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The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is an easily accessible surrogate marker of insulin resistance, an important pathway in the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the association of the TyG index with cardiovascular diseases and mortality has mainly been investigated in Asia, with few data available from other regions of the world. We assessed the association of insulin resistance (as determined by the TyG index) with mortality and cardiovascular diseases in individuals from five continents at different levels of economic development, living in urban or rural areas. We also examined whether the associations differed according to the country's economical development.We used the TyG index as a surrogate measure for insulin resistance. Fasting triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose were measured at the baseline visit in 141 243 individuals aged 35-70 years from 22 countries in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The TyG index was calculated as Ln (fasting triglycerides [mg/dL] x fasting plasma glucose [mg/dL]/2). We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) using a multivariable Cox frailty model with random effects to test the associations between the TyG index and risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. The primary outcome of this analysis was the composite of mortality or major cardiovascular events (defined as death from cardiovascular causes, and non-fatal myocardial infarction, or stroke). Secondary outcomes were non-cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular mortality, all myocardial infarctions, stroke, and incident diabetes. We also did subgroup analyses to examine the magnitude of associations between insulin resistance (ie, the TyG index) and outcome events according to the income level of the countries.During a median follow-up of 13·2 years (IQR 11·9-14·6), we recorded 6345 composite cardiovascular diseases events, 2030 cardiovascular deaths, 3038 cases of myocardial infarction, 3291 cases of stroke, and 5191 incident cases of type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for all other variables, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increased across tertiles of the baseline TyG index. Compared with the lowest tertile of the TyG index, the highest tertile (tertile 3) was associated with a greater incidence of the composite outcome (HR 1·21; 95% CI 1·13-1·30), myocardial infarction (1·24; 1·12-1·38), stroke (1·16; 1·05-1·28), and incident type 2 diabetes (1·99; 1·82-2·16). No significant association of the TyG index was seen with non-cardiovascular mortality. In low-income countries (LICs) and middle-income countries (MICs), the highest tertile of the TyG index was associated with increased hazards for the composite outcome (LICs: HR 1·31; 95% CI 1·12-1·54; MICs: 1·20; 1·11-1·31; pThe TyG index is significantly associated with future cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, suggesting that insulin resistance plays a promoting role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Potentially, the association between the TyG index and the higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in LICs and MICs might be explained by an increased vulnerability of these populations to the presence of insulin resistance.Full funding sources are listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

Cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may clinically vary from being silent to catastrophic. Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) is the neuronal injury in the absence of clinically appearent stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) is suggested to be a valid surrogate biomarker that allows to detect recent neuronal injury. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of recent SCI by positive NSE levels in patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF) on oral anticoagulants. Blood samples for NSE were collected from 197 consecutive NVAF patients. NSE levels of greater than 12 ng/ml was considered as positive and suggestive of SCI. Patients were mainly female with a mean age of 69 years. Ninety-eight of them (49.7%) were taking warfarin. Mean INR level was 2.3 ± 0.9. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of the study population was 3.5 ± 1.5. Seventy-two patients (36.5%) were found to have NSE elevation. They were more likely to have history of chronic heart failure and previous stroke/TIA. Increased left atrial diameter and higher CHA2DS2-VASc were other factors associated with SCI. Patients on DOACs and patients taking aspirin on top of oral anticoagulant treatment were less likely to have SCI. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increased left atrial diameter (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.52–4; p < 0.001) and use of warfarin (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.37–5.61; p = 0.005) were detected as independent predictors of SCI. Our study revealed that DOACs were associated with significantly reduced SCIs compared with warfarin, probably due to more effective and consistent therapeutic level of anticoagulation.

Cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may clinically vary from being silent to catastrophic. Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) is the neuronal injury in the absence of clinically appearent stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) is suggested to be a valid surrogate biomarker that allows to detect recent neuronal injury. We aimed to evaluate the incidence ofBlood samples for NSE were collected from 197 consecutive NVAF patients. NSE levels of greater than 12 ng/ml was considered as positive and suggestive of SCI.Patients were mainly female with a mean age of 69 years. Ninety-eight of them (49.7%) were taking warfarin. Mean INR level was 2.3 ± 0.9. Mean CHAOur study revealed that DOACs were associated with significantly reduced SCIs compared with warfarin, probably due to more effective and consistent therapeutic level of anticoagulation.

Objectives:Heart failure (HF) is associated with high mortality and atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). We aimed to assess whether new-onset AF is an independent poor prognostic factor in this group of patients. We also searched for parameters that might influence the in-hospital mortality in reduced EF heart failure (HFrEF) patients.Materials and Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study investigating the admission characteristics and in-hospital events for 119 HFrEF patients at sinus rhytym, admitted for decompensated heart failure. We evaluated the in-hospital mortality and aimed to identify the predictive factors.Results:Overall 12% of the heart failure patients died during hospitalization. The mean age of the study population was 71±9 years with 37% female. The mean EF was 27±7% and mean duration of hospitalization was 9±4 days. Patients with lower body mass index, lower glomerular filtration rate and patients with longer hospitalization had significantly higher in-hospital mortality rates (p=0.02, p=0.04 and p=0.001, respectively). New-onset AF, restrictive filling pattern and being angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers naive were factors significantly related to higher mortality (p=0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). Long hospitalization duration and new-onset AF at hospital were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality [p=0.006 Odds ratio (OR): 1.394 (1.098-1.771) and p=0.012 OR: 10.869 (2.677-71.428), respectively].Conclusion:In hospital outcome of patients admitted with decompensated HFrEF is poor. In our trial, patients with new-onset AF and patients with longer hospitalization duration had higher mortality rates. An understanding of the risk factors for in-hospital deaths may help improving intensive care for this patient population.

Digital, IMPORTANCE Stress may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most studies on stress and CVD have been conducted in high-income Western countries, but whether stress is associated with CVD in other settings has been less well studied. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of a composite measure of psychosocial stress and the development of CVD events and mortality in a large prospective study involving populations from 21 high-, middle-, and low-income countries across 5 continents. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This population-based cohort study used data from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study, collected between January 2003 and March 2021. Participants included individuals aged 35 to 70 years living in 21 low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Data were analyzed from April 8 to June 15, 2021. EXPOSURES All participants were assessed on a composite measure of psychosocial stress assessed at study entry using brief questionnaires concerning stress at work and home, major life events, and financial stress. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The outcomes of interest were stroke, major coronary heart disease (CHD), CVD, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS A total of 118 706 participants (mean [SD] age 50.4 [9.6] years; 69 842 [58.8%] women and 48 864 [41.2%] men) without prior CVD and with complete baseline and follow-up data were included. Of these, 8699 participants (7.3%) reported high stress, 21 797 participants (18.4%) reported moderate stress, 34 958 participants (29.4%) reported low stress, and 53 252 participants (44.8%) reported no stress. High stress, compared with no stress, was more likely with younger age (mean [SD] age, 48.9 [8.9] years vs 51.1 [9.8] years), abdominal obesity (2981 participants [34.3%] vs 10 599 participants [19.9%]), current smoking (2319 participants [26.7%] vs 10 477 participants [19.7%]) and former smoking (1571 participants [18.1%] vs 3978 participants [7.5%]), alcohol use (4222 participants [48.5%] vs 13 222 participants [24.8%]), and family history of CVD (5435 participants [62.5%] vs 20 255 participants [38.0%]). During a median (IQR) follow-up of 10.2 (8.6-11.9) years, a total of 7248 deaths occurred. During the course of follow-up, there were 5934 CVD events, 4107 CHD events, and 2880 stroke events. Compared with no stress and after adjustment for age, sex, education, marital status, location, abdominal obesity, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and family history of CVD, as the level of stress increased, there were increases in risk of death (low stress: hazard ratio [HR], 1.09 [95% CI, 1.03-1.16]; high stress: 1.17 [95% CI, 1.06-1.29]) and CHD (low stress: HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.01-1.18]; high stress: HR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.08-1.42]). High stress, but not low or moderate stress, was associated with CVD (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.08-1.37]) and stroke (HR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.09-1.56]) after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found that higher psychosocial stress, measured as a composite score of self-perceived stress, life events, and financial stress, was significantly associated with mortality as well as with CVD, CHD, and stroke events., Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud

Background Socioeconomic status is associated with differences in risk factors for cardiovascular disease incidence and outcomes, including mortality. However, it is unclear whether the associations between cardiovascular disease and common measures of socioeconomic status—wealth and education—differ among high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries, and, if so, why these differences exist. We explored the association between education and household wealth and cardiovascular disease and mortality to assess which marker is the stronger predictor of outcomes, and examined whether any differences in cardiovascular disease by socioeconomic status parallel differences in risk factor levels or differences in management. Methods In this large-scale prospective cohort study, we recruited adults aged between 35 years and 70 years from 367 urban and 302 rural communities in 20 countries. We collected data on families and households in two questionnaires, and data on cardiovascular risk factors in a third questionnaire, which was supplemented with physical examination. We assessed socioeconomic status using education and a household wealth index. Education was categorised as no or primary school education only, secondary school education, or higher education, defined as completion of trade school, college, or university. Household wealth, calculated at the household level and with household data, was defined by an index on the basis of ownership of assets and housing characteristics. Primary outcomes were major cardiovascular disease (a composite of cardiovascular deaths, strokes, myocardial infarction, and heart failure), cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Information on specific events was obtained from participants or their family. Findings Recruitment to the study began on Jan 12, 2001, with most participants enrolled between Jan 6, 2005, and Dec 4, 2014. 160 299 (87·9%) of 182 375 participants with baseline data had available follow-up event data and were eligible for inclusion. After exclusion of 6130 (3·8%) participants without complete baseline or follow-up data, 154 169 individuals remained for analysis, from five low-income, 11 middle-income, and four high-income countries. Participants were followed-up for a mean of 7·5 years. Major cardiovascular events were more common among those with low levels of education in all types of country studied, but much more so in low-income countries. After adjustment for wealth and other factors, the HR (low level of education vs high level of education) was 1·23 (95% CI 0·96–1·58) for high-income countries, 1·59 (1·42–1·78) in middle-income countries, and 2·23 (1·79–2·77) in low-income countries (pinteractionInterpretation Although people with a lower level of education in low-income and middle-income countries have higher incidence of and mortality from cardiovascular disease, they have better overall risk factor profiles. However, these individuals have markedly poorer health care. Policies to reduce health inequities globally must include strategies to overcome barriers to care, especially for those with lower levels of education. Funding Full funding sources are listed at the end of the paper (see Acknowledgments).

ObjectivesWe aimed to examine the relationship between access to medicine for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among people at high risk of CVD in high-income countries (HICs), upper and lower middle-income countries (UMICs, LMICs) and low-income countries (LICs) participating in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.MethodsWe defined high CVD risk as the presence of any of the following: hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, smoker, diabetes or age >55 years. Availability and affordability of blood pressure lowering drugs, antiplatelets and statins were obtained from pharmacies. Participants were categorised: group 1—all three drug types were available and affordable, group 2—all three drugs were available but not affordable and group 3—all three drugs were not available. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with nested clustering at country and community levels, adjusting for comorbidities, sociodemographic and economic factors.ResultsOf 163 466 participants, there were 93 200 with high CVD risk from 21 countries (mean age 54.7, 49% female). Of these, 44.9% were from group 1, 29.4% from group 2 and 25.7% from group 3. Compared with participants from group 1, the risk of MACEs was higher among participants in group 2 (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.31), and among participants from group 3 (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.50).ConclusionLower availability and affordability of essential CVD medicines were associated with higher risk of MACEs and mortality. Improving access to CVD medicines should be a key part of the strategy to lower CVD globally.

OBJECTIVE Although patients with prosthetic heart valves have an increased risk of clinically overt cerebrovascular events, evidence for the risk of silent cerebral infarction (SCI) is scarce. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is suggested to be a valid biomarker that allows for the quantification of the degree of neuronal injury. We aimed to assess whether NSE is elevated as a marker of recent SCI in patients with a prosthetic mitral valve. METHODS We measured the NSE levels in 103 patients with a prosthetic mitral valve (PMV), admitted to our outpatient clinics for routine evaluation. International normalized ratio (INR) and time in target therapeutic range (TTR) were noted as anticoagulation quality measures. RESULTS Most of the patients were females (58%), and a mean age was 65 years. NSE values of >12 ng/mL, suggesting a recent SCI, was detected in 25 patients (24%). NSE was negatively correlated with admission INR (r=-0.307, p=0.002). Multivariate analyses demonstrated subtherapeutic INR (INR

WHO recommends that populations consume less than 2 g/day sodium as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease, but this target has not been achieved in any country. This recommendation is primarily based on individual-level data from short-term trials of blood pressure (BP) without data relating low sodium intake to reduced cardiovascular events from randomised trials or observational studies. We investigated the associations between community-level mean sodium and potassium intake, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study is ongoing in 21 countries. Here we report an analysis done in 18 countries with data on clinical outcomes. Eligible participants were adults aged 35-70 years without cardiovascular disease, sampled from the general population. We used morning fasting urine to estimate 24 h sodium and potassium excretion as a surrogate for intake. We assessed community-level associations between sodium and potassium intake and BP in 369 communities (all50 participants) and cardiovascular disease and mortality in 255 communities (all100 participants), and used individual-level data to adjust for known confounders.95 767 participants in 369 communities were assessed for BP and 82 544 in 255 communities for cardiovascular outcomes with follow-up for a median of 8·1 years. 82 (80%) of 103 communities in China had a mean sodium intake greater than 5 g/day, whereas in other countries 224 (84%) of 266 communities had a mean intake of 3-5 g/day. Overall, mean systolic BP increased by 2·86 mm Hg per 1 g increase in mean sodium intake, but positive associations were only seen among the communities in the highest tertile of sodium intake (p0·0001 for heterogeneity). The association between mean sodium intake and major cardiovascular events showed significant deviations from linearity (p=0·043) due to a significant inverse association in the lowest tertile of sodium intake (lowest tertile4·43 g/day, mean intake 4·04 g/day, range 3·42-4·43; change -1·00 events per 1000 years, 95% CI -2·00 to -0·01, p=0·0497), no association in the middle tertile (middle tertile 4·43-5·08 g/day, mean intake 4·70 g/day, 4·44-5.05; change 0·24 events per 1000 years, -2·12 to 2·61, p=0·8391), and a positive but non-significant association in the highest tertile (highest tertile5·08 g/day, mean intake 5·75 g/day,5·08-7·49; change 0·37 events per 1000 years, -0·03 to 0·78, p=0·0712). A strong association was seen with stroke in China (mean sodium intake 5·58 g/day, 0·42 events per 1000 years, 95% CI 0·16 to 0·67, p=0·0020) compared with in other countries (4·49 g/day, -0·26 events, -0·46 to -0·06, p=0·0124; p0·0001 for heterogeneity). All major cardiovascular outcomes decreased with increasing potassium intake in all countries.Sodium intake was associated with cardiovascular disease and strokes only in communities where mean intake was greater than 5 g/day. A strategy of sodium reduction in these communities and countries but not in others might be appropriate.Population Health Research Institute, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Institutes of Health Canada Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, and European Research Council.

Increased plasma levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are related to damage of neurons and neuroendocrine cells. We aimed to investigate elevation of NSE after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the prediction of silent cerebral infarct (SCI). Study population consisted of 2 groups of patients. Group 1 included 92 consecutive patients with normal coronary angiograms, whereas group 2 consisted of 89 patients who underwent elective coronary stenting. NSE levels were studied before and 12 hours after the procedure. Elevation of >0.12 μg/L was considered as SCI. Forty-seven of 181 study patients (26%) had SCI after the procedure. NSE elevation was significantly more prevalent in patients with PCI than that of controls. Elevation of NSE was observed in 42% of patients who underwent elective PCI (n = 37) and 11% of the normal coronary artery group (n = 10) (p

In the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC-7) on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in 2003, people with systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure 80 and 89 mmHg were categorized as having prehypertension. Besides being a precursor to high blood pressure, prehypertension itself is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It appears that nearly one-third of the world’s adult population have prehypertension. Its prevalence seems to decrease in high-income countries while still rising in countries with low- and middle-income. Prehypertension is more common in males than females. Almost 90% of individuals with prehypertension have at least one other traditional cardiovascular risk factor. Multiethnic comparison studies on prevalence have produced contradictory evidence. Fifteen years after its first introduction, data suggest that physicians are reluctant to tell patients they have prehypertension.

Heart failure (HF) is a prothrombotic state with increased rate of thromboembolic events. Magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated increased rate of silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) in this patient group and SCIs were shown lead to dementia, cognitive decline, and depression. We aimed to show acute decompensated phase is associated with increased rate of recent SCI in reduced ejection fraction HF patients. HF patients with sinus rhythm hospitalized for acute decompensation were studied. Neuron specific enolase (NSE), a sensitive neuronal ischemia marker, was used to detect recent SCI. Decompensated and compensated phase blood samples for NSE were collected on the day of admission and on the third day of compensation, respectively. One hundred and forty seven patients with mean age of 72 were studied. There were significantly more patients with positive NSE levels at decompensated state (29% vs 4%, p

Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) can be seen after coronary procedures. We investigated whether vascular access sites have an impact on the risk of SCI. A total of 255 consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic or interventional coronary procedures through transfemoral (n = 126 patients) or transradial (n = 129 patients) approach were evaluated. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) levels were studied before and 12 hours after the procedure. Elevation of greater than 12 ng/ml was considered as SCI. Patients were mainly men (60%) with a mean age of 62 years. SCI was observed in 74 of 255 patients (29%). It was significantly more prevalent among transradial group. Elevation of NSE was observed in 36% of transradial group (n = 47) and 21% of the transfemoral group (n = 27) (p = 0.008). Patients with SCI were more likely to have male sexuality, hyperlipidemia, history of smoking, and previous myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients who underwent coronary procedures through transradial approach were 2.1 times more likely to have an SCI than patients with transfemoral approach (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.205 to 3.666; p = 0.008). Other independent predictors of NSE elevation were previous myocardial infarction (odds ratio 8.6; 95% CI 4.209 to 17.572; p0.001) and smoking history (odds ratio 7.251; 95% CI 3.855 to 13.639; p0.001). The present study suggests that transradial coronary procedures carry higher risk of SCI when compared with transfemoral route.

Summary Objective: Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a novel cardiac marker used in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which shows myocyte injury. Our study aimed to compare bedside H-FABP measurements with routine creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and troponin I (TnI) tests for the early diagnosis of non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI), as well as for determining its exclusion capacity. Methods A total of 48 patients admitted to the emergency room within the first 12 hours of onset of ischaemic-type chest pain lasting more than 30 minutes and who did not have ST-segment elevation on electrocardiography (ECG) were included in the study. Definite diagnoses of NSTEMI were made in 24 patients as a result of 24-hour follow up, and the remaining 24 patients did not develop MI. Results When various subgroups were analysed according to admission times, H-FABP was found to be a better diagnostic marker compared to CK-MB and TnI (accuracy index 85%), with a high sensitivity (79%) and specificity (93%) for early diagnosis (≤ six hours). The respective sensitivities of bedside H-FABP and TnI tests were 89 vs 33% (p < 0.05) for patients presenting within three hours of onset of symptoms. Conclusion Bedside H-FABP measurements may contribute to correct early diagnoses, as its levels are elevated soon following MI, and measurement is easy, with a rapid result.

Background Identifying patients who are vulnerable to development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is essential because of its association with prolonged hospitalization, increased cost, and increased in-hospital and long-term mortality rates. Hypothesis Individual components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are well-established risk factors for kidney injury. Nondiabetic patients diagnosed with MetS might be at an increased risk of developing CIN after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods A total of 599 nondiabetic patients were enrolled, of whom 313 met the MetS criteria and 286 were included in the control group. Patients were evaluated for development of CIN after elective PCI. Results Contrast-induced nephropathy occurred in 9.3% (29 of 313) of the MetS group and 4.9% (14 of 286) of the control group (P = 0.04). The multivariable regression model revealed that baseline glomerular filtration rate

One of the important problems of the patients undergoing acute myocardial infarction (MI) is early development of heart failure. It has been revealed in various studies that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has a significant role in this process. The studies conducted with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have resulted in decreased mortality rate. Another RAAS blocker which was discovered about ten years later than other ACE inhibitors in historical process is angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) inhibiting the efficiency of angiotensin 2 by binding to angiotensin 1 receptor. Valsartan is one of the molecules of this group, which has higher number of large-scale randomized clinical studies. In this review, following presentation of a general overview on heart failure after acute MI, the efficiency of ARBs in this patient group will be discussed. This discussion will mostly emphasize the construction, outcomes and clinical importance of VALIANT (VALsartan In Acute myocardial iNfarcTion), which is the study on valsartan after acute MI heart failure.

Aim:�It'ssuggestedthatdrugelutingstents�(DES)�mayhavesystemicantiinflam - matorypropertiesandthiscanplayaroleindecreasedrestenosisrates.�Weaimed� tocomparebaremetalstents�(BMS)�andDESontheireffectsonC-reactiveprotein� (CRP)�levels,�agoodmarkerofsystemicinflammation.� Wealsoaimedtoinvestigate� therelationbetweentheinflammationlevelsandmyonecrosisandadversecardiac� events. Methods:�PatientsundergoingelectivestentimplantationweregroupedasBMS�(n� =�70)�andDES�(n�=�42).�Basaland�24 thhourpostproceduralCRPandCKMBlevels� weremeasuredandthedifference�(Δ)�wascomparedbetweenthegroups.�Thepa- tientswerefollowedupforadversecardiaceventsforoneyear. Results:�Meanagewas�62�±�11�and�75%�weremales.�TherewassignificantCRPrise� inbothgroupsat�24 thhour,�the�ΔCRPwas�2.1�(0.5-6.2)�mg/LinBMSand�2.3�(0.2- 5.2)�mg/LinDESgroup,�thedifferencewasn'tstatisticallysignificant� (p�=�0.703).� ΔCKMBandadversecardiaceventratesweresimilarbetweenthetwogroups�(p�=� 0.897�andp�=�0.785).�Therewasnocorrelationbetween�ΔCRPand�ΔCKMB�(r�=� -0.090�andp�=�0.459�forBMS,�r�=�0.158�andp�=�0.318�forDES).�Theeffectof�ΔCRP� ontheincidenceofadversecardiaceventswasnotsignificant� (p�=�0.349�forBMS,� p�=�0.135�forDES). Conclusion:�OurfindingsrevealthatpatientswithBMSandDESimplantationex- hibitsimilargradeofsystemicinflammationaftertheprocedure.�Atsimilarlevelsof� systemicinflammation,� thelocalantiinflammatorypropertiesofDEScanplayarole� atdecreasedrestenosisrates.

WOS: 000384427500003, PubMed ID: 27515102, Objective: To analyze health-related cost of heart failure (HF) and to evaluate health-related source utilization aiming to provide data on the economic burden of HF in actual clinical practice in Turkey. Methods: The study used the Delphi process of seeking expert consensus of opinion including 11 cardiologists who are experienced in HF. The standardized questionnaire comprised items to reflect the opinion of the expert panelists on the distribution of the HF patients in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics and background disease states. Costs related to out-patient follow-up, in-patient follow-up, medications, and other therapies were also evaluated. Results: 34.1% of the HF patients were in the age range of 60-69 years, and 62.3% were males. Coronary heart disease was the leading cause of HF (59.6%); 63.6% of the HF patients had reduced ejection fraction (rEF) and 42.3% were in New York Heart Association (NYHA)-II class. Approximately 75 % of the patients were followed up by a cardiology unit. The total annual visit number was estimated as 3.41. Approximately 32% of HF patients were hospitalized 1.64 times a year, for an average of 6.77 days each time. The total annual costs of all HF patients and HF-rEF patients were estimated as 1.537 TL and as 2.141 TL, respectively. Conclusion: The analysis demonstrating the magnitude of the economic impact of HF management on Turkey's healthcare system may help facilitate health and social policy interventions to improve the prevention and treatment of HF.

OBJECTIVE: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has a half-life of less than 30 minutes in the human body. This study aimed to test whether the effects of a single dose of ASA wane over a 24- hour period due to the daily release of new reactive blood platelets into the bloodstream. METHODS: The study included 30 patients (10 female and 20 male, mean age: 62.8+-9.0). Each took a single dose of 300 mg enteric coated ASA orally. Platelet aggregation was determined using VerifyNow® Aspirin kits immediately prior to intake, and at 12 and 24 hours following intake. Laboratory parameters such as serum CRP and CBC were also examined before ASA intake. Patients were included irrespective of routine ASA and/or clopidogrel use. RESULTS: Aspirin reaction unit (ARU) values were lower than 550 at 24 hours after drug intake in 26 (86.7%) patients. Values lower than 550 indicate therapeutic range of ASA on platelet function. Two (6.7%) patients were found to be responsive to ASA at 12 hours after intake, but unresponsive at 24 hours. Aspirin resistance was found in another 2 (6.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: Although ASA was found to be effective on platelet inhibition over a 24-hour period in most of the patients, there was a considerable number who were resistant to ASA, and who had developed unresponsiveness to ASA by the end of 24 hours. There is evidence in the literature regarding the clinical importance of ASA resistance, but the importance of loss ASA's effectiveness during a day warrants further studies.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem for elderly males. Higher serum lipid levels have important role in the pathogenesis, and in this prospective randomized trial, it is aimed to identify the effect of atorvastatin on erectile functions in comparison with regular tadalafil use.120 patients with a minimum 3-months history of moderate-to-severe ED were involved. The patients were randomized to receive atorvastatin 10 mg/day, tadalafil 20 mg 3 times/week or no medication. Baseline serum testosterone, lipid levels IEEF and NPT test were performed and repeated after 3 months of treatment, and the 3 groups were compared.Mean age of the whole population was 56 years (31-70). The 3 groups were well balanced for the baseline characteristics. Mean improvement of IIEF score was significantly higher in tadalafil group compared to atorvastatin (P = 0.01) and control group (P = 0.0001). Also atorvastatin showed significantly better improvement compared to control group (P = 0.001). Positive NPT test results in tadalafil group was significantly higher than atorvastatin group (25/40 (62.5%) vs. 16/41 (39%), P = 0.003) and compared to control group (25/40 (62.5%) vs. 3/39 (7.6%), P = 0.0001). At the same time, the difference between group 1 and group 3 was statistically significant (P = 0.001).Tadalafil 20 mg three times/week shows better results than 10 mg atorvastatin daily. Atorvastatin alone seems to improve EF compared to not using any medication, and this significance is more prominent in patients with supranormal serum lipid levels. Further studies with subgroups of different serum lipid levels should be conducted.

Background Inadequate platelet response to aspirin is associated with increased incidence of peri-procedural myonecrosis. Antiplatelet activity of aspirin can be improved by increasing the dose. High-dose aspirin pre-treatment, therefore, may reduce the incidence of myonecrosis post stenting. Methods and results Two-hundred patients taking 75–325mg daily doses of aspirin for at least 2 weeks were randomized for addition or no addition of 500mg aspirin before elective coronary stenting (aspirin 500 group, n =100 and control group, n =100). Primary endpoint was the occurrence of peri-procedural myonecrosis defined as creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) elevation of >1× upper limits of normal (ULN). Aspirin 500 patients were significantly younger and more likely to have family history of coronary artery disease, but less likely to have received statins than controls. Elevation of CK-MB was observed in 29% of aspirin 500 patients and 15% of controls ( p =0.017). The incidence of non-Q wave myocardial infarction (CK-MB elevation of >3×ULN) tended to be higher in the aspirin 500 group than in the control group (5% versus 0%, p =0.059). Multivariate analysis identified baseline aspirin dose (OR: 1.006; 95% CI: 1.002–1.010; p =0.004), aspirin 500mg treatment (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.2–5.5; p =0.021) and baseline CK-MB level (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1–1.7; p =0.012) as independent predictors of CK-MB elevation after coronary stenting. Conclusion For patients taking daily low-dose aspirin therapy, supplementation with high-dose aspirin before elective coronary stenting does not reduce, but may increase the incidence of peri-procedural myonecrosis.

The relationship between androgens and the risk of development of coronary artery disease has not been clarified well. This study was planned to determine the relationship between serum androgen levels and premature development of coronary artery disease in men.Sixty-nine men below 45 years of age with documented coronary artery disease (mean age 41.0+/-4.7) constituted the study group. Control group consisted of 56 men with similar age and normal coronary angiograms (mean age 41.3+/-3.8). Total and free testosterone, estradiol, and fasting plasma total, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured, and compared between the two groups.Mean age, body mass index, and the frequency of hypertension were similar between the two groups; however, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and family history of coronary artery disease were more frequent in the coronary artery disease group. Total and free testosterone levels of the patients with coronary artery disease were significantly lower than those of controls, whereas estradiol levels did not differ. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that free testosterone levels (P=0.014; odds ratio=0.90; 95% confidence interval=0.87-0.99), hyperlipidemia (P0.001; odds ratio=8.2; 95% confidence interval=3.17-21.0), and smoking (P=0.026; odds ratio=3.12; 95% confidence interval=1.15-8.48) were independent predictors of premature coronary artery disease. Moreover, using receiver operating characteristic analysis, patients with free testosterone levels below the cut-off value of 17.3 pg/ml had an adjusted 3.3-fold risk of developing premature coronary artery disease compared to those with free testosterone levels above the cut-off level (odds ratio=3.3; 95% confidence interval=1.57-6.87).A low level of free testosterone may be related to the development of premature coronary artery disease.

Recent studies have documented that elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been predictive of adverse outcome. This study was performed to test the hypothesis that preprocedural use of naproxen sodium is associated with a reduction in the extent of inflammatory response and myocardial injury after PCI.Ninety-seven patients who were scheduled for elective PCI were randomized either for naproxen sodium (500 mg bid) (n:39, 75% male, 59+/-10 years) or control (n:58, 76% male, 60+/-10 years). All patients were troponin negative before the procedure. Blood samples for CRP, Troponin I and CK-MB were collected at baseline and after the procedure.The characteristics were similar between the two groups. After coronary stenting, the rise in CRP levels was significantly higher in controls than those treated with naproxen (DeltaCRP=6.4 mg/L in the controls and 0.43 mg/L in the naproxen group, p0.0001). The incidence of any troponin I elevation or CK-MB elevation above upper limit of normal was not statistically different between groups. During follow up (12+/-2 months), major cardiac adverse events (death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization of target lesion) was similar between groups.Our data show that naproxen pretreatment leads to significant suppression in PCI related CRP elevation. However this improvement in CRP levels was not associated with any significant reduction in post-PCI myonecrosis.

Background— Experimental data suggest that tissue factor (TF) may induce neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that elevated levels of TF in the circulation contribute to the development of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or stent implantation. Methods and Results— Whole-blood TF procoagulant activity (TF-PCA) was measured using a previously described assay before, at 3 hours after, and at 24 hours after the intervention in 61 patients with stable angina undergoing PTCA (n=20) or stent implantation (n=41). Coronary angiography was performed 4 to 6 months after the intervention, and luminal narrowing ≥50% was defined as restenosis. Whole-blood TF-PCA levels did not correlate with intracellular monocyte tumor necrosis factor-α expression, a marker of activation of these cells. Baseline levels and time course of whole-blood TF-PCA after the intervention were compared in patients who did or did not subsequently develop restenosis. Whole-blood TF-PCA levels did not change significantly in the 24 hours after either intervention. However, in both the PTCA and stent groups, initial TF-PCA was significantly higher in patients who subsequently developed restenosis ( P =0.018 and 0.039 compared with those who did not develop restenosis for PTCA and stent groups, respectively). Conclusions— Higher baseline values of whole-blood TF-PCA may be a predictor of restenosis after PTCA and stent implantation.

We searched a randomized, double-blinded, prospective study that compared the effectiveness of clopidogrel versus ticlopidine for prevention of minor myocardial injury (MMI) and major clinical events (MCEs) after elective coronary stenting. A total of 158 consecutive patients (98 male, 60 female patients with a mean age of 59.3+/-5.4 years) were divided into two arms based on treatment with thienopyridines: group I, clopidogrel 1 x 300 mg as a loading dose, and 1 x 75 mg per day thereafter, group II, ticlopidine 2 x 250 mg daily. Both thienopyridines were started on the same day as stent placement. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was measured immediately before and 12 h after the procedures. All patients were followed-up during the hospital stay (6+/-2 days) with respect to MMI and MCEs. The increase frequency and the amount of cTnT level in group I was found significantly lower compared with group II (5 vs.15; P0.01; 0.38+/-0.11 vs. 0.44+/-0.12 ng/ml; P0.001, respectively). Patients with elevated cTnT levels more likely to have C type lesion (P0.004). Though there was a trend toward increased major clinical events rate in group II than those of group I, the statistical difference was not different (4 vs. 1.3%; P0.05). The present study showed that the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin was more effective than the combination of ticlopidine and aspirin in decreasing the rate of MMI.

Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is a complex therapeutic challenge. Two major forms have been described: type I and type II. Methimazole (MMI) and potassium perchlorate (KCLO(4)) is the treatment of choice for the former, whereas corticosteroids are used for the latter. However, mixed forms appear frequently and it is not easy to prescribe corticosteroids because of side effects. The present study investigated the validity of a stepwise therapeutic approach to AIT. Twenty patients with AIT were given 30-50 mg/d of MMI and 1000 mg/d of KCLO(4) initially for a month. Euthyroidism or a significant decrease in serum thyroid hormone levels could be achieved in 12 of the patients (7 with type I, 5 type II). Prednisolone, 40-48 mg/d was added for the 8 nonresponding patients (7 type I, 1 type II) and euthyroidism was achieved in all. The prednisolone dose was decreased when free thyroxine (T(4)) levels normalized, and MMI was titrated, maintaining euthyroidism until urinary iodine excretion normalized. Mixed forms of AIT may prevail in iodine-deficient areas. Initial classification of the patients may cause unnecessary corticosteroid use in a substantial number of patients with AIT. A stepwise approach is feasible; however, when the patient is gravely ill, MMI, KCLO(4), and prednisolone could be prescribed simultaneously.

The aim of the study was to determine whether ticlopidine treatment prior the coronary stenting would be associated with lower rates of procedure-related minor myocardial injury (MMI) in patients undergoing elective coronary stenting. In this retrospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled study, a total of 153 consecutive patients with a mean age of 63.4+/-8.9 years were divided into two groups based on the duration of ticlopidine treatment: group I (n=81), ticlopidine/=3 days before the procedure, group II (n=72), on the same day as stent placement. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) was measured immediately before and 12 h after the procedures. All patients were followed-up during the hospital stay with respect to MMI and major clinical events (MCE). The increase frequency and the amount of cTnT level in group I was found to be significantly lower compared with group II (4 vs. 13; P0.01, and 0.35+/-0.06 vs. 0.52+/-0.11 ng/ml; P0.01, respectively). In general, patients with elevated cTnT levels are more likely to have C type lesion and multivessel procedure than those of normal cTnT level (41 vs.10%; P0.002 and 47 vs. 17%; P0.009, respectively). Though there was a trend toward increased MCE rates in group II than that of group I, this did not reached statistical significance (3 vs.1; P=NS). The present study shows that an anti-platelet treatment with ticlopidine prior the coronary stenting of adequate duration to allow for the development of maximal inhibition is associated with a markedly decreased incidence of procedure-related MMI. Therefore, ticlopidine pretreatment may be a cost alternative for the prevention of platelet-rich microembolism in patients undergoing elective coronary stenting.

Elevation of NSE in the absence of any clinically apparent stroke or transient ischemic attack, so called silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs), may be associated with neurological disorders and mortality. Silent cerebral damage occur during cardiac procedures with a frequency of 15 to 22%. We aimed to

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been reported as a risk factor for cardiovascular events. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) therapy and the rate of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) after elective coronary stenting among patients with MetS. Methods: The inclusion criteria were MetS and plan for elective percutaneous coronary intervention. To assess the effect of ACE-I treatment on the incidence of PMI, measurements of cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB mass and troponin I) were performed at baseline and 24 h after the procedure. Results: A total of 459 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited to chronic ACE-I treatment and ACE-I naive groups in a 2/1 ratio. Baseline troponin I and CK-MB levels were similar in both treatment groups, whereas they were significantly lower in ACE-I group 24 h after the procedure. Univariate analysis identified body mass index (BMI), LDL cholesterol, nitrate and ACE-I use as significant factors for the development of PMI. Multivariate regression model revealed that body mass index increased and use of nitrate and ACE-I decreased the probability of PMI independent from confounding factors (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05–1.23, p = 0.002 for BMI; OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14–0.48, p = 0.01 for nitrate use, OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27–0.93, p = 0.03 for ACE-I use). Conclusions: This prospective observational cohort trial demonstrated that chronic ACE-I therapy was an independent predictor for reduced PMI among patients with MetS who underwent elective coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Identifying patients who are vulnerable to development of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is essential because of its association with prolonged hospitalization, increased cost, and increased in‐hospital and long‐term mortality rates. HYPOTHESIS: Individual components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are well‐established risk factors for kidney injury. Nondiabetic patients diagnosed with MetS might be at an increased risk of developing CIN after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 599 nondiabetic patients were enrolled, of whom 313 met the MetS criteria and 286 were included in the control group. Patients were evaluated for development of CIN after elective PCI. RESULTS: Contrast‐induced nephropathy occurred in 9.3% (29 of 313) of the MetS group and 4.9% (14 of 286) of the control group (P = 0.04). The multivariable regression model revealed that baseline glomerular filtration rate

Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis due to chronic exogenous steroid use is the most common cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency. Most kidney transplant recipients receive steroid therapy for immunosuppression; they are also at high risk for acute coronary events which can increase their physiological stress. Use of steroids early in the course of acute myocardial infarction (MI) raises concerns about the possibility of an increased risk of aneurysm formation and myocardial rupture. We present six case reports of kidney transplant recipients. Two of these recipients developed adrenal insufficiency after acute anterior MI; the life-threatening situation was successfully managed with corticosteroid administration. Four of these kidney transplant recipients presented with acute anterior MI; in these patients prophylactic steroid therapy prevented adrenal insufficiency, without any complication of the MI. We recommend the use of prophylactic corticosteroids for kidney transplant recipients to prevent adrenal insufficiency in the early course of acute MI.

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of plasma homocysteine level on angiographic restenosis 6 months after coronary angioplasty.The plasma homocysteine level was measured in 100 consecutive patients at the time of coronary angioplasty, 56 patients who attended a 6-month follow-up angiogram being enrolled to the study; the 44 patients without a control coronary angiogram were not enrolled. Patients with and without angiographic restenosis were designated as groups A (n = 34) and B (n = 22) respectively.The baseline demographic (groups A and B), angiographic (groups A and B) and procedural characteristics were similar in both groups. The mean plasma homocysteine level (SD) was 15.2 (7.7) and 11.1 (2.5) mumol/l in groups A and B respectively (P = 0.007; 95% CI -6.9 to -1.1). With respect to the plasma homocysteine level, the upper and the lower thirds were compared by binary logistic regression (the lower third homocysteine level being10.6 mumol/l and the upper third homocysteine level14.1 mumol/l). The angiographic restenosis rate for the lower and upper tertiles was 47.4% and 89.5% respectively (P = 0.01; OR = 9.4; 95% CI 1.6-52.7). After adjustment for age and sex, the statistical significance did not change (P = 0.013; OR = 9.43; 95% CI 1.6-54.9). Even after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus, there was a statistically significant difference between the upper and lower tertiles (P = 0.008; OR = 41.3; 95% CI 2.6-635).Increased plasma homocysteine level and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for angiographic restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary stenting.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the atrial sensing performance of a single-lead atrial synchronous-ventricular pacing system during various physical activities on late follow-up. Fourteen patients (mean age 55 +/- 17 years) with a third-degree or high-degree atrioventricular block and normal sinus node function were treated with the single-lead Thera VDD (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN) pacemaker system. Mean P-wave amplitude at implantation was 3.2 +/- 1.3 mV. To assess the VDD system performance, P-wave amplitudes during various physical maneuvers (supine, sitting, deep breathing, standing, and exercise; respectively) were measured and atrial sensing was evaluated at a mean follow-up of 11 +/- 4 months. During deep breathing, minimum and maximum P-wave amplitudes (0.8 +/- 0.7, 1.2 +/- 1.0 mV, respectively) were found to be significantly lower than the standing position (minimum, 1.1 +/- 0.9, maximum, 1.4 +/- 1.1 mV P = .02 in both). No significant difference was found during other physical maneuvers. During the testing maneuvers, atrial undersensing was observed in 8 patients (57%) at the nominal atrial sensitivity of 0.5 mV. After increasing the atrial sensitivity (0.25 mV), no sensing failure was observed in these patients. It has been concluded that Medtronic Thera VDD system is a safe and reliable device with an easy implantation technique providing effective atrioventricular synchronization. The sensing problems, which may occur on late follow-up, can be corrected successfully by reprogramming. To achieve an optimal atrial sensing function in patients with a single-lead VDD pacing, we recommend that the atrial sensing capability should be examined in various physical maneuvers.

In this study we hoped to understand the abnormalities of left ventricular filling dynamics in chronic cor pulmonale. Our findings showed a severe left ventricular diastolic impairment, directly related to a progressive increase in pulmonary hypertension itself, as expressed by correlation analysis between systolic pulmonary artery pressure and the following parameters: transmitral flow velocity in early/late diastole ratio (r = -0.69, p

Relationship between maximal exercise tolerance and resting indexes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were evaluated in 35 men, aged 55.1 +/- 10.4 years, with dilated cardiomyopathy. Clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy was confirmed with M-mode echocardiography (M-mode echocardiographic end-diastolic dimension55 mm, fractional shortening25%, increased E point septal separation). Coronary angiography was considered mandatory for exclusion of patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with mitral regurgitation (or =grade 2) and rhythm other than sinus were excluded. According to the functional classification of New York Heart Association 6 patients were in class I, 11 in class II, 12 in class III and 6 in class IV. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were measured with contrast angiography. Peak early (VE) and late (VA) transmitral filling velocities and their ratio (E/A), isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) and deceleration time (DT) were computed from pulsed wave Doppler echocardiograms. On completion of all resting measurements, patients underwent symptom limited upright treadmill exercise testing using a modified Naughton protocol and maximal exercise performance metabolic equivalent work load (NETS) was calculated from the speed, incline and length of time at the stage using standard tables to make interpatient comparisons. Significant correlation has been found between NYHA class and METS (r= -0.77, P0.001). However NYHA class II and NYHA class III patients were found to have similar METS (P=0.317). Patients were further divided into two groups on the basis of exercise data. Group I consisted of 22 patients with relatively preserved exercise tolerance (or =4 METS) and Group II included 13 patients with impaired exercise tolerance (or =4 METS). This arbitrary classification was based upon previously described survival differences in these two groups. There were no differences between two groups in terms of age, gender distribution (all were male), heart rate and arterial blood pressure. LVEF, LVEDP, stroke volume, VE, VA, E/A, IRT and DT were also similar between two groups. Strong positive correlation was observed between LVEDP and VE (r=0.74) while IRT and VA negatively correlated with LVEDP (r= -0.77 and r= -0.81 respectively) but neither of resting indexes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function showed significant correlation with METS and exercise duration.

Background Endothelial dysfunction is thought to be a potential mechanism for the decreased presence of coronary collaterals. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between systemic endothelial function and the extent of coronary collaterals. Methods We investigated the association between endothelial function assessed via flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery following reactive hyperemia and the extent of coronary collaterals graded from 0 to 3 according to Rentrop classification in a cohort of 171 consecutive patients who had high grade coronary stenosis or occlusion on their angiograms. Results Mean age was 61 years and 75% were males. Of the 171 patients 88 (51%) had well developed collaterals (grades of 2 or 3) whereas 83 (49%) had impaired collateral development (grades of 0 or 1). Patients with poor collaterals were significantly more likely to have diabetes (p = 0.001), but less likely to have used statins (p = 0.083). FMD measurements were not significantly different among good and poor collateral groups (11.5 ± 5.6 vs. 10.4 ± 6.2% respectively, p = 0.214). Nitroglycerin mediated dilation was also similar (13.4 ± 5.9 vs. 12.8 ± 6.5%, p = 0.521). Conclusion No significant association was found between the extent of angiographically visible coronary collaterals and systemic endothelial function assessed by FMD of the brachial artery.