Impact of Gender on Chronic Complications in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess and compare the prevalence of diabetes complications between men and women with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), as well as how gender relates to these complications. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, complications of diabetes, including coronary artery disease (CAD), retinopathy, neuropathy and diabetic kidney disease (DKD), were evaluated in 1867 participants with T2D. Additionally, baseline characteristics of the individuals, including anthropometric measurements, metabolic parameters and the use of dyslipidaemia drugs and antihyperglycaemic agents, were assessed. Gender differences in complications were examined using the chi-squared test. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the relationship between gender and T2D complications, with and without adjusting for the characteristics of the studied population. RESULTS: In the studied population, 62.1% had at least one complication, and complications were 33.5% for DKD, 29.6% for CAD, 22.9% for neuropathy and 19.1% for retinopathy. The prevalence of CAD and neuropathy was higher in men. However, DKD and retinopathy were more prevalent among women. Odds ratios of experiencing any complication, CAD and retinopathy in men compared with women were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.27-2.03), 2.27 (95% CI: 1.72-2.99) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.52-0.98), respectively, after adjusting for demographic factors, anthropometric measures, metabolic parameters and the consumption of dyslipidaemia drugs and antihyperglycaemic agents. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of diabetes complications was significantly higher in men with diabetes, highlighting the need for better treatment adherence. CAD was associated with the male gender, whereas retinopathy was associated with the female gender. Men and women with diabetes should be monitored closely for CAD and retinopathy, respectively, regardless of their age, diabetes duration, anthropometric measures, laboratory findings and medications.

Genetic and Lifestyle Risk Factors of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Its Relationship with Premature Coronary Artery Disease: A Study on the Pars Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this study is to identify the risk factors of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study is part of the Pars Cohort Study (PCS). The participants were categorized as having MAFLD or not. The pattern of independent variables in patients was compared with those who did not have MAFLD. All variables were retained in the multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Totally, 1862 participants with CAD were enrolled in this study. MAFLD was diagnosed in 647 (40.1%) participants. Gender, diabetes, hypertension, tobacco, opium, alcohol, age, weight, waist circumference, cholesterol, HDL, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly different in MAFLD and non-MAFLD patients. Also, the results of multivariable logistic regression show male gender (OR=0.651, 95% CI: 0.470‒0.902, P value=0.01) and opium consumption (OR=0.563, 95% CI: 0.328‒0.968, P value<0.001) to be negative risk factors of MAFLD occurrence in CAD patients. Having diabetes (OR=2.414, 95% CI: 1.740-3.349, P value<0.001), high waist circumference (OR=1.078, 95% CI: 1.055‒1.102, P value<0.01), high triglyceride (OR=1.005, 95% CI: 1.001‒1.008, P value=0.006), and high ALT (OR=1.039, 95% CI: 1.026‒1.051, P value<0.01) were positive risk factors of MAFLD in CAD patients. CONCLUSION: Our study found that consuming opium decreases the likelihood of MAFLD in CAD patients, since these patients have decreased appetite and lower body mass index (BMI). On the other hand, female gender, having diabetes, high waist circumference, high triglyceride levels, and high ALT levels increase the probability of MAFLD in CAD patients.

Chemokine Fractalkine and Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease-Is There a Link?

Non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NO-CAD) constitutes a heterogeneous group of conditions collectively characterized by less than 50% narrowing in at least one major coronary artery with a fractional flow reserve (FFR) of ≤0.80 observed in coronary angiography. The pathogenesis and progression of NO-CAD are still not fully understood, however, inflammatory processes, particularly atherosclerosis and microvascular dysfunction are known to play a major role in it. Chemokine fractalkine (FKN/CX3CL1) is inherently linked to these processes. FKN/CX3CL1 functions predominantly as a chemoattractant for immune cells, facilitating their transmigration through the vessel wall and inhibiting their apoptosis. Its concentrations correlate positively with major cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, promising preliminary results have shown that FKN/CX3CL1 receptor inhibitor (KAND567) administered in the population of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), inhibits the adverse reaction of the immune system that causes hyperinflammation. Whereas the link between FKN/CX3CL1 and NO-CAD appears evident, further studies are necessary to unveil this complex relationship. In this review, we critically overview the current data on FKN/CX3CL1 in the context of NO-CAD and present the novel clinical implications of the unique structure and function of FKN/CX3CL1 as a compound which distinctively contributes to the pathomechanism of this condition.

Occupational Risk for Coronary Artery Disease in Shift Workers - A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) prevention in shift workers (SWs) poses a significant challenge worldwide, as CAD remains a major cause of mortality and disability. In the past, SWs were found at higher risk of CAD than non-s SWs. Nevertheless, the pathogenic mechanism between shift work and CAD to date is unclear. This systematic review aims to enhance understanding of the risk of CAD occurrence in SWs. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted from January 2013 to December 2023. MEDLINE/Pubmed databases were used initially, and additional relevant studies were searched from references. Shift work was defined as any schedule outside traditional shifts, including the night shift. RESULTS: Fifteen pertinent papers were categorized into risk assessment or risk management. Findings demonstrated an increased risk of CAD among SWs compared to non-SWs, with an increased CAD risk observed for both shift work and night shift work. DISCUSSION: Duration-response associations indicate that greater shift exposure is linked to higher CAD risk. SWs incur an increased risk of CAD through the atherosclerotic process. As shift work duration increases as the risk of atherosclerosis is higher, workers demonstrate a higher prevalence and severity of coronary artery plaques. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence-based results underscore the increased risk of CAD in SWs and are sufficient for proposing guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of CAD in SWs and at managing people with CAD in return to work characterized by disrupted circadian rhythms.

Shifting perspectives in coronary involvement of polyarteritis nodosa: case of 3-vessel occlusion treated with 4-vessel CABG and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) is a systemic vasculitis (SV) historically thought to spare the coronary arteries. Coronary angiography and contemporary imaging reveal coronary stenosis and dilation, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Coronary arteries in PAN are burdened with accelerated atherosclerosis from generalized inflammation adding to an inherent arteritic process. Traditional atherosclerotic risk factors fail to approximate risk. Few reports document coronary pathology and optimal therapy has been guarded. METHODS: Database publication query of English literature from 1990-2022. RESULTS: Severity of coronary involvement eludes laboratory monitoring, but coronary disease associates with several clinical symptoms. Framingham risk factors inadequately approximate disease burden. Separating atherosclerosis from arteritis requires advanced angiographic methods. Therapy includes anticoagulation, immunosuppression and revascularization. PCI has been the mainstay, though stenting is confounded by vagarious alteration in luminal diameter and reports of neointimization soon after placement. CONCLUSIONS: When graft selection avoids the vascular territory of SV's, CABG offers definitive therapy. We have contributed report of a novel CABG configuration in addition to reviewing, updating and discussing the literature. Accumulating evidence suggests discrete clinical symptoms warrant suspicion for coronary involvement.

Coronary artery calcification in Takayasu's arteritis: clinical characteristics and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is frequently observed in Takayasu's arteritis (TAK). Our objective is to calculate the prevalence and severity of CAC in TAK, while evaluating the influence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, glucocorticoid exposure, and disease activity on CAC. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 155 TAK patients. We measured the Agatston score by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and categorised all patients into groups with or without CAC (41 vs. 114) to compare clinical characteristics and ancillary findings between the two groups. RESULTS: Among the TAK patients, a total of 41 TAK patients (26.45%) exhibited CAC. Age of onset, disease duration, history of hypertension, history of hyperlipidaemia, Numano V and glucocorticoid use emerged as the independent risk factors for developing CAC in TAK (OR [95% CI] 1.084[1.028-1.142], p=0.003; 1.005 [1.001-1.010], p=0.020; 4.792 [1.713-13.411], p=0.003; 4.199 [1.087-16.219], p=0.037; 3.287 [1.070-10.100], p=0.038; 3.558[1.269-9.977], p=0.016). Nonetheless, CAC was not associated with disease activity. Moreover, the extent of calcification score in TAK showed a positive correlation with the number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend CCTA screening for Numano V classified TAK patients. Glucocorticoid usage significantly escalates the risk of CAC. Therefore, in cases of effectively controlled disease, the inclusion of immunosuppressants aimed at reducing glucocorticoid dosage is advisable.

Causal associations of particulate matter 2.5 and cardiovascular disease: A two-sample mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: According to epidemiological studies, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, making causal inferences is difficult due to the methodological constraints of observational studies. In this study, we used two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine the causal relationship between PM 2.5 and the risk of CVD. METHODS: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics for PM2.5 and CVD were collected from the FinnGen and UK Biobanks. Mendelian randomization analyses were applied to explore the causal effects of PM2.5 on CVD by selecting single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP) as instrumental variables. RESULTS: The results revealed that a causal effect was observed between PM2.5 and coronary artery disease(IVW: OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.35, 3.14), and hypertension(IVW: OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03, 1.12). On the contrary, no causal effect was observed between PM2.5 and myocardial infarction(IVW: OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.44, 1.22), heart failure(IVW: OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.96, 2.47), atrial fibrillation(IVW: OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71, 1.48), and ischemic stroke (IS)(IVW: OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.54, 1.77). CONCLUSION: We discovered that there is a causal link between PM2.5 and coronary artery disease and hypertension in the European population, using MR methods. Our discovery may have the significance of public hygiene to improve the understanding of air quality and CVD risk.

Oral-gut microbial transmission promotes diabetic coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a predominant driver of coronary artery disease worldwide. This study aims to unravel the distinct characteristics of oral and gut microbiota in diabetic coronary heart disease (DCHD). Simultaneously, we aim to establish a causal link between the diabetes-driven oral-gut microbiota axis and increased susceptibility to diabetic myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). METHODS: We comprehensively investigated the microbial landscape in the oral and gut microbiota in DCHD using a discovery cohort (n = 183) and a validation chohort (n = 68). Systematically obtained oral (tongue-coating) and fecal specimens were subjected to metagenomic sequencing and qPCR analysis, respectively, to holistically characterize the microbial consortia. Next, we induced diabetic MIRI by administering streptozotocin to C57BL/6 mice and subsequently investigated the potential mechanisms of the oral-gut microbiota axis through antibiotic pre-treatment followed by gavage with specific bacterial strains (Fusobacterium nucleatum or fecal microbiota from DCHD patients) to C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS: Specific microbial signatures such as oral Fusobacterium nucleatum and gut Lactobacillus, Eubacterium, and Roseburia faecis, were identified as potential microbial biomarkers in DCHD. We further validated that oral Fusobacterium nucleatum and gut Lactobacillus are increased in DCHD patients, with a positive correlation between the two. Experimental evidence revealed that in hyperglycemic mice, augmented Fusobacterium nucleatum levels in the oral cavity were accompanied by an imbalance in the oral-gut axis, characterized by an increased coexistence of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Lactobacillus, along with elevated cardiac miRNA-21 and a greater extent of myocardial damage indicated by TTC, HE, TUNEL staining, all of which contributed to exacerbated MIRI. CONCLUSION: Our findings not only uncover dysregulation of the oral-gut microbiota axis in diabetes patients but also highlight the pivotal intermediary role of the increased abundance of oral F. nucleatum and gut Lactobacillus in exacerbating MIRI. Targeting the oral-gut microbiota axis emerges as a potent strategy for preventing and treating DCHD. Oral-gut microbial transmission constitutes an intermediate mechanism by which diabetes influences myocardial injury, offering new insights into preventing acute events in diabetic patients with coronary heart disease.

The effect of vitamin D status on the occurrence of Kawasaki Disease: a meta-analysis.

AIM: The relationship between vitamin D status and Kawasaki Disease (KD), as well as coronary artery lesion (CAL), has yet to be established. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between vitamin D status and KD, as well as the impact of vitamin D status on the progression of KD into CAL. RESULTS: The meta-analysis revealed a consistent and significant association between serum 25(OH)D level and the occurrence KD (studies N = 22; z = -3.51, P < 0.001). Patients with KD had markedly lower levels of vitamin D than healthy controls (SMD: -1.30 ng/mL, 95%CI: -2.05 to -0.55 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: The study provided evidence supporting a significant association between lower serum vitamin D levels and the occurrence of KD, particularly within the Chinese population. However, the findings did not suggest a direct impact of vitamin D on the development of CAL in KD patients.

Evaluating the association between opium abuse, blood lead levels, and the complexity of coronary artery disease.

Opium abuse and exposure to heavy metals elevate the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, we aimed to determine the association between opium abuse and blood lead levels (BLLs) and the CAD complexity. We evaluated patients with acute coronary symptoms who underwent coronary angiography, and those with >50% stenosis in at least one of the coronary arteries were included. Furthermore, Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery I (SYNTAX I) score and BLLs were measured. Based on the opium abuse, 95 patients were subdivided into opium (45) and control (50) groups. Differences in demographics and CAD risk factors were insignificant between the two groups. The median BLLs were remarkably higher in the opium group than in controls (36 (35.7) and 20.5 µg/dL (11.45), respectively, p = 0.003). We also revealed no significant differences in SYNTAX score between the two groups (15.0 (9.0) and 17.5 (14.0), respectively, p = 0.28). Additionally, we found no significant correlation between BLLs and the SYNTAX scores (p = 0.277 and r = -0.113). Opium abuse was associated with high BLLs. Neither opium abuse nor high BLLs were correlated with the complexity of CAD. Further studies are warranted to establish better the relationship between opium abuse, BLLs, and CAD.

Paclitaxel-induced acute myocardial infarction: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for ovarian, lung, breast carcinoma, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Its common side effects include hypersensitivity reaction, bone marrow suppression, and peripheral neuropathy. However, a rare and life-threatening side effect is paclitaxel-induced myocardial infarction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heavy smoking history, previous coronary artery disease with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in left anterior descending artery (LAD), and non-small lung cancer presented with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction during infusion of paclitaxel infusion. Coronary angiogram showed de novo three vessel disease with 70% stenosis in ostial to distal left main artery (LM) and 80% in-stent re-stenosis in proximal to mid left anterior descending artery. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should be keeping this in mind when dealing with patients on paclitaxel, especially if they have previous risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery lesions.

BACKGROUND: In percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures for patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) lesions, intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) guidance has shown potential for enhancing clinical outcomes. However, studies confirming its superiority to conventional angiographic-guided PCI remain few. This study aimed to assess if IVUS-guided PCI for patients with unprotected LMCA stenosis improves clinical outcomes compared to angiographic-guided PCI. METHODS: This randomized clinical study enrolled 181 patients with ULMCA lesions scheduled for drug-eluting stent implantation. Patients were split into 90 in the IVUS-guided group and 91 in the conventional group. Procedural characteristics, clinical outcomes, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) were evaluated for all patients. The risk reduction associated with IVUS-guided PCI was evaluated using a multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients who underwent IVUS demonstrated significantly higher pre-dilatation before stenting (88.9% vs. 72.5%, P  = 0.005), post-dilatation balloon diameter (4.46 ±â€…0.48 vs. 4.21 ±â€…0.49, P  < 0.001), stent diameter (3.9 ±â€…0.4 vs. 3.7 ±â€…0.3, P  = 0.002), and pressure for post dilatation (18 ±â€…3 vs. 16 ±â€…2, P  = 0.001). Regarding 12-month outcomes, patients who underwent IVUS demonstrated significantly lower MACE (3.3% vs. 18.7%, P  < 0.001) than those who underwent the conventional method. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that IVUS was related to 84.4% risk reduction of 1-year MACE (HR = 0.156, 95% CI = 0.044-0.556, P  = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Compared to angiographic-guided PCI, IVUS-guided PCI resulted in improved clinical results and a markedly reduced risk of MACE in patients with ULMCA lesions.

Transradial Versus Transfemoral Access for Bifurcation Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Using Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of transradial access (TRA) over transfemoral access (TFA) for bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are uncertain because of the limited availability of device selection. This study aimed to compare the procedural differences and the in-hospital and long-term outcomes of TRA and TFA for bifurcation PCI using second-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs). METHODS: Based on data from the Coronary Bifurcation Stenting Registry III, a retrospective registry of 2,648 patients undergoing bifurcation PCI with second-generation DES from 21 centers in South Korea, patients were categorized into the TRA group (n = 1,507) or the TFA group (n = 1,141). After propensity score matching (PSM), procedural differences, in-hospital outcomes, and device-oriented composite outcomes (DOCOs; a composite of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization) were compared between the two groups (772 matched patients each group). RESULTS: Despite well-balanced baseline clinical and lesion characteristics after PSM, the use of the two-stent strategy (14.2% vs. 23.7%, P = 0.001) and the incidence of in-hospital adverse outcomes, primarily driven by access site complications (2.2% vs. 4.4%, P = 0.015), were significantly lower in the TRA group than in the TFA group. At the 5-year follow-up, the incidence of DOCOs was similar between the groups (6.3% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.639). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that TRA may be safer than TFA for bifurcation PCI using second-generation DESs. Despite differences in treatment strategy, TRA was associated with similar long-term clinical outcomes as those of TFA. Therefore, TRA might be the preferred access for bifurcation PCI using second-generation DES. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03068494.

Acetylsalicylic acid use and development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy: A national prospective study using highly automated 3-D optical coherence tomography analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence on the role of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) use in the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). METHODS: A nationwide prospective two-center study investigated changes in the coronary artery vasculature by highly automated 3-D optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis at 1 month and 12 months after heart transplant (HTx). The influence of ASA use on coronary artery microvascular changes was analyzed in the overall study cohort and after propensity score matching for selected clinical CAV risk factors. RESULTS: In total, 175 patients (mean age 52 ± 12 years, 79% male) were recruited. During the 1-year follow-up, both intimal and media thickness progressed, with ASA having no effect on its progression. However, detailed OCT analysis revealed that ASA use was associated with a lower increase in lipid plaque (LP) burden (p = .013), while it did not affect the other observed pathologies. Propensity score matching of 120 patients (60 patient pairs) showed similar results, with ASA use associated with lower progression of LPs (p = .002), while having no impact on layered fibrotic plaque (p = .224), calcification (p = .231), macrophage infiltration (p = .197), or the absolute coronary artery risk score (p = .277). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, ASA use was not associated with a significant difference in survival (p = .699) CONCLUSION: This study showed a benefit of early ASA use after HTx on LP progression. However, ASA use did not have any impact on the progression of other OCT-observed pathologies or long-term survival.

Elevated levels of plasma inactive stromal cell derived factor-1α predict poor long-term outcomes in diabetic patients following percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Since the complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), appropriate risk estimation is needed in diabetic patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there is no useful biomarker to predict outcomes in this population. Although stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), a circulating chemokine, was shown to have cardioprotective roles, the prognostic impact of SDF-1α in diabetic patients with CAD is yet to be fully elucidated. Moreover, roles of SDF-1α isoforms in outcome prediction remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prognostic implication of three forms of SDF-1α including total, active, and inactive forms of SDF-1α in patients with DM and after PCI. METHODS: This single-center retrospective analysis involved consecutive patients with diabetes who underwent PCI for the first time between 2008 and 2018 (n = 849). Primary and secondary outcome measures were all-cause death and the composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke (3P-MACE), respectively. For determining plasma levels of SDF-1α, we measured not only total, but also the active type of SDF-1α by ELISA. Inactive isoform of the SDF-1α was calculated by subtracting the active isoform from total SDF-1α. RESULTS: Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed increased risk of both all-cause death and 3P-MACE in patients with elevated levels of inactive SDF-1α. However, plasma levels of total and active SDF-1α were not associated with cumulative incidences of outcome measures. Multivariate Cox hazard analyses repeatedly indicated the 1 higher log-transformed inactive SDF-1α was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio (HR): 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28-5.34, p = 0.008) and 3P-MACE (HR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.12-5.46, p = 0.02). Moreover, the predictive performance of inactive SDF-1α was higher than that of total SDF-1α (C-statistics of inactive and total SDF-1α for all-cause death: 0.631 vs 0.554, for 3P-MACE: 0.623 vs 0.524, respectively). CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that elevated levels of plasma inactive SDF-1α might be a useful indicator of poor long-term outcomes in diabetic patients following PCI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study describes a retrospective analysis of a prospective registry database of patients who underwent PCI at Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan (Juntendo Physicians' Alliance for Clinical Trials, J-PACT), which is publicly registered (University Medical Information Network Japan-Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN-CTR 000035587).

Physical signs and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia: the HELLAS-FH Registry.

AIMS: Three physical signs, namely tendon xanthomas, corneal arcus and xanthelasma, have been associated with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH). The prevalence and clinical significance of these signs are not well established among contemporary heFH individuals. This study explored the frequency as well as the association of these physical signs with prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in heFH individuals. METHODS: Data from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry were applied for this analysis. The diagnosis of heFH was based on the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of heFH-related physical signs with prevalent ASCVD. RESULTS: Adult patients ( n  = 2156, mean age 50 ±â€Š15 years, 47.7% women) were included in this analysis. Among them, 14.5% had at least one heFH-related physical sign present. The prevalence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was 6.6%, tendon xanthomas 5.3%, and xanthelasmas 5.8%. Among physical signs, only the presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was independently associated with the presence of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). No association of any physical sign with total CAD, stroke or peripheral artery disease was found. Patients with physical signs were more likely to receive higher intensity statin therapy and dual lipid-lowering therapy, but only a minority reached optimal lipid targets. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of physical signs is relatively low in contemporary heFH patients. The presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years is independently associated with premature CAD.

Analyses of potential causal contributors to increased waist/hip ratio-associated cardiometabolic disease: A combined and sex-stratified Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Increased waist/hip ratio (WHR) contributes to type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and coronary artery disease, with potential sex-differential effects. Postulated mediators include increased lipid flux, branched-chain amino acids, glycine and glycoprotein acetyl, but their relative contributions and sex-specific impact on WHR-associated cardiometabolic disease (CMD) are not established. METHODS: We therefore undertook combined and sex-stratified Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the relative causal contributions of these mediators to WHR-associated CMD using summary statistics from the largest genome-wide association studies in European ancestries. RESULTS: In sex-combined MR analyses, increased WHR significantly reduces high-density lipoprotein (beta = -0.416, SE = 0.029, p = 2.87E-47), increases triglyceride (beta = 0.431, SE = 0.029, p = 1.87E-50), type 2 diabetes (odds ratio = 2.747, SE = 0.09, p = 26E-23), coronary artery disease (odds ratio = 1.478, SE = 0.045, p = 6.96E-18), alanine transaminase (beta = 0.062, SE = 0.004, p = 6.88E-67), and systolic (beta = 0.134, SE = 0.022, p = 7.81E-10) and diastolic blood pressure (beta = 0.162, SE = 0.026, p = 5.38E-10). Adjustment for the mediators attenuated WHR's effects, but the associations remained significant with concordant results in females. In males, a similar pattern was seen, except after adjusting for the effect of the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acid to total free fatty acid, the potential causal effect of WHR was no longer significant: high-density lipoprotein (beta = -0.117, SE = 0.069, p = .09) and triglyceride (beta = 0.051, SE = 0.068, p = .459). CONCLUSIONS: MR suggests WHR increases the risk of CMD independent of these mediators, with the exception of dyslipidaemia in males, which is largely driven by the monounsaturated fatty acid to total free fatty acid ratio.

Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Complications After Prosthetic Pulmonary Valve Implantation in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery complications (CACs) in patients who undergoing prosthetic pulmonary valve implantation for congenital heart disease can lead to fetal outcomes. However, the incidence of and risk factors for CACs in these patients remain unknown.Methods and Results: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent cardiac computed tomography or invasive coronary angiography after prosthetic pulmonary valve implantation at Seoul National University Hospital from June 1986 to May 2021. Among 341 patients, 25 (7.3%) were identified with CACs, and 2 of them died. Among the patients with CACs, congenital coronary anomalies and an interarterial course of the coronary artery were identified in 11 (44%) and 18 (72%) patients, respectively. Interarterial and intramural courses of the coronary artery were associated with a 4.4- and 10.6-fold increased risk of CACs, respectively. Among patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia, the aortic root was rotated further clockwise in patients with coronary artery compression compared to those without it (mean [±SD] 128.0±19.9° vs. 113.5±23.7°; P=0.024). The cut-off rotation angle of the aorta for predicting the occurrence of coronary artery compression was 133°. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative coronary artery evaluation and prevention of CACs are required in patients undergoing prosthetic pulmonary valve implantation, particularly in those with coronary artery anomalies or severe clockwise rotation of the aortic root.

Proximal optimization technique and percutaneous coronary intervention for left main disease: POTENTIAL-LM.

BACKGROUND: Optimal stent deployment in left main (LM) bifurcation is paramount, and incomplete stent apposition may cause major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Bench studies show that the proximal optimization technique (POT) provides the best stent apposition. AIMS: We aimed to investigate the impact of POT on clinical outcomes in patients treated for unprotected LM (ULM) disease at our institution. METHODS: We identified 162 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ULM coronary disease in the Cardio-FR database. Out of these, 99 (61%) had undergone POT, while 63 patients were treated without POT. The primary outcome was the bifurcation-oriented composite endpoint (BOCE) of cardiac death, target-bifurcation myocardial infarction and target-bifurcation revascularization at maximal follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age was 76 years, and 69% presented with acute coronary syndrome. Mean follow-up was 2.25 years (822 days). The BOCE occurred in 43 (27%) of which 20 (20%) in the POT group and 23 (37%) in the no-POT group (p = 0.009). Cardiac death occurred in 15 (15%) patients in the POT- and 17 (27%) in no-POT group (p = 0.26). Target bifurcation revascularization occurred in 4 (4%) patients in the POT- and 6 (10%) patients in the no-POT group (p = 0.19). POT In the multivariate analysis, POT was the strongest parameter and was associated with BOCE, cardiac death, occurrence of any revascularization and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: The POT improves clinical outcomes. These findings strongly support the systematic use of POT in patients undergoing ULM-PCI.