Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Left Ventricular Remodelling in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction: an Exploratory Clinical Trial and Proteomic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of physical exercise on cardiac remodelling improvement after myocardial infarction have already been suggested. However, the results of previous clinical trials have not been consistent. Moreover, the putative molecular mechanisms leading to the clinically observed effects of physical exercise still remain elusive. AIM: We aimed to evaluate whether the well-defined and strictly controlled traditional Chinese Qigong Baduanjin exercise (BE) would attenuate the adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A total of 110 clinically stable STEMI patients, following successful revascularization of their infarcted coronary arteries, were randomized and enrolled in two groups: 56 were subjected to a 12-week BE-based cardiac rehabilitation programme (BE group), and the remaining 54 were exposed to the usual physical exercise (control group) for the same time period. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to 6 months in the echocardiographic LV end-diastolic volume index (ΔLVEDVi). Proteomic analysis was also performed to uncover associated mechanisms. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the BE group showed significantly lower ΔLVEDVi (-5.1 ± 1.1 vs. 0.3 ± 1.2 mL/m2, P < 0.01). Proteomic analysis revealed BE-induced variations in the expression of 80 proteins linked to regulation the of metabolic process, immune process, and extracellular matrix reorganization. Furthermore, correlation analyses between the validated serum proteomes and primary endpoint demonstrated a positive association between ΔLVEDVi and MMP-9 expression, but a negative correlation between ΔLVEDVi and CXCL1 expression. CONCLUSION: This is the first study indicating that BE in STEMI patients can alleviate adverse LV remodelling associated with beneficial energy metabolism adaptation, inflammation curbing, and extracellular matrix organization adjustment.

Neiguan (PC6)-based acupuncture pretreatment for myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury: A protocol for preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) is 1 of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide in the cardiovascular diseases. Acupuncture has been widely applied in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in recent years. This systematic review protocol aims to provide the methods for evaluating the efficacy of Neiguan (PC6)-based acupuncture pretreatment in animal models of MIRI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, as well as the Chinese databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, China Biology Medicine Database and WanFang Database will be searched from inception to November 2019. The outcome measures were myocardial infarct size, the level of ST-segment elevation, left ventricular ejection fraction, shortening fraction, arrhythmia score, cardiac enzymes, and cardiac troponin. Study inclusion, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for the data synthesis and the quality of each study will be assessed independently by using the Collaborative Approach To Meta-Analysis And Review Of Animal Data From Experimental Studies checklist with minor modification. RESULTS: This review will provide a high-quality synthesis of Neiguan (PC6)-based acupuncture pretreatment for MIRI in animal models CONCLUSIONS:: This systematic review will provide conclusive evidence for whether Neiguan (PC6)-based acupuncture pretreatment is an effective intervention in animal models of MIRI. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020175144.

Duration of Inducible Ventricular Tachycardia Early After ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Its Impact on Mortality and Ventricular Tachycardia Recurrence.

Background The clinical significance of the duration of inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) at electrophysiology study (EPS) in patients soon after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and its predictive utility for VT recurrence are not known. Methods and Results Consecutive ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients with day 3 to 5 left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% underwent EPS. A positive EPS was defined as sustained monomorphic VT with cycle length ≥200 ms. The induced VT was terminated by overdrive pacing or direct current shock at 30 s or earlier if hemodynamic decompensation occurred. Patients with inducible VT duration 2 to 10 s were compared with patients with inducible VT >10 s. The primary end point was survival free of VT or cardiac mortality. From 384 consecutive ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients who underwent EPS, 29% had inducible VT (n=112, 87% men). After mean follow-up of 5.9±3.9 years, primary end point occurred in 35% of patients with induced VT 2 to 10 s duration (n=68) and in 22% of patients with induced VT >10 s (n=41) (P=0.61). This was significantly different from the noninducible VT group, in which primary end point occurred in 3% of patients (n=272) (P=0.001). Conclusions This study is the first to show that in patients who undergo EPS early after myocardial infarction, inducible VT of short duration (2-10 s) has similar predictive utility for ventricular tachyarrhythmia as longer duration (>10 s) inducible VT, which was significantly different to those without inducible VT. It is possible that immediate cardioversion of rapid VT might have contributed to some of the short durations of inducible VT.

Trends in length of stay following acute coronary syndrome hospitalisation in New Zealand 2006-2016: ANZACS-QI 32 study.

AIMS: Length of hospital stay (LOS) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has important clinical and cost implications. We report recent trends and predictors of ACS hospitalisation LOS in New Zealand. METHODS: Using routine national hospitalisation datasets, we calculated mean LOS for ACS admissions annually from 2006 to 2016, by demographics, ACS subtype and ACS procedures (coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)). We also identified predictors of longer LOS. RESULTS: Among 185,962 ACS hospitalisations, mean LOS decreased from 7.8 to 6.7 days between 2006 and 2016 (adjusted decrease = -0.18 days/year). Decline in LOS was observed for all demographic subgroups by age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation quintile. While coronary angiography and PCI rates increased during this time, LOS declined for all management strategies. However, the adjusted rate of decline was greater for patients receiving coronary angiography without revascularisation (-0.24 days/year), PCI (-0.22 days/year) and CABG (0.33 days/year)-than those not receiving angiography (-0.14 days/year), P<0.001. A greater decline occurred for NSTEMI and STEMI (9.4 to 7.5 days and 7.8 to 6.2 days, respectively) than UA (5.4 to 4.9 days). Predictors of longer LOS in 2016 were older age, female, Maori or Pacific ethnicity, not receiving coronary angiography, initial presentation to a non-interventional hospital and CABG. CONCLUSIONS: Mean LOS for ACS hospitalisations declined between 2006 and 2016. The decline was greatest in the increasing proportion of patients who received a coronary angiogram. Further reductions in LOS may be achieved by implementation of nationally agreed pathways for adequate and timely access to coronary angiography.

Sex Differences in Electrophysiology, Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia, Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Cardiac Death Following Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Women experience less appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) interventions and are underrepresented in randomised ICD trials. Sex-differences in inducible and spontaneous ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF), cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death (SCD) early post-myocardial infarction (MI) require further study. METHODS: Consecutive ST-elevation MI patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≤40% underwent electrophysiology study (EPS) to target early prevention of SCD. An ICD was implanted for a positive (inducible monomorphic VT) but not a negative (no arrhythmia or inducible VF) EPS. The combined primary endpoint of VT/VF (spontaneous or ICD-treated), cardiac arrest or SCD was assessed using competing risk survival analysis in women versus men with adjustment for confounders. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of inducible VT at EPS. RESULTS: A total of 403 patients (16.9% female) underwent EPS. Women were significantly older than men but with similar LVEF (31.5 ± 6.3 versus 31.6 ± 6.4%, p = 0.91). Electrophysiology study was positive for inducible VT in 22.1% and 33.4% (p = 0.066) and an ICD implanted in 25.0% and 33.4% (p = 0.356) of women versus men. Appropriate ICD activations (VT/VF) occurred in 5.9% of women and 36.6% of men (p = 0.012). The adjusted cumulative primary endpoint incidence was significantly lower in women than men (1.6% versus 26.5%, p = 0.03). Female sex was not an independent predictor of inducible VT at EPS (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.33-1.23, p = 0.178). CONCLUSIONS: Women with early post-MI cardiomyopathy had lower VT/VF, cardiac arrest and SCD, compared to men. In ICD recipients the rate of appropriate activations was six-fold less in women compared to men.

Corrie Health Digital Platform for Self-Management in Secondary Prevention After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned readmissions after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction are among the leading causes of preventable morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Digital health interventions could be an effective tool in promoting self-management, adherence to guideline-directed therapy, and cardiovascular risk reduction. A digital health intervention developed at Johns Hopkins-the Corrie Health Digital Platform (Corrie)-includes the first cardiology Apple CareKit smartphone application, which is paired with an Apple Watch and iHealth Bluetooth-enabled blood pressure cuff. Corrie targets: (1) self-management of cardiac medications, (2) self-tracking of vital signs, (3) education about cardiovascular disease through articles and animated videos, and (4) care coordination that includes outpatient follow-up appointments. METHODS AND RESULTS: The 3 phases of the MiCORE study (Myocardial infarction, Combined-device, Recovery Enhancement) include (1) the development of Corrie, (2) a pilot study to assess the usability and feasibility of Corrie, and (3) a prospective research study to primarily compare time to first readmission within 30 days postdischarge among patients with Corrie to patients in the historical standard of care comparison group. In Phase 2, the feasibility of deploying Corrie in an acute care setting was established among a sample of 60 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Phase 3 is ongoing and patients from 4 hospitals are being enrolled as early as possible during their hospital stay if they are 18 years or older, admitted with acute myocardial infarction (ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction or type I non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction), and own a smartphone. Patients are either being enrolled with their own personal devices or they are provided an iPhone and/or Apple Watch for the duration of the study. Phase 3 started in October 2017 and we aim to recruit 140 participants. CONCLUSIONS: This article will provide an in-depth understanding of the feasibility associated with implementing a digital health intervention in an acute care setting and the potential of Corrie as a self-management tool for acute myocardial infarction recovery.

Acute coronary syndrome secondary to allergic coronary vasospasm (Kounis Syndrome): a case series, follow-up and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Kounis syndrome (KS) is the concurrence of acute coronary syndrome associated with mast-cell and platelet activation in the setting of hypersensitivity and allergic or anaphylactic insults. Many drugs and environmental exposures had been reported as inducers, but various inducers and the mechanism of KS remained unknown till now. The widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a potential sensitizer were scarcely reported to induce allergic vasospasm due to the ignorance of the linkage between traditional medicine allergy and vasospasm. CASE PRESENTATION: We described 5 rare cases of KS including unreported triggers of TCM and abortion, reported the treatment strategy and 1~4 years' follow-up results, and tried to probe into the etiology of KS. Case 1 and case 2 for the first time reported acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) caused by Chinese herbs related allergic coronary vasospasm. Case 3 reported recurrent angina following allergen contact and wheezing, indicating the internal linkage of coronary vasospasm and allergic asthma. Case 4 described a childbearing-age woman suffered refractory ischemic chest pain due to coronary vasospasm in a special period of post-abortion, the attacks suddenly disappeared when her menopause recovered. Case 5 described an isolated episode of allergic coronary vasospasm under exposure of smoking and stress, which was successfully prevented by avoiding the exposures. CONCLUSION: Kounis syndrome is not rare but rarely recognized and under-diagnosed. It is necessary to recognize KS and various inducers, especially for the patients suffering refractory vasospastic cardiac attacks concentrating in special periods. Blood test of eosinophil might contribute to diagnose KS and anti-allergic agents might be helpful for controlling KS attacks.

Effect of intracoronary agents on the no-reflow phenomenon during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the restoration of epicardial flow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), myocardial reperfusion remains impaired in a significant proportion of patients. We performed a network meta-analysis to assess the effect of 7 intracoronary agents (adenosine, anisodamine, diltiazem, nicorandil, nitroprusside, urapidil, and verapamil) on the no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing PPCI. METHODS: Database searches were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the 7 agents with each other or with standard PPCI. Outcome measures included thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade (TFG), ST-segment resolution (STR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and adverse events. RESULTS: Forty-one RCTs involving 4069 patients were analyzed. The addition of anisodamine to standard PPCI for STEMI was associated with improved post-procedural TFG, more occurrences of STR, and improvement of LVEF. The cardioprotective effect of anisodamine conferred a MACE-free survival benefit. Additionally, nitroprusside was regarded as efficient in improving coronary flow and clinical outcomes. Compared with standard care, adenosine, nicorandil, and verapamil improved coronary flow but had no corresponding benefits regarding cardiac function and clinical outcomes. The ranking probability for the 7 treatment drugs showed that anisodamine consistently ranked the highest in efficacy outcomes (TFG < 3, STR, LVEF, and MACEs). No severe adverse events, such as hypotension and malignant arrhythmia, were observed in patients treated with anisodamine. Network meta-regression analysis showed that age, the time to reperfusion, and study follow-up did not affect the treatment effects. CONCLUSIONS: The intracoronary administration of anisodamine appears to improve myocardial reperfusion, cardiac function, and clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI. Given the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more rigorous RCTs are needed to verify the role of this inexpensive and well-tolerated regimen.

Impact of Regionalization of ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Care on Treatment Times and Outcomes for Emergency Medical Services-Transported Patients Presenting to Hospitals With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Mission: Lifeline Accelerator-2.

BACKGROUND: Regional variations in reperfusion times and mortality in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction are influenced by differences in coordinating care between emergency medical services (EMS) and hospitals. Building on the Accelerator-1 Project, we hypothesized that time to reperfusion could be further reduced with enhanced regional efforts. METHODS: Between April 2015 and March 2017, we worked with 12 metropolitan regions across the United States with 132 percutaneous coronary intervention-capable hospitals and 946 EMS agencies. Data were collected in the ACTION (Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network)-Get With The Guidelines Registry for quarterly Mission: Lifeline reports. The primary end point was the change in the proportion of EMS-transported patients with first medical contact to device time ≤90 minutes from baseline to final quarter. We also compared treatment times and mortality with patients treated in hospitals not participating in the project during the corresponding time period. RESULTS: During the study period, 10 730 patients were transported to percutaneous coronary intervention-capable hospitals, including 974 in the baseline quarter and 972 in the final quarter who met inclusion criteria. Median age was 61 years; 27% were women, 6% had cardiac arrest, and 6% had shock on admission; 10% were black, 12% were Latino, and 10% were uninsured. By the end of the intervention, all process measures reflecting coordination between EMS and hospitals had improved, including the proportion of patients with a first medical contact to device time of ≤90 minutes (67%-74%; P<0.002), a first medical contact to device time to catheterization laboratory activation of ≤20 minutes (38%-56%; P<0.0001), and emergency department dwell time of ≤20 minutes (33%-43%; P<0.0001). Of the 12 regions, 9 regions reduced first medical contact to device time, and 8 met or exceeded the national goal of 75% of patients treated in ≤90 minutes. Improvements in treatment times corresponded with a significant reduction in mortality (in-hospital death, 4.4%-2.3%; P=0.001) that was not apparent in hospitals not participating in the project during the same time period. CONCLUSIONS: Organization of care among EMS and hospitals in 12 regions was associated with significant reductions in time to reperfusion in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction as well as in in-hospital mortality. These findings support a more intensive regional approach to emergency care for patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting bronchodilator treatment mitigates STEMI clinical presentation in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with myocardial infarction and concomitant COPD are at increased risk of poor clinical outcomes, including death, as compared to patients without COPD. AIM: To investigate and compare the severity of the clinical presentation of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and of the short-(7days) and long-term-(end of follow up) mortality in COPD patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/long-acting bronchodilator (LABD) - either long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA) or long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) - vs. any other inhaled treatments. METHODS: Data from the REAL (Registro Angioplastiche dell'Emilia-Romagna) Registry were obtained from a large prospective study population of 11,118 patients admitted to hospital for STEMI. RESULTS: From January 2003 to June 2009 we identified 2032 COPD patients admitted to hospital for STEMI. Eight hundred and twenty (40%) COPD patients were on ICS/LABD treatment (of which 55% on ICS/LABA) prior to admission. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, ICS/LABD treatment before STEMI was an independent predictor of reduced risk of pulmonary oedema and cardiogenic shock (OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.3-0.72, p<0.01; OR 0.7, 95%CI 0.4-0.9, p=0.03, respectively). ICS/LABD treatment was associated to reduced 7-days mortality (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.29-0.98, p=0.045) compared to other inhaled regimens. ICS/LABD-treated did not affect long-term (median 4years) mortality. After hospital discharge, the proportion of ICS/LABD treated patients decreased significantly at 6months and afterwards after the STEMI episode. CONCLUSION: Our data provide preliminary evidence that in COPD patients ICS/LABD treatment reduces the severity of STEMI acute-phase clinical manifestations compared to other inhaled treatments.

Improvement in Care and Outcomes for Emergency Medical Service-Transported Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) With and Without Prehospital Cardiac Arrest: A Mission: Lifeline STEMI Accelerator Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) may benefit from direct transport to a percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI) hospital but have previously been less likely to bypass local non-PCI hospitals to go to a PCI center. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reported time trends in emergency medical service transport and care of patients with STEMI with and without OHCA included from 171 PCI-capable hospitals in 16 US regions with participation in the Mission: Lifeline STEMI Accelerator program between July 1, 2012, and March 31, 2014. Time trends by quarter were assessed using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to account for hospital clustering. Of 13 189 emergency medical service-transported patients, 88.7% (N=11 703; 10.5% OHCA) were taken directly to PCI hospitals. Among 1486 transfer-in patients, 21.7% had OHCA. Direct transport to a PCI center for OHCA increased from 74.7% (July 1, 2012) to 83.6% (March 31, 2014) (odds ratio per quarter, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.14), versus 89.0% to 91.0% for patients without OHCA (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.07; interaction P=0.23). The proportion with prehospital ECGs increased for patients taken directly to PCI centers (53.9%-61.9% for those with OHCA versus 73.9%-81.9% for those without OHCA; interaction P=0.12). Of 997 patients with OHCA taken directly to PCI hospitals and treated with primary PCI, first medical contact-to-device times within the guideline-recommended goal of ≤90 minutes were met for 34.5% on July 1, 2012, versus 41.8% on March 31, 2014 (51.6% and 56.1%, respectively, for 9352 counterparts without OHCA; interaction P=0.72). CONCLUSIONS: Direct transport to PCI hospitals increased for patients with STEMI with and without OHCA during the 2012 to 2014 Mission: Lifeline STEMI Accelerator program. Proportions with prehospital ECGs and timely reperfusion increased for patients taken directly to PCI hospitals.

Low-Level Tragus Stimulation for the Treatment of Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low-level tragus stimulation (LL-TS) treatment could reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: The authors' previous studies suggested that LL-TS could reduce the size of myocardial injury induced by ischemia. METHODS: Patients who presented with STEMI within 12 h of symptom onset, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, were randomized to the LL-TS group (n = 47) or the control group (with sham stimulation [n = 48]). LL-TS, 50% lower than the electric current that slowed the sinus rate, was delivered to the right tragus once the patients arrived in the catheterization room and lasted for 2 h after balloon dilatation (reperfusion). All patients were followed for 7 days. The occurrence of reperfusion-related arrhythmia, blood levels of creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and inflammatory markers, and echocardiographic characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of reperfusion-related ventricular arrhythmia during the first 24 h was significantly attenuated by LL-TS. In addition, the area under the curve for creatine kinase-MB and myoglobin over 72 h was smaller in the LL-TS group than the control group. Furthermore, blood levels of inflammatory markers were decreased by LL-TS. Cardiac function, as demonstrated by the level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, the left ventricular ejection fraction, and the wall motion index, was markedly improved by LL-TS. CONCLUSIONS: LL-TS reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with STEMI. This proof-of-concept study raises the possibility that this noninvasive strategy may be used to treat patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Ventricular Late Potentials Immediately Post ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, and Very Long-Term Mortality.

BACKGROUND: The very long-term prognostic significance of ventricular late potentials (VLP) in patients post ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term predictive value of VLP for mortality post-STEMI. METHODS: We conducted serial signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) measurements in 63 patients on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day pre-discharge, and 30 days after STEMI in patients admitted in 2001. We followed the patients for 10 years and correlated the presence of VLP with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.9 ± 12.3 years. Thrombolysis was performed in 41 patients (65%). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed pre-discharge in 40 patients (63%) and coronary artery bypass grafting in 7 (11%). Five consecutive measurements to define the presence of VLP were obtained in 52 patients (21 with VLP and 31 without). We found a higher prevalence of VLP in males compared to females (QRS segment > 114 msec, 51% vs. 12%, P = 0.02, duration of the low amplitude signal < 40 mV) in the terminal portion of the averaged QRS complex > 38 msec, 47% vs. 25%, P = 0.05). Over 10 years of follow-up, 14 (22%) patients died, 10 (70%) due to cardiovascular non-arrhythmic complications, 6 with VLP compared to only 3 without (28.6% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.125, hazard ratio = 2.96, confidence intervals = 0.74-11.84) (are these numbers meant to total 10?). CONCLUSIONS: Over 10 years of follow-up, the presence of VLP in early post-STEMI is not predictive of arrhythmic or non-arrhythmic cardiovascular mortality.

Secondary prevention strategies after an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the AMI code era: beyond myocardial mechanical reperfusion.

BACKGROUND: The AMI code is a regional network enhancing a rapid and widespread access to reperfusion therapy (giving priority to primary angioplasty) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to assess the long-term control of conventional cardiovascular risk factors after a STEMI among patients included in the AMI code registry. DESIGN AND METHODS: Four hundred and fifty-four patients were prospectively included between June-2009 and April-2013. Clinical characteristics were collected at baseline. The long-term control of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular morbidity/mortality was assessed among the 6-months survivors. RESULTS: A total of 423 patients overcame the first 6 months after the STEMI episode, of whom 370 (87%) underwent reperfusion therapy (363, 98% of them, with primary angioplasty). At 1-year follow-up, only 263 (62%) had adequate blood pressure control, 123 (29%) had LDL-cholesterol within targeted levels, 126/210 (60%) smokers had withdrawn from their habit and 40/112 (36%) diabetic patients had adequate glycosylated hemoglobin levels. During a median follow-up of 20 (11-30) months, cumulative mortality of 6 month-survivors was 6.1%, with 9.9% of hospital cardiovascular readmissions. The lack of assessment of LDL and HDL-cholesterol were significantly associated with higher mortality and cardiovascular readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas implementation of the AMI code resulted in a widespread access to rapid reperfusion therapy, its long-term therapeutic benefit may be partially counterbalanced by a manifestly suboptimal control of cardiovascular risk factors. Further efforts should be devoted to secondary prevention strategies after STEMI.

Impact of pre-hospital electrocardiograms on time to treatment and one year outcome in a rural regional ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction network.

BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital electrocardiograms (ECGs) are believed to reduce time to reperfusion in ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients. Little is known of their impact on clinical outcomes in a rural setting. Geisinger regional STEMI network provides percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) care to over a 100-mile radius in rural central Pennsylvania. METHODS: A retrospective analysis identified 280 consecutive STEMI patients treated with PCI between 1/1/09 and 8/31/11. Comparison between two STEMI groups was performed: 205 patients who were taken by the emergency medical system (EMS) to the nearest hospital (a non-PCI center), underwent an ECG revealing a STEMI, and were transported immediately to Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) for PCI (transfer group) versus 75 patients in whom a pre-hospital ECG was obtained and who were transported by EMS directly to Geisinger for PCI, bypassing the nearest hospital that did not perform PCI (the pre-hospital ECG group). RESULTS: Analysis of baseline characteristics revealed that the pre-hospital ECG cohort was older (65 vs. 60 years); had a higher percentage of previous myocardial infarctions (MI) (28% vs. 15%), heart failure (11% vs. 4%), and prior PCI (23% vs. 13%; p < 0.05 all comparisons). Median time from EMS contact to pre-hospital ECG in the pre-hospital ECG group was 5 minutes; from pre-hospital ECG to the GMC ED was 34 minutes. Median time from first medical contact (EMS contact) to reperfusion (device activation) was 79 versus 157 minutes (P < 0.001), respectively in pre-hospital ECG vs. transfer groups. Mortality in the two groups at 1 year was 4.1% in the pre-hospital ECG group versus 8.3% in the transfer group (P-value = 0.34). After adjusting for the difference in age between the two groups, the 62% reduction in 1 year mortality associated with having obtained a pre-hospital ECG was still not statistically significant (P-value = 0.19). CONCLUSION: In a rural regional STEMI network, pre-hospital ECGs decreased time from first medical contact to reperfusion by 50% and were associated with an excellent clinical outcome at 1 year. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nutritional preconditioning by marine omega-3 fatty acids in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A METOCARD-CNIC trial substudy.

BACKGROUND: Marine omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is readily incorporated into cardiomyocyte membranes, partially displacing the omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA). Whereas AA is a substrate for pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, the release of EPA from cell membranes generates anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, contributing to the infarct-limiting effect observed experimental models. Clinical data are lacking. METHODS: In this observational study conducted in 100 patients with a reperfused anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), at hospital admission we quantified by gas-chromatography the red blood cell proportions of AA, EPA, and the AA:EPA ratio, a valid surrogate for cardiomyocyte membrane content. Patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the acute phase (one week post-STEMI), and at long-term (6 months) follow-up. Infarct size (delayed gadolinium enhancement) and cardiac function (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]) were correlated with exposures of interest by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: AA:EPA ratio directly related to acute infarct size (coefficient [95% CI]: 6.19 [1.68 to 10.69], P = 0.008) and inversely to long-term LVEF (coefficient [95% CI]: − 4.02 [− 7.15 to − 0.89], P = 0.012). EPA inversely related to acute infarct size (coefficient [95% CI]: − 6.58; [− 11.46 to − 1.70]; P = 0.009), while a direct association with LVEF at follow-up (coefficient [95% CI]: 3.67 [0.25 to 7.08]; P = 0.036) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A low AA:EPA ratio in red blood cells at the time of STEMI is associated with smaller acute infarct size and preserved long-term ventricular function. Our results are consistent with prior work in experimental models and add to the notion of omega-3 fatty acids as a healthy fat. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01311700

Onset-to-device time of patients who arrive at off-hours: Importance of prehospital management and public awareness for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

AIM: The influence of the time of arrival at the hospital on the door-to-device (DTD) time has been investigated; however, the influence on the onset-to-device (OTD) time is unclear in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the time of arrival at the hospital and the OTD time in STEMI patients. METHODS: We evaluated 377 STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) between January 2008 and December 2014. RESULTS: During the study period, 222 patients arrived at our hospital between 9 AM and 9 PM (on-hours group) and 155 patients arrived between 9 PM and 9 AM (off-hours group). The DTD time was longer in the off-hours group than in the on-hours group (50.4 vs 39.3 minutes; P<.001), while the OTD time was longer in the on-hours group than in the off-hours group (285.7 vs 184.5 minutes, P<.001). The 30-day mortality and peak creatinine kinase levels were similar between the groups. Transfer from a non-pPCI-capable facility to our hospital was more common in the on-hours group than in the off-hours group (49.1% vs 15.5%, P<.001). The OTD time was shorter in patients who directly visited our hospital than in those who were transferred (172.9 vs 338.5 minutes, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The OTD time might be markedly longer in STEMI patients who arrive at the hospital during on-hours than in those who arrive at the hospital during off-hours because of the underuse of emergency medical services at STEMI onset.