Short- and Medium-Term Outcomes Comparison of Native- and Valve-in-Valve TAVI Procedures.

Background: In high-risk patients with degenerated aortic bioprostheses, valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgical valve replacement. To compare outcomes of ViV and native valve (NV) TAVI procedures. Methods: 34 aortic ViV-TAVI performed between 2012 and 2022 using self-expanding valves, were included in this retrospective analysis. Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio, 19 criteria) was used to select a comparison NV-TAVI group from a database of 1206 TAVI procedures. Clinical and echocardiographic endpoints, short- and long-term all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) data were obtained. Subgroup analyses were completed according to the true internal diameter, dividing patients into a small ( ≤ 19 mm) valve group (SVG) and a large ( > 19 mm) valve group (LVG). Results: Clinical outcomes of ViV- and NV-TAVI were comparable, including device success [88.2% vs. 91.1%, p = 0.727], major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events [5.8% vs. 5.8%, p = 1.000], hemodialysis need [5.8% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.599], pacemaker need [2.9% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.265], major vascular complications [2.9% vs. 1.4%, p = 1.000], life-threatening or major bleeding [2.9% vs. 1.4%, p = 1.000] and in-hospital mortality [8.8% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.556]. There was a significant difference in the immediate post-intervention mean residual aortic valve gradient (MAVG) [14.6 ± 8.5 mm Hg vs. 6.4 ± 4.5 mm Hg, p < 0.0001], which persisted at 1 year [p = 0.0002]. There were no differences in 12- or 30-month ACM [11.8% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.588; 23.5% vs. 27.9%, p = 0.948], and CVM [11.8% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.441; 23.5% vs. 16.2%, p = 0.239]. Lastly, there was no difference in CVM at 1 year and 30 months [11.1% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.889; 22.2% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.742]. Conclusions: Analyzing a limited group (n = 34) of ViV-TAVI procedures out of 1206 TAVIs done at a single institution, ViV-TAVI appeared to be an acceptable approach in patients not deemed appropriate candidates for redo valve replacement surgery. Clinical outcomes of ViV-TAVI were comparable to TAVI for native valve stenosis.

Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk Based on Data from the Three Generations for Health Program in Hungary.

BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption has a significant effect on cardiovascular health, and risk factors, such as excessive alcohol use, should be avoided. Although alcohol consumption has decreased over the last decade in Hungary, it is still significantly higher than the average across the European Union. The objective of this study was to describe the patterns of alcohol use based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), with a special focus on cardiovascular risk status (low, moderate, high, or very high). MATERIAL AND METHODS The Three Generations for Health program focuses on the development of primary health care in Hungary. One of the key elements of the program is the identification of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. An ordinal multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with 10 categorical explanatory variables and the outcome was the categorical cardiovascular risk. RESULTS The database consisted of patients aged 40-65 years with a sample size of 11 348. A significant relationship was found between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular risk status; people with high-risk drinking patterns had higher a value of odds ratio (OR=1.306 [1.003-1.701]) for having a more serious cardiovascular status. According to multiple regression analysis, alcohol dependence was associated with cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSIONS From a public health perspective, the results highlight the importance of reducing alcohol consumption with the help of primary care and preventive services in countries with a high cardiovascular risk profile to reduce the cardiovascular disease-related burden.

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Left Atrial Appendage Closure Procedures.

The aim of the present single-center, nonrandomized, retrospective study was to assess the safety and long-term efficacy of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedures and to compare the different LAAC devices and therapeutic regimes in this respect.Medical data of 136 patients (pts) (mean age, 72.5 ± 7.6 years; score for atrial fibrillation stroke risk estimation [CHA2DS2-VASc], 4.6 ± 1.6; and score for estimation of major bleeding risk for patients on anticoagulant therapy [HAS-BLED], 2.6 ± 0.9) who underwent percutaneous LAAC procedures in Gottsegen National Cardiovascular Center from January 2010 to January 2020 were analyzed.The rates of outpatient cardiac mortality, ischemic brain event, and major bleeding were 3.8, 1, and 1.9/100 pt years, respectively. The rate of successful device deployment was 96.4%. There was one case of procedural mortality (0.7%), one case of device dislocation (0.7%), one case of ischemic stroke (0.7%), and one case of myocardial infarction (0.7%). Two cases of pericardial tamponades (1.5%) and four cases of major femoral complications (3%) occurred. Although the implantation success of different occluder types was similar, significant differences were found concerning procedural characteristics. Patients on single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) in the first 3 months after the LAAC procedure did not suffer from stroke or embolic events.The present study confirmed the safety and effectivity of percutaneous LAAC. Robust relative stroke risk reduction and less pronounced but significant bleeding risk reduction were observed. Device implantation success was high. The perioperative complication rate was relatively low. The results of long-term observations regarding ischemic events confirmed the safety of using a simplified antithrombotic regime after LAAC in pts with high bleeding risk.

[Investigating cognitive impairment in communities of practice - lessons learned]. / Kognitív funkcióromlás vizsgálata praxisközösségekben ­ tanulságok.

Background and purpose: In the "Three Generations for Health" programme, general practitioners were responsible for screening for dementia in their practices using mini-COG and Mini Mental State Examination. The aim was to present the screening results of those included, their assessment by the doctor and the further fate of the patients. Methods: After mini-COG test, MMSE test was performed in case of suspected dementia. The examiner categorized the result as abnormal or no abnormal, recorded the referral, and recorded the data in an online interface. Our study is a cross-sectional study; the evolution and distribution of the parameters described in the objectives are described with raw case numbers and proportions. Patients aged 55 years and over were recruited consecutively. Only those cases (29 730) where mini-COG and MMSE test results were available, their assessment by the physician, and referral data to specialist care were analyzed. Results: The Mini-COG test revealed that 64% of the subjects were suspected of cognitive decline. Misclassification occurred in 13 015 cases, with 21% of the Mini-Cog test scores matching cognitive decline and 21% of lesions considered abnormal by GPs. The MMSE test raised the suspicion of dementia in 34% of the sample (10 174 people), with 4 262 (42%) of the participating GPs considering the result abnormal. 11% (2095 people) of people with abnormal Mini-Cog test scores and 17% (1709 people) of people with suspected dementia based on MMSE test scores were referred to specialist care. Conclusion: Our study assessed the practice of detecting cognitive decline in primary health care. The tools adopted for screening for dementia were used by practices, but the assessment of results and referral of suspected cases of dementia to specialist care were below the expected level. There is a need to improve primary care providers' knowledge of dementia detection and treatment and to strengthen links with specialist care.

Incidence, pre-hospital delay and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction in big regions of Hungary: Population data from the Hungarian myocardial infarction registry.

AIM: To examine the incidence and treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as well as 30-day and 1-year prognoses of patients in different regions of Hungary. According to the statistical system of the European Union, Hungary can be divided into three major socio-economic regions-west Hungary, central Hungary and east Hungary. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry (HUMIR) is a prospective comprehensive and mandatory disease registry for patients with AMI. The total population of Hungary is currently 9.8 million: 39% live in the eastern region (ER), 31% in the central region (CR) and 30% in the western region (WR). Population over 30 years, the age-standardised incidence of AMI was 177.5 (175.7-179.3) per 100 000 person-year. During hospital treatment, 82.5%-84.6% of patients with ST-elevation (STEMI) and 54.8%-58.8% without ST-elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction underwent PCI. The total ischaemic time of patients with STEMI was shortest in WR (221 minutes) compared with two other regions (CR: 225 minutes and ER: 262 minutes). In the STEMI group, the 30-day mortality rates of male patients were lowest in the WR (P = .03). If PCI was performed, mortality rates for both sexes were lowest in the WR (P < .01; P = .04). The 1-year mortality rate in the male population who received PCI was lowest in the WR. In the NSTEMI group, the 30-day mortality rate exhibited no differences. Regarding 1-year mortality, those who underwent PCI in the WR showed the lowest mortality. CONCLUSION: The major regions of Hungary revealed significant differences regarding the incidence, prehospital delay, treatment and mortality of AMI. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the independent prognostic significance of the region on the 30-day mortality of patients with STEMI (hazard ratio = 0.88, P = .0114; CI: 0.80-0.97).

Cardiopoietic cell therapy for advanced ischaemic heart failure: results at 39 weeks of the prospective, randomized, double blind, sham-controlled CHART-1 clinical trial.

AIMS: Cardiopoietic cells, produced through cardiogenic conditioning of patients' mesenchymal stem cells, have shown preliminary efficacy. The Congestive Heart Failure Cardiopoietic Regenerative Therapy (CHART-1) trial aimed to validate cardiopoiesis-based biotherapy in a larger heart failure cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multinational, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study was conducted in 39 hospitals. Patients with symptomatic ischaemic heart failure on guideline-directed therapy (n = 484) were screened; n = 348 underwent bone marrow harvest and mesenchymal stem cell expansion. Those achieving > 24 million mesenchymal stem cells (n = 315) were randomized to cardiopoietic cells delivered endomyocardially with a retention-enhanced catheter (n = 157) or sham procedure (n = 158). Procedures were performed as randomized in 271 patients (n = 120 cardiopoietic cells, n = 151 sham). The primary efficacy endpoint was a Finkelstein-Schoenfeld hierarchical composite (all-cause mortality, worsening heart failure, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score, 6-min walk distance, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction) at 39 weeks. The primary outcome was neutral (Mann-Whitney estimator 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.61 [value > 0.5 favours cell treatment], P = 0.27). Exploratory analyses suggested a benefit of cell treatment on the primary composite in patients with baseline left ventricular end-diastolic volume 200-370 mL (60% of patients) (Mann-Whitney estimator 0.61, 95% CI 0.52-0.70, P = 0.015). No difference was observed in serious adverse events. One (0.9%) cardiopoietic cell patient and 9 (5.4%) sham patients experienced aborted or sudden cardiac death. CONCLUSION: The primary endpoint was neutral, with safety demonstrated across the cohort. Further evaluation of cardiopoietic cell therapy in patients with elevated end-diastolic volume is warranted.

[Prognostic significance of the total ischemic time in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction]. / A teljes ischaemiás ido prognosztikus jelentosége az ST-elevációval járó szívinfarktus miatt kezelt betegekben.

INTRODUCTION: The significance of the total ischemic time (from the beginning of the complaint to the opening of the vessel) is an important factor for myocardial salvage. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic significance of the TIT in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction in Hungary. METHOD: From 1 January 2014 all patients with myocardial infarction were recorded by law in an on-line database of the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry. Between 1 January 2014 and 31 March 2016, 27 157 patients with 28 408 myocardial infarction events were recorded. To investigate TIT, 7146 STEMI patients were selected who were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 24 hours of the beginning of the complaint and all of its components were known. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 740 ± 346 days. The median time of the TIT is 260 minutes, within which the earliest prehospital time was found (median 205 minutes). The TIT influenced survival: if this time was less than 400 minutes, the 30-day and the 1-year deaths were 7.5% and 12.2%, respectively. In longer TIT, higher mortality rate was found (9.2% versus 19.7%, respectively). Multivariate analysis was performed for short (<30 days), medium (30-364 days) and long-term (≥365 days) survival. Diabetes mellitus is a short-term prognostic factor, abnormal creatinine, and severe coronary status have affected short and medium survival. PCI was significant in terms of medium and long-term survival. Previous myocardial infarction and TIT influenced the long-term survival significantly. CONCLUSIONS: In Hungary, TIT is too long, and its dominant part falls within the prehospital period. The TIT is an independent prognostic factor, so reducing this time can improve the long-term prognosis of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(27): 1113-1120.

[The first 200 transcatheter aortic valve implantations in the Gottsegen Gyorgy Institute of Cardiology, Hungary]. / Az elso 200 transzkatéteres aortabillentyu-implantáció a Gottsegen György Országos Kardiológiai Intézetben.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a therapeutic alternative for contraindicated and high surgical risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. This intervention is part of daily routine in the Institute of the authors. AIM: In the present work the results of the first 200 patients are discussed. METHOD: Until January, 2016, 200 patients (female 55%, mean age 79.9 years, average EuroSCORE 19.3%, left ventricular ejection fraction 54%, peak gradient 81.2 mmHg, mean aortic gradient 50.9 mmHg) underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. RESULTS: The procedure was performed with 99% success rate. Complications were evaluated according to VARC 2 definitions. Mortality was 5% at one month and 17.4% at one year. Cardiac mortality was 13.6 at one year. Cerebrovascular complications were 5% within one year, and 95% of patients were in NYHA I or II functional classes at one year. CONCLUSION: These findings are consistent with worldwide results. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(45), 1786-1792.

[Comparison of the clinical characteristics and hospital treatment of myocardial infarction with and without ST-segment elevation in Hungary. National Registry of Myocardial Infarction]. / Az ST-elevációval járó és az ST-elevációval nem járó szívinfarktusos betegek klinikai adatainak és kórházi ellátásának összehasonlítása. Nemzeti Szívinfarktus Regiszter.

INTRODUCTION: Afew data have been published on the clinical characteristics of different types of myocardial infarction in Hungary. AIM: To compare clinical data of patients with ST-segment elevation and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction based on the National Myocardial Infarction Registry database. METHOD: Data recorded in the National Myocardial Infarction Registry between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2012 were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Patients treated with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 5237) were older and had more comorbidities compared to those with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 6670). Coronarography and percutaneous coronary intervention were performed more frequently in the latter group. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the two groups (5.3% and 4.9%). Medication for secondary prevention after myocardial infarction was applied in nearly 90% of the patients in both groups. Dual antiplatelet therapy was more often applied after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed important differences in the clinical characteristics and similar hospital prognosis between the two patient groups.

Cardiovascular risk factors among Roma and non-Roma populations in underprivileged settlements.

BACKGROUND: The 'Taking the screening tests close to the people' program offers cardiovascular screening to the inhabitants of underprivileged settlements. This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors of underprivileged populations, including individuals who described themselves as belonging to the Roma population. METHODS: During the program, we collected information about demographic features, lifestyle and current illnesses. A general health assessment (body weight, height, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose) and cardiovascular examination were performed. We analysed data on both Roma and non-Roma groups and used Pearson's chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression models to analyse the factors that contribute to the onset of comorbidities, with a special focus on ethnicity. RESULTS: Data from 6211 participants were processed. Based on self-reports, the non-Roma population consisted of 5352 respondents (1364 men (25.5%) and 3988 women (74.5%)), and the Roma population comprised 859 respondents (200 men (23.3%) and 659 women (76.7%)). A total of 91.2% (4849) of the non-Roma population and 92.5% (788) of the Roma population exercised less than 3 h per week (p < 0.001). Of the non-Roma population, 71.7% (3512) had a body mass index above 25 kg/m2, while the corresponding figure was 72.4% (609) in the Roma population (p = 0.709). The median body mass index was 28.0 (24.6-31.9) in the non-Roma population and 28.8 (24.5-33.0) in the Roma population (p < 0.001). The prevalence of active smokers was 28.7% (1531) in the non-Roma population and 60.3% (516) in the Roma population (p < 0.001). The prevalence of hypertension was 54.9% (2824) in the non-Roma population and 49.8% (412) in the Roma population (p < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes was 11.5% (95) in the Roma population and 12.2% (619) in the non-Roma population (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, a lack of physical activity and an remarkably high smoking rate in the studied underprivileged population. Both type 2 diabetes and hypertension were more common among people living in underprivileged settlements than in the general Hungarian population. People living in underprivileged settlements need more attention in primary care.

The Impact of Specialised Heart Failure Outpatient Care on the Long-Term Application of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy and on Prognosis in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

(1) Background: Besides the use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), multidisciplinary heart failure (HF) outpatient care (HFOC) is of strategic importance in HFrEF. (2) Methods: Data from 257 hospitalised HFrEF patients between 2019 and 2021 were retrospectively analysed. Application and target doses of GDMT were compared between HFOC and non-HFOC patients at discharge and at 1 year. 1-year all-cause mortality (ACM) and rehospitalisation (ACH) rates were compared using the Cox proportional hazard model. The effect of HFOC on GDMT and on prognosis after propensity score matching (PSM) of 168 patients and the independent predictors of 1-year ACM and ACH were also evaluated. (3) Results: At 1 year, the application of RASi, MRA and triple therapy (TT: RASi + ßB + MRA) was higher (p < 0.05) in the HFOC group, as was the proportion of target doses of ARNI, ßB, MRA and TT. After PSM, the composite of 1-year ACM or ACH was more favourable with HFOC (propensity-adjusted HR = 0.625, 95% CI = 0.401-0.974, p = 0.038). Independent predictors of 1-year ACM were age, systolic blood pressure, application of TT and HFOC, while 1-year ACH was influenced by the application of TT. (4) Conclusions: HFOC may positively impact GDMT use and prognosis in HFrEF even within the first year of its initiation.

The effect of kidney function on guideline-directed medical therapy implementation and prognosis in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Kidney dysfunction (KD) is a main limiting factor of applying guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and reaching the recommended target doses (TD) in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to assess the success of optimization, long-term applicability, and adherence of neurohormonal antagonist triple therapy (TT:RASi [ACEi/ARB/ARNI] + ßB + MRA) according to the KD after a HF hospitalization and to investigate its impact on prognosis. METHODS: The data of 247 real-world, consecutive patients were analyzed who were hospitalized in 2019-2021 for HFrEF and then were followed-up for 1 year. The application and the ratio of reached TD of TT at hospital discharge and at 1 year were assessed comparing KD categories (eGFR: ≥90, 60-89, 45-59, 30-44, <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 ). Moreover, 1-year all-cause mortality and rehospitalization rates in KD subgroups were investigated. RESULTS: Majority of the patients received TT at hospital discharge (77%) and at 1 year (73%). More severe KD led to a lower application ratio (p < .05) of TT (92%, 88%, 80%, 73%, 31%) at discharge and at 1 year (81%, 76%, 76%, 68%, 40%). Patients with more severe KD were less likely (p < .05) to receive TD of MRA (81%, 68%, 78%, 61%, 52%) at discharge and a RASi (53%, 49%, 45%, 21%, 27%) at 1 year. One-year all-cause mortality (14%, 15%, 16%, 33%, 48%, p < .001), the ratio of all-cause rehospitalizations (30%, 35%, 40%, 43%, 52%, p = .028), and rehospitalizations for HF (8%, 13%, 18%, 20%, 38%, p = .001) were significantly higher in more severe KD categories. CONCLUSIONS: KD unfavorably affects the application of TT in HFrEF, however poorer mortality and rehospitalization rates among them highlight the role of the conscious implementation and up-titration of GDMT.

[Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure after resolution of left atrial appendage thrombi with dabigatran]. / Percutan bal pitvari fülcsezárás dabigatrannal való fülcsethrombus feloldását követoen.

The "gold standard" of the prevention of atrial fibrillation related thromboembolic events is anticoagulation therapy with oral vitamin K antagonists. A certain proportion of high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation are not receiving effective antithrombotic therapy because of problems associated with its use. Resolution of subsequent left atrial appendage thrombi is quite a great challenge in patients who are not tolerating "standard" antithrombotic drugs. According to the knowledge of the authors, this is the first report of a patient with non-valvular persistent atrial fibrillation and high stroke risk, who was intolerant to "standard" anticoagulant therapy and had persistent left atrial appendage thrombi following the use of a wide variety of "standard" anticoagulants. Successful resolution of left atrial appendage thrombi with dabigatran and successful percutaneous left atrial appendage closure were performed in this case.

[Health status and cardiovascular risk of Roma and non-Roma population in underprivileged settlements]. / Egészségi állapot és cardiovascularis kockázat roma és nem roma populációban hátrányos helyzetu településeken.

INTRODUCTION: The "Taking the screening tests in place" program offers cardiovascular screening activities to the inhabitants of underprivileged settlements. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the health status and cardiovascular risk of the Roma and non-Roma population in underprivileged settlements. METHOD: Information was collected about the demography, lifestyle, current illnesses, access to healthcare and the quality of patient information. General health check (body weight, height, blood pressure, blood sugar, ankle-brachial index) and cardiovascular examination were performed. Data were analyzed in Roma and non-Roma groups with Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: 3649 people participated in the study (851 [23%] men, 2798 [77%] women), 16% (598) of the investigated population belonged to the Roma population. The mean age of men in the general population was 58 years and of women 55 years, in the Roma population 48 years and 47 years. People in the Roma population smoked more often (men 45%, women 64%) than people in the general population (both sexes 30%). In the Roma population, the consumption of sugary soft drinks at least four times a week (men 55% vs. women 43%) and the BMI (men 30 vs. 29, woman 29 vs. 28) were significantly higher. In the Roma population, 31% of the men and 13% of the women thought that their health status was bad, while in the general population it was 17% of men and 8% of women. Incidence of COPD (18% vs. 9%), coronary disease (18% vs. 13%), peripheral artery disease (13% vs. 9%) was significantly higher in the Roma population among women. CONCLUSION: In the investigated population, the Roma inhabitants were significantly younger, smoked more, they were more obese, the chronic diseases were more common among them, and they considered their health status worse than the general population. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(20): 792-799.

Differences between SCORE, Framingham Risk Score, and Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity-Based Vascular Age Calculation Methods Based on Data from the Three Generations Health Program in Hungary.

Early vascular ageing contributes to cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. There are different possibilities to calculate vascular age including methods based on CV risk scores, but different methods might identify different subjects with early vascular ageing. We aimed to compare SCORE and Framingham Risk Score (FRS)-based vascular age calculation methods on subjects that were involved in a national screening program in Hungary. We also aimed to compare the distribution of subjects identified with early vascular ageing based on estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV). The Three Generations for Health program focuses on the development of primary health care in Hungary. One of the key elements of the program is the identification of risk factors of CV diseases. Vascular ages based on the SCORE and FRS were calculated based on previous publications and were compared with chronological age and with each other in the total population and in patients with hypertension or diabetes. ePWV was calculated based on a method published previously. Supernormal, normal, and early vascular ageing were defined as <10%, 10-90%, and >90% ePWV values for the participants. In total, 99,231 subjects were involved in the study, and among them, 49,191 patients had hypertension (HT) and 15,921 patients had diabetes (DM). The chronological age of the total population was 54.0 (48.0-60.0) years, while the SCORE and FRS vascular ages were 59.0 (51.0-66.0) and 64.0 (51-80) years, respectively. In the HT patients, the chronological, SCORE, and FRS vascular ages were 57.0 (51.0-62.0), 63.0 (56.0-68.0), and 79.0 (64.0-80.0) years, respectively. In the DM patients, the chronological, SCORE, and FRS vascular ages were 58.0 (52.0-62.0), 63.0 (56.0-68.0), and 80.0 (76.0-80.0) years, respectively. Based on ePWV, the FRS identified patients with an elevated vascular age with high sensitivity (97.3%), while in the case of the SCORE, the sensitivity was much lower (13.3%). In conclusion, different vascular age calculation methods can provide different vascular age results in a population-based cohort. The importance of this finding for the implementation in CV preventive strategies requires further studies.

Ventricular septal rupture caused by myocardial bridge, solved by interventional closure device.

Myocardial bridging is a common coronary anomaly, which is generally described as a benign phenomenon. However, a growing number of studies consider this anomaly a relevant pathophysiological phenomenon with serious pathological consequences. Here we report on the case of an 88-year-old woman suffering from myocardial infarction and ventricular septal rupture, lacking any recognizable coronary disease except for a myocardial bridge causing the systolic compression of the left anterior descending coronary artery. A wide range of diagnostic procedures, including coronarography, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging were used. The septal rupture was finally closed by using a percutaneous closure device. This event indicates that myocardial bridges - at least in some cases - may have notable clinical relevance.

[Comparison of the incidence, treatment and prognosis of myocardial infarction in Hungary's differently developed districts]. / A szívinfarktus incidenciája, a betegek ellátásának és prognózisának összehasonlítása Magyarország különbözo fejlettségu járásaiban.

INTRODUCTION: Several international studies have already confirmed the importance of the socioeconomic status of acute myocardial infarction patients in terms of patient care and prognosis. To our knowledge, a nationwide examination of this kind has not yet taken place in Hungary. The investigation of this problem field was made possible by the fact that from January 1, 2014, all healthcare providers must record the data of patients treated with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the database of the Hungarian Myocardial Infarction Registry (HUMIR). OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors searched for an answer to whether the complex development index (CDI) in Hungary's 174 districts and 23 capital districts influences the treatment and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction patients. METHOD: Based on the CDI worked out by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, the authors divided the Hungarian districts into low (CDI_L), medium (CDI_M) and high (CDI_H) CDI groups according to their values. They examined the incidence, hospital treatment and prognosis of acute myocardial infarction in these administrative-territorial units. The HUMIR included 66,253 patients treated by myocardial infarction between 2015 and 2019. Their place of residence could be identified based on the zip code and in which district it was located. In the examined population, 29,101 patients with ST-elevation (STEMI) and 37,152 without ST-elevation (NSTEMI) received treatment for acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS: In the population over 15 years of age, the age-standardized incidence of STEMI was 68.8 per 100,000 inhabitants a year in the CDI_L group and 52.7 per 100,000 inhabitants a year in the CDI_H group. Almost the same values were found in all three CDI subgroups of NSTEMI incidence (69.5 and 67 per 10,000 inhabitants a year). The frequency of percutaneous coronary intervention in the case of STEMI was higher than in NSTEMI, but within the groups, CDI did not influence the performance of this treatment. In the case of STEMI, the rates of patients who underwent percutaneous coronaria intervention in all three CDI subgroups (CDI_L, CDI_M, CDI_H) were 83.5%, 83.7%, 83.5%, while in the case of NSTEMI they were 57.4%, 57.7%, 57.3%. The authors applied a Cox multivariate regression analysis to examine myocardial infarction mortality. The CDI did not affect the 30-day mortality rates in the case of any myocardial infarction: the hazard ratio (HR) values were 0.906 and 0.914 (p = 0.04659; p = 0.04686) in the case of STEMI, while 1.067 and 1.001 (p = 0.16520; p = 0.98933) in the case of NSTEMI. In the case of a STEMI diagnosis, the risk of the 30-364-day and the 1-year mortality in the subgroup of CDI_H was significantly lower (HR = 0.822 and 0.816) than in the subgroup of CDI_L (p = 0.00096 and p = 0.00001). In the case of NSTEMI diagnosis, the authors found a difference in the risk of beyond 1-year mortality by comparing the districts in the subgroup of CDI_L with the districts in CDI_H: in the latter case, the HR of the mortality was 0.876, which was significantly lower (p = 0.00029) than in the subgroup of CDI_L. CONCLUSION: The CDI has independent prognostic significance in determining the late prognosis of acute myocardial infarction patients. Orv Hetil. 2022; 163(47): 1862-1871.

Differences of cardiovascular risk assessment in clinical practice using SCORE and SCORE2.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk estimation is an essential step to reduce the onset of adverse cardiovascular events. For this purpose, the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk chart method was used in Europe. In 2021, the SCORE2 algorithm was released, bringing changes in the calculation methodology. This study assessed and compared the level of cardiovascular risk in a population aged 40-65 years using the SCORE and SCORE2 methodologies. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 85 802 patients in Hungary. Cardiovascular risk levels were determined using the SCORE and SCORE2 risk estimation methods. RESULTS: Using SCORE, 97.7% of men aged 40-50 years were classified as low-moderate risk, which decreased to 32.4% using SCORE2. Using SCORE, 100% of women aged 40-50 years were classified as low-moderate risk, compared with 75.6% using SCORE2. Using SCORE, 36.8% of men aged 50-65 years were classified as high risk and 14.8% as very high risk, and 5.4% of women aged 50-65 years were classified as high risk and 0.5% as very high risk. In this age group, using SCORE2, 50% of men were classified as high risk and 25.8% as very high risk, and 38.8% of women were classified as high risk and 11.9% as very high risk. CONCLUSIONS: When the SCORE2 method was used instead of SCORE 43.91% of the whole population were classified with a higher level of risk, which represents a radical increase in the number of patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular risk management: the success of target level achievement in high- and very high-risk patients in Hungary.

BACKGROUND: The management of risk factors in patients with high cardiovascular risk and its effectiveness is of paramount importance. Over the last decade, several studies have examined the achievement of cardiovascular risk factors' target levels in Europe. In the present Hungarian study, we assessed the cardiovascular risk level of participants aged 40-65 years and the success of achieving risk factors' target levels in high- and very high-risk patients. We compared these results with the results of two similar European studies. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 37,778 patients aged 40-65 years from Hungary between 2019 and 2020. Cardiovascular risk levels and target values were set according to the 2016 European Guideline. Target achievement was evaluated for body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and HbA1c (in diabetics). RESULTS: For 37,298 patients, all the data were available to determine their cardiovascular risk category. Of these, 23.1% had high and 31.4% had very high cardiovascular risk (men: 27.1 and 39.6%, women: 20.5 and 26.1%, respectively). Achievement of the LDL-C target of 1.8 mmol/l was only 8.0% among very high-risk patients, which was significantly lower than the European average (29%). Achievement of target blood pressure among high-risk patients was better than the European average (63.4% vs. 44.7%, respectively); however, achievement was slightly lower among very high-risk patients compared with the European average (49.4% vs. 58%, respectively). The proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved a HbA1c below 7% was 57.3% in the high-risk population and 53% in the very high-risk population, which was in line with the European average success rates (58.5 and 54%, respectively). Waist circumference (< 88 cm for women and < 102 cm for men) was achieved by 29.4% of patients in the very high-risk group in our survey, which was lower than the European average of 41%. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of cardiovascular risk management in Hungary is lower than the European average in several parameters. Furthermore, our data highlight the poor effectiveness of obesity management in Hungary. General practice partnerships may be important sites for positive change.

Treatment of three-vessel disease in light of the results of the FAME-3 study / A háromér-betegség kezelése a FAME-3 vizsgálat eredményeinek tükrében

Previous randomized clinical studies have shown the superiority of coronary artery bypass grafting over percutaneous coronary intervention in the treatment of severe multivessel disease mainly because of a reduced need for repeat revascularization but, in some, a mortality benefit and reduced rate of myocardial infarction were shown among those undergoing surgery. The late breaker multicentric, randomized FAME (Fractional Flow Reserve Versus Angiography in Multivessel Evaluation)-3 study, involving 1500 patients, sought to determine whether fractional flow reserve guided percutaneous coronary intervention with implantation of new-generation drug-eluting stents was non -inferior to present-day coronary bypass surgery with respect to the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke and repeat revascularization at one year. The authors who were particularly active in the FAME-3 trial describe the study setting, the characteristics of the patient population, the procedures, and the results. The FAME-3 study failed to show the non-inferiority of percutaneous coronary intervention to bypass surgery in the treatment of three vessel disease using the predetermined margin. The authors present a detailed analysis of the possible reasons and some important secondary results. These include a lack of significant difference between the two arms with respect to `hard end points' and the significantly higher perioperative morbidity of the surgical group. Albeit our clinical practice should be based on the analysis of the primary end point, informing patients and shared decision making must include these secondary results when individual revascularization strategies are planned.