Secondary Prevention Of CVD Research Articles

A Retrospective Study: The Effectiveness of Lipid-Lowering Medications in Individuals at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Objective: The effective administration of lipid-lowering treatment is of utmost importance in mitigating cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients who are undergoing secondary prevention. High-dose statins, ezetimibe, and the relatively newer PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have shown effectiveness in achieving low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) treatment targets for these patients. However, despite substantial evidence supporting their efficacy, these interventions remain significantly underutilized, primarily due to poor levels of patient adherence. Moreover, there is limited data available on the overall effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering treatment and the proportion of secondary prevention patients who have achieved a well-regulated lipid profile. In light of these factors, the principal aim of this investigation was to evaluate the present status of lipid-lowering medication within this specific group of individuals. Methods: The study was conducted at Mardin Artuklu University, Mardin Training and Research Hospital between April 2021 and March 2023, focusing on patients with a history of secondary prevention of CVD. The study investigated prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, factors contributing to statin underuse, and lipid profile disclosure. Results: 872 patients were included. 86.8% received statins, 5.2% ezetimibe, and 3.4% fibrates, while 13.2% received no lipid-lowering therapy. 64% of those on statins were on high doses. LDL-C values were assessed in 452 patients, with only 30% below the recommended cutoff of 70 mg/dL. Conclusion: In this investigation involving secondary prevention patients, slightly over half of the participants received high-dose statins, while a negligible proportion received ezetimibe treatment. Alarmingly, over two-thirds of the patients demonstrated LDL-C values that deviated significantly from the therapeutic range, indicating a considerable gap between their lipid profiles and the recommendations set forth by clinical guidelines.

Cardiovascular risk management among individuals with type 2 diabetes and severe mental illness: a cohort study

Aims/hypothesisThe aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular risk management among people with type 2 diabetes according to severe mental illness (SMI) status.MethodsWe used linked electronic data to perform a retrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Scotland between 2004 and 2020, ascertaining their history of SMI from hospital admission records. We compared total cholesterol, systolic BP and HbA1c target level achievement 1 year after diabetes diagnosis, and receipt of a statin prescription at diagnosis and 1 year thereafter, by SMI status using logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and clinical history.ResultsWe included 291,644 individuals with type 2 diabetes, of whom 1.0% had schizophrenia, 0.5% had bipolar disorder and 3.3% had major depression. People with SMI were less likely to achieve cholesterol targets, although this difference did not reach statistical significance for all disorders. However, people with SMI were more likely to achieve systolic BP targets compared to those without SMI, with effect estimates being largest for schizophrenia (men: adjusted OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.49, 1.98; women: OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.38, 1.96). HbA1c target achievement differed by SMI disorder and sex. Among people without previous CVD, statin prescribing was similar or better in those with vs those without SMI at diabetes diagnosis and 1 year later. In people with prior CVD, SMI was associated with lower odds of statin prescribing at diabetes diagnosis (schizophrenia: OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.43, 0.68, bipolar disorder: OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.56, 1.01, major depression: OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.83, 1.01), with this difference generally persisting 1 year later.Conclusions/interpretationWe found disparities in cholesterol target achievement and statin prescribing by SMI status. This reinforces the importance of clinical review of statin prescribing for secondary prevention of CVD, particularly among people with SMI.Graphical

A Practical Approach to the Management of Residual Cardiovascular Risk: United Arab Emirates Expert Consensus Panel on the Evidence for Icosapent Ethyl and Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Patients with hyperlipidemia treated with statins remain at a residual cardiovascular (CV) risk. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids hold the potential to mitigate the residual CV risk in statin-treated patients, with persistently elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. We reviewed the current evidence on the use of icosapent ethyl (IPE), an omega-3 fatty acid yielding a pure form of eicosapentaenoic acid. REDUCE-IT reported a significant 25% reduction in CV events, including the need for coronary revascularization, the risk of fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, and CV death in patients on IPE, unseen with other omega-3 fatty acids treatments. IPE was effective in all patients regardless of baseline CV risk enhancers (TG levels, type-2 diabetes status, weight status, prior revascularization, or renal function). Adverse events (atrial fibrillation/flutter) related to IPE have occurred mostly in patients with prior atrial fibrillation. Yet, the net clinical benefit largely exceeded potential risks. The combination with other omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular DHA, eliminated the effect of EPA alone, as reported in the STRENGTH and OMEMI trials. Adding IPE to statin treatment seems to be cost-effective, especially in the context of secondary prevention of CVD, decreasing CV event frequency and subsequently the use of healthcare resources. Importantly, IPE has been endorsed by 20 international medical societies as a statin add-on treatment in patients with dyslipidemia and high CV risk. Robust medical evidence supports IPE as a pillar in the management of dyslipidemia.

Physiological and psychological outcomes of high intensity interval training in patients with heart failure compared to moderate continuous training and usual care: A systematic review with meta analysis

BackgroundAn important component of secondary prevention of CVD (including HF) is comprehensive cardiac rehab, including exercise. Novel, individualised approaches are needed to increase uptake and adherence to exercise programmes, one area offering potential is HIIT. HIIT has been shown to be both safe and effective for improving cardiovascular fitness in both coronary artery disease and HF patients. ObjectivesTo provide a current and up to date evaluation of the physiological and psychological outcomes of HIIT in patients with HF compared to MCT and UC. Secondly to perform sub-group analyses comparing short and long HIIT protocols. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was undertaken. Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and SportDISCUS were searched up to July 2022. Trials were included if they carried out a HIIT intervention (defined at intensity ≥ 80% peak HR or ≥ 80% VO2peak) in HF patients (HFpEF or HFrEF) for at least 6 weeks. Comparator group was UC or MCT. ResultsHIIT was shown to be superior to MCT and UC for improving VO2peak (HIIT mean improvement 3.1 mL.kg−1min−1). HITT was superior to MCT and UC for improving LVEF (HIIT mean improvement 5.7%). HIIT was superior to MCT and UC for improving HRQoL, using the MLHFQ (HIIT mean point change of -12.8). Subgroup analysis showed no difference between long and short HIIT. ConclusionHIIT improves VO2peak, LVEF and HRQoL in patients with HF, the improvements seen in VO2peak and LVEF are superior in HIIT compared to MCT and UC.

Abstract 15092: Projected Cost Saving With Optimal Medication Adherence in Cardiovascular Disease Patients Requiring Lipid Lowering Agents in Mexico and Thailand

Background: Adherence to chronic cardiovascular treatments is less than 50% in developing countries, which impedes achieving targeted clinical outcomes. This study aims to estimate potential benefits of improving adherence in CVD patients requiring secondary prevention. Methods: We performed state-transition Markov model simulation for secondary CVD prevention in Mexico and Thailand. Stakeholders were engaged based on CHEERS II guideline. The analyses were performed upon a healthcare system perspective for a lifetime horizon. Two scenarios were compared: (1)optimal adherence (which is simulated based on mean adherence from a meta-analysis of 51 RCTs), and (2) status quo. The association of adherence and CVD outcomes (MI and stroke) is based on a dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies of 4,051,338 patients. Direct medical costs are obtained from literature review. Outcomes are accumulated number of CVD events and associated costs in 2022 USD, life-year, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our findings. Results: Status quo in both countries were expected to have a higher risk of CVD than optimal adherence (Mexico: RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17-1.28; Thailand: RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.16-1.26). The number needed to treat to prevent one additional CV event was 25.02 and 29.37, respectively. Consequently, achieving optimal adherence can increase life-year by 0.60, 0.84 and QALYs by 0.59 and 0.68 in Mexico and Thailand, respectively. Moreover, this could avert CV event-related medical costs of $614 and $313. When lipid lowering therapy costs are included, the optimal adherence scenario results in cost saving with $418 in Mexico and $293 in Thailand. Cost saving findings are robust across all sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: In developing countries, patients requiring lipid lowering agents for secondary CVD prevention suffer from preventable outcomes due to their suboptimal medication adherence. It is recommended to consider various methods of improving adherence that could result in cost savings and achieving therapeutic goals.

Triglycerides Revisited: is Hypertriglyceridaemia a Necessary Therapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Disease?

Despite the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction achieved by low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy, residual ASCVD risk still exists. Previous epidemiological studies have suggested high plasma triglycerides (TG) levels as a risk factor or risk marker for ASCVD independent of LDL-C levels. In this review, we highlighted the underlying pathophysiology of hypertriglyceridaemia, the mechanistic action of therapeutic agents, the interpretation of conflicting results on recent clinical trials, and the present options for primary and secondary prevention. The benefits of fibrates-induced reduction in TG and increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol might outweigh the disadvantages of increasing LDL-C levels in primary prevention. In the secondary CVD prevention, using eicosapentaenoic acid without docosahexaenoic acid, in addition to statins, will be beneficial. This comprehensive review may prove useful for the development of novel approaches that target hypertriglyceridaemia in future.

Meta-Analysis of Lowering LDL Cholesterol and its Impact on the Cardiovascular System

Background: By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and other serious vascular events can be significantly reduced. In order to prevent cardiovascular illnesses (CVD), mainly coronary heart disease, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels must be tightly controlled on both a primary and secondary level (CHD). Despite the fact that patients in primary prevention experience a higher absolute number of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) events than those in secondary prevention of CVD, subjects in primary prevention frequently receive little attention when it comes to the clinical management of LDL-C levels. Aim: To summarise the research supporting LDL cholesterol reduction treatments for elderly people. Method: For this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SCI.HUB, MEDLINE, and Embase for publications released between January 1, 2017, and December 28, 2021. As recommended by the 2018 American Academy of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines, randomised controlled trials evaluating cardiovascular outcomes of an LDL cholesterol-lowering medicine with a median follow-up of at least 2 years and data on older patients (aged 75 years).The search for literature source was limited to randomized controlled trials (human being). This meta-analysis, comprised of 24 trials from the Cholesterol Therapy Trialists' Collaboration meta-analysis plus five other trials, used data from six journals. 21492 (8%) of the 244090 participants in 29 studies, were over the age of 75. Among them, 11750 (54%) came from statin trials, 6209 (28%) from ezetimibe trials, and 3533 (16%) from PCSK9 inhibitor trials. We conducted network meta-analyses for the statins and non statin treatments. Results: Of the 244090 participants in 29 studies, 21492(8%) were over 75. These included 3533 (16%) from PCSK9 inhibitor studies, 11750 (54%) from statin trials, and 6209 (28%) from ezetimibe trials. A median follow-up period of 2 to 6 years was used. Without statistically differentiating from the risk reduction in patients under the age of 75 (085 [078-092]; pinteraction=037), LDL cholesterol lowering significantly reduced the risk of major vascular events (n=3519) by 26% for 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol (RR 074 [95% CI 061-089]; p=00019).In older patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the RRs for statin (0.82 [0.73-0.91] and non-statin (0.67 [0.47-0.95]; pinteraction=0.64) treatment. Reduced LDL cholesterol in older persons was shown to benefit all components of the composite, including coronary revascularization (080 [066-096], stroke (073 [061-087], and myocardial infarction (080 [071-090]. Practical implication: This meta analysis can be used to improve the treatment of people withlowering LDL cholesterol. Conclusion: The viability and security of diminishing LDL cholesterol in more seasoned adults are now supported by further research provided by this meta-analysis. By non-statin and statin LDL cholesterol-bringing down medication, we identified a risk reduction for major vascular events that were at least as effective as that observed in younger patients Keywords: LDL, Meta-analysis, Cardiovascular, Cholesterol,Atherosclerosis, Primary and secondary prevention.

Cardiovascular risk assessment in periodontitis patients and controls using the European Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) model. A pilot study.

Aim: To investigate the use of the European SCORE model in a dental setting by exploring the frequency of a 'high' and 'very high' 10-year CVD mortality risk in patients with and without periodontitis. The secondary aim was to investigate the association of SCORE with various periodontitis parameters adjusting for remaining potential confounders. Material and methods: In this study, we recruited periodontitis patients and non-periodontitis controls, all aged ≥40years. We determined the 10-year CVD mortality risk per individual with the European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) model by using certain patient characteristics and biochemical analyses from blood by finger stick sampling. Results: In total, 105 periodontitis patients (61 localized, 44 generalized stage III/IV) and 88 non-periodontitis controls were included (mean age: 54.4years). The frequency of a 'high' and 'very high' 10-year CVD mortality risk was 43.8% in all periodontitis patients and 30.7% in controls (p = .061). In total, 29.5% generalized periodontitis patients had a 'very high' 10-year CVD mortality risk, compared to 16.4% in localized periodontitis patients and 9.1% in controls (p = .003). After adjustment for potential confounders, the total periodontitis group (OR 3.31; 95% CI 1.35-8.13), generalized periodontitis group (OR 5.32; 95% CI 1.90-14.90), lower number of teeth (OR .83; 95% CI .73-1.00) and higher number of teeth with radiographic bone loss ≥33% (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.00-1.12) were associated with a "very high" SCORE category. In addition, various biochemical risk markers for CVD were more frequently elevated in periodontitis compared to controls (e.g., total cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein). Conclusion: The periodontitis group as well as the control group had a sizable frequency of a 'high' and 'very high' 10-year CVD mortality risk. The presence and extent of periodontitis, lower number of teeth and higher number of teeth with bone loss ≥33% are significant risk indicators for a 'very high' 10-year CVD mortality risk. Therefore, SCORE in a dental setting can be a very useful tool to employ for primary and secondary prevention of CVD, especially among the dental attenders who have periodontitis.

EE373 Cost-Effectiveness of Statins, Ezetimibe and PCSK9 Inhibitor for Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

To assess the value of different strategies of secondary prevention of CVD and provide pharmacoeconomics evidence for decision making in China, we evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of statin, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, separately or their combinations for very high-risk patients.

Mediterranean diet superior to low-fat diet for secondary prevention of CVD.

Mediterranean diet superior to low-fat diet for secondary prevention of CVD.

The Controversial Role of HCY and Vitamin B Deficiency in Cardiovascular Diseases

Plasma homocysteine (HCY) is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease CVD and stroke. However, more than two decades of intensive research activities has failed to demonstrate that Hcy lowering through B-vitamin supplementation results in a reduction in CVD risk. Therefore, doubts about a causal involvement of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and B-vitamin deficiencies in atherosclerosis persist. Existing evidence indicates that HHcy increases oxidative stress, causes endoplasmatic reticulum (ER) stress, alters DNA methylation and, thus, modulates the expression of numerous pathogenic and protective genes. Moreover, Hcy can bind directly to proteins, which can change protein function and impact the intracellular redox state. As most mechanistic evidence is derived from experimental studies with rather artificial settings, the relevance of these results in humans remains a matter of debate. Recently, it has also been proposed that HHcy and B-vitamin deficiencies may promote CVD through accelerated telomere shortening and telomere dysfunction. This review provides a critical overview of the existing literature regarding the role of HHcy and B-vitamin deficiencies in CVD. At present, the CVD risk associated with HHcy and B vitamins is not effectively actionable. Therefore, routine screening for HHcy in CVD patients is of limited value. However, B-vitamin depletion is rather common among the elderly, and in such cases existing deficiencies should be corrected. While Hcy-lowering with high doses of B vitamins has no beneficial effects in secondary CVD prevention, the role of Hcy in primary disease prevention is insufficiently studied. Therefore, more intervention and experimental studies are needed to address existing gaps in knowledge.

Suboptimal lipid-lowering therapy in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVD incurs high cost in Italy

Suboptimal lipid-lowering therapy in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVD incurs high cost in Italy

Adopting digital health interventions for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: clinician perspectives

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 18 million lives each year. Digital health interventions (DHI), such as wearables and smartphone applications, have shown promise in CVD detection, prevention, and management. However, there are scarce data regarding clinician perspectives on the utility of DHI and identification of key elements to support adoption in clinical practice. Method In this cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was administered to 107 clinicians directly involved in the care of cardiac inpatients across multiple academic health care systems in the United States, between January 2020 and March 2021. Participants (1) reported their perceptions of DHI impact on their ability to care for patients with CVD, (2) rated the importance of factors related to DHI adoption, and (3) shared perspectives on using DHI for secondary CVD prevention to support guideline-directed medical therapy in patients after acute myocardial infarction. Descriptive statistics were analyzed and summarized as frequencies with percentages. Results Among survey respondents, 41% were women; 22% specialized in cardiovascular medicine; and 31% were practicing attendings (Table). Overall, 92% (86/94) of respondents believed that DHI would be important in offering advantages in cardiovascular patient care (Figure). Increasing patient adherence was reported as the most important benefit of DHI adoption by 39% of clinicians, followed by improvement in the patient-clinician relationship (29%), enabling remote care (18%), and improving patient experience (14%). Clinicians under age 40 years old, cardiologists, and internists were the groups more likely to consider DHI important in remote patient care, disease monitoring, and tele-visits, as compared to clinicians over age 40 years old or in other clinical specialties. Conclusion Our results highlight clinician perspectives on the advantages of DHI and the potential for its adoption for secondary prevention of CVD. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1. Characteristics of RespondentsFigure 1. Clinician Survey

Healthcare use and costs higher in secondary prevention of CVD

Healthcare use and costs higher in secondary prevention of CVD

Aspirin use in chronic kidney disease: Is cardiovascular risk reduction worth the risk?

Chronic kidney disease patients are at increased risk of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease but are also at high risk of bleeding complications. Aspirin is an overall safe and efficacious therapy for the secondary prevention of CVD in certain populations. However, its use as primary prevention has not been proven to be of benefit and is counterbalanced by high risk of adverse events in patients with kidney disease. In this review, we present relevant differences in pathophysiology of CVD in patients with impaired kidney function and discuss the balance between benefit and harm and review controversial aspects of aspirin therapy for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with CKD.

Long-term persistence to low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention in routine clinical practice in United Kingdom and Germany

Abstract Background Low-dose aspirin is effective in the prevention of ischemic vascular events and studies have shown a preventative effect on colorectal cancer (CRC). Discontinuation of low-dose aspirin is associated with increased risk of ischaemic vascular events. However, data on long-term persistence to low-dose aspirin from routine clinical practice are limited. Purpose To assess the long-term persistence to low-dose aspirin therapy in the primary and secondary cardiovascular (CVD) prevention population Methods This retrospective cohort study used data from United Kingdom (UK) – The Health Improvement Network database and Germany (DE) – IQVIA Disease Analyzer and analyzed using an adaptation of Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) ATLAS Tool. Patients 18 years or older, with at least two prescriptions of low-dose aspirin (75–100mg) within the first year of index date during the study period between 2007 and 2018, and with at least 12 months of observation before and after the index date were included in the study. The patients with a CVD diagnosis or a CABG/PCI procedure before the index date or a prescription of dual antiplatelet at index date were classified as secondary CVD prevention. The remaining patients were classified as potential primary CVD prevention. The index date was first prescription of low-dose aspirin. Persistence was calculated if the gap between two prescriptions exceeds 60 days. Patients with such gaps still receiving prescription after 60 days were plotted based on the number of gaps identified during the follow-up and if no prescription was recorded then they were considered discontinued. Results The total number of patients receiving low-dose aspirin was 327,806 (183,089 in UK and 144,717 in DE with up to 10 years of follow-up). A total of 112,887 and 101,704 received low-dose aspirin for secondary CVD prevention; 70,202 and 43,013 potentially for primary CVD prevention in UK and DE, respectively. Persistence at two years with a few gaps was 67% and 59% in UK and DE for secondary CVD prevention; 57% and 53% for primary CVD prevention, respectively. With multiple Gaps, 50% and 36% still receive prescription low-dose aspirin for 10 years in UK and DE, respectively for secondary CVD prevention. For Primary prevention, 36% and 32% receive prescription of aspirin for 10 years with multiple gaps in UK and DE (Figure). Conclusion After the initial drop in persistence the patients tend to continue their low-dose aspirin treatment for long-term, although with multiple gaps. Overall, the persistence was higher in secondary compared to primary CVD prevention. Improving persistence to low-dose aspirin therapy in the initial years may help in continuity of their treatment over long-term. Persistence might be underestimated due to potential over the counter use of low-dose aspirin. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bayer AG

Long-term adherence to low-dose aspirin therapy for cardiovascular prevention in routine clinical practice in United Kingdom and Germany

Abstract Background Low-dose aspirin is effective in the prevention of ischemic vascular events and studies have shown a preventative effect on colorectal cancer (CRC). However, adherence to therapy is likely an important factor for these benefits to be seen and non-adherence is associated with sub-optimal outcomes. Purpose To assess the long-term adherence to low-dose aspirin therapy in the primary and secondary cardiovascular (CVD) prevention population Methods This retrospective cohort study used data from United Kingdom (UK) – The Health Improvement Network Database and Germany (DE) – IQVIA Disease Analyzer and analyzed using an adaptation of Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) ATLAS Tool. Patients 18 years or older, with at least two prescriptions of low-dose aspirin (75–100mg) within the first year of index date during the study period between 2007 and 2018, and with at least 12 months of observation before and after the index date were included in the study. The patients with a CVD diagnosis or a CABG/PCI procedure before the index date or a prescription of dual antiplatelet at index date were classified as secondary CVD prevention. The remaining patients were classified as potential primary CVD prevention. The index date was first prescription of low-dose aspirin. Adherence was calculated using medication possession ratio (MPR) which is number of days of medication supplied within the refill interval divided by number of days in the refill interval. Long term adherence was divided in three categories namely patients with ≤2 years, 2-≤5 years, and 5-≤10 years of follow-up. Results The total number of patients receiving low-dose aspirin was 327,806 (183,089 in UK and 144,717 in DE with up to 10 years of follow-up). A total of 112,887 and 101,704 received low-dose aspirin for secondary CVD prevention; 70,202 and 43,013 potentially for primary CVD prevention in UK and DE, respectively. Median adherence to low-dose aspirin in UK and DE for patients with ≤2 years of follow-up was 88% and 80% for secondary CVD prevention, respectively; 84% and 74% for 2-≤5 years; and 75% and 59% for 5-≤10 years, respectively. Median adherence to low-dose aspirin in UK and DE for patients with ≤2 years was 76% and 75% for potential primary CVD prevention; 65% and 66% for 2-≤5 years; 49% and 49% for 5-≤10 years, respectively (Figure). Conclusion The long-term adherence to low dose aspirin was quite high with more than half the patients being adherent to their treatment. Overall, the adherence was higher in secondary compared to primary CVD prevention. The estimates for adherence might be underestimated due to potential over the counter use of low-dose aspirin. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bayer AG

Predicting cardiovascular disease risk across the atherosclerotic disease continuum.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) guidelines dichotomize populations into primary and secondary prevention. We sought to develop a risk equation for secondary prevention of CVD that complements existing equations for primary prevention of CVD, and to describe the distributions of CVD risk across the population. Adults aged 30-79 years who had routine CVD risk assessment in 2007-16 were identified from a large primary care cohort (PREDICT) with linkage to national and regional datasets. The 5-year risk of developing CVD among people without atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) was calculated using published equations (PREDICT-1°). A new risk equation (PREDICT-2°) was developed from Cox regression models to estimate the 5-year risk of CVD event recurrence among patients with known ASCVD. The outcome for both equations was hospitalization for a CVD event or cardiovascular death. Of the 475 161 patients, 12% (57 061) had ASCVD. For those without ASCVD, median (interquartile range) 5-year risks with the PREDICT-1° score were women 2.2% (1.2-4.2%), men 3.5% (2.0-6.6%), and whole group 2.9% (1.6-5.5%). For those with ASCVD, the 5-year risks with the new PREDICT-2° equation were women 21% (15-33%), men 23% (16-35%), and whole group 22% (16-34%). We developed CVD risk scores for people with ASCVD (PREDICT-2°) to complement the PREDICT-1° scores. Median CVD risk is eight-fold higher among those with ASCVD than those without; however, there was overlap and the widest distribution of CVD risk was among people with ASCVD. This study describes a CVD risk continuum and the limitations of a 'one size fits all' approach to assessing risk in people with ASCVD.

Functional Capacity Of Patients One Year Post Cardiac Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves functional capacity (FC), quality of life (QoL), psychosocial well-being, and reduces cardiovascular risk factors using lifestyle management strategies. Despite well known benefits, little is known about the long-term effects of CR on risk factor management and changes in FC following discharge. Therefore, the purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional investigation was to examine changes in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) 11-15 months following CR. METHODS: Patients referred to the UAB Cardiac Rehabilitation Program from 2016-2019 who completed 24-36 sessions and 6-minute walk tests (6MWT) at intake, discharge, and post-discharge were included in this pilot investigation. Twenty-two patients were included with the following CVD diagnoses: myocardial infarction, angina, PCI, CABS, or valve replacement. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences over time for 6MWD with least significance difference (LSD) post-hoc testing (SPSS, v25). RESULTS: 6MWD increased by 30% from intake to discharge (388 ± 96 m to 504 ± 123 m, P < 0.0001). Post-discharge walking distance (519 ± 118 m) remained higher than intake (P < 0.0001) but was similar to discharge (P = 0.091). Body weight, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) all returned to baseline intake values post-discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that CR may produce lifestyle and behavioral changes that promote long-term maintenance of FC. While an extensive examination of other risk factors was not performed, increases in body weight and blood pressure observed 11-15 months post-discharge are discouraging. A thorough examination of the long-term consequences of these findings with preserved FC will be needed to explore the interaction between FC and other risk factors as it relates to secondary prevention of CVD. Sponsor: UAB Departments of Human Studies and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation

Novel cost-effective treatment strategies for secondary prevention of CVD

Novel cost-effective treatment strategies for secondary prevention of CVD