and development of more precise guidelines and educational programmes for both healthcare professionals and kidney transplant recipients.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Latino Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers: A Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Existing literature concludes that Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers endure higher rates of health disparities and chronic diseases than the general population. However, research on this population's cardiovascular disease risk factors is scarce, particularly studies comparing males and females. Methods: A meta-analysis of prevalence was utilized to examine whether male or female Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors. An extensive literature search yielded over 82,000 potentially pertinent articles, of which 17 were relevant and included in the analysis. Results: The prevalence rates of high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and overweight/obesity for female Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers were 1%-54% (95% CI: 0.04-0.15), 2%-57% (95% CI: 0.08-0.21), 3%-54% (95% CI: 0.10-0.22), and 1%-100% (95% CI: 0.26-0.84), respectively, and 5%-42% (95% CI: 0.12-0.23), 1%-63% (95% CI: 0.07-0.21), 4%-68% (95% CI: 0.15-0.31), and 1%-99% (95% CI: 0.29-0.81), respectively, for males. Conclusion: Male Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers have a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension versus females, and females have higher rates of high cholesterol versus males. However, there is a 1% prevalence difference of overweight/obesity between female and male Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers.

ST‐ Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction after Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of maternal death in developed countries, accounting for 20% of cardiovascular deaths [1]. The incidence is expected to continue to rise, due to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in pregnant women. Associated mortality is 5% in the pregnant population [2]. We present a particular case of a young woman presenting with ACS post partum from an ectopic pregnancy complicated by deep left ventricular dysfunction with a healthy coronary artery, in whom the diagnosis of Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy is also discussed.

P100 A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of comorbidity amongst people with palmoplantar pustulosis

Abstract The treatment landscape for psoriasis vulgaris has been transformed by the introduction of targeted biologic therapies, but these treatments show limited efficacy in palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have emerged as a promising therapeutic option in PPP, but have an evolving side-effect profile, particularly relating to cardiovascular disease and malignancy. PPP is closely associated with smoking, but the wider comorbidity burden is poorly described. The objective of this study was to quantify the prevalence of comorbidities, including cardiovascular risk factors and malignancy, in individuals with PPP (PROSPERO: CRD42024508151). A systematic search of six databases (Embase, Ovid, Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Cinahl) was conducted on 29 July 2024. For the systematic review, studies reporting the prevalence of the relevant comorbidities in adults (≥18 years) with PPP were included. No publication date or language restrictions were applied. Conference abstracts, review articles, and case reports were excluded. Records were screened and data extracted by at least two reviewers independently. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. To determine the prevalence of comorbidities in our at-risk PPP population, following quality assessment, we meta-analysed studies conducted in a specialist setting. Population-based studies based on coding and claims databases were excluded. This approach aimed to ensure the inclusion of comparable, tightly-phenotyped populations likely to be considered for JAK inhibitor treatment. Prevalence estimates for comorbidities were pooled using a random-effects model and presented with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Of 23 727 references identified, 86 studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, comprising 72 studies conducted in a specialist setting and 14 population-based database studies. Quality assessment identified that only 33/86 (38.4%) studies specified the diagnostic criteria for comorbidities. Following quality assessment, 57 studies were included the meta-analysis. Psoriasis vulgaris [prevalence, 24.4% (95% CI: 18.1–30.6%)] and psoriatic arthritis [19.7% (95% CI: 15.5–24.0)] were common. The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors were smoking [78.2% (95% CI: 73.6–82.6%)], hypertension [28.6% (95% CI: 24.4–32.8%)], hyperlipidaemia [28.3% (95% CI: 22.3–34.3%)], and obesity [25.2% (95% CI: 17.7–32.7%)]. The prevalence of major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction/stroke/transient ischaemic attack) and malignancy were 6.9% (95% CI: 3.8–9.9%) and 6.9% (95% CI: 2.6–11.2%), respectively. High heterogeneity was apparent between studies, a common finding in meta-analyses of prevalence. This systematic review and meta-analysis of people with PPP highlights a high prevalence of smoking and cardiovascular risk factors. Our findings underscore the importance of screening for comorbidities to guide treatment decision-making with novel therapeutic agents, such as JAK inhibitors.

Understanding Cardiovascular Health and Lifestyle Choices Among Healthcare Professionals in Medically Underserved Regions in Illinois.

This study assesses the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and stress, as related to healthy lifestyle behaviors among healthcare professionals (HCPs), including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and radiologists, in medically underserved regions (MURs). Using a cross-sectional study design, an online survey was administered to HCPs in MURs of West Central Illinois. A total of 316 HCPs completed the survey. The study population was predominantly White, female, and aged 55 or older. The findings of this research imply that HCPs in medically underserved regions (MURs) with high cholesterol generally do not engage in physical activity. The study showed a correlation between HCP age, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, implying that as HCPs age like every other individual, the likelihood of developing these conditions increases. This study emphasizes the role of time constraints and a lack of motivation in limiting HCPs' participation in physical activity in rural areas. Additionally, the study suggests that inadequate access to nutritious food and exercise facilities in rural regions contributes to lower rates of healthy eating and physical activity. Findings demonstrate how essential it is for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant about cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Evaluating Electrochemical Marker for Udavarta (Slow Transit Constipation) and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract The known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive use of alcohol. The 10-year cardiovascular risk factor prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus is 55.8%, 14.4%, and 9.8%, respectively. Besides these known risk factors, other potential but less searched risk factors also need to be explored for better prevention of CVDs. To evaluate the association between Udavarta (STC), changes in lead III of ECG, and heart disease score to demonstrate the earliest pathological changes in the heart. A cross-sectional observational study using a survey method to collect data from November 11, 2021 to January 5, 2022. The Udavarta symptom score (USS) is associated with ECG changes in lead III (P > 0.0098). The USS shows an association with the Hrudroga (heart disease) symptom score: relative risk 1.83 (95% CI: 1.20–3.1), odds ratio 5.65 (95% CI: 1.06–30), and P > 0.0385. Udavarta (slow transit constipation) shows a strong association with heart disease symptom score and lead III ECG changes, and clinically is an equally contributing risk factor for the development of CVDs compared to the other risk factors. This study reports that the minimum duration of constipation for starting the development of heart diseases assessed by ECG is 3 months, and the maximum duration is 25 years. This study emphasizes that slow transit constipation is a risk factor for developing heart disease. Clinical research in this direction is warranted.

Prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in high-risk Kyrgyzstan population as compared to Indians - An Indo-Kyrgyz cardiometabolic study.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most prevalent causes of mortality worldwide, especially significant in low- and middle-income countries. Kyrgyzstan and India represent such nations that face a huge burden of CVD-related deaths globally. Understanding the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in these populations is critical for effective prevention and management strategies. This is a multicentric, observational study where we compared the prevalence of CVRFs in high-risk populations from Kyrgyzstan and India. Data was collected from established ASCVD patients attending cardio-metabolic clinics at tertiary care centers between December 2021 and December 2023. Demographic characteristics and CVRFs, which encompassed diabetes, hypertension, lipid profile parameters, tobacco consumption, etc., were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences between the cohorts. A total of 1552 individuals (772 from Kyrgyzstan, 750 from India) were studied. The Kyrgyzstan cohort had a significantly higher mean age and a greater proportion of females compared to the Indian cohort. The prevalence of tobacco consumption, hypertension, and diabetes was significantly higher in Kyrgyzstan than in India. Lipid profile analysis revealed greater level of LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol in the Kyrgyzstan cohort. Conversely, triglyceride levels were lower in Kyrgyz individuals. The Kyrgyzstan cohort also demonstrated better left ventricular systolic function compared to the Indian cohort. Our study highlights significant differences in the prevalence of traditional CVRFs between high-risk populations in Kyrgyzstan and India. Higher rates of tobacco consumption, hypertension, and diabetes in Kyrgyzstan signify the immediate need for targeted interventions to address these modifiable risk factors. Targeted public health programs focusing on these lifestyle modifications and efficacious management of CVRFs are crucial to reduce the burden of cardiovascular deaths in both countries.

Relationship Between Blood Groups and Cardiovascular Diseases: Insights From an Algerian Inpatient Study.

Research on the association between blood groups and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Africa, including Algeria, is notably limited, with a primary focus on blood donors. This narrow scope hinders a comprehensive understanding of the genetic diversity of blood groups and their potential links to CVD risk within the African context. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study proposes to investigate the distribution of blood group genotypes and their association with CVD prevalence, aiming to enhance knowledge within the African context and contribute to global insights into the relationship between blood groups and CVD. This retrospective study was conducted within the Cardiology A2 Department of Mustapha Bacha University Hospital (CHU) in Algiers, Algeria. The inclusion criteria comprised patients aged 18 years or older with confirmed diagnoses of CVDs. Conversely, patients without confirmed diagnoses or documented blood groups were excluded from the study. Data collection encompassed key cardiovascular risk factors, and blood groups were determined using standard serological testing methods. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing R and Jamovi software, with a predefined significance threshold of p < 0.05. Our analysis of a 2,780-patient cohort (61.7% male, mean age: 62.53 ± 13.06 years) revealed a predominance of blood type O (42.84%), followed by A (32.27%), B (16.19%), and AB (8.71%), with 93.42% of the cohort being Rhesus (Rh)-positive. The calculated ABO allele frequencies were 0.2315 (A), 0.1319 (B), and 0.6532 (O), indicating a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) (χ² = 47.88, p < 0.05), whereas the Rh distribution remained in equilibrium. Hypertension (94.50%), dyslipidemia (94.03%), and diabetes (79.57%) were the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the leading diagnosis (39.75%), and notably, no significant associations were observed between blood groups and cardiovascular conditions or risk factors, except for a marginally higher prevalence of arrhythmia among Rh-negative (Rh-) individuals (9.29% vs. 5.81%). This study provides novel insights into the distribution of ABO and Rh blood types among Algerian patients with CVD, highlighting a prevalence of Group O and Rh-positive (Rh+) individuals, though without significant associations between blood groups and major cardiovascular risk factors. Contrary to previous findings suggesting elevated cardiovascular risk in non-O blood groups, our results did not establish significant associations between blood groups and cardiovascular conditions or risk factors. The high prevalence of ACS, hypertension (particularly among older males), dyslipidemia, and smoking underscorethe urgent need for targeted preventive strategies and further research to elucidate the complex interplay between blood types, genetic factors, and CVD in this population. These findings emphasize the necessity for addressing modifiable risk factors through education and preventive measures to improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Triglyceride-glucose index trajectories predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in elderly heart failure patients with Diabetes: A retrospective cohort study.

Evaluating the change trajectories of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index calculated after multiple tests in elderly heart failure (HF) patients may have clinical implications for predicting long-term adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). This retrospective study included 1184 elderly HF (LVEF ≥50%) patients with diabetes admitted to our center between January 2015 and January 2020. Based on the multiple TyG levels detected during the exposure period with annual measurements, three distinct TyG trajectories were determined using latent mixture modeling: low-stable group (TyG index <8.26, n = 367), medium-stable group (TyG index 8.26-9.06, n = 613), and high-increasing group (TyG index >9.06, n = 204). The primary endpoint was the composite outcome of MACEs. There were significant increases in the prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors and conditions, such as male gender, BMI, current smoker, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, old myocardial infarction, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and uric acid levels, from the Low-Stable Group to the High-Increasing Group (all P < 0.05). During a median follow-up of 29 months (range, 18-46 months), 181 MACEs occurred. Kaplan-Meier analyses curve showed a significantly increased risk of MACEs in the medium-stable and high-increasing groups compared to the low-stable group (HR = 2.528, 95%CI: 1.665-3.838; HR = 2.706, 95%CI: 1.722-4.255, respectively). Furthermore, the rates of heart failure-related hospitalizations, nonfatal myocardial infarctions and non-fatal stroke were significantly increased in the medium-stable and high-increasing groups. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed that age (HR = 1.728), current smoker (HR = 1.385), old myocardial infarction (HR = 1.593), chronic renal disease (HR = 1.682), HbA1c (HR = 1.816), NT-proBNP (HR = 2.471), TyG trajectory (HR = 2.112) and SGLT2 inhibitors (HR = 0.841) were independently associated with the occurrence of MACEs during follow-up (P < 0.05). The TyG trajectory is strongly associated with the risk of MACEs during follow-up in elderly patients with T2DM, suggesting that TyG trajectories may further optimize risk stratification model of cardiovascular events.

Prevalence and risk factors of cardiovascular health and diabetes among adults living in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria

Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus represent significant public health challenges in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of cardiovascular health and diabetes among adults in Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria. The study included 297 participants aged 18 years and above, with data collected through structured questionnaires, physical measurements, and biochemical analyses. The findings revealed hypertension as the most prevalent cardiovascular condition (34.7%), followed by obesity (29.3%) and diabetes mellitus (26.6%). Medication adherence was notably low, with only 21.9% taking hypertension medication and 15.2% taking diabetes medication. Physical activity levels were generally insufficient, with 29.3% reporting no regular exercise. Sleep patterns showed that most participants got inadequate sleep, with 41.8% getting only 5-7 hours per night and 22.6% getting less than 5 hours. Biochemical measurements indicated borderline elevated means for various parameters, including fasting blood glucose (108.6 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (202.3 mg/dL). Knowledge levels regarding cardiovascular health and diabetes were predominantly fair to poor, although 81.8% of participants believed lifestyle changes could prevent or manage these conditions. Logistic regression analysis identified age (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.17), BMI (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.25), and family history (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.42-3.09) as significant predictors of diabetes, while physical activity showed a protective effect (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49-0.89). The study concludes that there is a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among adults in Lagos Island, coupled with poor medication adherence and limited health knowledge. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions focusing on health education, lifestyle modification, and improved healthcare access, particularly targeting high-risk groups such as older adults and those with family history of cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors according to Life's Essential 8 in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis including 1 526 173 participants from 42 countries.

Cardiovascular health is a crucial aspect of overall health. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Life's Essential 8 domains. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched until 24 February 2023. Studies had to meet the following criteria: (1) observational studies, (2) studies reporting proportion of selected risk factors, (3) studies involving children or adolescents, (4) studies that collected data during the COVID-19 pandemic and (5) studies with representative samples. The outcomes included were diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and elevated blood pressure. Sixty-two studies with 1 526 173 participants from 42 countries were included. Of these, 41 studies were used in the meta-analyses. The overall pooled prevalence of risk factors in the behavioural domain was as follows: poor quality diet 26.69% (95% CI 0.00%-85.64%), inadequate physical activity 70.81% (95% CI 64.41%-76.83%), nicotine exposure 9.24% (95% CI 5.53%-13.77%) and sleep disorders 33.49% (95% CI 25.24%-42.28%). The overall pooled prevalence of risk factors in the health domain was as follows: obesity 16.21% (95% CI 12.71%-20.04%), dyslipidaemia 1.87% (95% CI 1.73%-2.01%), diabetes 1.17% (95% CI 0.83%-1.58%) and elevated blood pressure 11.87% (95% CI 0.26%-36.50%). These results highlight the need for prevention strategies to maintain better cardiovascular health from an early age, particularly by increasing physical activity levels, sleep time and promoting the consumption of more fruits and vegetables.

Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome and Offspring’s Risk of Cardiovascular diseases in Childhood and Young Adulthood

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and of subclinical cardiovascular disease, but the association between maternal polycystic ovary syndrome and cardiovascular disease in offspring is unclear. We conduct a register-based cohort study of 6 839 703 live singleton births from Denmark (1973–2016) and Sweden (1973–2014) and follow them for up to 48 years. Using Cox regression models, we find that offspring of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher risk of overall cardiovascular diseases and of its specific subtypes, independently of comorbidities related to polycystic ovary syndrome. Cousin analyzes suggest that familial confounding does not explain our results. If our findings are replicated by future studies, children of women with polycystic ovary syndrome may benefit from early cardiovascular prevention efforts.

Prevalence of Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Population of Rural Locality of Levanjska Varoš

Prevalence of Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Population of Rural Locality of Levanjska Varoš

Real-Life Use of Filgotinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) are a novel class of drugs interfering with intracellular signaling of type I and type II cytokines, which play a crucial role in immune dysregulation associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases. Filgotinib (FIL), in particular, is the newest member of the JAKi class and exerts its therapeutic effects by selectively targeting and inhibiting the kinase activity of JAK1. While the efficacy of FIL in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been confirmed in clinical trials, real-world evidence may provide better insights into its effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice. Methods: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study investigating the real-life effectiveness and safety of FIL in adult patients with RA. Demographic information, disease characteristics, prior treatment history, and comorbid conditions were retrieved from clinical records at baseline (M0) and after 3 (M3) and 6 months (M6) of treatment. Results: A total of 82 patients (63 women) agreed to participate in the study, of whom 39 (47.6%) were older than 65 years. The average RA duration was 13 ± 9 years; 19 patients (23.1%) were current or former smokers, and 4 patients (4.9%) had a history of cardiovascular events. Most patients had previously received at least one biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (range: 1-6+); in addition, 11 patients (13.4%) had been already exposed to another JAKi. During the follow-up, 7 patients discontinued treatment due to primary failure (n = 3) or adverse events (n = 4). Significant reductions in pain and number of tender and swollen joints were observed at M3 and M6. A relevant proportion of patients achieved DAS28-CRP remission at M3 and M6 (46.3% and 66.2%, respectively). Conclusions: Our data provide additional insight into the effectiveness of filgotinib in a real-world setting, even among patients with difficult-to-treat RA and a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in taxi drivers in Tabriz metropolis

Background. Taxi drivers are among the high-risk groups for cardiovascular disease due to their hard working conditions, long working hours, daily stress, and low income. The present study investigated the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among taxi drivers in Tabriz metropolis. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of taxi drivers in 2020. A total of 400 taxi drivers in Tabriz were included in the study using multi-stage sampling. A questionnaire was developed to collect data on demographic characteristics and the presence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in the participants or their family members. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI), and the Iranian Socioeconomic Status Assessment Questionnaire were also used to collect the data. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and Stata 15 software and applying the Logit model. Results. About 50% of the drivers had various degrees of overweight and obesity. In total, 30% of the drivers were suffering from high blood pressure and nearly 11.5% of them were simultaneously suffering from hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. More than 16% of the drivers had at least a family member with hypertension or diabetes. Only 30% of drivers had good sleep quality. The three independent variables of education level below a diploma, number of working days per week, and sleep quality score of drivers had a direct relationship with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the serious health challenges of taxi drivers as the main agents of intra-city transportation. Practical Implications. Regarding the taxi drivers’ hard working conditions, employing proper policies on drivers' occupational health literacy promotion, annual health monitoring, application of behavioral insights in developing interventions, and implementation of support programs addressing economic issues could be effective in reducing drivers' health risk factors.

High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in pregnant women in Benin.

Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are highly prevalent in SubSaharan African communities. In these countries the burden of CVRF during early pregnancy has been poorly documented. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of CVRF in pregnant women before the 20th week of gestation in Benin. Consecutive pregnant women with a gestational age < 20th week were included in 30 maternity clinics in Benin. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine characteristics associated with CVRF. 1244 pregnant women were included (680 (54.7%) in urban areas and 584 (45.3%) in rural areas). The median age was 26 years. The frequencies of high blood pressure (HBP), obesity and diabetes were 18.9%, 15.0% and 3.1% respectively. Very few women (25.3%) were aware of the HBP disorder. HBP was associated with an age ≥ 35 years (OR = 1.7, 95%CI:1.1-2.7), a rural setting (OR = 2.6; 95%CI:1.9-3.5), an insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR = 3.2; 95%CI:2.0-5.3) and a history of at least 2 fetal losses (OR = 1.9; 95% CI [1.4-2.7]). The risk of being overweight was associated with an age >24 years old (OR = 1.6; 95%CI:1.1-2.2) conversely a rural setting was protective (OR = 0.7; 95%CI:0.5-0.9). Obesity was associated with an age > 35 years old (OR = 4.1; 95%CI:2.5-6.8) and a rural setting (OR = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.2-0.5). The frequency of CVRF in women before 20th week of gestation was high. Most of the women were unaware of the disorder. Thus the screening of CVRF among women of reproductive age might be relevant.

Moderately Increased Left Ventricular Filling Pressure Suggesting Early Stage of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Patients with Invasively Assessed Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction.

Background: With modern diagnostic tools, incidence ischemia with no obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (INOCA) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are found to be much higher than previously believed, and-as they lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes-their causes and development are subjects of ongoing research. There is growing evidence that coronary microvascular dysfunction might be the underlying cause of both INOCA and HFpEF. Methods: In 65 patients with effort angina but no obstructive coronary artery disease, the index of microvascular resistance and coronary flow reserve were measured invasively in the LAD. The echocardiographic parameters, including left atrial strain, left ventricular strain, and indices of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, were compared between two groups of patients: those with normal coronary microcirculation parameters and those with impaired coronary microvascular function. Results: Patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction had higher a E/E' index than those with normal microvessel reactivity. This finding was further confirmed by ROC analysis. The groups did not differ significantly in values of other echocardiographic parameters, including the left ventricular and left atrial strain. The prevalence of classical cardiovascular risk factors was similar in both groups. Conclusions: The coexistence of impaired coronary microvascular function with moderately elevated left ventricular filling pressures might correspond to the co-development of early stages of coronary microvascular dysfunction and HFpEF.

Abstract 4137891: Treated HIV infection is not associated with carotid vascular inflammation or plaque progression as assessed by dynamic contrast magnetic resonance imaging

Background: Inflammation and immune dysregulation are thought to drive residual cardiovascular disease risk among persons living with HIV (PLWH) despite effective viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Question: We investigated differences in carotid vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis in a longitudinal cohort of virally suppressed PLWH (n = 50; on stable ART with CD4 &gt;250 cells/mm 3 , viral load &lt;200 copies/mL for &gt;6 months) and HIV-uninfected controls (n = 51) matched for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and family history of premature coronary artery disease. Methods&amp;Results: Participants were &gt; 40 years old at enrollment, 8% female, and had a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors ( Table 1 ). Measures of carotid inflammation and capillary permeability ( K trans ), neovascularization ( V p ), and wall thickness were assessed at baseline, 1 year, and change over 1 year by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Both PLWH and controls demonstrated a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and total cholesterol over 1 year; however, the difference was not significant by HIV status. PLWH had a significant reduction in triglycerides compared with controls (-48.8 mg/dL vs 12.8 mg/dL; p = 0.026). HIV was not associated with baseline, follow-up, or change in markers of systemic inflammation assessed by plasma cytokines (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-1ß), nor vascular inflammation or plaque as assessed by K trans , V p , carotid wall thickness, or percent wall volume ( Tables 2 &amp; 3 ). Conclusions: In contrast to other studies of chronically treated and virally suppressed PLWH, HIV infection was not associated with carotid inflammation or plaque.