Risk Of Cardiovascular Complications Research Articles

Preoperative N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Outcomes After Major Noncardiac Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Patients undergoing noncardiac surgery have varying risk of cardiovascular complications. This study evaluated preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T to enhance cardiovascular events prediction for major noncardiac surgery. This prospective cohort study included adult patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors undergoing elective major noncardiac surgery at four hospitals in China. Blood samples were collected within 30 days before surgery for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T measurements. The primary outcome was a composite of any cardiovascular events within 30 days after surgery. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations, and the predictive performance was evaluated primarily using area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) and fraction of new predictive information. Between June 2019 and September 2021, 2833 patients were included, with 435 (15.4%) experiencing the primary outcome. In the logistic regression model that included clinical variables and both biomarkers, the odds ratio for the primary outcome was 1.68 (95% CI 1.37-2.07) when comparing the 75th percentile to the 25th percentile of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide distribution, and 1.91 (95% CI 1.50-2.43) for high-sensitivity troponin T. Each biomarker enhanced model discrimination beyond clinical predictors, with a change in AUC of 0.028 for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and 0.029 for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and a fraction of new information of 0.164 and 0.149, respectively. The model combining both biomarkers demonstrated the best discrimination, with a change in AUC of 0.042 and a fraction of new information of 0.219. Preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T both improved the prediction for cardiovascular events after noncardiac surgery in addition to clinical evaluation, with their combination providing maximal predictive information.

A study of baseline data from SPRINT: Exploring lipid profile changes in middle-aged and elderly patients.

The elderly population is at a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, and dyslipidemia plays a significant role as a contributing factor. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are prone to lipid abnormalities, further increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. We aimed to investigate the lipid profile characteristics of the middle-aged and elderly population, particularly CKD patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). It was examined how lipid profiles are affected by age within the general population, and how BMI and lipid characteristics are affected by CKD subtype. Among 8746 participants, we observed a decreasing trend in LnTAG (natural logarithm of Triacylglycerol) and total Cholesterol (CHR) levels with increasing age, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased with age. In the CKD and non-CKD subgroups created through propensity score matching based on age, sex, and race, CKD individuals exhibited significantly higher average LnTAG levels across all age groups compared to the non-CKD group. Multivariable linear regression analysis, controlling for confounding variables, revealed a negative correlation between LnTAG and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = -0.002, p < 0.001). HDL-C showed a positive correlation with eGFR (r = 0.057, p < 0.001). That is, in the middle-aged and elderly population, age demonstrated a negative correlation with total CHR and TAG levels, while exhibiting a positive correlation with HDL-C levels. CKD patients exhibited relatively higher TAG levels, which were positively associated with CKD progression.

Reduction of cardiovascular complications during delivery hospitalization in patients undergoing bariatric procedures.

The global surge in obesity presents a significant health challenge, leading to increased adoption of bariatric surgery as an intervention. However, the correlation between bariatric surgery and cardiovascular outcomes during subsequent pregnancies remains unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular complications during delivery hospitalizations in patients with bariatric procedure. We performed a retrospective analysis utilizing the National Inpatient Sample database to examine data from delivery admissions of pregnant women with obesity and a history of bariatric surgery. These admissions were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes from 2009 to 2019. In comparing pregnant individuals who had undergone bariatric surgery with those with obesity but had no such surgical history, we assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular complications. Our study included 3,027,987 pregnancies in individuals with obesity and an additional 117,350 pregnancies following bariatric surgery. Compared to patients without bariatric surgery, post-surgery patients were older (32.84 years vs 29.02 years), primarily White (59.0%), and mostly treated in large urban hospitals. Cardiovascular outcomes showcased reduced odds of congestive heart failure [Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 0.11, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.01-0.74], gestational hypertensive complications (AOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.53-0.59), and cardiac arrhythmia (AOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.89) in the post-surgery group, with no significant difference in peripartum cardiomyopathy rates (AOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.29-1.76) and no instances of stroke or acute MI. Perinatally, the surgery cohort had higher odds of preterm birth (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.24-1.38) and fetal growth restriction (AOR 2.47, 95% CI 2.32-2.63) but fewer incidents of being large for gestational-age (AOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.32-0.38). As bariatric surgery became increasingly recognized as a significant factor in certain complications, its prevalence among the study population increased from 2009 to 2019. In summary, our research indicates that bariatric surgery is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular complications during delivery. This study highlights how insights from bariatric surgery outcomes could shape clinical guidelines for managing obesity in pregnant women.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia among persons with type 2 diabetes in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Dyslipidemia is an established cardiovascular risk factor in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet the extent to which these conditions co-occur in Africa is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia among persons with T2D in Africa. Methods: Medline, Embase, Global Health, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on December 5, 2023. This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered on PROSPERO. The prevalence data for dyslipidemia was pooled through a random-effects meta-analysis. We assessed heterogeneity and publication bias using I 2 statistics and Egger’s test, respectively. Results: Our search identified 8035 records, of which 60 articles involving 20,034 individuals with T2D were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of dyslipidemia recorded 38.6% (95% CI: 34.1–43.4) for high TC (≥ 5.2 mmol/L), 52.7% (95% CI: 44.2–61.1) for high LDL-C (≥ 2.6 mmol/L), 43.5% (95% CI: 37.1–50.0) for low HDL-C (&lt; 1.0 mmol/L in men and &lt; 1.3 mmol/L in women), and 37.4% (95% CI: 32.2–42.9) for high TG (≥ 1.7 mmol/L). Subgroup analysis based on gender indicated a notably higher prevalence of dyslipidemia among females compared to males. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is prevalent among persons with T2D in Africa. This highlights the need for early screening, diagnosis, and management of dyslipidemia to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular complications in this population.

Body Fat Distribution Contributes to Defining the Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Obesity in Human Diseases.

The risk for metabolic and cardiovascular complications of obesity is defined by body fat distribution rather than global adiposity. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat (including hepatic steatosis) reflects insulin resistance and predicts type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In humans, available evidence indicates that the ability to store triglycerides in the subcutaneous adipose tissue reflects enhanced insulin sensitivity. Prospective studies document an association between larger subcutaneous fat mass at baseline and reduced incidence of impaired glucose tolerance. Case-control studies reveal an association between genetic predisposition to insulin resistance and a lower amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorgamma (PPAR-γ) promotes subcutaneous adipocyte differentiation and subcutaneous fat deposition, improving insulin resistance and reducing visceral fat. Thiazolidinediones reproduce the effects of PPAR-γ activation and therefore increase the amount of subcutaneous fat while enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing visceral fat. Partial or virtually complete lack of adipose tissue (lipodystrophy) is associated with insulin resistance and its clinical manifestations, including essential hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced HDL-c, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. Patients with Prader Willi syndrome manifest severe subcutaneous obesity without insulin resistance. The impaired ability to accumulate fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue may be due to deficient triglyceride synthesis, inadequate formation of lipid droplets, or defective adipocyte differentiation. Lean and obese humans develop insulin resistance when the capacity to store fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue is exhausted and deposition of triglycerides is no longer attainable at that location. Existing adipocytes become large and reflect the presence of insulin resistance.

Long-term combined antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of noncardioembolic stroke

Introduction. The high risk of recurrent ischemic events after non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke(IS), the prevalence of which is 25% of all strokes in the Russian Federation, determines the need to search for effective and safe secondary prevention strategies.Аim. The study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of ADP receptor inhibitors (dipyridamole) with acetylsalicylic acid in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) in the secondary prevention of noncardioembolic stroke.Materials and methods. 229 patients in the early recovery period of noncardioembolic IS (139 women, 90 men), with an average age of 59.0 ± 5.7 years were included in the study. The duration of IS was 54.4 ± 6.1 days. All patients received a multimodal medical rehabilitation (MMR) program. Long-term double antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 75 mg per day and dipyridamole at a daily dose of 225 mg divided into 3 doses were prescribed to all the patients. The neurological and neuropsychological status of the patient, quality of life and hemorheological parameters were assessed initially (T0), after MMR (T1, 6 weeks) and 12 months after IS(T2).Results. Motor and coordination indicators of patients as well as the cognitive and emotional parameters were significantly (p &lt; 0,05) improved due to MMR technology. These were confirmed by the dynamics of the corresponding scales. The prescribed double antiplatelet therapy did not cause significant adverse events and worsening of the patients’ well-being both during the MMR process and during the observation period. The combination of ASA with dipyridamole was well tolerated. At the end of the study, recurrent IS, myocardial infarctions, and fatal bleeding were not recorded. In 5.2% patients with severe risks of cardiovascular complications there was occurred TIA. The effectiveness of the dual antiplatelet therapy was confirmed by a decrease in the level of platelet aggregation (p &lt; 0,05).Conclusions. The high effectiveness of secondary prevention of IS with a combination of ASA and dipyridamole with good tolerability and safety in patients after IS has been shown.

Cardiorenal Impact of Anti-Cancer Agents: The Intersection of Onco-Nephrology and Cardio-Oncology.

The evolving landscape of cancer treatments has introduced new challenges, particularly related to adverse events associated with chemotherapeutic agents. To address these challenges, the fields of cardio-oncology and onco-nephrology have arisen, focusing on the management of cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity attributable to anti-cancer drugs. Numerous intersections between these disciplines exist, including onco-hypertension and cardiorenal toxicities induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, immune checkpoint inhibitors may cause myocarditis and nephritis. Multidisciplinary collaboration among oncologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, and other healthcare professionals is crucial for developing tailored approaches to optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in modern oncology practice.

Enhancing the implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices using computational simulations.

Introduction: Patients with end-stage heart failure (HF) may need mechanical circulatory support such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). However, there are a range of complications associated with LVAD including aortic regurgitation (AR) and thrombus formation. This study assesses whether the risk of developing aortic conditions can be minimised by optimising LVAD implantation technique. Methods: In this work, we evaluate the aortic flow patterns produced under different geometrical parameters for the anastomosis of the outflow graft (OG) to the aorta using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A three-dimensional aortic model is created and the HeartMate III OG positioning is simulated by modifying (i) the distance from the anatomic ventriculo-arterial junction (AVJ) to the OG, (ii) the cardinal position around the aorta, and (iii) the angle between the aorta and the OG. The continuous LVAD flow and the remnant native cardiac cycle are used as inlet boundaries and the three-element Windkessel model is applied at the pressure outlets. Results: The analysis quantifies the impact of OG positioning on different haemodynamic parameters, including velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), pressure, vorticity and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). We find that WSS on the aortic root (AoR) is around two times lower when the OG is attached to the coronal side of the aorta using an angle of 45° ± 10° at a distance of 55mm. Discussion: The results show that the OG placement may significantly influence the haemodynamic patterns, demonstrating the potential application of CFD for optimising OG positioning to minimise the risk of cardiovascular complications after LVAD implantation.

The Effects of Chronic Immunosuppressive Treatment on Morphological Changes in Cardiac Tissue and the Balance between Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and Their Inhibitors in the Rat Heart.

Using different three-drug immunosuppressive treatment regimens in a rat model, we aimed to determine the effects of long-term therapy on metalloproteinase-2 and metalloproteinase-9 activity and the expression of their inhibitors, as well as to assess the morphology of the animals' cardiac tissue. Our results suggest that chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs disrupts the balance between the activity of MMPs and TIMPs. Depending on the type of drug regimen used, this leads to abnormalities in the cardiac structure, collagen fiber accumulation, or cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The information obtained in the present study allows us to conclude that the chronic treatment of rats with the most common clinical immunosuppressive regimens may contribute to abnormalities in the myocardial structure and function. The results presented in this study may serve as a prelude to more in-depth analyses and additional research into the optimal selection of an immunosuppressive treatment with the lowest possible risk of cardiovascular complications for patients receiving organ transplants.

Impact of detraining on the health of individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that causes motor, physiological, and sensory impairments, potentially leading to permanent disability, increased morbidity, and mortality, ultimately impacting an individual's quality of life (QoL). Physical exercise emerges as an effective alternative to mitigate these consequences and uphold the autonomy and QoL for this population. Detraining (DT), defined as the partial or total loss of adaptations induced by physical training in response to its complete interruption or insufficient stimulus, represents a significant concern. The objective of this systematic review was to conduct a comprehensive literature review regarding the current state of knowledge on the potential impacts of DT on the health of individuals with SCI. Method: The search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane databases using relevant English terms (("Detraining") AND ("Spinal Cord Injury")) and their synonyms. Due to the limited number of studies addressing this topic, no specific time frame was set for study eligibility. Results: The literature search was performed in November 2023, yielding 42 results, from which 15 remained after removing duplicates. Two articles were excluded following title analysis. Thirteen abstracts were reviewed, and 7 were excluded, leaving 6 articles for full analysis. Due to the nature of the studies, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Conclusion: DT resulted in alterations in body composition (BC), including increased body fat and reduced muscle mass, especially following the interruption of testosterone-associated training. Additionally, the cessation of training impacted the metabolic profile, leading to changes in glucose, lipids, and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, hemodynamic variables, such as blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), underwent changes, elevating the risk of cardiovascular complications. Regarding cardiorespiratory components, there was a decline in peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) following the DT period. Halting exercise can lead to detrimental health consequences, underscoring the imperative of maintaining consistent physical training for these individuals.

Prediction of in-hospital complications in takotsubo syndrome: prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Until recently, takotsubo syndrome (TS) was considered a fairly benign disease in both early and late periods. However, in recent years, in-hospital complications in the acute period of TS are common and can be life-threatening.&#x0D; AIM: Based on clinical and laboratory-instrumental data, this study aimed to build models for predicting the risk of developing in-hospital complications in patients with TS during the acute period.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 60 patients with TS, with an average age of 65.5±13.4 years. In the acute period (7–14 days), standard clinical and laboratory examination, peripheral arterial tonometry using the «EndoPAT 2000» apparatus, and psychological testing using validated questionnaires (hospital anxiety and depression scale and Beck depression scale) were performed.&#x0D; RESULTS: The integrated model for predicting the risk of acute heart failure (AHF) development (pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock) identified admission LVEF as the leading prognostic parameter. With LVEF ≤40.5%, the probability of AHF in patients with TS in the acute period was 62.5%, and in patients with TS and QTc interval 487 ms, the risk reached 100%. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed model were 72.7% and 97.4%, respectively. The integrated model for predicting the development of cardiovascular complications (CVCs) revealed that the number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood was the leading risk factor for adverse events in patients with TS in the acute period. With a leukocyte count 11.1×109/L, the risk of CVCs in patients with TS increased to 89.9%, and if the erythrocyte count was 4.69×1012/L or ≤4.29×1012/L, it could reach 100%. The sensitivity and specificity of the resulting model were 92.6 and 97.0%, respectively.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The models proposed in this study for predicting the likelihood of developing severe AHF and the overall risk of CVCs in the acute period of TS are personalized and easy to use, allowing for the selection of optimized treatment techniques.

Long-term global longitudinal strain abnormalities in paediatric patients after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children correlate with cardiac troponin T: a single-centre cohort study.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is an inflammatory syndrome related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with a high risk of cardiovascular complications (vasoplegia, cardiac shock). We investigated the cardiac outcomes in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, focusing on the identification of predictors for late cardiac function impairment. Clinical characteristics, conventional echocardiography (left ventricle ejection fraction, fractional shortening), 4-chamber left ventricular global longitudinal strain, and cardiac MRI of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients (n = 48) were collected during admission, 6 weeks, 6 months, >12-≤18 months, and >18-≤24 months post-onset. Paired over-time patterns were assessed and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for late global longitudinal strain impairment. In total, 81.3% of patients had acute cardiac dysfunction (left ventricle ejection fraction <50% and/or fractional shortening <28%). The left ventricle ejection fraction and fractional shortening reached a plateau level ≤6 weeks, while the global longitudinal strain continued to decrease in the first 6 months post-onset (median -17.3%, P < 0.001 [versus acute]). At 6 months, 35.7% of the patients still had an abnormal global longitudinal strain, which persisted in 5/9 patients that underwent echocardiography >12-≤18 months post-onset and in 3/3 patients >18-≤24 months post-onset. In a multivariable analysis, soluble troponin T (>62.0 ng/L [median]) was associated with reduced global longitudinal strain at 6 months. Our cardiac MRI findings indicated acute myocardial involvement (increased T1/T2 value) in 77.8% (7/9), which recovered quickly without signs of fibrosis on convalescent cardiac MRIs. Late global longitudinal strain impairment is seen in some multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children patients up to one-year post-onset. Careful cardiac follow-up in patients with elevated troponin in the acute phase and patients with persistent abnormal global longitudinal strain is warranted until resolution of the global longitudinal strain since the long-term implications of such abnormalities are still unclear.

Cardiovascular screening of elderly athletes.

The permanently growing interest in amateur and professional sports activities among young, middle-aged and elderly athletes raises serious concerns about athletes' health, the safety of physical training, and the sports-related risk of sudden cardiac death and other cardiovascular complications during exercise. In recent years there has been an increasing number of cases of sudden cardiac death during physical effort. At present, life expectancy in the most developed countries grows rapidly and the number of people >65 years dramatically increases. Moreover, biological age of the population is lower. Subsequently, relevant increase in the number of elderly athletes involved in various types of sports activities has been reported in many countries. It was also demonstrated that physical activity has strong beneficial effect on cognitive functions, psychomotor performance and thus exercise capacity, which is very important for the elderly people in their everyday routine activities. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that participation in amateur and professional sports activities may be associated with risk of serious cardiovascular events in the elderly athletes often suffering from various civilization diseases. It is also reported that the number of elderly people after interventional cardiology procedures, open heart surgery and cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), who wish to participate in various sports activities, systematically grows. The authors of the paper conduct a literature review on cardiovascular risk assessment in the elderly athletes including the contemporary cardiology diagnostic methods and diagnostic schemes to prevent sudden cardiac death and other cardiovascular events during exercise. The controversies over efficacy of particular diagnostic tools to detect cardiovascular diseases in the elderly athletes and worldwide epidemiologic data concerning risk of sudden cardiac death during physical exercise have been also presented. Here, the authors have derived suggestions for establishment of comprehensive diagnostic schemes to prevent sudden cardiac death during sports activities.

Role of bioenergetic hypoxia in the morphological transformation of the myocardium during vibration disease

BACKGROUND: Analysis of literature on the structural changes in the heart in patients with vibration disease using echocardiographic research methods revealed a concentric type of remodeling of the left ventricular chambers, which is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular complications, including sudden cardiac death, in people of working age.&#x0D; AIM: To determine the role of bioenergetic hypoxia in the development of morphological transformation of the myocardium to substantiate the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for vibration disease.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The energy production activity of cellular systems of heart tissue in vitro was analyzed by the polarographic method using a closed galvanic-type oxygen sensor (Clark electrode). The stressful effects of vibration were confirmed by the dynamics of the morphohistological picture of changes in the myocardial tissue of the left ventricle in the apical region after standard alcohol–paraffin wiring and staining of histological preparations with hematoxylin and eosin.&#x0D; RESULTS: Evaluation of the morphometric and bioenergetic parameters of cardiomyocytes under various experimental vibration modes (7, 21, and 56 sessions with a frequency of 8 and 44 Hz) confirmed the relationship between the provision of tissue with energy potential and morphological signs of pathological structural changes in the myocardial tissue, such as hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, development of fibrosis, restructuring of the vascular bed, and necrosis.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Analysis of the relationship between energy metabolism and morphohistological transformation of heart tissue allows us to resolve the role of universal and specific mechanisms in cardiac remodeling in the presence of vibration and pathogenetically substantiate the choice of drugs that not only have a vibration-protective effect but also inhibit pathological structural changes in the myocardial tissue.

Can blood eosinophil count be used as a predictive marker for the severity of COPD and concomitant cardiovascular disease? The relationship with the 2023 Version of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Staging.

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between eosinophil count and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the correlation between eosinophil count and the risk of exacerbations in COPD. The study included 405 patients who met the study inclusion criteria. Of the participants, 100 (25%) were classified as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) A, 105 (26%) as GOLD B, and 200 (49%) as GOLD E. Routine blood tests (including leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and platelet count) were carried out using an automated hematology analyzer. The eosinophil count and eosinophil percentage were significantly higher in 158 patients with COPD and concurrent CVD than in the COPD patients without concurrent CVD [2.95 (2.4), p=2.309e-11, 1.9 (2), p=5.02e-08, respectively). The prevalence of CVD was higher in the GOLD E group that experienced prominent exacerbations, and while the eosinophil count was also higher (p=.03) in this group, the eosinophil percentage did not differ significantly in this group of patients. The results of our study indicate a strong relationship between eosinophils and cardiovascular events in COPD subjects, particularly in subjects at high risk of exacerbations and cardiovascular complications.

Russian medical society expert consensus on arterial hypertension: use of fixed combinations in the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension

Despite the large arsenal of antihypertensive agents, BP control, both in Europe and in Russia, remains at a low level, more than 50% patients do not reach the goal BP levels. At the same time, data from the results of RCTs demonstrate that the achievement of goal BP values is possible in most patients, no more than 5-10% of patients have resistance to antihypertensive therapy. Sufficient evidence has been accumulated that low adherence to treatment remains afundamental contributing factor to insufficient BP control. There is evidence that adherence to treatment closely correlates with the complex dosing regimen of the drugs and the number of tablets taken. Low adherence has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, evidence suggests that medical inertia contributes to treatment failure in patients remaining on monotherapy or receiving inadequate suboptimal therapy. The use of combination therapy, including the use of fixed combinations in most patients, can help to solve both problems. This consensus focuses on various issues related to the prescription of combination therapy in the form of fixed combinations and polypill.

Breastfeeding in primiparous women with congenital heart disease − a register study

BackgroundThe number of pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) is rising, and the disease poses increased risks of cardiovascular and obstetric complications during pregnancy, potentially impacting breastfeeding success. This study aimed to investigate breastfeeding in primiparous women with CHD compared to primiparous women without CHD, and to examine potential hindering factors for breastfeeding in women with CHD.MethodsThe data were gathered between 2014 and 2019 and obtained by merging the Swedish Congenital Heart Disease Register (SWEDCON) with the Swedish Pregnancy Register. Primiparous women ≥ 18 years of age with CHD (n = 578) were matched by age and municipality to 3049 women without CHD, giving birth after 22 gestational weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with non-breastfeeding in women with CHD.ResultsFewer women with CHD breastfed than women without CHD two days (94% vs. 97%, p = 0.001) and four weeks after birth (84% vs. 89%, p = 0.006). When all women were analysed, having CHD was associated with non-breastfeeding at both two days and four weeks after birth. For women with CHD, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.4, 7.3), preterm birth (OR 6.4; 95% CI 2.1, 19.0), self-reported history of psychiatric illness (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2, 5.1), small for gestational age (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.4, 12.2), and New York Heart Association Stages of Heart Failure class II − III (OR 6.0; 95% CI 1.4, 26.7) were associated with non-breastfeeding two days after birth. Four weeks after birth, factors associated with non-breastfeeding were BMI ≥ 30 (OR 4.3; 95% CI 2.1, 9.0), self-reported history of psychiatric illness (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.2, 4.2), and preterm birth (OR 8.9; 95% CI 2.8, 27.9).ConclusionsThe study shows that most women with CHD breastfeed, however, at a slightly lower proportion compared to women without CHD. In addition, factors related to the heart disease were not associated with non-breastfeeding four weeks after birth. Since preterm birth, BMI ≥ 30, and psychiatric illness are associated with non-breastfeeding, healthcare professionals should provide greater support to women with CHD having these conditions.

High Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Potential Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and functional disability. The inflammatory mechanisms underlying RA also impact various organ systems, with significant implications for morbidity and mortality. In this study, we analyzed the growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a cytokine implicated in inflammation and associated with RA and cardiovascular diseases. We conducted a case-control study involving 150 RA patients and 150 healthy individuals, assessing various biomarkers (ACPA, CRP, ESR, and RF) including GDF-15, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. Our results demonstrated significantly elevated levels of GDF-15 in RA patients (309.44 pg/ml) compared to controls (64.40 pg/ml), indicating its potential role as a biomarker for RA and cardiovascular risk (p&lt;0.001). Furthermore, RA patients exhibited dyslipidemia characterized by elevated total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and atherogenic indices, along with decreased HDL cholesterol levels, predisposing them to a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications (p&lt;0.001). Correlation analyses revealed associations between GDF-15 levels, lipid profile parameters, and disease severity markers, highlighting the intricate interplay between inflammation, lipid metabolism, and RA progression. These findings demonstrated the importance of early detection and management of dyslipidemia in RA patients to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Overall, our study contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of RA and identifies potential biomarkers for disease monitoring and risk stratification.

CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS ON RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Introduction. A progressive decrease in the rate of glomerular filtration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications, as well as a marker of an unfavorable prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular complications arising against the background of end-stage renal failure are the main cause of mortality in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to determine the features and prevalence of cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing renal replacement therapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A retrospective study was conducted of 114 medical records of nephrology patients who were treated in the center of nephrology and dialysis of Poltava Regional Clinical Hospital n.a. M.V. Sklifosovsky. Patients were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control group. The first experimental group consisted of 44 (38.6%) patients who were on RRT by the method of programmed hemodialysis. The second experimental group consisted of 21 (18.4%) patients who were also undergoing RRT, but by the method of peritoneal dialysis. The control group consisted of 49 (43.0%) patients with CKD stages I-II. Analysis of laboratory data of traditional risk factors for cardiovascular complications (lipidogram), as well as non-traditional ones (level of calcium and phosphorus) was carried out. The frequency of cardiovascular complications in patients on renal replacement therapy was studied.&#x0D; Results. A statistically significant difference was found between the indicators of the atherogenicity index in the groups GD1 with CG1 (р=0.001) and GD2 with CG2 (р=0.031), PD1 and CG1 (р=0.005) and PD2 with CG2 (р=0.027). When analyzing the correlations between indicators of mineral metabolism in the experimental and control groups, it was found that weak and medium inverse correlations were observed in the experimental groups (GD1: -0.4703, GD2: -0.3219, PD1: -0,2146, PD2: -0.2784, respectively), while in the control groups a direct weak correlation was found (CG1 0.1975, CG2 0.2031, respectively). Chronic heart failure was detected in 75.0% of patients in the GD1 group, in 66.6% – in GD2, and in 100.0% of PD1 and PD2 patients. Valve calcification was observed in 35.0%, 29.1%, 33.3%, and 20.0%, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions. Studying the features of cardiovascular complications, control of risk factors, which in any case occur in patients on dialysis therapy, is one of the main directions of controlling the underlying disease, reducing the risk of dangerous cardiovascular complications, prolonging life expectancy and its quality.

The Relationship between Mitochondrial Genome Mutations in Monocytes and the Development of Obesity and Coronary Heart Disease.

Metabolic disorders, including obesity, are often accompanied by an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Monocytes are the common link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The bias of innate cellular immunity towards pro-inflammatory activation stimulates the development of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, in particular metabolic disorders, including obesity, as well as CVDs. Disorders in the functional state of monocytes and activation of inflammation may be associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mutations accumulating in mitochondrial DNA with age may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and may be considered a potential marker for developing chronic inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to study the relationship between mitochondrial heteroplasmy in CD14+ monocytes and cardiovascular risk factors in 22 patients with obesity and coronary heart disease (CHD) by comparing them to 22 healthy subjects. It was found that single-nucleotide variations (SNV) A11467G have a negative correlation with total cholesterol (r = -0.82, p < 0.05), low density lipoproteins (LDL) (r = -0.82, p < 0.05), with age (r = -0.57, p < 0.05) and with mean carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) (r = -0.43, p < 0.05) and a positive correlation with HDL level (r = 0.71, p < 0.05). SNV 576insC positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and LDL level (r = 0.43, p < 0.05). SNV A1811G positively correlated with mean cIMT (r = 0.60, p < 0.05). It was revealed that some variants of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy are associated with CVD risk factors. The results demonstrate the potential for using these molecular genetic markers to develop personalized CVD and metabolic disorder treatments.