Strong Predictor Of Cardiovascular Events Research Articles

Associations of essential metals with the risk of aortic arch calcification: a cross-sectional study in a mid-aged and older population of Shenzhen, China.

Vascular calcification is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. Essential metals play critical roles in maintaining human health. However, the association of essential metal levels with risk of aortic arch calcification (AoAC) remains unclear. We measured the plasma concentrations of nine essential metals in a cross-sectional population and evaluated their individual and combined effects on AoAC risk using multiple statistical methods. We also explored the mediating role of fasting glucose. In the logistic regression model, higher quartiles of magnesium and copper were associated with the decreased AoAC risk, while higher quartile of manganese was associated with higher AoAC risk. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized regression analysis identified magnesium, manganese, calcium, cobalt, and copper as key metals associated with AoAC risk. The weighted quantile sum regression suggested a combined effect of metal mixture. A linear and positive dose-response relationship was found between manganese and AoAC in males. Moreover, blood glucose might mediate a proportion of 9.38% of the association between manganese exposure and AoAC risk. In summary, five essential metal levels were associated with AoAC and showed combined effect. Fasting glucose might play a significant role in mediating manganese exposure-associated AoAC risk.

Legacy benefits of blood pressure treatment on cardiovascular events are primarily mediated by improved blood pressure variability: the ASCOT trial.

Visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability (BPV) is an important predictor of cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. The long-term effect of a period of blood pressure (BP) control, but with differential BPV, is uncertain. Morbidity and mortality follow-up of UK participants in the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial-Blood Pressure-Lowering Arm has been extended for up to 21 years to determine the CV impact of mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) control and BPV during the trial, and amongst those allocated to amlodipine- and atenolol-based treatment. Eight thousand five hundred and eighty hypertensive participants (4305 assigned to amlodipine ± perindopril-based and 4275 to atenolol ± diuretic-based treatment during the in-trial period (median 5.5 years) were followed for up to 21 years (median 17.4 years), using linked hospital and mortality records. A subgroup of participants (n = 2156) was followed up 6 years after the trial closure with a self-administered questionnaire and a clinic visit. In-trial mean SBP and standard deviation of visit-to-visit SBP as a measure of BPV, were measured using >100 000 BP measurements. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk [hazard ratios (HRs)], associated with (i) mean with SBP and BPV during the in-trial period, for the CV endpoints occurring after the end of the trial and (ii) randomly assigned treatment to events following randomization, for the first occurrence of pre-specified CV outcomes. Using BP data from the in-trial period, in the post-trial period, although mean SBP was a predictor of CV outcomes {HR per 10 mmHg, 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.17], P < .001}, systolic BPV independent of mean SBP was a strong predictor of CV events [HR per 5 mmHg 1.22 (95% CI 1.18-1.26), P < .001] and predicted events even in participants with well-controlled BP. During 21-year follow-up, those on amlodipine-based compared with atenolol-based in-trial treatment had significantly reduced risk of stroke [HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.72-0.93), P = .003], total CV events [HR 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.98), P = .008], total coronary events [HR 0.92 (95% CI 0.86-0.99), P = .024], and atrial fibrillation [HR 0.91 (95% CI 0.83-0.99), P = .030], with weaker evidence of a difference in CV mortality [HR 0.91 (95% CI 0.82-1.01), P = .073]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction and fatal coronary heart disease, heart failure, and all-cause mortality. Systolic BPV is a strong predictor of CV outcome, even in those with controlled SBP. The long-term benefits of amlodipine-based treatment compared with atenolol-based treatment in reducing CV events appear to be primarily mediated by an effect on systolic BPV during the trial period.

Left atrioventricular coupling index assessed using cardiac CT as a prognostic marker of cardiovascular death

Abstract Background Although the left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events, the availability to CMR remains limited in clinical routine. Therefore, it would be useful to validate LACI assessment using other imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT). However, the feasibility of LACI measurement using cardiac CT and its prognostic value are not established. Purpose We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LACI assessed by cardiac CT, to predict the occurrence of cardiovascular death in consecutive patients without known CVD referred for coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Methods Between 2010 and 2020, we conducted a single-center study with all consecutive patients without known CVD referred for CCTA. LACI was defined as the ratio of LA to LV end-diastolic volumes. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death. Cox regressions were used to evaluate the association of LACI with the primary outcome after adjustment for traditional risk factors and CCTA findings. Results In 1,444 patients (70±12 years, 43% men), 92 (6.4%) patients experienced all-cause death, including 67 (4.3%) patients with cardiovascular death after a median (IQR) follow-up of 6.8 (5.9-9.1) years. After adjustment for risk factors and CCTA findings, LACI was positively associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.07 [95% CI, 1.05-1.09] per 1% increment, p&amp;lt;0.001), and all-cause death (adjusted HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.03-1.07] per 1% increment, p&amp;lt;0.001). After adjustment, a LACI ≥25% showed the best improvement in model discrimination and reclassification above traditional risk factors and CCTA findings (C-statistic improvement: 0.27; NRI=0.826; IDI=0.209, all p&amp;lt;0.001; LR-test p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions LACI measured by CCTA is independently associated with cardiovascular death and all-cause death in patients without known CVD referred for CCTA, with an incremental prognostic value over traditional risk factors and CCTA findings.LACI measurement using CCTASurvival curves stratified by LACI value

Association Between Coronary Artery Calcium Score and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Hypertension

Background: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) are common in patients with hypertension and are strong predictors of cardiovascular events. Aim: This study aims to investigate the association between CAC and LVDD in patients with hypertension without coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Consecutive patients with hypertension who underwent echocardiography and non-contrast coronary CT were studied. CAC was quantified using the Agatston score. Patients with a history of CAD, AF or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &lt;50% were excluded. Characteristics of patients with and without LVDD were compared and the association between LVDD and CAC was evaluated. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the predictors of LVDD and high CAC (&gt;median CAC). A p value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 250 patients were included, with a mean age of 64.3 ± 10.1 years, 59% women and 26.4% had diabetes. The prevalence of LVDD was 64.8% (grade I LVDD 48%; grade II LVDD 16.8%) and the median CAC score was 58.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.7–349.8). Patients with LVDD had a significantly higher median CAC score than those without LVDD (142.8 [IQR 18.8–514.8] versus 5.0 [IQR 0–64.4]; p&lt;0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that the CAC score was independently associated with LVDD (OR 1.003; 95% CI [1.001–1.004]; p&lt;0.001). Left atrial volume index and E-wave deceleration time were independently associated with high CAC (OR 1.05; 95% CI [1.01–1.09]; p=0.008 and OR 1.008; 95% CI [1.002–1.02]; p=0.01), respectively. Conclusion: CAC scoring was associated with LVDD in patients with hypertension.

Association of Coronary Artery Calcium Detected by Routine Ungated CT Imaging With Cardiovascular Outcomes

BackgroundCoronary artery calcium (CAC) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events across all racial and ethnic groups. CAC can be quantified on nonelectrocardiography (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT) performed for other reasons, allowing for opportunistic screening for subclinical atherosclerosis. ObjectivesThe authors investigated whether incidental CAC quantified on routine non–ECG-gated CTs using a deep-learning (DL) algorithm provided cardiovascular risk stratification beyond traditional risk prediction methods. MethodsIncidental CAC was quantified using a DL algorithm (DL-CAC) on non–ECG-gated chest CTs performed for routine care in all settings at a large academic medical center from 2014 to 2019. We measured the association between DL-CAC (0, 1-99, or ≥100) with all-cause death (primary outcome), and the secondary composite outcomes of death/myocardial infarction (MI)/stroke and death/MI/stroke/revascularization using Cox regression. We adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, comorbidities, systolic blood pressure, lipid levels, smoking status, and antihypertensive use. Ten-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk was calculated using the pooled cohort equations. ResultsOf 5,678 adults without ASCVD (51% women, 18% Asian, 13% Hispanic/Latinx), 52% had DL-CAC >0. Those with DL-CAC ≥100 had an average 10-year ASCVD risk of 24%; yet, only 26% were on statins. After adjustment, patients with DL-CAC ≥100 had increased risk of death (HR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.28-1.79), death/MI/stroke (HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.33-1.84), and death/MI/stroke/revascularization (HR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.45-1.98) compared with DL-CAC = 0. ConclusionsIncidental CAC ≥100 was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, beyond traditional risk factors. DL-CAC from routine non–ECG-gated CTs identifies patients at increased cardiovascular risk and holds promise as a tool for opportunistic screening to facilitate earlier intervention.

Correlation Between Smoking and Il-1 Level and Arterial Stiffness as Measured By Cavi in the Young Adult Population Without other Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

Background: Recent studies have shown that arterial stiffness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, with CAVI (Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index) as a non-invasive arterial stiffness testing method in daily practice. Objective: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between smoking -as a risk factor for arterial stiffness- and CAVI values, as well as levels of IL-1β (Interleukin 1β) as a cytokine that plays a role in the pathophysiology of arterial stiffness. Methods: Eighty-four participants, including smokers and non-smokers without other cardiovascular risk factors, were included in the study. Demographic data, medical history, and smoking behavior were taken using a questionnaire, then IL-1β and CAVI levels were examined Results: The mean level of IL-1β in smoking subjects was significantly higher (15.09 ± 0.48) than in non-smoking subjects (5.53 ± 0.79; p=0.001). CAVI values in smoking subjects were also significantly higher (8.0 ± 0.06) than in non-smoking subjects (6.9 ± 0.02; p=0.001). Further analysis showed a strong positive correlation between smoking and IL-1β levels (r=+0.776; p=0.001) and CAVI values (r=+0.759; p=0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that smoking significantly correlates with IL-1β levels and CAVI values. The greater number of cigarettes used per day and the longer duration of smoking, there was a positive correlation between IL-1β levels and arterial stiffness as measured by CAVI.

Inflammation is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than LDLC levels

Inflammation is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than LDLC levels

Arterial Stiffness as A Predictor of Future Cardiovascular Events: Methods of Measurement and Clinical Implications

Arterial stiffness has recently emerged as strong predictor of cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a novel index that measures the overall stiffness of the artery all the way from the point where it branches off from the aorta to the ankle. CAVI's ability to provide accurate results regardless of the patient's blood pressure at the moment of measurement is without a doubt its most valuable characteristic. CAVI is related to many cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking. It also increases with age and in many arteriosclerotic diseases, such as coronary artery disease, carotid arteriosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and cerebrovascular disease. CAVI also increases in patients who have cerebrovascular disease. Controlling conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, in addition to quitting smoking, may also reduce the risk of CAVI. This indicates that CAVI is a physiological surrogate measure of atherosclerosis, and it also implies that it might be a signal of lifestyle change. Recent research has shown that CAVI and numerous functions of the left ventricle are linked to one another, which points to a linkage between the heart muscle and vascular function. This study discusses the fundamentals of CAVI as well as our present understanding of the measurement, with a particular emphasis on its functions and potential future use.

Abstract 13368: Effect of Peripheral Endothelial Function Assessment in Improving the Risk Stratification of Major Cardiovascular Events Beyond CHA2DS2-Vasc

Introduction: Peripheral microvascular endothelial dysfunction (PMED) is a marker and precursor of atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The present study aims to identify the best cut-off value of PMED, assessed by the reactive hyperemia index, in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Additionally, we investigate whether integrating PMED to CHA2DS2-Vasc score improves the predicting accuracy of cardiovascular disease. Methods: this is a retrospective study of patients who underwent reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT). The optimal cut-off value of reactive hyperemia index associated with MACE was calculated using the area under the receiver-operating curve and the maximum Youden index. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as age, sex, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, vascular disease were determined to calculate the CHA2DS2-VASc score. MACE was defined as myocardial infarction, heart failure hospitalization, and cerebrovascular events. Results: 1,690 patients were enrolled (average age 51.1±13.9, 64.1% female). The optimal cut-off value of the reactive hyperemia index was 2.0 in the overall population and females and 2.17 in males. The risk of MACE during 10 (Interquartile range: 4,16) years of follow-up was 15.3%. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that PMED as an independent predictor of MACE (PMED: OR, 3.6, 95% CI, 2.6-4.9, p&lt;0.001) (Table1). Furthermore, integrating PMED to CHA2DS2-VASc significantly improved the predictive accuracy (area under the curve, 0.747 vs. 0.708, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: PMED is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. Non-invasive assessment of peripheral endothelial function may be useful in early detection and improving the stratification of high-risk patients for cardiovascular events.

Diabetic retinopathy predicts cardiovascular disease independently of subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and preclinical atherosclerosis are associated with higher cardiovascular risk. However, no studies have investigated the predictive role of DR and preclinical atherosclerosis jointly on cardiovascular events in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to assess the contribution of DR and subclinical atherosclerosis on the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in subjects with T2D without previous cardiovascular disease (CVD). We included two prospective cohorts of subjects with T2D from the same geographical area. Assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis was performed by carotid ultrasound. An ophthalmologist classified DR according to standard criteria. Cardiovascular outcomes considered for analysis were the following: ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, revascularization procedures, and cardiovascular mortality. Bivariable and multivariable predictive models were performed. From a total of 374 subjects with T2D 44 developed cardiovascular events during the 7.1 years of follow-up. Diabetes duration, total cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at baseline were higher in subjects who developed cardiovascular outcomes (p < 0.001, p = 0.026, and p = 0.040, respectively). Compared with subjects without events, those developing cardiovascular events had higher prevalence of retinopathy (65.9% vs. 38.8%, p = 0.001; respectively) and more than mild retinopathy (43.2% vs. 31.8%, p = 0.002; respectively). Furthermore, all-cause mortality was higher in subjects with MACE than those without events (13.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.009; respectively). The multivariable analyses showed that HbA1c and the presence of DR at baseline were predictive of cardiovascular outcomes (p = 0.045 and p = 0.023, respectively). However, the burden of subclinical atherosclerosis was not (p = 0.783 and p = 0.071, respectively). DR is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in T2D individuals at primary CVD prevention, even after accounting for the presence of preclinical carotid atherosclerosis. These results may help to individualize CVD prevention strategies in T2D.

Arterial stiffness precedes hypertension and metabolic risks in youth: a review.

Arterial stiffness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and old adults. Arterial stiffness has been limited to being an intermediate marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in adolescents and young adult studies. The paucity of normative longitudinal data and repeated gold-standard assessments of arterial stiffness among the young population has occasioned a huge knowledge gap in its clinical utility. This review summarizes recent longitudinal evidence in a large adolescent population, supporting the value of arterial stiffness as a novel risk factor for hypertension, overweight/obesity and insulin resistance. Preventing or decreasing arterial stiffness during adolescence may confer cardiometabolic health benefits in later life, but further pathological and mechanistic research is needed. The review also offers suggestions for incorporating arterial stiffness measures into routine paediatric and young adult clinical practice.

From Structural to Functional Hypertension Mediated Target Organ Damage-A Long Way to Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF) which represents one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The chronic hemodynamic overload induced by AH is responsible for different types of functional and morphological adaptation of the cardiovascular system, defined as hypertensive mediated target organ damage (HMOD), whose identification is of fundamental importance for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Among HMODs, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD), and subclinical systolic dysfunction have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of HF and represent promising therapeutic targets. Furthermore, LVH represents a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients, influencing per se the development of CMVD and systolic dysfunction. Clinical evidence suggests considering LVH as a diagnostic marker for HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Several studies have also shown that microalbuminuria, a parameter of abnormal renal function, is implicated in the development of HFpEF and in predicting the prognosis of patients with HF. The present review highlights recent evidence on the main HMOD, focusing in particular on LVH, CMD, subclinical systolic dysfunction, and microalbuminuria leading to HFpEF.

Tachycardia is a cardiovascular risk factor. Role of ambulatory heart rate

There is a large body of evidence that resting Heart Rate (HR) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality in hypertension [1,2]. This association was consistent across 9 Cohort studies and 7 large clinical trials performed on patients with hypertension [1].

Association of left ventricular diastolic function with coronary artery calcium score: A Project Baseline Health Study

BackgroundCoronary artery calcium (CAC) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) are strong predictors of cardiovascular events and share common risk factors. However, their independent association remains unclear. MethodsIn the Project Baseline Health Study (PBHS), 2082 participants underwent cardiac-gated, non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) and echocardiography. The association between left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and CAC was assessed using multidimensional network and multivariable-adjusted regression analyses. Multivariable analysis was conducted on continuous LV diastolic parameters and categorical classification of LVDD and adjusted for traditional cardiometabolic risk factors. LVDD was defined using reference limits from a low-risk reference group without established cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk factors or evidence of CAC, (n ​= ​560). We also classified LVDD using the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations. ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 51 ​± ​17 years with 56.6% female and 62.6% non-Hispanic White. Overall, 38.1% had hypertension; 13.7% had diabetes; and 39.9% had CAC >0. An intertwined network was observed between diastolic parameters, CAC score, age, LV mass index, and pulse pressure. In the multivariable-adjusted analysis, e’, E/e’, and LV mass index were independently associated with CAC after adjustment for traditional risk factors. For both e’ and E/e’, the effect size and statistical significance were higher across increasing CAC tertiles. Other independent correlates of e’ and E/e’ included age, female sex, Black race, height, weight, pulse pressure, hemoglobin A1C, and HDL cholesterol. The independent association with CAC was confirmed using categorical analysis of LVDD, which occurred in 554 participants (26.6%) using population-derived thresholds. ConclusionIn the PBHS study, the subclinical coronary atherosclerotic disease burden detected using CAC scoring was independently associated with diastolic function. Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT03154346.

Blood pressure variability and the development of hypertensive organ damage in the general population.

Increasing blood pressure variability (BPV) has been reported to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. However, the effects of BPV in the general population have not been intensively studied. The present study was designed to investigate a possible relationship between year-to-year BPV and hypertensive target organ damage (TOD) in a relatively low-risk general population. A total of 5489 consecutive patients (mean age 58.6 ± 10.7 years) who visited our hospital for an annual physical checkup for five consecutive years during 2008-2013 were enrolled in this study. The average systolic and diastolic blood pressures and pulse pressure were calculated, as well as standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and average real variability in blood pressures. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted and subjects without TOD at baseline (n=3115) were followed up (median 1827 days) with the endpoint of TOD, defined as left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiogram or declining glomerular filtration rate. At baseline, BPV was closely associated with TOD. During follow-up, left ventricular hypertrophy and declining glomerular filtration rate developed in 189 and 400 subjects, respectively. Although the standard deviation for systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure predicted future development of TOD in a univariate analysis, BPV was not a significant determinant of incident TOD in adjusted Cox hazard models. These results suggest that year-to-year BPV is a marker of the presence of TOD in the general population but does not independently predict future TOD.

Advanced vascular aging in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation - Data from RACE V

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation, Medtronic Background The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases exponentially with age. To which extend vascular aging is part of this process is unknown. Pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness are established markers for vascular aging and have been combined in a vascular aging index as published before(1). Purpose We aim to investigate if vascular age exceeds chronological age in our cohort with paroxysmal AF and if yes to which extend. Methods In this substudy from RACE V we included 295 patients with paroxysmal AF in which carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were measured. To calculate vascular aging we used a logarithmic formula derived from the Malmö-Cancer-and-Diet study which yields a vascular age index derived from cfPWV, cIMT and chronological age. This vascular aging index (VAI) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. (1). All patients underwent cardiac echocardiography and had a native cardiac CT scan in which fat around the heart and coronary calcium were quantified. In 121 patients Agatston scores from the ascending aortic artery were also measured. Results Patients in this study had a mean chronological age of 63.8 ± 10.1 years and a vascular age of 71.4 ± 11.7 years. Vascular age was on average 9.3 ± 10.2 years higher than chronological age. Vascular age correlated significantly with markers for diastolic dysfunction, vascular calcification in the coronary arteries as well as the aorta and the amount of epicardial and pericardial fat (table 1). Conclusions In patients with PAF vascular age was on average 9.3 years higher than chronological age in our cohort. Advanced vascular age is represented by vascular and myocardial remodeling related to fibrosis, calcification and fat accumulation. The results suggest that in patients with AF enhanced inflammation is leading to fibrosis and calcification. Whether AF is a marker, a mechanism or both in advanced vascular aging warrants further study.

Nongated Computed Tomography Predicts Perioperative Cardiovascular Risk in Lung Cancer Surgery

BackgroundThe coronary artery calcification score (CACS), a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality, can be assessed by nongated chest computed tomography (CT). The study aimed to determine whether CACS based on nongated CT is predictive of perioperative cardiovascular events during intermediate-risk lung cancer surgery. MethodsIn this retrospective, single-center study, we used nongated CT images to evaluate CACS in 4491 patients with lung cancer who underwent intermediate-risk surgeries. Perioperative cardiovascular events were defined as in-hospital cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmia with hemodynamic compromise, and complete heart block. Risk factors of perioperative cardiovascular events were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. ResultsIn total, 110 inpatients (2.5%) experienced perioperative cardiac events. Coronary calcification was observed on nongated CT in 1070 (23.8%) patients. CACS was significantly associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events and longer hospital stays. According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the CACS cutoff value was set to 1. In the multivariate analysis, CACS ≥1 (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.14-2.68; P = .011) or the number of calcified vessels (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.50; P = .043), age, forced expiratory volume in 1 second/predicted, operation time, and thoracotomy were predictive of cardiovascular complications. ConclusionsCACS is an independent predictor of severe perioperative cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing intermediate-risk lung cancer surgery. CACS may represent a valuable tool for preoperative risk assessment of these patients.

Association of serum creatinine with aortic arch calcification in middle-aged and elderly adults: an observational cross-sectional study from China

Background and aimsVascular calcification (VC) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Renal dysfunction is closely related to VC. Serum creatinine, as an important indicator of renal function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), is closely associated with increased VC. Here, to explore the potential role of serum creatinine in CVD, we examined the association between serum creatinine level and aortic arch calcification (AAC) presence in a larger general population.MethodsA total of 9067 participants aged > 45 years were included in this study. All participants underwent postero-anterior chest X-ray examination to diagnose AAC. According to the distribution characteristics, serum creatinine levels in male and female were divided into tertiles respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association between aortic calcification and serum creatinine.ResultsParticipants included 3776 men and 5291 women, and 611 and 990 AAC were detected, respectively. Serum creatinine level in the female AAC group was significantly higher than that in the non-AAC group (p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in male serum creatinine between the two groups (p = 0.241). After logistic regression analysis excluded confounding factors, with the first tertile of serum creatinine as the reference, multivariable-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of the second and the highest tertile of female and male were 1.045 (0.856–1.276), 1.263 (1.036–1.539); 0.953 (0.761–1.193), 0.948 (0.741–1.198), respectively.ConclusionElevated serum creatinine levels are independently associated with higher AAC incidence in female aged > 45 years old. Measuring serum creatinine levels may assist the early screening individuals at high risk of developing CVD. And higher attention should be given to female's serum creatinine levels in daily clinical practice.

Morning hypertension for stroke and cardiovascular: clinical pearls for primary care

Hypertension is the world’s leading cause of mortality and morbidity. One of the phenomena that commonly occur in hypertensive as well as normotensive patients, is morning hypertension. Blood pressure (BP) follows a diurnal rhythm, reaching its highest level during the morning hours and dropping to the lowest level at midnight. Transient increases in BP in morning hypertension plus persistent stressors within 24 hours are thought to increase target organ damage and trigger cardiovascular events. Therefore, ambulatory BP monitoring or morning home BP monitoring is recommended as a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. There are two types of morning hypertension according to its underlying mechanisms; the first one is called nocturnal hypertensive morning hypertension, and the other one is morning-surge hypertension. Numerous studies have proved that this phenomenon often leads to several acute cardiovascular events, such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. To prevent these complications, cost-effective management is needed, especially for identifying accurate diagnostic tools, as well as creating specific regimens. Therefore, to achieve appropriate management of hypertension, including morning hypertension, long-acting antihypertensive drugs should be used, at full doses and in the form of combination therapy. The clinical usefulness of antihypertensive drugs with specific mechanisms for morning BP or split or timed dosing of long-acting drugs in controlling morning BP remains under investigation. More studies are needed, especially looking for other clinical evidence of the benefits of lowering BP in the morning. Home BP monitoring is recommended as a good choice for BP measurements, especially in the primary care setting.

Abstract 11189: Obesity is Associated with Better Intra-Hospital Outcome in Diabetes Patients Hospitalized for Stemi: Findings from the National Inpatient Sample

Introduction: An obesity paradox is observed in patients with diabetes. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that obese patients with diabetes hospitalized for STEMI have a better intra-hospital outcome. Methods: We used data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2008 to 2014. Patients with STEMI and diabetes were classified according to their BMI: Underweight (BMI &lt;19), Normal (BMI 19-24.9), Class I Obesity (BMI 25.0-29.9), Class II Obesity (BMI 30.0-39.9), and Class III Obesity (BMI &gt;40). We compared different classes and assessed in-hospital events. Results: 1.7% patients were underweight, 3.0% had normal weight, 10.4% had Obesity Class I, 54.8% had Obesity Class II, and 30.2% had Obesity Class III. Mean age (SD) was higher in underweight patients (73 ±13) but decreases progressively to reach 58 ± 11 in class III obesity (p&lt;0.001). There were more females in underweight patients and more males in normal weight and obese patients (p&lt;0.001). Obese patients had a significantly lower risk compared to normal weight patients, but not underweight (Figure 1). In cardiogenic shock, underweight and class I obese patients had a similar risk compared to normal weight, but class II (a OR= 0.53 [0.40-0.70]) and class III (OR=0.62 [0.46 - 0.82] had a lower risk. The risk of ventricular fibrillation was not different according to groups. Interestingly, the risk of atrial fibrillation was lower in class I (OR= 0.72 [0.52-0.98]) and class II (OR= 0.7 [0.53-0.93]) patients without being higher in underweight patients. Increasing age was a strong predictor of cardiovascular events (OR of mortality is 7.99 [5.83 - 10.83] for patients &gt;84 years old). Multivariable adjustments did not affect the significance of the results. Conclusions: An obesity paradox is observed in patients with diabetes hospitalized for STEMI. Higher BMI is correlated with lower risk of mortality, cardiogenic shock, and atrial fibrillation. Underweight patients did not have a higher risk of cardiovascular events.