Long-Term Incidence of Bradycardia and Pacemaker Implantations Among Cross-Country Skiers: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Bradycardia is more common among well-trained athletes than in the general population, but the association with pacemaker implantations is less known. We investigated associations of endurance training with incidence of bradycardia and pacemaker implantations, including sex differences and long-term outcome, in a cohort of endurance trained individuals. METHODS: All Swedish skiers who completed >1 race in the cross-country skiing event Vasaloppet between 1989 and 2011 (n=209 108) and a sample of 532 290 nonskiers were followed until first event of bradycardia, pacemaker implantation, or death, depending on end point. The Swedish National Patient Register was used to obtain diagnoses. Cox regression was used to investigate associations of number of completed races and finishing time in Vasaloppet with incidence of bradycardia and pacemaker implantations. In addition, Cox regression was used to investigate associations of pacemaker implantations with death in skiers and nonskiers. RESULTS: Male skiers had a higher incidence of bradycardia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.05-1.34]) and pacemaker implantations (aHR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.04-1.31]) compared with male nonskiers. Those who completed the most races and had the best performances exhibited the highest incidence. For female skiers in Vasaloppet, the incidence of bradycardia (aHR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.75-1.30]) and pacemaker implantations (aHR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.75-1.29]) was not different from that of female nonskiers. The indication for pacemaker differed between skiers and nonskiers, with sick sinus syndrome more common in the former and third-degree atrioventricular block in the latter. Skiers had lower overall mortality rates than nonskiers (aHR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.15-0.17]). There were no differences in mortality rates by pacemaker status among skiers. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, male endurance skiers had a higher incidence of bradycardia and pacemaker implantations compared with nonskiers, a pattern not seen in women. Among male skiers, those who completed the most races and had the fastest finishing times had the highest incidence of bradycardia and pacemaker implantations. Within each group, mortality rates did not differ in relation to pacemaker status. These findings suggest that bradycardia associated with training leads to a higher risk for pacemaker implantation without a detrimental effect on mortality risk.

Effects of pharmacological interventions on mortality in patients with Takotsubo syndrome: a report from the SWEDEHEART registry.

AIMS: Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a heart condition mimicking acute myocardial infarction. TS is characterized by a sudden weakening of the heart muscle, usually triggered by physical or emotional stress. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of pharmacological interventions on short- and long-term mortality in patients with TS. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed data from the SWEDEHEART (the Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based care in Heart disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) registry, which included patients who underwent coronary angiography between 2009 and 2016. In total, we identified 1724 patients with TS among 228 263 individuals in the registry. The average age was 66 ± 14 years, and 77% were female. Nearly half of the TS patients (49.4%) presented with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, and a quarter (25.9%) presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Most patients (79.1%) had non-obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography, while 11.7% had a single-vessel disease and 9.2% had a multivessel disease. All patients received at least one pharmacological intervention; most of them used beta-blockers (77.8% orally and 8.3% intravenously) or antiplatelet agents [aspirin (66.7%) and P2Y12 inhibitors (43.6%)]. According to the Kaplan-Meier estimator, the probability of all-cause mortality was 2.5% after 30 days and 16.6% after 6 years. The median follow-up time was 877 days. Intravenous use of inotropes and diuretics was associated with increased 30 day mortality in TS [hazard ratio (HR) = 9.92 (P < 0.001) and HR = 3.22 (P = 0.001), respectively], while angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins were associated with decreased long-term mortality [HR = 0.60 (P = 0.025) and HR = 0.62 (P = 0.040), respectively]. Unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparins were associated with reduced 30 day mortality [HR = 0.63 (P = 0.01)]. Angiotensin receptor blockers, oral anticoagulants, P2Y12 antagonists, aspirin, and beta-blockers did not statistically correlate with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that some medications commonly used to treat TS are associated with higher mortality, while others have lower mortality. These results could inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in TS. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to identify optimal pharmacological interventions for patients with TS.

Feasibility of alcohol interventions in cardiology: a qualitative study of clinician perspectives in Sweden.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing alcohol screening and brief interventions (SBI) in cardiology services. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a qualitative study. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 clinical cardiology staff (doctors, nurses, and assistant nurses) of varying experience levels and from various clinical settings (high-dependency unit, ward, and outpatient clinic), in three regions of Sweden. Reflexive thematic analysis was used, with deductive coding applying the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation (COM-B) theoretical framework. A total of 41 barriers and facilitators were identified, including 12 related to capability, 9 to opportunity, and 20 to motivation. Four themes were developed: (i) uncharted territory, where clinicians expressed a need to address alcohol use but lacked knowledge and a roadmap for implementing SBI; (ii) cardiology as a cardiovascular specialty, where tasks were prioritized according to established roles; (iii) alcohol stigma, where alcohol was reported to be a sensitive topic that staff avoid discussing with patients; and (iv) window of opportunity, where staff expressed potential for implementing SBI in routine cardiology care. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that opportunities exist for early identification and follow-up of hazardous alcohol use within routine cardiology care. Several barriers, including low knowledge, stigma, a lack of ownership, and a greater focus on other risk factors, must be addressed prior to the implementation of SBI in cardiology. To meet current clinical guidelines, there is a need to increase awareness and to improve pathways to addiction care. In addition, there may be a need for clinicians dedicated to alcohol interventions within cardiology services. REGISTRATION: OSF (osf.io/hx3ts).

Changes in Physical Activity and Incidence of Nonfatal Cardiovascular Events in 47 153 Survivors of Myocardial Infarction.

Background The majority of patients survive the acute phase of myocardial infarction (MI) but have an increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. To be regularly physically active or change activity level is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. The objective was to explore to what extent physical activity (PA) levels or change in PA levels during the first year post-MI was associated with any recurrent nonfatal CVD events and specific CVD events (eg, MI, ischemic stroke, and vascular dementia). Methods and Results This cohort study among MI survivors was based on Swedish national registries between 2005 and 2020. PA levels were self-rated at 2 and 12 months post-MI, and patients were classified into remaining physically inactive, increasing, decreasing, or remaining active. A total of 6534 nonfatal CVD events occurred during 6 years of follow-up among the 47 153 included patients. In fully adjusted analyses, the risk of any nonfatal CVD event was lower (P<0.05) among patients remaining active (37%), increasing (22%), or decreasing (18%) PA level compared with remaining inactive. Compared with remaining inactive, the risk of recurring MI and stroke was lower (P>0.05) among remaining active (41% versus 52%, respectively), increasing (20% versus 35%, respectively), or decreasing PA level (24% versus 34%, respectively). For vascular dementia, patients remaining physically active had an 80% lower risk compared with remaining inactive (P<0.05). Conclusions Remaining physically active or change in PA levels during the first year post-MI was associated with a lower risk of recurrent nonfatal CVD events. This emphasizes the importance of supporting patients to continue to be or become physically active.

Design and rationale of the myocardial infarction and new treatment with metformin study (MIMET) - Study protocol for a registry-based randomised clinical trial.

AIMS: To investigate if addition of metformin to standard care (life-style advice) reduces the occurrence of cardiovascular events and death after myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with newly detected prediabetes. METHODS: The Myocardial Infarction and new treatment with Metformin study (MIMET) is a large multicentre registry-based randomised clinical trial (R-RCT) within the SWEDEHEART registry platform expected to include 5160 patients with MI and newly detected prediabetes (identified with fasting blood glucose, HbA1c or 2-h glucose on oral glucose tolerance test) at ∼20 study sites in Sweden. Patients 18-80 years, without known diabetes and naïve to glucose lowering therapy, will be randomised 1:1 to open-label metformin therapy plus standard care or standard care alone. OUTCOMES: Patients will be followed for 2 years for the primary outcome new cardiovascular event (first of death, non-fatal MI, hospitalisation for heart failure or non-fatal stroke). Secondary endpoints include individual components of the primary endpoint, diabetes diagnosis, initiation of any glucose lowering therapy, cancer, and treatment safety. Events will be collected from national healthcare registries. CONCLUSIONS: The MIMET study will investigate if metformin is superior to standard care after myocardial infarction in preventing cardiovascular events in patients with prediabetes (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05182970; EudraCT No: 2019-001487-30).

High Self-Reported Levels of Pain 1 Year After a Myocardial Infarction Are Related to Long-Term All-Cause Mortality: A SWEDEHEART Study Including 18 376 Patients.

Background Pain increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). However, the impact of pain on mortality after MI has not yet been investigated in large studies with long-term follow-up periods. Thus, we aimed to examine various levels of pain severity 1 year after an MI as a potential risk for all-cause mortality. Methods and Results We collected data from 18 376 patients, aged <75 years, who had a registered MI event during the period from 2004 to 2013 and with measurements of potential cardiovascular risk indicators at hospital discharge from the Swedish quality register SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies). Self-reported levels of experienced pain according to EuroQol-5 dimension instrument were recorded in secondary prevention clinics 1 year after hospital discharge. We collected all-cause mortality data up to 8.5 years (median, 3.4 years) after the 1-year visit. The Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI. Moderate pain and extreme pain were reported by 38.2% and 4.5%, respectively, of included patients. There were 1067 deaths. Adjusted HR was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.18-1.55) and 2.06 (95% CI, 1.63-2.60) for moderate and extreme pain, respectively. Pain was a stronger mortality predictor than smoking. Conclusions Pain 1 year after MI is highly prevalent, and its effect on mortality 1 year after MI was found to be more pronounced than smoking. Clinicians managing patients after MI should recognize the need to consider experienced pain when making prognosis or treatment decisions.

Socioeconomic Disparities and Mediators for Recurrent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Events After a First Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Low socioeconomic status is associated with worse secondary prevention use and prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). Actions for health equity improvements warrant identification of risk mediators. Therefore, we assessed mediators of the association between socioeconomic status and first recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event (rASCVD) after MI. METHODS: In this cohort study on 1-year survivors of first-ever MI with Swedish universal health coverage ages 18 to 76 years, individual-level data from SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) and linked national registries was collected from 2006 through 2020. Exposure was socioeconomic status by disposable income quintile (principal proxy), educational level, and marital status. The primary outcome was rASCVD and secondary outcomes were cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We initially assessed the incremental attenuation of hazard ratios with 95% CIs in sequential multivariable models adding groups of potential mediators (ie, previous risk factors, acute presentation and infarct severity, initial therapies, and secondary prevention). Thereafter, the proportion of excess rASCVD associated with a low income mediated through nonparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation, suboptimal statin management, a cardiometabolic risk profile, persistent smoking, and blood pressure above target after MI were calculated using causal mediation analysis. RESULTS: Among 68 775 participants (73.8% men), 7064 rASCVD occurred during a mean 5.7-year follow-up. Income, adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year, was associated with rASCVD (hazard ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.51-1.76] in the lowest versus highest income quintile). Risk attenuated most by adjustment for previous risk factors and by adding secondary prevention variables for a final model (hazard ratio, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.26-1.51]) in the lowest versus highest income quintile. The proportions of the excess 15-year rASCVD risk in the lowest income quintile mediated through nonparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation, cardiometabolic risk profile, persistent smoking, and poor blood pressure control were 3.3% (95% CI 2.1-4.8), 3.9% (95% CI, 2.9-5.5), 15.2% (95% 9.1-25.7), and 1.0% (95% CI 0.6-1.5), respectively. Risk mediation through optimal statin management was negligible. CONCLUSIONS: Nonparticipation in cardiac rehabilitation, a cardiometabolic risk profile, and persistent smoking mediate income-dependent prognosis after MI. In the absence of randomized trials, this causal inference approach may guide decisions to improve health equity.

Temporal trends in cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle and secondary preventive medication for patients with myocardial infarction attending cardiac rehabilitation in Sweden 2006-2019: a registry-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Registries have been highlighted as means to improve quality of care. Here, we describe temporal trends in risk factors, lifestyle and preventive medication for patients after myocardial infarction (MI) registered in the quality registry Swedish Web-system for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based care in Heart disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART). DESIGN: A registry-based cohort study. SETTING: All coronary care units and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) centres in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Patients attending a CR visit at 1-year post-MI 2006-2019 were included (n=81 363, 18-74 years, 74.7% men). OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures at 1-year follow-up included blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mm Hg, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)<1.8 mmol/L, persistent smoking, overweight/obesity, central obesity, diabetes prevalence, inadequate physical activity, and prescription of secondary preventive medication. Descriptive statistics and testing for trends were applied. RESULTS: The proportion of patients attaining the targets for BP<140/90 mmHg increased from 65.2% (2006) to 86.0% (2019), and LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L from 29.8% (2006) to 66.9% (2019, p<0.0001 both). While smoking at the time of MI decreased (32.0% to 26.5%, p<0.0001), persistent smoking at 1 year was unchanged (42.8% to 43.2%, p=0.672) as was the prevalence of overweight/obesity (71.9% to 72.9%, p=0.559). Central obesity (50.5% to 57.0%), diabetes (18.2% to 27.2%) and patients reporting inadequate levels of physical activity (57.0% to 61.5%) increased (p<0.0001 for all). From 2007, >90.0% of patients were prescribed statins and approximately 98% antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker prescription increased from 68.7% (2006) to 80.2% (2019, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: While little change was observed for persistent smoking and overweight/obesity, large improvements were observed for LDL-C and BP target achievements and prescription of preventive medication for Swedish patients after MI 2006-2019. Compared with published results from patients with coronary artery disease in Europe during the same period, these improvements were considerably larger. Continuous auditing and open comparisons of CR outcomes might possibly explain some of the observed improvements and differences.

The remote exercise SWEDEHEART study-Rationale and design of a multicenter registry-based cluster randomized crossover clinical trial (RRCT).

BACKGROUND: Despite proven benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR), few patients with myocardial infarction (MI) participate in and complete these programs. STUDY DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES: The Remote Exercise SWEDEHEART study is a large multicenter registry-based cluster randomized crossover clinical trial with a planned enrollment of 1500 patients with a recent MI. Patients at intervention centers will be offered supervised EBCR, either delivered remotely, center-based or as a combination of both modes, as self-preferred choice. At control centers, patients will be offered supervised center-based EBCR, only. The duration of each time period (intervention/control) for each center will be 15 months and then cross-over occurs. The primary aim is to evaluate if remotely delivered EBCR, offered as an alternative to center-based EBCR, can increase participation in EBCR sessions. The proportion completers in each group will be presented in a supportive responder analysis. The key secondary aim is to investigate if remote EBCR is as least as effective as center-based EBCR, in terms of physical fitness and patient-reported outcome measures. Follow-up of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular- and all-cause mortality, recurrent hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure hospitalization, stroke, and coronary revascularization) will be performed at 1 and 3 years. Safety monitoring of serious adverse events will be registered, and a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted to estimate the cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) associated with the intervention compared with control. CONCLUSIONS: The cluster randomized crossover clinical trial Remote Exercise SWEDEHEART study is evaluating if participation in EBCR sessions can be increased, which may contribute to health benefits both on a group level and for individual patients including a more equal access to health care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04260958).

Prognostic value of early sustained ventricular arrhythmias in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A substudy of VALIDATE-SWEDEHEART trial.

Background: Prognostic assessment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is based mainly on distinguishing between early (<48 hours) and late arrhythmias, and does not take into account its time distribution with regard to reperfusion, or type of arrhythmia. Objective: We analyzed the prognostic value of early ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in STEMI with regard to their type and timing. Methods: The prespecified analysis of the multicenter prospective Bivalirudin versus Heparin in ST-Segment and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarctionin Patients on Modern Antiplatelet Therapy in the Swedish Web System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based Care in Heart Disease evaluated according to Recommended Therapies Registry Trial included 2886 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). VA episodes were characterized regarding their type and timing. Survival status at 180 days was assessed through the population registry. Results: Nonmonomorphic VT or VF was observed in 97 (3.4%) and monomorphic VT in 16 (0.5%) patients. Only 3 (2.7%) early VA episodes occurred after 24 hours from symptom onset. VA was associated with higher risk of death (hazard ratio 3.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.01-6.42) after adjustment for age, sex, and STEMI localization. VA after PCI was associated with an increased mortality compared with VA before PCI (hazard ratio 6.68; 95% CI 2.90-15.41). Early VA was associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 7.39; 95% CI 3.68-14.83) but not with long-term prognosis in patients discharged alive. The type of VA was not associated with mortality. Conclusion: VA after PCI was associated with an increased mortality compared with VA before PCI. Long-term prognosis did not differ between patients with monomorphic VT and nonmonomorphic VT or VF, but events were few. VA incidence during 24 to 48 hours of STEMI is negligibly low, thus precluding assessment of its prognostic importance.

Participation in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is related to reduced total mortality in both men and women: results from the SWEDEHEART registry.

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.

Cardiovascular Family History Increases the Risk of Disease Recurrence After a First Myocardial Infarction.

Background Family history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is easily accessible and captures genetic cardiovascular risk, but its prognostic value in secondary prevention is unknown. Methods and Results We followed 25 615 patients registered in SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) from their 1-year revisit after a first-time myocardial infarction during 2005 to 2013, until December 31, 2018. Data on relatives, diagnoses and socioeconomics were extracted from national registers. The association between family history and recurrent ASCVD was studied with Cox proportional-hazard regression, adjusting for risk factors and socioeconomics. A family history of ASCVD was defined as hospitalization due to myocardial infarction, angina with coronary revascularization, stroke, or cardiovascular death in ≥1 parent or full sibling, with early-onset defined as disease-onset before 55 years in men and 65 in women. The additional discriminatory value of family history to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score for Secondary Prevention was assessed with Harrell's C-index difference and reclassification was studied with continuous net reclassification improvement. Family history of early-onset ASCVD in ≥1 first-degree relative was present in 2.3% and was associated with recurrent ASCVD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.31; 95% CI, 1.17-1.47), fully adjusted for risk factors (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.05-1.42). Early-onset family history improved the discriminatory ability of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score for Secondary Prevention, with Harrell's C improving 0.003 points (95% CI, 0.001-0.005) from initial 0.587 (95% CI, 0.576-0.595) and improved reclassification (continuous net reclassification improvement 2.1%, P<0.001). Conclusions Family history of early-onset ASCVD is associated with recurrent ASCVD after myocardial infarction, independently of traditional risk factors and improves secondary risk prediction. This may identify patients to target for intensified secondary prevention.

The SWEDEHEART secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation registry (SWEDEHEART CR registry).

AIMS: The quality registry SWEDEHEART covers data across the patient pathway after an acute myocardial infarction (MI), from hospital care to secondary prevention. Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is strongly recommended after an MI, there is still heterogeneity regarding standards, uptake, and adherence rates. The aim of the SWEDEHEART-CR registry is to provide continuous information on secondary prevention and CR performance to support the audit and development of evidence-based practice. To facilitate quality improvement and research initiatives, a description of the characteristics and development of the SWEDEHEART-CR registry is needed. METHODS AND RESULTS: The SWEDEHEART-CR registry starts with data obtained during hospital care and then collects data at out-patient visits 2 months and 1-year after discharge, and at start and end of an exercise-based CR programme. The registry data covers comorbidities, biochemistry, blood pressure, anthropometric variables, medication, psychosocial- and lifestyle variables, readmissions, patient-reported outcome measures, attendance in CR-related programmes, and physical fitness variables. Over 100 000 patients with MI have been included in the SWEDEHEART-CR registry since its start in 2005. From initially covering 35 centres (47%) and 2200 patients annually (27%), SWEDEHEART-CR has developed to a nation-wide registry with 75 centres (100%) and 8800 patients annually (80%) in 2020. CONCLUSION: The SWEDEHEART-CR registry includes a high proportion of the national MI population entering a CR programme and is a powerful tool for quality audit, improvement, and research. The registry provides insights into the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of evidence-based secondary preventive practice, ultimately leading to better cardiovascular health.

Association of Socioeconomic Status With Risk Factor Target Achievements and Use of Secondary Prevention After Myocardial Infarction.

Importance: Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poor long-term prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI). Plausible underlying mechanisms have received limited study. Objective: To assess whether SES is associated with risk factor target achievements or with risk-modifying activities, including cardiac rehabilitation programs, monitoring, and drug therapies, during the first year after MI. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included a population-based consecutive sample of 30 191 one-year survivors of first-ever MI who were 18 to 76 years of age, resided in the general community in Sweden, were followed up until their routine 11- to 15-month revisit, and were registered in the national registry Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) from 2006 through 2013. Data analyses were performed from January to August 2020. Exposure: Individual-level SES by proxy disposable income quintile. Secondary exposures were educational level and marital status. Main Outcomes and Measures: Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for achieved risk factor targets at the 1-year revisit and for use of guideline-recommended secondary prevention activities. Results: The study comprised 30 191 participants (72.9% men) with a mean (SD) age of 63.0 (8.6) years. Overall, higher SES was associated with better target achievements and use of most secondary prevention. The highest (vs lowest) income quintile was associated with achieved smoking cessation (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.78-2.35), target blood pressure levels (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.27), and glycated hemoglobin levels (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.19-2.06). The highest-income quintile was associated not only with participation in physical training programs (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 2.11-2.46) and patient educational sessions (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 2.12-2.47) in cardiac rehabilitation but also with more monitoring of lipid profiles (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.08-1.33) and intensification of statin therapy (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.35) during the first year after MI. One year after MI, the highest-income quintile was associated with persistent use of statins (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.10-1.45), high-intensity statins (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.21), and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.08-1.49). Conclusions and Relevance: Findings indicated that, in a publicly financed health care system, higher SES was associated with better achievement of most risk factor targets, programs aimed at lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapies after MI. Observed differences in secondary prevention activity may be a factor in higher long-term risk of recurrent disease among individuals with low SES.

Association of clinical trial participation after myocardial infarction with socioeconomic status, clinical characteristics, and outcomes.

Aims: To investigate whether participants in clinical trials after myocardial infarction (MI) are representable for the post-MI population concerning characteristics, secondary prevention, and prognosis. Methods and results: Cohort study on 31 792 attendants to 1-year revisits after MI throughout Sweden (n = 2941 clinical trial participants) between 2008 and 2013 identified in the Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART). Individual-level data on socioeconomic status (SES) (disposable income, educational level, and marital status) and outcomes (first recurrent non-fatal MI, coronary heart disease death, fatal or non-fatal stroke until study end 2018) were linked from other national registries. Trial participants were more likely to be men [risk ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.11], and married (1.07; 1.04-1.10), have a highest-quintile income (1.42; 1.36-1.48), and post-secondary education (1.25; 1.18-1.33), while less likely to have a history of MI (0.88; 0.80-0.97), be persistent smokers (0.83; 0.75-0.92) and have left ventricular dysfunction (0.59; 0.44-0.79) compared to non-participants. During a mean 6.7-year follow-up, 5206 outcome events occurred. Risk was lower in trial participants (hazard ratio 0.80; 95% CI 0.72-0.89), also after adjusting for clinical characteristics and post-MI therapies (0.85; 0.77-0.94) and additionally for SES (0.88; 0.79-0.97). Conclusions: Clinical trial participants post-MI are more often male, have higher SES, a more advantageous risk profile, and better prognosis. Additional unmeasured participation bias was implied. Questionable external validity of post-MI trials highlights the importance of complementary studies using real-world data.

Abdominal obesity and the risk of recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The association between abdominal obesity and recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and its association with recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients after a first myocardial infarction. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this register-based observational cohort, 22,882 patients were identified from the national Swedish Web-system for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) registry at a clinical revisit 4-10 weeks after their first myocardial infarction 2005-2014. Patients were followed for recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death, non-fatal or fatal ischaemic stroke. Univariate and multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals in quintiles of waist circumference as well as three categories of body mass index including normal weight, overweight and obesity. RESULTS: The majority of patients had abdominal obesity. During a median follow-up time of 3.8 years, 1232 men (7.3%) and 469 women (7.9%) experienced a recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease event. In the univariate analysis, risk was elevated in the fifth quintile (hazard ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.39) compared with the first. In the multivariable-adjusted analysis, risk was elevated in the fourth and fifth quintiles (hazard ratio 1.21, confidence interval 1.03-1.43 and hazard ratio 1.25, confidence interval 1.04-1.50), respectively. Gender-stratified analyses showed similar associations in men, while U-shaped associations were observed in women and the body mass index analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal obesity was common in post-myocardial infarction patients and larger waist circumference was independently associated with recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, particularly in men. We recommend utilising waist circumference to identify patients at increased risk of recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction.

Long-Term Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Among Cross-Country Skiers.

BACKGROUND: Studies have revealed a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation among well-trained athletes. We aim to investigate associations of endurance training with incidence of atrial fibrillation and stroke and to establish potential sex differences of such associations in a cohort of endurance trained athletes. METHODS: All Swedish skiers (208 654) completing 1 or more races in the 30 to 90 km cross-country skiing event Vasaloppet (1989-2011) and a matched sample (n=527 448) of nonskiers were followed until first event of atrial fibrillation or stroke. Cox regression was used to investigate associations of number of completed races and finishing time with incidence of atrial fibrillation and stroke. RESULTS: Female skiers in Vasaloppet had a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation than did female nonskiers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% CI, 0.48-0.64), independent of finishing time and number of races. Male skiers had a similar incidence to that of nonskiers (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93-1.03). Skiers with the highest number of races or fastest finishing times had the highest incidence. Skiers of either sex had a lower incidence of stroke than did nonskiers (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60-0.67), independent of the number of races and finishing time. Skiers with atrial fibrillation had higher incidence of stroke than did skiers and nonskiers without atrial fibrillation (men: HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.93-2.70; women: HR, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.17-5.68; skiers with atrial fibrillation vs. skiers without atrial fibrillation). After diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, skiers with atrial fibrillation had a lower incidence of stroke (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50-0.91) and lower mortality compared with nonskiers with atrial fibrillation (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.49-0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Female skiers in Vasaloppet had lower incidence of atrial fibrillation and stroke. Male skiers had similar incidence of atrial fibrillation and lower risk of stroke. Men with higher number of races and faster finishing times had the highest incidence of atrial fibrillation. After diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, skiers had lower incidence of stroke and death than did nonskiers with atrial fibrillation. This indicates that although on an individual level atrial fibrillation in well-trained individuals is associated with higher incidence of stroke, on population level, risk of stroke is low and that exercise should not be avoided.

Lipid levels achieved after a first myocardial infarction and the prediction of recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals post-myocardial infarction (MI) are debated, and the significance of achieved blood lipid levels for predicting a first recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (rASCVD) event post-MI is unclear. METHODS: This was a cohort study on first-ever MI survivors aged ≤76 years attending 4-14 week revisits throughout Sweden 2005-2013. Personal-level data was collected from SWEDEHEART and linked national registries. Exposures were quintiles of LDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs) at the revisit. Group level associations with rASCVD (nonfatal MI or coronary heart disease death or fatal or nonfatal ischemic stroke) were estimated in Cox regression models. Predictive capacity was estimated by differences in C-statistic, integrated discriminatory improvement, and net reclassification improvement when adding each blood lipid to a validated risk prediction model. RESULTS: 25,643 patients, 96.9% on statin therapy, were followed during a mean of 4.1 years. rASCVD occurred in 2173 patients (8.5%). For LDL-C and TC, moderate associations with rASCVD were observed only in the 5th vs. the lowest (referent) quintiles. For TGs and HDL-C increased risks were observed in quintiles 3-5 vs. the lowest. Minor predictive improvements were observed when lipid fractions were added to the risk model but the discrimination overall was poor (C-statistics <0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Our data question the importance of LDL-C levels achieved at first revisit post-MI for decisions on continued treatment intensity considering the weak association with rASCVD observed in this post-MI cohort.

Clinical and angiographic outcomes of bioabsorbable vs. permanent polymer drug-eluting stents in Sweden: a report from the Swedish Coronary and Angioplasty Registry (SCAAR).

AIMS: Randomized clinical trials have consistently demonstrated the non-inferiority of bioabsorbable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) with respect to DES having permanent polymers (PP-DES). To date, the comparative performance of BP- and PP-DES in the real world has not been extensively investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: From October 2011 to June 2016, we analysed the outcomes associated with newer generation DES use in Sweden. After stratification according to the type of DES received at the index procedure, a total of 16 504 and 79 106 stents were included in the BP- and PP-DES groups, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier estimates for restenosis at 2 years were 1.2% and 1.4% in BP- and PP-DES groups, respectively. Definite stent thrombosis (ST) was low in both groups (0.5% and 0.7% in BP- and PP-DES groups, respectively). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for either restenosis or definite ST did not differ between BP- and PP-DES [adjusted HR 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-1.21; P = 0.670 and adjusted HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.57-1.09; P = 0.151, respectively]. Similarly, there were no differences in the adjusted risk of all-cause death and myocardial infarction (MI) between the two groups (adjusted HR for all-cause death 1.01, 95% CI 0.82-1.25; P = 0.918 and adjusted HR for MI 1.05, 95% CI 0.93-1.19; P = 0.404). CONCLUSION: In a large, nationwide, and unselected cohort of patients, percutaneous coronary intervention with BP-DES implantation was not associated with an incremental clinical benefit over PP-DES use at 2 years follow-up.

Physical inactivity and smoking after myocardial infarction as predictors for readmission and survival: results from the SWEDEHEART-registry.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) and smoking cessation are included in the secondary prevention guidelines after myocardial infarction (MI), but they are still underutilised. This study aims to explore how PA level and smoking status (6-10 weeks post-MI) were associated with 1-year readmission and mortality during full follow-up time, and with the cumulative 5-year mortality. METHODS: A population-based cohort of all hospitals providing MI-care in Sweden (SWEDEHEART-registry) in 2004-2014. PA was expressed as the number of exercise sessions of ≥ 30 min in the last 7 days: 0-1 (low), 2-4 (medium) and 5-7 (high) sessions/week. Individuals were categorised as smokers, former smokers or never-smokers. The associations were analysed by unadjusted and adjusted logistic and Cox regressions. RESULTS: During follow-up (M = 3.58 years), a total of 1702 deaths occurred among 30 644 individuals (14.1 cases per 1000 person-years). For medium and high PA, the hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality were 0.39 and 0.36, respectively, compared with low PA. For never-smokers, the HR was 0.45 and former smokers 0.56 compared with smokers. Compared with low PA, the odds ratios (ORs) for readmission in medium PA were 0.65 and 0.59 for CVD and non-CVD causes, respectively. For high PA, the corresponding ORs were 0.63 and 0.55. The association remained in adjusted models. There were no associations between smoking status and readmission. CONCLUSIONS: The PA level and smoking status are strong predictors of mortality post-MI and the PA level also predicts readmission, highlighting the importance of adherence to the secondary prevention guidelines.