Stable Coronary Disease Research Articles

Predictive value of cardiac troponin increase after percutaneous coronary intervention: is it just a marker of disease complexity?

Abstract Background/Introduction Peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is supposed to have an impact on outcome after PCI for stable coronary disease, but the rate of this event is highly dependent on their definitions. Most of the recently proposed definitions are based on cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) rise. Purpose The purpose of this analysis is to explore the impact of hs-cTn increase on mortality and cardiac events after PCI for chronic coronary disease with baseline normal value of hs-cTn. Methods e-ULTIMASTER is a large, all-comers registry that enrolled 37,198 patients worldwide who underwent PCI with a thin strut, cobalt chromium sirolimus-eluting stent. Risk-based monitoring was performed and all primary endpoint related events were adjudicated. Clinical follow-up was performed at 3 months and 1 year, with primary endpoint of target lesion failure (TLF) at 1 year. For this analysis, we selected patients with stable angina, silent ischemia, or unstable angina with normal hs-cTn values at baseline. We defined the cut-off value of hs-cTn level as the following: <10, 10–35, ≥35 upper limit of normal (ULN). To adjust for differences in baseline characteristics, a propensity analysis (inverse probability of treatment weights, IPTW) was done. Picture 1 shows variables included in the propensity score and differences between the groups (cTn<10 vs cTn 10–35 and cTn<10 vs cTn≥35) before and after matching. Results The number of patients in each subgroup is: hs-cTn<10 (n=3178), 10–35 (n=492), ≥35 (n=303). The mean age of each subgroup is respectively: 66.2; 68.1, 66.6 years (p<0.01). Across the three hs-cTn level groups, many baseline patient characteristics were similar but several lesion and procedure characteristics were significantly different across the three groups including bifurcation lesions, calcification, N of lesions treated, N of stents implanted, total stent length and procedural complications. The unadjusted and adjusted rates of 1-year clinical outcomes are presented in picture 2. All-cause or cardiac death were not increased in cTn≥35 group while there was a trend towards higher target lesion revascularization (TLR) and significantly higher stent thrombosis, majority of which (75% and 91% respectively) occurred during index hospitalization. There was a significantly higher rate of spontaneous MI in both groups with elevated hs-cTn. Conclusion Hs-cTn rise above 35 x ULN was not associated with cardiac or all-cause 1-year mortality. Significantly higher stent thrombosis and a trend towards higher TLR, observed in this group at 1-year, reflect procedure complications, based on the timing of event. When excluding peri-procedural MI in the matched analysis of outcomes, a significantly higher rate of spontaneous MI was observed in both groups with hs-cTn increase. The findings of this analysis suggest that hs-cTn rise is a marker of patient/lesion complexity. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Terumo Picture 1. Baseline variables before/after matchingPicture 2. 1-year clinical outcomes

Long-Term Prognostic Value of Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance-Related Coronary Revascularization to Predict Death: A Large Registry With >200 000 Patient-Years of Follow-Up.

Although the benefit of coronary revascularization in patients with stable coronary disease is debated, data assessing the potential interest of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to guide coronary revascularization are limited. We aimed to assess the long-term prognostic value of stress CMR-related coronary revascularization in consecutive patients from a large registry. Between 2008 and 2018, a retrospective cohort study with a median follow-up of 6.0 years (interquartile range, 5.0-8.0) included all consecutive patients referred for stress CMR. CMR-related coronary revascularization was defined by any coronary revascularization performed within 90 days after CMR. The primary outcome was all-cause death based on the National Death Registry. Among the 31 762 consecutive patients (mean age 63.7±12.1 years and 65.7% males), 2679 (8.4%) died at 206 453 patient-years of follow-up. Inducible ischemia and late gadolinium enhancement by CMR were associated with death (both P<0.001). In multivariable Cox regression, inducible ischemia and late gadolinium enhancement were independent predictors of death (hazard ratio, 1.61 [99.5% CI, 1.41-1.84]; hazard ratio, 1.62 [99.5% CI, 1.41-1.86], respectively; P<0.001). In the overall population, CMR-related coronary revascularization was an independent predictor of greater survival (hazard ratio, 0.58 [99.5% CI, 0.46-0.74]; P<0.001). In 1680, 1:1 matched patients using a limited number of variables (840 revascularized, 840 nonrevascularized), CMR-related revascularization was associated with a lower incidence of death in patients with severe inducible ischemia (≥6 segments, P<0.001) but showed no benefit in patients with mild or moderate ischemia (<6 segments, P=0.109). Using multivariable analysis in the propensity-matched population, CMR-related revascularization remained an independent predictor of a lower incidence of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.66 [99.5% CI, 0.54-0.80], P<0.001). In this large observational series of consecutive patients, stress perfusion CMR had important incremental long-term prognostic value to predict death over traditional risk factors. CMR-related revascularization was associated with a lower incidence of death in patients with severe ischemia.

Optimal medical therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease in Poland: the ISCHEMIA trial experience.

Introduction: Optimal medical therapy (OMT) is the cornerstone of treatment for stable coronary disease with the ISCHEMIA trial showing similar outcomes using OMT with or without an initial invasive approach. Objectives: To describe OMT goal attainment in Polish ISCHEMIA participants compared with other countries. Patients and methods: Among 5179 trial participants, 333 were randomized in Poland. The median follow-up was 3.2 years. OMT targets were: not smoking, high-intensity statin therapy, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of less than 70 mg/dl, systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg, aspirin therapy, and ACEI / ARB, and β-blocker therapy if indicated. Results: Compared with 36 other countries, at randomization, patients in Poland were older (67 [62–75] y vs 65 [58–71] y); P <⁠0.001), more often female (30% vs 22%; P = 0.002), with a longer history of angina (3 [1–9] y vs 1 [0–3] y; P <⁠0.001), and there were more cases of prior myocardial infarction (32% vs 18%; P <⁠0.01) and revascularization (PCI, 40% vs 19%; CABG, 11% vs 3%; P <⁠0.001 for both). The number of OMT goals attained increased from baseline to follow-up visits (5 [4–5] vs 6 [5–6]; P <⁠0.001) in Poland and other countries alike (P = 0.89 vs P = 0.14). In Poland, significant improvements were achieved regarding high-intensity statin therapy (27% vs 50%), LDL-C <⁠70 mg/dl (29% vs 65%), and systolic blood pressure of less than 140 mm Hg (63% vs 81%) (P <⁠0.001 for all), whereas not-smoking (89% vs 89%), aspirin (90% vs 88%), ACEI / ARB (93% vs 95%), and β-blocker therapy (94% vs 90%) remained high. Conclusions: With regular surveillance and contemporary medical therapy, high OMT goal attainment was achievable among the participants of the ISCHEMIA trial in Poland relative to other countries. There is still room for improvement in LDL-C and blood pressure management.

Sex Differences in the Non-infarct-Related Artery-Based Quantitative Flow Ratio in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: It has been reported that sex has well-established relationships with the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the major adverse cardiovascular events. Compared with men, the difference of coronary artery and myocardial characteristics in women has effects on anatomical and functional evaluations. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) has been shown to be effective in assessing the hemodynamic relevance of lesions in stable coronary disease. However, its suitability in acute myocardial infarction patients is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the sex differences in the non-infarct-related artery (NIRA)-based QFR in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods: In this study, 353 patients with STEMI who underwent angiographic cQFR assessment and interventional therapy were included. According to contrast-flow QFR (cQFR) standard operating procedures: reliable software was used to modeling the hyperemic flow velocity derived from coronary angiography in the absence of pharmacologically induced hyperemia. 353 patients were divided into two groups according to sex. A cQFR ≤0.80 was considered hemodynamically significant, whereas invasive coronary angiography (ICA) luminal stenosis ≥50% was considered obstructive. Demographics, clinical data, NIRA-related anatomy, and functional cQFR values were recorded. Clinical outcomes included the NIRA reclassification rate between men and women, according to the ICA and cQFR assessments.Results: Women were older and had a higher body mass index (BMI) than men. The levels of diastolic blood pressure, troponin I, peak creatine kinase-MB, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, N terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, stent diameter, and current smoking rate were found to be significantly lower in the female group than in the male group. Women had a lower likelihood of a positive cQFR ≤0.80 for the same degree of stenosis and a lower rate of NIRA revascularization. Independent predictors of positive cQFR included male sex and diameter stenosis (DS) >70%.Conclusions: cQFR values differ between the sexes, as women have a higher cQFR value for the same degree of stenosis. The findings suggest that QFR variations by sex require specific interpretation, as these differences may affect therapeutic decision-making and clinical outcomes.

Long-term prognostic value of ischaemia and cardiovascular magnetic resonance-related revascularization for stable coronary disease, irrespective of patient’s sex: a large retrospective study

To assess the sex-specific, long-term prognostic value of myocardial ischaemia induced by stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and early CMR-related revascularization in consecutive patients from a large registry. Between 2008 and 2010, all consecutive patients referred for stress CMR were followed for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined by cardiovascular mortality or recurrent non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI). Early CMR-related revascularization was defined as any revascularization within 90 days after CMR. Among 3664 patients (56.9% male, mean age 69.9 ± 11.8 years), 472 (12.9%) had MACE (163 women and 309 men) after a median follow-up of 8.8 (IQR 6.9-9.5) years. Inducible ischaemia and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) by CMR were associated with MACE in women and men (all P < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression, inducible ischaemia, LGE, and CMR-related revascularization were independent predictors of MACE both in women [heart rate (HR) 4.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.17-9.10; HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.22-2.71; HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.92, respectively; all P < 0.001] and men (HR 3.88, 95% CI 2.33-5.98; HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16-1.89; HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.97, respectively; all P < 0.001). The addition of CMR-parameters led to improved model discrimination for MACE (C-statistic 0.61 vs. 0.71; NRI = 0.212; IDI = 0.032) for both women and men. CMR-related revascularization was associated with a lower incidence of MACE in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50%. Inducible ischaemia and early CMR-related revascularization were good long-term predictors of MACE irrespective of sex. CMR-related revascularization was associated with a lower MACE incidence in the sole sub-set of patients with LVEF < 50%.

Aerobic Threshold Identification in a Cardiac Disease Population Based on Correlation Properties of Heart Rate Variability.

An index of heart rate (HR) variability correlation properties, the short-term scaling exponent alpha1 of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA a1) has shown potential to delineate the first ventilatory threshold (VT1). This study aims to extend this concept to a group of participants with cardiac disease. Sixteen volunteers with stable coronary disease or heart failure performed an incremental cycling ramp to exhaustion PRE and POST a 3-week training intervention. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and HR at VT1 were obtained from a metabolic cart. An ECG was processed for DFA a1 and HR. The HR variability threshold (HRVT) was defined as the VO2, HR or power where DFA a1 reached a value of 0.75. Mean VT1 was reached at 16.82 ± 5.72 mL/kg/min, HR of 91.3 ± 11.9 bpm and power of 67.8 ± 17.9 watts compared to HRVT at 18.02 ± 7.74 mL/kg/min, HR of 94.7 ± 14.2 bpm and power of 73.2 ± 25.0 watts. Linear relationships were seen between modalities, with Pearson’s r of 0.95 (VO2), 0.86 (HR) and 0.87 (power). Bland–Altman assessment showed mean differences of 1.20 mL/kg/min, 3.4 bpm and 5.4 watts. Mean peak VO2 and VT1 did not change after training intervention. However, the correlation between PRE to POST change in VO2 at VT1 with the change in VO2 at HRVT was significant (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Reaching a DFA a1 of 0.75 was associated with the VT1 in a population with cardiac disease. VT1 change after training intervention followed that of the HRVT, confirming the relationship between these parameters.

Clinical experience with regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging: insights into patient characteristics, safety, and impact of results on clinical management.

The Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) regadenoson (REG) registry includes patients with a variety of comorbidities allowing for the evaluation of outcomes in a large, unselected population. Using a database of electronic medical records and nuclear cardiology reports, patients aged > 18years who underwent REG-facilitated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) testing at HFH between January 2009 and August 2012 were identified. The primary objective was to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who had undergone REG only vs REG WALK (REG + low-level exercise) SPECT. A total of 2104 patients were included in the analysis (mean age 65.3years; 50% women; 51% African American, 43% Caucasian). For the REG only (n = 1318) and REG WALK (n = 786) cohorts, SPECT was abnormal in 37% of patients (REG only, 39%; REG WALK, 34%; P < 0.01). No differences in diagnostic modalities or interventions in 90days after SPECT were observed. Immediate safety analysis showed no deaths 48h after REG SPECT testing. Although they guide invasive therapy, abnormal scans do not automatically lead to invasive testing. This demonstrates the focus on initial medical management, which reflects the existing evidence of initial goal-directed medical management of stable coronary disease.

Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) identifies functional relevance of non-culprit lesions in coronary angiographies of patients with acute myocardial infarction

IntroductionIn patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel coronary disease, revascularization of non-culprit lesions guided by proof of ischemia usually requires staged ischemia testing. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) has been shown to be effective in assessing the hemodynamic relevance of lesions in stable coronary disease. However, its suitability in AMI patients is unknown. In this study, we tested the diagnostic value of QFR based on acute angiograms (aQFR) during AMI to assess the hemodynamic relevance of non-culprit lesions.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed the diagnostic efficiency of aQFR in 280 vessels from 220 patients, comparing it with staged ischemia testing using elective coronary angiography with FFR (n = 47), stress cardiac MRI (n = 200) or SPECT (n = 33).ResultsaQFR showed a very good diagnostic efficiency (AUC = 0.887, 95% CI 0.832–0.943, p < 0.001) in predicting ischemia of non-culprit lesions, significantly superior to coronary lesion’s geometry as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography. The optimal cut-off for aQFR to predict ischemia was 0.80 (sensitivity = 83.7%, specificity = 86.1%). Maintaining a predefined level of 95% sensitivity and specificity, we created a decision model based on aQFR: lesions with aQFR ≤ 0.75 should be treated, lesions with aQFR ≥ 0.92 do not yield any hemodynamic relevance, and lesions in the “grey zone” (aQFR 0.75–0.92) benefit from further ischemia testings. This model would allow to reduce staged ischemia tests by 46.8% without a relevant loss in diagnostic efficiency.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that aQFR allows an effective assessment of hemodynamic relevance of non-culprit lesions in AMI and may guide interventions of non-culprit coronary lesions.Graphic abstract

Interleukin-6 Signaling and Anti-Interleukin-6 Therapeutics in Cardiovascular Disease.

IL (interleukin)-6 is a pivotal cytokine of innate immunity, which enacts a broad set of physiological functions traditionally associated with host defense, immune cell regulation, proliferation, and differentiation. Following recognition of innate immune pathways leading from the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome to IL-1 to IL-6 and on to the hepatically derived clinical biomarker CRP (C-reactive protein), an expanding literature has led to understanding of the proatherogenic role for IL-6 in cardiovascular disease and thus the potential for IL-6 inhibition as a novel method for vascular protection. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms by which IL-6 signaling occurs and how that impacts upon pharmacological inhibition; describe murine models of IL-6 and atherogenesis; summarize human epidemiological data outlining the utility of IL-6 as a biomarker of vascular risk; outline genetic data suggesting a causal role for IL-6 in systemic atherothrombosis and aneurysm formation; and then detail the potential role of IL-6 inhibition in stable coronary disease, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and the atherothrombotic complications associated with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. Finally, we review anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic findings for ziltivekimab, a novel IL-6 ligand inhibitor being developed specifically for use in atherosclerotic disease and poised to be tested formally in a large-scale cardiovascular outcomes trial focused on individuals with chronic kidney disease and elevated levels of CRP, a population at high residual atherothrombotic risk, high residual inflammatory risk, and considerable unmet clinical need.

Invasive Coronary Physiology Assessment for Patients With Stable Coronary Disease.

Visual assessment of coronary stenosis severity using conventional coronary angiography is associated with wide interoperator variability and a weak relationship with hemodynamics. Invasive coronary physiology assessment using fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been shown to be safe and beneficial. Large multicenter randomized trials have demonstrated the superiority of FFR-guided percutaneous coronary intervention in reducing the risk of major cardiac adverse events, number of stents used, and total cost in patients with multivessel coronary disease. FFR requires vasodilatory agents for the microvasculature to induce maximal hyperemia, which carry a slight risk, cost, and effort. Nonhyperemic pressure ratios provide a physiologic metric without vasodilator medications but with more limited clinical outcomes data. The transition from anatomy to physiology for coronary artery disease decision-making represents a cultural sea change in the cardiac catheterization laboratory that requires time and retooling.

Comparison of Days Alive Out of Hospital With Initial Invasive vs Conservative Management

Traditional time-to-event analyses rate events occurring early as more important than later events, even if later events are more severe, eg, death. Days alive out of hospital (DAOH) adds a patient-focused perspective beyond trial end points. To compare DAOH between invasive management and conservative management, including invasive protocol-assigned stays, in the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA) randomized clinical trial. In this prespecified analysis of the ISCHEMIA trial, DAOH was compared between 5179 patients with stable coronary disease and moderate or severe ischemia randomized to invasive management or conservative management. Participants were recruited from 320 sites in 37 countries. Stays included overnight stays in hospital or extended care facility (skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation, or nursing home). DAOH was separately analyzed excluding invasive protocol-assigned procedures. Data were collected from July 2012 to June 2019, and data were analyzed from July 2020 to April 2021. Invasive management with angiography and revascularization if feasible or conservative management, with both groups receiving optimal medical therapy. The hypothesis was formulated before data lock in July 2020. The primary end point was mean DAOH per patient between randomization and 4 years. Initial stays for invasive protocol-assigned procedures were prespecified to be excluded. Of 5179 included patients, 1168 (22.6%) were female, and the median (interquartile range) age was 64 (58-70) years. The average DAOH was higher in the conservative management group compared with the invasive management group at 1 month (30.8 vs 28.4 days; P < .001), 1 year (362.2 vs 355.9 days; P < .001), and 2 years (718.4 vs 712.1 days; P = .001). At 4 years, the 2 groups' DAOH were not significantly different (1415.0 vs 1412.2 days; P = .65). In the invasive management group, 2434 of 4002 stays (60.8%) were for protocol-assigned procedures. There were no clear differences at any time point in DAOH when protocol-assigned procedures were excluded from the invasive management group. There were more hospital and extended care stays in the invasive management vs conservative management group during follow-up (4002 vs 1897; P < .001). Excluding protocol-assigned procedures, there were fewer stays in the invasive vs conservative group (1568 vs 1897; P = .001). Cardiovascular stays following the initial assigned procedures were lower in the invasive management group (685 of 4002 [17.1%] vs 1095 of 1897 [57.8%]; P < .001) due to decreased spontaneous myocardial infarction stays (65 [1.6%] vs 123 [6.5%]; P < .001) and unstable angina stays (119 [3.0%] vs 216 [11.4%]; P < .001). DAOH was higher for patients in the conservative management group in the first 2 years but not different at 4 years. DAOH was decreased early in the invasive management group due to protocol-assigned procedures. Hospital stays for myocardial infarction and unstable angina during follow-up were lower in the invasive management group. DAOH provides a patient-focused metric that can be used by clinicians and patients in shared decision-making for management of stable coronary artery disease. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01471522.

Assessment of Overuse of Medical Tests and Treatments at US Hospitals Using Medicare Claims

Overuse of health care services exposes patients to unnecessary risk of harm and costs. Distinguishing patterns of overuse among hospitals requires hospital-level measures across multiple services. To describe characteristics of hospitals associated with overuse of health care services in the US. This retrospective cross-sectional analysis used Medicare fee-for-service claims data for beneficiaries older than 65 years from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, with a lookback of 1 year. Inpatient and outpatient services were included, and services offered at specialty and federal hospitals were excluded. Patients were from hospitals with the capacity (based on a claims filter developed for this study) to perform at least 7 of 12 investigated services. Statistical analyses were performed from July 1, 2020, to December 20, 2020. Outcomes of interest were a composite overuse score ranging from 0 (no overuse of services) to 1 (relatively high overuse of services) and characteristics of hospitals clustered by overuse rates. Twelve published low-value service algorithms were applied to the data to find overuse rates for each hospital, normalized and aggregated to a composite score and then compared across 6 hospital characteristics using multivariable regression. A k-means cluster analysis was used on normalized overuse rates to identify hospital clusters. The primary analysis was performed on 2415 cohort A hospitals (ie, hospitals with capacity for 7 or more services), which included 1 263 592 patients (mean [SD] age, 72.4 [14] years; 678 549 women [53.7%]; 101 017 191 White patients [80.5%]). Head imaging for syncope was the highest-volume low-value service (377 745 patients [29.9%]), followed by coronary artery stenting for stable coronary disease (199 579 [15.8%]). The mean (SD) composite overuse score was 0.40 (0.10) points. Southern hospitals had a higher mean score than midwestern (difference in means: 0.06 [95% CI, 0.05-0.07] points; P < .001), northeast (0.08 [95% CI, 0.06-0.09] points; P < .001), and western hospitals (0.08 [95% CI, 0.07-0.10] points; P < .001). Nonprofit hospitals had a lower adjusted mean score than for-profit hospitals (-0.03 [95% CI, -0.04 to -0.02] points; P < .001). Major teaching hospitals had significantly lower adjusted mean overuse scores vs minor teaching hospitals (difference in means, -0.07 [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.06] points; P < .001) and nonteaching hospitals (-0.10 [95% CI, -0.12 to -0.09] points; P < .001). Of the 4 clusters identified, 1 was characterized by its low counts of overuse in all services except for spinal fusion; the majority of major teaching hospitals were in this cluster (164 of 223 major teaching hospitals [73.5%]). This cross-sectional study used a novel measurement of hospital-associated overuse; results showed that the highest scores in this Medicare population were associated with nonteaching and for-profit hospitals, particularly in the South.

The impact of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in left main coronary disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Although coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been considered the gold-standard method for the treatment for left main stable ischemic coronary disease (s-LMCAD), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has shown good results. Objective To evaluate patients with s-LMCAD who performed CABG or PCI and compare their outcomes. Study design Single center, retrospective study that included all s-LMCAD patients who performed LM PCI or CABG between January 2015 and November 2018 (n = 35 in the PCI group and 35 in the CABG group after propensity score and matches in a ratio of 1:1). Clinical and imaging information of patients was collected, relating to the pre- and post-procedure and with 3 years of follow-up (FUP). Results Overall, baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were balanced between the groups. The PCI group had higher prevalence of previous coronary disease (54.3%% vs 28.6%, p = 0.029) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (22.9% vs 5.7%, p = 0.04). The anatomical complexity estimated through the calculation of the SYNTAX score showed no significant differences between groups (16 vs 19, p = 0.151). 50% of PCI group performed IVUS, 2.8% OCT and 2.8% FFR. All CABG grafts used were arterial. There were no registries of events during hospitalization. At 30 days, cardiovascular-mortality was higher in the PCI group than in CABG group (n = 2 (5.56%) vs 0, respectively), representing all cases of cardiovascular death in PCI group through the 3-years follow-up. In CABG group, cardiovascular-related death was more substantial at 3 years. At 3 years of FUP, no significant differences were found between the PCI and CABG groups in MACCE (hazard ratio (HR) of the PCI group, 2,786; confidence interval (CI) of 95%, 0.873 to 8,889; p = 0.084). However, patients submitted to PCI with a SYNTAX score≥23 had worse MACCE results (HR 9.022, 95% CI, 1,054 to 77.210; p = 0,045), though a large confidence interval was also registered. Though not significantly different, cardiac-related hospital admissions were more frequent in the CABG group (18 (25.00%) vs 6 (16.67%) in the PCI group), but occurred more acutely in the PCI group (&amp;lt; 30 days). Stroke events happened more frequently in the CABG group, with a total of 4 cases reported (5.56%) whereas in the PCI group none happened. Myocardial infarction rate was also higher in the PCI group (2, 5.71%) and 1 happened in the first 30 days which was related to a target lesion failure. Revascularization through PCI due to restenosis had only 1 (2.78%) case registered. Graft failure happened in only 1 patient. Conclusion In conclusion, for the treatment of patients with stable s-LMCAD and low anatomical complexity, PCI was noninferior to CABG. Our results suggest that PCI is an acceptable alternative to CABG for patients with stable left main coronary artery disease, except for the ones with high anatomical complexity.

Machine Learning with 18F-Sodium Fluoride PET and Quantitative Plaque Analysis on CT Angiography for the Future Risk of Myocardial Infarction.

Coronary 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET and CT angiography-based quantitative plaque analysis have shown promise in refining risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease. We combined both of these novel imaging approaches to develop an optimal machine-learning model for the future risk of myocardial infarction in patients with stable coronary disease. Methods: Patients with known coronary artery disease underwent coronary 18F-NaF PET and CT angiography on a hybrid PET/CT scanner. Machine-learning by extreme gradient boosting was trained using clinical data, CT quantitative plaque analysis, measures and 18F-NaF PET, and it was tested using repeated 10-fold hold-out testing. Results: Among 293 study participants (65 ± 9 y; 84% male), 22 subjects experienced a myocardial infarction over the 53 (40-59) months of follow-up. On univariable receiver-operator-curve analysis, only 18F-NaF coronary uptake emerged as a predictor of myocardial infarction (c-statistic 0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.83). When incorporated into machine-learning models, clinical characteristics showed limited predictive performance (c-statistic 0.64, 95% CI 0.53-0.76) and were outperformed by a quantitative plaque analysis-based machine-learning model (c-statistic 0.72, 95% CI 0.60-0.84). After inclusion of all available data (clinical, quantitative plaque and 18F-NaF PET), we achieved a substantial improvement (P = 0.008 versus 18F-NaF PET alone) in the model performance (c-statistic 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.91). Conclusion: Both 18F-NaF uptake and quantitative plaque analysis measures are additive and strong predictors of outcome in patients with established coronary artery disease. Optimal risk stratification can be achieved by combining clinical data with these approaches in a machine-learning model.

Safety and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Fractional Flow Reserve Guided Coronary Revascularisation

Increasingly, fractional flow reserve (FFR) is employed to assess coronary artery stenoses although there is limited real world long-term outcome data with a recent report questioning its safety. This study aimed to assess the in-hospital complications and clinical outcomes up to 10 years after FFR-guided revascularisation at a tertiary Australian hospital. The cohort comprised 274 consecutive patients undergoing FFR from 2010 to 2015 with follow-up to 2020. In-hospital complications and long-term outcomes were compared between patients with FFR≤0.80 and FFR>0.80. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) comprised cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularisation (TVR). The FFR was ≤0.80 in 166 and >0.80 in 108 patients. Stable coronary disease was present in 95%. Revascularisation was undertaken in 86.7% of the FFR≤0.80 group and in 2.8% of the group with an FFR>0.80. In-hospital adverse events were 3.3% with no pressure wire-related coronary dissection, stroke or death. At median follow-up of 5 years, patients with FFR≤0.80 and FFR>0.80 had a similar rate of cardiac death (2.6% versus 5.0%, p=0.335) and MI (2.6% versus 6.9%, p=0.154). In the FFR>0.80 group, MACE (17.8% v 7.9%; p=0.018) and TVR (12.9% v 5.3%; p=0.033) were significantly higher. This observational study highlights the safety and long-term effectiveness of FFR-guided coronary revascularisation in patients with predominantly stable disease.

Gender Features of Myocardial Revascularization Results in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease, Multivascular Coronary Injury and Reduced Left Ventricular Systolic Function

The aim. To investigate the course, quality of life and risk factors depending on gender in patients with stable isch-emic coronary disease, multivascular coronary injury and reduced left ventricular systolic function Materials and methods. In a one-center study of the Ukrainian Children’s Cardiac Center, Clinic for Adults analyzed data from 107 patients with coronary artery disease, multivascular coronary artery injury and reduced left ventricular systolic function (LV EF below 35%), who underwent complete revascularization from January until December 2020. Among those surveyed were 67 (62.6%) men and 40 (37.4%) women aged 54 to 83 years. Myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 95 (88.7%) patients. Hypertension was diagnosed in 50 (74.6%) men and 35 (87.5%) women. Diabetes was registered in 13 (19.4%) men and 14 (35.0%) women. Results and discussion. According to the multivariate analysis, the most significant factors in reaching the endpoint during the annual follow-up after CABG and PCI were: worse left ventricular systolic function; the presence of diabetes mellitus; and lack of postoperative statin therapy. Conclusion. Gender features in long-term results after myocardial revascularization were revealed. Women were more likely to complain of angina in the postoperative period and rather hospitalized than men, but they were less likely to undergo myocardial revascularization. The quality of life after CABG and PCI in female patients was slightly reduced compared to that in men. After the intervention, men were less likely to take statins than women. Regardless of the type of myocardial revascularization in women, LV EF was higher than in men.

Initial optimal medical therapy with or without invasive strategy for stable coronary disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

There is a persistent controversy regarding the benefit and timing of angiography in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). With this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) the advantages of initial invasive strategy and medical therapy compared with only medical therapy. We conducted a literature search of the following databases Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Embase. Data was collected from all the RCTs that compared early invasive approach with medical therapy alone in treating stable CAD which was conducted by two independent authors. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction (MI), while the secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization, hospitalization due to unstable angina and revascularization events. The Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included 15 RCTs (13 916 patients, mean age 63.1, 78.9% men). The early invasive strategy, compared with medical therapy alone, did not reveal a significant reduction in the incidence of all-cause mortality (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.84-1.05, P = 0.30) or MI (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.79-1.10, P = 0.42). Furthermore, the early invasive strategy did not reduce the incidence of cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization or the revascularization rate compared with medical therapy alone (P > 0.05). However, the incidence of MACE and hospitalization due to unstable angina were lower in patients treated with early invasive strategy (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-0.99, P = 0.04), and (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.67, P < 0.0001), respectively. Early invasive strategy with medical therapy did not reduce the incidence of all-cause mortality and MI when compared with medical therapy alone among patients with stable CAD with significant stenosis. However, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of MACE and hospitalization due to unstable angina in the early invasive group.

Clinical Implications of the ISCHEMIA Trial: Invasive vs Conservative Approach in Stable Coronary Disease.

To identify key strengths and weaknesses of the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA) trial and explore its clinical implications in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Previous studies have shown inconsistent benefit of early angiography and revascularization in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The ISCHEMIA trial showed no significant reduction in mortality or cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing early angiography and revascularization with guideline-directed medical therapy compared to patients on medical therapy alone in specific patient population with stable coronary artery disease. The ISCHEMIA trial provides insights into invasive versus pharmacological treatment for patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Though it may have reduced applicability given its broad exclusion criteria, it offers useful information about the utility of non-invasive imaging modalities for selecting optimal revascularization candidates.

Effects of salvianolate on microcirculatory disturbance in patients with stable coronary heart disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundObstruction of coronary microcirculation can lead to myocardial ischemia and poor prognosis. Salvianolate exerts cardiovascular protection at cellular levels. However, no studies have confirmed the effect of salvianolate on stable coronary heart disease (CHD) with high fractional flow reserve (FFR) and myocardial microcirculatory disturbances.Methods/designThis study will enroll 78 patients who have stable coronary disease with 50 to 70% stenosis in major coronary arteries and whose FFR > 0.80 and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) > 25. Patients will be randomly divided into the salvianolate group or the placebo group. After above evaluations, salvianolate 200 mg will be intravenously dripped immediately for the next 30 min and subsequent 7 days in the salvianolate group, and matching 0.9% normal saline will be arranged in the placebo group. IMR will be reevaluated in immediate phase after first 30 min of salvianolate or placebo treatment. The primary end point will be the IMR change in this phase, and the secondary end points will be the total ischemic burden assessed by the Seattle angina scale, quality of life scale, Holter electrocardiography, and 6-min walk test after 7 days before discharge.DiscussionThis study will firstly clarify the improvement effect of salvianolate on coronary microcirculation and provide an effective treatment method for stable CHD patients with high FFR and myocardial microcirculatory disturbance.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1800018772. Registered on 9 October 2018 and updated on 2 March 2020

Overview of Aspirin and Platelet Biology

Aspirin (ASA) has historically been one of the most important drugs in cardiology and has long been the cornerstone of antiplatelet therapy. Although its role in acute coronary syndrome remains undisputed, emerging data suggest that reappraisal of the efficacy of long-term ASA in some primary and secondary prevention may be warranted. The aim of this review is to place these new results in the context of previous evidence on aspirin by appraising the current body of evidence on its use of for cardiovascular diseases. This overview first summarizes the history of the discovery of aspirin, as well as its pharmacology and the concept of ASA resistance. We subsequently recapitulate the evidence of ASA on primary prevention and secondary prevention starting from the classical studies in order to serve as an introductory background to the examination of the most recent clinical trials that will be performed in the rest of the articles of this Supplement. Although the benefit of ASA in acute coronary syndrome remains incontrovertible, emerging evidence challenge the universal need for primary prevention, or for lifelong treatment in secondary prevention or all adults with stable coronary disease who are at highest risk for ASA-induced bleeding. The role of aspirin is quickly changing in recent times and this review provides a review for the clinician about the current role of this drug in cardiovascular care.