Risk Factor For Cardiovascular Mortality Research Articles

Clinical practice guideline for the management of hypertension in China.

International Practice Guidelines Registry Platform, http://www.guidelines-registry.cn/ , No. IPGRP-2021CN346.

Aortic valve sclerosis is not a benign finding but progressive disease associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes

BackgroundAortic valve sclerosis (AVS) shares risk factors with atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between AVS progression with cardiovascular (CV) risk has not been researched. This study investigates CV outcomes according to progression of AVS.MethodsThis study included 2,901 patients with AVS (irregular leaflet thickening and peak aortic jet velocity < 2 m/sec) who underwent serial echocardiograms at least 1 year apart during 2011–2020. The primary outcome was defined as CV death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or revascularization.ResultsDuring a median follow-up period of 3.9 years, 439 of 2,901 AVS patients (15.1%) progressed to mild or greater aortic stenosis. Patients with progression were older and more likely to have atrial fibrillation than those without. In a stepwise regression, age (odds ratio [OR] per 1-year increase, 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.07), peripheral artery disease (OR, 9.07; 95% CI, 3.12–26.4), and left ventricular mass index (OR per 1-g/m2 increase, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00–1.02) were associated with AVS progression. Over a median of 6.3 years, the primary outcome occurred in 858 of 2,901 patients (29.6%). Patients with progression had higher frequency of CV death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or revascularization than those without progression (P < 0.0001). In Cox proportional hazards regression, AVS progression (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.10–1.61) was a significant determinant of CV mortality.ConclusionsThe progression to aortic stenosis in AVS patients is an independent risk factor for CV mortality. These findings suggest that patients with AVS progression may benefit from stricter CV risk monitoring.

Ratio of red blood cell distribution width to albumin level and risk of mortality in sarcopenic obesity

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between red blood cell distribution width and albumin ratio (RAR) levels and mortality in adult patients with sarcopenic obesity in the United States. The study included 1,361 adult patients with sarcopenic obesity from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006). The X-tile was used to determine the optimal subgroup thresholds for RAR values, and propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to reduce baseline bias. Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and restricted cubic spline analysis were utilized to assess the relationship between RAR levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Subgroup analysis and the Subpopulation Treatment Effect Pattern Plot were employed to determine survival advantages across different subgroups. Time-dependent ROC analysis to evaluate the accuracy of RAR level in predicting survival outcomes at different time points. Post-PSM multifactorial Cox regression analyses revealed that RAR was a significant independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 1.487, 95% CI: 1.259–1.756) and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.487, 95% CI: 1.260–1.758) in patients with sarcopenic obesity. The survival advantage was consistent across subgroups. Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated an approximate S-shaped association between RAR levels and mortality. Time-dependent ROC curves demonstrate that the areas under the all-cause mortality curves at the RAR level for 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year are 0.79, 0.66, 0.64, and 0.63, respectively. The areas under the cardiovascular mortality curve are 0.80, 0.70, 0.66, and 0.61, respectively. Moreover, in comparison to the baseline model lacking covariates, the AUC values of the joint model exhibited heightened levels at various time points. Therefore, We demonstrated that the RAR level is an independent prognostic factor for mortality risk in the American population with sarcopenic obesity, and it is reasonable to consider the RAR level as a simple and effective risk prediction tool.

Early vascular aging in chronic kidney disease: focus on microvascular maintenance, senescence signature and potential therapeutics

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We hypothesized that a senescent phenotype instigated by uremic toxins could account for early vascular aging (EVA) and vascular dysfunctions of microvasculature in end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients which ultimately lead to increased cardiovascular complication. To test this hypothesis, we utilized both in vivo, and ex vivo approaches to study endothelial and smooth muscle function and structure, and characterized markers related to EVA in 82 ESKD patients (eGFR <15 ml/min) and 70 non-CKD controls. In vivo measurement revealed no major difference in endothelial function between ESKD and control group, aside from higher stiffness detected in the microcirculation of ESKD participants. In contrast, ex vivo measurements revealed a notable change in the contribution of endothelium-derived factors and increased stiffness in ESKD patients vs. controls. In support, we demonstrated that ex vivo exposure of arteries to uremic toxins such as Trimethylamine N-oxide, Phenylacetylglutamine, or extracellular vesicles from CKD patients impaired endothelial function via diminishing the contribution of endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide and endothelium derived hyperpolarizing factor. Uremic arteries displayed elevated expression of senescence markers (p21CIP1, p16INK4a, and SA-β-gal), calcification marker (RUNX2), and reduced expression of Ki67, sirtuin1, Nrf2, and MHY11 markers, indicating the accumulation of senescent cells and EVA phenotype. Correspondingly, treating uremic vessel rings ex vivo with senolytic agents (Dasatinib + Quercetin) effectively reduced the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and changed the origin of extracellular vesicles. Notably, sex differences exist for certain abnormalities suggesting the importance of biological sex in the pathogenesis of vascular complications. In conclusion, the uremic microvasculature is characterized by a “senescence signature”, which may contribute to EVA and cardiovascular complications in ESKD patients and could be alleviated by treatment with senolytic agents.

Air pollution below US regulatory standards and cardiovascular diseases using a double negative control approach

Growing evidence suggests that long-term air pollution exposure is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, few studies have investigated air pollution below current regulatory limits, and causal evidence is limited. We use a double negative control approach to examine the association between long-term exposure to air pollution at low concentration and cardiovascular hospitalizations among US Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years between 2000 and 2016. The expected values of the negative outcome control (preceding-year hospitalizations) regressed on exposure and negative exposure control (subsequent-year exposure) are treated as a surrogate for omitted confounders. With analyses separately restricted to low-pollution areas (PM2.5 < 9 μg/m³, NO2 < 75.2 µg/m3 [40 ppb], warm-season O3 < 88.2 μg/m3 [45 ppb]), we observed positive associations of the three pollutants with hospitalization rates of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation and flutter. The associations generally persisted in demographic subgroups. Stricter national air quality standards should be considered.

Effect of the geometry and severity of left ventricular hypertrophy on cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a vital risk factor for mortality of dialysis patients. The association of the geometry and severity of LVH with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients remains unknown. This study investigated clinical outcomes among HD patients with different LVH geometric patterns and severity. The monocentric retrospective cohort study enrolled chronic HD patients who underwent echocardiography for the assessment of LVH. The patients with LVH were divided into concentric and eccentric groups and then subdivided into four groups based on LVH severity: mild-to-moderate eccentric, mild-to-moderate concentric, severe eccentric, and severe concentric LVH. The risks of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality between groups were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard analysis. Of the 237 patients on HD with LVH, 131 had concentric LVH, and 106 had eccentric LVH, with 33, 44, 73, and 87 having mild-to-moderate eccentric, mild-to-moderate concentric, severe eccentric, and severe concentric LVH, respectively. Compared with eccentric LVH, the crude hazard ratio (cHR) of cardiovascular mortality of concentric LVH was 2.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-3.65). Severe concentric LVH was a significant risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with mild-to-moderate eccentric LVH (cHR: 2.58 [95% CI, 1.00-6.65] and 3.73 [95% CI, 1.13-12.33], respectively). After adjustment for all variables, concentric LVH and severe concentric LVH remained significant risk factors for cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR: 2.13 [95% CI, 1.13-4.01] and 3.71 [95% CI, 1.07-12.82], respectively). Concentric LVH, especially severe concentric LVH, was associated with a high risk of cardiovascular mortality among patients with chronic HD.

Abstract MP34: Muscle Sodium Content and Isolevuglandin Formation in Antigen Presenting Cells in Human Salt Sensitive Hypertension

Background: Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. However, the mechanisms by which salt exposure affects blood pressure in SSBP are still unclear. We have shown that under high sodium (Na + ) concentrations, Na + enters antigen-presenting cells (APCs) via epithelial Na + channel (ENaC), which leads to isolevuglandin (IsoLG) production and hypertension. Baseline %IsoLG+ APC correlates with SSBP. While the exact location where APCs are activated by salt and trigger an inflammatory response remains to be elucidated, muscle and skin are proposed as potential sites. We hypothesize that muscle and skin Na + levels are associated with SSBP. Methods: We assessed SSBP in 30 hypertensive subjects using an inpatient salt loading and depletion protocol. Flow cytometry was used to identify IsoLG-containing APCs; dendritic cells (DCs), classic (CD14+16-), non-classic (CD14-16+), and intermediate (CD14+16+) monocytes. Salt loading was achieved through saline infusion and a high-salt diet (460mmol/24 hours), while salt depletion was achieved via diuretic administration (furosemide 40mg x3) and a low-salt diet (10mmol/24hours). Baseline muscle and skin Na + levels were assessed with the 23 Na MRI technique. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the associations. Demographic data are presented with mean and standard error of the mean. Results: Participants’ age was 53 ± 1.34 years, 53% female, baseline blood pressure was 140.2 ± 2.62 / 87.30 ± 1.77 mmHg, and salt sensitivity index was 3.72 ± 1.4 mmHg. We found an inverse correlation between baseline muscle Na + levels and the decrease in IsoLGs from salt loading to depletion (ΔIsoLGs) in DCs (r=-0.50, p=0.007), intermediate (r=-0.42 p=0.0284) and non-classic monocytes (r=-0.39 p=0.0432), but not in classical monocytes. Skin Na + levels were not correlated with any of these measures. There was a decreasing trend of salt sensitivity index with increasing muscle Na + , although this correlation did not reach statistical significance (r=-0.35 p=0.0686) Conclusion: This highlights the potential importance of muscle Na + in SSBP, such that patients with lower muscle Na + exhibited a higher trend of salt sensitivity index and increased variability in IsoLG+ APCs. Moreover, baseline tissue Na + assessment may emerge as a potential tool for evaluating the degree of salt sensitivity and IsoLG activation in SSBP.

P117 PREVALENCE OF UNDIAGNOSED HYPERTENSION AND RELATED RISK FACTORS IN WAD-MEDANI ALKOBRA LOCALITY IN GEZIRA STATE, SUDAN, 2022

Background: Hypertension is defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg. It is emerging as one of the major healthcare challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Hypertension is considered a silent killer and is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and accounts for a large proportion of premature deaths in developing countries. Most people with hypertension are asymptomatic and have been undiagnosed for years. Objectives: This study aimed to find out the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and related risk factors among adults in Wad Medani Alkobra locality in Gezira State, Sudan. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study involving 464 adults in different locations in Wad-Medani Alkobra locality, from June 2022 to August 2022 was performed in collaboration with the Sudanese Society of Hypertension. WHO Stepwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire was used to collect data, and was analyzed by SPSS version 20. Demographics, blood pressure, pulse, and socioeconomic status were measured. Diagnosis of hypertension was defined based on systolic and diastolic blood pressure of ≥140 mmHg and ≥90 mmHg, respectively, and three readings were obtained. Blood pressure was measured in all women and men aged 15 years and above. Results: The total number of study population was 464, males were 239, females were 225. The mean age was 45 years. 68 were known hypertensive. Of those who were hypertensive, 27 had high blood pressure. Undiagnosed hypertension in the study population was found to be 10% which equals 59.1% of the total number of the populations who had HTN. The prevalence of HTN in this study group was 25%. There was a positive relation between high blood pressure and old age, diabetes mellitus increased body weight, and sex (more common in males). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was high and associated with some modifiable risk factors which should be addressed. Frequent screening and proper treatment are required to prevent complications of this epidemic.

Temperature variability and Social Vulnerability as risk factors for cardiovascular mortality among elders in Colombia.

Temperature variability and Social Vulnerability as risk factors for cardiovascular mortality among elders in Colombia.

Uncontrolled blood pressure among the established hypertensive elderly people in Jashore, Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional type of observational study

AbstractObjectivesHypertension is one of the major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Increased life expectancy leads to increase prevalence of non‐communicable diseases among the elderly people including Bangladesh. However, different studies reported high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension ranging from 52.6% to 67.9% among the elderly people in different countries. With this view, we aimed to assess the frequency of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) among the elderly hypertensive people and its associated risk factors and treatment pattern in Bangladesh.MethodologyThis cross‐sectional type of observational study recruited 246 eligible hypertensive elderly patients attending in 250 Bedded General Hospital, Jashore, Bangladesh dated from 1st July to 31st December 2022. A structured questionnaire was developed and data on associated risk factors, treatment pattern and current blood pressure (BP) measurement were collected by face‐to‐face interview for the purposive sampling technique.ResultsThe mean age of our study patients was 72 ± 7 years with a male and female ratio nearly 1:1. Of the total hypertensive patients aged over 65 years or more, 56.5% remained with uncontrolled hypertension even on their prescribed antihypertensive medications. The mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were significantly high (P &lt; 0.001) as 167 ± 22 mm Hg and 95 ± 11 mm Hg, respectively, among the uncontrolled hypertensive patients. However, we noticed the mean SBP and DBP among the total hypertensive patients were also significantly high (P &lt; 0.001) as 148 ± 27 mm Hg and 87 ± 13 mm Hg, respectively. In this study, we reported that the mean number of last prescribed antihypertensive medications used by the total patients was 2 ± 1 (P =0.224) which was similar among the controlled and uncontrolled hypertensive patient groups. Among the elderly hypertensive patients, the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications were Amlodipine 39.8% (P =0.006), Olmesartan 29.3% (P = 0.186), Losartan 24.4% (P = 0.127), Bisoprolol 15.0% (P = 0.266) and Atenolol 14.6% (P = 0.224).ConclusionWe noticed high frequency of uncontrolled blood pressure among the elderly hypertensive patients, despite of using multiple antihypertensive medications in Jashore, Bangladesh.

Systemic impacts of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) on heart, muscle, and kidney related diseases.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common liver disorder worldwide, with an estimated global prevalence of more than 31%. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a progressive form of MASLD characterized by hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the extrahepatic manifestations of MASH, focusing on chronic diseases related to the cardiovascular, muscular, and renal systems. A systematic review of published studies and literature was conducted to summarize the findings related to the systemic impacts of MASLD and MASH. The review focused on the association of MASLD and MASH with metabolic comorbidities, cardiovascular mortality, sarcopenia, and chronic kidney disease. Mechanistic insights into the concept of lipotoxic inflammatory "spill over" from the MASH-affected liver were also explored. MASLD and MASH are highly associated (50%-80%) with other metabolic comorbidities such as impaired insulin response, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Furthermore, more than 90% of obese patients with type 2 diabetes have MASH. Data suggest that in middle-aged individuals (especially those aged 45-54), MASLD is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, sarcopenia, and chronic kidney disease. The concept of lipotoxic inflammatory "spill over" from the MASH-affected liver plays a crucial role in mediating the systemic pathological effects observed. Understanding the multifaceted impact of MASH on the heart, muscle, and kidney is crucial for early detection and risk stratification. This knowledge is also timely for implementing comprehensive disease management strategies addressing multi-organ involvement in MASH pathogenesis.

Personalized care in dilated cardiomyopathy: Rationale and study design of the activeDCM trial.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a leading cause of heart failure, particularly in younger individuals. Low physical strength is a global risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, and physical activity and a healthy lifestyle have been shown to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure. However, inappropriate exercise may increase the risk of arrhythmias in certain individuals with DCM. The determinants for predicting individual risks in this setting are poorly understood, and clinicians are hesitant to recommend sports for cardiomyopathy patients. The activeDCM trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of a personalized exercise and activity programme for individuals with DCM. The activeDCM trial is a prospective, randomized, interventional trial with a 12month follow-up. Three hundred patients, aged 18-75years with DCM, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≤50% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes I-III, will be enrolled. The intervention includes a personalized exercise and activity programme. The primary outcome is the increase in peak oxygen uptake (VO2max, mL/kg/min) from baseline to 12months. Secondary endpoints include adherence to personalized activity programmes, freedom from clinically relevant arrhythmia, unplanned hospitalization for heart failure and changes in NYHA class, quality of life scores, 6min walk distance, muscular strength, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) levels and cardiac function. Advanced research questions include high-density phenome and omics analysis combined with digital biomarkers derived from Apple Watch devices. The activeDCM trial will provide valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of personalized exercise training in DCM patients, inform clinical practice and contribute to the development of heart failure management programmes. The study will generate data on the impact of exercise on various aspects of cardiovascular disease, including genetic, metabolic, phenotypic and longitudinal aspects, facilitating the development of future digital tools and strategies, including the incorporation of smart wearable devices.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Across Diverse Ejection Fraction Ranges.

Recent studies have indicated that heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) within different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ranges presents distinct morphological and pathophysiological characteristics, potentially leading to diverse prognoses. We included chronic HF patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology at Hebei General Hospital from January 2018 to June 2021. Patients were categorized into four groups based on LVEF: HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, LVEF 40%), HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF, 41% LVEF 49%), low LVEF-HFpEF (50% LVEF 60%), and high LVEF-HFpEF (LVEF 60%). Kaplan‒Meier curves were plotted to observe the occurrence rate of endpoint events (all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality) within a 2-year period. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to predict the risk factors for endpoint events. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using propensity score matching (PSM), and Fine-Gray tests were used to evaluate competitive risk. A total of 483 chronic HF patients were ultimately included. Kaplan‒Meier curves indicated a lower risk of endpoint events in the high LVEF-HFpEF group than in the low LVEF-HFpEF group. After PSM, there were still statistically significant differences in endpoint events between the two groups (all-cause mortality p = 0.048, cardiovascular mortality p = 0.027). Body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, hypoalbuminemia, and diuretic use were identified as independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in the low LVEF-HFpEF group (p 0.05). Hyperlipidemia, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and -blocker use were independent risk factors for cardiovascular mortality (p 0.05). In the high LVEF-HFpEF group, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, smoking history, hypoalbuminemia, and the eGFR were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality, while age, heart rate, blood potassium level, and the eGFR were independent risk factors for cardiovascular mortality (p 0.05). After controlling for competitive risk, cardiovascular mortality risk remained higher in the low LVEF-HFpEF group than in the high LVEF-HFpEF group (Fine-Gray p 0.01). Low LVEF-HFpEF and high LVEF-HFpEF represent two distinct phenotypes of HFpEF. Patients with high LVEF-HFpEF have lower risks of both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality than those with low LVEF-HFpEF. The therapeutic reduction in blood volume may not be the best treatment option for patients with high LVEF-HFpEF.

Low ankle–brachial index is associated with higher cardiovascular mortality in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background and aimsAnkle brachial index (ABI) is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, but it is unclear whether ABI is associated with cardiovascular mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The current study aimed to evaluate the association between ABI with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD.MethodsWe performed a cohort study using the data of the1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data of adults. Mortality data were followed up to December 2015. NAFLD was defined by the hepatic steatosis index or the US fatty liver index. ABI was classified into three groups: ABI ≤ 0.9 (low value); 0.9 < ABI ≤ 1.1 (borderline value); ABI greater than 1.1 (normal value).ResultsWe found that low ABI was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with NAFLD (HR: 2.42, 95% CI 1.10–5.33 for low value ABI vs normal value ABI, P for trend = 0.04), and the relationship was linearly and negatively correlated in the range of ABI < 1.4. However, low ABI was not associated with all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD. Stratified by cardiovascular disease, ABI remains inversely correlated with cardiovascular mortality in NAFLD patients without cardiovascular disease. Stratified by diabetes, ABI is inversely correlated with cardiovascular mortality in NAFLD patients regardless of diabetes status.ConclusionsLow ABI is independently associated with higher cardiovascular mortality in NAFLD cases. This correlation remains significant even in the absence of pre-existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Lipid risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and chronic inflammation in functionally dependent elderly persons

Lipid risk factors for cardiovascular mortality and chronic inflammation in functionally dependent elderly persons

ACUTE EFFECTS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE OR ITS SUBSTITUTE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE ON VASCULAR FUNCTION IN HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Objective: High blood pressure, one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular mortality, leads to vascular dysfunction and subsequently to arteriosclerosis, stroke, kidney and heart failure. High salt intake and low potassium intake are associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Partial replacement of sodium with potassium led to a lower risk of cardiovascular events and death in a long-term follow-up study. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the acute effects of sodium or potassium intake on vascular health to unravel the underlying mechanisms leading to vascular adaptations. Design and method: Six male and nine female healthy individuals (mean age 31 years) were randomized to either 9g of sodium chloride (high salt group), 6g of sodium chloride (regular salt group) or 6 g of sodium chloride plus 3g of potassium chloride group (substitution group). Individuals received a salty soup with the corresponding sodium or potassium load. Blood analyses, blood pressure, body composition and macro- as well as microvascular measurements were performed before as well as four (t4) and 24 hours (t24) after soup intake. To investigate macrovascular health, carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity was analyzed. Microvascular health was measured by investigating retinal vessel diameters. Results: The high (139±2mmol/l vs. 143±2mmol/l p=0,003) and regular salt group (140±2mmol/l vs. 141±0,6 mmol/l p=0,029) showed both higher serum sodium concentrations at t4 compared to baseline. These higher values were normalized at t24. The serum sodium concentration of the substitution group showed no statistically significant difference between timepoints. The substitution group showed improved microvascular health, quantified by higher arteriolar-to-venular diameter ratio from baseline to t4 (0,86±0,09 vs. 0,89±0,08 p=0,005). These improvements were regressive at t24 (0,88±0,09). No statistically significant changes were found on pulse wave velocity. The high and regular salt group showed no statistically significant differences at any timepoint on micro- or macrovascular health parameters. Conclusions: Replacement of sodium by potassium seems to improve microvascular function directly after potassium intake. These results might explain the long-term beneficial effects of potassium on cardiovascular outcomes.

Risk of heavy metal(loid) compositions in fine particulate matter on acute cardiovascular mortality: a poisson analysis in Anyang, China.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Associations between PM2.5 compositions and cardiovascular disease are a point of special interest but inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the cardiovascular effects of heavy metal(loid) compositions in PM2.5. Data for mortality, air pollutants and meteorological factors in Anyang, China from 2017 to 2021 were collected. Heavy metal(loid) in PM2.5 were monitored and examined monthly. A Case-crossover design was applied to the estimated data set. The interquartile range increase in cadmium (Cd), antimony (Sb) and arsenic (As) at lag 1 was associated with increment of 8.1% (95% CI: 3.3, 13.2), 4.8% (95% CI: 0.2, 9.5) and 3.5% (95% CI: 1.1, 6.0) cardiovascular mortality. Selenium in lag 2 was inversely associated with cerebrovascular mortality (RR = 0.920 95% CI: 0.862, 0.983). Current-day exposure of aluminum was positively associated with mortality from ischemic heart disease (RR = 1.083 95% CI: 1.001, 1.172). Stratified analysis indicated sex, age and season modified the cardiovascular effects of As (P < 0.05). Our study reveals that heavy metal(loid) play key roles in adverse effects of PM2.5. Cd, Sb and As were significant risk factors of cardiovascular mortality. These findings have potential implications for accurate air pollutants control and management to improve public health benefits.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) is associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in population with chronic kidney disease: evidence from NHANES (2001-2018).

To examine the correlation between SIRI and the probability of cardiovascular mortality as well as all-cause mortality in individuals with chronic kidney disease. A cohort of 3,262 participants from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database were included in the study. We categorized participants into five groups based on the stage of chronic kidney disease. A weighted Cox regression model was applied to assess the relationship between SIRI and mortality. Subgroup analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and ROC curves were conducted. Additionally, restricted cubic spline analysis was employed to elucidate the detailed association between SIRI and hazard ratio (HR). This study included a cohort of 3,262 individuals, of whom 1,535 were male (weighted proportion: 42%), and 2,216 were aged 60 or above (weighted proportion: 59%). Following adjustments for covariates like age, sex, race, and education, elevated SIRI remained a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality (HR=2.50, 95%CI: 1.62-3.84, p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR=3.02, 95%CI: 2.03-4.51, p<0.001) in CKD patients. The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship between SIRI and cardiovascular mortality, with SIRI>1.2 identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients. Heightened SIRI independently poses a risk for both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease patients, with potentially heightened significance in the early stages (Stage I to Stage III) of chronic kidney disease.

Association of apolipoprotein levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Research has shown that apolipoproteins (Apos) are potential indicators of heart health and death. We investigated the associations of Apo levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science for English language studies up to 28 November 2022. We used Stata 17.0 to summarize the estimated effects with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also conducted subgroup analyses according to study location, year of publication, individual age, follow-up years, and sample size. Moreover, we performed a sensitivity analysis to evaluate bias in our study. This study included 23 studies with 152 854 individuals in total. The level of ApoA was negatively related to cardiovascular mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.52-0.93]. An increased ratio of ApoB/A1 was a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.48-3.07) and all-cause mortality (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.52-2.77). The level of ApoB was positively related to cardiovascular mortality (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.85-1.47), but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the associations between ApoB or ApoA1 and all-cause mortality were not obvious. Our subgroup analyses showed that the location, year of publication, individual age, and follow-up years of the studies affected the heterogeneity of our study to varying degrees. The sensitivity analysis showed that our results were almost robust, apart from excluding the article by Nomikos (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65-0.92) and Zeng (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65-0.91), when investigating the relationship between ApoA1 and all-cause mortality. In this study, we found that Apo levels were linked to cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Our study strengthens the evidence on the association between the level of Apos and cardiac health and may provide ideas for regulating the level of Apos to promote public health.

Age-dependent implications of left ventricular hypertrophy regression in patients with hypertension.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients with hypertension. However, the effect of age on LVH regression or persistence and its differential prognostic value remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the clinical implications of LVH regression in 1847 patients with hypertension and echocardiography data (at baseline and during antihypertensive treatment at an interval of 6-18 months) according to age. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMI) > 115 g/m2 and >95 g/m2 in men and women, respectively. LVH prevalence at baseline was not different according to age (age < 65 years: 42.6%; age ≥65 years: 45.7%; p = 0.187), but LVH regression was more frequently observed in the younger group (36.4% vs. 27.5%; p = 0.008). Spline curves and multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between reductions in systolic blood pressure and LVMI in the younger group (β = 0.425; p < 0.001), but not the elderly group (β = 0.044; p = 0.308). LVH regression was associated with a lower risk of the study outcome (composite of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure) regardless of age. In conclusion, the association between the reduction in blood pressure and LVH regression was prominent in patients with age < 65 years, but not in those with age ≥65 years. However, an association between LVH regression and lower risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure was observed regardless of patient age, suggesting the prognostic value of the LVH regression not only in the younger patients but also in elderly patients.