Next Generation, Modifiable Cardiometabolic Biomarkers: Mitochondrial Adaptation and Metabolic Resilience: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Cardiometabolic risk is increasing in prevalence across the life span with disproportionate ramifications for youth at socioeconomic disadvantage. Established risk factors and associated disease progression are harder to reverse as they become entrenched over time; if current trends are unchecked, the consequences for individual and societal wellness will become untenable. Interrelated root causes of ectopic adiposity and insulin resistance are understood but identified late in the trajectory of systemic metabolic dysregulation when traditional cardiometabolic risk factors cross current diagnostic thresholds of disease. Thus, children at cardiometabolic risk are often exposed to suboptimal metabolism over years before they present with clinical symptoms, at which point life-long reliance on pharmacotherapy may only mitigate but not reverse the risk. Leading-edge indicators are needed to detect the earliest departure from healthy metabolism, so that targeted, primordial, and primary prevention of cardiometabolic risk is possible. Better understanding of biomarkers that reflect the earliest transitions to dysmetabolism, beginning in utero, ideally biomarkers that are also mechanistic/causal and modifiable, is critically needed. This scientific statement explores emerging biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk across rapidly evolving and interrelated "omic" fields of research (the epigenome, microbiome, metabolome, lipidome, and inflammasome). Connections in each domain to mitochondrial function are identified that may mediate the favorable responses of each of the omic biomarkers featured to a heart-healthy lifestyle, notably to nutritional interventions. Fuller implementation of evidence-based nutrition must address environmental and socioeconomic disparities that can either facilitate or impede response to therapy.

Epidemiology of Diabetes and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among Asian American Adults: Implications, Management, and Future Directions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Asian American individuals make up the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States. Despite the substantial variability that exists in type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among the different subgroups of Asian Americans, the current literature, when available, often fails to examine these subgroups individually. The purpose of this scientific statement is to summarize the latest disaggregated data, when possible, on Asian American demographics, prevalence, biological mechanisms, genetics, health behaviors, acculturation and lifestyle interventions, pharmacological therapy, complementary alternative interventions, and their impact on type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. On the basis of available evidence to date, we noted that the prevalences of type 2 diabetes and stroke mortality are higher in all Asian American subgroups compared with non-Hispanic White adults. Data also showed that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk is highest among South Asian and Filipino adults but lowest among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean adults. This scientific statement discusses the biological pathway of type 2 diabetes and the possible role of genetics in type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among Asian American adults. Challenges to provide evidence-based recommendations included the limited data on Asian American adults in risk prediction models, national surveillance surveys, and clinical trials, leading to significant research disparities in this population. The large disparity within this population is a call for action to the public health and clinical health care community, for whom opportunities for the inclusion of the Asian American subgroups should be a priority. Future studies of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in Asian American adults need to be adequately powered, to incorporate multiple Asian ancestries, and to include multigenerational cohorts. With advances in epidemiology and data analysis and the availability of larger, representative cohorts, furthering refining the Pooled Cohort Equations, in addition to enhancers, would allow better risk estimation in segments of the population. Last, this scientific statement provides individual- and community-level intervention suggestions for health care professionals who interact with the Asian American population.

Assessing Life's Essential 8 and Adverse Childhood Experiences in Grandparent-Grandchild Co-residing Dyads.

We assessed a subset of behavioral indicators from the American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 cardiovascular health (CVH) construct-diet, physical activity, sleep, and nicotine exposure-and quantified associations in scores between members of 12 grandparent-grandchild dyads (grandparents, 52-70 years old; children, 7-12 years old). We also assessed the number of adverse childhood experiences from the dyads. Using the Life's Essential 8 scoring algorithm (0-100, with 100 as optimal), we calculated averages and used Spearman's ρ correlation to quantify associations. Mean score was 67.5 (±12.4) for grandparents and 63.0 (±11.2) for grandchildren. Mean scores for the dyad members were significantly correlated ( r = 0.66, P < .05). The mean numbers of adverse childhood experiences were 7.0 and 5.8 for the grandparents and grandchildren, respectively. The results indicate that CVH in these dyads was suboptimal and interrelated. Adverse childhood experiences in this analysis surpass levels reported as high risk for poor CVH. Our findings suggest that dyadic-based interventions to improve CVH are warranted.

Adaptation of a Multimedia Chemotherapy Educational Intervention for Latinos: Letting Patient Narratives Speak for Themselves.

This study aims to adapt a video-based, multimedia chemotherapy educational intervention to meet the needs of US Latinos with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies. A five-step hybrid adaptation process involved (1) creating a multidisciplinary team with diverse Latino subject experts, (2) appraising the parent intervention, (3) identifying key cultural considerations from a systematic literature review and semi-structured Latino patient/caregiver interviews, (4) revising the intervention, highlighting culturally relevant themes through video interviews with Latino cancer patients, and (5) target population review with responsive revisions. We developed a suite of videos, booklets, and websites available in English and Spanish, which convey the risks and benefits of common chemotherapy regimens. After revising the English materials, we translated them into Spanish using a multi-step process. The intervention centers upon conversations with 12 Latino patients about their treatment experiences; video clips highlight culturally relevant themes (personalismo, familismo, faith, communication gaps, prognostic information preferences) identified during the third adaptation step. The adapted intervention materials included a new section on coping, and one titled "how to feel the best you can feel," which reviews principles of side effect management, self-advocacy, proactive communication, and palliative care. Ten Latinos with advanced malignancies reviewed the intervention and found it to be easily understandable, relatable, and helpful. A five-step hybrid model was successful in adapting a chemotherapy educational intervention for Latinos. Incorporation of video interviews with Latino patients enabled the authentic representation of salient cultural themes. Use of authentic patient narratives can be useful for cross-cultural intervention adaptations.

Bridges to Elders: A Program to Improve Outcomes for Older Women Experiencing Homelessness.

Homelessness among older individuals is increasing and women experiencing homelessness have been previously shown to have poorer health outcomes than their male counterparts. To address these concerns, the Bridges to Elders (BTE) program was developed to improve health and social outcomes for older women experiencing or at risk for homelessness. BTE consisted of a nurse practitioner (NP) and community health worker (CHW) dyad who provided intensive case management services for women 55+ with housing instability. This evaluation used a pretest/posttest design to examine three main outcomes from BTE: change in housing status, enrollment with a primary care provider (PCP), and diagnosis of uncontrolled chronic condition. The sample included 96 BTE participants enrolled from January 2017 to December 2018. The average age of participants was 66 years and had a mean BTE enrollment time of 7.6 months. Statistically significant improvements were achieved in all three outcomes measured: 17% (p < .009) increase in stable housing, 35% (p < .001) increase in PCP enrollment, and 47% (p < .001) decrease in the diagnosis of an uncontrolled chronic condition. The results indicated an NP/CHW dyad improved housing status, primary care access, and targeted health outcomes for older women who are experiencing or at risk for homelessness. Future studies examining the impact of NP/CHW dyads on additional social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes are recommended.

Using a Virtual Platform for Conducting Grandfamily Research.

BACKGROUND: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our research team quickly pivoted from planned face-to-face interaction with participants to virtual interactions. During this transition, we discovered invaluable new practices for conducting research remotely, including collecting physiological data. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the methodological challenges we encountered when conducting this research virtually with grandparent-grandchild dyads and describe the strategies we developed to overcome those challenges. Of primary focus were procedures for finger-stick blood sample collection. Of secondary focus were procedures for conducting virtual-based research with older adults and across multiple generations. METHODS: During an observational study utilizing a virtual platform with 11 grandparent-grandchild dyads (mean age: 64.2 ± 5.0 years for grandparents and 9.3 ± 1.9 years for grandchildren), we documented lessons learned (based on the discussion within our team and feedback we have received from participants) that could be applicable for other, similar research endeavors. RESULTS: We found several challenges in collecting blood samples, including staff were unfamiliar with providing online instruction and participants needed to develop familiarity with the blood sample collection process (without having in-person assistance), and we had to develop methods for delivering blood sample collection kits to participants safely. We also found that it took longer than expected to run procedures-a challenge that might be encountered when conducting any type of dyadic research utilizing a virtual platform-particularly involving older adults and across multiple generations. In addition, it was challenging to keep child participants engaged in the virtual interactions. We document how we employed targeted strategies to overcome those obstacles. Recommendations for strategies from our team include to provide comprehensive and clear instruction/materials on blood sampling procedure, offer generous support throughout the blood collection process, be prepared to divide study visits into more than one session as needed, proactively anticipate potential roadblocks, and carefully consider the participants' developmental stages and attention span. DISCUSSION: The insights we gained will help inform future research with grandparent-grandchild dyads in remote or rural populations utilizing virtual platforms.

Predictive Model for Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have been conducted to examine predictors of quality of life (QoL), little information exists on the real-world application of Rector's conceptual model for QoL related to heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to examine a hypothetical model of QoL based on Rector's conceptual model for QoL in relation to HF and the existing literature on patients with HF. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey, 165 patients with HF were recruited from an outpatient clinic in Korea. Data were collected based on Rector's model constructs, such as cardiac function, symptoms, functional limitation, depression, distress, and QoL. Left ventricular ejection fraction for cardiac function was measured using echocardiography. RESULTS: Functional limitation, depression, and distress, but not symptoms, had a direct effect on QoL (all Ps < .001). Cardiac function and symptoms directly affected functional limitation (ß = 0.186, P = .004, and ß = -0.488, P = < .001, respectively), whereas cardiac function, symptoms, and depression affected QoL through functional limitation and distress. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that the Rector's model is suitable for predicting QoL in patients with HF. These findings have potential to guide and inform intervention programs designed to alleviate symptoms in patients with HF, enhance their physical functioning, and moderate their psychological distress with the ultimate goal of improving their QoL.

Global impact of physical inactivity and implications for public health nursing.

Physicalinactivity has been a public health problem worldwide for more than a decade. Of those who are physically active, a substantial percentage engage solely in low or very low physical activity (PA) levels. In the last 3 decades, the prevalence of PA in the United States has decreased with approximately 80% of adults not meeting the recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle strengthening PA. The PA levels of youth have dramatically decreased with 85% of adolescents reporting no PA. Regular PA participation can aid in preventing chronic diseases. A strong inverse dose-response relationship exists between PA and the incidence of cardiovascular disease, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, low cardiorespiratory fitness levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: the leading cause of death and disability globally. Conversely, high amounts of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA at levels 3-5 times recommended in guidelines reduce risk for all cause mortality. Socio-ecological determinants of PA are essential considerations for promoting across the life course. In health care and community settings, public health nurses have opportunities to promote PA through a socio-ecological approach across the life course of individuals and diverse populations.

Maternal Cardiovascular Health and Adverse Childbirth Outcomes in the United States: Analysis of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular-related adverse childbirth outcomes have been increasing in the United States, with widening racial and ethnic disparities. OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between maternal cardiovascular health (CVH) and childbirth outcomes among US births. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Ideal CVH was defined as a composite of 4 cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors: absence of a medical diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, history of cigarette smoking before or during pregnancy, and a pre-pregnancy body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2. Childbirth outcomes examined were preterm birth, low birthweight, and mode of birth. Survey logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 34 918 women were included in our study, and most (61%) had more than 1 CVD risk factor. Clustering of CVD risk factors was more likely among women with an annual income of less than $40 000 and not college educated and found among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Natives (P < .001). The odds of an adverse childbirth outcome increased with each additional CVD risk factor. Hypertension was highest among non-Hispanic Black women (20%) and the strongest predictor of having a low-birth-weight infant (odds ratio [OR], 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.86-3.48), preterm birth (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 2.40-3.07), and cesarean birth (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.52-1.87). CONCLUSION: Clustering of maternal CVD risk factors was significantly associated with adverse childbirth outcomes. Unfavorable CVH and its association with adverse childbirth outcomes were most common in women of color, calling for special attention to this group.

Assessing Cardiometabolic Health Risk Among U.S. Children Living in Grandparent-Headed Households.

PURPOSE: We evaluated children's cardiometabolic health (CMH) risk indicators and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) stratified by family structure type (grandparent-headed, two-parent headed, and single-parent headed households). Separately, we assessed whether family structure type and number of ACEs were independently associated with the CMH risk indicators. DESIGN AND METHODS: Utilizing data from the 2017-2018 National Survey of Children's Health, we evaluated five CMH risk indicators (obesity, physical activity, secondhand smoke exposure, sleep, and sports participation). We used multivariable logistic regressions to assess the association of CMH risk indicators with family structure type and ACEs. We controlled for sex, age, race/ethnicity, health insurance, household poverty level, and overall health status. RESULTS: Among children aged 10-17 years (n = 24,885), we found the number of ACEs differed by family structure type (P < 0.001) and was independently associated with obesity, secondhand smoke exposure, sleep, and sports participation. Adjusting for all covariates except ACEs, family structure type was significantly associated with children's CMH risk; but after controlling for ACEs that association was attenuated - except for sleep (less adequate sleep in grandparent-headed households) and exposure to secondhand smoke (less exposure in single-parent headed households). CONCLUSIONS: ACEs were highest among children living in grandparent-headed households and independently associated with a majority of the CMH risk indicators. Findings suggest that children living in grandparent-headed households may be at elevated risk for poor CMH, potentially due to higher risk for ACEs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended to consider ACEs and family structure type when assessing CMH risk in children.

Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Childhood.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atherosclerotic-CVD processes begin early in life and are influenced over the life course by interaction of genetic and potential modifiable risk factors, behaviors, and environmental exposures. The purpose of this review is to highlight importance of primordial and primary prevention beginning early in the life course. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for primordial and primary prevention support importance of individual/clinical and population-based approaches to CVD prevention beginning early in life with goal of reducing the risk and burden of CVD. Substantial evidence supports the individual and societal benefits of prevention of CVD and promotion of optimal cardiovascular health beginning early in life and extending across the life course and the need for additional research to guide and inform practices and policies enabling optimal cardiovascular health for all.

Childhood and Adolescent Adversity and Cardiometabolic Outcomes: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Adverse experiences in childhood and adolescence, defined as subjectively perceived threats to the safety or security of the child's bodily integrity, family, or social structures, are known to be associated with cardiometabolic outcomes over the life course into adulthood. This American Heart Association scientific statement reviews the scientific literature on the influence of childhood adversity on cardiometabolic outcomes that constitute the greatest public health burden in the United States, including obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. This statement also conceptually outlines pathways linking adversity to cardiometabolic health, identifies evidence gaps, and provides suggestions for future research to inform practice and policy. We note that, despite a lack of objective agreement on what subjectively qualifies as exposure to childhood adversity and a dearth of prospective studies, substantial evidence documents an association between childhood adversity and cardiometabolic outcomes across the life course. Future studies that focus on mechanisms, resiliency, and vulnerability factors would further strengthen the evidence and provide much-needed information on targets for effective interventions. Given that childhood adversities affect cardiometabolic health and multiple health domains across the life course, interventions that ameliorate these initial upstream exposures may be more appropriate than interventions remediating downstream cardiovascular disease risk factor effects later in life.

Enhancing behavioral change among lung cancer survivors participating in a lifestyle risk reduction intervention: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Early detection and improved treatment have increased lung cancer survival. Lung cancer survivors have more symptom distress and lower function compared with other cancer survivors; however, few interventions are available to improve health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). Lifestyle risk reduction interventions have improved HR-QOL in other cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to explore lung cancer survivor perspectives on making behavioral changes in the context of a lifestyle risk reduction intervention. METHODS: Twenty-two lung cancer survivors participated in interviews after completing the Healthy Directions (HD) intervention. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Demographic and clinical characteristics were gathered through a survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified: (1) the diagnosis was a motivator for behavior change, (2) participants had to deal with disease consequences, (3) the coach provided guidance, (4) strategies for change were initiated, and (5) social support sustained behavioral changes. Other important subthemes were the coach helped interpret symptoms, which supported self-efficacy and goal setting, and survivors employed self-monitoring behaviors. Several participants found the recommended goals for physical activity were difficult and were discouraged if unable to attain the goal. Findings underscore the need for individualized prescriptions of physical activity, especially for sedentary survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer survivors described the benefits of coaching to enhance their engagement in behavioral change. Additional research is needed to validate the benefit of the HD intervention to improve HR-QOL among this vulnerable and understudied group of cancer survivors.

Feasibility and acceptability of "healthy directions" a lifestyle intervention for adults with lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this feasibility study of an adapted lifestyle intervention for adults with lung cancer were to (1) determine rates of enrollment, attrition, and completion of 5 nurse-patient contacts; (2) examine demographic characteristics of those more likely to enroll into the program; (3) determine acceptability of the intervention; and (4) identify patient preferences for the format of supplemental educational intervention materials. METHODS: This study used a single-arm, pretest and posttest design. Feasibility was defined as ≥20% enrollment and a completion rate of 70% for 5 nurse-patient contact sessions. Acceptability was defined as 80% of patients recommending the program to others. Data was collected through electronic data bases and phone interviews. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for analyses. RESULTS: Of 147 eligible patients, 42 (28.6%) enrolled and of these, 32 (76.2%) started the intervention and 27 (N = 27/32; 84.4%; 95% CI, 67.2%-94.7%) completed the intervention. Patients who were younger were more likely to enroll in the study (P = .04) whereas there were no significant differences by gender (P = .35). Twenty-three of the 24 (95.8%) participants' contacted posttest recommended the intervention for others. Nearly equal numbers of participants chose the website (n = 16, 50%) vs print (n = 14, 44%). CONCLUSION: The intervention was feasible and acceptable in patients with lung cancer. Recruitment rates were higher and completion rates were similar as compared to previous home-based lifestyle interventions for patients with other types of cancer. Strategies to enhance recruitment of older adults are important for future research.

Cost-effectiveness of the non-laboratory based Framingham algorithm in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A simulated analysis of a cohort of African American adults.

The non-lab Framingham algorithm, which substitute body mass index for lipids in the laboratory based (lab-based) Framingham algorithm, has been validated among African Americans (AAs). However, its cost-effectiveness and economic tradeoffs have not been evaluated. This study examines the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of two cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programs guided by the non-lab versus lab-based Framingham algorithm. We simulated the World Health Organization CVD prevention guidelines on a cohort of 2690 AA participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort. Costs were estimated using Medicare fee schedules (diagnostic tests, drugs & visits), Bureau of Labor Statistics (RN wages), and estimates for managing incident CVD events. Outcomes were assumed to be true positive cases detected at a data driven treatment threshold. Both algorithms had the best balance of sensitivity/specificity at the moderate risk threshold (>10% risk). Over 12years, 82% and 77% of 401 incident CVD events were accurately predicted via the non-lab and lab-based Framingham algorithms, respectively. There were 20 fewer false negative cases in the non-lab approach translating into over $900,000 in savings over 12years. The ICER was -$57,153 for every extra CVD event prevented when using the non-lab algorithm. The approach guided by the non-lab Framingham strategy dominated the lab-based approach with respect to both costs and predictive ability. Consequently, the non-lab Framingham algorithm could potentially provide a highly effective screening tool at lower cost to address the high burden of CVD especially among AA and in resource-constrained settings where lab tests are unavailable.

Tailored communications for obesity prevention in pediatric primary care: a feasibility study.

Recommendations for the prevention of childhood obesity encourage providers to counsel parents and their children on healthy diet and activity behaviors. This study evaluated the feasibility of a theory-based, tailored communication intervention for obesity prevention (Team Up for Health) delivered during a well-child visit. A two-armed randomized controlled trial was used. Parents of children aged 4-10 years were recruited from a list of patients due for a well-child visit at a pediatric primary care clinic. Parents were randomized to either the 'immediate' condition (parent and pediatrician received the tailored report at the well-child visit) or the 'delayed' condition (parent received the report at the end of the study). Self-report measures assessed physical activity, fruits, vegetables, television time, sugary drinks, and 100% fruit juice. Parents completed assessments at baseline, <48 h and 4-week follow-up. Providers were interviewed at the end of the study. Independent t-tests were used to examine between group differences. Seven areas of feasibility were evaluated: Recruitment, randomization, measurement, retention, acceptability, implementation and demand. Results showed high rates of measurement (85%) and acceptability (89%) and implementation (80%) of the intervention. In conclusion, Team Up for Health was feasible; however, a larger study is needed to evaluate its efficacy.