Association of Lipoprotein Subfractions With Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Referred for Coronary Angiography.

Lipoprotein subfractions (LS) can be used for better risk stratification in subjects deemed not at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). In this study, we evaluated the correlation between LS with CAD presence and severity. This is a prospective case-control study of 157 patients referred for coronary angiography who were not on lipid-lowering therapy and had LS measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) scores were calculated to estimate CAD severity. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine correlation of LS with CAD presence and severity and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). There was significant association of certain LS (positive for total low-density lipoprotein particle [LDL-P], small LDL-P and apolipoprotein B, negative for large high-density lipoprotein particle [HDL-P] and apolipoprotein A1 [ApoA1]) with the presence of obstructive CAD and CAD severity. Small LDL-P and HDL-P were still predictive for obstructive CAD after adjusting for traditional risk factors, 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score and in those with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/100 ml. Total LDL-P and ApoA1 were predictive of CAD severity on multivariable analysis. Higher small LDL-P and lower large HDL-P were associated with ACS presence, although only large HDL-P had a significant inverse correlation with ACS on adjusted analysis (odds ratio 0.74 95% confidence interval 0.58, 0.95) In conclusion, in our cohort of patients referred for coronary angiography, total LDL-P, small LDL-P, and apolipoprotein B had significant direct correlation, and large HDL-P and ApoA1 had significant inverse correlation with obstructive CAD and CAD severity.

Safety and Efficacy of CYP2C19 Genotype-Guided Escalation of P2Y12 Inhibitor Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chronic Kidney Disease: a Post Hoc Analysis of the TAILOR-PCI Study.

PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for ischemic and bleeding events with dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether the presence of CYP2C19 loss of function (LOF) alleles modifies this risk, and whether a genotype-guided (GG) escalation of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy post PCI is safe in this population is unclear. METHODS: This was a post hoc analysis of randomized patients in TAILOR PCI. Patients were divided into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) threshold of < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for CKD (n = 539) and non-CKD (n = 4276). The aggregate of cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and severe recurrent coronary ischemia at 12-months post-PCI was assessed as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoint was major or minor bleeding. RESULTS: Mean (standard deviation) eGFR among patients with CKD was 49.5 (8.4) ml/min/1.72 m2. Among all patients, there was no significant interaction between randomized strategy and CKD status for any endpoint. Among LOF carriers, the interaction between randomized strategy and CKD status on composite ischemic outcome was not significant (p = 0.2). GG strategy was not associated with an increased risk of bleeding in either CKD group. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory analysis, escalation of P2Y12 inhibitor therapy following a GG strategy did not reduce the primary outcome in CKD. However, P2Y12 inhibitor escalation following a GG strategy was not associated with increased bleeding risk in CKD. Larger studies in CKD are needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01742117?term=TAILOR-PCI&draw=2&rank=1 . NCT01742117.

Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients 75 Years and Older: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing as the population ages. AF treatment-related complications also increase markedly in older adults (defined as ≥75 years of age for this review). The older AF population has a high risk of stroke, bleeding, and death. Syncope and fall-related injuries are the most common reasons for nonprescription of oral anticoagulation (OAC), and are more common in older adults when OACs are used with antiarrhythmic drugs. Digoxin may be useful for rate control, but associations with increased mortality limit its use. Beyond rate and rhythm control considerations, stroke prophylaxis is critical to AF management, and the benefits of direct OACs, compared with warfarin, extend to older adults. Invasive procedures such as AF catheter ablation, pacemaker implantation/atrioventricular junction ablation, and left atrial appendage occlusion may be useful in appropriately selected cases. However, older adults have generally been under-represented in clinical trials.

Attainment of Guideline-Directed Medical Treatment in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease Patients With and Without Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, whether guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is adequately implemented in patients with SIHD and CKD is unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Use of GDMT and achievement of treatment targets would be higher in SIHD patients without CKD than in patients with CKD. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 563 consecutive patients with SIHD (mean age 67.8 years, 84% Caucasians, 40% females). CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 using the four-variable MDRD Study equation. We examined the likelihood of achieving GDMT targets (prescription of high-intensity statins, antiplatelet agents, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels < 70 mg/dL, blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg, and hemoglobin A1C < 7% if diabetes) in patients with (n = 166) and without CKD (n = 397). RESULTS: Compared with the non-CKD group, CKD patients were significantly older (72 vs 66 years; p < 0.001), more commonly female (49 vs 36%; p = 0.002), had a higher prevalence of diabetes (46 vs 34%; p = 0.004), and left ventricular systolic ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% (23 vs. 10%, p < 0.001). All GDMT goals were achieved in 26% and 24% of patients with and without CKD, respectively (p = 0.712). There were no between-group differences in achieving individual GDMT goals with the exception of RAASi (CKD vs non-CKD: adjusted risk ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.87; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Attainment of GDMT goals in SIHD patients with CKD was similar to patients without CKD, with the exception of lower rates of RAASi use in the CKD group.

Colon cancer laterality is associated with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Primary right-sided colon cancer (RCC) is associated with a higher mortality than left-sided colon cancer (LCC), but the etiology of this phenomenon remains unclear. We sought to study whether cancer laterality is associated with the prevalence of clinical coronary artery disease, calcific atherosclerosis as measured by computed tomography (CT), and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a single center retrospective study of 546 participants who had previously been diagnosed with colon cancer between January 2005 and December 2014. The presence of coronary and aortic calcifications was assessed by CT in 486 of these patients. We examined the prevalence of clinical cardiovascular disease (CAD) (prior myocardial infarction or revascularization), comorbidities, coronary and aortic calcification in patients with RCC (n=261) and LCC (n=285). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the likelihood of clinical CAD and calcific atherosclerosis by cancer laterality. RESULTS: Compared to patients with LCC, patients with RCC were more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism and clinical CAD. In the patients with available CT scans, RCC was associated with higher prevalence of coronary, thoracic, and abdominal calcifications than LCC. On univariate and multivariate analyses, RCC was associated with higher likelihood of clinical CAD (adjusted risk ratio 2.15, 95% CI, 1.37-3.38, P=0.001) as well as radiological evidence of calcific atherosclerosis compared to LCC. CONCLUSIONS: we found that both clinical CAD and vascular calcifications are prevalent in patients with colon cancer, and are independently increased in patients with RCC compared to LCC.

Influence of mildly and moderately elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure on post-renal transplantation survival and graft function.

BACKGROUND: Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been associated with decreased post-kidney transplant survival and increased rate of long-term cardiovascular complications. Despite a high prevalence of PH in patients with end-stage renal disease, data on post-transplant renal allograft survival in recipients with pre-existing mild-to-moderate PH are limited. METHODS: The single-center retrospective study cohort consisted of 192 consecutive (2008-2015) renal transplant recipients with documented pretransplantation transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Mean age was 50.9 ± 12.4 years, 36.5% were females, and 81.25% were Caucasians. RESULTS: Elevated PASP ≥ 37 mm Hg was present in 51 patients. Elevated PASP was more common in patients with decreased <50% left ventricular ejection fraction (13.73% vs 3.55%, P = 0.010); otherwise, there were no significant differences in baseline demographic (age, ethnicity, gender, and donor status) and clinical parameters between patients with normal and elevated PASP. Four-year mortality (5.7%) was not significantly affected by elevated PASP. However, elevated PASP was associated with significantly decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1 year (52.26 vs 60.13 mL/min, P = 0.019) and 2 years (51.04 vs 60.28 mL/min, P = 0.006) post-transplant. CONCLUSION: Mild and moderately elevated pre-kidney transplant PASP does not affect 4-year post-transplant mortality or graft loss. However, elevated pretransplant PASP is significantly associated with decreased 1 year and 2 years post-transplant eGFR. Preoperative echocardiographic evaluation for PH may be useful in predicting the probability of short-term renal graft and long-term graft dysfunction in these patients.

Detection of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in the Cardiology and Nephrology Communities.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a glomerular filtration rate of < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 body surface area. The availability of high-quality randomized controlled trial data to guide management for the population with CKD and ASCVD is limited. Understanding current practice patterns among providers caring for individuals with CKD and CVD is important in guiding future trial questions. METHODS: A qualitative survey study was performed. An electronic survey regarding the diagnosis and management of CVD in patients with CKD was conducted using a convenience sample of 450 practicing nephrology and cardiology providers. The survey was administered using Qualtrics® (https://www.qualtrics.com). RESULTS: There were a total of 113 responses, 81 of which were complete responses. More than 90% of the respondents acknowledged the importance of CVD as a cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD. Outside the kidney transplant evaluation setting, 5% of the respondents would screen an asymptomatic patient with advanced CKD for ASCVD. Outside the kidney transplant evaluation scenario, the respondents did not opt for invasive management strategies in advanced CKD. CONCLUSIONS: The survey results reveal a lack of consensus among providers caring for patients with advanced CKD about the management of ASCVD in this setting. Future randomized controlled trials will be needed to better inform the clinical management of ASCVD in these patients. The limitations of the study include its small sample size and the relatively low response rate among the respondents.

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention significantly improves coronary sinus blood flow as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has been used to assess coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF), which reflects total coronary arterial blood flow. Successful angioplasty is expected to improve coronary arterial blood flow. Changes in CSBF after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), as assessed by TTE, have not been systematically evaluated. HYPOTHESIS: TTE can be utilized to reflect increased CSBF after a successful, clinically indicated PCI. METHODS: The study cohort included 31 patients (18 females, 62 ± 11 years old) referred for diagnostic cardiac catheterization for suspected coronary artery disease and possible PCI, when clinically indicated. All performed PCIs were successful, with good angiographic outcome. CSBF per cardiac cycle (mL/beat) was measured using transthoracic two-dimensional and Doppler flow imaging as the product of coronary sinus (CS) area and CS flow time-velocity integral. CSBF per minute (mL/min) was calculated as the product of heart rate and CSBF per cardiac cycle. In each patient, CSBF was assessed prospectively, before and after cardiac catheterization with and without clinically indicated PCI. Within- and between-group differences in CSBF before and after PCI were assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Technically adequate CSBF measurements were obtained in 24 patients (77%). In patients who did not undergo PCI, there was no significant change in CSBF (278.1 ± 344.1 versus 342.7 ± 248.5, p = 0.36). By contrast, among patients who underwent PCI, CSBF increased significantly (254.3 ± 194.7 versus 618.3 ± 358.5 mL/min, p < 0.01, p-interaction = 0.03). Other hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters did not change significantly before and after cardiac catheterization in either treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiographic assessment can be employed to document CSBF changes after angioplasty. Future studies are needed to explore the clinical utility of this noninvasive metric.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation with congestive heart failure and left ventricular thrombus: a case report with literature review of 7 cases.

BACKGROUND: Coagulation abnormalities can accompany acute congestive heart failure (CHF). However, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is rarely documented in such patients. DIC is characterized by generalized excessive activation of coagulation pathways followed by their depletion with secondary activation of anticoagulation and fibrinolysis. Treatment of the cause is an integral part of management of DIC; thus, recognition of the cause is critical. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old previously healthy man presented with breathlessness, swelling of both legs, and left leg pain. His physical exam result was consistent with decompensated heart failure. Further testing revealed multiple deep venous thrombi in the upper and lower extremities, arterial occlusion in the left popliteal artery, and an unusual cyst-like left ventricular thrombus. His laboratory evaluation was consistent with severe acute DIC. The patient was managed aggressively with diuretics, transfusions of platelets, and cryoprecipitate and was subsequently anticoagulated. His platelet count and coagulation parameters normalized and coronary angiography did not reveal any obstructive lesions. On day 22, an echocardiogram revealed and MRI confirmed that the intracardiac thrombus had disappeared. He underwent revascularization of the left leg and was successfully discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Severe biventricular non-ischemic cardiac dysfunction with intra-cardiac thrombi should be considered in patients presenting with DIC. In addition to anticoagulation, treatment of underlying heart failure is critical in such cases.

Smoking rates in dementia patients in the outpatient setting.

The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of tobacco use in patients diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment in an outpatient setting as they may be unsafe smokers and present safety risks to themselves and others. We conducted a retrospective chart review of new patients between 1/06 and 8/07 who were diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment in a geriatric outpatient practice. The data collected included age, gender, tobacco use patterns and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score. Data was analyzed using SAS 9.1 for Windows (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Former tobacco use rates in our study were similar to nationwide published rates for elderly over 65 (39.9% vs. 39.5%, respectively, p=0.99). However, only two patients in our study (1.32%, 95%CI=0.16-4.70) were current tobacco users compared with published census data that 10.2% of those over 65 are current smokers nationwide (p<0.001). Our study revealed a much lower rate of current tobacco use in our series of cognitively impaired patients. Further research is needed to explore the reasons for decreased smoking in those with cognitive impairment and its clinical implications.