Risk Of Acute Coronary Syndrome Research Articles

Change in global longitudinal strain following acute coronary syndrome and subsequent risk of heart failure.

Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is a well-established predictor of heart failure (HF) following acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aim to investigate the prognostic value of GLS obtained at a follow-up consultation, as well as the change in GLS for long-term risk of incident HF. A total of 235 ACS patients had an echocardiogram performed immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and a follow-up echocardiogram (FUE) median 215 (IQR: 71; 878) days after the first echocardiogram. Endpoint was incident HF. Follow-up time after FUE was median 4.8 (IQR: 3.7; 5.6) years. Patients diagnosed with HF before FUE were excluded. Mean age was 63 ± 11years and 77% were male. Baseline GLS was on average 12.7 ± 3.9%, FUE GLS was on average 13.5 ± 3.9% and mean improvement in GLS was 0.73 ± 3.68% between the 2 echocardiograms. A total of 57 (24%) patients suffered incident HF following the FUE. FUE GLS provided significantly higher prognostic information for risk of incident HF than ∆GLS when assessed by the C-statistics (C-statistics: 0.71 vs. 0.61, P = 0.021). Furthermore, after multivariable adjustments only FUE GLS [HR = 1.15, 95% CI (1.02; 1.29), P = 0.018, per 1% decrease] remained an independent predictor of incident HF. In patients with ACS, who do not develop HF before FUE, FUE GLS was an independent predictor of long-term risk of incident HF while ∆GLS was not.

Association of total bilirubin levels with acute coronary syndrome and other risk factors: an observational study

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to clinical symptoms pertaining to acute myocardial infarction. Bilirubin is an antioxidant that helps in removal of excessive heme. The aim of the study was to find the association of ACS and other risk factors for ACS with the total bilirubin levels in our setup.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted on 100 cases attending the department of medicine in a Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati, Maharashtra. Patients fitting the eligibility criteria were subjected to data collection which was done using pre-designed case record form. The case record form had details of demography, detailed clinical history, physical examination and relevant investigations.Results: The mean age of the cases was 55.64±10.23 years with male preponderance. Majority of the patients presented with chest pain (83%) followed by shortness of breath (65%) and nausea/vomiting (33%). There was moderate significant correlation between total bilirubin levels and LDL levels (r=0.703; p value<0.001) and There was mild significant correlation between total bilirubin levels and TGs (r=0.403, p value<0.001) Based on the median value of 0.48 as cut off, 33% had bilirubin levels more than 0.48. Presence of diabetes and hyperlipidemias had significant association with the total bilirubin levels.Conclusions: Nearly 1/3rd of the patients in our study had high bilirubin levels. Higher bilirubin levels correlated well with presence of diabetes and presence of hyperlipidemias. There was significant correlation between the serum LDL and TG levels with total bilirubin levels in the present study.

Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Attenuation Is Associated with High-Risk Plaque and Subsequent Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: High-risk plaques (HRP) detected on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) confer an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCAT) is a novel biomarker of coronary inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the association of PCAT with HRP and subsequent ACS development in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Patients with stable CAD who underwent coronary CTA from 2011 to 2016 and had available outcome data were included. We studied 41 patients with HRP propensity matched to 41 controls without HRP (60 ± 10 years, 67% males). PCAT was assessed using semi-automated software on a per-patient basis in the proximal right coronary artery (PCATRCA) and a per-lesion basis (PCATLesion) around HRP in cases and the highest-grade stenosis lesions in controls. Results: PCATRCA and PCATLesion were higher in HRP patients than controls (PCATRCA: −80.7 ± 6.50 HU vs. −84.2 ± 8.09 HU, p = 0.03; PCATLesion: −79.6 ± 7.86 HU vs. −84.2 ± 10.3 HU, p = 0.04), and were also higher in men (PCATRCA: −80.5 ± 7.03 HU vs. −86.1 ± 7.08 HU, p < 0.001; PCATLesion: −79.6 ± 9.06 HU vs. −85.2 ± 7.96 HU, p = 0.02). Median time to ACS was 1.9 years, within a median follow-up of 5.3 years. PCATRCA alone was higher in HRP patients who subsequently presented with ACS (−76.8 ± 5.69 HU vs. −82.0 ± 6.32 HU, p = 0.03). In time-dependent analysis, ACS was associated with HRP and PCATRCA. Conclusions: PCAT attenuation is increased in stable CAD patients with HRP and is associated with subsequent ACS development. Further investigation is required to determine the clinical implications of these findings.

Invasive Therapies for Acute Coronary Syndromes in the COVID-19 Era.

Purpose of ReviewTo identify and address the challenges associated with the care of ACS patients during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic.Recent FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable global impact with over 2.0 million deaths worldwide so far. There has been considerable evidence suggesting that COVID-19 increases the risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).SummaryWe propose characterizing ACS patients into 3 distinct categories to better assist in appropriate triage and management: critically ill patients, non-critically ill ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, and non-critically ill non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)/unstable angina (UA) patients. We thoroughly review treatments strategies, management considerations, and current consensus statements for the care of COVID-19 patients with ACS. As we continue to gain more experience with management of COVID-19 in ACS patients and as health-care workers and patients continue to get vaccinated, we must continue to adapt our strategies to treat this high-risk group of patients.

Hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome increases the long-term risk of pneumonia: a population-based cohort study

It is well established that the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) increases after respiratory infection. However, the reverse association has not been evaluated. We tested the hypothesis that the long-term risk of pneumonia is increased after a new ACS event. A matched-cohort study was conducted using a nationally representative dataset. We identified patients with admission for ACS between 2004 and 2014, without a previous history of ACS or pneumonia. Incidence density sampling was used to match patients, on the basis of age and sex, to 3 controls who were also free from both ACS and pneumonia. We examined the incidence of pneumonia after ACS until the end of the cohort observation (Dec 31, 2014). The analysis cohort consisted of 5469 ACS cases and 16,392 controls (median age, 64 years; 68.3% men). The incidence rate ratios of the first and the total pneumonia episodes in the ACS group relative to the control group was 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–1.41) and 1.23(95% CI 1.11–1.36), respectively. A significant ACS-related increase in the incidence of pneumonia was observed in the Cox-regression, shared frailty, and joint frailty model analyses, with hazard ratios of 1.25 (95% CI 1.09–1.42), 1.35 (95% CI 1.15–1.58), and 1.24 (95% CI 1.10–1.39), respectively. In this population-based cohort of patients who were initially free from both ACS and pneumonia, we found that hospitalization for ACS substantially increased the long term risk of pneumonia. This should be considered when formulating post-discharge care plans and preventive vaccination strategies in patients with ACS.

Intermedin1-53 attenuates atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability by inhibiting CHOP-mediated apoptosis and inflammasome in macrophages

Atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and rupture increase the risk of acute coronary syndromes. Advanced lesion macrophage apoptosis plays important role in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has been proved to be a key mechanism of macrophage apoptosis. Intermedin (IMD) is a regulator of ERS. Here, we investigated whether IMD enhances atherosclerotic plaque stability by inhibiting ERS-CHOP-mediated apoptosis and subsequent inflammasome in macrophages. We studied the effects of IMD on features of plaque vulnerability in hyperlipemia apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice. Six-week IMD1-53 infusion significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size. Of note, IMD1-53 lowered lesion macrophage content and necrotic core size and increased fibrous cap thickness and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) content thus reducing overall plaque vulnerability. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that IMD1-53 administration prevented ERS activation in aortic lesions of ApoE−/− mice, which was further confirmed in oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL) induced macrophages. Similar to IMD, taurine (Tau), a non-selective ERS inhibitor significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion size and plaque vulnerability. Moreover, C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), a pro-apoptosis transcription factor involved in ERS, was significantly increased in advanced lesion macrophages, and deficiency of CHOP stabilized atherosclerotic plaques in AopE−/− mice. IMD1-53 decreased CHOP level and apoptosis in vivo and in macrophages treated with ox-LDL. In addition, IMD1-53 infusion ameliorated NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent proinflammatory cytokines in vivo and in vitro. IMD may attenuate the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and plaque vulnerability by inhibiting ERS-CHOP-mediated macrophage apoptosis, and subsequent NLRP3 triggered inflammation. The inhibitory effect of IMD on ERS-induced macrophages apoptosis was probably mediated by blocking CHOP activation.

Identification of familial hypercholesterolemia in acute coronary syndrome patients: are we missing the mark?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Patients (P) with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) have considerable elevation in levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and a higher risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, even in a hospital setting with a high volume of ACS P, the diagnosis of FH frequently goes undetected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) Criteria in P admitted for ACS and analyse ACS recurrence, hospitalization and mortality in a 30-day follow-up. Methods Retrospective evaluation of P with ACS admitted to a tertiary center from 2005 to 2019. Data from the digital files including family history and laboratory tests was analysed and P were followed up for 30 days for hospitalization, recurrent ACS, all cause mortality and cardiovascular (CV) death. Evaluation of tendinous xanthomata, arcus cornealis and genetic analysis was not undertaken. Results 3811 P were evaluated, mean age 63 ± 13 years, 28% female gender, 1497 P (39%) with active or previous smoking habits, 847 P (22%) with diabetes mellitus, 419 P (11%) with family history of coronary disease, 1340 P (35%) with premature CAD, 53 P (1.4%) with premature cerebral or peripheral vascular disease and 522 (14%) with previous ACS. The mean LDL cholesterol level was 125 ± 43 mg/dL, the mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was 40 ± 16 mg/dL and the mean triglyceride level was 132 ± 89 mg/dL. The diagnosis at hospital admission was unstable angina (UA) in 189 P (5%), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in 1024 P (27%) and ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) in 2598 P (68%). The hospital mortality rate was 4.3% (163P). Applying the DLCN criteria, 3089 P (81%) had a score of &amp;lt;3 ("unlikely FH"), 675 P (17.7%) a score of 3 to 5 ("possible FH"), 41 P (1.1%) a score of 6 to 8 ("probable FH") and 1 P (0.03%) a score of &amp;gt;8 ("definite FH"). Stratifying according to ACS type: among UA, 31 P (16%) had "possible FH" and 4 P (2.1%) had "probable FH". Among NSTEMI, 145 P (14.2%) had "possible FH", 9 P (0.9%) "probable FH" and 1 P (0.03%) had "definite FH". Finally, among STEMI P, 497 P (19.1%) had "possible FH" and 28 P (1.1%) had "probable FH". In a 30-day follow-up, there was an all cause mortality of 2% (78 P) and a CV death of 1.3% (49P), while the all cause hospitalization rate was 3.5% (134P) and the admission rate for recurrent ACS was 1.7% (65P). The DLCN criteria score was significantly correlated with CV death (OR 1.25, CI 95% 1.04-1.50, p = 0.020) and admission for recurrent ACS (OR 1.19, CI 95% 1.04-1.36, p = 0.04). Conclusion Application of the DLCN criteria in P admitted for ACS revealed 675 P (17.7%) with "possible FH" and 41 P (1.1%) with "probable FH" as well as show significant correlation with CV death and recurrent ACS. Routine assessment of these criteria can be an accessible tool to stratify likelihood of FH and proceed accordingly to genetic testing.

Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis With an Inadequate Response to Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs at a Higher Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is believed that using disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to control inflammation can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we investigated whether patients who responded differently to DMARDs might sustain different cardiovascular events.Methods and ResultsWe designed a cohort study using the Chang Gung Research Database. We identified 7114 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. After strict exclusion criteria, we collected 663 individuals as an inadequate response to DMARDs group. Then, 2034 individuals were included as the control group. The end point was composite vascular outcomes, including acute coronary syndrome or ischemic stroke. We used the inverse probability of treatment weighting to keep the covariates between these 2 groups well balanced. We compared the risk of these outcomes using the Cox proportional hazards model. The mean follow‐up time was 4.7 years. During follow‐up, there were 7.5% and 6.4% of patients with composite vascular outcomes in the DMARD‐inadequate response and control groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the risk of composite vascular outcomes (95% CI, 0.94–1.41) and ischemic stroke (95% CI, 0.84–1.36). The risk of acute coronary syndrome was significantly higher in the DMARD‐inadequate response group (hazard ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02–2.05).ConclusionsPatients with DMARD‐inadequate response rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of developing acute coronary syndrome than those whose disease can be controlled by DMARDs.

The “obesity paradox” – is it a positive effect on the course of cardio-vascular events? (A literature review)

The aim: to analyze the literature and study the “obesity paradox” phenomenon, pathological conditions and categories of patients with its existence. Methods. The analytical, bibliosemantic, system approach and system analysis methods were used in the work. Results. The article presents the basic current views on the effect of obesity on the cardiovascular disease course according to evidence-based medicine. Randomly analyzed results have shown a decrease in mortality after cardiovascular events in overweight individuals. The “obesity paradox” was revealed in the analysis of 10-year survival after stroke in the Framingham Study patients. In the group of overweight and obese patients, mortality rates after ischemic stroke were lower than in the group with normal body weight ([RR] = 0.70, 95 % CI 0.55–0.90, /M3.005). Researchers suggest that a moderately increased body weight may be associated with previously unknown protective factors. The “obesity paradox” has shown a more favorable course of myocardial infarction among certain categories of patients (with a history of cardiovascular events) with higher body weight. In individuals with heart failure who underwent resynchronisation therapy, high body mass index values were associated with a reduced risk of developing primary endpoints. Predicting the risk of acute coronary syndrome has shown better results in overweight patients. Obese patients have been diagnosed with less severe calcification of the carotid arteries. Numerous theories that explain this phenomenon include the protective function of adiponectin as well as the protective effect of muscle tissue. Conclusions. Overweight in people with various pathologies in certain conditions can improve the course of cardiovascular events, which underlies the “obesity paradox”. In the mechanisms of the “obesity paradox”, the protective properties of adiponectin as well as the protective function of muscle tissue are given the highest priority.

Applicability of the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk in acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Introduction and objectivesThe recent Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) proposal did not consider acute coronary syndrome (ACS), by consensus, a bleeding criterion per se despite being a high bleeding risk (HBR) scenario. We investigated the applicability of the ARC-HBR classification and criteria in ACS patients. MethodsPatients with ACS undergoing coronary stenting between 2012 and 2018 at a tertiary hospital were retrospectively classified as being at HBR if they met ≥ 1 major or ≥ 2 minor ARC-HBR criteria. The primary endpoint was the 1-year cumulative incidence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3 or 5 bleeding. ResultsAmong 4412 patients, 29.5% were at HBR. The incidence of bleeding was higher in the HBR group than in the non-HBR group (9.4% vs 1.3%; P < .01). The rates of in-hospital periprocedural and postdischarge bleeding were also higher in the HBR group (4.3% vs 0.5% and 5.3% vs 0.9%, respectively; P < .01). Bleeding risk gradually increased with increasing ARC-HBR criteria: 1.8%, 5.0%, 9.4%, 16.8%, 25.2%, and 25.9% for 1 isolated minor criterion, ≥ 2 isolated minor criteria, 1 major criterion (isolated or plus 1 minor criterion), 1 major plus ≥ 2 minor criteria, ≥ 2 major criteria (isolated or plus 1 minor criterion), and ≥ 2 major plus ≥ 2 minor criteria, respectively. Sixteen (80%) out of 20 ARC-HBR criteria satisfied the ARC-HBR predefined cutoffs for BARC 3 or 5 bleeding risk. ConclusionsThis study supports the use of the ARC-HBR classification and criteria in the ACS setting. The ARC-HBR classification provides an accurate major bleeding risk estimate and it seems suitable for the identification and management of patients at HBR.

The Impact of Implementing 24/7 Cardiac CTA Interpretation in the Emergency Department on Patient Care: Retrospective Analysis of a Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to provide insight on the diagnostic validity of cardiac CTA (CCTA) to identify obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and patients who require urgent intervention, compared with those who require same-admission coronary catheterization (CC), and to help elucidate the necessity of a 24/7 CCTA service. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed 658 consecutive CCTA examinations performed of emergency department (ED) patients who presented with acute chest pain from October 1, 2013, to February 28, 2018. Patients were categorized by CAD severity on CCTA. Using same-admission CC as the reference standard, we assessed CCTA's validity to identify obstructive disease using PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity and CCTA's validity to identify patients who require urgent intervention. The added value of the CCTA findings of subendocardial hypoattenuation and wall motion abnormality was evaluated. CCTA examinations were categorized on the basis of the time of day when scanning was performed. RESULTS. The PPV, NPV, and sensitivity of CCTA to diagnose obstructive CAD were 0.87, 0.79, and 0.95, respectively. Nine percent of the scanned patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or were referred for urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The presence of obstructive CAD on CCTA has a PPV of 0.73 to identify patients deemed to be at higher acute coronary syndrome (ACS) risk to warrant urgent PCI or CABG. Wall motion abnormality increased the PPV to 1.0; subendocardial attenuation increased the PPV to 0.9. The NPV and sensitivity were 0.89 and 0.97, respectively. Of the CCTA examinations, 54% were performed outside regular working hours. Of the patients who received urgent interventions, 62% underwent CCTA examinations performed outside regular working hours. CONCLUSION. CCTA provides high correlation with CC, helps identify individuals with high ACS risk, and is further strengthened by functional analysis; 24/7 CCTA service is warranted.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic Assessment: First Australian Data

Australian guidelines recommend prompt evaluation of patients presenting to emergency departments with chest pain, found to be low risk for acute coronary syndromes, and cardiologist-led Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinics (RACPC) have been proposed as a model to provide such care. Initial Australian experience of RACPCs suggests excellent short-term outcomes, and that they are cost-beneficial, though little data exists examining longer-term outcomes. The present study therefore examines such longer-term outcomes to beyond 5 years following presentation to an RACPC in an Australian tertiary metropolitan centre.

Risk of acute and chronic coronary syndrome in a population with periodontitis: A cohort study.

To investigate the role of periodontitis in the risk of acute and chronic coronary syndrome with compounding factors, including sociodemographic factors and medication use. This retrospective cohort study used nationwide, population-based data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort database (514,866 individuals, 40-79years). Propensity score matching was used for analysis. Information of subjects for 12years was included. Socioeconomic and clinical factors were recorded and analysed. The periodontitis group had a greater risk of overall acute coronary syndrome (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] =1.25 [1.15, 1.35], p<.001) and non-fatal acute coronary syndrome (1.26 [1.16, 1.37], p<.001). The hazard ratio for chronic coronary syndrome was higher in patients with periodontitis (1.35 [1.25, 1.46], p<.001). The cumulative incidence of both acute and chronic coronary syndrome gradually increased, and the hazard ratios reached 1.25 and 1.35 at the 12-year follow-up, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that periodontitis had a significantly greater link with acute coronary syndrome incidence in males, younger adults, smokers and subjects without hypertension (p<.01) and with chronic coronary syndrome incidence in smokers, subjects without hypertension and subjects without dyslipidaemia (p<.05). Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic coronary syndrome.

Nonmedical Marijuana Use and Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review.

Although marijuana use has increased since 2012, the perceived risk of adverse outcomes has decreased. This systematic review summarizes articles that examined the association between nonmedical marijuana use (ie, observed smoking, self-report, or urinalysis) and cardiovascular events in observational or experimental studies of adults aged ≥18. We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Library Database, and Global Health from January 1, 1970, through August 31, 2018. Of 3916 citations, 16 articles fit the following criteria: (1) included adults aged ≥18; (2) included marijuana/cannabis use that is self-reported smoked, present in diagnostic coding, or indicated through a positive diagnostic test; (3) compared nonuse of cannabis; (4) examined events related to myocardial infarction, angina, acute coronary syndrome, and/or stroke; (5) published in English; and (6) had observational or experimental designs. Of the 16 studies, 4 were cohort studies, 8 were case-control studies, 1 was a case-crossover study, 2 were randomized controlled trials, and 1 was a descriptive study. Studies ranged from 10 participants to 118 659 619 hospitalizations. Marijuana use was associated with an increased likelihood of myocardial infarction within 24 hours in 2 studies and stroke in 6 studies. Results of studies suggested an increased risk for angina and acute coronary syndrome, especially among people with a history of a cardiovascular event. This review suggests that people who use marijuana may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events. As states expand new laws permitting marijuana use, it will be important to monitor the effect of marijuana use on cardiovascular disease outcomes, perhaps through the inclusion of data on nonmedical marijuana use in diverse national and local surveillance systems.

Single vs Serial Measurements of Cardiac Troponin Level in the Evaluation of Patients in the Emergency Department With Suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction

Chest pain is among the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) presentations. However, most patients are at low risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), with low cardiac adverse outcomes rates. Biomarker testing with troponin levels is key in the initial assessment for ACS. Although serial troponin testing can improve the diagnosis of ACS in clinical practice, some patients deemed to be low risk are discharged after a single negative troponin test result. To report the clinical outcomes of patients discharged after a single negative troponin test result compared with patients discharged after serial troponin measurements. This is a retrospective cohort study of ED encounters from May 5, 2016, to December 1, 2017, across 15 community EDs within an integrated health care system in southern California. The study cohort includes 27 918 adult ED encounters in which patients were evaluated for suspected ACS with a HEART (history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin) score and an initial conventional troponin-I measurement below the level of detection (<0.02 ng/mL). Statistical analysis was performed from December 1, 2019, to December 1, 2020. Single troponin test vs multiple troponin tests. The primary outcome was acute myocardial infarction or cardiac mortality; secondary outcomes included coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, invasive coronary angiography, and unstable angina within 30 days of discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the association between testing strategies and clinical outcomes. A total of 27 918 patient encounters (16 212 women [58.1%]; mean [SD] age, 58.7 [15.2] years) were included in the study. Of patients with an initial troponin measurement below the level of detection, 14 459 (51.8%) were discharged after a single troponin measurement, and 13 459 (48.2%) underwent serial troponin tests. After adjustment for cardiac risk factors and comorbidities, there was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome of acute myocardial infarction or cardiac mortality within 30 days between the 2 groups (single troponin, 56 [0.4%] vs serial troponin, 52 [0.4%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.41 [95% CI, 0.96-2.07]). Patients discharged after a single troponin test had lower rates of coronary artery bypass graft (adjusted odds ratio, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.11-0.48]) and invasive coronary angiography (adjusted odds ratio, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.38-0.56]). This study suggests that patients are routinely discharged from the ED after a single negative troponin test result, and when compared with serial troponin testing, a single troponin test appears safe based on current physician decision-making, with no difference in rates of 30-day cardiac mortality and acute myocardial infarction, which are low in both groups.

The relationship of indoxyl sulfate and p-cresyl sulfate with target cardiovascular proteins in hemodialysis patients

Protein-bound uremic toxins (Indoxyl sulfate [IS] and p-cresyl sulfate [PCS]) are both associated with cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Possible mechanisms have not been elucidated. In hemodialysis patients, we investigated the relationship between the free form of IS and PCS and 181 CV-related proteins. First, IS or PCS concentrations were checked, and high levels were associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 333 stable HD patients. CV proteins were further quantified by a proximity extension assay. We examined associations between the free form protein-bound uremic toxins and the quantified proteins with correction for multiple testing in the discovery process. In the second step, the independent association was evaluated by multivariable-adjusted models. We rank the CV proteins related to protein-bound uremic toxins by bootstrapped confidence intervals and ascending p-value. Six proteins (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 5, complement component C1q receptor, C–C motif chemokine 15 [CCL15], bleomycin hydrolase, perlecan, and cluster of differentiation 166 antigen) were negatively associated with IS. Fibroblast growth factor 23 [FGF23] was the only CV protein positively associated with IS. Three proteins (complement component C1q receptor, CCL15, and interleukin-1 receptor-like 2) were negatively associated with PCS. Similar findings were obtained after adjusting for classical CV risk factors. However, only higher levels of FGF23 was related to increased risk of ACS. In conclusion, IS and PCS were associated with several CV-related proteins involved in endothelial barrier function, complement system, cell adhesion, phosphate homeostasis, and inflammation. Multiplex proteomics seems to be a promising way to discover novel pathophysiology of the uremic toxin.

Do Sex Hormones Mediate the Effect of Gender on Acute Coronary Syndrome Outcomes?

Gender refers to psycho-socio-cultural characteristics and has been shown to be associated with an increased risk for recurrent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) regardless of biological sex. Whether sex hormones mediate this effect remains unknown. This study aims to examine the relationship between gender and sex hormones in adults hospitalized for ischemic heart disease (IHD) and their association with recurrent ACS.

Risk of New-Onset Acute Coronary Syndrome and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared With a Risk-Set and Propensity Score-Matched Cohort ― A Nationwide Cohort Study ―

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has extra-articular manifestations of cardiovascular diseases and is associated with a high mortality rate in Western populations. This study aimed to investigate the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with RA in a Korean population.Methods and Results:Patients were selected from a senior cohort from the Korean National Health Insurance Service in 2002, and followed until 31 December 2015. Patients with newly developed ACS and AF were identified and compared with controls for a 10-year period using time-dependent propensity and risk-set matching. A total of 4,217 incident RA patients and their 8,432 controls comprised the incident RA and matched cohorts, respectively. ACS was identified during 24,642 person-years [incidence rate (IR) 402 per 10,000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 330-489] among the RA cohort. In the matched cohort, 141 ACS patients were identified during 50,011 person-years (IR 282 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI 239-333). RA patients were 1.43-fold more likely to develop ACS than the matched controls [hazard ratio (HR) 1.43, 95% CI 1.10-1.84], but showed similar occurrence risk of AF (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.83-1.35).A higher risk for ACS and a similar risk for AF were found by risk-set matched analysis in a senior RA cohort compared with the control, using Korean nationwide long-term data.

Validation and Comparison of Six Risk Scores for Infection in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Aims: Very few of the risk scores to predict infection in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been validated, and reports on their differences. We aimed to validate and compare the discriminatory value of different risk scores for infection.Methods: A total of 2,260 eligible patients with STEMI undergoing PCI from January 2010 to May 2018 were enrolled. Six risk scores were investigated: age, serum creatinine, or glomerular filtration rate, and ejection fraction (ACEF or AGEF) score; Canada Acute Coronary Syndrome (CACS) risk score; CHADS2 score; Global Registry for Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score; and Mehran score conceived for contrast induced nephropathy. The primary endpoint was infection during hospitalization.Results: Except CHADS2 score (AUC, 0.682; 95%CI, 0.652–0.712), the other risk scores showed good discrimination for predicting infection. All risk scores but CACS risk score (calibration slope, 0.77; 95%CI, 0.18–1.35) showed best calibration for infection. The risks scores also showed good discrimination for in-hospital major adverse clinical events (MACE) (AUC range, 0.700–0.786), except for CHADS2 score. All six risk scores showed best calibration for in-hospital MACE. Subgroup analysis demonstrated similar results.Conclusions: The ACEF, AGEF, CACS, GRACE, and Mehran scores showed a good discrimination and calibration for predicting infection and MACE.

Association of digoxin with mortality in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: A population-based cohort study.

Digoxin is commonly prescribed for heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but there is limited data on its safety in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a population-based cohort study using the pre-end stage renal disease (ESRD) care program registry and the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Of advanced CKD patient cohort (N = 31,933), we identified the digoxin user group (N = 400) matched with age and sex non-user group (N = 2,220). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards and sub-distribution hazards models were used to evaluate the association between digoxin use and the risk of death, cardiovascular events (acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke) and renal outcomes (ESRD, rapid decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate-eGFR, or acute kidney injury). Results showed that all-cause mortality was higher in the digoxin user group than in the non-user group, after adjusting for covariates (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 1.63; 95% CI 1.23-2.17). The risk for acute coronary syndrome (sub-distribution hazard ratio, sHR 1.18; 95% CI 0.75-1.86), ischemic stroke (sHR 1.42; 95% CI 0.85-2.37), and rapid eGFR decline (sHR 1.00 95% CI 0.78-1.27) was not significantly different between two groups. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that digoxin use was associated with increased mortality, but not cardiovascular events or renal function decline in advanced CKD patients. This finding warns the safety of prescribing digoxin in this population. Future prospective studies are needed to overcome the limitations of cohort study design.