[Russian Eligibility Criteria for Prescribing Menopausal Hormone Therapy to Patients With Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases. Consensus Document of RSC, RSOG, RAE, EUAT, RAP].

Menopausal symptoms can impair the life of women at the peak of their career and family life. At the present time, the most effective treatment for these manifestations is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The presence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in itself does not exclude the possibility of prescribing MHT to relieve menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. However, often an obstacle to the use of this type of hormone therapy is the fear of physicians to do more harm to patients than good. Caution is especially important when it comes to women with concurrent diseases. Moreover, it should be recognized that there is a shortage of high-quality research on the safety of MHT for underlying chronic non-infectious diseases and common comorbidities. The presented consensus analyzed all currently available data from clinical trials of various designs and created a set of criteria for the appropriateness of prescribing MHT to women with concomitant cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Based on the presented document, physicians of various specialties who advise menopausal women will receive an accessible algorithm that will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations and reasonably prescribe MHT in real-life practice.

A New Technology for Recovery of Locomotion in Patients after a Stroke.

Neural networks in the spinal cord can generate the walking pattern and control posture in the absence of supraspinal influences. A technology using transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) was created. During walking, tSCS activated spinal locomotor networks, as well as leg flexor/extensor motor pools in the swing/stance phases, respectively. It was assumed that the use of this technology in subjects with locomotion disorders would improve walking. Patients with hemiparesis were studied 3-11 months after stroke, the duration of the course was 2 weeks. Patients of the main and control groups received standard therapy and rehabilitation using the technology; in the control group, sham tSCS was used. After the course, minimal clinically important differences in walking parameters were achieved in the main group, in contrast to the control group. The developed technology is an effective means of restoring walking in patients with hemiparesis.

[AL-amyloidosis with cardiac involvement. Diagnostic capabilities of non-invasive methods].

There are presented the literature data and a description of the clinical course of the disease in isolated/predominant cardiac amyloidosis. Amyloid cardiomyopathy is the most common phenocopy of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The modern possibilities of non-invasive diagnostics using osteoscintigraphy for the differential diagnosis between amyloid cardiomyopathy caused by AL- and transthyretin amyloidosis are described in detail.

[Epidemiology of Arterial Hypertension in Russian Federation - Importance of Choice of Criteria of Diagnosis].

PURPOSE: Assessment of prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH), need for prescription of antihypertensive therapy (AHT), and efficacy of AHT in Russian population in accordance with novel guideline of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association ("American recommendations") on diagnosis and treatment of AH (2017). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidemiological study ESSE-RF (ЭССЕ-РФ) was carried out in 12 regions of Russian Federation (RF) with different climatic-geographic characteristics. Number of examined residents of RF aged 25-65 years was 20 652. The sample was stratified by  gender and age. Examination included anthropometry, laboratory tests, blood pressure (BP) measurement with the OMRON tonometer. The SCORE scale was used for evaluation of risk of development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In  American recommendations AH was defined as  follows: 1-st degree  - systolic BP (SBP) 130-139  and/or diastolic BP (DBP) 80-89 mm Hg, 2-nd degree - BP ≥140/90 mm Hg and/or presence of AHT. In recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (2013, 2018) ("European recommendations") AH was defined as BP ≥140/90 mm Hg and/or presence of AHT. RESULTS: We analyzed data of examination of  20 607  participants - 7806 men (37.9%) and 12 801  women (62.1%). According to  European recommendations AH was diagnosed in 10 347  persons (50.2%)  - 3987 men (51.1%) men and 6 360 women (49.7%). According to American recommendations AH was registered in 14 853 persons (72.1%) - 6 059 men (77.6%) and 8 794 women (68.7%). AHT received 6324 persons (61.1% of those with AH); according to American recommendations, the onset of AHT was indicated to additional 620 persons with 1-st degree AH because of high CVD risk. Among all participants with AH (on and without AHT) strengthening of AHT for achievement of target BP level was required in 77.8 and 92.6% of patients according to European and American recommendations, respectively. CONCLUSION: Application of novel criteria of AH diagnosis from 2017 ACC/AHA guideline to Russian population would increase prevalence of AH up to 72.1%. Onset of AHT would be indicated in 13.8% of patients with 1-st degree AH, while in 93% of patients receiving AHT its strengthening would be required.

[Empirical dietary patterns in the Russian population and the risk factors of chronic non-infectious diseases (Research ECVD-RF)].

Currently, in the epidemiology of nutrition, methodological approaches to the empirical assessment of the diets of the population and their relationship to health indicators are actively using. In Russia, these approaches have been used in a number of cohort and regional studies, however, such studies are not available for the entire Russian population. Aim. Identification of empirical dietary patterns in the Russian population and analysis of their associations with risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. Material and methods. The work was carried out as part of a multicenter epidemiological study "Epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases in the regions of the Russian Federation" (ECVD-RF) in 2013-2014. The final sample size was 19 520 people aged 25- 64 years. Arterial hypertension, general and abdominal obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, high LDL, and hyperglycemia were observed as risk factors for chronic non-infectious diseases. The data on the frequency of consumption of 13 food groups, which were grouped into 10 groups by combining dairy products into one were collected by interviewing. The identification of dietary patterns and assessment of their sustainability was performed using factor analysis (principal component analysis). In accordance with the individual commitment of the participants to the selected dietary patterns the sample was grouped into quartiles for each of the patterns. In order to ensure associations between patterns commitment and risk factors, a logistic regression analysis was used adjusted for the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Results and discussion. Four stable dietary patterns with a total specific gravity of the explained variance of 55.9% were identified and conventionally designated as "Reasonable" (milk, sweets and confectionery, fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals and pasta), "Salt" (sausages, pickles and pickled products), "Meat" (meat, fish and seafood, poultry meat) and "Mixed" (beans, pickles and pickled products, fish and seafood). The set of products of the "Reasonable" patterns mainly corresponds to the "Healthy" or "Balanced" patterns in foreign studies, the combination of the "Salt" and "Meat" patterns - the "Western Salt". Adherence to a "Reasonable" pattern was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases, and to a "Salt" and "Meat" patterns, on the contrary, with an increase. The associations obtained generally correspond to the results of similar foreign studies. A "Mixed" dietary pattern was associated with a few risk factors, which did not allow an unambiguous assessment of the pattern in terms of its impact on health. Conclusion. The study identified empirical dietary patterns of the Russian population and characterized them in terms of associations with the state of health of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases.

[Results of 3 years work of the Russian hospital register of chronic heart failure (RUssian hoSpital Heart Failure Registry - RUS-HFR): relationship between management and outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure].

AIM: To analyze management and outcomes in patients with CHF managed by specialists in heart failure (HF) or general cardiologists/physicians in real-life clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Survival rate, rehospitalization rate, general health condition, and the administered therapy were evaluated for HF patients with reduced LV ejection fraction at three years of discharge from cardiological hospitals. These patients had been included in a prospective, multicenter, observational study, "The Russian Hospital HF Registry" (RUS-HFR). The first group consisted of patients who were managed at a specialized HF department of the Federal Center and followed up at the outpatient stage by a cardiologist specializing in HF (Group 1, St.­Petersburg; n =74). The other two groups (Group 2 and Group 3) included patients who were managed at other cardiological departments of the Federal Center (n=186) or the Regional Center (n=130) and subsequently followed up at the place of residence. RESULTS: After the discharge from the hospital, 58-95 and 12-19% of RUS-HFR patients were followed up by a cardiologist or a physician, respectively, on an outpatient basis while 5-23% of patients did not visit a doctor at all. In three years, the survival rate of Group 1, 2, and 3 patients was 80 vs. 78 (р>0.05) vs. 52% (р0.05) vs. 100% (p1,2.

[Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Levels of Total and High-Molecular Weight Adiponectin in Women With Abdominal Obesity].

OBJECTIVE: to investigate influence of different forms of adiponectin on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in women with abdominal obesity (AO) in St.­Petersburg. It has been recognized before that AO is associated with cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, but mechanism of this association remains unclear. AO leads to imbalance of adipokines, in particularly decrease of adiponectin, which may lead to atherosclerotic lesion of carotid arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 81 women with AO (IDF criteria, 2005) and 21 women with normal waist circumference. СIMT was evaluated by an ultrasound scanner. RESULTS: Among patients with AO 54.9 % had CIMT >0.9 mm and 38.5 % had atherosclerotic plaques in common carotid arteries. The total adiponectin level (TA) was lower in women with CIMT> 0.9 mm, than in women with normal CIMT (23.20 [2.55; 40.65] and 18.09 [1.60; 38.92] µg/ml, respectively; р0.9 mm, than in women with normal CIMT (2.21 [0.50; 6.85] and 2.88 [1.29; 15.45] µg/ml, respectively; р0.9 mm, than in women with CIMT >0.9 mm and atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries (3.09 [1.34; 6.85] and1.82 [0.50; 2.94] mcg/ml, respectively; р0.9 mm depended on waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure and level of C-reactive protein (CRP), while presence of atherosclerotic plaques was associated with levels of HMWA and CRP. CONCLUSIONS: Factors that make the greatest contribution at early stages of atherosclerosis development in carotid arteries in women with AO can be increased waist circumference, high diastolic blood pressure, and high level of CRP. At later stages of atherosclerosis development lowered HMWA level can contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

The prevalence of abdominal obesity and the association with socioeconomic status in Regions of the Russian Federation, the results of the epidemiological study - ESSE-RF.

AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of AO in the population and to assess the association with socioeconomic factors according to the data of the ESSE-RF study (Epidemiology of Cardiovascular diseases in the Regions of the Russian Federation). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The object of the study is a random population sample of men and women aged 25-64 years from 13 regions of the Russian Federation (n=21 817). Abdominal obesity in men was defined as waist circumference (WC) >94 cm, and in women - WC >80 cm. Body mass index (BMI) >30.0 kg/m2 was adopted as the criterion of common obesity. RESULTS: The prevalence of AO in Russia was 55% (61.8% in women and 44% in men), while the percent of people with obesity, defined by BMI was significantly lower (33.4%). The number of examined patients with AO increased with age among both men and women (p<0.0001). A person with AO more often were people with low and very low income and low education levels (p<0.0001). Direct association between employment status and family status and AO in present study did not find, but WC was statistically significantly important criterion among male workers in comparison with those who never worked (p<0.0001), young men and women married, as well as married men of older age groups (p<0.0001).

[Elevated Level of the Natriuretic Peptide Among Adult Population in Regions Participating in the ESSE-RF Study and Its Association With Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors].

AIM: to study associations between elevated blood plasma concentration of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), risk factors and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in samples of adult population of Russian Federation (RF) aged 25-64 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data of examination of representative samples of population of 5 regions of RF obtained within the framework of the multicenter ESSE-RF study (2012-2013). Number of examined subjects was 8 077 (3 176 men). Methods included use of standard questionnaire, measurements of height, body mass, blood pressure (BP), and plasma NT-proBNP level. The following CVD were included into analysis: arterial hypertension (AH), ischemic heart disease (IHD), atrial fibrillation (AF), and stroke. RESULTS: Women compared to men had higher NT-proBNT concentration was higher in women compared to men, in both genders it rose with age. Overall 17.9 % of examinees had elevated NT-proBNT levels (14.2 and 20.3 % among men and women, respectively). Elevated NTproBNP level was associated in men with age, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, ischemic ECG changes, left ventricular hypertrophy, AF, bradycardia, smoking, in women with age, IHD, ischemic ECG changes, AF, bradycardia, heart rate ≥80 bpm, BP ≥160/95 mm Hg. CONCLUSION: In studied RF population elevated NT-proBNP level was significantly associated with gender, age, smoking, and CVD.

[Algorithm for the management of patients with stable coronary artery disease and high-grade ventricular arrhythmias]. / Algoritm vedeniia patsientov so stabil'noi ishemicheskoi bolezn'iu serdtsa i zheludochkovymi aritmiiami vysokikh gradatsii.

The paper gives an original algorithm for the management of patients with stable coronary artery disease, preserved/moderately reduced left ventricular systolic function, and high-grade ventricular arrhythmias from the first registration of the latter to the choice of treatment policy. Great attention is paid to the assessment of a private clinical case, by determining the nature of arrhythmias, and to the involvement of autonomic regulation in the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias. The importance of topical diagnosis of ventricular arrhythmias and identification of psychological disorders is emphasized. Diagnostic problems are solved in a step-by-step fashion using up-to-date techniques. The key point of the algorithm proposed is to prevent sudden cardiac death.

[Galectin-3 in Patients With Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Metabolic Syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum galectin 3 and to determine the potential clinical value of this parameter in patients with atrial fibrillation - AF (paroxysmal and persistent) and metabolic syndrome (MS). DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined 100 patients with MS (50 with paroxysmal or persistent AF and 50 without arrhythmia) and 50 healthy persons. Serum galectin 3 measured by ELISA method, ECHO cardiography was performed to all examined persons. RESULTS: Galectin 3 in patients with MS and AF was higher, than in patients with MS without arrhythmia and much more higher than galectin 3 in healthy persons 0,72 (0,44;1,36), 0,44 (0,42;1,22) and 0,32 (0,28;0,42) ng/ml (<0,01). In patients with persistent AF levels of galectin 3 is higher than in patients with paroxysmal AF. Positive correlation between the levels of galectin 3 and duration arrhythmia was revealed (r=0,301; p<0,01). Higher level of galectin 3 was revealed in patients with frequent paroxysms of AF and ineffective antiarrhythmic therapy. CONCLUSION: Marker of myocardial fibrosis serum galectin 3 in patients with atrial fibrillation and metabolic syndrome is higher than in patients with the metabolic syndrome, without this arrhythmia and higher than in healthy controls. In patients with persistent AF level of galectin 3 was higher than in patients with paroxysmal AF.

[Coexistence of pulmonary sarcoidosis and primary Sjögren's syndrome].

The paper describes a case of a rare coexistence of primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) and sarcoidosis in a 41-year-old female with histologically verified lung and locomotor system diseases and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. PSS was diagnosed based on the 2012 ACR classification criteria, in the framework of which serological, histological, and gland function tests and instrumental diagnostic methods were performed. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on clinical, radiographic, and histological findings.

[Results of Russian Hospital Chronic Heart Failure Registry in Three Subjects of Russian Federation].

Aim of the RUssian hoSpital Heart Failure Registry (RUS-HFR) was to analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics, application of modern drug and non-drug therapy among hospitalized patients with systolic chronic heart failure (CHF) in 3 subjects of Russian Federation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study in 3 cardiological centers (Petersburg, Orenburg, Samara) in which we recruited patients aged 18-75 years with left ventricular ejection fraction less or equal 40% without ongoing myocardial infarction or pulmonary thromboembolism. RESULTS: Between October 2012 and June 2014 we included 524 patients (mean age 60 years, >79% men) mostly with NYHA class III CHF. Main etiological factors were ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension, which was not corrected by the time of admission in 20-40.7% of patients. Portions of patients who had undergo the myocardial revascularization, surgery because of valvular heart defects, and implantation of permanent pacemaker including device for cardiac resynchronizing therapy were 11-41, 0-4, and 0-19.5%, respectively. In up to 25% of patients therapy with one of main medications or diuretic was initiated after hospitalization. At discharge 82.3-8.3, 76.3-95.8, 65.9-81.1, 80.7-94.6% of patients received ACEI/ARB, -adrenoblockers, MRA, diuretic therapy, respectively. Implantation of cardioverter ICD/CRT, ICD and heart transplantation were considered indicated in 0-21.2 and 0-6.6% of patients, respectively. Duration of hospitalization was 26+/-14, 15+/-10, and 13+/-5 bed-days in Petersburg, Orenburg, and Samara, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with data obtained 10 years earlier portrait of a patient with in general remained unchanged. However portion of patients who had undergone cardio-surgical and electrophysiological interventions became tangible, and numbers of patients receiving therapy with ACEI/ARB, -adrenoblockers, and MRA became comparable with those in European registries. Significant deviations from guidelines on drug therapy were revealed at prehospital stage; and high-technology methods of therapy were insufficiently often recommended in participating hospitals. Portion of hospitalizations not related to acute decompensation was 5-37%, while duration of such hospitalizations as well as hospitalizations because of acute decompensation of CHF significantly exceeded this parameter in EU and USA. Absence of obligatory drug therapy prior to admission in a part of patients in RUS-HF raises questions on correction of patients compliance and on creation of a system of specialized ambulatory surveillance of CHF patients after discharge from hospital.

[Algorithm for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias].

The paper proposes an original algorithm for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmia from its first registration to choice of treatment policy. Using modern diagnostic methods, much attention is paid to the identification of myocardial structural and ischemic changes and also to the involvement of the autonomic and central nervous systems in ventricular arrhythmogenesis. The diagnostic problems are solved step-by-step. The role of psychological diagnosis is accentuated. Longitudinal electrocardiogram monitoring with telemetric data transmission can promptly initiate treatment of patients in an outpatient setting and, in a number of cases, without discontinuing work. The key point of the algorithm proposed is to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Activity of succinate dehydrogenase in the neocortex and hippocampus of Mongolian gerbils with ischemic and reperfusion brain injury.

We analyzed changes in activity of SDH, one of the most important enzymes of the Krebs cycle, in the cytoplasm of hippocampal and cortical neurons of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) at the early and delayed reperfusion period after global brain ischemia. The data indicate that SDH activity in pyramidal neurons of various hippocampal areas and in neurons of II, III and V layers of cerebral cortex after 7-min forebrain ischemia depends on both the localization of these neurons and duration of the postischemic reperfusion. SDH activity in neurons significantly increased on days 2 and 7 after reperfusion.

[Russian eligibility criteria prescribing menopausal hormonal hormones therapy for patients with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Consensus document of the Russian Cardiological Society, Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Russian Association of Endocrinologists, Eurasian Association of Therapists, Association of Phlebologists of Russia].

Menopausal symptoms can disrupt the life course of women at the peak of their career and family life. Currently, the most effective treatment for these manifestations is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The presence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in itself does not exclude the possibility of prescribing MHT to relieve menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life. However, often an obstacle to the use of this type of hormonal therapy is the fear of doctors who are afraid of doing more harm to patients than good. Caution is especially important when it comes to women with underlying health conditions. Moreover, it should be recognized that there is a lack of high-quality research regarding the safety of MHT for major chronic non-infectious diseases and common comorbid conditions. The presented consensus document analyzed all currently available data obtained from clinical trials of various designs and created a set of criteria for the acceptability of prescribing MHT to women with concomitant cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Based on the presented document, doctors of various specialties who advise women in menopause will receive an accessible algorithm that will allow them to avoid potentially dangerous situations and reasonably prescribe MHT in real practice.

A new rat model of reversible global cerebral ischemia.

A new rat model of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was proposed via reversible occlusion of the major vessels originating from the aortic arch and supplying the brain. This technique can be used for the search and study of exogenous (pharmacological) and endogenous methods of brain protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Scientific Basics of Personalized Medicine: Realities and Opportunities.

Modern trends in the development of health care suggest its focus on the interests of the patient and its holistic nature, as well as deep penetration into all parts of health care information technology. The driving force behind the ongoing changes, of course, are scientific achievements, the importance of which in the development of new medical technologies and the creation of innovative diagnostic devices, as well as medicines, has grown significantly in recent years. These processes provide conditions for the introduction into clinical practice of a new model of medical care-personalized medicine, based on the choice of methods of diagnosis and treatment with account for the individual characteristics of the course of the disease, as well as the patient's lifestyle. Personalized medicine technologies, which involve the creation of an appropriate, often expensive, infrastructure of omics technologies, should ultimately lead to an increase in the efficiency, quality, and, most importantly, safety of medical care. In the Russian Federation, this area is actively developing in four world-class research centers, including the Almazov National Medical Research Center. The current state and prospects of research in the field of personalized medicine are discussed in this article, prepared by the author on the basis of his scientific report at a meeting of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Cardiovascular Diseases: Lessons and Prospects.

This article is focused on the topicality of assessing complications and mortality from diseases of the circulatory system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main variants of damage to the cardiovascular system, the mechanisms of their development, and risk factors are given. The long-term consequences of the new coronavirus infection for the heart and blood vessels are considered. In addition, the necessary measures to reduce the burden of disease after the pandemic are discussed.