Perceived determinants of physical activity among women with prior severe preeclampsia: a qualitative assessment.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to (1) qualitatively identify the perceived determinants of physical activity among women who have experienced severe preeclampsia, and (2) examine whether these determinants are consistent with the overarching processes outlined in the integrated behavior change (IBC) model, a novel model that describes physical activity as being a result of motivational, volitional, and automatic processes. METHODS: Patients (n = 35) of the Follow-Up PreEClampsia (FUPEC) Outpatient Clinic, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands, participated in an anonymous online survey. The main outcomes under study were their perceived determinants of physical activity. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen themes emerged from the analysis. Six themes corresponded with motivational processes (future health, perceived ability, attitude, future reward or regret, physical appearance, and doing it for others), two with volitional processes (scheduling and planning), and two with automatic processes (affect and stress). Three themes were classified as environmental factors (time constraint, social support, and physical environment). CONCLUSIONS: A range of facilitating and hindering factors were described by women with prior severe preeclampsia as the determinants of their physical activity. These factors corresponded well with the overarching motivational, volitional, and automatic processes described in the IBC model. In addition, motivational and environmental factors beyond the IBC model were described. Addressing these perceived determinants could enhance the efficacy of physical activity interventions in this population. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Motivational, volitional, automatic, and environmental factors drive physical activity in women with prior severe preeclampsia.

Needs and preferences of women with prior severe preeclampsia regarding app-based cardiovascular health promotion.

BACKGROUND: Women with prior severe preeclampsia are at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases later in life compared to women who had a normotensive pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess their needs and preferences regarding app-based cardiovascular health promotion. METHODS: Patients (n = 35) of the Follow-Up PreEClampsia Outpatient Clinic (FUPEC), Erasmus MC, the Netherlands, participated in an anonymous online survey. The main outcomes under study were women's needs for health behavior promotion, and their preferences with respect to intervention delivery. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate needs, and thematic analysis was used to analyze preferences. RESULTS: Women's primary need for health behavior promotion pertained to their fat and sugar intake and physical activity; for some, to their mental health (practices), fruit and vegetable intake, salt intake, and water intake; and for a few, to their alcohol and tobacco use. Most women preferred an app-based intervention to include, in descending order: the tracking of health-related metrics, an interactive platform, the use of behavior change strategies, the provision of information, and personalization. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular health promotion targeting women with prior severe preeclampsia should feel relevant to its audience. App-based interventions are likely to be well received if they target fat and sugar intake and physical activity. These interventions should preferably track health-related metrics, be interactive, contain behavior change strategies, provide information, and be personalized. Adopting these findings during intervention design could potentially increase uptake, behavior change, and behavior change maintenance in this population.

Health Status and Psychological Distress in Patients with Non-compaction Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Burden Related to Symptoms and Genetic Vulnerability.

BACKGROUND: Non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is a cardiomyopathy characterized by left ventricular tribeculae and deep intertrabecular recesses. Because of its genetic underpinnings and physical disease burden, noncompaction cardiomyopathy is expected to be associated with a lower health status and increase in pscyhological distress. PURPOSE: This study determined the health status and psychological distress in NCCM patients. We also examined the potential contribution of genetic predisposition and cardiac symptoms to health status and distress in NCCM, by comparing NCCM patients with (1) patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and (2) patients with acquired dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS: Patients were recruited from the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Using a case-control design, NCCM patients (N = 45, mean age 46.7 ± 15.1 years, 38 % male) were compared with 43 FH patients and 42 DCM patients. Outcome measures were health status (Short Form Health Survey-12), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale). RESULTS: NCCM patients showed significantly worse health status (Physical Component Score F(1,84) = 9.58, P = .003; Mental Component Score F(1,84) = 16.65, P < .001), anxiety (F(1,85) = 9.63, P = .003) and depression scores (F(1,82) = 5.4, P = .023) compared to FH patients, also after adjusting age, sex, comorbidity, educational level and time since diagnosis. However, NCCM patients did not differ from DCM patients (Physical Component Score F(1,82) = 2,61, P = .11; Mental Component Score F(1,82) = .55, P = .46), anxiety (F(1,82) = 1.16, P = .28) and depression scores (F(1,82) = 1,95, P = .17). CONCLUSION: Cardiac symptoms are likely to play a role in the observed poor health status and elevated levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in NCCM, whereas the burden of having a genetic condition may contribute less to these health status and psychological measures.

Latest developments in the treatment of lipoprotein (a).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of treatment options for Lp(a) lowering. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies confirmed that lifestyle intervention and statins do not affect Lp(a) levels, whereas Lp(a) is lowered by oestrogens, niacin, and lipoprotein apheresis. Cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 antibodies, currently studied in phase 3 trials, also lower Lp(a) concentrations by 30-50%. However, all of these compounds have modifying effects on multiple lipoprotein classes. An antisense oligonucleotide directed to apolipoprotein (a) has recently been developed to specifically lower circulating Lp(a) levels. This compound lowers Lp(a) mRNA up to 90%, and Lp(a) levels up to 82% in human volunteers independent of Lp(a) levels at baseline. SUMMARY: Multiple agents, including the next generation RNA-based antisense therapeutics have Lp(a) lowering properties. However, it remains to be established whether lowering Lp(a) reduces cardiovascular disease events with specific Lp(a) lowering therapies.

Comprehensive (apo)lipoprotein profiling in patients with genetic hypertriglyceridemia using LC-MS and NMR spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in genes encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL) or its regulators can cause severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Thus far, the effect of genetic HTG on the lipid profile has been mainly determined via conventional techniques. OBJECTIVE: To show detailed differences in the (apo)lipoprotein profile of patients with genetic HTG by combining LC-MS and NMR techniques. METHODS: Fasted serum from 7 patients with genetic HTG and 10 normolipidemic controls was used to measure the concentration of a spectrum of apolipoproteins by LC-MS, and to estimate the concentration and size of lipoprotein subclasses and class-specific lipid composition using NMR spectroscopy. RESULTS: Patients with genetic HTG compared to normolipidemic controls had higher levels of apoB48 (fold change [FC] 11.3, P<0.001), apoC-I (FC 1.5, P<0.001), apoC-II (FC 4.3, P=0.007), apoC-III (FC 3.4, P<0.001), and apoE (FC 4.3, P<0.001), without altered apoB100. In addition, patients with genetic HTG had higher concentrations of TG-rich lipoproteins (i.e., chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins [VLDL]; FC 3.0, P<0.001), but lower LDL (FC 0.4, P=0.001), of which medium and small-sized LDL particles appeared even absent. While the correlation coefficient between NMR and enzymatic analysis in normolipidemic controls was high, it was considerably reduced in patients with genetic HTG. CONCLUSION: The lipoprotein profile of patients with genetic HTG is predominated with large lipoproteins (i.e., chylomicrons, VLDL), explaining high levels of apoC-I, apoC-II, apoC-III and apoE, whereas small atherogenic LDL particles are absent. The presence of chylomicrons in patients with HTG weakens the accuracy of the NMR-based model as it was designed for normolipidemic fasted individuals.

Thromboembolic and atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in inflammatory bowel disease: epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical management.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The increased risk of CVD concerns an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and heart failure (HF), at corresponding relative risks of 2.5, 1.2 and 2.0, respectively, as compared with the general population. Especially young patients under the age of 40 years run a relatively high risk of these complications when compared with the general population. Chronic systemic inflammation causes a hypercoagulable state leading to the prothrombotic tendency characteristic of VTE, and accelerates all stages involved during atherogenesis in ASCVD. Increased awareness of VTE risk is warranted in patients with extensive colonic disease in both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as during hospitalization, especially when patients are scheduled for surgery. Similarly, critical periods for ASCVD events are the 3 months prior to and 3 months after an IBD-related hospital admission. The increased ASCVD risk is not fully explained by an increased prevalence of traditional risk factors and includes pro-atherogenc lipid profiles with high levels of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol particles and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Risk factors associated with HF are location and extent of inflammation, female sex, and age exceeding 40 years. A dose-dependent increase of overall CVD risk has been reported for corticosteroids. Immunomodulating maintenance therapy might reduce CVD risk in IBD, not only by a direct reduction of chronic systemic inflammation but possibly also by a direct effect of IBD medication on platelet aggregation, endothelial function and lipid and glucose metabolism. More data are needed to define these effects accurately. Despite accumulating evidence on the increased CVD risk in IBD, congruent recommendations to develop preventive strategies are lacking. This literature review provides an overview of current knowledge and identifies gaps in evidence regarding CVD risk in IBD, by discussing epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical management.

Screening for cardiovascular disease risk using traditional risk factor assessment or coronary artery calcium scoring: the ROBINSCA trial.

AIMS: Screening for a high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk followed by preventive treatment can potentially reduce coronary heart disease-related morbidity and mortality. ROBINSCA (Risk Or Benefit IN Screening for CArdiovascular disease) is a population-based randomized controlled screening trial that investigates the effectiveness of CVD screening in asymptomatic participants using the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) model or coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. This study describes the distributions in risk and treatment in the ROBINSCA trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: Individuals at expected elevated CVD risk were randomized into screening arm A (n = 14 478; SCORE, 10-year fatal and non-fatal risk); or screening arm B (n = 14 450; CAC scoring). Preventive treatment was largely advised according to current Dutch guidelines. Risk and treatment differences between the screening arms were analysed. A total of 12 185 participants (84.2%) in arm A and 12 950 (89.6%) in arm B were screened. In total, 48.7% were women, and median age was 62 (interquartile range 10) years. SCORE screening identified 45.1% at low risk (SCORE < 10%), 26.5% at intermediate risk (SCORE 10-20%), and 28.4% at high risk (SCORE ≥ 20%). According to CAC screening, 76.0% were at low risk (Agatston < 100), 15.1% at high risk (Agatston 100-399), and 8.9% at very high risk (Agatston ≥ 400). CAC scoring significantly reduced the number of individuals indicated for preventive treatment compared to SCORE (relative reduction women: 37.2%; men: 28.8%). CONCLUSION: We showed that compared to risk stratification based on SCORE, CAC scoring classified significantly fewer men and women at increased risk, and less preventive treatment was indicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR6471.

Monogenetic disorders of the cholesterol metabolism and premature cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol is of vital importance for normal function of organisms. However, a high serum level is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In this review an overview is presented of the different known monogenetic disorders of the cholesterol metabolism which lead to unfavourable lipid profiles form childhood onwards and premature cardiovascular disease. Since these monogenetic disorders have a large variety in clinical presentation, ranging from scarcely any to extreme premature cardiovascular disease, the frequency is underestimated and often the correct diagnosis is not made. This results into a missed opportunity for optimal treatment as well as for appropriate counselling of family members. Therefore, greater awareness among physicians is needed.

Prognostic Value of Coronary Computed Tomography Imaging in Patients at High Risk Without Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease.

At present, traditional risk factors are used to guide cardiovascular management of asymptomatic subjects. Intensified surveillance may be warranted in those identified as high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to determine the prognostic value of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA) next to the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in patients at high CVD risk without symptoms suspect for coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 665 patients at high risk (mean age 56 ± 9 years, 417 men), having at least one important CVD risk factor (diabetes mellitus, familial hypercholesterolemia, peripheral artery disease, or severe hypertension) or a calculated European systematic coronary risk evaluation of >10% were included from outpatient clinics at 2 academic centers. Follow-up was performed for the occurrence of adverse events including all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or coronary revascularization. During a median follow-up of 3.0 (interquartile range 1.3 to 4.1) years, adverse events occurred in 40 subjects (6.0%). By multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, gender, and CACS, obstructive CAD on CCTA (≥50% luminal stenosis) was a significant predictor of adverse events (hazard ratio 5.9 [CI 1.3 to 26.1]). Addition of CCTA to age, gender, plus CACS, increased the C statistic from 0.81 to 0.84 and resulted in a total net reclassification index of 0.19 (p <0.01). In conclusion, CCTA has incremental prognostic value and risk reclassification benefit beyond CACS in patients without CAD symptoms but with high risk of developing CVD.

[Lipoprotein(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor]. / Lipoproteïne(a) als cardiovasculaire risicofactor.

Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) is a strongly genetically determined lipoprotein that resembles in density and size a low-density lipoprotein particle (LDL) to which apolipoprotein (a) is bound. There are several isoforms of Lp(a). There is strong evidence that Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and has prothrombotic properties. Differences in isoform size and lack of standardization have complicated measurement of Lp(a). Currently, reliable determination of Lp(a) is possible with isoform-independent assays. At present the only options to lower Lp(a) levels are nicotinic acid and Lp(a) apheresis. New drugs with Lp(a)-lowering potential are being developed. There is no evidence from trials as yet that reducing Lp(a) levels decreases cardiovascular risk. Currently the clinical value of Lp(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor is limited. Lp(a) measurement could be of value in selected patient populations.