Primary Prevention Of Coronary Artery Disease Research Articles

Apolipoprotein B and cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic patients: need for systematic evaluation?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The involvement of apolipoprotein B (apoB) in atherogeneis is well known because of its role in the metabolism of lipids. Elevated levels of apoB have been found not only to be correlated with clinical atherosclerosis, but also with sub-clinical forms. Cardiovascular risk can be estimated based on clinical risk scores. However, the main limitation of these risk score models is to estimate only traditional risk factors and not other important factors such as apoB. Purpose To assess the interactive effects of apoB in asymptomatic patients, and its link to cardiovascular risk. Methods This prospective observational study included 811 asymptomatic participants. According to the median apoB value (set at 130 mg/ dl) the study population was divided into two groups as follows: group 1 – 713 patients with low apoB values and group 2 – 98 patients with high apoB. Also, for each patient personal data, such as family history of premature cardiovascular disease, smoker status, personal history of heart failure or atherosclerotis were obtained. Regarding the subclinical atherosclerosis the carotid thickness of intima-media was measured. Results Patients with high apoB are more frequent males (p=0.008) with a mean age of 57.6 ± 11.9 years old (p<0.0001) and smokers (p=0.01). The apoB level was not higher in patients with known atherosclerosis or with traditional risk factors such as diabetes melitus, history of stroke, myocardial infarction, or hypertension. Although, subclinical atherosclerosis, expressed by the presence of carotid plaques is more frequent found in patients with elevated apoB levels (p=0.0001). A higher total cholesterol (p<0.0001), triglycerides (p<0.0001) and LDL-cholesterol levels (p<0.0001) were identified in patients from group 2 compared with those form group 1. Moreover, the uric acid was observed to be correlated with the apoB serum level (5.2 ±1.5 vs. 6.2 ±1.7, p=0.001). The risk of diabetes melitus was also found to be higher in group 2 compared with group 1, expressed by the glycosylate haemoglobin (5.6 ± 0.7 vs 5.9 ± 1.1, p<0.0001). Conclusions Apolipoprotein B level is correlated with subclinical atherosclerosis and worse outcomes expressed by a higher lipid profile and risk of diabetes melitus development. These findings highlighted that the determination of the apoB is therefore mandatory for a better stratification of cardiovascular risks in primary prevention of atherosclerosis.

Various bioactive peptides in collagen hydrolysate from salmo salar skin and the combined inhibitory effects on atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the underlying condition in most cardiovascular diseases, which is blood vessel inflammation participated by many factors. Collagen hydrolysate from salmo salar skin (SCH) obtained in this study showed strong anti-inflammatory activity, protection of endothelial cell injury, antioxidant activity, and anti-platelet aggregation activity in vitro, exhibiting a great potential of attenuating AS. In this study, multifunctional peptides FAGPPGGDGQPGAK and IAGPAGPRGPSGPA, which mainly showed strong anti-inflammatory activity, were identified from SCH after separation of ultrafiltration and column chromatography. Moreover, SCH (contained anti-platelet peptides and anti-inflammatory peptides) was observed to inhibit arterial intima thickening and plaques formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice fed with high-fat diets without side effects, exhibiting a comparable effect with aspirin. SCH showed combined effect on regulating serum biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α), endothelial injury (MCP-1), platelet activation (TXB2 and PF4) and oxidative stress (MDA and CAT). This research suggested SCH as a potential dietary supplement for the primary prevention of AS.

Genetic risk and its role in primary prevention of CAD

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a pandemic disease and the number one cause of death in the world. Predisposition to CAD is about 50% acquired and 50% genetic. CAD prevention has been proven in randomized clinical trials with statin therapy. However, primary prevention is limited by the lack of biomarkers to detect asymptomatic young individuals at risk. Traditional risk factors (TRFs) such as hypertension or Type 2 Diabetes are age-dependent and often not present until the sixth or seventh decade. In contrast, genetic risk determined at conception is potentially a biomarker to detect young individuals at risk for CAD. The first genetic risk variant for CAD (9p21) was discovered in 2007, and subsequently, over 200 risk variants for CAD were discovered. A genetic risk score (GRS) based on the genetic risk variants for CAD was evaluated in over one million individuals. Retrospective analysis of clinical trials assessing the effect of statin therapy showed that individuals with the highest GRS had the highest risk for cardiac events and also the most benefit from lowering cholesterol. In a recent study of 55,685 individuals, those with the highest GRS (20%) had a 91% higher risk for cardiac events. Furthermore, those with high genetic risk on a favorable lifestyle had 46% fewer cardiac events than those with an unfavorable lifestyle. The GRS is superior and independent of TRFs. Incorporation into clinical practice will be a paradigm shift in preventing this pandemic.

Abstract 9555: A Mean Hemoglobin A1c Level of 7,5% is a Cliff Value for the Development of Cardiovascular Events in Diabetic Patients

Background: We sought to evaluate whether there was a difference in the incidence rate of cardiovascular event (CVD) among different hemoglobin (Hb) A1c levels in diabetic patients without a history of atherosclerotic events. Methods: The Japanese primary prevention of atherosclerosis with aspirin for diabetes (JPAD) trial was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open label, blinded, end-point study done from 2002 to 2008. After completion of the JPAD trial, we followed up with the patients until 2019. We defined the cardiovascular events as the following: acute myocardial infarction; stable angina; unstable angina; sudden cardiac death; stroke; transient ischemic attack; aortic disease; and peripheral artery disease. Among 2,535 JPAD patients, HbA1c levels of the JPAD patients were recorded on average 8 times. Based on the mean value of HbA1c, we divided the patients into three groups: a High HbA1c Group (n=899, HbA1c ≥7.5%); a Moderate HbA1c Group (n=581, 7.5% >HbA1c ≥7.0 %); or, a Low HbA1c Group (n=1055, 7.0% >HbA1c). We compared the incidence of CVD among the three groups. Results: The mean HbA1c (%) was 8.6 in the High HbA1c Group, 7.4 in the Moderate HbA1c Group, and 6.6 in the Low HbA1c Group on registration. During an 11.56-year follow-up, the incidence of CVD was significantly higher in the High HbA1c Group (P<0.0001, Figure) but was not significantly different between the Moderate HbA1c and the Low HbA1c Groups. Cox proportional hazards model analysis revealed that a High HbA1c level (HR, 1.61: 1.26-2.05, P=0.0001) was an independent factor after adjustment for proteinuria ≥±, age ≥65 years, male, body mass index ≥24 kg/m 2 , duration of diabetes ≥7.0% years, medications, eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73m 2 , and systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg (Figure). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that HbA1c ≥7.5% was independently associated with the incidence of CVD in diabetic patients without a history of atherosclerotic events while 7.5% >HbA1c ≥7.0 % was not.

Abstract 9556: Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors Significantly Reduce the Incidence of First Cardiovascular Events in Diabetic Patients

Background: Many studies have reported that dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors do not significantly reduce cardiovascular events (CVE). We sought to evaluate whether DPP-4 inhibitors effected the incidence of CVE in diabetic patients with no history of atherosclerotic events. Methods: The Japanese primary prevention of atherosclerosis with aspirin for diabetes (JPAD) trial was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open label, blinded, end-point study done from 2002 to 2008. After completion of the JPAD trial, we followed up with the patients until 2019. We defined the cardiovascular events as the following: acute myocardial infarction; stable angina; unstable angina; sudden cardiac death; stroke; transient ischemic attack; heart failure requiring hospitalization; aortic disease; and peripheral artery disease. JPAD patients were divided into a DPP-4 Group and a non-DPP-4 Group based on whether or not they were taking DPP-4 inhibitors at the 2013 follow-up. We investigated the incidence of CVE in 1,107 JPAD patients who had had at least one follow-up by 2019. Results: During the observation period from 2013 to 2019, there were 37 (7%) CVE in the DPP-4 Group (n=520) and 66 (11%) in the non-DPP-4 Group (n=587). The incidence of CVE was significantly lower in the DPP-4 Group than in the non-DPP-4 Group (Log-Rank P=0.0074, Figure). Cox proportional hazards model analysis revealed that use of DPP-4 inhibitors (HR, 0.65: 0.43-0.98, P=0.04) was an independent factor after adjustment for age ≥65 years, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and, insulin usage (Figure). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the use of DPP-4 inhibitors was associated with a reduced incidence of CVE after adjustment in diabetic patients without a history of atherosclerotic events. It is necessary to be aware of the cardiovascular event-suppressing effect of DPP-4 inhibitors on diabetic patients.

Familial hypercholesterolemia: case series of a rare condition

Introduction. Cardiovascular events at a young age are often the first manifestation of a genetic disorder such as familial hypercholesterolemia. High cholesterol levels, xanthomas and xanthelasmas, as well as a positive family history of cardiovascular disease, make it possible to identify a group of patients subject to genetic research. The identification of a specific mutation helps to determine further strategy not only for a patient, but also to his or her immediate relatives, thereby effectively conducting both secondary and primary prevention of atherosclerosis complications.Brief description. Using the example of patients from the Krasnodar Lipid Center, the relevance of genetic testing and cascade screening is demonstrated. We show problems of delayed diagnosis and low medical adherence, as well as the ways to optimize care for patients with genetic lipid metabolism disorders.Discussion. The rise in the incidence of cardiovascular events at a young age in developed countries prompts the search for more improved screening and diagnostic methods for familial hypercholesterolemia. The optimal age of initiation of lipid-lowering therapy in children with established familial hypercholesterolemia is also discussed. While secondary prevention appears to be clearer, there is still insufficient achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets in patients with a previous cardiovascular event.

Myocardial ischemia and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in HIV infected patients and asymptomatic for coronary artery disease

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) allows chronicity of AIDS evolution, leading to association of other pathologies such as coronary artery disease (CAD). Myocardial ischemia (MI) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) evaluation in HIV-infected patients may favor primary prevention of CAD. The study aimed to evaluate frequencies of MI and LVDD in the population living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and asymptomatic for CAD. We analyzed data from 110 HIV-infected patients who underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation, treadmill exercise stress test, and transthoracic echocardiogram, and compared it with 2,619 healthy individuals from the control group (non-HIV and non-CAD), selected from the database. HIV-infected patients presented lower average age (51.5 ± 7.7), systemic arterial hypertension (28.0%) and dyslipidemia frequencies (32.0%). On the other hand, their MI frequency was twice as high (14.7%); and diastolic dysfunction (DD) percentage was higher in ischemic patients (45.5%). In the HIV-infected group, MI frequency was 10.0%, while that of DD was 18.2%. MI was twice as frequent among HIV infected patients compared to uninfected, despite lower frequency of risk factors for CAD. Non-ischemic patients living with HIV had a frequency of DD more than twice compared to the control individuals.

Abstract 14317: Kidney Function Deterioration is Dependent on Blood Pressure Levels: 11.2-year Follow-up in Diabetic Patients

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) is a significant predictor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypothesis: We sought to evaluate whether the progression of CKD in diabetic patients, without a history of atherosclerotic events, is dependent on BP control. Methods: The Japanese primary prevention of atherosclerosis with aspirin for diabetes (JPAD) trial was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open label, blinded, end-point study done from 2002 to 2008. After completion of the JPAD trial, we followed up the patients until 2019. We defined late-stage kidney disease (LSKD) as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 ml/min/1.73m 2 or hemodialysis. Among 2,536 JPAD patients, 27 patients were excluded for eGFR <30ml/min/1.73m 2 on registration. BP of the JPAD patients was recorded on average 8 times. Based on the mean value of systolic BP (SBP), we divided the patients into three groups: a High BP Group (n=607, SBP≥140 mm Hg); a Moderate BP Group (n=989, 140>SBP≥130 mm Hg); or a Low BP Group (n=913, SBP<130 mm Hg). We compared the incidence of LSKD among the three groups. Results: The mean eGFR (ml/min/1.73m 2 ) was 75.1 in the High BP Group, 72.6 in the Moderate BP Group, and 75.7 in the Low BP Group on registration. During a 11.2-year follow-up, the incidence of LSKD was significantly higher in the High BP and Moderate BP Groups than in the Low BP Group (P<0.0018, Figure). Cox proportional hazards model analysis revealed that the High BP (HR, 1.57, P=0.049) and Moderate BP (HR, 1.52, P=0.037) were independent factors after adjustment for proteinuria≥±, age≥65 years, men, body mass index≥24 kg/m 2 , duration of diabetes ≥7.0 years, statin usage, aspirin usage, eGFR≥60 ml/min/1.73m 2 , and hemoglobin A1c ≥7.2 % (Figure). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that SBP was independently associated with the progression to LSKD in diabetic patients, without a history of atherosclerotic events. SBP less than 130 mm Hg is recommended for diabetic patients to prevent progression to LSKD.

A new model to implement a structured enhanced education and follow-up program in primary prevention for coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Primary prevention programs for coronary artery disease (CAD) may be effective in improving health-related behavioral outcomes. However, the implementation and especially the maintanance of these programs can be very challenging mainly due to staffing cost. Thus, the present study was designed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a longitudinally structured, enhanced education and follow-up program for CAD prevention in an area where the diverse population and economy are major problems. Methods SANKO Coronary Artery Disesae Prevention Project (SCAD-PPI) was designed as a longitudinal study and utilized medical school students to conduct the entire project under the supervision of professors. It started in 2014 and had 2 different education and training phases. In the first phase; every school year, 2nd year Medical students underwent a one-year, specially designed training program on primary prevention for CAD. In the second phase, which took place in the 2nd year of the study, a series of conferences on primary prevention for CAD were organized by the University and local municipalities for underserved populations. Participants were prospectively assigned to an intervention where pre and post conference knowledge were collected and assessed. Every intervention was conducted by specially trained 3rd year Medical students and an education booklet which was specifically designed for this study was given to the participants. Every other month thereafter, for 6 months, each participant was followed by phone. At the 6 month follow -up, data was collected to assess the impact of enhanced education and follow-up program on behavioral outcomes. Results A total of 135 participant were enrolled; 79% were women, mean age was 41±13 years, only 29% had a graduate school degree; 56% were not working. Mean BMI was 28.3±5.1kg/m2. Overall knowledge on CAD risk factors, primary prevention measures, diet and daily exercise habits were very poor. After the enhanced education and follow-up program there was a significant improvement on the knowledge of CAD risk factors and primary prevention measures (p<0.001). More importantly, the follow-up program led participants to implement those positive changes into their lives and maintain a healthy life style. A separate cost analysis showed significant savings. Conclusion This is the first study which showed that a longitudinally structured training program of medical students could be utilized to implement an enhanced education and follow–up program for primary prevention of CAD in an economically challenged, underserved population with successful outcomes. This model program is not only cost-effective and beneficial for public interest but also enhances active interaction of medical students with patients at a very early stage of their career. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

A Journey through Genetic Architecture and Predisposition of Coronary Artery Disease.

IntroductionTo halt the spread of coronary artery disease (CAD), the number one killer in the world, requires primary prevention. Fifty percent of all Americans are expected to experience a cardiac event; the challenge is identifying those at risk. 40 to 60% of predisposition to CAD is genetic. The first genetic risk variant, 9p21, was discovered in 2007. Genome-Wide Association Studies has since discovered hundreds of genetic risk variants. The genetic burden for CAD can be expressed as a single number, Genetic Risk Score (GRS). Assessment of GRS to risk stratify for CAD was superior to conventional risk factors in several large clinical trials assessing statin therapy, and more recently in a population of nearly 500,000 (UK Biobank). Studies were performed based on prospective genetic risk stratification for CAD. These studies showed that a favorable lifestyle was associated with a 46% reduction in cardiac events and programmed exercise, a 50% reduction in cardiac events. Genetic risk score is superior to conventional risk factors, and is markedly attenuated by lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Genetic risk can be determined at birth or any time thereafter.ConclusionUtilizing the GRS to risk stratify young, asymptomatic individuals could provide a paradigm shift in the primary prevention of CAD and significantly halt its spread.

Abstract P261: Rheumatoid Arthritis And Coronary Artery Disease: Are We Considering The Real Risk?

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common inflammatory conditions linked to premature coronary artery disease (CAD). West Virginia (WV) has abundance of population that has metabolic syndrome and RA. We aimed to study the demographics of the RA in patient population of WV. Primary end points included the incidence of coexisting metabolic syndrome and RA, secondary end point was whether these patients were prescribed Aspirin and Statins for primary prevention of CAD. Methods: In our observational, retrospective study, we reviewed electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with RA and CAD. Charts were collected based on ICD-10 codes of the diagnoses; RA (M05.79, M06.09, M06.9), and CAD (I25.10, I21.9). SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 2275 patients with RA, 233 patients had coexisting diagnosis of CAD and RA. 20 patients were excluded due to incomplete charts. Mean BMI of the patients was 29.6 kg/m2. Sixty four percent were smokers, and 66% had family history of CAD. Coexisting comorbidities were prevalent; there were 37% diabetic, 88% hypertensive, 80% dyslipidemic, and while 33% had other autoimmune disease. Of note, primary prevention of CAD was only provided to 5% of patients by using a statin, and 5% of patients by using low dose aspirin, and 37% using both. Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis remains one of the important risk factors for premature coronary artery disease, especially in the predisposed patient population. More studies are needed to assess the exact risk of premature CAD in RA patients with metabolic syndrome, and perhaps consider RA as one additional determinant of the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk.

The effect of polyphenol-rich chardonnay seed supplements on peripheral endothelial function.

Peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED) is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. Similar to cardio-protective Mediterranean diet, Chardonnay seeds are rich in polyphenols, fibers, and grape seed oil. In this randomized double-blinded trial, we investigated safety and incremental benefit of Chardonnay seed polyphenols-rich (PR), compared to polyphenols-free (PF), supplements on PED. 89 patients with PED [reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) index ≤ 2) were randomized 1:1 to 4.8g (6 capsules)/day PR or PF for 4months. PR and PF capsules had equal amounts of seed oil (~ 7% capsule weight), fibers, and carbohydrates, but only PR capsules contained polyphenols (~ 11% capsule weight). Baseline and follow-up RH-PAT indices (primary endpoint) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) levels were measured. Patients were asked to maintain their regular diet and exercise habits during study period. Baseline RH-PAT indices, demographics, lab values, and EPC levels were similar between groups. No significant adverse reactions to PR or PF were reported. Follow-up RH-PAT indices significantly increased (p < 0.05 vs. baseline) in both groups to similar extent (31 ± 39% PR vs. 49 ± 53% PF, p = 0.09). Circulating CD34 + EPCs equally increased (median + 55% vs. + 54%, p = 0.94) in PR and PF groups, respectively. PR and PF Chardonnay seed supplements were safe and improved peripheral endothelial function to similar extent in PED patients. However, there were no incremental benefits of PR over PF on RH-PAT indices or CD34 + EPC levels. Chardonnay seed supplements role in primary prevention of atherosclerosis, as add-on to healthy lifestyle and guidelines directed medical therapy, should be further explored. CLINICALTRIALS. NCT02093455.

Lipolysis in very low density lipoproteins - locus minoris resistentiae - in the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia. Positive effects of diet, polyenic fatty acids, statins and fibrates.

Inhibition of hydrolysis of palmitic and oleic triglycedires (TG) in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), slow formation of active apoВ-100 conformation, blockade of апоЕ/В-100 ligand formation in VLDL and their reduced uptake by insulin-dependent cells cause hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Palmitic and oleic VLDL (>80% total VLDL) are not converted in low density lipoproteins (LDL). Atherosclerosis is not an alimentary deficiency of polyenic fatty acids (PFA), but results from low in vivo bioavailability of PFA in LDL against the background of high dietary palmitic FA and palmitic LDL. Plasma PFA content and cellular PFA deficiency are as high as LDL cholesterol (CL). Primary prevention of atherosclerosis should be based on a decrease in dietary content of palmitic saturated FA, trans FA and a moderate increase in PFA. It seems highly unlikely that the xeobiotics statins, fibrates and probucol produce pleiotropic biological effects in vivo. These effects are brought about by phylogenetically early humoral mediators eicosanoids: prostacyclins, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and resolvins. It is reasonable to suggest that all preparations which act according to the same algorithm activate TG hydrolysis in VLDL and normalize cellular uptake of PFA in linoleic and linolenic LDL via apoВ-100 endocytosis. Atherosclerosis is a syndrome of cellular deficiency of essential polyenic FA.

Genetics in the prevention and management of coronary artery disease.

The current review is to describe the genetic risk variants that have been discovered predisposing to coronary artery disease (CAD) and how they are utilized to stratify for risk of CAD. Over 90 genetic risk variants have been discovered that predispose to risk for CAD. The total genetic risk burden for CAD is proportional to the number of risk variants inherited and can be combined into a single number referred to as the genetic risk score (GRS). GRS has been utilized in multiple studies and shown to be more effective in risk stratification for CAD than conventional risk factors. There is a major advantage to risk stratification based on the GRS since the risk can be determined at birth or anytime throughout one's lifetime since the individual's DNA does not change. Widespread application of the GRS is likely to enable a paradigm shift in the primary prevention of CAD.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Cascade Screening in Children and Relatives of the Affected.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by very high low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol since birth, resulting in premature atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Cascade screening of children and family members of proven FH individuals can identify more subjects who have high LDL cholesterol or the family mutation and appropriate intervention can reduce their risk of atherosclerosis and prevent its complications. Cascade screening by molecular testing, was carried out in 133 family members, comprising 24 children, of 31 probands with FH having a pathogenic mutation in LDLR/ApoB gene. Lipid profiles were obtained in 44 family members including 11 children. Of 133 family members tested, 88 (66.1%) were identified to carry the family mutation. Twelve of these were children below 18 y of age and 76 were adults. CAD was present in 15 (11.2%) family members and 63(47.4%) family members, including nine children, were already on Lipid Lowering Therapy. Cascade screening led to identification of 88 new cases, with a pathogenic mutation, who were at a very high risk of developing premature CAD. The authors identified 12 children with family specific mutation, out of which 9 were initiated on low dose statin therapy. Four homozygous children were treated with high dose statins because of substantially increased risk of CAD. Cascade screening, therefore, proved to be a successful initiative towards primary prevention of CAD in India.

Coronary artery disease in a rural population of Bangladesh: is dyslipidemia or adiposity a significant risk?

Background and Aims: The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are on the increase worldwide and more in the developing countries. Coronary artery disease (CAD) constitutes the major brunt of CVD. Despite the increasing morbidity and mortality, Bangladesh has a few published data on CAD in rural population. This study addressed the prevalence of CAD and its risk factors in rural population of Bangladesh.Study methods: Sixteen villages were purposively selected in a rural area. A population census was conducted in the selected area. The census yielded eligible participants, who reached at least eighteen years of age. Those who willingly consented to participate were enlisted. Each participant was interviewed regarding CAD risk (age, sex, social class, occupation, illness, family history). Anthropometry (height, weight, waist- and hip-girth) was recorded. Resting blood pressure (BP) was measured. Blood sample was collected for fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (Tg), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and high density (HDL). All participants having FBG&gt;5.5mmol/l or systolic (SBP) ?135 or diastolic BP (DBP) ?85mmHg underwent electrocardiography (ECG). A team of cardiologists selected and accomplished exercise tolerance test (ETT) and echocardiography (Echo).Results: The prevalence of CAD was 4.5% (95% CI: 3.85 – 5.15). Compared with the female (3.5%, CI, 2.76 – 4.24) the male participants had significantly higher prevalence of CAD (6.0%, CI, 4.83 – 7.13). Comparison of characteristics between participants with and without CAD showed that age, SBP, DBP and FBG were significantly higher in CAD group. Bivariate analysis showed that age, sex, social class, glycemic status, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and smoking were significantly related to CAD. Stepwise logistic regression proved only male sex, rich social class, hypertension and diabetes had independent risk of CAD; whereas, age, obesity and dyslipidemia were proved not significant.Conclusions: The study concludes that the prevalence of CAD in a Bangladeshi rural population is comparable to other developed countries. The male sex, rich social class, hypertension and diabetes were proved to have excess risk of CAD. Neither obesity nor dyslipidemia were found significant for CAD. The younger people had similar risk as the aged ones, which necessitate primordial and primary prevention of CAD. Further study may be undertaken, which should include and consider physical activity and diet; and if possible, Creactive protein, Vitamin D and homocysteine level.IMC J Med Sci 2017; 11(2): 61-69

Cardiovascular Risk and Primary-Prevention of Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular Risk and Primary-Prevention of Atherosclerosis

Different effect of hypercholesterolemia on mortality in hemodialysis patients based on coronary artery disease or myocardial infarction.

BackgroundStudies on the association of total cholesterol (TC) levels and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients demonstrated conflicting results. The differenct effect of Hypercholesterolemia on HD patients based on the presence of myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Taiwan Renal Registry Data System (TWRDS) between 2005 and 2012. Patients were divided into MI/CAD or non-MI/CAD group. The primary outcome was three-year mortality. The association between primary outcome and first year average TC and effect of change in cholesterol level between the first and third year of dialysis were explored.ResultsOf 90,795 HD patients, 77,762 (85.6%) patients were assigned to non-MI/CAD group and 13,033 (14.4%) to the MI/CAD group. In the non-MI/CAD subjects, both TC > 250 mg/dL and < 150 mg/dL were associated with increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27; 1.17–1.37 and 1.14; 1.11–1.18) compared to the reference (TC: 150–200 mg/dL). In the MI/CAD patients, only TC < 150 mg/dL had increased risk (HR; 95% CI: 1.15; 1.08–1.24). In addition, patients of the non-MI/CAD group with highest level of TC (>250 mg/dL) in both first and third year of dialysis had a 64% increased risk for mortality (HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.51–1.80).ConclusionIn this nationwide hemodialysis cohort, hypercholesterolemia was associated with increased mortality in HD patients without MI/CAD. Further investigation on primary prevention of CAD with statin is warranted.

Risk factors for carotid plaque formation in elderly people

Objective To evaluate risk factors for carotid plaque formation and the strength of association for each factor, thereby providing theoretical directions for primary prevention of atherosclerosis. Methods The study population came from Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study(DQDPS), including 395 diabetes mellitus(DM)patients and 209 non-diabetes controls who were alive at the last follow-up in 2009.Physical examinations and laboratory tests were performed on each subject, and carotid ultrasound was used to detect the location and quantity of plaque formation. Results The carotid bifurcation had the highest incidence rate(57.5%)of plaque formation in the carotid artery; The DM group had a much higher incidence rate of plaque formation than the control group(74.4% vs.47.4%)and in the formation of multiple plaques(50.9% vs.27.8%); The risk of single or multiple carotid plaque formation increased with advancing age(OR=1.798 or 3.986); The incidence rates for single and multiple carotid plaque formation in males were 1.599 and 2.127 times those in females, respectively; After adjustment for age and gender, the strongest predictor for carotid plaque formation was increased systolic blood pressure(SBP); The risk rates of single and multiple carotid plaque formation for participants with high systolic pressure(SBP≥140 mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)were 2.51 and 13.99 times, respectively, those for participants with normal systolic pressure, while participants with systolic pressure in the prehypertension range(SBP 120-139mmHg)showed elevated risk already for multiple plaque formation(OR=6.95). Conclusions Older age, male gender, elevated SBP, DM, poor control of blood sugar levels and dyslipidemia are significantly associated with carotid plaque formation, suggesting that good control over the latter three factors is conductive to the prevention of carotid plaque formation. Key words: Carotid arteries; Plaque; Risk factors; Ultrasonography; Atherosclerosis

Social mobility and subclinical atherosclerosis in a middle-income country: Association of intra- and inter-generational social mobility with carotid intima-media thickness in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Over the past half century Brazil has undergone a process of dramatic industrialization and urbanization. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become common due to rapid demographic, epidemiologic, and nutritional transitions. The association of social mobility with subclinical CVD has been rarely explored, particularly in developing societies. We investigated the association of intra- and inter-generational social mobility with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), a marker of subclinical or asymptomatic atherosclerosis, in a large Brazilian sample (ELSA-Brasil).We used baseline data (2008–2010) for 7343 participants from ELSA-Brasil. Intra-generational social mobility was defined as the change in occupational social class between participants' first occupation and current occupation. Inter-generational social mobility was defined as the change in occupational social class of the head of the household when the participant started working and participants' current occupation. Social mobility groups were classified as: stable high (reference), upward, downward and stable low. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between type of social mobility and IMT.Compared to those who experienced stable high occupational status across generations, downward inter-generational mobility was associated with greater IMT. Additionally, those who declined the most in occupational status had the highest values of IMT, even after adjustments for lifestyle and cardiovascular factors. For intra-generational mobility, stable low versus stable high social mobility was independently associated with higher IMT.Subclinical atherosclerosis is patterned by socioeconomic status both within and across generations, demonstrating an association even before symptoms of CVD appear. The health consequences of downward inter-generational social mobility were not fully explained by lifestyle and cardiovascular factors, whereas being consistently exposed to low occupational status within one's own adulthood was associated with greater IMT, suggesting a cumulative risk model. Primary prevention of atherosclerosis should be complemented by macrosocial policies aimed to reduce downward socioeconomic mobility between generations.