Search

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating condition associated with enormous public health burden. Management of HF is complex as it requires care and coordination with different cadres of health care providers. In resource poor settings, physician driven initiatives to improve HF management is difficult due to multiple barriers. We propose to develop a team based collaborative care model (CCM), facilitated by a trained nurse, for management of HF with the support of mHealth and evaluate their acceptability and effectiveness in Indian setting. Methods: The proposed study will use mixed-methods research for assessment. A formative qualitative research will identify barriers and facilitators for implementing CCM for the management of HF and develop components of the intervention. Subsequently, a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving 22 centres (tertiary hospitals) with more than 1500 HF patients will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the CCM in improving the overall survival as well as days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) at two-years (CTRI/2021/11/037797). The DAOH will be calculated by subtracting days in hospital and days from death until end of study follow-up from the total follow-up time. Poisson regression with a robust variance estimate and an offset term to account for clustering will be employed in the analyses of DAOH. A rate ratio and its 95% confidence interval (CI) will be estimated. The scalability of the proposed intervention model will be assessed through economic analyses (cost-effectiveness) and the acceptability of the intervention at both the provider and patient level will be understood through process evaluation. Potential Impact: The TIME-HF trial will provide evidence on whether a nurse-led team based CCM with mHealth support is effective in improving the clinical outcomes of HF in India. The findings may change the practice of management of HF in financially constrained low and middle-income countries.

Nagaraj Desai,1 Govindan Unni,2 Rajeev Agarwala,3 Santosh Salagre,4 Sanjay Godbole,5 Ashish Dengra,6 Mahesh V Abhyankar,7 Santosh Revankar7 1Namana Medical Center. Bangalore, Karnataka, India; 2Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India; 3Jaswant Rai Speciality Hospital, Meerut, UP, India; 4KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; 5Sharman Clinic, Girgaum, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; 6Mahi Diabetes Thyroid Care and Research Center, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India; 7Scientific Services, USV Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, IndiaCorrespondence: Mahesh V AbhyankarScientific Services, USV Pvt Ltd, BSD Marg, Station Road, Deonar, Govandi East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400088, IndiaTel/Fax +91 98204 50986Email dr.mabhyankar@gmail.comPurpose: To analyze the risk factors and comorbidities among the young Indian adults with hypertension.Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentric real-world study which included patients diagnosed with and receiving treatment for hypertension. Data were collected from the medical records of clinics/hospitals across 623 study sites in India. Patients of either sex and aged 18– 45 years were included. Demographic details (age, sex, anthropometric measurement), medical and family history, sedentary lifestyle, smoking status and alcohol consumption data were extracted. Descriptive and comparative analysis (Mann–Whitney U and chi-squared test) was done.Results: Out of 15,006 young patients diagnosed with hypertension (men=63.6%), 65.7% belonged to the age group of > 35– 45 years. The median body mass index was 27.0 kg/m2. Patients diagnosed with only hypertension were 29.1% while other predominant comorbidities with hypertension were diabetes mellitus (42.4%) and dyslipidemia (7.8%). Hypertension with diabetes mellitus were prevalent in the age group of > 35– 45 years (43.8%). More than half of the patients with hypertension (n=7656) had a sedentary lifestyle. Overall, 35.6%, 47.3%, and 56.7% of the patients were alcoholic, smokers (present and former), and had a family history of hypertension, respectively.Conclusion: The results showed that among the young population, hypertension was common in the age group of > 35– 45 years and diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia were common comorbidities. Family history, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index may also contribute to hypertension.Keywords: diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, prevalence, young population

BackgroundWe report patient characteristics, treatment pattern and one-year clinical outcome of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) from Kerala, India. This cohort forms part of Kerala Atrial Fibrillation (KERALA-AF) registry which is an ongoing large prospective study.MethodsKERALA-AF registry collected data of adults with previously or newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) during April 2016 to April 2017. A total of 3421 patients were recruited from 53 hospitals across Kerala state. We analysed one-year follow-up outcome of 2507 patients with NVAF.ResultsMean age at recruitment was 67.2 years (range 18-98) and 54.8% were males. Main co-morbidities were hypertension (61.2%), hyperlipidaemia (46.2%) and diabetes mellitus (37.2%). Major co-existing diseases were chronic kidney disease (42.1%), coronary artery disease (41.6%), and chronic heart failure (26.4%). Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.18 (SD ± 1.7) and HAS-BLED score, 1.84 (SD ± 1.3). At baseline, use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) was 38.6% and antiplatelets 32.7%. On one-month follow-up use of OAC increased to 65.8% and antiplatelets to 48.3%. One-year all-cause mortality was 16.48 and hospitalization 20.65 per 100 person years. The main causes of death were cardiovascular (75.0%), stroke (13.1%) and others (11.9%). The major causes of hospitalizations were acute coronary syndrome (35.0%), followed by arrhythmia (29.5%) and heart failure (8.4%).ConclusionsDespite high risk profile of patients in this registry, use of OAC was suboptimal, whereas antiplatelets were used in nearly half of patients. A relatively high rate of annual mortality and hospitalization was observed in patients with NVAF in Kerala AF Registry.

In India, data from large HF registries has demonstrated significantly lower 5-year mortality rates for patients with HFrEF discharged on guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), revealing an important target for intervention to improve clinical outcomes. Hospital-based quality improvement initiatives to increase rates of GDMT at hospital discharge have had limited effect, suggesting additional strategies are needed to improve GDMT rates in HFrEF patients. Polypills for HFrEF have been proposed as an implementation strategy to simplify the current treatment paradigm for undertreated patients with HFrEF. However, the potential effect of HFrEF polypills on increasing GDMT rates in target populations is unknown. The objective of this secondary analysis is to describe eligibility for a potential HFrEF polypill in the context of GDMT prescription rates for South Indian patients with HFrEF. We analyzed data from a prospective, interrupted time series study in 2018 (HFQUIK) that evaluated the effect of a quality improvement intervention on process of care measures and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with acute HFrEF in 8 hospitals in South India. The primary outcome was prescription of GDMT defined as an ACE-I or ARB or ARNi, along with a beta-blocker and aldosterone antagonist. Participants were eligible for a HFrEF polypill containing GDMT if LVEF

The recent emergence of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in China is now a global health emergency. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is mainly via human-to-human contact. This virus is expected to be of zoonotic origin and has a high genome identity to that of bat derived SARS-like coronavirus. Various stringent measures have been implemented to lower person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. Particular observations and attempts have been made to reduce transmission in vulnerable populations, including older adults, children, and healthcare providers. This novel CoV enters the cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. There is a higher risk of COVID-19 infection among those with preexisting cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and it has been connected with various direct and indirect complications, including myocarditis, acute myocardial injury, venous thromboembolism, and arrhythmias. This article summarizes the various cardiovascular complications and mechanisms responsible for the same with COVID-19 infection. For the benefit of the scientific community and public, the effect of COVID-19 on major vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and intestines has been briefly discussed. In this review, we also discuss drugs in different stages of clinical trials and their associated complications, as well as the details of vaccines in various stages of development.

Oxidative stress parameters in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease high and low risk score groups as indicators for acute myocardial infarction Mathew John1, Priyanka S2, Joann B George3, Evelyn Maria4, Govindan Unni5 1-4 Jubilee Centre for Medical Research, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, INDIA 5 Department of Cardiology, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thrissur,Kerala, INDIA mathewjohn@jmmc.ac.in, priyankanageswar@gmail.com, joanngeorge97@gmail.com, evu1joemercy@gmail.com, unni.govindan@gmail.com Abstract Background Coronary artery diseases (CAD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Oxidative stress is an important event associated with CAD and dictates the associated pathophysiology. The imbalance in pro oxidants and antioxidants occurs during myocardial infarction and can cause damage to myocardium. Hence, it is worth investigating the oxidative stress status in atherosclerotic high risk group which may lead to myocardial infarction. Further, the comparative investigation of oxidative stress parameters between NSTEMI and STEMI variants of myocardial infarction in ECG helps to identify the differential response of pro and antioxidants according to the extent of coronary artery occlusion. Objective To study the role of oxidative stress molecules as early indicators of myocardial infarction in atherosclerotic disease high risk factor group. To investigate the antioxidant enzymes had any differential activity between NSTEMI and STEMI variants of myocardial infarction which can be indicators for severity of coronary artery occlusion. Materials and methods The study is designed as a comparative analysis of oxidative stress parameters between atherosclerotic disease high risk score category and low risk score category and between NSTEMI and STEMI variants in ECG during myocardial infarction. The sample size was n=26 in each group. The oxidative stress parameters were assessed in blood plasma of participants according to established methods. The statistics was done in Microsoft excel and students t test was used for comparison between groups and p value less than 0.05 considered as significant. Results The study observed that the antioxidant parameters such as catalase and glutathione had lowered activity in ASCVD high risk group compared to low risk group and no significant change was observed in superoxide dismutase and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances. We also observed that both antioxidant enzymes, Catalase and SOD had significantly lowered activity in STEMI vs NSTEMI variants in ECG of myocardial infarction group. Conclusion The study concluded that antioxidant enzymes lowered during ASCVD high risk category could be used as early indicators for acute myocardial infarction. Key words: oxidative stress, antioxidants, catalase, superoxide dismutase URL:https://www.ijmst.org/papers-published/ijmst-2021-volume-10-issue-1

Aims Data on the burden of acute heart failure (AHF) admissions, practice patterns, and outcomes are rare from India and other low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to describe the baseline characteristics, guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) prescribing patterns and 90-day mortality rates in patients admitted with AHF in Kerala, India. Methods and results The Cardiology Society of India-Kerala Acute Heart Failure Registry (CSI-KHFR) is an observational registry from 50 hospitals in Kerala, India, with prospective follow-up. Consecutive patients with AHF, who consented to participate, were enrolled. The 2016 European Society of Cardiology criteria were used for the diagnosis of AHF. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox-proportional hazard models were used for data analysis. The variables in the MAGGIC risk score were used in the multivariable model. A total of 7507 patients with AHF (37% female) participated in the CSI-KHFR. The mean age was 64.3 (12.9) years. More than two-third had reduced ejection fraction (EF) (67.5%). Nearly one-fourth (28%) of patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced EF received GDMT. Overall, in-hospital and 90-day mortality rates were 7% and 11.6%, respectively. Prescriptions of different components of GDMT were independently associated with 90-day mortality. Conclusion The CSI-KHFR recorded an in-hospital and 90-day mortality of 7% and 11.6%, respectively. Only one of four patients received GDMT. AHF mortality was independently associated with GDMT initiation. Quality improvement initiatives that focus on increasing GDMT prescription may improve the survival of HF patients in India.

BACKGROUND: Although quality improvement interventions for acute heart failure have been studied in high-income countries, none have been studied in low- or middle-income country settings where quality of care can be lower. We evaluated the effect of a quality improvement toolkit on process of care measures and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure in 8 hospitals in Kerala, India utilizing an interrupted time series design from February 2018 to August 2018. METHODS: The quality improvement toolkit included checklists, audit-and-feedback reports, and patient education materials. The primary outcome was rate of discharge guideline-directed medical therapy for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. We used mixed effect logistic regression and interrupted time series models for analysis. RESULTS: Among 1400 participants, mean (SD) age was 66.6 (12.2) years, and 38% were female. Mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 35.2% (9.7%). The primary outcome was observed in 41.3% of participants in the intervention period and 28.1% of participants in the control period (difference 13.2%; 95% CI 6.8, 19.0; adjusted OR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.17, 2.48). Interrupted time series model demonstrated highest rate of guideline-directed medical therapy at discharge in the initial weeks following intervention delivery with a concomitant decline over time. Improvements were observed in discharge process of care measures, including diet counseling, weight monitoring instructions, and scheduling of outpatient clinic follow-up but not hospital length of stay nor inpatient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of guideline-directed medical therapy at discharge were observed in Kerala. Broader implementation of this quality improvement intervention may improve heart failure care in low- and middle-income countries. SUMMARY TWEET: QI toolkit in Kerala, India shows improvements in GDMT at discharge for patients with HFrEF. Centre for Chronic Disease Control, Cardiological Society of India, @DukeGHI, @Fogarty_NIH, @NMCardioVasc, @FSMGlobalHealth

Cardiovascular disease is predicted to be the largest cause of death and disability in India by 2020. Hypertension (HT), one of the main contributing factors, presents a significant public health burden. Inability to achieve adequate blood pressure (BP) control results in uncontrolled hypertension (UHT). The prevalence of UHT is high in India, with only about 9-20% of patients achieving target BP goals. Presently, there are no guidelines specific to UHT, which if left uncontrolled can lead to resistant HT, chronic kidney disease and other complications of HT. A multidisciplinary panel, comprising of specialists in cardiology, nephrology and internal medicine, was convened to address the diagnosis and management of UHT in the Indian population. The panel identified key points concerning UHT and discussed management recommendations in the Indian clinical setting.

Despite a high cardiovascular disease burden, data on patient-reported health status outcomes among individuals with cardiovascular disease in India are limited.Between November 2014 and November 2016, we collected health-related quality of life data among 1261 participants in the ACS QUIK trial (Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala). We used a translated, validated version of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire administered 30 days after discharge for acute myocardial infarction, wherein higher scores represent better health status. We compared results across sex, myocardial infarction type, and randomization status using regression models that account for clustering and temporal trends. Mean (SD) age was 60.8 (13.7) years, 62% were men, and 63% presented with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. More than 2 out of 5 respondents (44%) experienced angina 30 days after hospitalization, but most (68% of respondents with angina; 27% of the total sample) experienced it less than once per week (Seattle Angina Questionnaire angina frequency score 60). Respondents rated high median (interquartile range [IQR]) scores for angina frequency (100.0 [80.0-100.0]) overall with similar unadjusted scores by sex, but between-hospitality variability was high. Median (IQR) physical limitation scale response was 58.3 (41.7-77.8), which is consistent with limitations in moderate- and high-intensity activities at 30-day follow-up. Older respondents had more angina frequency and physical limitations and lower treatment satisfaction and quality of life. Women had greater physical limitations (median [IQR], 52.8 [38.9-72.2] for women versus median [IQR], 61.1 [44.4-80.6] for men; P0.01). Overall treatment satisfaction was high with median (IQR) score, 81.3 (75.0-93.8), but overall quality of life was lower with median (IQR) score, 66.7 (50.0-83.3). Allocation to the quality improvement intervention group had the strongest direct association with higher quality of life (difference, 4.2; P=0.03), but overall effects were modest.This study represents the largest report of quality of life among myocardial infarction survivors in India with variability across age, sex, and quality improvement intervention status. Wide variability demonstrated across hospitals warrants further study.URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02256657.

Background: Despite a high cardiovascular disease burden, data on patient-reported health status outcomes among individuals with cardiovascular disease in India are limited. Methods and Results: Between November 2014 and November 2016, we collected health-related quality of life data among 1261 participants in the ACS QUIK trial (Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala). We used a translated, validated version of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire administered 30 days after discharge for acute myocardial infarction, wherein higher scores represent better health status. We compared results across sex, myocardial infarction type, and randomization status using regression models that account for clustering and temporal trends. Mean (SD) age was 60.8 (13.7) years, 62% were men, and 63% presented with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. More than 2 out of 5 respondents (44%) experienced angina 30 days after hospitalization, but most (68% of respondents with angina; 27% of the total sample) experienced it less than once per week (Seattle Angina Questionnaire angina frequency score 60). Respondents rated high median (interquartile range [IQR]) scores for angina frequency (100.0 [80.0–100.0]) overall with similar unadjusted scores by sex, but between-hospitality variability was high. Median (IQR) physical limitation scale response was 58.3 (41.7–77.8), which is consistent with limitations in moderate- and high-intensity activities at 30-day follow-up. Older respondents had more angina frequency and physical limitations and lower treatment satisfaction and quality of life. Women had greater physical limitations (median [IQR], 52.8 [38.9–72.2] for women versus median [IQR], 61.1 [44.4–80.6] for men; P P =0.03), but overall effects were modest. Conclusions: This study represents the largest report of quality of life among myocardial infarction survivors in India with variability across age, sex, and quality improvement intervention status. Wide variability demonstrated across hospitals warrants further study. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02256657.

Superior vena cava (SVC) aneurysms are rare mediastinal vascular lesions. We report a case of a 42-year-old female, who presented to the outpatient department with features suggestive of lower respiratory tract infection. Chest X-ray showed abnormal contour and widening of right border of mediastinum. Computed tomography (CT) thorax revealed fusiform aneurysmal ectasia of SVC measuring 4.5 × 5.5 × 8.9 cm without internal thrombosis or dissecting flap. Management options include observation with follow-up and in some cases anticoagulation and surgical excision may be considered. The general consensus is that fusiform variety can be managed conservatively in view of the low risk of complications. The saccular aneurysms may need to be managed with anticoagulation therapy or surgically in view of the possible risk for thrombus formation and pulmonary embolism. Since in our case it was an asymptomatic primary fusiform SVC aneurysm, patient was advised for conservative management and follow-up. Cardiol Res. 2017;8(4):176-178 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr570w

Over the past decade, the burden of thromboembolic diseases has increased in India; however, there is a huge gap between the diagnosis and treatment of these ailments. This is further complicated by the presence of various options for anticoagulation therapy and the absence of a clinical consensus on the use of these anticoagulants. To address this issue and establish consensus statements on the use of anticoagulation therapy in Indian settings, an expert consensus was developed in alignment with the latest available evidence. A group of 38 clinical experts discussed, in detail, various case-based scenarios on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF), anticoagulation for patients with valvular heart disease, stroke, or deep-vein thrombosis. Anticoagulation management options for special populations, including patients with renal dysfunction, elderly patients, and pregnant women, were also discussed in detail. The key opinions the experts (cardiologists, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, consulting physicians, and neurologists) are intended to address gaps in Indian clinical practice concerning anticoagulation therapy. Based on scientific evidence, clinical experience, and guidelines on the use of anticoagulation therapy, various consensus statements were proposed. This document was drafted, reviewed, validated, and modified by the expert panel until a final agreement was reached. This pioneering consensus document will lay the foundation for future anticoagulation education modules based on evidence-based treatment approaches for Indian clinicians.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of mortality and disability in India. Early and sustained exposure to behavioral risk factors leads to development of CVD. The present study was conducted to compare different cardiovascular calculators for CVD risk assessment models in young Indian patients presenting with myocardial infarction.Methods: This study included 85 patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Their predicted 10-year risk of CVD was calculated using three clinically most relevant risk assessment models viz. Framingham Risk score (RiskFRS), American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (RiskACC/AHA) and the 3rd Joint British Societies risk calculator (RiskJBS).Results: RiskFRS recognized the highest number of patients (15.4%) at high CVD risk while RiskACC/AHA and RiskJBS calculators provided inferior risk assessment but statistically significant relationship. RiskFRS and RiskACC/AHA (Pearson's r 0.870, p