Delayed medical care due to transportation barriers among adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: In patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), barriers related to transportation may impair access to care, with potential implications for prognosis. Although few studies have explored transportation barriers among patients with ASCVD, the correlates of delayed care due to transportation barriers have not been examined in this population. We aimed to examine this in U.S. patients with ASCVD using nationally representative data. METHODS: Using data from the 2009-2018 National Health Interview Survey, we estimated the self-reported prevalence of delayed medical care due to transportation barriers among adults with ASCVD, overall and by sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between various sociodemographic characteristics and delayed care due to transportation barriers. RESULTS: Among adults with ASCVD, 4.5% (95% CI; 4.2, 4.8) or ∼876,000 annually reported delayed care due to transportation barriers. Income (low-income: odds ratio [OR] 4.43, 95% CI [3.04, 6.46]; lowest-income: OR 6.35, 95% CI [4.36, 9.23]) and Medicaid insurance (OR 4.53; 95% CI [3.27, 6.29]) were strongly associated with delayed care due to transportation barriers. Additionally, younger individuals, women, non-Hispanic Black adults, and those from the U.S. South or Midwest, had higher odds of reporting delayed care due to transportation barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 5% of adults with ASCVD experience delayed care due to transportation barriers. Vulnerable groups include young adults, women, low-income people, and those with public/no insurance. Future studies should analyze the feasibility and potential benefits of interventions such as use of telehealth, mobile clinics, and provision of transportation among patients with ASCVD in the U.S.

Impact of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients.

ABSTRACT: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is increasingly utilized in patients with advanced heart failure and morbid obesity. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) can facilitate weight loss in this population and can ultimately change the pharmacokinetics of heart failure therapeutics. In this study, we aimed to explore the changes in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy post LSG intervention. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of morbidly obese LVAD patients between 2013 and 2019 at the University of Florida with available pharmacotherapeutic data at 1 and 6 months. Thirteen post-LSG patients and 13 control subjects were included in the final analysis. In the post-LSG group, the mean body mass index decreased significantly (44 ± 5 vs. 34 ± 4.9, P < 0.001), and 7 patients were successfully bridged to cardiac transplantation. Only 3 patients required adjustment of their LVAD speed. Mean return to flow decreased by 8 mm Hg, despite a 45% reduction in the mean number of vasodilators per patient (1.2 vs. 0.7, P = 0.03). Mean weekly warfarin dose decreased by 35% after 6 months (32.9 ± 20.9 vs. 50.7 ± 26.6, P = 0.01). The use of diuretics, vasodilators, and beta-blockers was significantly reduced by 50%, 45%, and 35%, respectively. None of these changes were observed in the control group at 6-month follow-up post LVAD. In this single-center experience, weight loss post LSG is associated with decreased vasodilator, diuretic, and anticoagulant medication requirements in LVAD patients.

Cardiac sarcoidosis in the donor heart without extracardiac manifestations.

A middle-aged woman who received heart transplantation for end-stage sarcoid cardiomyopathy developed recurrent cardiac sarcoidosis in the donor heart. She presented 5 years post-transplantation with heart block and systolic dysfunction, without extracardiac involvement. Her disease was unresponsive to corticosteroids. Routine functional imaging may help identify such recurrences.

Acute right ventricular failure: a novel presentation of methadone-induced cardiotoxicity.

As methadone use increases, the potential for methadone-induced cardiotoxicity (MIC) may rise. We describe a case of acute right ventricular (RV) failure leading to cardiogenic shock after methadone overdose. This presentation was followed by full RV recovery. This previously undescribed presentation highlights the challenges involved with MIC, its diagnosis and its management.