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Background Little is known about the characteristics of arterial stiffness in heart failure (HF). This study was performed to compare the degree of arterial stiffness and its association with left ventricular (LV) diastolic function among three groups: control subjects, patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods A total of 83 patients with HFrEF, 68 patients with HFpEF, and 84 control subjects were analyzed. All HF patients had a history of hospitalization for HF treatment. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement and transthoracic echocardiography were performed at the same day in a stable condition. Results The baPWV was significantly higher in patients with both HFrEF and HFpEF compared to control subjects (1,661 ± 390, 1,909 ± 466, and 1,477 ± 296 cm/sec, respectively; P P = 0.948). In the multiple linear regression analysis, baPWV was significantly associated with both septal e′ velocity (β = –0.360, P = 0.001) and E/e′ (β = 0.344, P = 0.001). However, baPWV was not associated with either of the diastolic indices in HFrEF group. The baPWV was associated only with septal e′ velocity (β = –0.429, P = 0.002) but not with E/e′ in the HFpEF group in the same multivariable analysis. Conclusions Although arterial stiffness was increased, its association with LV diastolic function was attenuated in HF patients compared to control subjects. The degree of arterial stiffening was similar between HFrEF and HFpEF.

BackgroundAlthough it has been documented that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with increased risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD), this issue has not been addressed in patients at high CVD risk. This study was performed to investigate the association of the patient’s SES with the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and long-term cardiovascular outcomes who undergo invasive coronary angiography (ICA).MethodsA total of 9,530 patients who underwent ICA for the evaluation and treatment of CAD (66.0±12.3 years and 60.2% male) were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the health insurance type: those with low SES who had the Medical aid program (Medical aid beneficiary [MAB] group; n=1,436) and those with high SES who had the National Health Insurance program (National Health Insurance beneficiary [NHIB] group; n=8,094). The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke.ResultsOf the study patients, 1,436 (15.1%) were in the MAB group. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was higher in the MAB group compared to the NHIB group. However, the prevalence of obstructive CAD was similar between the two groups (62.8% vs. 64.2%;P=0.306). During a median follow-up period of 3.5 years (interquartile range, 1.0 to 5.9 years), the incidence of the composite cardiovascular event was significantly higher in the MAB group than in the NHIB group (20.2% vs. 16.2%,PP=0.006).ConclusionsAlthough CAD prevalence was similar, MABs showed an increased risk of composite cardiovascular events than NHIBs in Korean adults undergoing ICA. This provides additional evidence for the association between low SES and an increased risk of CVD, even in high-risk subjects.Clinical perspectiveWhat is new?This study provided evidence for a relationship between low socioeconomic status and increased cardiovascular disease risk in a high-risk population.What are the clinical implications?Subjects with low socioeconomic status are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and to have a higher frequency of related risk factors, so cardiovascular disease tests and treatments should be performed more aggressively.Appropriate risk stratification of low socioeconomic status patients with traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease is important for identifying high-risk patients.

Ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy (TDAPT) provides potent antiplatelet inhibition but may increase the bleeding risk in Asian populations. We investigated the impact of the early use of low-dose TDAPT (l-TDAPT; 120 mg) on clinical outcomes in Korean patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A multicenter prospective clinical cohort study was conducted with patients on standard-dose TDAPT (s-TDAPT; 180 mg) after PCI for complex lesions. A major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization. A net clinical event (NCE) was defined as a composite of bleeding events and MACEs. Among the 772 patients on s-TDAPT, 115 (14.8%) switched to l-TDAPT within 6 months. Common reasons for the regimen changes were switching as planned (38.8%), dyspnea (25.5%), and bleeding (23.6%). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model (CPH) showed that the risks of MACE, bleeding events, and NCE were not different between the l-TDAPT and s-TDAPT groups during the entire follow-up period and beyond 6 months after PCI. Multivariate time-varying CPH also showed similar results. De-escalation with low-dose ticagrelor within 6 months after PCI is feasible and safe even in patients with complex lesions harboring a high ischemic event risk.

Given the high prevalence and poor prognosis of heart failure (HF), finding prognostic factors for patients with HF is crucial. This study investigated the prognostic value of reactive hyperemia index (RHI), a measure of endothelial function, in HF. A total of 90 HF patients (mean age, 63.7 ± 13.2 years; female, 25.6%) with a history of hospitalization for HF treatment were prospectively enrolled. RHI was measured using digital arterial tonometry in a stable condition. Clinical events, including all-cause death and HF admission, were assessed. During the median follow-up of 3.66 years (interquartile range, 0.91–4.94 years), 26 clinical events (28.9%) occurred. Although there were no significant differences in risk factors and laboratory findings according to the occurrence of clinical events, the RHI value was significantly lower in patients with clinical events than in those without (1.21 ± 0.34 vs. 1.68 ± 0.48; P P P

Background: The impact of age on the association between central aortic hemodynamics and left ventricular (LV) remodeling has not been well elucidated. We compared the relationship between measurements of central blood pressure (CBP) and LV mass index (LVMI) according to their ages (Methods: A total of 305 consecutive subjects (64.4 ± 10.9 years, 60.7% males) who underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for the evaluation of coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled. Just before ICA, CBP was measured at the aortic root using a pig-tail catheter, and CBP indices, including aortic systolic blood pressure (aSBP), aortic pulse pressure (aPP), aortic fractional pulse pressure (=aPP/mean aortic pressure), and aortic pulsatility index (=aPP/diastolic aortic pressure), were recorded. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography, and LVMI was measured on the same day of ICA. Results: In simple linear correlation analyses, LVMI was associated with all CBP indices in subjects aged P P > .05 for each). In the younger age group (≤50 years), multivariable analysis showed that aSBP (β = 0.457, P= .021) and aPP (β = 0.610, P= .006) had a significant association with LVMI after adjusting for possible confounding factors. The results remained consistent even when analyzed in a 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort. In conclusion, invasively measured aPP showed the closest association with LVMI in subjects aged Conclusion: Aortic pulsatile hemodynamic status appears to have a greater effect on LV remodeling in younger people than in older people.

BackgroundThe association between arterial stiffness and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function has been demonstrated in several studies, but the samples size in those studies was small. This study aims to verify this issue in a large number of study subjects.MethodsA total of 7,013 consecutive participants (mean age 60.6 years and 43.3% female) who underwent both baPWV and transthoracic echocardiography were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects with significant cardiac structural abnormalities were excluded.ResultsThere were significant correlations of baPWV with septal e′ velocity (r = – 0.408; P < 0.001), septal E/e′ (r = 0.349; P < 0.001), left atrial volume index (LAVI) (r = 0.122; P < 0.001) and maximal velocity of tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR Vmax) (r = 0.322; P < 0.001). The baPWV values increased proportionally with an increase in the number of LV diastolic indices meeting LV diastolic dysfunction criteria (P-for-trend < 0.001). In multivariable analyses with adjustment for confounding effects of various clinical covariates, higher baPWV was independently associated with septal e′ < 7 (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.60; P < 0.001), septal E/e′ ≥ 15 (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.21–1.78; P < 0.001), and TR Vmax > 2.8 m/s (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.23–2.09; P < 0.001) but not with LAVI ≥ 34 mL/m2 (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76–1.03; P = 0.123).ConclusionsIncreased arterial stiffness, as measured by baPWV, was associated with abnormal diastolic function parameters in a large number of study participants, providing strong evidence to the existing data about ventricular-vascular coupling.

It is not clear whether the influence of arterial stiffness depends on the subject’s cardiovascular risk status. This study was performed to assess the prognostic value of arterial stiffness according to different cardiovascular risk profiles. A total of 11,767 subjects (61 years and 58% males) who underwent brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects were stratified into three groups: (1) those with traditional risk factor ≤1 and without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), (2) those with traditional risk factors ≥2 and without ASCVD, or (3) those with documented ASCVD. Composite events of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and stroke were assessed during the clinical follow-up period. Compared to patients with risk factor ≤1, those with risk factor ≥2 and those with ASCVD were older, and more frequently had unfavorable laboratory findings, and higher baPWV values. During the median follow-up of 1329 days (interquartile range, 570–1,965 days), there were 350 composite events (3.0%). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, higher baPWV value was independently associated with higher incidence rate of composite events even after controlling for potential confounders in all three groups (P

Background: Identification of subclinical target organ damage (TOD) at early stage is important for the reduction in cardiovascular risk. This study was performed to assess the association between ...

Background The association between oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and plaque instability in coronary and carotid artery disease is well established. However, the association between OxLDL and the histologic changes of plaque in peripheral artery disease has not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the association between plasma OxLDL and histologic plaque instability in patients with peripheral artery disease. Methods Prospectively obtained plaques from 48 patients who underwent endovascular atherectomy (n = 20), surgical endarterectomy (n = 9), or bypass surgery (n = 19) for treatment of atherosclerotic femoropopliteal artery disease were evaluated for histologic fibrosis, sclerosis, calcification, necrosis, cholesterol cleft, and foamy macrophages using hematoxylin and eosin, oil red O, and immunohistochemical staining. Unstable plaques were defined as plaques that were positive for foamy macrophages and with lipid content of more than 10% of the total plaque area. Plasma OxLDL levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Mercodia AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Results Of the 48 patients, 26 (54%) had unstable plaques. The unstable plaque group was younger, had fewer angiographic total occlusions, less calcification, and more CD68-positive and LOX-1-positive cells than the stable plaque group. Plasma OxLDL levels were significantly higher in the unstable plaque group than in the stable plaque group (57.4 ± 13.9 vs. 47.2 ± 13.6 U/L, P = 0.014). Multivariate analysis revealed that plasma OxLDL level, smoking, angiographic nontotal occlusion, and statin nonuse were independent predictors of unstable plaque. Conclusions Among patients with peripheral artery disease, the histologic instability of femoropopliteal plaque was independently associated with high plasma OxLDL, smoking, nontotal occlusion, and statin nonuse. Further large-scale studies are necessary to evaluate the role of noninvasive OxLDL measurement for predicting plaque instability and future adverse vascular event.

Because menopausal women have an increased cardiovascular risk, risk stratification is very crucial in this population. This study aimed to verify the prognostic value of arterial stiffness in menopausal women.We retrospectively analyzed 2,917 menopausal women (age55y) without overt cardiovascular disease who underwent brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity measurement. The primary endpoint was a composite of clinical events, including all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and stroke, hereafter referred to as major adverse cardiovascular events. Propensity score matching and inverse probability-treatment weighting analysis were used to balance differences in baseline participant characteristics.The mean participant age was 66.8 ± 7.7 years. During a median follow-up period of 4.0 (interquartile range of 1.9-6.3) years, the primary outcome was noted in 56 cases (1.9%). Pulse wave velocity was significantly higher in participants with the primary outcome than in those without (1,947 ± 388 vs 1,690 ± 348 cm/s; P 0.001). For every 100 cm/s increase in pulse wave velocity, the hazard ratio for the primary endpoint increased by 1.15 times (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.22; P 0.001) in multivariable Cox regression analysis. A pulse wave velocity1,613 cm/s was associated with increased risk of the primary endpoint in the same multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 3.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-6.68; P = 0.005). The results were consistent after propensity score matching and inverse probability-treatment weighting analysis.Elevated brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was associated with the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events in menopausal women without cardiovascular disease and may represent a useful screening tool.

Background It is not well-known which components of central blood pressure (CBP) are more influential to target organ damage (TOD). This study aimed to determine the relationship between CBP measurements and various types of TOD in high-risk patients. Methods A total of 148 patients who had documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or its multiple risk factors were prospectively enrolled. CBP was measured by using applanation tonometry of the radial artery. The following nine TOD parameters were evaluated: left ventricular mass index, relative wall thickness, septal e′ velocity, septal E/e′, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine protein and obstructive coronary artery disease. Results The mean age of the study population was 67.1 ± 9.0 years and 108 (73 %) were male. Among four CBP measurements (systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressures), central pulse pressure (CPP) was associated with the largest number of TOD parameters. As CPP increased, the number of TOD increased (P = 0.010), but this association was not observed in other CBP measurements (P > 0.05 for each). Conclusions CPP had a stronger correlation with TOD than other CBP measurements. Non-invasive CPP could be a useful indicator for predicting TOD in patients at high coronary risk.

The prognostic value of arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and the occurrence of cardiovascular events in people with DM. A total of 2714 subjects (mean age, 63.6 years; males, 59.3%) with type 2 DM and without documented cardiovascular disease and stroke were analyzed. The primary end-point of this study was composite cardiovascular events of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and stroke. There were 118 composite events (4.3%) during a median follow-up period of 3.84 years (interquartile range, 1.60-5.52 years). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, higher baPWV (≥1672 cm/s) was associated with composite events even after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio [HR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-3.07; P = .001). Compared to the lowest baPWV tertile, both middle (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.03-3.27; P = .037) and the highest (HR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.69-5.22; P .001) tertile of baPWV were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in the same multivariable model. In conclusion, the baPWV was associated with cardiovascular events in people with type 2 DM. Considering the simplicity and convenience of baPWV measurement, baPWV may be useful for risk stratification of people with type 2 DM.

Background: Both C-reactive protein (CRP) and arterial stiffness are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was performed to investigate whether a combination of these two measurements could improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Methods: A total of 6572 consecutive subjects (mean age, 60.8 ± 11.8 years, female, 44.2%) who underwent both high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement within 1 week were retrospectively analyzed. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and stroke were assessed during the clinical follow-up. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 3.75 years (interquartile range, 1.78–5.31 years), there were 182 cases of MACE (2.8%). The elevated baPWV (≥1505 cm/s) (hazard ratio (HR), 4.21, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.73–6.48, p &lt, 0.001) and hs-CRP (≥3 mg/L) (HR, 1.57, 95% CI, 1.12–2.21, 0.001) levels were associated with MACE even after controlling for potential confounders. The combination of baPWV and hs-CRP further stratified the subjects’ risk (subjects with low baPWV and hs-CRP vs. subjects with high baPWV and hs-CRP, HR, 7.08, 95% CI, 3.76−13.30, 0.001). Adding baPWV information to clinical factors and hs-CRP had an incremental prognostic value (global Chi-square score, from 126 to 167, p &lt, 0.001). Conclusions: The combination of hs-CRP and baPWV provided a better prediction of future CVD than either one by itself. Taking these two simple measurements simultaneously is clinically useful in cardiovascular risk stratification.

The role of ST2 in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has not yet been well defined. This study was performed to investigate baseline serum soluble ST2 (sST2) level can predict clinical outcomes in patients with stable CAD. A total of 388 consecutive patients with suspected CAD (65 years and 63.7% male) in stable condition referred for elective invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was prospectively recruited. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), including cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization (90 days after ICA), and ischemic stroke during clinical follow-up was assessed. Most of the patients (88.0%) had significant CAD (stenosis ≥ 50%). During median follow-up of 834 days, there was 29 case of MACE (7.5%). The serum sST2 level was significantly higher in patients with MACE than those without (47.3 versus 30.6 ng/ml, P P = 0.011). The elevated level of baseline sST2 is associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical events in stable CAD patients. Studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm our findings.

Background: Although brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is simple and convenient, its usefulness as an initial screening test for hypertensive patients is not well-known. This study aimed to investigate the association of baPWV with left ventricular (LV) geometry and diastolic function in treatment-naive hypertensive patients.Methods: A total of 202 untreated hypertensive patients (mean age, 62 years; males, 51.5%) without documented cardiovascular diseases were prospectively enrolled. Both baPWV and transthoracic echocardiography were performed on the same day before antihypertensive treatment.Results: In multiple linear regression analysis after adjustment for potential confounders, baPWV had significant correlations with structural measurements of LV including relative wall thickness (β = 0.219, P = 0.021) and LV mass index (β = 0.286, P = 0.002), and four diastolic parameters including septal e′ velocity (β = −0.199, P = 0.018), E/e′ (β = 0.373, P < 0.001), left atrial volume index (β = 0.334, P < 0.001), and maximal velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (β = 0.401, P < 0.001). The baPWV was significantly increased in patients with LV hypertrophy, abnormal LV remodeling, or diastolic dysfunction, compared to those without (P = 0.008, P = 0.035, and P < 0.001, respectively). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the discriminant ability of baPWV in predicting LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction had an area under the curve of 0.646 (95% confidence interval 0.544–0.703, P = 0.004) and 0.734 (95% confidence interval 0.648–0.800, P < 0.001), respectively.Conclusion: baPWV was associated with parameters of LV remodeling and diastolic function in untreated hypertensive patients. The baPWV could be a useful screening tool for the early detection of adverse cardiac features among untreated hypertensive patients.

Characteristics of subjects with reduced GLS but no overt left ventricular dysfunction have been poorly characterized. We sought to find clinical factors associated with reduced GLS despite having normal LVEF. Subjects without documented cardiovascular disease who underwent measurement of GLS using 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography were retrospectively reviewed. All subjects had normal LVEF (≥ 55%). Because GLS is a negative value, we took the absolute value |x| for a simpler interpretation. Reduced GLS was defined as

Background Although the inter-arm blood pressure (BP) difference has been advocated to be associated with cardiovascular events, the implication of inter-leg BP difference has not been well established. This study was conducted to investigate whether inter-arm and -leg BP differences have prognostic value in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods In this prospective study, we consecutively enrolled 667 patients who underwent PCI. Both arm and leg BPs were measured at the day after PCI. The primary outcome was a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) including cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, coronary revascularization, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure during the follow-up period. Results Mean age was 64.0±11.1 years old, and males were predominant (70.5%). During a mean follow-up period of 3.0 years, MACE occurred in 209 (31.3%) patients. The inter-leg systolic BP difference (ILSBPD) was significantly higher in patients with MACE than those without (9.9±12.3 vs. 7.2±7.5 mmHg, P = 0.004). The inter-arm systolic BP difference was not significantly different between patients with and without MACE (P = 0.403). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, increased ILSBPD was independently associated with the development of MACE (per 5 mmHg; hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.14). The inter-arm systolic BP difference was not associated with MACE in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion Increased ILSBPD was independently associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes after PCI. As ILSBPD is easy to measure, it may be helpful in the risk stratification of patients undergoing PCI.

PURPOSE There has been limited evidence for the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and arterial stiffness. This study was performed to investigate the association between household income and brachial pulse pressure (PP) in the general Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was based on data acquired in the 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018 KNHANES). A total of 13004 subjects at the age of 20 years or older analysed. The information on monthly household income was obtained through the questionnaire, and was stratified into 5 groups for each quintile. Brachial blood pressure (BP) was measured 3 times, and the average of the second and third measured BPs were used. PP was calculated as the difference between systolic and diastolic BPs. RESULTS A lower household income was associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. As household income increased, PP decreased proportionally (p

BACKGROUND There is little data as to whether osteoprotegerin (OPG) is associated with target organ damage (TOD), so we evaluated the association in patients at high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods and Results:A total of 349 patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for suspected CAD were prospectively recruited. During the index admission, 6 TOD parameters were collected: extent of CAD, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), E/e', brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Serum OPG levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The OPG level was significantly higher in patients with ≥1 TOD parameter than in those without (314±186 vs. 202±74 pg/mL, P

The prognostic value of arterial stiffness in Korean hypertensive patients has not been specified. This study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in Korean hypertensive patients and to propose a cutoff value of baPWV predicting future cardiovascular events. A total of 2561 hypertensive patients without documented cardiovascular disease (mean age, 63 years; 47% females) who underwent baPWV measurement were retrospectively analyzed. Composite events of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke were assessed during the clinical follow-up period. During a median follow-up period of 4.14 years (interquartile range, 2.18-5.48 years), there were 69 cases of composite events (2.7%). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the best cutoff value of baPWV predicting composite events was 1630 cm/s (sensitivity, 79.7%; specificity, 49.1%; area under curve, 0.674; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.613-0.735; P < .001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, higher baPWV (≥1630 cm/s) was independently associated with higher risk of the occurrence of composite events even after controlling for potential confounders (hazard ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-5.36; P = .001). In conclusion, increased baPWV in Korean hypertensive patients was associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events. In addition, we suggested 1630 cm as a cutoff value of baPWV for predicting cardiovascular events, which will be helpful in guiding the treatment strategy of Korean hypertensive patients.

Background There is no general agreement on underlying pathophysiology explaining the high burden of cardiovascular disease on people at low socioeconomic status (SES). This study was conducted to investigate the association between healthcare systems and arterial stiffness. Methods A total of 8,929 subjects (60 years old and 55% were male) who underwent brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement were retrospectively analyzed. There were 8,237 National Health Insurance (NHI) beneficiaries (92.2%) and 692 medical aid (MA) beneficiaries (7.8%). The median value of baPWV was 1,540 cm/s. Results Subjects with higher baPWV values (≥1,540 cm/s) were older, and more frequently had cardiovascular risk factors and unfavorable laboratory findings than those with lower values baPWV ( Conclusions The baPWV values were significantly higher in MA beneficiaries than in NHI beneficiaries. The result of this study provides additional evidence on the association between low SES and arterial stiffening.

Previous studies have focused on only 1 or 2 echocardiographic parameters as prognostic markers in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of 900 patients with AIS who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (72.6 ± 12.0 years and 60% males) were retrospectively reviewed. Composite clinical events, including all-cause mortality, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization, were assessed during clinical follow-ups. During a median follow-up of 3.3 years (interquartile range 0.6–5.1 years), there were 151 (16.8%) composite events. In the multivariable analyses after controlling for potential confounders, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

BACKGROUND Aortic knob width (AKW), which can be measured easily in simple radiography, is associated with the degree of dilatation and tortuosity of the aortic arch. Pulsatile stress influences aortic geometry. This study was carried out to investigate whether AKW can represent invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP). METHODS A total of 252 patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for the evaluation of coronary artery disease were enrolled. AKW was defined as the perpendicular length from the lateral margin of the main bronchus to the most prominent edge of the aortic knob on chest radiography. APP was measured at the ascending aorta using a pigtail catheter immediately before ICA. RESULTS When patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of APP (69 mmHg), AKW was significantly greater in patients with higher APP (≥69 mmHg) than in those with lower APP (

This study sought to evaluate the impact of triple antiplatelet therapy on clinical outcomes in patients treated with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) for coronary artery disease. There are limited data regarding the impact of triple antiplatelet therapy in patients who underwent implantation of second-generation DES. We planned to randomly assign 2,110 patients treated with second-generation DES to triple (aspirin, clopidogrel, and cilostazol) and dual (aspirin, clopidogrel, and placebo) antiplatelet therapy groups. The primary end point was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 1 year since randomization. The study was stopped early owing to slow enrollment. In total, 404 patients (202 patients each in the triple and dual antiplatelet therapy groups) were finally enrolled. At 1 year, the primary end point had occurred in 3.6% and 9.4% of patients in the triple and dual antiplatelet therapy groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] of the triple group 0.396; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.166 to 0.949; p = 0.038). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the occurrence of a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke (HR 0.583; 95% CI 0.229 to 1.481; p = 0.256). However, the rates of TVR were significantly lower in the triple antiplatelet therapy group than in the dual antiplatelet therapy group (HR 0.118; 95% CI 0.015 to 0.930; p = 0.043). In conclusion, triple antiplatelet therapy with cilostazol after implantation of second-generation DES improved clinical outcomes, mainly by reducing TVR.

Brachial-artery pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a simple and reliable tool for measurement of arterial stiffness. Our previous studies suggested that baPWV is associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the risk of cardiovascular events. In the present data article, we provided supplementary data supporting the independent prognostic value of arterial stiffness, assessed by baPWV, in patients with suspected CAD (Hwang et al., 2017) [1]. The data was obtained from 523 patients undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA), and baPWV was measured at the time of CCTA. Patients with vulnerable coronary plaque or obstructive CAD on CCTA had higher age, more cardiovascular risk factors, and higher baPWV values. Given the significant association between high baPWV and the presence of vulnerable plaque or obstructive CAD as shown in this data article, the prognostic value of baPWV was further assessed in subgroups divided according to the CCTA findings (vulnerable plaque or obstructive CAD). In each subgroup by CCTA findings, multivariable Cox proportional hazard model analysis showed that high baPWV was an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events even after adjusting for clinical risk factors.

Metabolically healthy obese (MHO) individuals generally show better cardiovascular prognosis compared with metabolically unhealthy counterparts, which may be related to different patterns of target organ damage (TOD). We aimed to investigate the patterns of TOD related to obesity and metabolic unhealthiness.A total of 659 Korean adults (mean age, 60.0 ± 11.8 years; male, 51.1%) undergoing health examinations were stratified into four groups according to obesity (body mass index ≥25.0 kg/mIn multivariable analyses, compared with the MHNO group, the MHO group showed 2.31 times higher odds for LVH, whereas, the MUNO group showed 3.14 and 6.28 times higher odds for increased arterial stiffness and renal dysfunction, respectively. Metabolic unhealthiness was associated with increased arterial stiffness [odds ratio (OR) 2.73; confidence interval (95% CI) 1.72-4.34], renal dysfunction (OR 4.02; 95% CI 1.54-10.49), and LV diastolic dysfunction (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.14-4.55). Meanwhile, obesity showed weaker association with LVH and LV diastolic dysfunction, and was not associated with increased arterial stiffness and renal dysfunction in multivariable analyses.Metabolic unhealthiness shows more association with TOD than obesity, which may contribute to the higher risk of cardiometabolic abnormalities in MUNO compared with MHO.

Although brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has been widely used as an index of arterial stiffness, no consensus exists about whether baPWV can reflect central aortic stiffness. The authors investigated the association between baPWV and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP) in a total of 109 consecutive patients (mean age, 62.3 ± 11.3 years; 67.9% men). Most patients (91%) had obstructive coronary artery disease, and mean baPWV and APP values were 1535 ± 303 cm/s and 66.8 ± 22.5 mm Hg, respectively. In univariate analysis, there was a significant linear correlation between baPWV and APP (r = .635, P < .001). The correlation between baPWV and APP remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (β = 0.574, P < .001; R2 = .469). Arterial stiffness measured by baPWV showed a strong positive correlation with invasively measured APP, independent of clinical confounders. Therefore, baPWV can be a good marker of central aortic stiffness.

Due to the complex profile of atherosclerotic risk factors, an integrated analysis of a specific individual is difficult. Endothelial function reflects a composite of various risk factors, and may be used as an optimal tool to estimate the overall atherosclerotic risk. In this study, we investigated the value of digital Reactive Hyperemia Index (RHI) in an actual population with multiple atherosclerotic risk factors or coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 417 patients from the Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center RHI registry were enrolled in this study. Patients were enrolled from January, 2013 to July, 2016. RHI was measured using the EndoPAT2000 system (Itamiar Medical Inc. Israel). The mean value of RHI was 1.67 ± 0.48 in total study population. Among various atherosclerotic risk factors, RHI was significantly lower in older (> 60 years) patients, diabetics, smokers’ patients on statin therapy, and those with coronary or cerebrovascular disease. Most of these findings were consistent after adjustment with multiple regression analysis. RHI was significantly associated with CAD, with a hazard ratio of 1.80 (95% confidence interval 1.15–2.80, p = 0.010). In the subgroup with CAD, current smoking was the only finding showing a lower RHI. Brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity, which is a surrogate marker of arterial atherosclerotic change, was not correlated with RHI in patients with clinically significant atherosclerotic disease. RHI was significantly reduced by major atherosclerotic risk factors and in clinical atherosclerotic disease. RHI may reflect a composite effect of risk factors pertaining to the endothelial function.

Increased arterial stiffness is associated with a higher risk of future cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate whether information about arterial stiffness provides additional prognostic value to coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) findings.A total of 523 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.0 ± 10.3 years; male, 60.6%) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), who underwent CCTA and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement within a month, were retrospectively analyzed. A composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), coronary revascularization, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for cardiovascular causes was assessed.During a median 43.9 months of follow-up (interquartile range, 11.6-66.9 months), the composite endpoint occurred in 66 patients (3 cardiovascular deaths, 1 nonfatal MI, 35 coronary revascularizations, 16 nonfatal strokes, and 45 hospitalizations for cardiovascular causes). After adjustment for clinical risk factors and CCTA findings, higher baPWV was an independent prognostic factor for the composite endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.717; 95% confidence interval, 2.675-8.319; p 0.001). The addition of baPWV to clinical risk factors and CCTA findings significantly improved the prediction of cardiovascular events (global χArterial stiffness provides additional prognostic information to CCTA findings in patients with suspected CAD. The baPWV can serve as a useful clinical tool for risk stratification in this population.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether arterial stiffness plays a role in retaining normal diastolic function in a middle-aged and elderly Korean population. A total of 267 patients without documented cardiovascular disease, 50 years and older (mean age, 57.3±6.3 years; 69.8% men) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent both transthoracic echocardiography and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity measurement on the same day. Patients with septal annular peak velocity (e') ≥8 cm/s and left atrial volume index

Objective Data on ventricular-arterial coupling using invasive hemodynamic studies are limited. This study was performed to clarify the interaction between aortic pressures and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) using invasive catheterization. Patients and methods A total of 104 consecutive stable patients (mean age, 65.8 ± 10.0 years; 56% men) undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively evaluated. LVEDP and central aortic pressures [systolic blood pressure (aSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (aDBP)] were sequentially measured using a pigtail catheter before ICA. Aortic pulse pressure (aPP) was defined by the difference between aSBP and aDBP. Results A total of 82 patients (79%) had obstructive coronary artery disease (≥50% stenosis). The mean LVEDP value was 18.7 ± 6.4 mmHg. Univariable analyses showed that aSBP (r = 0.309, P = 0.001) and aPP (r = 0.286, P = 0.003) significantly correlated with LVEDP, whereas aDBP was not correlated with LVEDP (P > 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed that aSBP (β = 0.345, P = 0.001) and aPP (β = 0.276, P = 0.018) remained independent predictors of LVEDP even after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion Invasively measured aSBP and aPP were independently associated with invasively measured LVEDP in patients undergoing ICA. This result provides additional evidence of a close interaction between central aortic pressure and LV diastolic function in this population.

Background Although some strategies are used for prophylaxis of contrast induced nephropathy, their efficacy is not fully established. Sarpogrelate can relieve vasospasm and have anti-inflammatory action. This study examined whether sarpogrelate reduces the incidence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) or subsequent renal impairment during four weeks after coronary angiography compared with a control group. Methods Seventy-four participants with chronic renal failure were randomly assigned to the sarpogrelate or control group. Patients assigned to the sarpogrelate group received oral saporogelate from 24 hours before contrast exposure up to one month after contrast exposure. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of CIN within 48 hours after exposure to the contrast agent. Results Thirty-one subjects in the control group and 35 subjects in the sarpogrelate group were used for the analysis. Cumulative CIN occurred numerically more at 48 hours in the sarpogrelate group and less at one month without statistical significance (11.4% vs. 6.5% at 48 hours and 11.4% vs. 16.1% at one month, respectively). Baseline renal function was similar in both groups, but the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in the sarpogrelate group at 12 and 48 hours compared with the control group (45.6 vs. 54.7 mL/min/1.73m2; P = 0.023 and 39.9 vs. 50.6 mL/min/1.73m2; P = 0.020, respectively). At one month, the eGFR became comparable between the two groups because the eGFR was aggravated in the control group and maintained in the sarpogrelate group. Conclusion This study failed to demonstrate that sarpogrelate has a renoprotective effect against contrast induced acute kidney injury. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01165567, Graphical Abstract

Background This study was performed to compare the associations of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and central blood pressure (CBP) measurements with left ventricular (LV) geometry and diastolic function. Methods A total of 77 subjects (64.5 ± 10.8 years, 67.5% females) without documented cardiovascular disease were prospectively recruited. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography, baPWV and noninvasive measurement of CBP on the same day. Results In simple linear correlation analyses, neither baPWV nor CBP was associated with LV mass index or relative wall thickness (P > 0.05 for each). Although baPWV significantly correlated with septal e´ velocity in simple linear correlation analyses (r = 0.258, P = 0.025), the significance was lost after controlling for potential confounder (P = 0.881). In simple linear correlation analyses, central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) and central pulse pressure (CPP) significantly correlated with both septal e´ velocity or E/e´ (P 0.05 for each). After controlling for confounders, including age, sex and body mass index, CSBP correlated with septal e´ velocity (β = − 0.258, P = 0.025), but not with E/e´ (P = 0.074). CPP correlated with both septal e´ velocity (β = − 0.300, P = 0.014) and E/e´ (β = 0.428, P = 0.002) in the same multivariable model. Conclusions In subjects without documented cardiovascular disease, CSBP and CPP may be more strongly associated with LV diastolic function than baPWV. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our results.

Impact of arterial stiffness on aortic morphology has not been well evaluated. We sought to investigate the association of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) with aortic calcification and tortuosity. A total of 181 patients (65.4 ± 10.4 years, males 59.7%) who underwent computed tomographic angiography and baPWV measurement within 1 month of study entry were retrospectively reviewed. Aortic calcification was quantified by the calcium scoring software system. Aortic tortuosity was defined as the length of the midline in the aorta divided by the length of linear line from the aortic root to the distal end of the thoraco-abdominal aorta. In simple correlation analyses, baPWV was correlated with aortic calcification (r = 0.36, P

Underlying pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension has been poorly understood. We hypothesized that aortic pulse pressure (APP) reflecting aortic stiffness may be involved in the development of orthostatic hypotension.A total of 200 patients (age 64.3 ± 10.9 years, 62.5% men) who underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively recruited. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as SBP drop at least 20 mmHg or DBP drop at least 10 mmHg within 3 min of the standing position compared with the supine position. Hemodynamic parameters were measured at the ascending aorta using a pig-tail catheter immediately before ICA. APP was calculated as a difference between the aortic peak systolic pressure and the end-diastolic pressure.A total of 156 patients (78.0%) had obstructive coronary artery disease on ICA. Orthostatic hypotension was present in 58 patients (29.0%). Diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in patients with orthostatic hypotension than those without (48.3% vs. 23.2%; P 0.001). Other clinical parameters including age, cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory findings and concomitant medications were not different between patients with and without orthostatic hypotension (P 0.05 for each). In hemodynamic parameters, APP was higher in patients with orthostatic hypotension than those without (78.4 ± 25.8 vs. 68.3 ± 21.3 mmHg; P = 0.005). Higher APP was significantly associated with the presence of orthostatic hypotension even after controlling for potential confounders (odds ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence interval 1.15-7.78; P = 0.025).In patients undergoing ICA, APP was associated with increased risk of orthostatic hypotension. Central aortic stiffness may play a role in the development of orthostatic hypotension.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Most studies on gender difference of the in-hospital outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were performed in the pre-drug-eluting stents (DES) era. This study was performed to investigate whether gender influences the in-hospital outcome of PCI in the DES era. A total of 44,967 PCI procedure between January and December of 2014 from the nationwide PCI registry database in Korea were analyzed. The study population was male predominant (70.2%). We examined the association of gender with unadjusted and adjusted in-hospital mortality and composite events of PCI, including mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, urgent repeat PCI and bleeding requiring transfusion. Most of the study patients (91.3%) received DES. The incidence rates of in-hospital mortality (2.95% vs 1.99%, P

Background The association between dental health and coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a topic of debate. This study aimed to investigate the association between dental health and obstructive CAD using multiple dental indices. Methods Eighty-eight patients (mean age: 65 years, 86% male) were prospectively enrolled before undergoing coronary CT angiography (n = 52) or invasive coronary angiography (n = 36). Obstructive CAD was defined as luminal stenosis of ≥50% for the left main coronary artery or ≥ 70% for the other epicardial coronary arteries. All patients underwent thorough dental examinations to evaluate 7 dental health indices, including the sum of decayed and filled teeth, the ratio of no restoration, the community periodontal index of treatment needs, clinical attachment loss, the total dental index, the panoramic topography index, and number of lost teeth. Results Forty patients (45.4%) had obstructive CAD. Among the 7 dental health indices, only the number of lost teeth was significantly associated with obstructive CAD, with patients who had obstructive CAD having significantly more lost teeth than patients without obstructive CAD (13.08 ± 10.4 vs. 5.44 ± 5.74, p

Background Although coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), there has been no convinced data on the necessity of routine invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in OHCA. We investigated clinical factors associated with obstructive CAD in OHCA. Methods Data from 516 OHCA patients (mean age 58 years, 83% men) who underwent ICA after resuscitation was obtained from a nation-wide OHCA registry. Obstructive CAD was defined as the lesions with diameter stenosis ≥ 50% on ICA. Independent clinical predictors for obstructive CAD were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis, and their prediction performance was compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with 10,000 repeated random permutations. Results Among study patients, 254 (49%) had obstructive CAD. Those with obstructive CAD were older (61 vs. 55 years, P < 0.001) and had higher prevalence of hypertension (54% vs. 36%, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (29% vs. 21%, P = 0.032), positive cardiac enzyme (84% vs. 74%, P = 0.010) and initial shockable rhythm (70% vs. 61%, P = 0.033). In multiple logistic regression analysis, old age (≥ 60 years) (odds ratio [OR], 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–3.00; P = 0.001), hypertension (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.18–2.57; P = 0.005), positive cardiac enzyme (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.09–2.70; P = 0.019), and initial shockable rhythm (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.16–2.54; P = 0.007) were associated with obstructive CAD. Prediction ability for obstructive CAD increased proportionally when these 4 factors were sequentially combined (P < 0.001). Conclusion In patients with OHCA, those with old age, hypertension, positive cardiac enzyme and initial shockable rhythm were associated with obstructive CAD. Early ICA should be considered in these patients., Graphical Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether information on arterial stiffness can improve the value of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A total of 233 patients (age: 62.2 ± 10.8 years, 60.3% males) with detected ischemia on SPECT undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement within a month was retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of the 233 patients, 190 (81.5%) had obstructive CAD (≥ 50% luminal stenosis). The difference in baPWV according to the presence of obstructive CAD was significant in patients in the mild ischemia group [summed stress score (SSS): 4–8] (1,770 ± 364 cm versus 1,490 ± 328 cm, p < 0.001) but not in the moderate (SSS: 9–13) or severe (SSS: ≥14) ischemia groups (p > 0.05 for each). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the diagnostic value of baPWV for obstructive CAD was significant only in patients in the mild ischemia group (area under curve: 0.714; p = 0.001) but not in the moderate or severe ischemia groups (p > 0.05 for each). Adding information on baPWV to SPECT results and clinical parameters significantly increased diagnostic accuracy in the detection of obstructive CAD in patients with mild ischemia (integrated discrimination improvement p = 0.006) but not in those with moderate or severe ischemia on SPECT (p > 0.05 for each). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that baPWV may have additional value to SPECT for the detection of obstructive CAD, especially in patients with mild ischemia on SPECT.

Initial left ventricular (LV) systolic function is a main determinant of clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study was performed to investigate whether AMI patients have different prognostic factors according to their baseline LV systolic function.A total of 12,988 patients with AMI from a nationwide database were analyzed. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) within 12months of AMI, including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and revascularization, were assessed.Patients were stratified into two groups according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF): those with LVEF40% and those with LVEF≥40%. Patients with LVEF40% (n=1962, 15.1%) were older and had more unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors than those with LVEF≥40% (n=11,026, 84.9%). The rate of MACE was higher in patients with LVEF40% than in those with LVEF≥40% (26.8% vs 11.4%, p0.001). Independent predictors of 12-month MACEs in patients with LVEF≥40% were history of MI, high Killip stage, three-vessel disease, and lower renal function, which are already known as risk factors. However, diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio [HR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-2.40; p=0.008), and the use of rennin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41-0.95; p=0.029) were independent factors for 12-month MACE in patients with LVEF40%.Prognostic factors determining 12-month MACE after AMI are different according to LVEF. Management following AMI should be tailored according to their LV systolic function.

Background/Aims: The best revascularization strategy for patients with both acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary disease (MVD) is still debatable. We aimed to compare the outcomes of multivessel revascularization (MVR) with those of culprit-only revascularization (COR). Methods: A cohort of 215 consecutive patients who had received primary angioplasty for STEMI and MVD were divided into two groups according to whether angioplasty had been also performed for a stenotic nonculprit artery. The primary endpoint was one-year major adverse cardiac events defined as a composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, or any repeat revascularization. Results: One-year major adverse cardiac events were not significantly different between MVR (n = 107) and COR (n = 108) groups. However, the one-year composite hard endpoint of cardiac death or recurrent myocardial infarction was notably increased in the MVR group compared to the COR group (20.0% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.024). In subgroup analysis, the hard endpoint was significantly more frequent in the immediate than in the staged MVR subgroup (26.6% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.036). The propensity score-matched cohorts confirmed these findings. Conclusions: In patients with STEMI and MVD, MVR, especially immediate MVR with primary percutaneous intervention, was not beneficial and led to worse outcomes. Therefore, we conclude that COR or staged MVR would be better strategies for patients with STEMI and MVD.

BackgroundObesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with high risk of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. We assessed the effect of obesity and metabolic health status on left ventricular (LV) structure and function in subjects without overt heart disease.MethodsIn 789 subjects (58.8±13.0 years, 50.7% males) without overt heart disease, LV morphology and function were compared among 6 groups stratified by body mass index (BMI) (normal weight, overweight and obese) and metabolic health status (meeting ≤1 criterion of MetS excluding waist circumference defined as metabolically healthy; otherwise, metabolically unhealthy).ResultsLV ejection fraction (LVEF) was not different among the 6 groups (P>0.05). However, high BMI and poor metabolic health were associated with poorer global longitudinal strain (GLS), higher LV mass index (LVMI) and higher E/e' (PConclusionsObesity and poor metabolic health status were associated with subclinical decrement in LV systolic and diastolic function, and higher LV mass, but not with LVEF, in subjects without overt heart disease.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of a biodegradable polymer, sirolimus-eluting stent (Orsiro) with a durable polymer, sirolimus-eluting stent (CYPHER) to determine if late failure of the CYPHER is caused by the polymer or sirolimus. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 447 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with one of the study stents were retrospectively analysed. The composite of cardiac death, stent thrombosis, and clinically driven target lesion revascularisation (TLR) within two years after PCI occurred in 3.0% of the Orsiro group and 9.6% of the CYPHER group. Multivariable Cox regression results indicated that the Orsiro stent was a significant independent predictor of a lower occurrence of the composite outcome (adjusted HR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-0.87), stent thrombosis (adjusted HR 0.07, 95% CI: 0.00-0.65), clinically driven TLR (adjusted HR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.69), and stent failure (adjusted HR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.69) within two years after PCI. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that late CYPHER failure is attributable more to its durable polymer than to the antiproliferative drug, sirolimus. This suggests that sirolimus-based, new-generation drug-eluting stents are relatively safe and are expected to show long-term outcomes superior to those of the CYPHER.

Background Optimal stenting strategy for long femoropopliteal artery lesions still remains undefined. Longer stent length has been shown to be associated with increased risk of restenosis. We sought to compare the efficacy of spot versus long stenting in the treatment of femoropopliteal artery disease. Methods This study was designed as a multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare immediate and mid-term outcomes of spot versus long primary stenting for femoropopliteal arterial lesions. A total of 125 patients were randomized 1:1 to spot stenting group (n = 59) or long stenting group (n = 66). Results All lesions were treated with self-expanding bare nitinol stents. Baseline clinical and lesion characteristics were similar between the 2 groups except for male gender and current smoker. The mean lesion length was 24.1 ± 8.8 cm. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The 1-year primary patency and TLR-free (target lesion revascularization) survival did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. However, the spot stenting group showed a trend toward higher primary patency (86.1% vs. 72.7%, P = 0.158) and TLR-free survival (94.2% vs. 82.5%, P = 0.120). The total stented length (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.01, P = 0.011) and age (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–1.00, P = 0.035) were independent predictors of restenosis. Conclusions The spot stenting appears to be more favorable than the long stenting in terms of primary patency and TLR-free survival, although the difference was not statistically significant. The stented length was an independent predictor of restenosis.

A 68-year-old woman visited the emergency department twice with symptoms of acute heart failure including shortness of breath, general weakness, and abdominal distension. Laboratory findings showed extremely low level of serum hemoglobin at 1.4 g/dL. Echocardiographic examination demonstrated dilated left ventricular cavity with systolic dysfunction and moderate amount of pericardial effusion. In this patient, acute heart failure due to severe iron deficiency anemia was caused by inappropriate habitual bloodletting.

Objectives The influence of gender-dependent metabolic risk factors on arterial stiffness has not been fully determined. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between components of metabolic syndrome and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) according to gender. Methods A total of 537 subjects (54.4 ± 7.5 years and 70.6% men) who underwent baPWV measurement during routine check-ups were analyzed. Results BaPWV was 1363 ± 229 cm/s in men and 1387 ± 269 cm/s in women (p = 0.313). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was not different according to gender (23% in men versus 27% in women, p = 0.335). In multiple linear regression analyses, after adjustment for age, baPWV was significantly associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting glucose, and triglyceride in both genders. Waist circumference was associated with baPWV in women but not in men. High-density lipoprotein levels were not associated with baPWV in either gender. Subjects with metabolic syndrome had a higher baPWV than those without metabolic syndrome for women aged