ABSTRACT
AIM: The "2023 AHA/ACC/ACCP/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline for the Management of Patients With Chronic Coronary Disease" provides an update to and consolidates new evidence since the "2012 ACCF/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease" and the corresponding "2014 ACC/AHA/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Focused Update of the Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease." METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted from September 2021 to May 2022. Clinical studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and other evidence conducted on human participants were identified that were published in English from MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. STRUCTURE: This guideline provides an evidenced-based and patient-centered approach to management of patients with chronic coronary disease, considering social determinants of health and incorporating the principles of shared decision-making and team-based care. Relevant topics include general approaches to treatment decisions, guideline-directed management and therapy to reduce symptoms and future cardiovascular events, decision-making pertaining to revascularization in patients with chronic coronary disease, recommendations for management in special populations, patient follow-up and monitoring, evidence gaps, and areas in need of future research. Where applicable, and based on availability of cost-effectiveness data, cost-value recommendations are also provided for clinicians. Many recommendations from previously published guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data.
Subject(s)
Cardiology , Coronary Disease , Myocardial Ischemia , Humans , American Heart Association , Myocardial Ischemia/diagnosis , Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen , United StatesABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the last decade, there has been a plethora of evidence to support the utilization of intravascular coronary imaging and physiological assessment to guide percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). While there is a class I recommendation for the use of coronary physiology to guide PCI, the use of intravascular coronary imaging remains a class IIa recommendation. Herein, we aimed to review the recent scientific evidence from major trials highlighting the consideration for a future class I guideline recommendation for the use of intracoronary imaging. RECENT FINDINGS: The benefits of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to guide and optimize PCI have been demonstrated in several large trials. These trials have demonstrated that IVUS reduces major adverse cardiovascular events. Similarly, intracoronary physiology has been demonstrated to be an important tool to guide revascularization decision-making and been associated with a lower incidence of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization compared with angiography alone. With existing clinical outcomes data on the benefit of intracoronary physiology and imaging-guided PCI as well as forthcoming data from ongoing trials regarding the use of these modalities, the interventional cardiology community is bound to transition from routine PCI to precision-, image-, and physiology-guided PCI.
Subject(s)
Coronary Artery Disease , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , Humans , Coronary Artery Disease/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Artery Disease/etiology , Coronary Angiography/methods , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods , Ultrasonography, Interventional/methods , Treatment Outcome , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methodsABSTRACT
This study using data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative and clinical dataset examined determinants of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) use among patients with concomitant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present analysis was to identify barriers and facilitators associated with SGLT-2i in a real-world contemporary patient population in order to improve utilization of these guideline-directed agents.
Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis , Cardiovascular Diseases , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Veterans , Atherosclerosis/complications , Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Humans , Hypoglycemic Agents , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/adverse effectsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Statin-associated side effects (SASEs) can limit statin adherence and present a potential barrier to optimal statin utilization. How standardized reporting of SASEs varies across medical facilities has not been well characterized. METHODS: We assessed facility-level variation in SASE reporting among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease receiving care across the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system from October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015. The facility rates for SASE reporting were expressed as cases per 1000 patients with ASCVD. Facility-level variation was determined using hierarchical regression analysis to calculate median rate ratios (MRR [95% confidence interval]) by first using an unadjusted model and then adjusting for patient, provider, and facility characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 1,248,158 patients with ASCVD included in our study across 130 facilities, 13.7% had at least one SASE reported. Individuals with a history of SASE were less likely to be on a statin at follow-up compared with those without SASE (72.0% vs 80.8%, p < 0.01). The median (interquartile range) facility rate of SASE reported was 140.5 (109.4-167.7) cases per 1000 patients with ASCVD. Significant facility-level variation in the rate of SASE reported was observed: MRR 1.38 (1.33-1.44) in the unadjusted model and MRR 1.56 (1.47-1.65) in the adjusted model. CONCLUSION: Significant facility-level variation in SASE reporting was found within the VA healthcare system suggesting room for improvement in standardized documentation of SASEs among medical facilities. This has the potential to lead to improvement in statin utilization.
Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis , Cardiovascular Diseases , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors , Veterans , Atherosclerosis/diagnosis , Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Atherosclerosis/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Delivery of Health Care , Humans , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/adverse effects , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We investigated facility-level variation in the use and adherence with antiplatelets and statins among patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. METHODS: Using the 2014-2015 nationwide Veterans wIth premaTure AtheroscLerosis (VITAL) registry, we assessed patients with premature (age at first ASCVD event: males < 55 years, females < 65 years) and extremely premature ASCVD (< 40 years). We examined frequency and facility-level variation in any statin, high-intensity statin (HIS), antiplatelet use (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, and ticlopidine), and statin adherence (proportion of days covered ≥ 0.8) across 130 nationwide VA healthcare facilities. Facility-level variation was computed using median rate ratios (MRR), a measure of likelihood that two random facilities differ in use of statins or antiplatelets and statin adherence. RESULTS: Our analysis included 135,703 and 7716 patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD, respectively. Across all facilities, the median (IQR) prescription rate of any statin therapy, HIS therapy, and antiplatelets among patients with premature ASCVD was 0.73 (0.70-0.75), 0.36 (0.32-0.41), and 0.77 (0.73-0.81), respectively. MRR (95% CI) for any statin use, HIS use, and antiplatelet use were 1.53 (1.44-1.60), 1.58 (1.49-1.66), and 1.49 (1.42-1.56), respectively, showing 53, 58, and 49% facility-level variation. The median (IQR) facility-level rate of statin adherence was 0.58 (0.55-0.62) and MRR for statin adherence was 1.13 (1.10-1.15), showing 13% facility-level variation. Similar median facility-level rates and variation were observed among patients with extremely premature ASCVD. CONCLUSIONS: There is suboptimal use and significant facility-level variation in the use of statin and antiplatelet therapy among patients with premature and extremely premature ASCVD. Interventions are needed to optimize care and minimize variation among young ASCVD patients.
Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Medication Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Registries , Secondary Prevention , VeteransABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the factors contributing to underutilization of guideline-directed therapies, identify strategies to alleviate these factors, and apply these strategies for effective and timely dissemination of novel cardioprotective glucose-lowering agents. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent analyses demonstrate underutilization of cardioprotective glucose lowering agents despite guideline recommendations for their use. Major contributors to underutilization of guideline-directed therapies include therapeutic inertia, perceptions about side effects, and factors found at the level of the clinicians, patients, and the healthcare system. The recent emergence of several novel therapies, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, for use in cardiovascular disease provides a unique avenue to improve patient outcomes. To effectively utilize novel cardioprotective glucose lowering agents to improve cardiovascular outcomes, clinicians must recognize and learn from prior barriers to application of guideline-directed therapies. Further endeavors are prudent to ensure uptake of novel agents.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Humans , Cardiotonic Agents/therapeutic use , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Glucose/therapeutic use , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/therapeutic useABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights select studies presented at the virtual 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress. RECENT FINDINGS: Reviewed studies assess single photon emission computed tomography, positron emission tomography, magnetic resonance imaging in coronary artery disease (PACIFIC-II); empagliflozin in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EMPEROR-Preserved); dapagliflozin in chronic heart failure (DAPA-HF); proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor and its lipid lowering effects (NATURE-PCSK9); fixed-dose combination therapies with or without aspirin in primary prevention; overview of contrasting results between REDUCE-IT versus STRENGTH trials; Quadruple UltrA-low-dose tReaTment for hypertension (QUARTET); evolocumab and changes in plaque composition on optical coherence tomography (HUYGENS); and low-dose rivaroxaban during the acute phase of acute coronary syndrome (H-REPLACE). Research presented at the 2021 ESC Congress shows promise in reducing burden of cardiovascular disease and reinforces the value of cardiovascular disease prevention.
Subject(s)
Acute Coronary Syndrome , Cardiology , Cardiovascular Diseases , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Humans , Proprotein Convertase 9ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights late-breaking science presented at the Virtual American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions 2021 that demonstrated advancements in preventative cardiology and introduced novel therapeutic modalities for the management of chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS: The studies reviewed include clinical trials that assessed the use of dapagliflozin in patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 (DARE-19 trial); evinacumab for patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and pancreatitis; effect of genotype-guided oral P2y12 inhibitors vs conventional clopidogrel on long-term ischemic outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (TAILOR-PCI trial); anticoagulation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (ACTION trial); atorvastatin vs placebo in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU (INSPIRATION-S trial); rehabilitation therapy in older acute heart failure patients (REHAB-HF trial); and aspirin dosing: a patient-centric trial assessing benefits and long-term effectiveness (ADAPTABLE trial). In addition, we review the results of the American College of Cardiology Global Heart Attack Initiative (GHATI). Finally, we discuss the secondary analysis of the STRENGTH trial assessing the association of achieved levels of omega-3 fatty acid levels and major cardiovascular outcomes. The studies presented at the virtual American College of Cardiology Scientific Session 2021 represent remarkable contributions in the field of cardiovascular disease and prevention.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review highlights late-breaking science presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Session 2020 that demonstrated advancements in preventative cardiology and introduced novel treatment approaches for the management of chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and/or heart failure. RECENT FINDINGS: The studies reviewed include clinical trials that assessed the use of omecamtiv in the treatment of heart failure with reduced heart failure (GALACTIC-HF); effects of sotagliflozin in patients with diabetes and recent heart failure exacerbation; cardiovascular outcomes with the use of omega-3 carboxylic acids in patients with high vascular risk and atherogenic dyslipidemia (STRENGTH) and omega-3 fatty acids in elderly patients with recent myocardial infarction (OMEMI); efficacy and safety of evinacumab in patients with refractory hypercholesterolemia; and the use of coronary computed tomography angiography for the assessment of suspected acute coronary syndrome. In addition, we review the results of the International Polycaps Study (TIPS-3) on the use of a polypill for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in intermediate-risk people. Finally, we discuss the SAMSON trial-a three-arm-N-of-1 trial-to identify the root cause of the symptoms contributing to patient nonadherence to statin therapy. The studies presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Session 2020 represent remarkable contributions in the field of cardiovascular disease and prevention.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Heart Failure/therapy , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy , American Heart Association , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Heart Failure/epidemiology , Humans , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology , United StatesABSTRACT
Patients with heart failure (HF) syndromes have been categorized as those with reduced ejection fraction (EF) or preserved EF (HFpEF), and ischemia plays a key role in both types. HF remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and with the aging of our population this burden continues to rise, predominantly as a result of hospitalizations for HFpEF. Patients with obstructive coronary artery disease more likely have HF with reduced EF, rather than HFpEF, secondary to acute ischemic injury resulting in myocardial infarction, and large outcomes trials of treatments with neurohumoral inhibition have documented reduced adverse outcomes. In contrast, similar treatments in patients with HFpEF have not proven beneficial. This therapeutic dilemma may be attributed, in part, to heterogeneity in the underlying pathophysiology with different systemic and myocardial signaling pathways, despite similar clinical presentations and findings, in patients with HFpEF. Also, emerging evidence indicates that impaired myocardial perfusion and inflammation secondary to multiple comorbidities are key mechanisms in HFpEF. We will thoroughly review the role of ischemic heart disease in the pathogenesis of HF with reduced EF and HFpEF, and discuss the medical management strategies available for these conditions.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Agents/therapeutic use , Heart Failure/therapy , Myocardial Ischemia/therapy , Myocardial Revascularization , Risk Reduction Behavior , Stroke Volume , Ventricular Function, Left , Cardiovascular Agents/adverse effects , Comorbidity , Diet, Sodium-Restricted , Healthy Lifestyle , Heart Failure/mortality , Heart Failure/physiopathology , Humans , Myocardial Ischemia/mortality , Myocardial Ischemia/physiopathology , Myocardial Revascularization/adverse effects , Myocardial Revascularization/mortality , Recovery of Function , Risk Factors , Smoking Cessation , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Ensuring healthcare access is critical to maintain health and prevent illness. Studies demonstrate gender disparities in healthcare access. Less is known about how these vary with age, race/ethnicity, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We utilized cross-sectional data from 2016 to 2019 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a U.S. telephone-based survey of adults (≥18 years). Measures of difficulty accessing healthcare included absence of healthcare coverage, delay in healthcare access, absence of primary care physician, >1-year since last checkup, inability to see doctor due to cost, and cost-related medication non-adherence. We studied the association between gender and these variables using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, stratifying by age, race/ethnicity, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease status. Our population consisted of 1,737,397 individuals; 54% were older (≥45 years), 51% women, 63% non-Hispanic White, 12% non-Hispanic Black,17% Hispanic, 9% reported atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In multivariable-adjusted models, women were more likely to report delay in healthcare access: odds ratio (OR) and (95% confidence interval): 1.26 (1.11, 1.43) [p < 0.001], inability to see doctor due to cost: 1.29 (1.22, 1.36) [p < 0.001], cost-related medication non-adherence: 1.24 (1.01, 1.50) [p = 0.04]. Women were less likely to report lack of healthcare coverage: 0.71 (0.66, 0.75) [p < 0.001] and not having a primary care physician: 0.50 (0.48, 0.52) [p < 0.001]. Disparities were pronounced in younger (<45 years) and Black women. Identifying these barriers, particularly among younger women and Black women, is crucial to ensure equitable healthcare access to all individuals.
Subject(s)
Health Services Accessibility , Medication Adherence , Adult , Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Healthcare Disparities , Humans , Male , United StatesABSTRACT
Medication nonadherence is highly prevalent among patients with chronic cardiovascular disease. Poor adherence has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Medication cost is a major driver for medication nonadherence. Utilizing data from the 2016 to 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, we estimated the prevalence of cost-related medication nonadherence (CRMNA) among the overall population and among individuals who reported a history of diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), or hypertension. We then performed multivariable logistic regression to analyze sociodemographic factors associated with CRMNA. Our study population consisted of 142,577 individuals of whom 24% were older than 65 years, 47% were men, 66% were White, 17% Black, 35% had hypertension, 13% had diabetes mellitus, and 10% had ASCVD. CRMNA was reported in 10% of the overall population, 12% among those with hypertension, 17% among those with diabetes, and 17% among those with ASCVD. Age below 65 years, female gender, unemployment, lower income, lower educational attainment, having at least 1 comorbidity, and living in a state that did not expand Medicaid were independently associated with CRMNA. The prevalence of CRMNA increased with greater number of these high-risk sociodemographic factors. We conclude that the prevalence of CRMNA is 10% among U.S. adults overall and is higher among those with common chronic diseases. Risk factors associated with CRMNA should be addressed in order to improve adherence rates and health outcomes among high-risk individuals.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Adult , Aged , Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System , Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Medicaid , Medication Adherence , Prevalence , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Low-dose rivaroxaban reduced major adverse cardiac and limb events among patients with stable atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD) in the COMPASS trial. The objective of our study was to evaluate the eligibility and budgetary impact of the COMPASS trial in a real-world population. METHODS: The VA administrative and clinical databases were utilized to conduct a cross-sectional study to identify patients eligible for low-dose rivaroxaban receiving care at all 141 facilities between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015. Proportion of patients with stable ASCVD eligible for low-dose rivaroxaban and prevalence of multiple risk enrichment criteria among eligible patients. Pharmaceutical budgetary impact using VA pharmacy pricing. Chi-squared and Student's t tests were used to compare patients eligible versus ineligible patients. RESULTS: From an initial cohort of 1,248,214 patients with ASCVD, 488,495 patients (39.1%) met trial eligibility criteria. Eligible patients were older (74.2 vs 64.5 years) with higher proportion of hypertension (84.1% vs 82.1%) and diabetes (46.2% vs 32.9) compared with ineligible patients (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). A median of 38.7% (IQR 4.6%) of total ASCVD patients per facility were rivaroxaban eligible. Estimated annual VA pharmacy budgetary impact would range from $0.47 billion to $1.88 billion for 25% to 100% treatment penetration. Annual facility level pharmaceutical budgetary impact would be a median of $12.3 million (IQR $8.0-$16.3 million) for treatment of all eligible patients. Among eligible patients, age greater than 65 years was the most common risk enrichment factor (86.9%). Prevalence of eligible patients with multiple enrichment factors varied from 34.2% (one factor) to 6.2% (four or more). CONCLUSION: Over one third of patients with stable ASCVD may qualify for low-dose rivaroxaban within the VA. Additional studies are needed to understand eligibility in other populations and a formal cost-effectiveness analysis is warranted.
Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Budgets/statistics & numerical data , Factor Xa Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Rivaroxaban/therapeutic use , United States Department of Veterans Affairs/statistics & numerical data , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Aspirin/therapeutic use , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cigarette Smoking/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Therapy, Combination , Factor Xa Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Factor Xa Inhibitors/adverse effects , Factor Xa Inhibitors/economics , Female , Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data , Hemorrhage , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Peripheral Arterial Disease/epidemiology , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology , Rivaroxaban/administration & dosage , Rivaroxaban/adverse effects , Rivaroxaban/economics , United StatesABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The concept of telehealth has been around since the early twentieth century and has been used in different healthcare specialties. However, with the recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitating physical distancing, there has been an increased emphasis and utilization of this mode of healthcare delivery. With increasing reliance on telehealth services, data from investigator groups have brought to light several merits as well as failings of telehealth. RECENT FINDINGS: Telehealth services have been associated with improved healthcare outcomes while remaining a cost-effective mode of healthcare delivery. Improving access and timeliness of care has also been observed by multiple telehealth-related studies. Finally, telehealth services are also anticipated to serve as part of emergency preparedness protocol and have shown to reduce provider-patient supply-demand mismatch, prevalent in certain subspecialties. With these benefits come certain challenges that have been highlighted in the literature. Indiscriminate utilization of telehealth services may widen public health disparities among minority groups and may increase overall healthcare expenditure due to overutilization of care, and the digital platform may jeopardize security of patient data. COVID-19 has been a catalyst in increasing utilization of telehealth services. As we move forward from the current pandemic, lessons learned from the studies demonstrating benefits and challenges associated with telehealth should be taken into account when drafting post-pandemic telehealth policies. Special attention should be paid to ensure that telehealth narrows, and not widens, the currently existing disparities in access to healthcare.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Telemedicine , Delivery of Health Care , Humans , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Statin use remains suboptimal in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We assessed if the frequency of visits with primary care providers (PCPs) is associated with higher use of evidence-based statin prescriptions and adherence among patients with ASCVD. METHODS: We identified patients with ASCVD aged ≥18 years receiving care in 130 facilities and associated community-based outpatient clinics in the entire Veterans Affairs Health Care System between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014. Patients were divided into frequent PCP visitors (annual PCP visits ≥ median number of PCP visits for the entire cohort) and infrequent PCP visitors (annual PCP visits < median number of patient visits). We assessed any- and high-intensity statin prescription as well as statin adherence which was defined by proportion of days covered (PDC). RESULTS: We included 1,249,061 patients with ASCVD (mean age was 71.9 years; 98.0% male). Median number of annual PCP visits was 3. Approximately 80.1% patients were on statins with 23.8% on high-intensity statins. Mean PDC was 0.715⯱â¯0.336 with 58.3% patients with PDC ≥0.8. Frequent PCP visitors had higher frequency of statin use (82.2% vs 77.4%), high-intensity statin use (26.4% vs 20.3%), and statin adherence (mean PDC 0.73 vs 0.68; Pâ¯<â¯.01) compared to infrequent PCP visitors. After adjusting for covariates, frequent PCP visits was associated with greater odds of being on any statin, high intensity statin, and higher statin adherence. CONCLUSION: Frequent visits with PCPs is associated with a higher likelihood of any statin use, high intensity statin use, and statin adherence. Further research endeavors are needed to understand the reasons behind these associations.
Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Medication Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Appointments and Schedules , Female , Guideline Adherence , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Physicians, Primary Care , United States , United States Department of Veterans AffairsABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: This review highlights selected cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention studies presented at the 2019 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions. RECENT FINDINGS: Several important cardiovascular prevention studies were presented at the 2019 AHA Scientific Sessions. Results from the Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT) showed that low-dose colchicine reduces the risk of recurrent CVD events among patients with recent myocardial infarction. A prospective analysis from the UK Biobank cohort demonstrated that the increased CVD risk associated with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential is mitigated by a common disruptive mutation in the IL6R gene that suppresses the pro-inflammatory IL-1ß/IL-6 pathway. The Treat Stroke to Target trial demonstrated that reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to <70 mg/dL among patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack reduces the risk of recurrent CVD events as compared with a higher LDL-C target of 90-110 mg/dL. A secondary analysis focusing on American participants enrolled in the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) showed that these patients receive a similar benefit in terms of cardiovascular risk reduction with icosapent ethyl as compared with the entire trial population. A post hoc analysis of the Further Cardiovascular Outcomes Research with PCSK9 Inhibition in Subjects with Elevated Risk (FOURIER) trial demonstrated that a genetic risk score comprising 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms is associated with cardiovascular risk among patients with established atherosclerotic CVD and patients with high genetic risk receive a relatively higher benefit from evolocumab use. Similar results were observed with alirocumab use in a post hoc analysis of the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial where a genome-wide polygenic risk score comprising 6.5 million DNA variants was used. These studies presented at 2019 AHA Scientific Sessions will help guide our approach to preventing CVD.
Subject(s)
American Heart Association , Atherosclerosis/prevention & control , Myocardial Infarction/prevention & control , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Anticholesteremic Agents/pharmacology , Anticholesteremic Agents/therapeutic use , Atherosclerosis/drug therapy , Atherosclerosis/genetics , Colchicine/therapeutic use , Eicosapentaenoic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Eicosapentaenoic Acid/therapeutic use , Humans , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Mutation , Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy , PCSK9 Inhibitors , Receptors, Interleukin-6/genetics , Risk Factors , United StatesABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In contrast to patients with non-premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), patients with premature ASCVD have not observed a similar decline in cardiovascular mortality and recurrent adverse events. We sought to review the underlying risk factors, potential gaps in medical management, associated outcomes, and tools for risk prognostication among patients with premature ASCVD. RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., diabetes, familial hypercholesterolemia), non-traditional risk factors such as chronic inflammatory conditions, recreational drug use, genetics, and pregnancy-related complications play a key role in development and progression of premature ASCVD. Patients with premature ASCVD, and especially women, receive less optimal medical management as compared to their non-premature counterparts. There is an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among young adults. Hence, this population remains at an elevated risk for premature ASCVD and subsequent adverse cardiovascular events. Future studies evaluating different risk assessment tools and focusing on young patients across all three major domains of ASCVD are needed.
Subject(s)
Atherosclerosis/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Atherosclerosis/etiology , Diabetes Complications , Female , Humans , Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/complications , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , United States/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study sought to investigate gender-based disparities in statin prescription rates and adherence among patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD). METHODS: We identified patients with PAD or ICVD seeking primary care between 2013 and 2014 in the VA healthcare system. We assessed any statin use, high-intensity statin (HIS) use, and statin adherence among women with PAD or ICVD compared with men. We also compared proportion of days covered (PDC) as a measure of statin adherence; PDC ≥ 0.8 deemed a patient statin adherent. Association between statin use (or adherence) and odds of death or myocardial infarction (MI) at 12-month follow-up was also ascertained. RESULTS: Our analyses included 192,219 males and 3188 females with PAD and 331,352 males and 10,490 females with ICVD. Women with PAD had lower prescription rates of any statin (68.5% vs. 78.7%, OR 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.75), HIS (21.1% vs. 23.7%, OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.97), and lower statin adherence (PDC ≥ 0.8: 34.6% vs. 45.5%, OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.69-0.82) compared with men. Similar disparities were seen in ICVD patients. Among female patients with PAD or ICVD, statin adherence was associated with lower odds of MI (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59-0.98), while use of any statin (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56-0.91) and HIS (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.97) was associated with lower odds of death at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Women with PAD or ICVD had lower odds of receiving any statins, HIS, or being statin adherent. Targeted clinician- and patient-level interventions are needed to study and address these disparities among patients with PAD and ICVD.
Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia/drug therapy , Dyslipidemias/drug therapy , Healthcare Disparities/trends , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Medication Adherence , Peripheral Arterial Disease/drug therapy , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/trends , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brain Ischemia/diagnosis , Brain Ischemia/mortality , Drug Prescriptions , Drug Utilization/trends , Dyslipidemias/diagnosis , Dyslipidemias/mortality , Female , Humans , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Peripheral Arterial Disease/diagnosis , Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , United States/epidemiology , Veterans HealthABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Multivessel coronary artery disease is frequently encountered in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Several moderate-sized randomized trials have suggested that complete revascularization of non-culprit stenoses in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients without cardiogenic shock is associated with improved outcomes driven solely by a reduction in the risk of future revascularization. RECENT FINDINGS: The Complete versus Culprit-only Revascularization to Treat Multi-vessel disease after Early PCI for STEMI (COMPLETE) trial recently showed that a complete revascularization strategy for non-culprit stenoses for STEMI patients without cardiogenic shock, performed either during the index hospitalization or after discharge, reduces the risk of cardiac mortality or myocardial infarction (MI) driven by a reduction in the risk of MI at a median of 3 years. In STEMI patients without cardiogenic shock undergoing primary PCI, a complete revascularization strategy for non-culprit stenoses, performed either during the index hospitalization or shortly after discharge, improves outcomes and should be considered as the default strategy whenever feasible.
Subject(s)
Coronary Artery Disease , Myocardial Infarction , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Inflammation plays a key role in clearing cellular debris and recovery after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Dysregulation of or prolonged inflammation may result in adverse cardiac remodeling and major adverse clinical events (MACE). Several pre-clinical studies and moderate sized clinical trials have investigated the role of immunomodulation in improving clinical outcomes in patients with AMI. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical data from the Canakinumab Atherothrombosis Outcome (CANTOS) and Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT) have provided encouraging results among patients with AMI. Several other clinical and pre-clinical trials have brought about the prospect of modulating inflammation at various junctures of the inflammatory cascade including inhibition of complement cascade, interleukins, and matrix metalloproteinases. In patients with AMI, modulation of residual inflammation via various inflammatory pathways and mediators may hold promise for further reducing MACE. Learning from current data and understanding the nuances of immunomodulation in AMI are key for future trials and before widespread dissemination of such therapies.