Effect of cardiovascular drugs on cardiovascular events in 1599 patients followed in an academic outpatient cardiology practice.

This study investigated the effects of medical therapy on incidences of myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in an academic outpatient cardiology practice. Chart reviews were performed in 1599 treated patients (1138 men and 461 women), mean age 72 years. Medications investigated included the use of statins, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and aspirin. The mean follow-up was 63 months during 1977-2009. Of 1599 patients, MI occurred in 100 patients (6%), PCI occurred in 296 patients (19%), and CABG occurred in 235 patients (15%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that significant independent risk factors for MI were statins [odds ratio = 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.05-0.11, P < 0.001], beta blockers (odds ratio = 0.15, 95% CI, 0.10-0.23, P < 0.001), ACE inhibitors (odds ratio = 0.27, 95% CI, 0.16-0.45, P < 0.001), ARBs (odds ratio = 0.09, 95% CI, 0.04-0.20, P < 0.001), and aspirin (odds ratio = 0.18, 95% CI, 0.12-0.29, P < 0.001). Significant independent risk factors for PCI were statins (odds ratio = 0.15, 95% CI, 0.11-0.20, P < 0.001), beta blockers (odds ratio = 0.26, 95% CI, 0.20-0.35, P < 0.001), ACE inhibitors (odds ratio = 0.25, 95% CI, 0.18-0.34, P < 0.001), and ARBs (odds ratio = 0.18, 95% CI, 0.11-0.28, P < 0.001). Significant independent risk factors for CABG were statins (odds ratio = 0.16, 95% CI, 0.12-0.22, P < 0.001), beta blockers (odds ratio = 0.43, 95% CI, 0.32-0.58, P < 0.001), ACE inhibitors (odds ratio = 0.38, 95% CI, 0.27-0.53, P < 0.001), ARBs (odds ratio = 0.19, 95% CI, 0.11-0.31, P < 0.001), and aspirin (odds ratio = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.33-0.61, P < 0.001).

Thiazide-induced severe hypercalcemia: a case report and review of literature.

Most common causes of hypercalcemia are hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, vitamin D-mediated conditions such as sarcoidosis, and vitamin D toxicity. Less commonly, hypercalcemia can be caused by drugs such as thiazide diuretics and lithium. Mild hypercalcemia is usually asymptomatic but severe hypercalcemia is associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, muscle weakness, lethargy, confusion, and fatigue. We are reporting a case of abdominal pain and altered mental status caused by thiazide-induced severe hypercalcemia of 19.8 mg/dL. This is the most severe case of thiazide-induced hypercalcemia that we have seen reported. Patients on thiazide diuretics should have their electrolytes frequently checked, especially patients on calcium supplements. Management usually includes hydration and discontinuation of drugs causing hypercalcemia.

The transaortic approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: initial clinical experience in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to investigate the technical feasibility and safety of the transaortic (TAO) transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) approach in patients not eligible for transfemoral (TF) access by using a device commercially available in the United States. BACKGROUND: A large proportion of candidates for TAVR have inadequate iliofemoral vessels for TF access. The transapical route (TAP) is the current alternative but is associated with less favorable outcomes. Other access options need to be explored. METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients with inoperable, severe aortic stenosis underwent TAO TAVR in our institution. Procedural and 30-day clinical outcomes data were compared with data from 76 consecutive patients who underwent TAP TAVR at our site. Technical learning curves were assessed by comparing outcomes of the first 20 cases with the subsequent patients who underwent each procedure. RESULTS: The TAO and TAP TAVR groups were similar in terms of device success according to Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria (89% vs. 84%; p = 0.59) and rates of the 30-day combined safety endpoint of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, major stroke, disabling bleeding, severe acute kidney injury, and valve reintervention (20% vs. 33%; p = 0.21). The TAO approach, compared with TAP TAVR, was associated with lower combined bleeding and vascular event rate (27% vs. 46%; p = 0.05), shorter median intensive care unit length of stay (3 vs. 6 days; p = 0.01), and a favorable learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: TAVR via the TAO approach is technically feasible, seems to be associated with favorable outcomes, and expands the current alternative options for access sites in patients with inoperable aortic stenosis who are ineligible for TF TAVR.

Risk factor reduction in progression of angiographic coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate differences between outpatients with progressive and nonprogressive coronary artery disease (CAD) measured by coronary angiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chart reviews were performed in patients in an outpatient cardiology practice having ≥ 2 coronary angiographies ≥ 1 year apart. Progressive CAD was defined as 1) new non-obstructive or obstructive CAD in a previously disease-free vessel; or 2) new obstruction in a previously non-obstructive vessel. Coronary risk factors, comorbidities, cardiovascular events, medication use, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood pressure were used for analysis. RESULTS: The study included 183 patients, mean age 71 years. Mean follow-up duration was 11 years. Mean follow-up between coronary angiographies was 58 months. Of 183 patients, 108 (59%) had progressive CAD, and 75 (41%) had nonprogressive CAD. The use of statins, ß-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and aspirin was not significantly different in patient with progressive CAD or nonprogressive CAD Mean arterial pressure was higher in patients with progressive CAD than in patients with nonprogressive CAD (97±13 mm Hg vs. 92±12 mm Hg) (p<0.05). Serum LDL-C was insignificantly higher in patients with progressive CAD (94±40 mg/dl) than in patients with nonprogressive CAD (81±34 mg/dl) (p=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in addition to using appropriate medical therapy, control of blood pressure and serum LDL-C level may reduce progression of CAD.

The impact of statin therapy on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in an outpatient cardiology practice.

INTRODUCTION: Statins reduce coronary events in patients with coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chart reviews were performed in 305 patients (217 men and 88 women, mean age 74 years) not treated with statins during the first year of being seen in an outpatient cardiology practice but subsequently treated with statins. Based on the starting date of statins use, the long-term outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGs) before and after statin use were compared. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 65 months before statins use and 66 months after statins use. Myocardial infarction occurred in 31 of 305 patients (10%) before statins, and in 13 of 305 patients (4%) after statins (p < 0.01). Percutaneous coronary intervention had been performed in 66 of 305 patients (22%) before statins and was performed in 41 of 305 patients (13%) after statins (p < 0.01). Coronary artery bypass graft surgery had been performed in 56 of 305 patients (18%) before statins and in 20 of 305 patients (7%) after statins (p < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression showed statins use was an independent risk factor for MI (odds ratio = 0.0207, 95% CI, 0.0082-0.0522, p < 0.0001), PCI (odds ratio = 0.0109, 95% CI, 0.0038-0.0315, p < 0.0001) and CABGs (odds ratio = 0.0177, 95% CI = 0.0072-0.0431, p < 0.0001) CONCLUSIONS: Statins use in an outpatient cardiology practice reduces the incidence of MI, PCI, and CABGs.

Reduction in atherosclerotic events: a retrospective study in an outpatient cardiology practice.

INTRODUCTION: Although atherosclerotic disease cannot be cured, risk of recurrent events can be reduced by application of evidence-based treatment protocols involving aspirin, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and statin medications. We studied atherosclerotic event rates in a patient population treated before and after the development of aggressive risk factor reduction treatment protocols. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients presenting for follow-up treatment of coronary artery disease in a community cardiology practice, comparing atherosclerotic event rates and medication usage in a 2-year treatment period prior to 2002 and a 2-year period in 2005-2008. Care was provided in both the early and later eras by 7 board-certified cardiologists in a suburban cardiology practice. Medication usage was compared in both treatment eras. The primary outcome was a composite event rate of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events, and coronary interventions. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-seven patients were studied, with a follow-up duration of 12.1 (±3.5) years. There were 132 composite events in 104 patients (29.1%) in the early era compared to 40 events in 33 patients (9.2%) in the later era (p < 0.0001). From the early to the later eras, there was an increase in use of ß-blockers (66% to 83%, p < 0.0001), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (34% to 80%, p < 0.0001), and statins (40% to 90%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Application of aggressive evidence-based medication protocols for treatment of atherosclerosis is associated with a significant decrease in atherosclerotic events or need for coronary intervention.

Cardiac amyloidosis: approaches to diagnosis and management.

Amyloidosis is a clinical disorder caused by the extracellular deposition of misfolded, insoluble aggregated protein with a characteristic ss pleated sheet configuration that produces apple-green birefringence under polarized light when stained with Congo red dye. The spectrum of organ involvement can include the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, central and peripheral nervous systems, liver, intestines, lungs, eyes, skin, and bones. Cardiovascular amyloidosis can be primary, a part of systemic amyloidosis, or the result of chronic systemic disease elsewhere in the body. The most common presentations are congestive heart failure because of restrictive cardiomyopathy and conduction abnormalities. Recent developments in imaging techniques and extracardiac tissue sampling have minimized the need for invasive endomyocardial biopsy for amyloidosis. Cardiac amyloidosis management will vary depending on the subtype but consists of supportive treatment of cardiac related symptoms and reducing the amyloid fibrils formation attacking the underlying disease. Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis for patients with amyloidosis is still poor and depends on the underlying disease type. Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis may improve outcomes but requires heightened suspicion and a systematic clinical approach to evaluation. Delays in diagnosis, uncertainties about the relative merits of available therapies, and difficulties in mounting large-scale clinical trials in rare disorders combine to keep cardiac amyloidosis a challenging problem. This review outlines current approaches to diagnosis, assessment of disease severity, and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis.

Association of warfarin use with CHADS(2) score in 441 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and no contraindications to warfarin.

The authors investigated the use of warfarin at hospital discharge in 557 consecutive patients, mean age 76 years, with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) at a university hospital. Of 557 patients with AF, 116 (21%) had contraindications to warfarin. Of patients eligible for warfarin, warfarin was used in 8 of 30 patients (27%) with a CHADS(2) score of 0, in 82 of 132 patients (62%) with a CHADS(2) score of 1, in 121 of 175 patients (70%) with a CHADS(2) score of 2, in 72 of 77 patients (94%) with a CHADS(2) score of 3, and in 27 of 27 patients (100%) with a CHADS(2) score of 4 to 6. Warfarin was used in 123 of 168 patients (73%) older than 75 years, in 74 of 79 patients (94%) aged 65 to 75 years, and in 23 of 32 patients (72%) younger than 65 years. Warfarin was used in 80 of 116 patients (69%) with a glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and in 140 of 163 patients (86%) with a glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) . There was no significant difference in use of warfarin between men and women and between whites and nonwhites.