Single-vessel Coronary Artery Disease Research Articles

Circulating YKL-40 levels but not CHI3L1 or TRIB1 gene variants predict long-term outcomes in patients with angiographically confirmed multivessel coronary artery disease

YKL-40 is significantly associated with the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). YKL-40 levels are significantly associated with variations in the CHI3L1 and TRIB1 genes. We investigated candidate genes for YKL-40 levels and evaluated the prognostic value of this biomarker and corresponding variants for long-term outcomes in patients with CAD. We included 4664 and 521 participants from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) and CAD cohorts, respectively. Candidate variants for circulating YKL-40 levels were investigated using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from the TWB cohort, and the results were validated in the CAD cohort. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), which included the composite endpoints of all-cause mortality, nonfatal acute coronary syndrome, hospitalization for heart failure, and nonfatal stroke. According to the GWAS data from the TWB cohort, three CHI3L1 variants (rs4950928, rs10399931, and rs872129) and one TRIB1 variant (rs6982502) were independently associated with YKL-40 levels. These findings were validated in the CAD cohort. The combined CHI3L1 and TRIB1 weighted genetic risk scores (WGRSs) were not associated with the long-term outcomes (median follow-up period of 3.7 years) in patients with CAD. Conversely, patients with YKL-40 levels in the upper tertile had the highest rates of all-cause mortality and MACEs (log-rank p = 9.58 × 10−8 for all-cause mortality and 1.34 × 10−7 for MACEs). Furthermore, YKL-40 levels predicted poor clinical outcomes only in patients with multivessel CAD (log-rank p = 3.0 × 10−6 for all-cause mortality and 1.10 × 10−5 for MACEs) and not in patients with single-vessel CAD. This study revealed that YKL-40 levels but not the combined CHI3L1 and TRIB1 WGRSs were found to be independent predictors of poor clinical outcomes in patients with multivessel CAD.

Characteristics and In-Hospital Outcomes of Single-Vessel Coronary Disease Intervention: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database 2016–2020

Background/Objectives: Few studies have analyzed in-hospital complications and events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures for patients who underwent these interventions for single-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to compare the outcomes of PCI and CABG in such patients using a large propensity-matched real-world database based on procedural codes. Methods: Adult patients receiving PCI or CABG for single-vessel CAD were identified from the 2016–2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Any cases targeting multi-vessel disease or employing a multi-treatment approach were excluded using appropriate procedural codes. Differences in events and complications from admission to discharge were studied between the two procedures (PCI vs. CABG) via logistic regression analysis. Results: After propensity matching with 273,380 patients in both groups, complication risks such as cardiac tamponade (aOR: 3.6 [3.27–3.96]), acute kidney injury (aOR: 1.53 [1.51–1.56]), cardiogenic shock (aOR: 1.38 [1.34–1.40]), procedural bleeding (aOR: 1.75 [1.67–1.83]), acute ischemic stroke (aOR: 1.89 [1.80–1.97]), and all-cause mortality (aOR: 1.05 [1.02–1.08]) were higher among CABG patients. No differences were observed for events of cardiac perforation (aOR: 0.92, [0.84–1.01]). Conclusions: In this large real-world propensity-matched analysis, CABG was associated with higher risks of multiple in-hospital complications and all-cause mortality compared to PCI following a single-vessel coronary intervention.

Abstract 4119470: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction as a Complication of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Description of Case: A 19-year-old female with history of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) presented to the emergency department after a syncopal episode at a concert. She reported a prodrome of feeling hot and dizzy prior to the event, followed by epigastric discomfort, nausea, and vomiting after regaining consciousness. She had been diagnosed with GPA one year prior to presentation based on serology and biopsy results. Because her disease was felt to be well-controlled on azathioprine, she had been tapered off of prednisone one month prior to presentation. Initial vitals included blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, and heart rate of 94 bpm. A 12-lead EKG revealed ST segment elevation in leads I, II and aVF with T wave inversions in the lateral leads ( Figure 1 ). Initial bloodwork was notable for troponin I of 0.11ng/mL (upper limit of normal 0.034 ng/mL). A diagnosis of inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction was made. She was treated with oral aspirin and prasugrel load as well as intravenous heparin and taken urgently to the catheterization laboratory. Diagnostic coronary angiography was significant for single vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) of the right coronary artery (RCA), with acute complete occlusion of the mid-RCA ( Figure 2A-B ). She was treated successfully with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and implant of two overlapping drug eluting stents in the mid-RCA ( Figure 2C ). Discussion: GPA is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) that predominantly affects small to medium sized vessels in the respiratory tract and kidneys. Cardiovascular manifestations in GPA are uncommon, but include pericarditis, myocarditis, and coronary arteritis. GPA can affect the coronary arteries either primarily through inflammatory changes in the arterial wall or via systemic inflammation leading to accelerated atherosclerosis. No standardized criteria exist to establish the diagnosis of coronary arteritis and to differentiate it from accelerated atherosclerosis. Long-term treatment of vasculitis patients with coronary involvement is also poorly supported by evidence. Optimization of cardiovascular risk factors is advocated as per standard of care, and vasculitis control may slow disease progression. This case not only raises awareness of cardiac complications in GPA, but highlights the current lack of evidence surrounding secondary prevention in young patients with vasculitis and cardiac complications.

Abstract 4138739: Insulin Resistance as a Marker of Multivessel Coronary Artery Diseases in Patients With Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Risk: Inshight From Invasive Coronary Angiography

Background: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome is the concept of a combined diseases, including diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), to stratify patients at cardiovascular risks. However, whether CKM components and insulin resistance differ in risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) severity is unknown. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the association of distinct CKM risks and insulin resistance with CAD severity. Methods: In this study, we included 849 patients (74% male, 69±10 years of age) who underwent coronary angiography to assess chronic CAD. We assessed CKM risks using following components: (1) BMI ≥23 kg/m 2 , (2) diabetes, (3) hypertension and dyslipidemia, and (4) CKD. According to the number of CKM risk components, patients were categorized into four groups (Group A as having 0 or 1, Group B as 2, Group C as 3, and Group 4 as 4 risks). Insulin resistance was assessed by HOMA-IR and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) calculated as Ln (fasting plasma glucose × triglyceride/2). Coronary artery stenosis was categorized into single-vessel or multi-vessel CAD (MVD) per AHA classification. Gensini score was calculated to assess CAD extent. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of MVD among CKM risk components. Results: MVD was diagnosed in 26.3% (n = 223) patients (mean Gensini score was 58±40 points). Among the four groups, there were significant differences in age, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c levels, TyG index, HOMA-IR, and Gensini score. Compared with Group A as reference, Group C (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–2.42) or Group D (OR, 1.75; 95%CI, 1.06–2.89) but not Group B (OR, 1.09; 95%CI, 0.70–1.71) had higher risk for MVD (Figure). In a logistic regression model adjusting for age, male, smoker, and CRP ≥2 mg/dL, independent predictor of MVD was diabetes (OR, 2.15; 95%CI,1.55–2.99; p < 0.001; model 1 in Table). In addition, when adjusting for age, male, smoker, and CRP ≥2 mg/dL, HOMA-IR>2.5 was an independent predictor of MVD (model 2 in Table). Similarly, TyG index, an alternative marker of insulin resistance, remained as an independent predictor of MVD (model 3 in Table). Conclusions: In chronic CAD patients who underwent coronary angiography, subgroups stratified by the CKM risk components exhibit distinctly different insulin resistance, CAD severity and risk for MVD. Insulin resistance and diabetes were independent risks for MVD in this population.

Abstract 4135746: Assessing Coronary Artery Disease Severity: Leveraging Inflammatory Markers As a Prognostic Indicators

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death and a significant cause of morbidity in the United States. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the role of inflammation in predicting and modifying the risk of coronary artery disease. Of the multitude of inflammatory markers studied subsequently, two of the most easily and widely obtained is the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), which can be calculated from a complete blood count with differential. Multiple retrospective studies have demonstrated that the NLR and MLR have been used to diagnose ACS, predict mortality at a year after ACS, and risk stratify patients prior to percutaneous coronary intervention. Research Question: Are the NLR/MLR useful tools in predicting the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients admitted to a tertiary medical center in Southern Nevada for ACS between 2021 and 2023? Methods: A sample of n=344 patients was used to examine the potential significance of NLR/MLR to diagnose ACS and for predicting CAD severity. Traditional diagnostic test evaluation was used for determining CAD with a ratio of NLR=3.5 + MLR=0.35 (data medians) as the cut-off value. Patient risk group status (1:low risk to 4:high risk) was used as a binary outcome to test NLR/MLR between low and high risk groups using a nonparametric MWW test of medians. Additionally, ROC analysis was used to estimate an optimized cut-off for NLR/MLR as determined by AUC. Results: Results demonstrate for predicting ACS using the median NLR, sensitivity=88.07; specificity=14.88; PPV=52.01; NPV=54.35), LR(+)=1.03 and LR(-)= 0.80, using the median MLR results showed sensitivity=87.28; specificity=14.11; PPV=50.84; NPV=52.17, LR(+)=1.01 and LR(-)= 0.90. Subpopulation analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in NLR between “high risk ACS” vs “Low Risk ACS” (p<0.001). Examination of the ROC curve for predicting the high-risk group suggested an optimized cutoff of NLR=3.7; however, AUC was only 0.617, and sensitivity and specificity were not improved compared to using the median NLR. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that an NLR greater than 3.7 may indicate multivessel involvement or proximal/left main disease in CAD patients. However, due to its low specificity and AUC, NLR alone cannot reliably distinguish between single-vessel and multivessel CAD.

The diagnostic role of myocardial work indices in stable coronary disease - global wasted work as a novel important non-invasive parameter?

Abstract Introduction Although the non-invasive diagnostic tools for stable coronary artery disease (CAD) have developed significantly over the past years, there is no resting parameter available to recognize functionally significant CAD. The role of the novel myocardial work index (myocardial work index - MWI) calculated by the pressure-strain loop created with the help of speckle-tracking analysis and blood pressure measurement in the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease is not yet fully clarified. In our research, we examined the parameters of myocardial work analysis in stable coronary disease patients. Purpose Clarification of the diagnostic role of the myocardial work analysis, in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Methods In our prospective, single-center study, we examined 13 patients who had at least moderate stenosis (≥50%) in one main coronary branch detected on coronary CTA. A fractional flow reserve (FFR) test was performed for functional coronary assessment. Based on this measurement, we divided our patients into FFRneg (FFR value>0.8) and FFRpos groups. Echocardiography was performed before coronary angiography in all patients. In addition to the standard echocardiographic parameters, global myocardial work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW) and global wasted work (GWW) were calculated. In the case of the FFRpos group, we performed the above examination both before and after revascularization (2 months). Results Our results show that neither the standard parameters (GLS, EF), nor the GWI and GCW showed any difference between the FFRpos and FFRneg groups. However, there was a significant difference regarding GWW (172.3±21.8 FFRneg vs. 258.2±38.4 FFRpos, p=0.048) at baseline. In the case of the FFRpos group, the analysis of our data showed that there was no significant difference in EF, GLS, GWI and GWE parameters before and after revascularization. However, global wasted work (GWW) showed a significant improvement after revascularization (preGWW 258.2±38.4 vs. postGWW 139.5±14.5, p=0.041). NT-proBNP levels were normal in our patient population and we could not detect. Conclusion Based on our results, the GWW may be suitable for non-invasive assessment of the functional significance of stable coronary disease, as it showed a significant difference in the case of functionally significant and non-significant stenosis and improved after revascularization in patients with single-vessel CAD.

Characterization and Management of Stable Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background/Objectives: To date, data regarding the characteristics and management of obstructive, stable coronary artery disease (CAD) encountered in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are sparse. The aim of the study was to analyze granular details, treatment, and outcomes of patients undergoing TAVI with obstructive, stable CAD from real-world practice. Methods: REVASC-TAVI (Management of myocardial REVASCularization in patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation with coronary artery disease) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter registry, which collected data from patients undergoing TAVI with obstructive stable CAD found during the pre-TAVI work-up. Results: A total of 2025 patients from 30 centers worldwide with complete follow-up were included in the registry. Most patients had single-vessel CAD (56.1%). An involvement of proximal coronary tracts was detected in 62.5% of cases, with 12.0% of patients having CAD in left main (LM). Most patients received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 1617, 79.9%), especially those with proximal CAD (90.4%). At 2 years, the rates of all-cause death [Kaplan–Meier (KM) estimates 20.1% vs. 18.8%, plog-rank = 0.86] and of the composite of all-cause death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and rehospitalization for heart failure (KM estimates 29.7% vs. 27.5%, plog-rank = 0.82) did not differ between patients undergoing PCI and those who were not. Conclusions: Patients undergoing TAVI with obstructive CAD more commonly had a single-vessel disease and an involvement of proximal coronary tracts. They were commonly treated with PCI, with similar outcomes compared to those treated conservatively.

Thoracoscopic-assisted, minimally invasive versus off-pump bypass grafting for single vessel coronary artery disease – A propensity matched analysis

ObjectiveThis study compared perioperative outcomes after off-pump revascularization through a thoracoscopic-assisted (non-robotic) minimally invasive approach (Endo-CAB) or sternotomy approach (OPCAB) for patients with single vessel left anterior descending (LAD) disease. MethodsIn this retrospective, propensity matched cohort study, 266 consecutive patients were included in the Endo-CAB group (n = 136) and OPCAB group (n = 130). After propensity score matching 116 Endo-CAB and 116 OPCAB patients were compared. ‘Textbook outcome’ was defined as the absence of 30-day mortality, re-exploration for bleeding, postoperative ischemia, cardiac tamponade, cerebrovascular events, wound infection, new-onset arrhythmias, pneumonia, placement of chest drains and prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days). Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for textbook outcome. ResultsTextbook outcome occurred significantly more frequent in the Endo-CAB group compared to the OPCAB group (81.9% vs. 59.5%, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing Endo-CAB surgery had shorter hospital admission (3.0 [3.0–4.0] vs. 5.0 [4.0–6.0] days, p < 0.001), less blood loss (225 [150–355] vs. 450 [350–600] mL, p < 0.001). Other perioperative outcomes were comparable for both groups. Regression analysis demonstrated that Endo-CAB approach was an independent positive predictor for textbook outcome (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.61–5.66, p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur study suggests that patients undergoing Endo-CAB surgery have improved perioperative outcome resulting in higher rates of textbook outcome for the treatment of single vessel CAD. This technique could be widely available since routine thoracoscopic instruments are used.

Performance of the left ventricular myocardium in patients with a negative test result during exercise stress echocardiography

Aim. To determine the possibility of identifying patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) by evaluation of the left ventricular (LV) myocardial work indicators by constructing pressure-strain loops despite a negative test result during exercise stress echocardiography. Materials and methods. The study included 79 patients with suspected or previously confirmed CAD, of which 47 (59%) men, who had a negative test result during exercise stress echocardiography on the treadmill. Global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE) were evaluated using the technique of constructing pressure-strain loops at rest and at peak exercise. Results. With similar systolic blood pressure and LV ejection fraction at peak exercise between the control group and the group of patients with single-vessel CAD, there was revealed significant difference in GWI, GCW and GWE at peak exercise. In patients with multi-vessel CAD, GWI and GCW also significantly differed from the control group at peak exercise. Conclusion. The evaluation of LV myocardial work indicators may be recommended for a more accurate diagnosis of CAD in negative or unreliable test results during exercise stress echocardiography.

Associations of the triglyceride-glucose index and atherogenic index of plasma with the severity of new-onset coronary artery disease in different glucose metabolic states

BackgroundThe triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is considered a dependable biomarker for gauging insulin resistance. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) represents a marker reflecting atherosclerosis. However, there is currently no study specifically exploring the associations of these two biomarkers with the severity of new-onset coronary artery disease (CAD) under different glucose metabolic states. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the correlations of these two biomarkers with CAD severity in patients newly diagnosed with CAD under various glucose metabolism conditions.MethodTotally 570 subjects first administered coronary angiography were enrolled, including 431 first diagnosed CAD patients and 139 non-CAD patients. CAD severity was gauged by the quantity of narrowed arteries (single-vessel and multi-vessel CAD). According to WHO diabetes guidelines, glucose metabolic states were divided into normal glucose regulation (NGR), pre-diabetes mellitus (Pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM). The relationships of the TyG index and AIP with CAD severity were validated by logistic regression analysis, including adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk elements and medical treatments. Their predictive efficacy for CAD was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultThe TyG index and AIP were independently correlated with CAD in accordance with logistic regression analysis (both P < 0.05). Regardless of the glucose metabolic states, there was no statistical correlation between the TyG index and CAD severity. However, AIP in NGR patients was significantly related to CAD severity (P < 0.05). The areas under the curve of the TyG index and AIP for predicting CAD were 0.682 and 0.642 (both P < 0.001), respectively, and their optimal cut-off values were 3.210 (Youden index: 0.305) and 0.095 (Youden index:0.246), respectively.ConclusionThe TyG index and AIP have significant associations with CAD. The TyG index had no association with CAD severity, regardless of glucose metabolic states. AIP exhibited a discernible link with CAD severity in NGR patients, but not in the pre-DM or DM populations. The TyG index and AIP have similar predictive values for new-onset CAD.

Predictors of 30-day survival after emergent percutaneous coronary intervention following ventricular tachyarrhythmias complicating acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundLittle has been reported on the predictors of 30-day survival after emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MethodsWe analyzed 55 consecutive patients who underwent an emergent PCI after ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) complicating AMI between September 2014 and March 2023 in our hospital. These patients were categorized into two groups: survival group (S group) who survived >30 days after the emergent PCI and death group (D group) who died by 30 days after the emergent PCI. We compared the patient characteristics, coronary angiographic findings, and PCI procedures between the two groups. ResultsS group consisted of 40 patients. In the univariate analysis, absence of diabetes mellitus, presence of immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), low arterial lactate, and single-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) were associated with 30-day survival after the emergent PCI (P = 0.048, P < 0.001, P = 0.009, and P = 0.003, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, presence of immediate CPR and single-vessel CAD were independently associated with 30-day survival after the emergent PCI (P = 0.023 and P = 0.032, respectively). ConclusionsImmediate CPR and single-vessel CAD were significant predictors of 30-day survival after the emergent PCI following VF or pulseless VT complicating AMI. Absence of diabetes mellitus and low arterial lactate were associated with 30-day survival in the univariate analysis.

Characteristics of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Normal Electrocardiogram.

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and normal electrocardiogram (ECG) may have an increased risk of late diagnosis and complications of the disease. To study the demographic, angiographic and echocardiographic characteristics of patients hospitalized for ACS in whom the ECG was normal on admission to the hospital. This retrospective study included patients who were hospitalized for ACS without ST-elevation between 2015 and 2023 and who had coronary artery disease (CAD) confirmed by coronary angiography. By further inspection of the electronic databases, patients with ACS who had a normal ECG on admission were filtered out and analyzed separately. Of the total 3137 patients with suspected ACS without ST-elevation, 129 patients (4.1%) were diagnosed as having ACS with a normal ECG. In three patients a non-atherosclerotic cause for the ACS was found. A significantly higher proportion of patients had single-vessel (54.3%) compared to two-vessel (29.5%) and three-vessel (14%) CAD. In addition to a normal ECG, 5.7% of patients with single-vessel CAD and 3.5% of patients with multi-vessel CAD had normal troponin levels and normal regional LV systolic function on echocardiography. Less than 5% of hospitalized patients with ACS without ST-elevation had a normal ECG on admission. The majority of these patients have single-vessel CAD. In about 5% of patients with single-vessel CAD, neither elevated troponin levels nor LV asynergy are detected.

The prognostic role of galectin-3 and endothelial function in patients with heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is nowadays classified as HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF), and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Endothelial dysfunction (assessed by flow-mediated dilatation [FMD]), increased arterial stiffness (assessed by carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity [PWV]), and galectin-3, a biomarker of myocardial fibrosis, have been linked to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ischemic HF. In this study we prospectively enrolled 340 patients with stable ischemic HF. We assessed the brachial artery FMD, carotid-femoral PWV, and galectin-3 levels, and patients were followed up for MACE according to HF group. Interestingly, the FMD values exhibited a stepwise improvement according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFrEF: 4.74 ± 2.35% vs. HFmrEF: 4.97 ± 2.81% vs. HFpEF: 5.94 ± ± 3.46%, p = 0.01), which remained significant after the evaluation of possible confounders including age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and number of significantly stenosed epicardial coronary arteries (b coefficient: 0.990, 95% confidence interval: 0.166-1.814, p = 0.019). Single-vessel coronary artery disease was more frequent in the group of HFpEF (HFrEF: 56% vs. HFmrEF: 64% vs. HFpEF: 73%, p = 0.049). PWV did not display any association with LVEF. Patients who presented MACE exhibited worse FMD values (4.51 ± 2.35% vs. 5.32 ± 2.67%, p = 0.02), and the highest tertile of galectin-3 was linked to more MACEs (36% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.01). Flow-mediated dilatation displayed a linear improvement with LVEF in patients with ischemic HF. Deteriorated values are associated with MACE. Higher levels of galectin-3 might be used for risk stratification of patients with ischemic HF.

Electrocardiographic changes during sustained normobaric hypoxia in patients after myocardial infarction

The safety of prolonged high-altitude stays and exercise for physically fit post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients is unclear. Myocardial tissue hypoxia and pulmonary hypertension can affect cardiac function and electrophysiology, possibly contributing to arrhythmias. We included four non-professional male athletes, clinically stable after left ventricular MI (three with ST-segment elevation MI and one with non-ST-segment elevation MI) treated with drug-eluting stents for single-vessel coronary artery disease. Oxygen levels were reduced to a minimum of 11.8%, then restored to 20.9%. We conducted electrocardiography (ECG), ergometry, and echocardiography assessments in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. With an average age of 57.8 ± 3.3 years and MI history 37 to 104 months prior, participants experienced a significant increase in QTc intervals during hypoxia using Bazett’s (from 402 ± 13 to 417 ± 25 ms), Fridericia’s (from 409 ± 12 to 419 ± 19 ms), and Holzmann's formulas (from 103 ± 4 to 107 ± 6%) compared to normoxia. This effect partially reversed during recovery. Echocardiographic signs of pulmonary hypertension during normobaric hypoxia correlated significantly with altered QTc intervals (p < 0.001). Despite good health and complete revascularization following MI, susceptibility to hypoxia-induced QTc prolongation and ventricular ectopic beats persists, especially during physical activity. MI survivors planning high-altitude activities should consult cardiovascular specialists with high-altitude medicine expertise.

Indicators of global myocardial work of the left ventricle during exercise stress echocardiography in the diagnosis of stable coronary heart disease

Aim: To determine the possibility of identifying patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) by evaluation of the global left ventricular (LV) myocardial work indicators by constructing pressure-strain loops during exercise stress echocardiography.Material and Methods. The study included 136 patients aged 36 to 84 years, of which 97 (71%) men, with suspected or previously confirmed CAD, who underwent stress echocardiography on the treadmill according to the Bruce protocol. LV myocardial work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and global myocardial work efficiency (GWE) were evaluated using the technique of constructing pressure-strain loops at rest and at peak exercise. All patients underwent selective coronary angiography, according to the results of which they were divided into 3 groups: 51 patients without coronary artery lesions – the control group, 57 patients with single-vessel CAD and 28 patients with multi-vessel CAD. Significant lesion was defined as ≥ 70% artery luminal narrowing. All tests were two-sided and P-values &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results. Compared with the control group, patients with single-vessel CAD at rest had significantly less GWE and more GWW. In these patients GWI, GCW and GWE at peak exercise were significantly lower, and GWW was significantly higher. In patients with multi-vessel CAD, all global LV myocardial work indicators significantly differed from the control group both at rest and at peak exercise. The optimal cutoff value of GWI at peak exercise to predict significant CAD was 2553 mmHg% with a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 95% (AUC 0.79 ± 0.05, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusions. The evaluation of global LV myocardial work indicators by constructing pressure-strain loops can be used in exercise stress echocardiography to improve the selection of patients requiring coronary intervention.

Predictors of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with a single-vessel coronary artery disease after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Aim. To determine the predictors of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and hemodynamicallysignificant stenosis only in the infarct-related coronary artery.Material and methods. The present study involved 151 patients with STEMI. The mean age of patients was 51 (95% confidence interval (CI), 41–61 years) years. One of the inclusion criteria of patients was significant stenosis exclusively in the infarct-related artery. All patients underwent a 24-hour Holter electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring with the analysis of heart rate turbulence (HRT), heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular late potentials and chronotropic load; two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography with the analysis of volumetric parameters and left ventricular ejection fraction; determination of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The follow-up duration was 144 weeks. Repeated cardiovascular events (acute heart failure, revascularization, repeated myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death) were analyzed as endpoints. Two groups of patients were identified depending on the recurrent event endpoints: “RE” group — 26 patients (17.2%) with registered recurrent cardiac events, and “ST” group — 125 patients (82.8%) without cardiovascular events in stable post-infarction period.Results. Initial BNP values were lower in the “ST” group (p48=0.0035, p96=0.004, p144=0.001). The intergroup differences demonstrate a higher concentration of BNP levels in the “RE” group both initially (p=0,001) and at the 96th week (p=0,04). Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in the “ST” group (p=0,001) both initially and at the 144th week in contrast to the “RE” group: 48,9% (44,7-53,2) vs 44,2% (38,5-49,9) (p=0,009). Pathological HRT was also significantly higher in the “RE” group both initially (p=0,003) and by the 96th week of the follow-up (p=0,007), while HRV demonstrated low initial values with a slow tendency to restoration. There were following risk factors for recurrent cardiovascular events in patients in the post-infarction period: weight — relative risk (RR), 1.21 (95% CI, 1,01-1,46) (p=0,03); body mass index — RR, 0,56 (95% CI, 0,325-0,96) (p=0,046); chronotropic load — RR, 1,03 (95% CI, 1,02-1,12) (p=0,04); BNP — RR, 1,012 (95% CI, 1,003-1,08) (p=0,01); left ventricular end-systolic dimension (ESD) — RR, 1,04 (95% CI, 1,01-1,13) (p=0,36).Conclusion. There were following independent predictors of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients after STEMI: weight, body mass index, chronotropic load, BNP and ESD.

The ability of contemporary cardiologists to judge the ischemic impact of a coronary lesion visually

BackgroundLandmark trials showed that invasive pressure measurement (Fractional Flow Reserve, FFR) was a better guide to coronary stenting than visual assessment. However, present-day interventionists have benefited from extensive research and personal experience of mapping anatomy to hemodynamics. AimsTo determine if visual assessment of the angiogram performs as well as invasive measurement of coronary physiology. Methods25 interventional cardiologists independently visually assessed the single vessel coronary disease of 200 randomized participants in The Objective Randomized Blinded Investigation with optimal medical Therapy of Angioplasty in stable angina trial (ORBITA). They gave a visual prediction of the FFR and Instantaneous Wave-free Ratio (iFR), denoted vFFR and viFR respectively. Each judged each lesion on 2 occasions, so that every lesion had 50 vFFR, and 50 viFR assessments. The group consensus visual estimates (vFFR-group and viFR-group) and individual cardiologists' visual estimates (vFFR-individual and viFR-individual) were tested alongside invasively measured FFR and iFR for their ability to predict the placebo-controlled reduction in stress echo ischemia with stenting. ResultsPlacebo-controlled ischemia improvement with stenting was predicted by vFFR-group (p < 0.0001) and viFR-group (p < 0.0001), vFFR-individual (p < 0.0001) and viFR-individual (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the predictive performance of the group visual estimates and their invasive counterparts: p = 0.53 for vFFR vs FFR and p = 0.56 for viFR vs iFR. ConclusionVisual assessment of the angiogram by contemporary experts, provides significant additional information on the amount of ischaemia which can be relieved by placebo-controlled stenting in single vessel coronary artery disease.

Association between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and multi-vessel coronary artery disease: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPatients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MV-CAD) have poorer clinical outcomes than those with single-vessel coronary artery disease (SV-CAD). Solid evidence underlines that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays a protective role and monocyte plays a negative role in coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has not been studied in relation to MV-CAD.MethodsIn this study, 640 patients underwent coronary angiography, of whom 225 had severe coronary artery disease. Then divide the above two groups of patients into three groups based on the MHR tertiles, respectively. Logistic regression and subgroup analysis were carried out to estimate the association between MHR and MV-CAD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was constructed by combining classic CAD risk factors with MHR in response to MV-CAD. In addition, the mediating effect of MHR between smoking and MV-CAD in suspected CAD Patients was analyzed.ResultsAmong the three MHR groups, a statistically discrepant was observed in the number of patients with CAD, Severe-CAD and MV-CAD (PCAD < 0.001; PSevere-CAD < 0.001; PMV-CAD = 0.001) in suspected CAD patients. Furthermore, the number of patients with MV-CAD (P < 0.001) was different in Severe-CAD patients among three MHR groups. Non-CAD and CAD patients showed statistically discrepant in MHR levels (P < 0.001), and this difference also was observed between SV-CAD and MV-CAD patients (P < 0.001). In the analysis of suspected CAD patients, a significantly positive relationship was found between MHR and CAD, Severe-CAD, and MV-CAD (P for trend < 0.001). The effect of MHR on MV-CAD was consistent across all subgroups, with no significant randomized factor-by-subgroup interaction (P-interaction = 0.17–0.89). ROC analysis showed that the model constructed with MHR and classic influencing factors of CAD was superior to the model constructed solely based on classic influencing factors of CAD (0.742 vs.0.682, P = 0.002). In the analysis of Severe-CAD patients, patients with higher MHR levels had a higher risk of MV-CAD [OR (95%CI): 2.90 (1.49, 5.62), P for trend = 0.002] compared to patients with lower MHR. The trends persisted after adjusting for demographic (P for trend = 0.004) and classic influencing factors of CAD (P for trend = 0.009). All subgroup factors for patients with MV-CAD had no interaction with MHR (P-interaction = 0.15–0.86). ROC analysis showed that the model combining MHR and classic influencing factors of CAD was superior to the one including only the classic influencing factors of CAD (0.716 vs.0.650, P = 0.046). Assuming that MHR played a mediating effect between smoking and MV-CAD in suspected CAD patients. The results indicated that MHR played a partial mediating effect of 0.48 (P < 0.001).ConclusionA higher MHR was mainly associated with multi-vessel coronary artery disease and MHR partially mediated the association between smoking and MV-CAD.

Acute coronary syndromes in chronic hemodialysis patients: a series of 34 cases (case series).

This single-centered retrospective descriptive study included 34 hemodialysis patients hospitalized in the cardiovascular ICU. The mean age of patients in our study was 64.4±11.3 years. The main cardiovascular risk factor found in our study was age, with a prevalence of 76.50%, followed by hypertension, with a prevalence of 67.60%. Diabetes was present in 55.90% of patients. The authors also found that 17.90% of patients were obese, and 29.40% had abdominal obesity. The main cause of renal disease in our study was diabetic nephropathy (52.90% of cases), followed by hypertensive nephropathy (23.50% of cases). ST segment elevation myocardial infarction was found in 14.70% of cases, and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in 85.30% of cases. Coronary angiography was performed in 76.40% of patients. Single-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) was found in 20%, two-vessel CAD in 50%, and three-vessel CAD in 30% of the cases. Coronary artery calcifications were observed in 21.42% of cases. 38.23% had an angioplasty, and 20.58% were referred for a coronary artery bypass graft. Despite the high mortality rate after acute coronary syndrome, hemodialysis patients are less likely to undergo diagnostic angiography or coronary revascularization. Patients on hemodialysis tend to have multiple, diffuse, calcified CAD.

Incremental value of myocardial work analysis for detection of coronary artery disease during dipyridamole stress echocardiography

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Dipyridamole stress-echocardiography (DipSE) relies on operator’s expertise and might have suboptimal diagnostic accuracy in identifying patients (pts) with single-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). 2D strain, and, recently, myocardial work (MW) analysis, provide a more accurate evaluation of myocardial function, being able to detect subtle regional abnormalities. Purpose Aim of our study was to investigate whether MW analysis could have an additive role, when implemented to DipSE, in CAD detection. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 50 pts (20 M) who underwent DipSE followed, within one month, by coronary CT (CCT), in the absence of stress-induced WM abnormalities, or by invasive coronary angiography (ICA), when new WM abnormalities occurred. According to the presence of obstructive CAD (confirmed by ICA in any case), the population was subdivided into 2 groups: group 1 (with obstructive CAD: 34 pts) and group 2 (without obstructive CAD: 16 pts). After matching DipSE and CCT/ICA results, we further subdivided the population into three subgroups: 1 (true positives: 34 pts), 2A (false positives: 9 pts) and 2B (true negatives: 7 pts); no patients had a false negative DipSE result. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), work index (GWI), constructive work (GCW), waste work (GWW) and work efficiency (GWE) were calculated, at baseline, low and peak dose. Results In group 1, GLS increased at low and decreased at peak dose (p 0.015), while, in group 2, increased, mostly from low to peak dose (p&amp;lt; 0.001), Fig. 1. GWI and GCW, at low dose, decreased in group 1 (p 0.035 and p 0.009) whereas increased in group 2 (p 0.042 and p ns). GWW increased, at peak dose, in group 1 (p 0.003), whereas decreased in group 2 (p 0.047). GWE decreased, at peak dose, in group 1 (p 0.025), whereas increased in group 2 (p 0.001). When evaluating the subgroups (Fig. 1, right panels), we found that, in subgroup 2A, GLS increased at low and decreased at peak dose (p 0.015), similarly to subgroup 1 (at low dose p 0.011) and differently from subgroup 2B (from baseline to peak dose p 0.003). GWE, in subgroup 2A, increased at peak dose (p 0.023), differently from subgroup 1 (p 0.001) and similarly to subgroup 2B (at low dose: p 0.026; at peak dose: p 0.029). ROC analysis, for obstructive CAD, showed that GLS had a lower AUC (0.653) than GWW (0.735) and GWE (0.845), whereas GWI and GCW had, an AUC of 0.606 and 0.591, respectively (Fig. 2). A ≥ 0.5% GLS change (from low to peak dose) gained a sensitivity of 58%, a specificity of 67%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 66% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 64%. Conversely, a ≥ −1.5% GWE change (from low to peak dose) provided a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 84%, a PPV of 86% and NPV of 79%. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) for GWE was 0.049 (p 0.005). Conclusion MW analysis beyond GLS shows an additive role in the detection of CAD, thus improving diagnostic performance of DipSE.