Assessment and Management of Patients with Obesity and Hypertension in European Society of Hypertension Excellence Centres. A survey from the ESH Working Group on Diabetes and Metabolic Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers are faced with an increasing number of patients with obesity and arterial hypertension. Preventing obesity-associated hypertension and appropriately managing patients with established disease are both important. Hence, the aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical care of patients with obesity and hypertension among ESH Excellence Centres (ECs). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, international 30-item survey through e-mails. RESULTS: In total, 70 representatives of ECs participated (78% men) with 66% of them practicing medicine for more than 30 years and working in well-equipped clinics. Most were internists (41%) and cardiologists (37%) and 73% reported training on the management of obese patients with hypertension. A majority weigh their patients (77%) and evaluate patients for sleep disorders (93%). However, only 47% spend more than 5min to advise for lifestyle modification in general, 59% for weight loss, 56% for salt intake and 64% for exercise. Finally, a minority of participants ask patients if they like their body (6%) or about previous attempts to lose weight (28%), evaluate 24h urinary sodium excretion rate (22%) and provide written (15%) or personalized (10%) dietary advices. If the patient suffers also from type 2 diabetes mellitus, 66% switch treatment to GLP1 receptor agonists and 60% to SGLT2 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Most clinicians in ESH ECs are well educated regarding obesity-associated hypertension, and clinics are sufficiently equipped to manage these patients, as well. However, several deficits were reported regarding efforts to address and implement obesity specific aspects and interventions to improve care in patients with obesity and hypertension.

Hypertension and obesity still remain two of the main cardiovascular risk factors worldwide.There is a need to lower the incidence of obesity-induced hypertension, and to focus on practical guidelines for the evaluation and management of patients with obesity and hypertension.This is a web-based survey to understand the current clinical practices in assessing/managing patients with obesity and hypertension in ESH Excellence Centres.Most clinicians in ESH ECs are well educated regarding obesity-associated hypertension.Clinics are sufficiently equipped to manage these patients.Several deficits were reported regarding efforts to address and implement obesity specific aspects and interventions to improve care in patients with obesity and hypertension.

The Modern Environment: The New Secondary Cause of Hypertension?

The most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, is hypertension. Although most cases of hypertension are thought to be essential, the multifactorial associations of the environmental influence on blood pressure seem to play an important role and should be more closely investigated. This review attempts to focus on the recent literature that examines the environmental effects on arterial blood pressure and its management. Seasonal variability and the role of ambient temperature, either occupational or recreational noise pollution, as well as obesity due to environment-caused dietary habits, are recognized as important risk factors, affecting the onset as well as the regulation of hypertension. Furthermore, the effects of seasonal fluctuations in blood pressure, noise pollution, and obesity seem to share a similar pathogenesis, and as such to all further react together, leading to increased blood pressure. The activation of the autonomous nervous system plays a key role and causes an increase in stress hormones that generates oxidative stress on the vascular system and, thus, vasoconstriction. In this review, by focusing on the association of the environmental impact with arterial blood pressure, we come to the question of whether most cases of hypertension-if not all-should, indeed, be considered primary or secondary.

The Importance of Out-of-Office Blood Pressure Measurement, as Highlighted by the Correlation with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in an Untreated Hypertensive Population.

Background and Objectives: Hypertensive heart disease, especially left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), is considered to be one of the main types hypertension-mediated organ damage. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine which method of measuring BP (office BP measurement (OBPM), 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), or home BP monitoring (HBPM)), can be better correlated with echocardiographic LVH in the untreated hypertensive population. Materials and Methods: This study's population consisted of 202 patients 58 ± 15 years old (40.8% males). All patients reported elevated home BP measurements for at least 3 months, but they had never been treated before for hypertension. Office and out-of-office BP measurements, including ABPM on a usual working day and seven-day HBPM, as well as 2D echocardiography, were performed. Results: In the univariate analysis, LVH was associated (p < 0.05) with a mean 24 h systolic BP (OR: 1.93, CI: 1.29-2.91), a mean 24 h diastolic BP (OR: 1.30, CI: 1.16-1.80), ambulatory daytime systolic (OR: 1.11, CI:1.01-1.82) and diastolic BP (OR: 1.13, CI:1.09-1.17), ambulatory nighttime systolic BP (OR: 2.11, CI: 1.04-4.31), and mean home systolic BP (OR: 1.05, CI:1.01-1.12). Pearson's correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between the LV mass index and the mean 24 h systolic BP (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), daytime systolic BP (r = 0.59, p < 0.05), and nighttime systolic BP (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). Most of the population with confirmed LVH presented confirmed hypertension (based on ABPM, 48.1% or HBPM, 40%). The second most dominant phenotype was masked hypertension (ABPM, 32.7% and HBPM, 23.7%). The majority (59.3%) had non-dipping status, 20.4% had a reverse dipping pattern, 13% had a dipping pattern, and only 7.3% had extreme dipping BP. Conclusions: Out-of-office BP measurement devices seemed to be superior compared to in-office. This advantage is highlighted by better correlations in the identification of LVH as well as the diagnosis of masked hypertension, a condition also highly correlated with LVH.

Lipoprotein(a) Reduction With Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a cardiovascular factor, for which there is no approved specific lowering treatment. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to have lowering effects on Lp(a). Aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the current literature and quantify the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on the serum Lp(a) levels in human subjects. Double-blind, phase 2 or 3, randomized-controlled trials comparing PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab or evolocumab) to placebo and/or ezetimibe and/or other lipid-lowering therapy were deemed eligible for inclusion. We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science as of 17 June 2020. Quality assessment was performed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Forty-three studies were identified (64,107 patients randomized) and 41 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. PCSK9 inhibitors reduced Lp(a) levels by -26.7% (95% CI, -29.5% to -23.9%) with a significant heterogeneity within studies. There was significant difference in Lp(a) change from baseline according to comparator (placebo: mean -27.9%; 95% CI, -31.1% to -24.6% vs. ezetimibe: mean, -22.2%; 95% CI, -27.2% to -17.2%; P = 0.04) and duration of treatment (≤12 weeks: mean, -30.9%; 95% CI, -34.7% to -27.1% vs. >12 weeks: mean, -21.9%; 95% CI, -25.2% to -18.6%; P < 0.01). Meta-regression analysis showed that only the mean percentage change from baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol due to the intervention is significantly associated with the effect size difference (P < 0.0001). PCSK9 inhibitors reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by -54% (95% CI -57.6% to -50.6%). There is substantial efficacy of the currently approved PCSK9 inhibitors in the lowering of Lp(a) levels. Dedicated randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the benefit of this intervention.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: The effect of vitamin E supplementation in adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Νon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to be the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in the next years. Vitamin E has shown beneficial effects as a possible "scavenger" of oxidative stress products, which play a major role in pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of vitamin E supplementation in biochemical and histological parameters in adult patients with NAFLD. METHODS: Literature search was performed in major electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and Embase) up to June 2020 for randomized clinical trials, which examined vitamin E versus placebo treatment in adults with NAFLD. Changes in liver enzymes were considered as primary outcomes while changes in histological, biochemical, and metabolic parameters as secondary. Quality of evidence was assessed through risk of bias according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in qualitative analysis and seven in quantitative analysis. Vitamin E reduced the values of liver enzymes compared with placebo (-7.37 IU/L, 95% confidence interval: -10.11 to -4.64 for alanine aminotransferase, and -5.71 IU/L, 95% confidence interval: -9.49 to -1.93 for aspartate aminotransferase). Additionally, vitamin E improved statistically significantly liver pathology in every individual histological parameter as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and serum leptin values. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E can improve biochemical and histological characteristics of NAFLD patients, especially of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis patients. The results indicate that vitamin E could be a promising choice and be considered as a treatment option in patients with NAFLD.

Achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets as assessed by different methods in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: an analysis from the HELLAS-FH registry.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. FH patients often have increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, which further increase CVD risk. Novel methods for accurately calculating LDL-C have been proposed. METHODS: Patients with FH were recruited by a network of Greek sites participating in the HELLAS-FH registry. LDL-C levels were calculated using the Friedewald (LDL-CF) and the Martin/Hopkins (LDL-CM/H) equations as well as after correcting LDL-CM/H for Lp(a) levels [LDL-CLp(a)corM/H]. The objective was to compare LDL-C levels and target achievement as estimated by different methods in FH patients. RESULTS: This analysis included 1620 patients (1423 adults and 197 children). In adults at diagnosis, LDL-CF and LDL-CM/H levels were similar [235 ± 70 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L) vs 235 ± 69 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L), respectively; P = NS], while LDL-CLp(a)corM/H levels were non-significantly lower than LDL-CF [211 ± 61 mg/dL (5.5 ± 1.6 mmol/L); P = 0.432]. In treated adults (n = 966) both LDL-CF [150 ± 71 mg/dL (3.9 ± 1.8 mmol/L)] and LDL-CM/H levels [151 ± 70 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L); P = 0.746] were similar, whereas LDL-CLp(a)corM/H levels were significantly lower than LDL-CF [121 ± 62 mg/dL (3.1 ± 1.6 mmol/L); P < 0.001]. Target achievement as per latest guidelines in treated patients using the LDL-CM/H (2.5%) and especially LDL-CLp(a)corM/H methods (10.7%) were significantly different than LDL-CF (2.9%; P < 0.001). In children, all 3 formulas resulted in similar LDL-C levels, both at diagnosis and in treated patients. However, target achievement by LDL-CF was lower compared with LDL-CM/H and LDL-CLp(a)corM/H methods (22.1 vs 24.8 vs 33.3%; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSION: LDL-CLp(a)corM/H results in significantly lower values and higher target achievement rate in both treated adults and children. If validated in clinical trials, LDL-CLp(a)corM/H may become the method of choice to more accurately estimate 'true' LDL-C levels in FH patients.

Subclinical arterial damage in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes is an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measurements are well recognized as independent predictors for future cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis assessing measures of subclinical arterial damage in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in comparison to healthy controls. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies comparing cIMT and carotid-femoral PWV levels between children with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. Meta-analysis was performed to compare the difference of overall mean cIMT and carotid-femoral PWV levels between the two groups. New Castle Ottawa quality assessment scale for case-control studies was used to assess study quality. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were finally included in the meta-analysis (20 studies for cIMT and 4 studies for carotid-femoral PWV). Youth with type 1 diabetes had significantly higher cIMT levels than controls (mean difference [d] = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02-0.04), as well as higher carotid-femoral PWV levels (d = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.18-0.34). Heterogeneity was present only in the cIMT analysis (I2 > 90%). CONCLUSIONS: Youth with type 1 diabetes showed signs of subclinical arterial damage, as suggested by higher levels of cIMT and carotid-femoral PWV compared to healthy controls at childhood and adolescence. Preventive and therapeutic interventions early in course of disease may be further studied to decrease morbidity in this high-risk young patient group. PROSPERO registration number: 2018 CRD42018094354.

Body composition and arterial stiffness in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the impact of body composition in the arterial stiffness of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: Fat mass (FM), fat tissue index (FTI), fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free tissue index (FFTI), and FFTI/FTI were measured in 26 patients and 25 healthy controls by bio-impedance analysis. Data on patient's body mass index (BMI) for height-age, serum albumin, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood pressure status, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were collected in patients. RESULTS: Patients presented lower levels of FM and FFM compared to healthy controls (p = 0.04 and p = 0.055 respectively). In patient group, BMI height-age z-score was positively correlated to FTI (r2 = 0.574, p < 0.001) and FFTI (r2 = 0.338, p = 0.001) and negatively correlated to FFTI/FTI (r2 = 0.263, p = 0.007). Serum albumin was positively correlated only with FFM among body composition data (r2 = 0.169, p = 0.037). PWV z-score was positively correlated to FFTI (r2 = 0.421, p = 0.006) and inversely correlated to FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 (r2 = 0.317, p = 0.003). Patients with FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 presented lower levels of PWV regardless the need for antihypertensive treatment. Serum albumin ≥ 3.8 mg/dl and FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 were independently associated with a lower risk for high PWV, after adjustment for age, sex, and GFR (OR 0.009, 95% CI 0.000-0.729 and OR 0.039, 95% CI 0.002-0.680). All underweight [2 (7.7%)] and overweight [4 (15.4%)] patients presented high PWV. Among normal weight patients, FFTI/FTI ratio ≥ 2.5 was significantly associated with lower PWV z-score (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Both underweight and overweight are associated with arterial stiffness. Targeting FFTI/FTI ≥ 2.5 could be protective against cardiovascular disease in normal weight children.

Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including the comparison of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). DESIGN: Network meta-analysis. Two authors independently extracted data. All authors evaluated overall confidence in the evidence. RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs included in our review, a total of 78,796 patients with AF, with sample sizes from 90 to 21,105 patients. Apixaban 5 mg (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.95), dabigatran 110 mg (0.91, 0.74-1.12), dabigatran 150 mg (0.66, 0.53-0.82), edoxaban 60 mg (0.87, 0.74-1.02), and rivaroxaban 20 mg (0.88, 0.74-1.03) reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared with warfarin. Dabigatran 150 mg had the highest P-score for reducing stroke or systemic embolic events. The risk of haemorhagic stroke and all-cause mortality was lower with all NOACs than with warfarin. Apixaban 5 mg (0.69, 0.60-0.80), dabigatran 110 mg (0.80, 0.69-0.93), dabigatran 150 mg (0.93, 0.80-1.08), edoxaban 30 mg (0.46, 0.40-0.54), and edoxaban 60 mg (0.78, 0.69-0.90) reduced the risk of major bleeding compared with warfarin. Edoxaban 30 mg had the highest P-score for reducing major bleeding. The plots of P-scores rank showed that apixaban offered the most favorable balance of efficacy and safety. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds an attempt for treatment ranking of both efficacy and safety outcomes. Future trials comparing directly NOACs are needed in order to provide conclusive proofs for these results and not only circumstantial evidence offered by a network meta-analysis.

Ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring for cardiovascular disease risk evaluation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to systematically review the level of evidence based on prospective cohort studies investigating the role of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) and home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. METHODS: Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The Der Simonian and Laird's random-effects model with standard error adjustment using the Knapp-Hartung method was used. RESULTS: SBP from ABPM and HBPM was significantly and positively associated with CVD risk [ combined hazard ratio per 1-SD SBP, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.32, 1.19-1.45, I2  = 35.8%, and 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11-1.49, I2  = 79.1%, respectively], after adjusting for office BP levels and other potential confounders. DBP from both ABPM and HBPM was positively associated with CVD risk ( combined hazard ratio per 1-SD DBP, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.01-1.29, I2  = 73.1% and 1.21, 1.05-1.37, I2  = 84.5%, respectively). CONCLUSION: BP either from ABPM or HBPM could predict CVD risk. As so, at least one of out-of-office BP measurements have to be taken into account during the evaluation of the hypertensive population.

Assessment of Early Vascular Aging Ambulatory Score (EVAAs): A Large Population-based External Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) remains the gold-standard method to assess Early Vascular Aging (EVA) defined by arterial stiffness. However, its high cost, time-consuming process, and need for qualified medical staff shows the importance of identifying alternative methods for the EVA evaluation. OBJECTIVE: In order to simplify the process of assessing patients' EVA, we recently developed the Early Vascular Aging Ambulatory score (EVAAs), a simple tool to predict the risk of EVA. The aim of the present study was the external validation of EVAAs in an independent population. METHODS: Eight hundred seventy-nine (46.3% men) patients who were referred to our Hypertension ESH Excellence Center were included in this study. The mean age was 46.43 ± 22.87 years. EVA was evaluated in two different ways. The first assessment included c-f PWV values, whereas the second one included EVAAs without the direct measurement of carotid-femoral PWV. RESULTS: The null hypothesis was that the prediction of EVA based on EVAAs does not present any statistically significant difference compared to the prediction based on the calculation from c-f PWV. Mean squared error (MSE) was used for the assessment of the null hypothesis, which was found to be 0.40. The results revealed that the EVAAs show the probability of EVA with 0.98 sensitivity and 0.75 specificity. The EVAAs present 95% positive predictive value and 92% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that EVAAs could be as reliable as the carotid-femoral PWV to identify patients with EVA. Hence, we hope that EVAAs will be a useful tool in clinical practice.

Treatment of Metabolic (Dysfunction)-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials-A Short Review.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MALFD) is a highly prevalent and progressive disease, strongly related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. It comprises a spectrum of liver pathology from steatosis (fat accumulation in the hepatocytes) to steatosis with inflammation (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis, MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently only one medication, resmetirom, US Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of MALFD. Evidence from randomized trials supports the efficacy of hypocaloric diets and exercise in MASH resolution. Moreover, substantial weight loss after bariatric surgery can lead to significant and longitudinally sustained MASH resolution, improvement in liver fibrosis, and decrease in the risk of major cardiovascular adverse events. Pioglitazone, an insulin sensitizer, initiated at the early stages, before the progression to fibrosis, may be effective in resolution of MASH in patients with or without type 2 diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs), semaglutide and liraglutide, may also be effective in resolution of MASH but not of fibrosis. Preliminary data from interventions with tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide RA, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are encouraging, but more data based on liver biopsy are needed.

The Effects of Olive Oil Consumption on Biochemical Parameters and Body Mass Index of People with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disorder, is closely associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndromes. A body of research has proposed that olive oil, a basic component of the Mediterranean diet with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may alleviate metabolic disturbances and retard the progression of NAFLD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of olive oil intake in people with NAFLD. We systematically searched the major electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), as well as grey literature sources, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of olive oil consumption on biochemical and anthropometric parameters of individuals with NAFLD. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the risk-of-bias tool 2.0 (RoB 2). The mean difference (MD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed-effects and random-effects models. Seven RCTs involving 515 subjects were included in the analysis. In the random-effects model, no statistically significant differences were identified with respect to alanine transaminase (MD = -1.83 IU/L, 95% CI: -5.85, 2.19 IU/L, p = 0.37, I2 = 69%) and aspartate transaminase (MD = -1.65 IU/L, 95% CI: -4.48, 1.17 IU/L, p = 0.25, I2 = 72%) levels or waist circumference values (MD = -0.23 cm, 95% CI: -1.23, 0.76 cm, p = 0.65, I2 = 0%). However, a significant effect on body mass index was observed (MD = -0.57 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.08, -0.06 kg/m2, p = 0.03, I2 = 51%) for subjects who received olive oil compared to those who received an alternative diet or placebo. The findings of the present meta-analysis suggest a modestly positive impact of olive oil intake on body weight in people with NAFLD.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Elderly: An Analysis of Clinical Profile and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Burden from the Hellas-FH Registry.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) carries a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). As the population ages, the age-related influence on clinical characteristics and outcomes becomes increasingly pertinent. This cross-sectional analysis from the HELLAS-FH registry aims to explore potential differences in clinical characteristics, treatment, ASCVD, and goal achievement between those younger and older than 65 years with FH. RESULTS: A total of 2273 adults with heterozygous FH (51.4% males) were studied. Elderly FH patients (n = 349) had a higher prevalence of ASCVD risk factors, such as hypertension (52.1% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.05) and type 2 diabetes (16.9% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.05), compared to younger patients (n = 1924). They also had a higher prevalence of established ASCVD (38.4% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001), particularly CAD (33.0% vs. 20.2%, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for major ASCVD risk factors. Elderly patients were more frequently and intensively receiving lipid-lowering treatment than younger ones. Although post-treatment LDL-C levels were lower in elderly than younger patients (125 vs. 146 mg/dL, p < 0.05), both groups had similar attainment of the LDL-C target (3.7% vs. 3.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly FH patients have a higher prevalence of ASCVD, particularly CAD. Despite more aggressive treatment, the achievement of LDL-C targets remains very poor. These results emphasize the importance of early FH diagnosis and treatment in reducing ASCVD.

Obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: An analysis from HELLAS-FH registry.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and obesity are well-established risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Despite high prevalence, their joint association with ASCVD remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of obesity with prevalent ASCVD in individuals with heterozygous FH (HeFH) enrolled in the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH). METHODS: FH diagnosis was based on Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria. Adults with at least possible FH diagnosis (DLCN score ≥3) and available body mass index (BMI) values were included. Homozygous FH individuals were excluded. RESULTS: 1655 HeFH adults (mean age 51.0 ± 14.4 years, 48.6% female) were included; 378 (22.8%) and 430 (26.0%) were diagnosed with probable and definite FH, respectively. Furthermore, 371 participants (22.4%) had obesity and 761 (46.0%) were overweight. Prevalence of ASCVD risk factors increased progressively with BMI. Prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was 23.4% (3.2% for stroke and 2.7% for peripheral artery disease [PAD]), and increased progressively across BMI groups. After adjusting for traditional ASCVD risk factors and lipid-lowering medication, individuals with obesity had higher odds of established CAD (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.04-2.27, p = 0.036) as well as premature CAD (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.17-2.60, p = 0.009) compared with those with normal BMI. No association was found with stroke or PAD. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of adults with HeFH have overweight or obesity. Obesity was independently associated with increased prevalence of CAD in this population.

Physical signs and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia: the HELLAS-FH Registry.

AIMS: Three physical signs, namely tendon xanthomas, corneal arcus and xanthelasma, have been associated with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH). The prevalence and clinical significance of these signs are not well established among contemporary heFH individuals. This study explored the frequency as well as the association of these physical signs with prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in heFH individuals. METHODS: Data from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry were applied for this analysis. The diagnosis of heFH was based on the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of heFH-related physical signs with prevalent ASCVD. RESULTS: Adult patients ( n  = 2156, mean age 50 ±â€Š15 years, 47.7% women) were included in this analysis. Among them, 14.5% had at least one heFH-related physical sign present. The prevalence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was 6.6%, tendon xanthomas 5.3%, and xanthelasmas 5.8%. Among physical signs, only the presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was independently associated with the presence of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). No association of any physical sign with total CAD, stroke or peripheral artery disease was found. Patients with physical signs were more likely to receive higher intensity statin therapy and dual lipid-lowering therapy, but only a minority reached optimal lipid targets. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of physical signs is relatively low in contemporary heFH patients. The presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years is independently associated with premature CAD.

The Depiction of Hypertension in Heart Imaging Examinations: An Up-to-Date Review of the Evidence.

Hypertension is one of the main preventable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors all over the years, closely related to CV morbidity and mortality. One of the most common hypertensive target organ damages is hypertensive heart disease (HHD), including left ventricular hypertrophy, which progresses gradually and leads to systolic or diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricular, and finally to end-stage heart failure. Regarding its prevalence and the need for early diagnosis, assessment of heart imaging examination is of major importance. Echocardiography has been used as the standard imaging technique to evaluate HHD for years, providing an accurate evaluation of the left ventricular geometry, along with the systolic and diastolic function. However, nowadays there is a growing interest in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Despite the importance of the use of echocardiography in everyday clinical practice, numerous studies have shown the superiority of CMR as an imaging technique for clinical and research purposes, mainly due to its strength to provide an unlimited area of view, as well as the identification and quantification of the type and extent of myocardial fibrosis. Hence, this review aims to analyze the importance of heart imaging in the hypertensive population, with a special interest in CMR imaging.

Familial hypercholesterolemia and its manifestations: Practical considerations for general practitioners.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic disorder of lipid metabolism, affecting almost 1 in 250 individuals worldwide. It is usually inherited via the autosomal dominant way and is characterized by aberrantly high total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations from early childhood, predisposing to increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), mostly coronary heart disease (CHD). Despite its high prevalence in the general population and the high ASCVD risk, FH is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Genetic diagnosis is not always necessary since specific criteria, taking into account the patient's individual and family history, clinical signs, and untreated LDL-C concentrations, may be used for prompt diagnosis. Except for CHD, which may be already evident at diagnosis, leading to increased mortality, other non-CHD morbidities, such as stroke, peripheral artery disease, carotid artery stenosis, and aortic valve calcification may be also present, substantiating the need for prompt intervention. Statins constitute the mainstay of treatment both in adults and children >8 years old. In cases of statin intolerance or not achieving the LDL-C target despite maximally tolerated statin dose, ezetimibe and/or proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors may be used. The advent of recently approved medications, such as inclisiran and bempedoic acid, either as monotherapy or as add-on therapy to statins, has further enhanced the therapeutic armamentarium that can be used in FH patients. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide practical considerations regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to FH patients.

The effect of menopause on lipoprotein (a) concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Transition to menopause has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), attributed mainly to atherogenic dyslipidemia. Whether lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], an independent cardiovascular risk factor, also contributes to menopause-associated CVD has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate and meta-analyze the best available evidence regarding the effect of menopause on Lp(a) concentrations. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases up to March 8th, 2022. Data were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). The I2 index was employed to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in the qualitative and 15 in the quantitative analysis, yielding 4686 premenopausal and 8274 postmenopausal women. Lp(a) concentrations were lower in premenopausal than in postmenopausal women [WMD -3.77 (95 % CI -5.37, -2.18) mg/dl, p < 0.001; I2 99%, p < 0.001]. This difference was maintained when the analysis was restrained to good-quality studies (n = 9). Four studies included pre- and postmenopausal women, matched for age, and these found no difference in Lp(a) concentrations between groups [WMD -1.22 (95 % CI -3.15, 0.72) mg/dl, p < 0.001; I2 99%, p < 0.001]. Three studies provided data for Lp(a) in women before and after bilateral oophorectomy, and these found no difference between them [WMD -3.38 (95 % CI -7.29, 0.54) mg/dl, p = 0.09; I2 0%, p < 0.44]. CONCLUSIONS: Transition to menopause may increase Lp(a) concentrations, although the effect of aging cannot be excluded by current data.

High Versus Low Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet for Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT-2) presents with a growing incidence, and its complications contribute mainly to cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. DMT-2 prevention and early stage management include lifestyle modification by adopting healthy eating patterns and increasing physical activity levels. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with beneficial effects on human health and has been found effective for preventing and managing DMT-2. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to investigate whether the level of MD adherence plays a role in DMT-2 prevention and to what extent. A systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was conducted until November 2022, and related observational studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included. The literature search concluded with 24 studies in the qualitative analysis and 23 studies in the quantitative analysis. Of those, 18 cohort studies were eligible for meta-analysis with hazard ratio as effect size and five studies providing odds ratio as effect size. The cohort studies included 248,140 participants with a mean follow-up of 10.8 years (3 to 22 years). Individuals with high adherence to MD presented an 11% and 18% decrease in risk and odds, respectively, of developing DMT-2 compared to those with low MD adherence (HR 0.89, 95%CI 0.83 to 0.95) and (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.72 to 0.93). In studies where the follow-up was longer than 10 years, the 12% decrease in the risk of developing DMT-2 remained (HR 0.88 95%CI 0.84 to 0.92), whereas in studies where follow-up was less than 10 years, no difference between groups with different levels of adherence was found. Long-term high MD adherence is associated with a reduced risk of developing DMT-2, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.