Three-dimensional echocardiography and strain cardiac imaging in women with pre-eclampsia with follow-up to 6 months postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies have established that women with pre-eclampsia (PE) are at increased long-term cardiovascular risk. Mild cardiac functional changes have been documented during pregnancy in women with PE, but their evolution from presentation to the postpartum period remains poorly defined. The aim of this study was to assess biventricular cardiovascular indices using novel and sensitive two-dimensional and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic modalities in pregnancy and to track alterations in both risk factors and cardiovascular indices in the postpartum period. METHODS: A total of 59 women with PE were examined at 34 (interquartile range, 31-37) weeks' gestation and at 2-3 days, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. During pregnancy, 118 women with a normotensive pregnancy were also recruited as controls. Biventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular mass were measured by 3D echocardiography. Biventricular global longitudinal strain and strain of the left atrium were assessed using speckle-tracking imaging. RESULTS: In women with PE, compared with controls, there was lower left ventricular diastolic function (left atrial reservoir strain, 44.1% vs 49.2%) and increased left ventricular mass index (148 vs 128 g/m2 ), but there was no significant difference in right ventricular functional indices. These alterations in cardiac indices were mostly explained by differences in maternal risk factors. In the postpartum period, most cardiac indices improved by 3 months. Multivariable linear mixed-model analysis demonstrated that this improvement was mostly attributed to reduction in weight and blood pressure. CONCLUSION: In women with PE, there is postpartum improvement in cardiac functional and structural indices in parallel with improvement in their risk factor profile. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on fetal cardiac morphology and function: cohort comparison of second- and third-trimester fetuses.

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in cardiac morphology and function in fetuses of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to controls, and to assess whether, in women with GDM, fetal cardiac changes are accentuated with advancing gestational age. METHODS: We studied 112 women with GDM and 224 women with uncomplicated pregnancy at 24-40 weeks' gestation. In all fetuses, a standard four-chamber oblique view was obtained and offline speckle-tracking analysis was performed to measure right and left endocardial global longitudinal strain (GLS) and tricuspid and mitral annular plane systolic excursion. Global sphericity index was also calculated. Echocardiographic parameters were compared between GDM fetuses and controls at two gestational time periods of 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks and 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks. RESULTS: At 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks, we phenotyped 43 fetuses from mothers with GDM and 71 from uncomplicated pregnancies, and, at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks, we phenotyped 69 fetuses from mothers with GDM and 153 from women with uncomplicated pregnancy. In fetuses of mothers with GDM, compared to controls, right ventricular functional indices were consistently lower both at 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks and at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks. Right ventricular GLS was reduced in the GDM group at 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks (adjusted mean difference, 0.7%; 95% CI, 0.3-1.1%) and at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks (adjusted mean difference, 0.9%; 95% CI, 0.6-1.1%). Fetal left ventricular global longitudinal function was similar in GDM pregnancies compared with controls, with the exception of the contractility of the left ventricular basal segment, which was reduced. Global sphericity index was reduced in GDM pregnancies only at 32 + 1 to 40 + 1 weeks (adjusted mean difference, -0.4; 95% CI, -0.7 to 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: The offspring of women with GDM are at high risk for development of cardiovascular disease in childhood and early adulthood. Our study demonstrates that GDM is associated with a reduction mainly in fetal right ventricular function, compared to controls, and this response is not exaggerated with increasing gestational age. Further studies are needed to determine whether fetuses with the observed alterations in cardiac function are those at highest risk for subsequent development of cardiovascular disease. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Blood pressure variability within a single visit and all-cause mortality.

BACKGROUND: Within-visit variability of repeated sequential readings of blood pressure (BP) is an important phenomenon that may affect precision of BP measurement and thus decision making concerning BP-related risk and hypertension management. However, limited data exist concerning predictive ability of within-visit BP variability for clinical outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between the variability of three repeated office BP measurements and the risk of all-cause mortality, independent of BP levels. METHODS: Data collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analysed. NHANES is a program of studies designed to assess health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States. A complete set of three sequential BP measurements, together with survival status, were available for 24969 individuals (age 46.8±;19.3 years, 49% males). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the prognostic ability of the examined demographic, clinical, and haemodynamic indices. RESULTS: Among various examined indices of variability of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure measurements, the standard deviation of DBP (DBPSD) was the stronger independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio 1.064, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.011-1.12) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, SBP, heart rate, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, and cardiovascular events. CONCLUSION: Within-visit variability of three sequential office DBP readings may allow for the identification of high-risk patients better than mean SBP and DBP levels. The predictive value of within-visit BP variability and methods to improve its clinical application are worthy of further research.

Maternal cardiac function in gestational diabetes mellitus at 35-36 weeks' gestation and 6 months postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcome later in life. However, it is uncertain whether this increased risk is due to cardiovascular changes occurring during pregnancy and persisting thereafter or to an adverse underlying cardiovascular risk factor profile. Some studies have reported that GDM is associated with reduced systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in pregnancy; however, it remains unknown whether these changes persist after delivery. The objective of this study was to compare cardiac function and structure in women with GDM and those with uncomplicated pregnancy at 35-36 weeks' gestation and about 6 months after delivery. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study in which women with GDM and those with uncomplicated pregnancy had detailed cardiovascular assessment at 35-36 weeks' gestation and repeat examination around 6 months after delivery. In all women, left ventricular systolic and diastolic indices were measured and left ventricular mass indexed for body surface area was calculated. Cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance were also calculated using echocardiography. Linear mixed model analysis accounting for differences in maternal characteristics was carried out to compare findings of cardiovascular function between the GDM group and controls and within each group at 35-36 weeks' gestation and at 6 months after delivery. RESULTS: We studied 73 women with GDM and 73 controls with uncomplicated pregnancy. At 35-36 weeks' gestation, women with GDM, compared to controls, had higher E/e' ratio and lower E/A ratio and global longitudinal systolic strain; there were no significant differences between the groups in ejection fraction. Left ventricular mass indexed for body surface area was also increased in women with GDM. There were no significant differences between the groups in cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. At 6 months after delivery, cardiac functional indices improved in both patients with GDM and controls, but in the GDM group, compared to controls, there was a lower degree of improvement in E/A ratio and global longitudinal systolic strain. CONCLUSION: In the third trimester, patients with GDM have subtle differences in diastolic and systolic left ventricular function compared to controls and, despite improvement after delivery, these changes persist for at least 6 months. Long-term follow-up is therefore needed to assess whether women with GDM are at risk for an accelerated decline in their cardiac function and, if so, whether this trend can be reversed or delayed by optimal cardiovascular risk factor modification. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Treatment modalities and drug survival in a systemic sclerosis real-life patient cohort.

BACKGROUND: European data indicate that systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related death rates are increasing, thus raising concerns about SSc's optimal management. Herein, we describe current treatment modalities and drug survival in a real-life SSc cohort. METHODS: Details on immunosuppressive/antiproliferative (methotrexate, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, rituximab, tocilizumab) and vasoactive agent [(endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), sildenafil, iloprost, and calcium channel blockers (CCB)] administration during the disease course (11.8 ± 8.4 years, mean + SD) of 497 consecutive patients examined between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively recorded. Drug survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Methotrexate was the most frequently administered immunosuppressive/antiproliferative agent (53% of patients), followed by cyclophosphamide (26%), mycophenolate (12%), and azathioprine (11%). Regarding vasoactive agents, CCB had been ever administered in 68%, ERAs in 38%, iloprost in 7%, and sildenafil in 7% of patients; 23% of patients with pulmonary fibrosis had never received immunosuppressive/antiproliferative agents, 33% of those with digital ulcers had never received ERAs, iloprost, or sildenafil, whereas 19% of all patients had never received either immunosuppressive/antiproliferative or other than CCB vasoactive agents. Survival rates of methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate differed significantly, being 84/75%, 59/43%, and 74/63% at 12/24 months, respectively, with inefficacy being the most frequent discontinuation cause. Conversely, CCB, ERAs, and sildenafil had high and comparable retention rates of 97/91%, 88/86%, and 80/80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Existing therapeutic limitations indicate that more evidence-based treatment is warranted for successful management of SSc. Vasculopathy seems to be managed more rigorously, but the low retention rates of immunosuppressive/antiproliferative drugs suggest that effective and targeted disease-modifying agents are warranted.

Skeletal muscle mass in acute coronary syndrome prognosis: Gender-based analysis from Hellenic Heart Failure cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Predictive and prognostic ability of muscle mass in CVD settings is increasingly discussed. The gender-specific effect of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) on 10-year recurrent fatal/non fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) event of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients was evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 2006-2009, n = 1000 consecutive patients (n = 222 women), hospitalized at the First Cardiology Clinic of Athens with ACS diagnosis and with symptoms and left ventricular function indicative of heart failure were selected. SMI was created to reflect skeletal muscle mass through appendicular skeletal muscle mass (indirectly calculated through population formulas) divided by body mass index (BMI). In the 10-year follow-up (2016), 55% of ACS patients experienced recurrent fatal/non fatal CVD events (53% in women vs.62% in men, p = 0.04). Patients in the 2nd SMI tertile (mostly overweight) had 10% lower risk for CVD recurrence (women:men rate ratio = 0.87) over their counterparts in the 1st (mostly normalweight) and 3rd tertile (mostly obese). Multivariate analysis revealed that ACS patients in the 2nd SMI tertile presented 46% and 85% lower CVD event risk over their counterparts in the 1st tertile (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.54, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 0.30, 0.96, p = 0.002) and 3rd tertile (HR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.05, 2.94, p = 0.03). Gender-based analysis revealed that this trend remained significant only in women. Inflammatory markers had strong confounding effect. CONCLUSION: A U-shape association between SMI and 10-year CVD event especially in women was highlighted. This work reveals gender-specific remarks for "obesity-lean paradox" in secondary prevention, implying that high muscle mass accompanied by obesity and excess adiposity may not guarantee better prognosis.

Changes in serum leptin levels as well as sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 soluble adhesion molecules during carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Leptin is an adipokine, known to be associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherogenesis. Leptin plays an essential role in atheromatosis-associated inflammatory cascade through stimulation of inflammatory mediators such as soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). However, little is known about this association in patients with atherosclerosis and severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Our objective was to evaluate the variations of serum leptin levels, as well as sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels in these patients during the process of CEA and 24 hours postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group enrolled 50 patients undergoing CEA for ICA stenosis (> 70%). Serum leptin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 plasma concentration measurements were performed at 4 distinct time points: before clamping of the ICA, 30 minutes after clamping of the ICA, 60 minutes after declamping of ICA and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Leptin was significantly decreased during CEA, but an overshooting in its levels was observed at 24 hours after the operation. Both sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 initially followed the pattern of leptin changes but after completing CEA and up to 24 hours postoperatively a steep increase in their levels was not established. sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 correlated with indices of oxidative stress at peak inflammatory burden. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin is a circulating marker of carotid atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress and expression of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 on vascular endothelial cells are key features in the pathophysiological process of atherosclerosis.

Aortic Stenosis, Aortic Regurgitation and Arterial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HT) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and might precipitate pathology of the aortic valve. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of HT with aortic dysfunction (including both aortic regurgitation and stenosis) and the impact of antihypertensive treatment on the natural course of underlying aortic disease. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature for all relevant articles assessing the correlation between HT and phenotype of aortic disease. RESULTS: Co-existence of HT with aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients and predicts a worse prognosis. Certain antihypertensive agents may improve haemodynamic parameters (aortic jet velocity, aortic regurgitation volume) and remodeling of the left ventricle, but there is no strong evidence of benefit regarding clinical outcomes. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, among other vasodilators, are well-tolerated in aortic stenosis. CONCLUSION: Several lines of evidence support a detrimental association between HT and aortic valve disease. Therefore, HT should be promptly treated in aortic valvulopathy. Despite conventional wisdom, specific vasodilators can be used with caution in aortic stenosis.

Association of macronutrient consumption with arterial aging in adults without clinically overt cardiovascular disease: a 5-year prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: There is limited and inconsistent evidence regarding longitudinal effects of macronutrients on blood pressure (BP) haemodynamics and arterial aging in populations without cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to prospectively investigate potential association of dietary macronutrients with long-term changes in peripheral and central haemodynamics and arterial stiffness. METHODS: One hundred and fifteen subjects (46.7 ± 8.73 years, 70 women), free of clinically overt CVD were consecutively recruited. Dietary macronutrient intake was evaluated using 3-day food records at baseline. Aortic stiffness and arterial wave reflections were assessed at baseline and in one follow-up visit 5 years later by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AI), respectively. RESULTS: Individuals with the highest consumption of saturated fatty acids (SFA) presented the highest rate of progression in PWV, AI and aortic diastolic BP (p < 0.05 for all) after adjustment for age, gender, smoking, body mass index, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, changes in systolic BP and treatment with antihypertensive and hypolipidemic drugs. After similar multivariable adjustments, high consumption of carbohydrates was associated with higher progression of AI, whereas high consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and fibre with lower progression in aortic and peripheral systolic and diastolic BP (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: In subjects without CVD, high consumption of SFA is related to accelerated arterial stiffening, while high consumption of MUFA and fibre and low intake of carbohydrates is associated with attenuated progression in blood pressure and arterial wave reflections, respectively. These findings expand current knowledge on the association of macronutrient consumption with arterial aging in the general population.

Dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women: Protocol of a cross-sectional and prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Aging and menopause are associated with an adverse cardiometabolic profile, predisposing to cardiovascular disease. Diet may also affect their cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study is to assess dietary habits and patterns of postmenopausal women and their association with adiposity measures, cardiometabolic parameters and subclinical atherosclerosis. STUDY PROTOCOL: The study will include two parts. The first part consists of cross-sectional evaluation of 750 postmenopausal women recruited consecutively from the Menopause Unit of an academic hospital. Dietary intake will be assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Nutrient and food group intake will be calculated and adherence to the Mediterranean diet and other dietary patterns will be evaluated. A-priori and a-posteriori defined dietary patterns will be tested for associations with major and minor outcome measures. The second part consists of a prospective follow-up of all women recruited at baseline and re-assessment of the same variables after 3 years. Adherence to predefined or a-posteriori defined dietary patterns over these 3 years will be evaluated in association with changes in obesity indices and lipid levels, as well as in the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. MAJOR OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index, lipid profile, carotid and femoral artery intima-media thickness and plaques. MINOR OUTCOME MEASURES: Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, abdominal fat layers, incident hypertension and diabetes, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), c-reactive protein and markers of subclinical arterial disease, including flow-mediated dilation, pulse wave velocity, augmentation index and ankle-brachial index. RESULTS: The study is expected to complete baseline enrolment by the end of 2018 and follow-up assessment by the end of 2021. The results of the study will address the question of whether dietary patterns and eating habits are associated with cardiometabolic risk as well as with accelerated subclinical arterial disease and arterial aging in postmenopausal women.

The complex crosstalk between inflammatory cytokines and ventricular arrhythmias.

The network of cytokines consists one of the most extensively studied signaling systems of human body. Cytokines appear to modulate pathogenesis and progress of many different diseases in the human body, particularly in regards to cardiovascular system. However, their effects on the electrical system of the heart has been neglected. Over the past decade, attemps to understand this relationship led to the uncovering of the direct and indirect effects of cytokines on action potential propagation and cell depolarization. This relationship has been depicted in clinical practice as serum levels of cytokines are increasingly associated with prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias either isolated or secondary to either a heart condition or a systemic auto-immune disease. Thus, they present an appealing potential as a biomarker for prediction of arrhythmia generation, as well as the ourtcome of electrophysiological interventions.

Nurse's Contribution to Alleviate Non-adherence to Hypertension Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension consists a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. Despite the proven effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment, approximately half of hypertensive patients have inadequate blood pressure control. Non-adherence to medication has been shown to be an important barrier to achieving adequate blood pressure control and nurse interventions can substantially improve therapeutic compliance. We sought to evaluate the role of nurse interventions in alleviating non-adherence to medication in patients with hypertension by performing a systematic review of the literature for all relevant articles. RECENT FINDINGS: Ten clinical studies were identified. The majority of studies reported beneficial effect of nursing intervention on treatment adherence in hypertensive patients. Telephone contacts and home visits were found to be the most effective educational approaches. Although comorbidities are considered to be an important barrier to adherence, there was not enough evidence to elucidate this aspect. Identifying specific factors that affect behavioral change in the setting of a successful intervention was difficult due to high heterogeneity among studies regarding materials and methods. Nursing interventions were shown to alleviate non-adherence to medication in patients with hypertension. Large well designed clinical trials are needed to evaluate specific factors that are associated with effective interventions.

The effect of TNF-a antagonists on aortic stiffness and wave reflections: a meta-analysis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have higher aortic stiffness and cardiovascular risk. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) antagonists reduce inflammation in RA and are indicated for the treatment of patients with severe active rheumatoid disease. However, it is debatable if they have favorable effects on cardiovascular health. The present meta-analysis evaluates the effect of TNF-a antagonists on aortic stiffness and wave reflections, predictors of cardiovascular events and mortality, in RA patients. A search of PubMed, Cohrane, and Embase databases was conducted to identify studies into the effect of TNF-a antagonists on aortic stiffness in RA patients. Aortic stiffness and wave reflections were assessed by aortic (carotid-femoral [cf]) pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), respectively. cfPWV significantly improved following TNF-a antagonist treatment (mean change: -0.53 m/s, 95% CI: -0.833 to -0.218, p = 0.001), independently of age and clinical response to treatment. A more prominent reduction in cfPWV was associated with etanercept/adalimumab (mean difference: -0.62 m/s, 95% CI: -0.968 to -0.272 m/s, p < 0.001) versus infliximab (mean difference: -0.193 m/s, 95% CI: -0.847 to 0.462 m/s, p = 0.564). TNF-a antagonist treatment induced a significant improvement in AIx (mean change: -1.48%, 95% CI: -2.89 to -0.078%, p = 0.039), but this reduction was influenced by age and clinical response to treatment. The balance of evidence suggests that TNF-a antagonists may have a beneficial effect on aortic stiffness and, therefore, on cardiovascular risk. However, larger, longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm such findings.

Eating frequency predicts changes in regional body fat distribution in healthy adults.

Background: Eating frequency (EF) has been associated with generalized obesity. Aim: We aimed to prospectively investigate potential associations of frequency of eating episodes with regional fat layers. Design: EF was evaluated at baseline in 115 subjects free of clinically overt cardiovascular disease (54 ± 9.1 years, 70 women) in a prospective, observational study. Methods: Metabolic parameters known to be associated with dietary factors and anthropometric markers including ultrasound assessment of subcutaneous (Smin) and pre-peritoneal (Pmax) fat and their ratio Smin/Pmax (AFI) were evaluated at baseline and at follow-up, 5 years later. Results: EF at baseline positively correlated with Pmax, even after adjustment for potential confounders. EF above median was also an independent predictor for Pmax (beta coefficient = -0.192, P = 0.037) and AFI (beta coefficient = 0.199, P = 0.049) at follow up. Multivariable linear mixed models analysis demonstrated that subjects with increased EF presented a lower progression rate of Pmax (beta = -0.452, P = 0.006) and a higher progression rate of AFI (beta = 0.563, P = 0.003) over time, independently of age, sex, progression of BMI, energy intake, smoking and changes in parameters of glucose metabolism. Conclusions: High EF is associated with lower progression rate of pre-peritoneal fat accumulation. Future interventional studies should further investigate the clinical utility of these findings.

Left ventricular ejection fraction as therapeutic target: is it the ideal marker?

Heart failure (HF) consists the fastest growing clinical cardiac disease. HF patients are categorized on the basis of underlying left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) into HF with preserved EF (HFpEF), reduced LVEF (HFrEF), and mid-range LVEF (HFmrEF). While LVEF is the most commonly used surrogate marker of left ventricular (LV) systolic function, the implementation of two-dimensional echocardiography in estimating this parameter imposes certain caveats on current HF classification. Most importantly, LVEF could fluctuate in repeated measurements or even recover after treatment, thus blunting the borders between proposed categories of HF and enabling upward classification of patients. Under this prism, we sought to summarize possible procedures to improve systolic function in patients with HFrEF either naturally or by the means of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment and devices. Therefore, we reviewed established pharmacotherapy, including beta-blockers, inhibitors of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, statins, and digoxin as well as novel treatments like sacubitril-valsartan, ranolazine, and ivabradine. In addition, we assessed evidence in favor of cardiac resynchronization therapy and exercise training programs. Finally, innovative therapeutic strategies, including stem cells, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, antibiotic regimens, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, were also taken into consideration. We concluded that LVEF is subject to changes in HF after intervention and besides the aforementioned HFrEF, HFpEF, and HFmrEF categories, a new entity of HF patients with recovered LVEF should be acknowledged. An improved global and refined LV function assessment by sophisticated imaging modalities and circulating biomarkers is expected to render HF classification more accurate and indicate patients with viable-yet dysfunctional-myocardium and favorable characteristics as the ideal candidates for LVEF recovery by individualized HF therapy.

Arterial aging mediates the effect of TNF-α and ACE polymorphisms on mental health in elderly individuals: insights from IKARIA study.

BACKGROUND: Aging is characterized by an insidious decline in cognitive function. Several genetic and lifestyle factors have been implicated in the increased risk or early onset of dementia. AIM: We sought to assess the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms on the development of impaired mental health in respect to indices of arterial aging in nonagenarian individuals. DESIGN: 178 consecutive subjects above 75 years that permanently inhabit in the island of IKARIA, Greece were recruited. METHODS: Aortic distensibility (AoD) was calculated and genetic evaluation was performed on the ACE Insertion/Deletion gene polymorphism (intron 16) and the G/A transition (position -308) of the TNF gene. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: The DD genotype for ACE was independently associated ( b = -0.44, P = 0.007) with AD while AoD remained an independent determinant of mental status (OR = 1.82, P = 0.036). Interestingly though, when a combined genetic index (GI) was calculated for both genes (ACE and TNF), subjects being double homozygous (DD for ACE and GG for TNF) for these loci presented significantly decreased MMSE (adjusted OR = 0.259, P = 0.033). This GI independently associated with AD (beta coefficient = -0.785, P = 0.002). When AoD was included, GI lost its predictive role (OR = 0.784, P = 0.783) towards MMSE. AoD has marginal indirect mediating effect in the association of the GI with MMSE ( P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Vascular aging may modulates the genetic substrate of elderly subjects on the risk for developing dementia.

Prolactin as a predictor of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness progression in menopause.

Postmenopausal women are at increased risk for progression of arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Recent cross-sectional evidence suggests that high normal circulating prolactin levels may accelerate vascular ageing in menopause. Postmenopausal women (n=201) were consecutively recruited from a Menopause Clinic and re-evaluated in at least one follow-up visit within the next 3 years. Baseline circulating prolactin levels were measured while both baseline and follow-up vascular and biochemical measurements were performed. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), aortic stiffness by pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and arterial wave reflections by applanation tonometry. Baseline prolactin significantly correlated with lower FMD at follow-up (P=0.005). After multivariable adjustment for age, follow-up time, blood pressure (BP), body mass index, smoking and medication, this correlation remained significant (P=0.003). In addition, baseline circulating prolactin levels were independently associated with changes in mean BP (ß=0.131, P=0.021), peripheral diastolic BP (ß=0.169, P=0.004) and new-onset hypertension (OR=1.235, P=0.001). Owing to significant interaction between baseline prolactin and age for changes in PWV over time (P=0.036), a subgroup analysis based on median age was performed. This analysis revealed that in women younger than 55 years, prolactin was an independent predictor of changes in PWV over time (P=0.008). In conclusion, high normal circulating prolactin levels predict changes in haemodynamic indices and worsening endothelial function in healthy postmenopausal women. Particularly in young postmenopausal women, prolactin predicts accelerated arterial stiffening.

Appropriate use criteria for transesophageal echocardiography in Greece: A single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) along with the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) have enabled an accurate and clinically oriented evaluation of echocardiography indications by introducing Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC). AIM: This study was designed to evaluate the degree of implementation of AUC for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during daily clinical practice in a tertiary university hospital in Greece during the era of economic recession. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2014 to May 2014, we prospectively enrolled 300 patients who were examined in the Echocardiography Laboratory of the First University Cardiology. We recorded the participants' demographic and clinical characteristics using questionnaires and followed a scoring process according to ACCF guidelines to classify patients into an appropriate, inappropriate or uncertain category. The primary endpoint was to assess the association between the class of appropriateness and abnormal TEE results. RESULTS: In 89.4% of patients labelled appropriate, TEE was abnormal and significantly higher compared to patients of uncertain eligibility (50%) and to patients for whom TEE was considered to be inappropriate (35%) (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a positive association between AUC and an increased possibility for abnormal TEE in female subjects (p = 0.001) as well as in patients who were younger than 50 years old (p < 0.001). A significant association was finally established between AUC and abnormal findings in TEE in patients with no risk factors (p = 0.028) and in patients with more than 3 risk factors (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: TEE constitutes a medical practice with an optimal cost/effectiveness ratio and should be further encouraged in our country in accordance with the austerity policy as long as the AUC are generally applied.

Acute Haemodynamic and Echocardiographic Effects of Multiple Configurations of Left Ventricular Pacing Sites in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) pacing is unsuccessful in a significant number of patients, mainly due to sub-optimal LV pacing location. Nevertheless, data about the impact of different pacing sites on LV function in ischaemic myocardium are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combinations of alternative LV pacing sites on LV mechanics after experimental acute anterior myocardial infarction (AMI), in order to define the optimal configuration. METHODS: Atrioventricular epicardial pacing at alternative pacing sites was performed in 16 healthy pigs simultaneously, after experimental AMI. Standard right ventricular (RV) apical pacing was combined with: i) LV apex lateral wall; ii) LV basal posterior wall; iii) LV basal anterior wall, and; iv) LV basal anterior wall + LV basal posterior wall. Moreover the pacing configurations of, v) LV basal posterior wall + LV apex lateral wall; vi) LV basal posterior wall + LV basal anterior wall, and; vii) LV basal anterior wall + LV apex lateral wall were also investigated. Haemodynamic parameters, together with classic and novel echocardiographic indices were used, to evaluate the effect of each pacing combination. A speckle tracking technique using EchoPAC software was used. RESULTS: After AMI, the pacing combination of LV apex lateral wall and LV basal posterior wall had the most favourable effect on LV function, leading to similar haemodynamic and torsional effects with sinus rhythm (all variables p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In pig hearts after AMI, the combination of pacing LV apex lateral wall and LV basal posterior wall managed to maintain the LV function at a level comparable to the sinus rhythm.