Search

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC; brief cycles of coronary occlusion/ reperfusion) reduces myocardial infarct size. The ST-segment elevation during coronary occlusion is progressively attenuated with increasing number of IPC cycles. Progressive attenuation of ST-segment elevation is considered a result of sarcolemmal K ATP channel activation and has been considered to reflect and predict IPC's cardioprotection. We have recently demonstrated that IPC failed to reduce infarct size in minipigs of a particular strain (Ossabaw), which had a genetic predisposition to develop, but not yet established a metabolic syndrome. To determine whether or not Ossabaw minipigs nevertheless had attenuated ST-segment elevation over repetitive IPC cycles, we compared Göttingen vs. Ossabaw minipigs in which IPC reduces infarct size. We analyzed surface chest electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings of anesthetized open-chest contemporary Göttingen (n = 43) and Ossabaw minipigs (n = 53). Both minipig strains were subjected to 60 min coronary occlusion and 180 min reperfusion without or with IPC (3 × 5 min/ 10 min coronary occlusion/ reperfusion). ST-segment elevations during the repetitive coronary occlusions were analyzed. In both minipig strains, IPC attenuated ST-segment elevation with increasing number of coronary occlusions. IPC reduced infarct size in Göttingen minipigs (45 ± 10% without vs. 25 ± 13% of area at risk with IPC), whereas such cardioprotection was absent in Ossabaw minipigs (54 ± 11% vs. 50 ± 11%). Apparently, the block of signal transduction of IPC in Ossabaw minipigs occurs distal to the sarcolemma, where K ATP channel activation still attenuates ST-segment elevation as it does in Göttingen minipigs. [Display omitted] • Progressive attenuation of ST-segment elevation with repetitive coronary occlusions reflects cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and is attributed to sarcolemmal K ATP channel activation. • IPC does not reduce infarct size in Ossabaw minipigs, in contrast to the established infarct size reduction in Göttingen minipigs. • Progressive attenuation of ST-segment elevation with repetitive coronary occlusions occurs in both strains. • The block of cardioprotective IPC signaling in Ossabaw minipigs occurs distal to the sarcolemma. • Progressive attenuation of ST-segment elevation with repetitive coronary occlusions is an unreliable reflection of cardioprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is associated with worse clinical outcomes after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Identification of ACS patients at risk of NOAF remains challenging. To test the value of the simple C 2 HEST score for predicting NOAF in patients with ACS. We studied patients from the prospective ongoing multicenter REALE-ACS registry of patients with ACS. NOAF was the primary endpoint of the study. The C 2 HEST score was calculated as coronary artery disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1 point each), hypertension (1 point), elderly (age ≥ 75 years, 2 points), systolic heart failure (2 points), thyroid disease (1 point). We also tested the mC 2 HEST score. We enrolled 555 patients (mean age 65.6 ± 13.3 years; 22.9% women), of which 45 (8.1%) developed NOAF. Patients with NOAF were older (p < 0.001) and had more prevalent hypertension (p = 0.012), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p < 0.001) and hyperthyroidism (p = 0.018). Patients with NOAF were more frequently admitted with STEMI (p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (p = 0.008), Killip class ≥2 (p < 0.001) and had higher mean GRACE score (p < 0.001). Patients with NOAF had a higher C 2 HEST score compared with those without (4.2 ± 1.7 vs 3.0 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). A C 2 HEST score > 3 was associated with NOAF occurrence (odds ratio 4.33, 95% confidence interval 2.19–8.59, p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed good accuracy of the C 2 HEST score (AUC 0.71, 95%CI 0.67–0.74) and mC 2 HEST score (AUC 0.69, 95%CI 065–0.73) in predicting NOAF. The simple C 2 HEST score may be a useful tool to identify patients at higher risk of developing NOAF after presentation with ACS. C2HEST score for prediction of NOAF in ACS patients. CAD: coronary artery disease; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; NOAF: new onset atrial fibrillation; OR: odds ratio. [Display omitted] • NOAF may complicate ACS course, but the prediction of NOAF is still challenging. • C 2 HEST and mC 2 HEST scores have been proposed to predict NOAF in general population. • C 2 HEST and mC 2 HEST score showed good accuracy in predicting NOAF in ACS patients. • Simple clinical scores may be useful to detect ACS patients at higher risk of NOAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Women appear to be more susceptible to CS in the setting of acute myocardial infarction compared with men with higher mortality risk. • Sex-related differences also exist with regard to other causes of CS. • In order to improve outcomes for women with CS, the underestimation of cardiovascular risk in women needs to be addressed. • In addition, more robust data on the optimal management of CS in women is urgently needed. • Until further evidence is obtained, adherence to guideline-directed therapies in women with CS must be mandated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the prototypical cause of cardiogenic shock (CS), yet CS due to heart failure (HF-CS) is increasingly common. Little is known regarding cardiac function in AMI-CS versus HF-CS. We compared transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings in AMI-CS versus HF-CS and identified predictors of mortality in AMI-CS patients. We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of CS admissions between 2007 and 2018. We compared baseline demographic and TTE parameters in patients with AMI-CS and HF-CS as well as ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-CS versus non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)-CS. We included 893 unique patients, including 581 (65%) with AMI-CS. AMI-CS patients were older but had lower illness severity and non-cardiac comorbidity burden. AMI-CS patients had better left ventricular function (LVEF 35% versus 28%), lower biventricular filling pressures, and higher stroke volume versus those with HF-CS. Among TTE measurements, myocardial contraction fraction had the highest discrimination for mortality in AMI-CS (AUC: 0.64); AUC values for LVEF and SOFA score were 0.61 and 0.65, respectively. Differences in TTE findings between STEMI-CS versus NSTEMI-CS were modest. There were no significant differences in unadjusted or adjusted in-hospital mortality between AMI-CS and HF-CS (31% versus 35%) or STEMI-CS and NSTEMI-CS (31% versus 30%) groups (all p > 0.05). Patients with HF-CS and AMI-CS differ in terms of clinical and TTE variables yet have similar prognoses. TTE is useful in determining prognosis of patients admitted with AMI-CS and may allow for early triage and directed therapy. • Echocardiography provides insights into mortality in cardiogenic shock patients in the cardiac intensive care unit. • Myocardial contractile fraction is a novel marker of mortality in patients with acute MI and cardiogenic shock. • Severe left ventricular dysfunction is a marker of mortality in patients with acute MI and cardiogenic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (PWH) are at higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) than those without HIV. About half of MIs in PWH are type 2 (T2MI), resulting from mismatch between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, in contrast to type 1 MI (T1MI), which is due to primary plaque rupture or coronary thrombosis. Despite worse survival and rising incidence in the general population, evidence-based treatment recommendations for T2MI are lacking. We used polygenic risk scores (PRS) to explore genetic mechanisms of T2MI compared to T1MI in PWH. We derived 115 PRS for MI-related traits in 9541 PWH enrolled in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort with adjudicated T1MI and T2MI. We applied multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine the association with T1MI and T2MI. Based on initial findings, we performed gene set enrichment analysis of the top variants composing PRS associated with T2MI. We found that T1MI was strongly associated with PRS for cardiovascular disease, lipid profiles, and metabolic traits. In contrast, PRS for alcohol dependence and cholecystitis, significantly enriched in energy metabolism pathways, were predictive of T2MI risk. The association remained after the adjustment for actual alcohol consumption. We demonstrate distinct genetic traits associated with T1MI and T2MI among PWH further highlighting their etiological differences and supporting the role of energy regulation in T2MI pathogenesis. • About half of myocardial infarction cases in people with HIV are type 2 (T2MI) • T2MI results from mismatch between myocardial oxygen supply and demand • Despite worse survival, evidence-based treatment recommendations are lacking • Polygenic risk scores implicated energy regulationand metabolic pathways in T2MI risk • Key genetic drivers of T2MI pathogenesismay help inform new therapeutic strategies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guidelines recommend managing patients aged ≥75 with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) similar to younger patients. We analyze disparities in NSTEMI management and compare those ≥80 years to those <80 years. This is a matched case-control study using the 2016 National Inpatient Sample data of adults with NSTEMI receiving percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent (PCI-DES) - one artery or no intervention. We included the statistically significant variables in univariate analysis in exploratory multivariate logistic regression models. Total sample included 156,328 patients, out of which 43,265 were ≥ 80 years, and 113,048 were < 80 years. Patients ≥80 years were more likely to not have an intervention (73.3%) when compared to those <80 (44.1%), P < 0.0005. Regardless of age, PCI-DES-one artery improved survival compared to no intervention (Age < 80: OR 0.230, 95% CI 0.189–0.279, and ≥ 80: OR 0.265, 95% CI 0.195–0.361, P < 0.0005). Women (OR 0.785, 95% CI 0.766–0.804, P < 0.0005) and non-white race (OR 0.832, 95% CI 0.809–0.855, P < 0.0005) were less likely to receive an intervention. Non-Medicare/Medicaid insurance was associated with 40% lower likelihood of dying in <80 age group (OR 0.596, 95% CI 0.491–0.724, P < 0.0005), and 16% higher chance of intervention overall (OR 1.160, 95% CI 1.125–1.197, P < 0.0005). Patients aged ≥80 with NSTEMI were 29% less likely to receive an intervention compared to patients aged <80, even though patients >80 derived similar mortality benefits from the intervention. There were gender, payor, and race-based disparities in NSTEMI management in 2016. • NSTEMI patients ≥80 years get PCI-DES one artery at <50% of the rate in <80 years. • Intervention is equally beneficial in both patients <80 and ≥ 80 years. • Women are 21.5% less likely to get intervention for NSTEMI compared to men. • Non-white race has a 16.8% less likelihood of intervention. • Non-Medicare/Medicaid: 40% lower mortality in age < 80; 16% higher intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resorbable magnesium scaffold (RMS) is a second-generation bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) that has shown conflicting results in previous studies. These findings suggest that patient selection and implantation technique may have an impact on clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the safety and long-term effectiveness of RMS in a narrowly selected population. SHERPA-MAGIC is an investigator-driven, multicenter, prospective, single-arm study that enrolled patients undergoing BRS coronary implantation in 18 Italian centers. The present analysis considered the first 543 enrolled patients treated with RMS, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The study protocol included strict criteria for patient selection and standardization of RMS implantation. The primary outcome was the occurrence of the vessel-oriented composite endpoints (VOCE), including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization. Overall, 635 vessels were treated. The 1-year cumulative occurrence of VOCE was 22 (3.5%, 95% CI 2.2%–5.2%), which was significantly lower than the prespecified estimation (from 5.5% to 8.5%). At the median follow-up of 3.5 [2.6–4.3] years, there were 3 (0.5%) cardiac deaths, 12 (1.9%) target vessel myocardial infarctions, and 33 (5.2%) ischemia-driven target vessel revascularizations. A total of 37 (5.8%, 95%CI 4.1%–7.9%) VOCEs were detected. Scaffold thrombosis occurred in 4 (0.6%, 95%CI 0.1%–1.6%) cases. Patient-level analysis confirmed the findings of the vessel-level analysis. These results confirm the safety and performance of RMS technology. If confirmed in randomized controlled trials, they may rekindle interest in the use of scaffolds in daily practice. Central illustration summarizing the qualifying criteria for patient and lesion selection and the standardized RMS implantation technique according to SHERPA-MAGIC protocol. In the bottom panel, the main results of the study are listed: the cumulative occurrence of VOCE at 1 year follow-up and at median follow-up; the cumulative occurrence of POCE at median follow-up; the rate of instent restenosis and Scaffold Thrombosis. [Display omitted] • Resorbable magnesium scaffold (RMS) is a second-generation bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) showing conflicting results in first studies. • The long-term clinical outcome of the first 543 patients enrolled in the SHERPA-MAGIC study expands the recent BIOSOLVE-IV findings. • Indeed, the present results confirm the safety and the good performance of the RMS technology in the treatment of mid-to-large size coronary vessels in a real-world population. • The combination of adequate patient selection and meticulous implantation technique guaranteed to maximize the safety and efficacy of RMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) remain at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) recurrences. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) may identify a very high risk (VHR) group who may derive greater benefit from intensified secondary prevention. Among ACS-patients enrolled in the prospective multi-center Special Program University Medicine (SPUM), we assessed the impact of PAD on major cardiovascular events (MACE: composite of myocardial infarction, stroke and all-cause death) and major bleeding. Multivariate analysis tested the relation of each significant variable with MACE, as well as biomarkers of inflammation and novel markers of atherogenesis. Out of 4787 ACS patients, 6.0% (n = 285) had PAD. PAD-patients were older (p < 0.001), with established CVD and signs of increased persistent inflammation (hs-CRP; 23.6 ± 46.5 vs 10.4 ± 27.2 mg/l, p < 0.001 and sFlt-1; 1399.5 ± 1501.3 vs 1047.2 ± 1378.6 ng/l, p = 0.018). In-hospital-death (3.2% vs 1.4%, p = 0.022) and -MACE (5.6% vs 3.0%, p = 0.017) were higher in PAD-patients. MACE at 1 year (18.6% vs 7.9%,p < 0.001) remained increased even after adjustment for confounders (Adj. HR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.14–2.08, p = 0.005). Major bleeding did not differ between groups (Adj. HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.71–1.97, p = 0.512). Although PAD predicted MACE, PAD-patients were prescribed less frequently for secondary prevention at discharge. In this real-world ACS patient cohort, concomitant PAD is a marker of VHR and is associated with increased and persistent inflammation, higher risk for MACE without an increased risk of major bleeding. Therefore, a history of PAD may be useful to identify those ACS patients at VHR who require more aggressive secondary prevention. • PAD is an easy identifiable marker of residual very high risk in ACS. • PAD in ACS is associated with increased risk of MACE but not of major bleeding. • PAD patients presented persistent increased inflammation. • PAD patients are often undertreated despite a higher residual risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression and anxiety are risk factors for patients with myocardial infarction (MI). However, the association of a previous psychiatric diagnosis of anxiety or depression, or only such self-reported symptoms, with cardiovascular outcomes and mortality post-MI has not been previously examined in the same nationwide cohort. We linked demographic, socioeconomic and clinical data from four nationwide Swedish registries for patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after first-time MI (2006–2015, N = 45,096). After multiple imputation, we applied Cox regression to estimate the post-MI outcome risk for patients with a previous psychiatric diagnosis of anxiety/depression (Diagnosis), patients with no formal diagnosis but self-reported symptoms of anxiety/depression (Symptoms), versus patients with neither Diagnosis nor Symptoms (Reference). During one-year follow-up, fully adjusted models showed that patients with Diagnosis had a higher risk (hazard ratio [95%CI]) of all-cause mortality (1.86 [1.36, 2.53]), reinfarction (1.14 [1.06, 1.22]), their composite (1.15 [1.07, 1.23]), and an extended cardiovascular composite (1.19 [1.12, 1.26]), versus Reference, even though 77% reported no symptoms at the time of MI. In patients with Symptoms, estimates were also elevated yet somewhat attenuated compared to Reference. Findings were overall robust across multiple sensitivity analyses. Both a previous diagnosis, and present self-reported symptoms of anxiety or depression are associated with an increased risk of death and recurrent cardiovascular events in adults with first-time MI. Only screening for present symptoms is inadequate for assessing this excessive risk. Assessment of both psychiatric history and self-reported symptoms seems warranted for these patients. [Display omitted] • Depression and anxiety are risk factors for patients with myocardial infarction (MI) • Different operationalisations of depression and anxiety and their association with post MI risk have not been studied in the same nationwide cohort. • We linked demographic, socioeconomic and clinical data from four nationwide Swedish registries for 45,096 SWEDEHEART patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after first-time MI. • We estimated the post-MI risk of death and cardiovascular events for patients with (1) a previous psychiatric diagnosis of anxiety or depression, (2) no such diagnosis but instead present symptoms of anxiety or depression, vs (3) patients with neither diagnosis nor symptoms. • Both a previous diagnosis, and symptoms of anxiety or depression were associated with an increased risk of death and recurrent cardiovascular events in adults with first-time MI. • Only screening for present symptoms is inadequate for assessing this excessive risk in patients with first-time MI. • Assessment of both psychiatric history and self-reported symptoms seems warranted for patients with first-time MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality rates following cardiogenic shock (CS) have stagnated on an unacceptably high level. Limited data regarding the prognostic value of sex in patients suffering from CS is available. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prognostic value of sex in patients with CS. Consecutive patients with CS of any cause were included from 2019 to 2021. Prognosis of females was compared to males regarding 30-day all-cause mortality. Further risk stratification was performed according to the presence or absence of CS related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were applied for statistics. From a total of 273 CS patients (AMI-CS: 49%; non-AMI-CS: 51%), 60% were males and 40% females. The risk of 30-day all-cause mortality did not differ among males and females (56% vs. 56%; log rank p = 0.775; HR = 1.046; 95% CI 0.756–1.447; p = 0.785). Even after multivariable adjustment, sex was not associated with prognosis in CS patients (HR = 1.057; 95% CI 0.713–1.564; p = 0.784). Comparable risks of short-term mortality in both sexes were observed irrespective of the presence of AMI-related CS (64.0% vs. 64.6%; log rank p = 0.642; HR = 1.103; 95% CI 0.710–1.713; p = 0.664) and non-AMI-related CS (46.2% vs. 49.2%; log rank p = 0.696; HR = 1.099; 95% CI 0.677–1.783; p = 0.704). Sex was not associated with the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality in CS patients irrespective of CS etiology. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05575856) • The study investigates the prognostic role of sex-related outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) • The rates of CS related to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were higher in males. • In contrast, the risk of 30-day all-cause mortality did not differ among males and females. • Mortality was comparable irrespective of AMI-related CS or non-AMI-related CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to analyze the impact of timing of implantation (strategy-outcome relationship) and volume of procedures (volume-outcome relationship) on survival of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) for cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We conducted an observational retrospective study through two propensity score-based analyses using a nationwide database between January 2013 and December 2019. We classified patients into early implantation (VA ECMO on the day of primary percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) and delayed implantation (VA ECMO beyond the day of PCI) groups. We classified patients into low- or high-volume groups based on the median hospital volume. During the study period 649 VA ECMO were implanted across 20 French hospitals. Mean age was 57.1 ± 10.4 years, 80% were male. Overall, 90-day mortality was 64.3%. Patients in the early implantation group (n = 479, 73.8%) did not show a statistical difference in 90-day mortality than in the delayed group (n = 170, 26.2%) (HR: 1.18; 95% CI 0.94–1.48; p = 0.153). The mean number of VA ECMO implanted during the study period by low-volume centers was 21.3 ± 5.4 as compared to 43.6 ± 11.8 in high-volume centers. There was no significant difference in 90-day mortality between high-volume and low-volume centers (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.82–1.23; p = 0.995). In this real-world nationwide study, we did not find a significant association between early VA ECMO implantation as well as high-volume centers and lower mortality in AMI-related refractory cardiogenic shock. [Display omitted] • 90-day mortality in AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock requiring VA ECMO was 64%. • Early VA ECMO implantation did not show a survival advantage in 90-day mortality. • VA ECMO implantation at high-volume centers did not show a survival advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately half of the patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have also significant atherosclerotic disease affecting coronary segments other than the infarct-related artery. Optimal management of residual lesions in this clinical setting has been a topic of intense research in the last decade. On the one hand, a large body of evidence has consistently shown the benefit of complete revascularization for the reduction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. On the other hand, some crucial aspects such as the optimal timing or the best strategy of the complete treatment approach remain a matter of controversy. In this review, we aim to provide a thorough critical appraisal of the available literature regarding this topic, by discussing areas of relative certainty, gaps in the knowledge, approach to specific clinical subsets and future research directions. • Complete revascularization of STEMI and multivessel disease is beneficial. • Best timing of complete revascularization is uncertain. • Optimal strategy for non-culprit lesions selection is controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are known to be at increased risk for venous thrombosis, while their risk for arterial ischemic events is debated. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the published literature on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in IBD patients and to identify any potential risk factors. The present study was performed according to PRISMA, with a systematic search on PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Risk of MI was the primary end point, while all causes of death and stroke were secondary endpoints. Both univariate and multivariate pooled analysis were performed. An overall population of 515,455 controls and 77,140 persons with IBD (26,852, 34.8% Crohn's disease, CD and 50,288, 65.2% ulcerative colitis, UC) was included. Mean age was similar across controls and IBD. Persons with CD and UC had lower rates of hypertension (14.5% vs. 14.6% vs. 25%), diabetes (2.9% vs. 5.2% vs. 9.2%) and dyslipidaemia (3.3% vs. 6.5% vs. 16.1%) compared to controls. Smoking did not significantly differ (17% vs. 17.5% vs. 10.6%). Pooled results of multivariate adjustment showed that, after a 5 years-follow-up, both CD and UC were at increased risk of MI (respectively HR 1.36 [1.12–1.64] and HR 1.24 [1.05–1.46]), of death (HR 1.55 [1.27–1.90] and HR 1.29 [1.01–1.64]), and of other CV disease as stroke (HR 1.22 [1.01–1.49] and HR 1.09 [1.03–1.15], all 95% CI). Persons with IBD are at increased risk of MI, despite a lower prevalence of the classic risk factors for MI (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia). • 515,455 controls and 77,140 persons with IBD (34.8% Crohn's disease, CD and 65.2% ulcerative colitis, UC) was studied • Multivariate adjustment showed that both CD and UC were at increased risk of MI (respectively HR 1.36 [1.12–1.64] and HR 1.24 [1.05–1.46]) • Persons with IBD are at increased risk of MI, despite a lower prevalence of the classic risk factors for MI [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling in severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a complex process that goes beyond hypertrophic response. Reparative/replacement fibrosis is considered irreversible and has recognized value in both risk stratification and prognosis. Currently, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is the gold-standard imaging technique for fibrosis identification through late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessment. However, its prevalence and distribution are quite variable among series. Our goal was to assess LGE prevalence and patterns in severe AS. Single-center prospective cohort of 140 patients with severe symptomatic high-gradient AS (mean age 72 ± 8 years; mean valvular transaortic gradient 61 ± 18 mmHg; mean LV ejection fraction by echocardiogram 58 ± 9%) undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement. Those with previous myocardial infarction and/or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy were excluded. All patients performed 1.5 T LGE-CMR prior to surgery. Overall, 103 patients (74%) had non-ischemic LGE (median LGE mass 2.8 g [IQR 0.0–7.8] g), many of them with combined mid-wall and junctional enhancement pattern (36%). LGE was most frequently observed in the mid-basal segments of the interventricular septum. Seventy-four patients (53%) had non-exclusively junctional LGE. Contrary to those with junctional enhancement, patients with non-exclusively junctional LGE had higher LV volumes/mass, worse LV ejection fraction and worse global longitudinal strain. Among patients with severe, symptomatic, high-gradient AS, LGE is frequent, primarily affecting the mid-basal interventricular septum. Contrary to junctional LGE, the presence of non-junctional LGE seems to correlate with adverse markers of LV remodeling. • This is a prospective assessment of LGE patterns at CMR in severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients. • LGE was highly-prevalent (74% of patients), even if excluding those with non-exclusively junctional LGE (53%). • LGE was most often observed in the mid-basal inferior interventricular septum, possibly due to an increased wall thickness. • Junctional LGE seems to be independent from LV remodeling process leading to myocardial replacement in AS patients. • This is the largest study assessing LGE prevalence, patterns and distribution in a cohort of severe AS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) commonly have multiple comorbidities, and some die in hospitals due to causes other than cardiac complications. However, limited information is available on noncardiac death in patients hospitalised for AMI. Therefore, the present study was performed to determine the incidence, annual trend, clinical characteristics, and predictors of in-hospital non-cardiac death in patients with AMI using the Tokyo Cardiovascular Care Unit (CCU) network registry. The registry included 38,589 consecutive patients with AMI who were admitted to the CCU between 2010 and 2019. The primary endpoint was in-hospital noncardiac death. Further, predictors of cardiac and non-cardiac death were identified. The incidence of all-cause in-hospital mortality was 7.0% (n = 2700), and the proportion of mortality was 15.6% (n = 420) and 84.4% (n = 2280) for noncardiac and cardiac causes, respectively. The proportion of noncardiac deaths did not change annually over the last decade (p = 0.66). After adjusting for all variables, age, Killip classification grade, peak creatine kinase, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and C-reactive protein were common predictors of cardiac and non-cardiac deaths. Indicators of malnutrition, such as lower body mass index (kg/m2) [odds 0.94, 95%CI (0.90–0.97), p < 0.001] and serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (per 10 mg/dl) [odds 0.92, 95%CI (0.89–0.96), p < 0.001] were the specific predictors for non-cardiac deaths. The incidence of in-hospital noncardiac death was significant in patients with AMI, accounting for 15.6% of all in-hospital mortalities. Thus, prevention and management of non-cardiac complications are vital to improve acute-phase outcomes, especially those with predictors of non-cardiac death. Clinical Features and Predictors of Non-cardiac Death in Patients Hospitalised for Acute Myocardial Infarction. AMI acute myocardial infarction; CCU Cardiovascular Care Unit; BMI body mass index; LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; CRP C-reactive protein; CK creatine kinase; CPA cardiopulmonary arrest; WBC white blood cell; LMCA left main coronary artery; BNP B-type natriuretic peptide. [Display omitted] • This study demonstrates the clinical importance of noncardiac death in AMI. • No previous study has focused on noncardiac death in patients hospitalised for AMI. • Incidence of non-cardiac death was high and has not changed over the last decade. • The management of non-cardiac complications with a comprehensive approach is vital. • Malnutrition may be a key factor for additional care in patients with AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess compliance with European Society of Cardiology (ESC) secondary prevention recommendations in a nationwide contemporary population with diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease. We conducted a retrospective observational study using linked health data in patients across Wales with DM undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (2012–2017). The follow-up was for one year. We analysed the clinical characteristics, medications, target levels for HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and blood pressure against the ESC prevention guidelines. Overall, 3478 patients with diabetes had available data at 1-year post-PCI. Only 43% had HbA1c levels <53 mmol/L, but 81% had blood pressure < 140/80 (current ESC targets). Prescribing frequency of the newer hypoglycaemic agents (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors) was suboptimal, with a higher rate in patients with HbA1c ≥53 mmol/mol. Only 51% & 27% of the patients had LDL-C levels <1.8 &1.4 mmol/L (2016 & 2019 guidelines recommendations respectively), and 55% & 34% had non-HDL-C levels <2.6 & 2.2 mmol/L (2016 & 2019 guidelines respectively). Of the uncontrolled LDL-C patients, 42% (2016 target) and 35% (2019 target) were prescribed high-intensity statins. Females were more likely to have LDL-C targets above the recommended level. Achievement of ESC treatment goals in this very-high risk cohort for DM and hyperlipidaemia was far from optimal, with a low prescription rate of the guidelines-recommended therapy. Target goals for hypertension were met more frequently. An up-to-date analysis reflecting the current practice against the most recent guidelines is warranted. • There is a clinical gap between real-life CV risk factors management and the recommendations laid in the guidelines. • P rescription rate of medications with previous personal experience is higher than relatively newer ones. • Females have a lower probability of achieving the recommended LDL-C targets and is less likely to be followed up. • Secondary prevention optimization is more efficient when managed by specialists rather than primary care physicians [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The angiographic type 4 in SCAD is described as a total occlusion of the coronary artery and its management may differ according to its clinical presentation. We previously have observed that these patients present a low incidence of adverse events. Our objective was to describe clinical and angiographic characteristics of this condition, according to its initial management in the DISCO registry. We conducted an observational study of consecutive SCAD patients from 26 centres of Italy and Spain (DISCO registry). Angiotype 4 SCAD cases were selected and classified according to the initial treatment chosen: conservative management vs. percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Clinical and angiographic characteristics were compared. We recruited 81 (mean age 52.6 ± 11 years) patients with SCAD angiotype 4 out of 302 patients of the DISCO registry. Thirty-eight (46.9%) patients received conservative management and 43 (53.1%) received PCI. Nearly all patients undergoing PCI had ST-segment elevation (93% vs 47.4%, p < 0.0001), the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was more commonly involved (67.4% vs. 42.1%, p = 0.006), and they had more frequent proximal segment involvement (25.6% vs 2.7%, p = 0.004) and longer lesions (46.5 ± 23.2 mm vs 26.4 ± 18.8 mm, p = 0.017). On the other hand, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (52.6% vs 2.3%, p = 0.001) and isolated involvement of secondary branches (55.3 vs 4.7, p < 0.0001) were more common in the conservative management group. Patients with SCAD angiotype 4 who underwent PCI had a higher frequency of STEMI and involvement of proximal and longer coronary segments, particularly affecting the left anterior descending artery. NSTEMI and isolated involvement of secondary branches were more frequently found in those managed conservatively. • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is recognized as an important cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) leading to myocardial infarction. • Angiotype 4 SCAD is described as a total occlusion of the coronary artery and its management may differ according to its clinical presentation. • Angiotype 4 SCAD presented a low incidence of adverse clinical events during admission and in long-term follow-up. • SCAD patients with an angiotype 4 are more propense to receive revascularisation when they present with STEMI, when the vessel is the LAD and when long and proximal segments are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory responses post STEMI may mediate major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). This is the first systematic review to map leukocyte response following a STEMI and its association with outcomes. We systematically searched EMBASE and Medline for studies of STEMIs undergoing primary PCI. Eligible studies reported leukocytes or its subtype plus either 30-day and/or 1-year MACE. Random effects model for pooled proportions was used to estimate 30-day and 1-year mortality and MACE. Meta-regression was used to estimate the effect of leukocyte counts on cardiovascular outcomes. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression-based test. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019124991). Of the 3,813 studies meeting the preliminary search criteria, 24 cohort studies were eligible for inclusion, representing 19,074 persons [76.4% male (n = 14,539); mean age 61.6 years]. Leukocytes had a mean of 10.5x109 (SD 4.7) on admission and 11.1x109 (SD 3.3) at day one post STEMI. Neutrophils increased day one post STEMI, while lymphocytes decreased. There was limited data on other leukocyte subtypes and beyond day one. Estimated 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality were 6.5% (95% CI 4.8-8.2, p <0.001) and 9.7% (95% CI 5.6-13.8, p <0.001), while the estimated 30-day and 1-year MACE were 14.9% (95% CI 5.3-24.4, p < 0.001) and 15.2% (95% CI 7.2-23.2, p < 0.001). The meta-analysis was limited by a high degree of heterogeneity between studies. This review highlights the urgent need to better characterise inflammation post STEMI to identify mediators for the persistently high mortality and morbidity associated with STEMI. • ST elevation myocardial infarction trigger a complex and dynamic inflammatory response • Leukocytes remain persistently elevated for at lest 24 hours post infarct. • Neutrophils increase and lymphocytes significantly decrease post infarct. • No association was established between admission leukocytes with 30 day or 1-year mortality or MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usefulness of the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) criteria in the selection of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors for acute coronary syndrome is unknown. This study investigated whether the selection of antiplatelet agents according to the ARC-HBR criteria could improve clinical outcomes. This multicenter retrospective study included 1261 patients with acute coronary syndrome who received dual antiplatelet therapy, namely clopidogrel (75 mg, n = 529) or prasugrel (3.75 mg, n = 732) in addition to aspirin. The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (NACE) after hospital admission, including ischemic (death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke) and bleeding events (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5). Secondary outcomes were ischemic and bleeding events. For each patient, the observation period was defined as the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after admission. During the observation period (average: 313 days), the rate of NACE was lower in the prasugrel group than the clopidogrel group (20.6% vs. 12.6%, respectively, P < 0.01). In patients who satisfied or did not satisfy the ARC-HBR criteria, prasugrel was associated with a 3.7% and 2.1% lower incidence of NACE, respectively, versus clopidogrel. Ischemic and bleeding events were less frequent in the prasugrel group than the clopidogrel group (11.5% vs. 7.9%, respectively, P = 0.03; 10.6% vs. 5.2%, respectively, P < 0.01). The estimated incidence models for NACE suggested that the difference between clopidogrel and prasugrel was greater in patients who satisfied the ARC-HBR criteria than in those who did not. Prasugrel is preferable to clopidogrel regardless of the ARC-HBR. • We studied whether ARC-HBR has useful for selecting P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. • Study population was 1261 ACS patients, clopidogrel (n = 529) and prasugrel (n = 732). • NACE was lower for the prasugrel group than the clopidogrel group. • It was higher in subgroup with ARC-HBR than that without ARC-HBR in both groups. • Prasugrel is preferred to clopidogrel therapy in ACS patients with ARC-HBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) is a severe complication of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Its incidence is associated with myocardial infarction location, and it occurs frequently after acute anterior wall STEMI due to the larger infarct size. However, predictors of in-hospital HF in patients with acute anterior wall STEMI are inadequately defined. We aimed to determine potential predictors of HF in patients with acute anterior wall STEMI during hospitalization. A total of 714 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with acute anterior wall STEMI and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) between January 2013 to August 2019 were enrolled retrospectively. We assigned the patients to HF and non-HF groups. The clinical parameters were subjected to univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis to obtain the independent predictors. Among the 714 patients enrolled in the present study (mean age 61.0 ± 13.8 years, men 80.7%), 387 (54.2%) had in-hospital HF. According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis, ventricular fibrillation (VF, OR: 5.66, 95% CI: 2.25–14.23, P < 0.001) was the most striking independent predictor of in-hospital HF. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP, OR: 4.72, 95% CI: 2.44–9.10, P < 0.001), age (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04, P < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.97, P < 0.001), and peak N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP, OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.11, P = 0.006) were also independently associated with in-hospital HF. VF, CAP, age, LVEF, and peak NT-pro-BNP were independently associated with in-hospital HF in patients with acute anterior wall STEMI. • In anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, heart failure remains a common complication. • Ventricular fibrillation, community-acquired pneumonia, age, left ventricular ejection fraction, and peak N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were independently associated with in-hospital HF in patients with acute anterior STEMI. • Ventricular fibrillation is the strongest independent predictor of heart failure in patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is the gold standard for measuring infarct size (IS). However, this method is expensive and requires a specially trained technologist to administer. We therefore sought to quantify the IS using machine learning (ML) based analysis on clinical features, which is a convenient and cost-effective alternative to CMR. We included 315 STEMI patients with CMR examined one week after morbidity in final analysis. After feature selection by XGBoost on fifty-six clinical features, we used five ML algorithms (random forest (RF), light gradient boosting decision machine, deep forest, deep neural network, and stacking) to predict IS with 26 (selected by XGBoost with information gain greater than average level of 56 features) and the top 10 features, during which 5-fold cross-validation were used to train and optimize models. We then evaluated the value of actual and ML-IS for the prediction of adverse remodeling. Our finding indicates that MLs outperform the linear regression in predicting IS. Specifically, the RF with five predictors identified by the exhaustive method performed better than linear regression (LR) with 10 indicators (R2 of RF: 0.8; LR: 0). The finding also shows that both actual and ML-IS were independently associated with adverse remodeling. ML-IS ≥ 21% was associated with a twofold increase in the risk of LV remodeling (P < 0.01) compared with patients with reference IS (1st tertile). ML-based methods can predict IS with widely available clinical features, which provide a proof-of-concept tool to quantitatively assess acute phase IS. • Compared with cardiac magnetic resonance, machine learning derived-infarct size can serve as a cost-effective alternative. • XGBoost model derived F1-score was used to identify clinical features predictive of infarct size. • Machine learning derived-infarct size is of equal utility in identifying patient at high risk for adverse remodeling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a 'working diagnosis'. • A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation unravels the pathophysiology of MINOCA in the majority of cases. • Intravascular imaging and coronary physiology are needed in Myocardial ischemia with non-obstructed coronary arteries • Magnetic resonance, computed tomography and coagulation testing are fundamental diagnostic complements in MINOCA/INOCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and patients with peripheral arterial disease (PADs) have an increased bleeding risk. Information is scarce on bleeding in CAD patients, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), who have comorbid PADs. We assessed whether PCI patients with PADs have a higher bleeding risk than PCI patients without PADs. Furthermore, in PCI patients with PADs we evaluated the extent by which bleeding increased the risk of further adverse events. Three-year pooled patient-level data of two randomized PCI trials (BIO-RESORT, BIONYX) with drug-eluting stents were analyzed to assess mortality and the composite endpoint major adverse cardiac events (MACE: all-cause mortality, any myocardial infarction, emergent coronary artery bypass surgery, or target lesion revascularization). Among 5989 all-comer patients, followed for 3 years, bleeding occurred in 7.7% (34/440) with comorbid PADs and 5.0% (279/5549) without PADs (HR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.11–2.23, p = 0.010). Of all PADs patients, those with a bleeding had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality (HR: 4.70, 95%CI: 2.37–9.33, p < 0.001) and MACE (HR: 2.39, 95%CI: 1.23–4.31, p = 0.003). Furthermore, PADs patients with a bleeding were older (74.4 ± 6.9 vs. 67.4 ± 9.5, p < 0.001). After correction for age and other potential confounders, bleeding remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (adj.HR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.37–6.43, p = 0.006) while the relation of bleeding with MACE became borderline non-significant (adj.HR: 1.85, 95%CI: 0.97–3.55, p = 0.06). PCI patients with PADs had a higher bleeding risk than PCI patients without PADs. In PADs patients, bleeding was associated with all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for potential confounders. [Display omitted] • Peripheral arterial disease is confirmed as a serious comorbidity in PCI patients. • PCI patients with peripheral arterial disease had a higher bleeding risk. • Patients with peripheral arterial disease and bleeding had a higher mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with kidney failure have a high risk for cardiovascular events. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic importance of selected biomarkers related to haemostasis, endothelial function, and vascular regulation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and to study whether this association differed in patients with renal dysfunction. Plasma was collected in 1370 ACS patients included between 2008 and 2015. Biomarkers were analysed using a Proximity Extension Assay and a Multiple Reaction Monitoring mass spectrometry assay. To reduce multiplicity, biomarkers correlating with eGFR were selected a priori among 36 plasma biomarkers reflecting endothelial and vascular function, and haemostasis. Adjusted Cox regression were used to study their association with the composite outcome of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, heart failure or death. Interaction with eGFR strata above or below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was tested. Tissue factor, proteinase-activated receptor, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor (suPAR), thrombomodulin, adrenomedullin, renin, and angiotensinogen correlated inversely with eGFR and were selected for the Cox regression. Mean follow-up was 5.2 years during which 428 events occurred. Adrenomedullin, suPAR, and renin were independently associated with the composite outcome. Adrenomedullin showed interaction with eGFR strata (p = 0.010) and was associated with increased risk (HR 1.88; CI 1.44–2.45) only in patients with eGFR ≥60 ml/min/ 1.73 m2. Adrenomedullin, suPAR, and renin were associated with the composite outcome in all. Adrenomedullin, involved in endothelial protection, showed a significant interaction with renal function and outcome, and was associated with the composite outcome only in patients with preserved kidney function. • After acute coronary syndrome, patients with kidney failure have worse outcome. • Proteomic biomarkers reflecting endothelial and vascular function was analysed. • Cohort consisted of 1370 patients with acute coronary syndrome. • Adrenomedullin was associated with outcome only in preserved kidney function patients. • Adrenomedullin differ in prognostic value in relation to kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete revascularization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial (STEMI) improves clinical outcome. Vessel fractional flow reserve (vFFR) has been validated as a non-invasive physiological technology to evaluate hemodynamic lesion significance without need for a dedicated pressure wire or hyperemic agent. This study aimed to assess discordance between vFFR reclassification and treatment strategy in intermediate non-culprit lesions of STEMI patients and to assess the clinical impact of this discordance. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. From January 2018 to December 2019, consecutive eligible STEMI patients were screened based on the presence of a non-culprit vessel with an intermediate lesion (30–80% angiographic stenosis) feasible for offline vFFR analysis. The primary outcome was the percentage of non-culprit vessels with discordance between vFFR and actual treatment strategy. The secondary outcome was two-year vessel-oriented composite endpoint (VOCE), a composite of vessel-related cardiovascular death, vessel-related myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. A total of 441 patients (598 non-culprit vessels) met the inclusion criteria. Median vFFR was 0.85 (0.73–0.91). Revascularization was performed in 34.4% of vessels. Discordance between vFFR and actual treatment strategy occurred in 126 (21.1%) vessels. Freedom from VOCE was higher for concordant vessels (97.5%) as compared to discordant vessels (90.6%)(p = 0.003), particularly due to higher adverse event rates in discordant vessels with a vFFR ≤0.80 but deferred revascularization. In STEMI patients with multivessel disease, discordance between vFFR reclassification and treatment strategy was observed in 21.1% of non-culprit vessels with an intermediate lesion and was associated with increased vessel-related adverse events. vFFR reclassification of non-culprit vessels with an intermediate lesion in patients presenting with STEMI: Impact on treatment strategy and clinical outcome. Legend: CI = confidence interval, HR = hazard ratio, STEMI = ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, vFFR = vessel fractional flow reserve, VOCE = vessel-oriented composite endpoint. [Display omitted] • This study reclassified non-culprit lesions in STEMI patients using vFFR. • Discordance between vFFR and treatment strategy was observed in 21.1%. • Discordance was associated with increased vessel-related adverse events. • Adverse event rates were highest for deferred lesions with a vFFR ≤0.80. • vFFR has the potential to guide revascularization of non-culprit lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When using aspirin for primary prevention: • Updated risk assessment tools are needed to estimate a favorable risk-benefit profile. • CVD risk calculators should include other risk enhancers to reclassify patients. • A validated bleeding-risk tool is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) present as ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study evaluates the characteristics, management and outcomes of SCAD patients presenting as STEMI compared to non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We analysed data from consecutive patients included in the prospective Spanish Registry on SCAD. All coronary angiograms were centrally reviewed. All adverse events were adjudicated by an independent Clinical Events Committee. Between June 2015 to December 2020, 389 patients were included. Forty-two percent presented with STEMI and 56% with NSTEMI. STEMI patients showed a worse distal flow (TIMI flow 0–1 38% vs 19%, p < 0.001) and more severe (% diameter stenosis 85 ± 18 vs 75 ± 21, p < 0.001) and longer (42 ± 23 mm vs 35 ± 24 mm, p = 0.006) lesions. Patients with STEMI were more frequently treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (31% vs 16%, p < 0.001) and developed more frequently left ventricular systolic dysfunction (21% vs 8%, p < 0.001). No differences were found in combined major adverse events during admission (7% vs 5%, p = 0.463), but in-hospital reinfarctions (5% vs 1.4%, p = 0.039) and cardiogenic shock (2.6% vs 0%, p = 0.019) were more frequently seen in the STEMI group. At late follow-up (median 29 months) no differences were found in the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (13% vs 13%, p -value = 0.882) between groups. Patients with SCAD and STEMI had a worse angiographic profile and were more frequently referred to PCI compared to NSTEMI patients. Despite these disparities, both short and long-term prognosis were similar in STEMI and NSTEMI SCAD patients. • In spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), patients presenting with STEMI showed a worse angiographic profile compared to NSTEMI. • SCAD STEMI patients were more frequently treated with PCI, had larger infarcts with more left ventricular systolic dysfunction. • In-hospital reinfarction and cardiogenic shock were more frequently seen in the STEMI SCAD group. • Long-term prognosis after SCAD did not differ between STEMI and NSTEMI SCAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple randomized clinical trials and observational studies in patients with chronic coronary artery disease have evaluated whether revascularization, in particular PCI, can reduce the incidence of future cardiovascular events and relieve angina. Perhaps the two most widely quoted trials are COURAGE and ISCHEMIA. In both trials revascularization did not reduce the incidence of cardiovascular death or non-fatal events. In both, revascularization did relieve angina, particularly in patients with severe pain. From the time of COURAGE to ISCHEMIA there were also multiple developments. In particular improved stent technology with second and third generation drug eluting stents in ISCHEMIA compared to bare metal stents in COURAGE. There was also the development of new methods to evaluate ischemia, in particular the potential surrogate fractional flow reserve. This period also saw improvement and maturation of coronary computed tomography angiography to assess coronary anatomy non-invasively. There was also greater emphasis on more intensive, guideline directed medical therapy to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension. There has also been greater recognition that not all angina is due to epicardial obstructive disease. Microvascular disease and coronary spasm are responsible for much of the symptom burden of ischemia. These data have led to a paradigm shift toward a more nuanced approach to treating stable ischemic heart disease, with less need for revascularization except in cases of particularly severe anatomic disease or unremitting symptoms while on optimal medial therapy. In recognition of the importance of disparities in cardiovascular health, it is crucial to implement preventive strategies with optimal medical therapy in the community. • Multiple studies in patients with CAD have evaluated whether PCI can reduce the incidence of future cardiovascular events and relieve angina. • In COURAGE and ISCHEMIA revascularization did not reduce cardiovascular events but relieve angina, particularly in patients with severe pain. • From the time of COURAGE to ISCHEMIA there were also multiple scientific advances. • Microvascular disease and coronary spasm are responsible for much of the symptom burden of ischemia. • Due to disparities in cardiovascular health, it is crucial to implement optimal preventive strategies in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have analyzed the incidence and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the post-acute phase of COVID-19 infection. To assess the incidence and risk of AMI in COVID-19 survivors after SARS-CoV-2 infection by a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data. Data were obtained searching MEDLINE and Scopus for all studies published at any time up to September 1, 2022 and reporting the risk of incident AMI in patients recovered from COVID-19 infection. AMI risk was evaluated using the Mantel–Haenszel random effects models with Hazard ratio (HR) as the effect measure with 95% confidence interval (CI) while heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins and Thomson I2 statistic. Among 2765 articles obtained by our search strategy, four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria for a total of 20,875,843 patients (mean age 56.1 years, 59.1% males). Of them, 1,244,604 had COVID-19 infection. Over a mean follow-up of 8.5 months, among COVID-19 recovered patients AMI occurred in 3.5 cases per 1.000 individuals compared to 2.02 cases per 1.000 individuals in the control cohort, defined as those who did not experience COVID-19 infection in the same period). COVID-19 patients showed an increased risk of incident AMI (HR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.65–2.26, p < 0.0001, I2 = 83.5%). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of AMI was directly associated with age (p = 0.01) and male gender (p = 0.001), while an indirect relationship was observed when the length of follow-up was utilized as moderator (p < 0.001). COVID-19 recovered patients had an increased risk of AMI. • Recovered COVID-19 infection is associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction • The risk of acute myocardial infarction was 93% higher in COVID-19 recovered patients compared to the general population. • The risk was higher in the early phase after the infection [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely and appropriate transformation of macrophage phenotypes from proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory is essential for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), which is expressed on macrophages, is regulated by proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory stimuli. However, the contribution of CMKLR1 to macrophage phenotypic transformation and the role it plays in modulating cardiac repair after MI remain unclear. CMKLR1 knockout (CMKLR1−/−) mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome engineering. A model of murine MI was induced by permanent ligation along the left anterior descending artery. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Infarct size and collagen deposition were detected by Masson's trichrome staining. Cardiac macrophages were obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The protein and mRNA expression of associated molecules was determined by Western blotting and qRT–PCR. We demonstrated that macrophages highly expressed CMKLR1 and accumulated in murine infarcted hearts during the anti-inflammatory reparative phase of MI. CMKLR1 deficiency impaired cardiac function, increased infarct size, induced maladaptive cardiac remodeling, and decreased long-term survival after MI. Furthermore, CMKLR1 deficiency impeded macrophage phenotypic transformation from M1 to M2 in vivo and in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated that CMKLR1 signaling through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway stimulated C/EBPβ activation while simultaneously limiting NF-κB activation, thereby promoting anti-inflammatory and prohibiting proinflammatory macrophage polarization. Our results reveal that CMKLR1 deficiency impedes macrophage phenotypic transformation and cardiac repair after MI involving the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. CMKLR1 may thus represent a potential therapeutic target for MI. [Display omitted] • CMKLR1-expressing macrophages accumulate in murine infarcted hearts after MI. • CMKLR1 deficiency impedes cardiac repair after MI. • CMKLR1 deficiency impedes macrophage phenotypic transformation after MI. • CMKLR1 deficiency impedes macrophage phenotype transformation in BMDMs. • The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is involved in CMKLR1-mediated macrophage polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an accepted treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Predicting which patients are at risk for adverse clinical outcomes after TAVI remains difficult, especially in women. To identify predictors of adverse events in the WIN-TAVI cohort. The WIN-TAVI study is an observational registry of 1019 women undergoing TAVI for severe symptomatic AS. Follow-up was 1 year. The primary outcome was defined according to VARC-2: a composite of mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction or hospitalization for valve-related symptoms or heart failure. The secondary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization for valve-related symptoms or heart failure. We included 1019 women with severe AS (mean age of 82.5 ± 6.3 years). At 1 year, 16.4% of the patients experienced the primary endpoint and 12.6% the secondary endpoint. The use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) was the strongest independent predictor of the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.079–2.106, p = 0.016). Independent predictors of the secondary endpoint were age (aHR 1.04 per year, 95% CI 1.01–1.074, p = 0.016) and use of OAC (aHR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.24–2.60, p = 0.002). OAC use was not associated with higher bleeding risk. Pre-procedural use of OAC was the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes during 1-year follow-up, likely reflecting a combination of high-risk factors and comorbidities, but was not related to increased bleeding risk. • Predicting adverse outcomes in women after TAVI is challenging. • Use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) was the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes. • OAC use may reflect a combination of high-risk factors and comorbidities. • OAC use may be included in risk assessment after TAVI not only for bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial number of patients present with a suspected ACS and non-obstructive coronary arteries; sex differences in these patients are not well understood. This study aims to evaluate the impact of sex on clinical presentation and outcome in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-obstructive coronary arteries with a final diagnosis confirmed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Consecutive patients with ACS and non-obstructive coronary arteries (n = 719) with an unclear cause from a single tertiary centre who were referred for CMR were included. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. CMR was performed at a median time of 30 days after presentation and identified a diagnosis in 74% of patients. All-cause mortality was 9.5% over a median follow up of 4.9 years, with no significant difference between sexes (8.8% versus 10.1%; p = 0.456). Men were more likely to have non-ischaemic aetiology on CMR than women (55% v 41%, p < 0.001), but were equally likely to have an ischaemic cause (25% v 27%, p = 0.462). Age group (HR 1.58, p < 0.001) and LV ejection fraction (HR 0.98, p = 0.023) were independent predictors of mortality. There is no difference in all-cause mortality between sexes in patients presenting with suspected ACS and non-obstructive coronary arteries. • All-cause mortality was 9.5% over a median follow up of 4.9 years. • There was no overall difference in mortality by sex. • Mortality is highest in the non-ischaemic group in both sexes. • Men were more likely to have a non-ischaemic aetiology on CMR driven by a higher incidence of myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is associated with poorer outcomes and increased complication rates in STEMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data are notably lacking in the Asia-Pacific region. We report the overall association of Diabetes with clinical characteristics and outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing PCI across the Asia-Pacific, with a particular focus on regional differences. The Asia Pacific Evaluation of Cardiovascular Therapies (ASPECT) collaboration consists of data from various PCI registries across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Clinical characteristics, lesion characteristics, and outcomes were provided for STEMI patients. Key outcomes included 30-day overall mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). A total of 12,144 STEMI patients (mean(SD) age 59.3(12.3)) were included, of which 3912 (32.2%) had diabetes. Patients with diabetes were likely to have a higher baseline risk profile, poorer clinical presentation, and more complex lesion patterns (all p < 0.05). Across all regions, patients with diabetes had a higher rate of 30-day mortality and MACE (all p < 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, diabetes was significantly associated with both increased 30-day mortality (9.6%vs 5.5%, OR 1.79 [95% CI 1.40–2.30]) and MACE (13.3% vs 8.6%, R 1.73 [1.44–2.08]). The association between diabetes and 30-day MACE varied by region (p interaction = 0.041), with the association (OR) ranging from 1.34 [1.08–1.67] in Malaysia, to 2.39 [1.66–3.45] in Singapore. Diabetes portends poorer clinical outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing PCI in the Asia-Pacific with regional variations noted. The development of effective preventative measures and interventional strategies targetted at this high-risk group is crucial. • STEMI patients with diabetes present with more severe coronary artery disease. • Diabetes portends poorer clinical outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. • This association is observed in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. • Regional differences in the strength of this association are noted across the Asia-Pacific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary microthromboembolism after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requires urgent and effective treatment. Early and effective recovery of coronary microcirculation perfusion for the management of AMI would be crucial for better prognosis. Ultrasound assisted thrombolysis in the in-vitro experiments have great potential for the elimination of acute coronary microthromboembolism, especially with stable cavitation using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) and dodecafluoropentane-loaded acoustic phase-change nanoparticles (DDFP@NPs). Therefore, our study sought to perform animal experiments using this novel treatment method in a porcine model with acute coronary microthromboembolism for further investigation of potential therapeutic values. Porcine model with acute coronary thromboembolism was established using percutaneous coronary intervention and autologous thrombus injection. For ultrasound assisted thrombolysis, DDFP@NPs were prepared by rotary evaporation and sonication process, and LIFU was optimized. Echocardiography and TTC staining were performed for the evaluation of porcine model establishment and treatment effect. The treatment using LIFU guided DDFP@NPs had almost completely recanalized culprit coronary branch after treatment procedure, and smaller infarcted size (5.4 ± 1.0%), better LVEF (52.5 ± 1.8%) and better coronary microcirculation after 28 days of treatment, which outperformed treatments using LIFU+SonoVue microbubbles (infarcted size: 26.4 ± 3.5% and LVEF: 37.2 ± 3.1%) and LIFU only (infarcted size: 32.2 ± 3.1% and LVEF: 32.2 ± 0.4%) (all P < 0.05), while the treatment effect were similar to treatment using intravenous tissue-plasminogen activator (infarcted size: 4.9 ± 0.9% and LVEF: 53.1 ± 1.1%) (all P > 0.05). Our study has innovatively established a treatment method using DDFP@NPs combined with LIFU irradiation for coronary thrombolysis and verified its treatment effect with high-efficient thrombolysis in the in-vivo experiments, which can be considered as powerful experimental evident of the novel method for potential clinical use of acute coronary thrombolysis. Multidimensional experimental investigations and cautious verification may need before the method could be used as treatment before preliminary clinical trials. • Ultrasound assisted thrombolysis have great potential for the elimination of acute coronary microthromboembolism. • DDFP-loaded nanoparticles combined with ultrasound irradiation can dissolve thrombolysis in the in-vivo experiments. • The thrombolysis mechanism relies on the stable cavitation effect of acoustic phase-change nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRF), comprising diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and smoking, are used for risk stratification in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent studies showed an increasing proportion of SMuRF-less ACS patients. Embase, Medline and Pubmed were searched for studies comparing SMuRF-less and SMuRF patients with first presentation of ACS. We conducted single-arm analyses to determine the proportion of SMuRF-less patients in the ACS cohort, and compared the clinical presentation and outcomes of these patients. Of 1,285,722 patients from 15 studies, 11.56% were SMuRF-less. A total of 7.44% of non-ST-segment-elevation ACS patients and 12.87% of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were SMuRF-less. The proportion of SMuRF-less patients presenting with STEMI (60.71%) tended to be higher than those with SMuRFs (49.21%). Despite lower body mass index and fewer comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke and heart failure, SMuRF-less patients had increased in-hospital mortality (RR:1.57, 95%CI:1.38 to 1.80) and cardiogenic shock (RR:1.39, 95%CI:1.18 to 1.65), but lower risk of heart failure (RR:0.91, 95%CI:0.83 to 0.99). On discharge, SMuRF-less patients were prescribed less statins (RR:0.93, 95%CI:0.91 to 0.95), beta-blockers (RR:0.94, 95%CI:0.92 to 0.96), P2Y12 inhibitors (RR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.96 to 0.99), and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker (RR:0.92, 95%CI:0.75 to 0.91). In this study level meta-analysis, SMuRF-less ACS patients demonstrate higher mortality compared with patients with at least one traditional atherosclerotic risk factor. Underuse of guideline-directed medical therapy amongst SMuRF-less patients is concerning. Unraveling novel risk factors amongst SMuRF-less individuals is the next important step. Standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRF), comprising diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and smoking, are often used for risk stratification in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent studies showed an increasing proportion of SMuRF-less ACS patients. Of 1,285,722 ACS patients, 11.56% were SMuRF-less. Despite lower body mass index and fewer comorbidities, SMuRF-less patients had increased in-hospital mortality and cardiogenic shock. However, despite worse outcomes, SMuRF-less patients were prescribed less guideline-directed medical therapies on discharge. Central Illustration. The Overall Proportion, Clinical Presentation, and Outcomes of SMuRF-less Patients with ACS. [Display omitted] • Standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRF - diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking) are used for stratification in ACS. • Recent studies have showed an increasing proportion of SMuRF-less ACS patients. • Of 1,285,722 ACS patients, 11.56% were SMuRF-less. • Despite fewer comorbidities, SMuRF-less patients had increased in-hospital mortality and cardiogenic shock. • SMuRF-less patients were prescribed less guideline-directed medical therapies on discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whilst it is known patients without standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRF; hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking) have worse outcomes in Type 1 acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the relationship between type 2 AMI (T2AMI) and outcomes in patients with and without SMuRF is unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients hospitalised with T2AMI based on the presence of SMuRF. Using the National Inpatient Sample, all hospitalizations with a primary discharge diagnosis of T2AMI were stratified according to SMuRF status (SMuRF and SMURF-less). Primary outcome was all-cause mortality while secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), major bleeding and ischemic stroke. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Among 17,595 included hospitalizations, 1345 (7.6%) were SMuRF-less and 16,250 (92.4%) were SMuRF. On adjusted analysis, SMuRF-less patients had increased odds of all-cause mortality (aOR 2.43, 95% CI 1.83 to 3.23), MACCE (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.90) and ischaemic stroke (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.56 to 4.24) compared to their SMuRF counterparts. Secondary diagnoses among both cohorts were similar, with respiratory disorders most prevalent followed by cardiovascular and renal disorders. T2AMI in the absence of SMuRF was associated with worse in-hospital outcomes compared to SMuRF-less patients. There was no SMuRF-based difference in the secondary diagnoses with the most common being respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal disorders. Further studies are warranted to improve overall care and outcomes of SMuRF-less patients. [Display omitted] • SMuRF-less patients represent 7.6% of T2AMI admissions. • SMuRF-less patients admitted with T2AMI experience more adverse outcomes. • There was no SMuRF-based difference in secondary diagnoses between each group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between day-1 urine cadmium excretion and 30-day mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at two centers. A total of 286 patients (222 males and 64 females) with AMI from Huashan Hospital, Shanghai and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan were enrolled. Basic vital signs, history, laboratory results, and day-1 urine excretion of cadmium (D1UECd) were recorded. Disease severity was assessed during the first hospitalization using Killip score, APACHE II score, and SOFA score. The main endpoint was 30-day mortality. Among the 286 patients, 218 were from Chung Gung Memorial Hospital and 68 were from Huashan Hospital with an average age of 64.2 years. Forty (14%) patients died within 30 days after AMI. The average 24-h urine cadmium level among the Chung Gung Memorial Hospital cohort was 1.5 ± 2.4 μg compared to 1.7 ± 1.7 μg among Huashan Hospital cohort, both higher than the local populations. A higher D1UECd level was significantly associated with a greater risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 1.68, 95% confidence interval 1.30–2.16) after controlling for a number of covariates. The ability of D1UECd to discriminate 30-day mortality was excellent, with a very high area under the curve (87.2%, 95% CI 82.0–92.5%). D1UECd was positively correlated and an independent predictor of 30-day mortality in the enrolled AMI patients. D1UECd may be a simple, objective prognostic scoring system in AMI patients. • Day-1 urine excretion of cadmium is positively correlated and an independent predictor of 30-day mortality in the enrolled AMI patients. • The prognosis predictive value of Day-1 urine excretion of cadmium is better than Killip, APACHE II and SOFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme components on attaining risk factor targets post-myocardial infarction (MI) and their predictive strength relative to patient characteristics remain unclear. We aimed to identify organizational and patient-level predictors of risk factor target attainment at one-year post-MI. In this observational study data on CR organization at 78 Swedish CR centres was collected and merged with patient-level registry data (n = 7549). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis identified predictors (Variables of Importance for the Projection (VIP) values >0.8) of attaining low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) <1.8 mmol/L, blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mmHg and smoking abstinence. The strongest predictors (VIP [95% CI]) for attaining LDL-C and BP targets were offering psychosocial management (2.14 [1.78–2.50]; 2.45 [1.91–2.99]), having a psychologist in the CR team (1.62 [1.36–1.87]; 2.05 [1.67–2.44]), extended opening hours (2.13 [2.00–2.27]; 1.50 [0.91–2.10]), adequate facilities (1.54 [0.91–2.18]; 1.89 [1.38–2.40]), and having a medical director (1.70 [0.91–2.48]; 1.46 [1.04–1.88]). The strongest patient-level predictors of attaining LDL-C and/or BP targets were low baseline LDL-C (3.95 [3.39–4.51]) and having no history of hypertension (2.93 [2.60–3.26]), respectively, followed by exercise-based CR participation (1.38 [0.66–2.10]; 1.46 [1.14–1.78]). For smoking abstinence, the strongest organizational predictor was varenicline being prescribed by CR physicians (1.88 [0.95–2.80]) and patient-level predictors were participation in exercise-based CR (2.47 [2.07–2.88]) and group education (1.92 [1.43–2-42]), and no cardiovascular disease history (2.13 [1.78–2.48]). We identified multiple CR organizational and patient-level predictors of attaining risk factor targets post-MI. These results may influence the future design of comprehensive CR programmes. • Participation in comprehensive CR programmes after an MI improves prognosis and is highly recommended. • Benefits of various programme components and their predictive strength for attaining risk factor targets are largely unknown. • We identified multiple CR programme components predicting target attainment for LDL-C, blood pressure and smoking abstinence. • The results can contribute to optimally organizing CR programmes, making better use of limited human and economic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With widespread awareness about the harmful effects of traditional smoking, many people are considering using an e-cigarette. However, many studies have shown that e-cigarettes are not entirely harmless, and their use has been implicated in causing major adverse cardiovascular events. We adopted the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct this systematic review. An electronic search was conducted comprehensively through five databases to find the relevant articles. The odds ratio (OR) was used for comparing groups. Meta-analysis was conducted using R statistical software version 3.4.3. A random-effects model was used. A total of 4 studies were included in the analysis incorporating data on 585,306 individuals. Of these, 19,435 were e-cigarettes users, while 1693 used only traditional cigarettes, and 553,095 were non-e-cigarette users. 7.0% of e-cigarettes users suffered an MI (myocardial infarction), while 7.7% and 6.5% of traditional smokers and non-e-cigarettes users suffered an MI. The OR of getting an MI in e-cigarettes (e-cigarettes only or e-cigarettes + traditional smoking) users was 1.33 (95% CI = 1.14–1.56, p -value = 0.01) in comparison to non e-cigarette users (traditional smoking or no smoking). While it is 0.61 (95% CI = 0.40–0.93, p-value 0.02) when compared with traditional smoking. Those using e-cigarettes have higher odds of suffering from an MI in comparison to not using e-cigarettes. However, using e-cigarettes is associated with half risk of the risk of MI in comparison to traditional smoking. • E-cigarettes use is associated with 33% higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) than no-e-cigarettes users. • However, they are associated with 39% percent less risk of MI when compared to traditional smoking. • E-cigarettes should not be propagated as a healthy alternative of traditional cigarettes smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For patients with refractory heart failure despite optimal medical therapy, orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) remains the treatment of choice. Since transplanted hearts have variable cardiac denervation and acute coronary syndrome often presents as a silent myocardial infarction or with atypical symptoms, the true impact of ACS on outcomes within this population needs more study. The aim of this study is to evaluate in-hospital mortality in post-transplant patients with ACS. Utilizing data from the 2002–15 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, patients with a primary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome among those with prior heart transplantation were included. A risk adjusted regression analysis was performed to assess if ACS post-OHT had an independent impact on the risk of in-hospital mortality. A 2:1 propensity matching was used to match ACS patients with and without OHT, respectively to assess differences in mortality. A total of 3,224,073 patients with a primary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome were included, of which 842 (0.03%) were heart-transplant recipients. The type of ACS: NSTEMI (76.0% vs 74.5%; p = 0.32) and STEMI (24.8% vs 26.7%; p = 0.21) between heart transplant and non-heart transplant patients was similar in both groups. Following ACS, patients with heart transplant were more likely to have accompanying shock of any etiology (15.6% vs 3.8%; p < 0.001) and cardiogenic shock (11.2% vs 2.6%; p < 0.001) compared to those with native hearts. OHT patients also had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (14.3% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.001) that remain significant following regression analysis (aOR 3.6, 95% CI 2.8–4.5; p < 0.001) irrespective of the presence of cardiogenic shock compared to native hearts. This relationship remained consistent following propensity matching where patients with OHT had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (13.5% vs. 7%; p < 0.001). ACS following OHT was more likely to have accompanying cardiogenic shock. ACS in the setting of prior OHT remained a strong independent predictor of higher mortality as compared to native hearts. • Following acute coronary syndrome, heart transplant recipients were more likely to develop shock of any etiology (including cardiogenic shock) compared to those with native hearts. • Following acute coronary syndrome, heart transplant recipients had significant higher in-hospital mortality compared to those with native hearts, irrespective of the development of cardiogenic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. Multivessel (MV) SCAD is a challenging clinical presentation that might be associated to a worse prognosis compared with patients with single-vessel (SV) involvement. The Spanish multicentre nationwide prospective SCAD registry included 389 consecutive patients. Patients were classified, according to the number of affected vessels, in SV or MV SCAD. Major adverse events (MAE) were analyzed during hospital stay and major cardiac or cerebrovascular adverse events (MACCE) at long-term clinical follow-up. A total of 41 patients (10.5%) presented MV SCAD. These patients had more frequently a previous history of hypothyroidism (22% vs 11%, p = 0.04) and anxiety disorder (32% vs 16%, p = 0.01). MV SCAD patients presented more often as non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (73% vs 52%, p = 0.01) and showed less frequently type 1 angiographic lesions (12% vs 21%, p = 0.04). An impaired initial Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow 0–1 was less frequent (14% vs 29%, p < 0.01) in MV SCAD. In both groups, most patients were treated conservatively (71% vs 79%, p = NS). No differences were found regarding in-hospital MAE or MACCE at late follow-up (median 29 ± 11 months). However, the rate of stroke was higher in MV SCAD patients, both in-hospital (2.4% vs 0%, p < 0.01) and at follow-up (5.1% vs 0.6%, p = 0.01). Patients with MV SCAD have some distinctive clinical and angiographic features. Although composite clinical outcomes, in-hospital and at long-term follow-up, were similar to those seen in patients with SV SCAD, stroke rate was significantly higher in patients with MV SCAD. • MV SCAD patients showed a different clinical and angiographic profile when compared with SV SCAD patients. • There were no significant differences in combined clinical events, in-hospital MAE and follow up MACCE, between groups. • Peripartum status was more frequent among patients with MV SCAD. • MV SCAD patients presented a higher risk of stroke, both during admission and at long-term follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to assess the clinical impact of Covid-19 infection on mortality in patients with Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) admitted during the national outbreak in Italy. We analysed a nationwide, comprehensive, and universal administrative database of consecutive NSTEMI patients admitted during lockdown for Covid-19 infection (March,11st - May 3rd, 2020) and the equivalent periods of the previous 5 years in Italy. The observed rate of 30-day and 6-month all-cause mortality of NSTEMI patients with and without Covid-19 infection during the lockdown was compared with the expected rate of death according to the trend of the previous 5 years. During the period of observation, 48.447 NSTEMI hospitalizations occurred in Italy. Among these, 4981 NSTEMI patients were admitted during the 2020 outbreak: 173 (3.5%) with and 4808 (96.5%) without a Covid-19 diagnosis. According to the 5-year trend, the 2020 expected rate of 30-day and 6-month all-cause mortality was 6.5% and 12.2%, while the observed incidence of death was 8.3% (p = 0.001) and 13.6% (p = 0.041), respectively. Excluding NSTEMI patients with a Covid-19 diagnosis, the 6-month mortality rate resulted in accordance with the prior 5-year trend. After multiple corrections, the presence of Covid-19 diagnosis resulted one of the independent predictors of all-cause mortality at 30 days [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.3; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.90–6.23; p < 0.0001] and 6 months (adjusted OR 3.5; 95% CI: 2.43–5.03; p < 0.0001). During the 2020 national outbreak in Italy, a concomitant diagnosis of Covid-19 in NSTEMI was associated with a significantly higher rate of mortality. • Our data documented a marked reduction of hospital admissions for NSTEMI during the outbreak for Covid-19 in Italy • All-cause death was higher compared with mortality trends for NSTEMI of the same calendar periods in the previous 5 years • Excluding NSTEMI with Covid-19 infection, the observed 6-month mortality rate was in accordance with the 5-years trend [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the best strategy to achieve complete revascularization (CR) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multi-vessel disease (MVD). We systematically reviewed the literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IRA-only PCI and CR guided by angiography or fractional flow reserve (FFR) in MVD-STEMI. Both frequentist (classical) and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed, including a comparative hierarchy estimation of the probability to reduce the primary composite endpoint of all-cause death and new myocardial infarction (MI). We identified 11 RCTs, including 8193 STEMI patients. Compared with IRA-only strategy, CR significantly reduced the primary endpoint (OR: 0.73; 95%CI0.55–0.97). We observed non-significant difference between angiography and FFR guidance in reducing the primary endpoint (OR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.35–1.57). The Bayesian probability analysis ranked angio-guided CR as the best intervention yielding lowest risk of all-cause death or new MI (SUCRA92%). In patients with MVD-STEMI, CR is associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and new MI compared with IRA-only PCI. Angio-guided CR is associated with the lowest risk of all-cause death or new MI, therefore the role of FFR-guidance in this setting is questionable. Both frequentist and Bayesian network meta-analysis were performed to compare infarct-related artery (IRA)-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and complete revascularization (CR) guided by angiography or fractional flow reserve (FFR) in multivessel disease (MVD) and acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Eleven randomized controlled trials were identified, including 8193 STEMI patients. Compared with IRA-only strategy, CR significantly reduced the incidence of the composite endpoint of all-cause death and new myocardial infarction without significant difference in angio-guided and FFR-guided CR. The Bayesian probability analysis ranked angio-guided CR as the best intervention yielding lowest risk of the composite endpoint and, therefore the role of FFR-guidance in this setting is questionable. • A meta-analysis of 11 trials compared angio-guided vs FFR-guided revascularization in STEMI. • Complete revascularization significantly reduced the incidence of all-cause death and new myocardial infarction • The Bayesian probability analysis ranked angio-guided CR as the best intervention yielding lowest risk [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high body mass index (BMI) is often associated with metabolic syndrome, which is accompanied by systemic low-grade chronic inflammation. Here, we analyzed whether BMI, other components of metabolic syndrome, and/or inflammatory markers correlate with left ventricular geometry, function, and infarct size as assessed by serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a first (clinically evident) ST-elevation MI (STEMI). Within the Etiology, Titre-Course, and effect on Survival (ETiCS) study, cardiac MRI conducted 7–9 days and 12 months after MI enabled longitudinal characterization of patients with a first STEMI along with serial routine blood counts and multiplex cytokine measurements. Of 91 locally included STEMI patients, 47% were overweight (25 kg/m2 < BMI < 30 kg/m2) and 24% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). No patient died during 12 months of follow-up. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), measured 7–9 days after STEMI, was significantly lower in overweight (49.5 ± 7.1%) and obese (45.8 ± 12.0%) patients than in the normal weight group (56.2 ± 7.7%). Along with BMI (T = -3.8; p < 0.001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; T = -3.1; p = 0.004) and peak C-reactive protein (T = -2.6; p = 0.013) emerged as independent predictors of worse LVEF 7–9 days post MI (R2 = 0.45). Only peak C-reactive protein (T = -4.4; p < 0.001), but not parameters of the metabolic syndrome, predicted worse LVEF 12 months after STEMI (R2 = 0.20). Both BMI and HbA1c correlated negatively with LVEF only early, but not late after STEMI. Peak CRP evolved as strongest predictor of cardiac function at all time points independent of the metabolic syndrome. • Body mass index and HbA1c correlate negatively with ejection fraction early after myocardial infarction • Peak C-reactive protein independently associates with lower ejection fraction at all time points • The differential role of inflammation needs to be investigated further via a preclinical approach [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies investigating predictors of Heart Failure (HF) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were mostly conducted during fibrinolytic era or restricted to baseline characteristics and diagnoses prior to admission. We assessed the incidence and predictors of HF hospitalizations among patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS. CORALYS is a multicenter, retrospective, observational registry including consecutive patients treated with PCI for ACS. Patients with known history of HF or reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were excluded. Incidence of HF hospitalizations was the primary endpoint. The composite of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death, and cardiovascular and all-cause death were the secondary endpoints. Predictors of HF hospitalizations and the impact of HF hospitalization on cardiovascular and all-cause death were assessed by means of multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.14699 patients were included. After 2.9 ± 1.8 years, the incidence of HF hospitalizations was 12.7%. Multivariable analysis identified age, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, previous myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary disease, GRACE risk-score ≥ 141, peripheral artery disease, cardiogenic shock at admission and LVEF ≤40% as independently associated with HF hospitalizations. Complete revascularization was associated with a lower risk of HF (HR 0.46,95%CI 0.39–0.55). HF hospitalization was associated with higher risk of CV and all-cause death (HR 1.89,95%CI 1.5–2.39 and HR 1.85,95%CI 1.6–2.14, respectively). Incidence of HF hospitalizations among patients treated with PCI for ACS is not negligible and is associated with detrimental impact on patients' prognosis. Several variables may help to assess the risk of HF after ACS. Central Illustration: Summary of study findings. HF: heart failure; CV: cardiovascular; PCI: percutaneous coronary intervention; PAD: peripheral artery disease; MI: myocardial infarction; CKD: chronic kidney disease; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction; CS: cardiogenic shock. [Display omitted] • Incidence of heart failure after ACS in the modern PCI era is still not negligible • Several clinical and procedural variables may help identifying patients at high risk of developing HF after ACS. • We report that HF development is associated with an impaired prognosis among patients treated with PCI for ACS. • Identification of patients at high risk of HF may help to standardize clinical and pharmacological recommendations at discharge. • Such patients may also get the best benefit from intensive secondary prevention strategies and complete revascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COMBO (OrbusNeich Medical, Hong Kong) is a dual-therapy coronary stent featuring sirolimus as antiproliferative drug and an anti-CD34+ antibody coating to attract endothelial progenitor cells favoring rapid stent re-endothelization. The Mega COMBO collaboration aimed to evaluate the performance of the COMBO stent in a large contemporary cohort of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patient-level data of subjects undergoing PCI with the COMBO stent from the REMEDEE-Trial, REMEDEE-OCT, HARMONEE, REDUCE, SORT OUT X, REMEDEE-Registry and MASCOT studies were pooled together. The primary endpoint was 1-year target lesion failure (TLF), a composite of cardiovascular death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) or clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR). Secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary endpoint and stent thrombosis (ST). Endpoints were evaluated against performance goals based on the EAPCI (the European Association of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) recommendations for new drug-eluting stents. A total of 6753 patients (mean age 63.7 ± 11.4 years, 23% women) were included. At 1-year follow-up, TLF occurred in 303 (4.6%) patients. The rates of cardiovascular death, TV-MI, and CD-TLR were 1.3%, 1.8%, and 2.5%, respectively. The rate of definite/probable ST was 0.73%, early ST (<1 month) was 0.48%, while late ST (1–12 months) was 0.26%. The performance goals were met for all of the evaluated endpoints. This large patient-level pooled analysis provides a comprehensive outline of the performance of the dual-therapy COMBO stent. The low rates of primary and secondary endpoints suggest that this stent technology may be a good alternative to other contemporary drug eluting coronary stent platforms. • Despite promising early studies on the dual-therapy COMBO stent, recent randomized-controlled clinical trials have yielded mixed findings. • This individual patient data analysis of 5 randomized trials and 2 prospective registries represents the largest study on patients undergoing PCI with the COMBO stent. • The observed 1-year event rates favorably compared against the EAPCI performance goals for second generation DES. • Characteristics of the study cohort reflect a real-world PCI population; the low rates of adverse events provide reassurance on the safety and efficacy of the COMBO stent. • The COMBO stent represents a reasonable alternative to other drug-eluting stent platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of myocardial revascularization on outcomes and prognosis in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) without left main (LM) disease or reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) may be influenced by the revascularization strategy adopted. We performed a network meta-analysis including 18 randomized controlled trials comparing different revascularization strategies, including angiography-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), physiology-guided PCI and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), in patients with CCS without LM disease or reduced LVEF. Compared with medical therapy, all revascularization strategies were associated with a reduction of the primary endpoint, as defined in each trial, the extent of which was modest with angiography-guided PCI (IRR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.99) and greater with physiology-guided PCI (IRR 0.60, 95% CI 0.47–0.77) and CABG (IRR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48–0.70). Moreover, angiography-guided PCI was associated with an increase of the primary endpoint compared to physiology-guided PCI (IRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14–1.79) and CABG (IRR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27–1.74). CABG was the only strategy associated with reduced myocardial infarction (IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52–0.90), cardiovascular death (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64–0.89), and all-cause death (IRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.99), but increased stroke (IRR 1.69, 95% CI 1.04–2.76). In CCS patients without LM disease or reduced LVEF, physiology-guided PCI and CABG are associated with better outcomes than angiography-guided PCI. Compared with medical therapy, CABG is the only revascularization strategy associated with a reduction of myocardial infarction and death rates, at the cost of higher risk of stroke. Study registration: This study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022313612). Incidence rate ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals for the included outcomes. In chronic coronary syndrome without left main disease or reduced ejection fraction, angiography-guided PCI is associated with increased primary endpoint, as defined in each trial, compared to physiology-guided PCI and CABG. Compared with medical therapy, CABG is the only revascularization strategy associated with a reduction of myocardial infarction and death rates, at the cost of higher risk of stroke. Bold type: statistically significant. PCI = percutaneous coronary intervention; CABG: coronary artery bypass graft. [Display omitted] • The impact of myocardial revascularization on outcomes and prognosis in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) without left main (LM) disease or reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) may be influenced by the revascularization strategy adopted. • At network meta-analysis exploring the comparative effects of different revascularization strategies, physiology-guided PCI and CABG were associated with better outcomes than angiography-guided PCI. Compared with medical therapy, CABG is the only revascularization strategy associated with a reduction of myocardial infarction and death rates, at the cost of higher risk of stroke. • Whether physiology-guided PCI using latest generation stent platforms and implementing state-of-the-art stent implantation techniques may fill the gap currently exists between PCI and CABG, particularly about MI and mortality reduction, requires further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data regarding long-term cardiac and cerebrovascular adverse events in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and apical aneurysm (AAn) are scarce and specific treatment strategies that include the use of anticoagulants have not yet been established. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and long-term prognostic implication based on characteristics of AAn in patients with HCM. A total of 458 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCM underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography from August 1, 2008 to December 31, 2015. AAn was classified into Grade 1 and Grade 2 based on size and morphology. The patients were followed up for a median duration of 6.3 years (range, 4.2–8.7 years) for major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs); a composite of cardiac death, HCM-related hospitalization, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), heart transplantation, myocardial infarction, and implantable cardiac defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy. AAn was detected in 9.2%. MACCEs developed more frequently in patients with AAn than in those without AAn (30.1% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.015), with the rate of CVA as the main difference (9.7% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.011). Grade 2 AAn group showed significantly higher MACCE than Grade 1 AAn group (41.8% vs. 21.9%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the presence of AAn was independently associated with increased risk of MACCEs (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.95; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.16–3.28; P = 0.012). AAn is independently associated with increased risk of HCM-related adverse events, especially cerebral infarction, with significant relationship between aneurysm size and adverse events. • Overall incidence of AAn in HCM was 9.2%, which was most frequently found in patients with apical and diffuse type of HCM. • Patients with AAn showed a higher risk of MACCEs compared with patients without AAn, especially for CVA. • AAn with thinning and outpouching of the apex or aneurysmal change of the whole apical segment showed the highest risk of MACCEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among patients who present with acute myocardial infarction (MI), 2–6% are found to have non-obstructive coronary arteries (NOCA). Patients with MINOCA are more commonly women and present at a younger age (51–59 years). The influence of sex on adverse event rates remains unclear. PubMed, MEDLINE, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), EMBASE, EBSCO, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched for trials comparing gender differences in clinical outcomes among patients with MINOCA from inception through April 10, 2022. The primary endpoint of the study was composite major adverse clinical events (MACE) including all-cause mortality, non-fatal MI, stroke, and cardiovascular readmissions, and secondary endpoints were the individual components of the MACE. Seven studies with a total of 28,671 MINOCA patients were included (n = 11,249 men and n = 17,422 women) over a mean follow-up of 2 years. Women had more MACE than men (10.1% vs. 9.1%, OR 1.15, 1.04–1.23, I2 = 44.7%). Among secondary endpoints, only the incidence of stroke was higher in women (3.5% vs. 2.2%, OR 1.3, 1.01–1.68, I2 = 0%). All-cause mortality, non-fatal MI, and cardiovascular readmissions were not significantly different between the two groups. We hypothesize that small vessel disease associated with MINOCA drives MACE in women and the diminishing influence of estrogen, hypercoagulability and underprescribing could contribute to the differences sex-related outcomes. • The influence of sex on adverse events in MINOCA remains unclear. • Our meta-analysis of >28,000 MINOCA patients showed women had more MACE than men (10.1% vs. 9.1%). • The adverse events in women were driven only by higher incidence of stroke in women (3.5% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.05). • Diminishing influence of estrogen, hypercoagulability, and underprescribing in women are likely contributors to MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about prevalence and predictors of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) in Fabry disease (FD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We assessed and compared the prevalence and predictors of MINOCA in a large cohort of HCM and FD patients. In this multicenter, retrospective study we enrolled 2870 adult patients with HCM and 267 with FD. The only exclusion criterion was documented obstructive coronary artery disease. MINOCA was defined according to guidelines. For each patient we collected clinical, ECG and echocardiographic data recorded at initial evaluation. Overall, 36 patients had MINOCA during a follow-up period of 4.5 ± 11.2 years. MINOCA occurred in 16 patients with HCM (0.5%) and 20 patients with FD (7.5%; p < 0.001). The difference between the 2 groups was highly significant, also after adjustment for the main clinical, ECG and echocardiographic variables (OR 6.12; 95%CI 2.80–13.3; p < 0.001). In the FD population MINOCA occurred in 17 out of 96 patients with left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH, 17.7%) and in 3 out of 171 patients without LVH (1.7%; OR 12.0; 95%CI 3.43–42.3; p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, voltage criteria for LVH at ECG (OR 7.3; 95%CI 1.93–27.7; p = 0.003) and maximal LV wall thickness at echocardiography (OR 1.15; 95%CI 1.05–1.27; p = 0.002) maintained an independent association with MINOCA. No major significant differences were found in clinical, ECG and echocardiographic findings between HCM patients with or without MINOCA. MINOCA was rare in HCM patients, and 6-fold more frequent in FD patients. MINOCA may be considered a red flag for FD and aid in the differential diagnosis from HCM. • MINOCA is 6-fold more frequent in Fabry Disease vs Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. • MINOCA may be considered a red flag for Fabry Disease. • In Fabry Disease, MINOCA is associated to a more advanced stage of cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]