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Objective: To evaluate the cardiometabolic outcomes associated with discordant visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and liver fat (LF) phenotypes in 2 cohorts. Patients and Methods: Participants in the Dallas Heart Study underwent baseline imaging from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2002, and were followed for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through 2013. Associations between VAT-LF groups (low-low, high-low, low-high, and high-high) and outcomes were assessed using multivariable- adjusted regression and were replicated in the independent UK Biobank. Results: The Dallas Heart Study included 2064 participants (mean SD age, 449 years; 54% female; 47% black). High VATehigh LF and high VATelow LF were associated with prevalent atheroscle- rosis, whereas low VATehigh LF was not. Of 1731 participants without CVD/T2DM, 128 (7.4%) developed CVD and 95 (5.5%) T2DM over a median of 12 years. High VATehigh LF and high VATelow LF were associated with increased risk of CVD (hazard ratios [HRs], 2.0 [95% CI, 1.3 to 3.2] and 2.4 [95% CI, 1.4 to 4.1], respectively) and T2DM (odds ratios [ORs], 7.8 [95% CI, 3.8 to 15.8] and 3.3 [95% CI, 1.4 to 7.8], respectively), whereas low VATehigh LF was associated with T2DM (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.1 to 6.7]). In the UK Biobank (N1⁄422,354; April 2014-May 2020), only high VATelow LF remained associated with CVD after multivariable adjustment for age and body mass index (HR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9]). Conclusion: Although VAT and LF are each associated with cardiometabolic risk, these observations demonstrate the importance of separating their cardiometabolic implications when there is presence or absence of either or both in an individual. Funding: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [K23 DK106520]; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences [UL1TR001105]; Swedish Research Council [VR-2019-04751]

Background: Systems for smartphone dispatch of lay responders to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and bring automated external defibrillators to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) are advocated by recent international guidelines and emerging worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the emotional responses, posttraumatic stress reactions and levels of wellbeing among smartphonealerted lay responders dispatched to suspected OHCAs. Methods: Lay responders were stratified by level of exposure: unexposed (Exp-0), tried to reach (Exp-1), and reached the suspected OHCA (Exp2). Participants rated their emotional responses online, at 90 minutes and at 4-6 weeks after an incident. Level of emotional response was measured in two dimensions of core affect: "alertness" - from deactivation to activation, and "pleasantness" - from unpleasant to pleasant. At 4-6 weeks, WHO wellbeing index and level of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) were also rated. Results: Altogether, 915 (28%) unexposed and 1471 (64%) exposed responders completed the survey. Alertness was elevated in the exposed groups: Exp-0: 6.7 vs. Exp-1: 7.3 and Exp-2: 7.5, (p < 0.001) and pleasantness was highest in the unexposed group: 6.5, vs. Exp-1: 6.3, and Exp-2: 6.1, (p < 0.001). Mean scores for PTSD at follow-up was below clinical cut-off, Exp-0: 9.9, Exp-1: 8.9 and Exp-2: 8.8 (p = 0.065). Wellbeing index showed no differences, Exp-0: 78.0, Exp-1: 78.5 and Exp-2: 79.9 (p = 0.596). Conclusion: Smartphone dispatched lay responders rated the experience as high-energy and mainly positive. No harm to the lay responders was seen. The exposed groups had low posttraumatic stress scores and high-level general wellbeing at follow-up.

Objective To determine short and midterm outcomes of a pre-loaded fenestrated thoracic endograft (f-TEVAR) for exclusion of distal aortic arch pathologies. Methods This was a multicentre, retrospective study including consecutive patients from six experienced European vascular centres undergoing f-TEVAR for distal arch pathologies. Primary endpoints included peri-operative mortality and peri-operative stroke and/or spinal cord ischaemia rates. Secondary outcomes were technical success and mid to late events, including death and re-interventions. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26. Mid to late term events were calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results One hundred and eight patients were included (mean age 68 ± 11 years, 70% men). A total of 38% (n = 42) had a prior history of aortic dissection, and 24% (n = 26) prior aortic surgery. The mean aneurysm diameter was 59 ± 12 mm and the most frequent indication for treatment was post-dissection aneurysms (n = 42, 39%). Technical success was 99% (n = 107) despite intra-operative wire entanglement occurring in 29% (n = 31). The 30 day mortality rate was 3.7% (n = 4), with a 5.6% major stroke incidence (n = 6) and 3.7% (n = 4) spinal cord ischaemia rate. Three cases of retrograde dissection occurred (two of which were fatal), all in post-type B dissecting aneurysm patients without prior aortic surgery (three of 19, 15.8%). Median follow up was 12 months (range, 1 – 26). Endoleaks were documented during follow up, with 3.5% type Ia (4/104) and 2.9% type Ib (3/104) as a result of persistent false lumen perfusion. The one, two, and three year survivals and freedom from re-intervention rates were 93.2% and 92.1%, 89.1% and 86.3%, and 84.4% and 73%, respectively. Conclusion This multicentre study shows that treatment of the distal aortic arch by f-TEVAR is feasible, with promising 30 day mortality, stroke, and spinal cord ischaemia rates.

OBJECTIVE: To review experience of fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) for pararenal/thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (PRAA/TAAA) and to assess the association between pre-operative moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) and post-operative outcomes. METHODS: All consecutive patients undergoing (elective and non-elective) F-BEVAR at a single centre (1 January 2011 - 1 July 2019) were identified. Renal function was calculated as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Accordingly, presence of moderate to severe CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2. RESULTS: Overall, 202 consecutive patients (mean age 72 ± 8 years; 25% women) underwent F-BEVAR for the treatment of PRAA/TAAA during the study period. Of these, 51 had a history of moderate to severe CKD (none on chronic haemodialysis). No statistically significant differences were found in demographics and major comorbidities between patients with or without a history of CKD. The overall peri-operative mortality rate was 2%, without statistically significant differences between study groups (p = .26). Patients with prior CKD had statistically significantly higher rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) (37% vs. 12%, p < .001). At three years, overall survival was statistically significantly lower in patients with history of CKD compared with those without pre-operative CKD (57% vs. 82%, p = .010). Similarly, freedom from renal function decline at three years was statistically significantly poorer in patients with prior history of CKD compared with those without pre-operative CKD (43% vs. 80%, p = .020). In a multivariable analysis CKD was independently associated with higher odds of peri-operative AKI (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9 - 5.8, p = .030), renal function decline (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.7 - 9.2, p = .003), and all cause mortality (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2 - 8.6, p = .020). CONCLUSION: Despite low peri-operative mortality rates that are comparable to patients with unimpaired renal function, occurrence of AKI was statistically significantly higher in subjects with pre-existing moderate to severe CKD. History of CKD was independently associated to renal function decline and poorer midterm survival.

Aims This study aimed to explore factors related to non-adherence to exergaming in patients with heart failure. Methods and results Data from patients in the exergame group in the HF-Wii trial were used. Adherence to exergaming was defined as playing 80% or more of the recommended time. Data on adherence and reasons for not exergaming at all were collected during phone calls after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Logistic regression was performed between patients who were adherent and patients who were non-adherent. Secondly, a logistic regression was performed between patients who not exergamed at all and patients who were adherent to exergaming. Finally, we analysed the reasons for not exergaming at all with manifest content analysis. Almost half of the patients were adherent to exergaming. Patients who were adherent had lower social motivation [odds ratio (OR) 0.072; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.054-0.095], fewer sleeping problems (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.76-0.092), and higher exercise capacity (OR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001-1.005) compared with patients who were non-adherent. Patients who not exergamed at all had lower cognition (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.06-1.31) and more often suffered from peripheral vascular disease (OR 3.74; 95% CI 1.01-13.83) compared with patients who were adherent to exergaming. Patients most often cited disease-specific barriers as a reason for not exergaming at all. Conclusions A thorough baseline assessment of physical function and cognition is needed before beginning an exergame intervention. It is important to offer the possibility to exergame with others, to be able to adapt the intensity of physical activity. Funding Agencies|Swedish National Science Council [K2013-69X-22302-01-3, 2016-01390]; Swedish National Science Council/the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, VR-FORTE [2014-4100]; Swedish Heart and Lung Association [Hjart-Lungfonden] [E085/12]; Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation (Hjart-Lungfonden) [20130340, 20160439]; Vardal Foundation (Vardalstiftelsen) [2014-0018]; Medical Research Council of Southeast SwedenUK Research & Innovation (UKRI)Medical Research Council UK (MRC) [FORSS 474681]

Objectives: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is the end-stage form of lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) whose main reason is atherosclerosis. Plasma osmolality (PO) and plasma lipid levels affect the development and progression of atherosclerosis directly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive effect of PO and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) for the development of CLTI. Methods: A total of 324 patients who were diagnosed with LEAD were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical stage of the disease was evaluated according to the Rutherford classification, and patients without CLTI were defined as “Group 1” and patients with CLTI as “Group 2”. Results: There were 248 patients (mean age 64.44 ± 9.05 years and 73.4% male) in Group 1, and 76 patients (mean age 66.62 ± 8.22 years and 76.3% male) in Group 2. In the multivariate regression analysis, CAD, PO, CRP and AIP were defined as independent predictive factors for the development of CLTI (p = 0.015, p < 0.001, p = 0.007, p < 0.001; respectively). ROC curve analysis showed that, PO cut-off value for CLTI development was 293.28 mOsm/kg (AUC: 0.821, p < 0.001) with 75% sensitivity and 74.2% specificity, and AIP cut-off value was 0.23 (AUC: 0.740, p < 0.001) with 67.1% sensitivity and 68.5% specificity. Conclusions: The PO and AIP values in LEAD patients may be used as the new biomarkers of atherosclerosis progression, and therefore as predictive factors for the development of CLTI.

Background: Patients with heart failure (HF) are often cared for by non-cardiologists. The implications are unknown. Methods: In a nationwide HF cohort with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we compared demographics, clinical characteristics, guideline-based therapy use and outcomes in non-cardiology vs. cardiology in-patient and outpatient care. Results: Between 2000 and 2016, 36,076 patients with HFrEF were enrolled in the Swedish HF registry (19,337 [54%] in-patients overall), with 44% of in-patients and 45% of out-patients managed in non-cardiology settings. Predictors of treatment in non-cardiology were age > 75 years (adjusted odds ratio for non-cardiology 1.20; 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.27), lower education level (0.71; 0.66-0.76 for university vs. compulsory), valve disease (1.24; 1.18-1.31) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) >120 mmHg (1.05; 1.00-1.10). Non-cardiology care was significantly associated with lower use of beta-blockers (0.80; 0.74-0.86) and devices (intracardiac defibrillator [ICD] and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT]: 0.63; 0.56-0.71), and less frequent specialist follow-up (0.61; 0.57-0.65). Over 1-year follow-up the risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.09; 1.03-1.15) was higher but the risk of first HF (re-) hospitalization was lower (0.93; 0.89-0.97) in non-cardiology vs. cardiology care. Conclusions: In HFrEF, non-cardiology care was independently associated with older ageand lower education. After covariate adjustment, non-cardiology care was associated with lower use of beta-blockers and devices, higher mortality, and lower risk of HF hospitalization. Access to cardiology care may not be equitable and this may have implications for use of guideline-based care and outcomes. Funding Agencies|Karolinska InstitutetKarolinska Institutet; Swedish Research CouncilSwedish Research CouncilEuropean Commission [523-2014-2336]; Swedish Heart Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20150557, 20190310]; Stockholm County CouncilStockholm County Council [20170112, 20190525]

Objective: to evaluate clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of long-term inhaled iloprost treatment in the daily practice for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods: a total of 115 patients with PAH on inhaled iloprost treatment were included. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) were recorded at baseline and at 3rd to 24th month visits. Safety and tolerability of iloprost treatment were also evaluated during follow-up, as were the survival, clinical worsening, and the related risk factors. Results: the treatment was associated with an increase in the percentage NYHA functional class II (from 0.0% at enrolment to 36.2% at 24th month visit) patients but no significant difference was noted in 6MWD values. Clinical worsening was observed in 63.5% patients, while survival rate was 69.6%. NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors (p=0.042). Cox regression analysis revealed the association of female sex [odds ratio (OR)=0.318; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.128-0.792; p=0.014] and scleroderma-related PAH (OR=0.347; 95% CI, 0.140-0.860; p=0.022) with significantly lower risk (3.14 fold and 2.88 fold, respectively) of mortality. Conclusion: our findings indicate favorable efficacy, safety, and tolerability of long-term iloprost treatment in the management of PAH, whereas improved NYHA functional class was not accompanied with a significant change in 6MWD values. Patient age was a risk factor for clinical worsening, while female sex, scleroderma subtype, and lower NT-proBNP levels were associated with significantly lower mortality risk., Bayer Türk

Background/Aim: Atherosclerosis plays a significant role in cardiovascular diseases. Dyslipidemia, inflammation, genetics, and environmental factors greatly impact the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the importance of triglyceride-glucose ratio in primary cardiovascular event prevention.Methods: Our retrospective cohort study included 56 patients (39 males, 17 females). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images of the individuals were examined, and calcium score was calculated using the Agatston score. Those with a score of zero and those with scores>0 were included in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Triglyceride/glucose (TyG) ratio and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk were calculated for all individuals. Results: Among all patients, 69.6% had coronary artery calcium scores (CACs) of greater than zero. The TyG ratios were 0.92 (0.33) and 1.77 (0.83) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P

Aims Iron deficiency (ID) is associated with poor prognosis regardless of anaemia. Intravenous iron improves quality of life and outcomes in patients with ID and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In the Swedish HF registry, we assessed (i) frequency and predictors of ID testing; (ii) prevalence and outcomes of ID with/without anaemia; (iii) use of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and its predictors in patients with ID. Methods and results We used multivariable logistic regressions to assess patient characteristics independently associated with ID testing/FCM use, and Cox regressions to assess risk of outcomes associated with ID. Of 21 496 patients with HF and any ejection fraction enrolled in 2017-2018, ID testing was performed in 27%. Of these, 49% had ID and more specifically 36% had ID-/anaemia-, 15% ID-/anaemia+, 29% ID+/anaemia-, and 20% ID+/anaemia+ (48%, 39%, 13%, 30% and 18% in HFrEF, respectively). Risk of recurrent all-cause hospitalizations was higher in patients with ID regardless of anaemia. Of 1959 patients with ID, 19% received FCM (24% in HFrEF). Important independent predictors of ID testing and FCM use were anaemia, higher New York Heart Association class, having HFrEF, and referral to HF specialty care. Conclusion In this nationwide HF registry, ID testing occurred in only about a quarter of the patients. Among tested patients, ID was present in one half, but only one in five patients received FCM indicating low adherence to current guidelines on screening and treatment. Funding Agencies|Vifor Pharma

Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases and risk factors are associated with adverse cardiac events following kidney transplant. Therefore, pre-transplant evaluation of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors is important for determining the cardiac risk. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors in kidney transplant candidates. Methods: This is a single-center and observational study which includes 174 end-stage renal disease patients (male: 55.2% and mean age: 49 ± 13 years) who underwent kidney transplant. Preoperative clinical characteristics, cardiovascular diseases and risk factors of the patients were examined retrospectively. Results: The study population had multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension (66.7%), diabetes (28.2%), dyslipidemia (29.9%) and smoking (30.5%) in the evaluation conducted prior to kidney transplant. The most common cardiovascular diseases were detected as congestive heart failure (10.9%) and coronary artery disease (8.6%). The rate of the patients who underwent myocardial revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting) before kidney transplant was 6.9%. The patients’ mean left ventricular mass index was 114 ± 32 g/m2, and 55.5% of the study population had left ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions: In our study, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors in the patients who underwent kidney transplant was found to be high.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of fragmented QRS in end-stage renal disease patients. Methods: The study included 100 end-stage renal disease patients who received hemodialysis treatment. Two groups were formed according to the presence of electrocardiography and fragmented QRS: the fragmented QRS (+) (Group I) and the fragmented QRS (-) (Group II). Echocardiographic measurements of the cardiac dimensions and carotid intima-media thickness were examined. Results: The study population included 41 end-stage renal disease patients with fragmented QRS (48.8% male) and a control group of 59 end-stage renal disease patients without fragmented QRS (35.6% male) on electrocardiography. Left ventricular end systolic diameters (p = 0.012),left ventricular end diastolic diameters (p < 0.001), left atrial diameter (p = 0.001), interventricular septal thickness (p < 0.001), posterior wall thickness (p < 0.001) and left ventricular hypertrophy (p < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.011), creatinine (p = 0.014), uric acid (p < 0.05) and parathyroid hormone (p < 0.05) values were found to be significantly increased in the fragmented QRS (+) group. The right and left carotid intima-media thickness values were significantly higher in fragmented QRS (+) patients than fragmented QRS (-) patients (right:[0.81 ± 0.19] vs [0.62 ± 0.14] mm, p < 0.001) and left: [0.83 ± 0.19 vs 64 ± 0.14], p < 0.001; respectively). Conclusions: In end-stage renal disease patients, the presence of fragmented QRS, left ventricular hypertrophy and increased carotid intima-media thickness are important markers in the evaluation of the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis.

Background and aims Inflammation has been revealed to facilitate thrombogenesis and to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, limited data are available on the association between the anti-inflammatory diet and incident VTE. We conducted a cohort analysis to examine this association and to further examine whether this association is modified by smoking status, a trigger of systemic inflammation. Methods and results We used data from two cohorts including 81,507 middle-aged and older Swedish adults without previous VTE at baseline. An empirically validated anti-inflammatory diet index (AIDI), based on 12 foods with anti-inflammatory potential and 5 foods with pro-inflammatory potential, was employed to estimate the anti-inflammatory potential of diet. Hazard ratios (HRs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), of VTE were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. During a mean follow-up of 17.8-years, 5241 VTE cases were diagnosed. Compared with individuals in the lowest quartile of the AIDI (score ≤4), those in the highest quartile (score ≥8) had a 9% (95% CI, 0–17%) lower risk of VTE. The inverse association was observed in current and past smokers (HR between the two extreme quartiles, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.70–0.91) but not in never smokers (HR, 1.03, 95% CI, 0.91–1.17). French fries (HR per serving, 1.33, 95% CI, 1.06, 1.67) but no other foods included in AIDI was associated with VTE. Conclusion The study suggests that a consumption of foods with high anti-inflammatory potential may play a role in the prevention of VTE in smokers.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to report on the technical eligibility of patients previously treated for Stanford type A aorta dissection for endovascular aortic arch repair based on contemporary anatomic criteria for an arch inner-branched stent graft.METHODS: All patients treated for type A aorta dissection from 2004 to 2015 at a single aortic center were identified. Extent of repair and use of circulatory arrest were reported. Survival and reoperation were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and competing risk models. Anatomic assessment was performed using 3-dimensional computed tomography imaging software. Primary outcome was survival of 1 year or more and fulfillment of the arch inner-branched stent graft anatomic criteria.RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were included (158 DeBakey I, 32 DeBakey II, and 8 intramural hematoma). Mortality was 30 days (16.2%), 1 year (16.3%), and 10 years (45.0%). A total of 129 patients had imaging beyond 1 year (mean, 47.8 months), and 89 patients (69.0%) were eligible for arch inner-branched stent grafting. During follow-up, 19 patients (14.7%) met the threshold criteria for aortic arch treatment, of whom 14 (73.7%) would be considered eligible for arch inner-branched stent graft. Patients who underwent type A aorta dissection repair with circulatory arrest and no distal clamp were more often eligible for endovascular repair (88.8%) than those operated with a distal clamp (72.5%; P = .021). Among patients who did not meet the arch inner-branched stent graft anatomic criteria, the primary reasons were mechanical valve (40%) and insufficient proximal seal (30%).CONCLUSIONS: More than two-thirds of patients post-type A aorta dissection repair are technically eligible for endovascular arch inner-branched stent graft repair. The development of devices that can accommodate a mechanical aortic valve and a greater awareness of sufficient graft length would significantly increase availability.

Background/Aim: The performance of the right ventricular myocardium is crucial in various pathological states and the right ventricular dysfunction has a prognostic value in pulmonary embolism. We sought to bring out which parameters were helpful in predicting a normal right ventricular function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.Methods: Consecutive 100 acute pulmonary embolism patients, who were hospitalized and confirmed by computed tomography angiography, were enrolled in this cohort study. All patients’ demographics, symptoms on admission, risk factors, electrocardiography and laboratory findings, and hemodynamic parameters were assessed. Echocardiography was performed in the first 24 hours. The study group of pulmonary embolism patients was divided into two groups based on their basic characteristics: Patients with normal right ventricular function and patients with right ventricular failure.Results: The average age of the patients was 63 (16) years, with 48 (48%) of them being male. Twenty three patients (23%) had normal RV functions. According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, age (P=0.041, OR: 1.174, 95% CI: 1.007 to 1.368), oxygen saturation (P=0.026, OR: 1.372, 95% CI: 1.039 to 1.812) and heart rate (P=0.049, OR: 1.160, 95% CI: 1.001 to 1.346) were independent predictors of normal RV function. The setting in which all three parameters (Age, Heart rate, Oxygen saturation) were positive was considered AHO index=1, with a positive predictive value of 100% a sensitivity of 44%, a negative predictive value of 85.6% and a specificity of 100% (AUC: 0.717, 95% CI: 0.619 to 0.803) for normal RV function.Conclusion: In acute pulmonary embolism patients who were younger than 53 years of age with a heart rate of ≤118 bpm and an oxygen saturation of >90% (AHO index=1), right ventricular functions were normal. Accordingly, without the need of computed tomography angiography or echocardiography, the clinician may predict normal right ventricular function with available demographic and noninvasive hemodynamic parameters.

Background/Aim: Atherectomy is a minimally invasive endovascular surgery technique for removing atherosclerotic plaques in stenosed arteries. It seems to increase the success of angioplasty in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent rotational atherectomy and drug-coated balloon therapy. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, thirty-four patients who underwent rotational atherectomy and drug-coated balloon angioplasty between August 2016 and January 2019 were evaluated. The Rotablator System (Boston Scientific Corporation; Scimed, Plymouth, MN, USA) was used in all cases. Drug-coated balloons were used in the femoropopliteal section in all patients.Results: The mean age of patients was 65.55 (8.36) years. Seventeen had diabetes mellitus, for which 12 were using oral antidiabetic drugs and 5 were using insulin. At the 3rd postprocedural month, 94.1% of patients (n=32) had no clinical symptoms (P

Aim To compare risk algorithms (HCMRisk-Kids, ECG Risk-score) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) without syndrome association (ns-HCM) and with Noonan-like syndromes (RAS-HCM). Methods A national paediatric HCM cohort (n = 151), presenting = 6% at diagnosis had C-statistic of 0.69 for predicting SCD/CA during first 5 years of follow-up and positive predictive value (PPV) of 22%. After 7 years of age (HCMRisk-Kids7plus), C-statistic was 0.76. ECG Risk-score >= 6 at diagnosis had C-statistic 0.87 and PPV of 31%. Independent risk factors for SCD/CA were HCMRisk-Kids7plus score (p = 0.005) and ECG risk-score (p < 0.001), whereas early beta-blocker dose (p = 0.001) and myectomy (p = 0.004) reduced risk. The sum of HCMRisk-Kids7yplus and ECG Risk-score7yplus >= 14 best predicted SCD/CA within 5 years in ns-HCM with C-statistic of 0.90 [0.83-0.96], sensitivity 100% and PPV 38%. Conclusion Combining the ECG Risk-score with HCMRisk-Kids improves risk stratification in ns-HCM and shows promise in RAS-HCM. Funding Agencies|Swedish Heart-and Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation [20080510]; Swedish government; ALF agreement [ALFgbg-544981]; Region Ostergotland (ALF); Strategic Research Area in Forensic Science; FORSS (Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden)

Aims The aim of this article was to compare rates of all-cause death at 10 years following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with or without diabetes. Methods and results The SYNTAXES study evaluated up to 10-year survival of 1800 patients with three-vessel disease (3VD) and/or left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) randomized to receive either PCI or CABG in the SYNTAX trial. Ten-year all-cause death according to diabetic status and revascularization strategy was examined. In diabetics (n = 452), the risk of mortality was numerically higher with PCI compared with CABG at 5 years [19.6% vs. 13.3%, hazard ratio (HR): 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96, 2.43, P = 0.075], with the opposite seen between 5 and 10 years (PCI vs. CABG: 20.8% vs. 24.4%, HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.52, 1.27, P = 0.366). Irrespective of diabetic status, there was no significant difference in all-cause death at 10 years between patients receiving PCI or CABG, the absolute treatment difference was 1.9% in diabetics (PCI vs. CABG: 36.4% vs. 34.5%, difference: 1.9%, 95% CI: −7.6%, 11.1%, P = 0.551). Among insulin-treated patients (n = 182), all-cause death at 10 years was numerically higher with PCI (47.9% vs. 39.6%, difference: 8.2%, 95% CI: −6.5%, 22.5%, P = 0.227). Conclusions The treatment effects of PCI vs. CABG on all-cause death at 10 years in patients with 3VD and/or LMCAD were similar irrespective of the presence of diabetes. There may, however, be a survival benefit with CABG in patients with insulin-treated diabetes. The association between revascularization strategy and very long-term ischaemic and safety outcomes for patients with diabetes needs further investigation in dedicated trials. Trial registration SYNTAX: ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT00114972 and SYNTAX Extended Survival: ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT03417050., Graphical Abstract The treatment effects of PCI versus CABG on all-cause death at 10 years in 3VD/LMCAD patients with pharmacologically treated diabetes and insulin-treated diabetes.

Background The aim of the present study was to compare the quantitative flow responses of regadenoson against adenosine using cardiac 15O-water PET imaging in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Hyperemic myocardial blood flow (MBF) after adenosine and regadenoson was compared using correlation and Bland–Altman analysis in 21 patients who underwent rest and adenosine 15O-water PET scans followed by rest and regadenoson 15O-water PET scans. Results Global mean (± SD) MBF values at rest and stress were 0.92 ± 0.27 and 2.68 ± 0.80 mL·g·min for the adenosine study and 0.95 ± 0.29 and 2.76 ± 0.79 mL·g·min for the regadenoson study (P = 0.55 and P = 0.49). The correlations between global and regional adenosine- and regadenoson-based stress MBF were strong (r = 0.80 and r = 0.77). The biases were small for both global and regional MBF comparisons (0.08 and 0.09 mL·min·g), but the limits of agreement were wide for stress MBF. Conclusion The correlation between regadenoson- and adenosine-induced hyperemic MBF was strong but the agreement was only moderate indicating that established cut-off values for 150-water PET should be used cautiously if using regadenoson as vasodilator.

ObjectiveTo evaluate if proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment reduces the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).DesignWe used a common protocol, common data model approach to conduct a cohort study including patients with AF initiated on a NOAC in Stockholm, Denmark and the Netherlands from April 2011 until July 2018. The outcome of interest was a UGIB diagnosed in a secondary care inpatient setting. We used an inverse probability weighted (IPW) Poisson regression to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs), contrasting PPI use to no PPI use periods.ResultsIn 164 290 NOAC users with AF, providing 272 570 years of follow-up and 39 938 years of PPI exposure, 806 patients suffered a UGIB. After IPW, PPI use was associated with lower UGIB rates (IRR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.95). On an absolute scale, the protective effect was modest, and was found to be largest in high-risk patients, classified as age 75–84 years (number needed to treat for 1 year (NNTY): 787), age ≥85 years (NNTY: 667), HAS-BLED score ≥3 (NNTY: 378) or on concomitant antiplatelet therapy (NNTY: 373).ConclusionConcomitant treatment with a PPI in NOAC-treated patients with AF is associated with a reduced risk of severe UGIB. This indicates that PPI cotreatment can be considered, in particular among the elderly patients, patients with a HAS-BLED score ≥3, and/or in patients on concomitant antiplatelet therapy.

Background Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with better outcome compared with normal weight in patients with HF and other chronic diseases. It remains uncertain whether the apparent protective role of obesity relates to the absence of comorbidities. Therefore, we investigated the effect of BMI on outcome in younger patients without co-morbidities as compared to older patients with co-morbidities in a large heart failure (HF) population. Methods In an individual patient data analysis from pooled cohorts, 5,819 patients with chronic HF and data available on BMI, co-morbidities and outcome were analysed. Patients were divided into four groups based on BMI (i.e. ≤ 18.5 kg/m2, 18.5–25.0 kg/m2; 25.0–30.0 kg/m2; 30.0 kg/m2). Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization-free survival. Results Mean age was 65 ± 12 years, with a majority of males (78%), ischaemic HF and HF with reduced ejection fraction. Frequency of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization was significantly worse in the lowest two BMI groups as compared to the other two groups; however, this effect was only seen in patients older than 75 years or having at least one relevant co-morbidity, and not in younger patients with HF only. After including medications and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations into the model, the prognostic impact of BMI was largely absent even in the elderly group with co-morbidity. Conclusions The present study suggests that obesity is a marker of less advanced disease, but does not have an independent protective effect in patients with chronic HF. Graphic abstract Categories of BMI are only predictive of poor outcome in patients aged > 75 years or with at least one co-morbidity (bottom), but not in those aged

Background/Aim: Endoscopic saphenous vein graft harvesting (EVH) has been increasingly used in coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery in recent years due to its cosmetic advantage and reduced morbidity. However, for the successful application of this technique, a learning process is required. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of the experience we obtained in the initial phase and later periods of the EVH technique.Methods: Forty patients who underwent elective CABG between July 2015 and April 2017 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The first 20 patients (Group 1) and the next 20 patients (Group 2), whose saphenous vein graft (SVG) was prepared with the EVH technique were compared. The length and preparation time of SVGs prepared with EVH, local findings such as hematoma, necrosis, wound infection, and healing, demographic data, comorbidity, intraoperative and postoperative data, postoperative intensive care and hospitalization times, cosmetic satisfaction and wearing compression stockings were recorded.Results: While the mean operation time was 201.4 (25.0) minutes in Group 1, it was 184.6 (17.1) minutes in Group 2 (P=0.018). There was no difference in the mean SVG lengths between the groups (P>0.05). While SVG preparation time was 75.3 (26.2) minutes in Group 1, it was 35.4 (6.0) minutes in Group 2 (P

Purpose Due to shared hepatic metabolism, concomitant medication with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and clopidogrel might reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel in the prevention of cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to examine the risk of major cardiovascular events after PCI comparing patients who used clopidogrel together with PPI with those who used clopidogrel alone. Methods This Swedish nationwide cohort study included patients who received clopidogrel after primary PCI in 2005–2019. Patients were followed for up to 12 months after PCI. Data were retrieved from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry, Patient Registry, Cancer Registry, and Cause of Death Registry. Multivariable Cox regression provided hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cardiovascular events comparing PPI users (exposed) with non-users of PPI (non-exposed). The HRs were adjusted for sex, age, comorbidity, calendar period, obesity, diabetes, anti-diabetic medication, tobacco-related diseases, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Results The cohort included 99,836 patients who received clopidogrel after primary PCI. Among these, 35,772 (35.8%) received concomitant PPI. Compared to non-users, PPI users had increased adjusted HRs of all study outcomes, i.e., the main outcome myocardial infarction (HR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.15–1.32) and the secondary outcomes coronary heart disease (HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.24–1.33), stroke (HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.40), and death due to coronary heart disease (HR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.37–1.69). The results were similar in analyses including both primary and secondary PCIs. Conclusions In patients who receive clopidogrel after PCI, concomitant use of PPI seems to increase the risk of major cardiovascular events.

Objectives: Central venous catheterization is an important procedure for infants undergoing heart surgery. Ultrasound-guided methods have been shown to decrease failure and complications. The goal of the present study was investigate the effect of anatomical landmark technique during internal jugular vein access in low-weight infants undergoing congenital heart surgery. Methods: A total 98 infants (median age was 16.5 days, median weight was 3275 g) who underwent internal jugular vein catheterization between January 2017 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All catherizations were performed by a pediatric heart surgeon. Data including demographic characteristics of the infants, success rate, and catheter-related adverse events were recorded. Results: Success rate was 94.9% (n = 93). There were three arterial puncture (3.1%) and hematoma occurred in five patients (5.1%). Central venous catheterization of 78 (79.6%) patients were successful at the first attempt. Conclusions: Our study suggest that landmark technique still seems useful by experienced operators and is safe and effective in infants weighing less than 5 kg undergoing congenital heart surgery.

Background: Post-implantation syndrome (PIS) is defined as non-infectious continuous fever and a concomitant rise in inflammatory markers shortly after endovascular aortic repair. PIS occurrence after hybrid procedures, such as the frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique, has not been adequately investigated. The current study aims to define the incidence of PIS after the FET and to identify possible risk factors associated with its occurrence. Methods: The clinical charts of 59 patients undergoing the FET between February 2015 and April 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The occurrence of PIS was defined as the presence of fever (>38 degrees C lasting longer than one day during the hospitalisation) and leucocytosis (white blood cell count >12,000/mu L). Patients with concomitant conditions possibly leading to fever and/or leucocytosis were excluded. Beside demographic and procedure-related data, serum/plasma inflammatory markers were evaluated before surgery and daily up to seven days postoperatively. Computed tomography scans (CT) were examined to calculate the volume of pre-existent and new-onset mural thrombus after the FET. Results: Thirty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. The study cohort was divided into two groups based on the occurrence of PIS (17 cases; 44.7%). Patients with PIS were significantly younger than those without PIS (53.5 +/- 8.9 vs. 62.5 +/- 9.6 years; P=0.005). Female patients were less likely to develop PIS (5.2% vs. 26.3%, P=0.018). Patients with PIS had a higher volume of new-onset thrombus in the postoperative CT (P

Background/Aim: Diabetes Mellitus (DM), considered the equivalent of coronary artery disease, is one cause of ventricular repolarization (VR) dispersion. Retinopathy is one of the vascular consequences of diabetes. The association between myocardial repolarization dispersion and diabetic retinopathy is not fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate ventricular repolarization using Tp-e interval and corrected (c) Tp-e/QT ratio in DM patients with and without retinopathy.Methods: A total of 124 diabetic subjects were included in this retrospective cohort study. All medical data were obtained from the electronic database of our university hospital. The subjects were divided into the no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) group (n=45), and the diabetic retinopathy (DR) group (n=79), which were compared in terms of demographic features, clinic and laboratory findings, and electrocardiographic findings such as QT, QTc, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc.Results: The groups were similar in terms of demographic features (P>0.05). Both Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc were significantly prolonged in the DR group compared to the NDR group. There were significant correlations between Tp-e, Tp-e/QTc, DM duration, and age. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, Tp-e (OR=6.01, %95 CI=4.17-7.52, P=0.012), Tp-e/QTc (OR=1.215, 95% CI=0.874-1.612, P=0.029), and DM duration (OR=1.422, 95% CI= 1.146–1.712, P

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Transthyretin amyloid (ATTR) amyloidosis cardiomyopathy is an underdiagnosed, causatively treatable cause of heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography on patients with increased interventricular septum diameter (IVSd) to identify ATTR cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) patients. METHODS: We investigated 58 patients with heart failure and an IVSd >14mm. Included were 33 ATTR-CA patients and 25 controls that consisted of non-amyloidosis heart failure (HF) patients with negative 99mTc-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (DPD) scintigraphy. We used echocardiography including 2D speckle tracking strain and a 12-lead ECG to test the accuracy to differentiate the groups. RESULTS: We found high diagnostic accuracy (98%) for differentiating ATTR-CA from HF controls using a combination of R amplitude in -aVR from ECG and relative wall thickness acquired from echocardiography. With this combined model (RWT/ R in -aVR), the sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 95% using a cut off value of 0.90. Furthermore, the area under the curve was 99% and the negative predictive value was 100%. CONCLUSION: We found that a simple combination of ECG and echocardiographic parameters used in clinical settings was able to differentiate ATTR-CA from other etiologies of HF with increased interventricular septum thickness. The high sensitivity and negative predictive value render the algorithm useful for selection of patients for further diagnostic procedures for ATTR-CA.

Aims Participation in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (exCR) increases aerobic capacity and improves outcomes in patients following myocardial infarction (MI) and is therefore universally recommended. While meta-analyses consistently report that participation in exCR reduces cardiovascular mortality, there are conflicting results regarding effects on total mortality. Presently, many eligible patients do not receive exCR in clinical practice. We aimed to investigate the relation between participation in exCR post-MI and total mortality in men and women in a nationwide real-world cohort from the SWEDEHEART registry. Design Longitudinal, observational cohort study. Methods and results In total, 20 895 patients from the SWEDEHEART registry were included. Mortality data were obtained from the Swedish National Population Registry. During a mean of 4.55 (±2.33) years of follow-up, 1000 patients died. Using Cox regression for proportional odds and taking a wide range of potential confounders into consideration, participation in exCR was related to significantly lower total mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.83]. Excluding patients with shorter follow-up than 2 years did not alter the results. Exercise-based CR participation was related to lowered total mortality in most of the investigated subgroups. The risk reduction was more pronounced in women than in men (HR 0.54 vs. 0.81, respectively). Conclusion Participation in exCR was associated with reduced total mortality, and more pronounced in women, compared with men. Our results further support the recommendations to participate in exCR, and hence we argue that exCR should be a mandatory part of comprehensive CR programmes, offered to all patients post-MI.

Background/Aim: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with transient contractility disorders and lethal arrhythmias. The main reason for this is the increase in the oxidants and the decrease in the antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between albumin, known to have antioxidant properties, and arrhythmias seen in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing open heart surgery.Methods: Adult patients undergoing open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass within 5 years were included in this single-center, retrospective cohort study. The relationship of arrhythmias within the first 24 hours after the operation with the albumin levels obtained within 6 hours before the operation and within 4 hours after the operation was investigated. The difference between preoperative and postoperative albumin levels was evaluated using the Wilcoxon test and the relationship between albumin levels and arrhythmias, using the Mann-Whitney U test. The relationship between the results was evaluated by Pearson's correlation analysis, and the interaction of the results with correlations was evaluated by regression analysis.Results: A total of 56 patients were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 63.07 years (11.24) (range, 42-89). The mean preoperative and postoperative albumin levels were 4.04 (0.51) g/dL, and 3.21 (0.45) g/dL, respectively. The mean postoperative albumin level was significantly lower than the preoperative mean albumin level (P

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is intensively studied as a biomarker of inflammation and disease outcome in various diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suPAR have shown an association with inflammation and swollen joints, but data on suPAR in relation to early disease course and disease progression are lacking. This study investigates the potential of suPAR to predict or reflect disease outcome in early RA. Serum suPAR was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at disease onset and after 3 and 36 months in 252 patients from a Swedish prospective observational early RA cohort. Levels and changes of suPAR were analyzed in relation to the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) and joint damage according to the Larsen score at inclusion and during follow-up. 100 healthy blood donors served as controls. Circulating levels of suPAR were higher in RA patients at all time points as compared to healthy controls. Baseline suPAR was significantly associated with baseline disease activity whereas suPAR levels at 36 months were associated with joint damage at 36 months. No predictive value of suPAR levels or changes in suPAR levels over time were found. In conclusion, suPAR levels associate with disease activity in early untreated RA and reflects joint damage at later stages. Increased suPAR in established RA could indicate patients in need of frequent monitoring of joint status, irrespective of disease activity. In the view of suPAR as a rapidly emerging biomarker, it is important to be aware of its ability to reflect both inflammation and subsequent damage. (Translational Research 2021; 232:142-149) Funding Agencies|Swedish Society of Medicine; Reinhold Sund foundation; King Gustaf V 80-year foundation; Swedish Rheumatism association; Ostergotland county council

Background The risk of heart failure is disproportionately high among the socioeconomically disadvantaged. Furthermore, socioeconomically deprived patients are at risk of inequitable access to heart failure treatment and poor outcomes. Non-employment as a risk factor in this respect has not previously been studied at the level of the individual. The aim of this register-based cohort study was to analyse equity in access to renin-angiotensin system blockers and mortality, by employment status and educational level. Methods The study population consisted of Swedish patients aged 20–64 years hospitalised for heart failure in July 2006–December 2010, without a heart failure hospitalisation within one year or more before index hospitalisation and without renin-angiotensin system blocker dispensation in the 6 months preceding index hospitalisation. Non-access to renin-angiotensin system blockers, measured as drug dispensations, was investigated by employment status and educational level through logistic regression. Cox regression models were used to obtain hazard ratios for all-cause death by educational level and employment status. Interaction analysis was used to test whether associations between access to treatment and mortality differed by employment status. Results Among the 3874 patients, 1239 (32%) were women. The median age was 57 years. Fifty-three percent were employed. The non-employed patients had more comorbidity and lower access (68%) to renin-angiotensin system blockers compared with the employed (82%). The adjusted odds ratio for non-access to renin-angiotensin system blockers among the non-employed was 1.76. Non-employment was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.76 for death. Low educational level was associated with a higher death risk. Mortality was highest among the non-employed without access to renin-angiotensin system blockers and the association between access to renin-angiotensin system blockers and survival was slightly weaker in this group. Conclusions Non-employment and low educational level were associated with elevated mortality in heart failure. Non-employment was a risk factor for lower access to evidence-based treatment, and among the non-employed access to treatment was associated with a slightly smaller risk reduction than among the employed. The results underscore that clinicians need to be aware of the importance of socioeconomic factors in heart failure care.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are potentially life-saving treatments for several cardiac conditions, but are not without risk. Despite dissemination of recommended strategies for prevention of device infections, such as administration of antibiotics before implantation, infection rates continue to rise resulting in escalating health care costs. New trials conveying important steps for better prevention of device infection and an EHRA consensus paper were recently published. This document will review the role of various preventive measures for CIED infection, emphasizing the importance of adhering to published recommendations. The document aims to provide guidance on how to prevent CIED infections in clinical practice by considering modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that may be present pre-, peri-, and/or post-procedure.

Background: Severe alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), phenotype PiZZ, is associated with increased risk of liver disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of VTE in individuals with severe AATD compared with control subjects from the general population. Methods: Individuals with severe AATD (n = 1577) were recruited from the Swedish national AATD register. Control subjects (n = 5969) were selected from the OLIN (Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden) studies, that include a random general population sample. Longitudinal data on VTE and diagnoses were obtained from the Swedish National Patient Registry. Associations were analyzed using multivariable Cox regression. Results: At inclusion, 46% of the AATD individuals and 53% of the controls were never-smokers. COPD was present in 46% of the AATD individuals compared with 4% of the controls. During a median follow-up of 18 years, 116 (7%) of the AATD individuals and 89 (1%) of the control subjects developed VTE, unadjusted hazard ratio 6.5 (95% confidence interval 4.9–8.6). Risk factors for incident VTE were male gender, age, COPD, cancer, and liver disease. Adjusting for these factors, the AATD individuals had a significantly higher risk of incident VTE, adjusted hazard ratio 4.2 (95% confidence interval 2.9–6.2) as compared with the controls. Conclusion: Subjects with severe AATD have considerably increased risk of developing VTE compared with the general population, even after accounting for risk factors. This calls for optimized risk factor management and clinical follow-up of this patient group. (Less)

Aims To study clinical phenotype, prognosis for all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality and predictive factors in patients with incident heart failure (HF) after aortic valvular intervention (AVI) for aortic stenosis (AS). Methods and results In this retrospective, observational study we included patients from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF) recorded 2003-2016, with AS diagnosis and AVI before HF diagnosis. The AS diagnosis was established according to International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) codes, thus without information concerning clinical or echocardiographical data on the aortic valve disease. The patients were divided into two subgroups: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >= 50% (AS-HFpEF) and Funding Agencies|Swedish government [ALFGBG-72900, 73400]; Swedish County Councils, the ALF agreement [ALFGBG-72900, 73400]; Regional Development Fund, Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden [VGFOUREG-931060, VGFOUREG-849081]; Gothenburg Society of Medicine [20/935037]

Background Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs), particularly obstructive sleep apnoea, are associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. However, it is not known whether individual questions used for SRBD screening are associated with major adverse CV events (MACE) and death specifically in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Methods Symptoms associated with SRBD were assessed by a baseline questionnaire in 15,640 patients with CCS on optimal secondary preventive therapy in the STABILITY trial. The patients reported the frequency (never/rarely, sometimes, often and always) of: 1) loud snoring; 2) more than one awakening/night; 3) morning tiredness (MT); 4) excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS); or 5) gasping, choking or apnoea when asleep. In adjusted Cox regression models, associations between the frequency of SRBD symptoms and CV outcomes were assessed with never/rarely as reference. Results During a median follow-up time of 3.7 years, 1,588 MACE events (541 CV deaths, 749 nonfatal myocardial infarctions [MI] and 298 nonfatal strokes) occurred. EDS was associated (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) with increased risk of MACE (sometimes 1.14 [1.01-1.29], often 1.19 [1.01-1.40] and always 1.43 [1.15-1.78]), MI (always 1.61 [1.17-2.20]) and all-cause death (often 1.26 [1.05-1.52] and always 1.71 [1.35-2.15]). MT was associated with higher risk of MACE (often 1.23 [1.04-1.45] and always 1.46 [1.18-1.81]), MI (always 1.61 [1.22-2.14]) and all-cause death (always 1.54 [1.20-1.98]). The other SRBD-related questions were not consistently associated with worse outcomes. Conclusions In patients with CCS, gradually higher levels of EDS and MT were independently associated with increased risk of MACE, including mortality.

Objective: To identify causal pathophysiological mechanisms for atherosclerosis and incident cardiovascular events using protein measurements. Approach and Results: Carotid artery atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasound, and 86 cardiovascular-related proteins were measured using the Olink CVD-I panel in 7 Swedish prospective studies (11 754 individuals). The proteins were analyzed in relation to intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery (IMT-CCA), plaque occurrence, and incident cardiovascular events (composite end point of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke) using a discovery/replication approach in different studies. After adjustments for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, 11 proteins remained significantly associated with IMT-CCA in the replication stage, whereas 9 proteins were replicated for plaque occurrence and 17 proteins for incident cardiovascular events. NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-12 were associated with both IMT-CCA and incident events, but the overlap was considerably larger between plaque occurrence and incident events, including MMP-12, TIM-1 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1), GDF (growth/differentiation factor)-15, IL (interleukin)-6, U-PAR (urokinase plasminogen activator surface receptor), LOX-1 (lectin-like oxidized LDL [low-density lipoprotein] receptor 1), and TRAIL-R2 (TNF [tumor necrosis factor]-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2). Only MMP-12 was associated with IMT-CCA, plaque, and incident events with a positive and concordant direction of effect. However, a 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis suggested that increased MMP-12 may be protective against ischemic stroke ( P =5.5×10 −7 ), which is in the opposite direction of the observational analyses. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis discovered several proteins related to carotid atherosclerosis that partly differed in their association with IMT-CCA, plaque, and incident atherosclerotic disease. Mendelian randomization analysis for the top finding, MMP-12, suggests that the increased levels of MMP-12 could be a consequence of atherosclerotic burden rather than the opposite chain of events.

Objectives: The coronary endarterectomy combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an useful but still controversial surgical technique in diffuse coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the operative and early postoperative outcomes of the patients who underwent CABG with and without coronary endarterectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 312 consequtive patients undergoing on-pump CABG from December 2018 to December 2020 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups as those who underwent coronary endarterectomy combined with on-pump CABG (Group 1, n = 48) and those who underwent isolated on-pump CABG (Group 2, n = 264). Peroperative variables were obtained from our hospital's computerized database and retrospectively analyzed. Results: Previous percutaneus coronary intervention rate and the number of patients with diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in the endarterectomy group. The demographics and characteristics of the patients were similar between the two groups. The median number of distal anastomoses was 4 (2-5) in Group 1 and 2 (1-5) in Group 2. Median cross-clamp duration and perfusion times in Group 1 were longer than Group 2 (82 min vs. 63 min; p < 0.001 and 120 min vs. 95 min; p = 0.003, respectively). A total of 54 coronary endarterectomy practices were performed on 48 patients, and the LAD artery (73%) was the most endarterectomized vessel. In Group 1, postoperative 24 hours high-sensitive troponin I levels were significantly higher than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of operative mortality, low cardiac output rates and perioperative myocardial infarction rates. Postoperative atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Although coronary endarterectomy is a complex procedure, in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease, it is an essential and sometimes mandotary method in order to achieve complete revacularization and can be performed safely with acceptable operative and early postoperative outcomes.

Objective: To study risk in white-coat hypertension (WCH) by measurement of coronary artery calcium score (CACS), carotid--femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and carotid plaques. Methods: Cross-sectional population-based cohort with randomized selection of participants from Linkoping, Sweden. An Omron m10-IT oscillometric device was used for clinic and home blood pressures (HBP) in the morning and evening for 1 week. Results: We recruited 5029 middle-aged and mainly defined WCH as SBP at least 140 mmHg and/or DBP at least 90 mmHg with HBP less than 135/85 mmHg. There were 2680 normotensive participants and 648 had WCH after exclusion of treated participants. More women (59.5%) than men (42.8%, P < 0.001) had WCH. We found higher prevalence of CACS greater than 100 compared with less than 100 (12.4 vs. 7.2%, P < 0.001), PWV (11.5 +/- 1.5 vs. 10.4 +/- 1.3 m/s, P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of one or more carotid plaques (59.5 vs. 48%, P < 0.001) in participants with WCH than in normotension. Participants with WCH also had more dyslipidemia and higher glucose levels. Normotensive women scored lower on nervousness than women with WCH (P = 0.022). After matching of 639 participants with WCH to normotensive participants according to age, gender and systolic HBP the prevalence of a high CACS (12.1 vs. 8.6%, P = 0.003,) PWV (11.0 +/- 0.068 vs. 11.5 +/- 0.068 m/s, estimated marginal means +/- SE, P < 0.001 by ANOVA) but not more carotid plaques (59.5 vs. 55.6%, P = 0.23), remained in the participants with WCH compared with the matched normotensive participants. Conclusion: WCH is particularly common in middle-aged women, and it displays metabolic dysfunction and increased prevalence of arteriosclerotic manifestations in both genders. As markers of increased cardiovascular risk were present also after matching normotensive and WCH participants according to systolic HBP, age and gender, the presence of WCH signals an increased cardiovascular risk burden that is not fully explained by elevated BP levels at home. Funding Agencies|Swedish Heart-Lung FoundationSwedish Heart-Lung Foundation; FORSS, the Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and seem to develop more severe acute coronary syndromes (ACS) than the general population. Because few studies have investigated the CAD distribution in the context of acute or stable CAD in RA, the objective was to investigate whether this risk is due to a different distribution and severity of coronary stenoses (versus non-RA), resulting in clinical manifestation of CAD. Methods We performed a population-based study using linkages of nationwide clinical, health, and demographics registers. We compared 1 cohort of patients with RA, and 1 matched cohort of patients without RA, undergoing a first coronary angiography from 2006 through 2015. Cardiovascular (CV) characteristics and the presence and distribution of clinically significant stenoses were compared (through odds ratios [ORs]), stratified by indication (stable CAD, ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI], and non–ST-elevation ACS [NSTACS]), using logistic regression. Results We identified 2,985 patients with RA and 10,290 patients without RA who underwent a first coronary angiography. A higher proportion of patients with RA (75% versus 69%) had STEMI and NSTACS as indication for angiography. We found no difference in the presence and distribution of clinically significant coronary stenoses in RA compared with the patients without RA, regardless of the CAD type (for having any significant stenosis in stable CAD OR 0.9, STEMI OR 0.8, and NSTACS OR 1.1), stratification by RA duration, sex, or burden of concomitant CV risk factors. Conclusion Although RA may accelerate the development of clinical CAD events, the underlying angiographic characteristics are similar to those in patients without RA.

Aims Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) treatment has expanded due to its effectiveness. However, there are concerns about complications, and use in the most elderly has been questioned. There is scarce data on qualitative aspects regarding experiences of living with an ICD among patients above the age of 80 years. The aim of this study was to explore octogenarians’ experience, knowledge, and attitude of living with an ICD. Method and results We used semi-structured interviews to collect data from 20 patients, aged 80–89 years (90% men). The data were then structured and analysed through deductive thematic analysis network approach using the ATLAS.ti v.8.4 software. The framework of the analysis was based on the Successful Aging Theory. Three main themes emerged regarding the patients’ experiences: Life goes on; Their Health, The Janus-Faced Device; Their attitudes, and Mind the gap; Their knowledge. None of the octogenarians regretted receiving their ICD, instead, they presented with feelings such as gratitude towards the device. However, a lack of knowledge about the devices was expressed, which can be a risk for potential complications, in turn causing suffering and unnecessary concerns. Conclusion Overall, the ICD did not pose a threat towards successful ageing. It was mainly considered a life-saving device. However, the lack of knowledge might hinder informed choices close to death and contribute to ethical dilemmas when deactivation of the ICD is a reasonable option.

In this international study, we (1) compared patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) who had versus had not been hospitalized during the previous 12 month, (2) contrasted PROs in patients who had been hospitalized for cardiac surgery versus nonsurgical reasons, (3) assessed the magnitude of differences between the groups (i.e., effect sizes), and (4) explored differential effect sizes between countries. APPROACH-IS was a cross-sectional, observational study that enrolled 4,028 patients from 15 countries (median age 32 years; 53% females). Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure PROs: health status; anxiety and depression; and quality of life. Overall, 668 patients (17%) had been hospitalized in the previous 12 months. These patients reported poorer outcomes on all PROs, with the exception of anxiety. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery demonstrated a better quality of life compared with those who were hospitalized for nonsurgical reasons. For significant differences, the effect sizes were small, whereas they were negligible in nonsignificant comparisons. Substantial intercountry differences were observed. For various PROs, moderate to large effect sizes were found comparing different countries. In conclusion, adults with CHD who had undergone hospitalization in the previous year had poorer PROs than those who were medically stable. Researchers ought to account for the timing of recruitment when conducting PRO research as hospitalization can impact results. ispartof: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY vol:145 pages:135-142 ispartof: location:United States status: published

BACKGROUND The increasing proportion of elderly patients being treated for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in theendovascular era is controversial.OBJECTIVES This study compared 30-day outcomes of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in nonagenarians (NAs) withnon-nonagenarians (NNAs). METHODS This retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality ImprovementProgram database included EVAR procedures performed from 2011 to 2017. Multivariate logistic regression in the un-adjusted cohort, followed by propensity-score matching (PSM), was performed. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortalityand 30-day major adverse events. RESULTS A total of 12,267 patients were included (365 NAs). Ruptured aneurysms accounted for 6.7% (n ¼ 819): 15.7%(n ¼ 57) in NAs versus 6.5% (n ¼ 762) in NNAs (p < 0.001). Mean aneurysm diameter was 6.5 1.8 cm in NAs versus 5.8 1.7 cm in NNAs (p < 0.001). The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 9.9% in NA versus 2.2% in NNAs (p < 0.001).Multivariate analysis revealed age $90 years (odds ratio [OR]: 3.36), male sex (OR: 1.78), functional status (OR: 4.22),pre-operative ventilator dependency (OR: 3.80), bleeding disorders (OR: 1.52), dialysis (OR: 2.56), and ruptured aneu-rysms (OR: 17.21) as independent predictors of mortality. After PSM, no differences in 30-day mortality (intact AAA[iAAA]: 5.3% NA vs. 3% NNA [p ¼ 0.15]; ruptured AAA [rAAA]: 38% NA vs. 28.6% NNA [p ¼ 0.32]) or 30-day majoradverse events (iAAA: 7% NA vs. 4.6% NNA [p ¼ 0.22]; rAAA: 28% NA vs. 36.7% NNA [p ¼ 0.35]) were observed. CONCLUSIONS Age was identified as an independent predictor of 30-day mortality after EVAR on multivariate anal-ysis. However, no differences were found after PSM, suggesting that being $90 years of age but with similar comor-bidities to younger patients is not associated with a higher short-term mortality after EVAR. Age $90 years alone shouldnot exclude patients from EVAR, and tailored indications and carefully balanced risk assessment are advised.(J Am Coll Cardiol 2021;77:1891–9) © 2021 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

The influence of age and gender on delay to treatment and its association with survival after out of hospital cardiac arrest.

Background/Aim: Covid-19 is a new coronavirus disease with high mortality that has reached all parts of the world. This study aimed to prospectively compare individual characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and laboratory findings in patients with Covid-19 according to the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study, patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of Covid-19 between June and November 2020 were examined in terms of echocardiographic and laboratory results. Early in-hospital findings that might affect mortality, cardiac injury and thrombotic complications were evaluated and compared. Results: A total of 214 patients who were hospitalized due to Covid-19 were included in our study, 80 (37.3%) of which needed hospitalization in the ICU and 134 (62.6%) of which did not. The mean ages of patients treated in the ICU unit and the ward were 69.5 (57.5-80.5) years and 40 (29-58) years, respectively (P

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to assess long-term remodeling, survival, and reintervention outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for subacute and chronic type B aortic dissection (TBAD). METHODS: All patients who underwent TEVAR for subacute or chronic TBAD at a tertiary referral center between 1999 and 2015 were included in this cohort study. The primary outcome was aortic remodeling, and secondary outcomes included survival, rate of major complications, and reinterventions. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included, with mean age of 62.4 years, 10 (20%) DeBakey type IIIA and 40 (80%) DeBakey type IIIB dissection; 45 standard TEVAR, 2 branched TEVAR, 3 TEVAR combined with fenestrated or branched EVAR. Indication for TEVAR was intact (n = 40) or ruptured (n = 1) postdissection aneurysm, hypoperfusion (n = 4), treatment-refractory pain (n = 2), or a combination (n = 3). Mean clinical follow-up was 76 months, and median radiological follow-up was 46 months. Thirty-day survival was 96%, stroke 4%, renal failure 0%, paraplegia 0%. Three- and five-year survival was 92% (95% confidence interval (CI) [79; 97]) and 77% (95% CI [61; 87]), respectively. Of 19 late deaths, 6 were confirmed aorta related. Five-year freedom from reintervention was 69% (95% CI [53-80]). Distal stent graft extension due to aortic dilatation composed most reinterventions. Mean maximal aortic diameter was 58.7 mm preoperatively and 51.9 mm on last follow-up (P = 0.003). On thoracic level, true lumen expanded (+10.0 mm, 95% CI [6.4; 13.6]) (P

N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate application to varicose veins is a novel minimally invasive method for varicose veins. The non-requirement for tumescent anesthesia is the most advantageous feature of this method. However, the intravascular persistence of the administered substance after the procedure has not been evaluated. In this study, the intravascular persistence of N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate was evaluated in the 6th month of administration. Three cases who underwent great saphenous vein ablation treatment with N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate were included in the study. The early postoperative and midterm (6th month) Doppler ultrasonography results were compared. The venous reflux in the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) level was totally treated after N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate administration in all patients. Ultrasonography revealed fully filled N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate at the treated levels of the saphenous veins. Similarly, 6th month’s ultrasonography examinations revealed that N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate filled the great saphenous vein at the same level. It was observed that the rate of the vessel closed with N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate remained unchanged during six months. According to our results, intravenous N-2-butyl cyanoacrylate remains the same as at the time of administration without any degradation.

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, oral antikoagülan (OAK) kullanan atriyal fibrilasyon (AF) hastalarında spontan dişeti kanaması (SDK) ve buna bağlı ilaç bırakma sıklığının değerlendirilmesidir.Gereç ve Yöntem: OAK ilaç kullanan 457 AF hastası taranarak spontan dişeti kanaması olan 32 hasta tespit edildi. Bu hastalar, spontan dişeti kanaması olmayan 32 AF hastası ile yaş, cinsiyet ve OAK tedavi protokolü açısından eşleştirilerek periodontal parametreleri karşılaştırıldı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen total popülasyonda, 32 hastada (32/457; % 7.0) SDK saptandı ve bu hastaların 13'ünde (% 40.6) kanamaya bağlı OAK ilaç kullanımını bıraktığı tespit edildi. Plak indeksi (PI), gingival indeks (GI) ve cep derinlikleri (CD) SDK olan hastalarda anlamlı olarak daha yüksek bulundu. Gingival indeksin, hastaların OAK ilacı bırakma riskini bağımsız olarak etkilediği tespit edildi.Sonuç: OAK tedavisi altındaki AF hastalarında, önceden var olan periodontal hastalık nedeniyle önemli oranda SDK ve buna bağlı hastanın OAK ilaç kullanımını bıraktığı gözlendi. Ayrıca gingival indeks skorları, SDK ve OAK ilacın bırakılmasında risk indikatörüdür. OAK tedavisinden önce hastaların periodontal muayenesi ve / veya tedavisi yapılması önerilir., Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of gingival bleeding (GB) and associated drug-withdrawal in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients using oral anti-coagulants (OAC).Materials and Methods: 457 patients with AF receiving OAC were screened. The periodontal parameters and OAC drug-withdrawal of 32 patients with spontaneous GB were compared with 32 patients without bleeding who were matched for age, sex and OAC treatment protocol.Results: GB was detected in 32 patients (7.0%) and 13 of these patients (40.6%) had OAC drug-withdrawal due to bleeding. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and probing pocket depths (PPD) were significantly higher in patients with GB. The GI scores independently determined the risk of OAC drug-withdrawal. Conclusion: AF patients under OAC treatment may have significant rates of GB and subsequent OAC withdrawal due to pre-existing periodontal disease. The GI scores and GB can predict the risk of OAC drug-withdrawal. The periodontal examination and/or treatment of these patients should be performed before OAC treatment.

Aim The Prevention of Arrhythmia Device Infection Trial (PADIT) infection risk score, developed based on a large prospectively collected data set, identified five independent predictors of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. We performed an independent validation of the risk score in a data set extracted from U.S. healthcare claims. Methods and results Retrospective identification of index CIED procedures among patients aged ≥18 years with at least one record of a CIED procedure between January 2011 and September 2014 in a U.S health claims database. PADIT risk factors and major CIED infections (with system removal, invasive procedure without system removal, or infection-attributable death) were identified through diagnosis and procedure codes. The data set was randomized by PADIT score into Data Set A (60%) and Data Set B (40%). A frailty model allowing multiple procedures per patient was fit using Data Set A, with PADIT score as the only predictor, excluding patients with prior CIED infection. A data set of 54 042 index procedures among 51 623 patients with 574 infections was extracted. Among patients with no history of prior CIED infection, a 1 unit increase in the PADIT score was associated with a relative 28% increase in infection risk. Prior CIED infection was associated with significant incremental predictive value (HR 5.66, P, Graphical Abstract

Background/Aim: Inflammation and inflammatory parameters are known to have unfavorable effects both on the surgical success and survival. The reference point of the present study are the results of an investigation of the effects of blood proteins such as albumin and fibrinogen, which affect blood viscosity, and other hematological parameters, on the success of arteriovenous fistula operations. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes the data of 135 patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula surgery by the same surgeon in the same center. The patients were divided into two groups, as those with an active fistula 8–12 weeks after surgery and those with a dysfunctional fistula. After applying the exclusion criteria, the remaining data were compared using appropriate statistical methods to evaluate the influence on fistula maturation rates. Results: A statistical analysis performed after the evaluation of the fitness of the data to a normal distribution revealed fistula maturation to be associated with fibrinogen (P

Aims Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of hospitalization and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We examined the impact of recurrent HF hospitalizations (HFHs) on cardiovascular (CV) mortality among patients with HF in Sweden. Methods and results Adults with incident HF were identified from linked national health registers and electronic medical records from 01 January 2005 to 31 December 2013 for Uppsala and until 31 December 2014 for Västerbotten. CV mortality and all‐cause mortality were evaluated. A time‐dependent Cox regression model was used to estimate relative CV mortality rates for recurrent HFHs. Assessment was also done for ejection fraction‐based HF phenotypes and for comorbid atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or chronic renal impairment. Overall, 3878 patients with HF having an index hospitalization were included, providing 9691.9 patient‐years of follow‐up. Patients were relatively old (median age: 80 years) and were more frequently male (55.5%). Compared with patients without recurrent HFHs, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR [95% confidence interval; CI]) for CV mortality and all‐cause mortality were statistically significant for patients with one, two, three, and four or more recurrent HFHs. The risk of CV mortality and all‐cause mortality increased approximately six‐fold in patients with four or more recurrent HFHs vs. those without any HFHs (HR [95% CI]: 6.26 [5.24–7.48] and 5.59 [4.70–6.64], respectively). Similar patterns were observed across the HF phenotypes and patients with comorbidities. Conclusions There is a strong association between recurrent HFHs and CV and all‐cause mortality, with the risk increasing progressively with each recurrent HFH.