The relationship between bone mineral density and blood pressure in the Korean elderly population: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2008-2011.

It is not clear whether the inverse relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and blood pressure (BP) could be generalizable to the general elderly population. We used data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study sample consisted of 8439 men and postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older. We evaluated the relationship between BMD and BP. When adjusted for covariates, femur neck T-score [coefficient = -0.391, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.766 to -0.016, p = 0.041] had an inverse relationship with diastolic BP (DBP), whereas lumbar spine BMD (coefficient = 0.395, 95% CI 0.058-7.752, p = 0.047) and T-score (coefficient = 0.458, 95% CI 0.005-0.911, p = 0.047) had a positive relationship with systolic BP (SBP). When adjusted for confounding factors, SBP (128.67 ± 0.979 mmHg versus 126.36 ± 0.545 mmHg, p = 0.026) and DBP (78.8 ± 0.622 mmHg versus 77.27 ± 0.283 mmHg, p = 0.016) were significantly higher in femur neck osteoporosis subjects than non-osteoporosis subjects. However, there were no differences in BP in relation to lumbar spine osteoporosis. Femur neck osteoporosis (odds ratio = 1.422, 95% CI 1.107-1.827, p = 0.006) had a significant and positive relationship with hypertension, whereas the other parameters of BMD were not significantly related to hypertension. In conclusion, higher BP and hypertension were significantly and positively correlated with femur neck osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older.

Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation and Relation to Echocardiographic Parameters in a Healthy Asymptomatic Rural Korean Population.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and a potent independent risk factor for stroke. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AF in a population-based sample of adults in a rural region of Korea. Between January 2005 and December 2009, 4,067 individuals (60.2 ± 11.2 yr old, M: F = 1,582:2,485) over 21 who were residents of the county of Yangpyeong, Korea, participated in the study. AF was assessed on a resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in 4,053 of the participants. Blood tests and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were also performed to investigate the relationship between left ventricular mass and AF in the study group. Fifty-four cases (32 men) were diagnosed as AF among the 4,053 subjects. The crude prevalence of AF was 1.3%. It was highest (2.3%) among sixty- and seventy- year olds, and higher in men than women in all age groups over 50. The prevalence in men was 2.0%, and in women 0.9%. In univariate analysis, age, male gender, body mass index, total serum cholesterol, alanine transaminase, serum creatinine, adiponectin level, and ischemic heart disease were associated with AF. Among the TTE parameters, systolic and diastolic left ventricular systolic internal dimension (LVID), and LV ejection fraction were associated with AF. In this relatively healthy population in a rural area of Korea, the prevalence of AF is 1.3%, and increases with age. Of the TTE parameters, systolic and diastolic LVID and left atrial diameter are related to prevalence of AF.

A prediction model for renal artery stenosis using carotid ultrasonography measurements in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) are well-known indicators of atherosclerosis. However, few studies have reported the value of CIMT and CAP for predicting renal artery stenosis (RAS). We investigated the predictive value of CIMT and CAP for RAS and propose a model for predicting significant RAS in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent renal angiography at the time of CAG in a single center in 2011 were included. RAS ≥50% was considered significant. Multiple logistic regression analysis with step-down variable selection method was used to select the best model for predicting significant RAS and bootstrap resampling was used to validate the best model. A scoring system for predicting significant RAS was developed by adding the closest integers proportional to the coefficients of the regression formula. RESULTS: Significant RAS was observed in 60 of 641 patients (9.6%) who underwent CAG. Hypertension, diabetes, significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage ≥3 were more prevalent in patients with significant RAS. Mean age, CIMT and number of anti-hypertensive medications (AHM) were higher and body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol level were lower in patients with significant RAS. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified significant CAD (odds ratio (OR) 5.6), unilateral CAP (OR 2.6), bilateral CAP (OR 4.9), CKD stage ≥3 (OR 4.8), four or more AHM (OR 4.8), CIMT (OR 2.3), age ≥67 years (OR 2.3) and BMI <22 kg/m2 (OR 2.4) as independent predictors of significant RAS. The scoring system for predicting significant RAS, which included these predictors, had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 81.6%. The predicted frequency of the scoring system agreed well with the observed frequency of significant RAS (coefficient of determination r2 = 0.957). CONCLUSIONS: CIMT and CAP are independent predictors of significant RAS. The proposed scoring system, which includes CIMT and CAP, may be useful for predicting significant RAS in patients undergoing CAG.

Morphological findings in typical variant angina presenting as acute coronary syndrome using optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Coronary vasospasm causes variant angina, as well as acute myocardial infarction, ventricular tachycardia, and sudden cardiac death. We evaluated morphological changes due to vasospastic lesions, which may cause acute coronary syndrome (ACS), using a novel technique called optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Twenty patients (40-83 years old, 19 males) with vasospasm-induced ACS who visited the emergency room because of continuous chest pain and displayed transient ST segment elevation in their electrocardiogram were enrolled in the study. None of these patients had significant coronary artery disease and all had positive results in the provocation test. OCT examinations were performed for evaluation of vasospastic lesions. RESULTS: Intraluminal thrombi and intimal erosion were found in 6 (33.3%) and 2 patients (10%), respectively. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in patients with microthrombi (2.66 ± 3.33 mg/L) compared with those in patients without microthrombi (0.49 ± 0.30 mg/L; P = 0.022). Serum cardiac troponin-I levels were not significantly different between patients with or without microthrombi (2.37 ± 5.31 ng/mL vs. 1.45 ± 4.68 ng/mL; P = 0.704). Other parameters, including creatinine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme, total cholesterol, pain duration, residual stenosis, lesion length, and coronary risk factors, were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with vasospasm-induced ACS, microthrombi with or without intimal erosion are major abnormal morphologic findings of OCT examinations. However, further large-scale studies are required for validation.

Association between central obesity and circadian parameters of blood pressure from the korean ambulatory blood pressure monitoring registry: Kor-ABP registry.

Central obesity has been reported as a risk for atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. The influence of central obesity on diurnal blood pressure (BP) has not been established. In this study, we investigated the influence of central obesity on the circadian parameters of BP by 24 hr ambulatory BP monitoring. Total 1,290 subjects were enrolled from the Korean Ambulatory BP registry. Central obesity was defined as having a waist circumference≥90 cm in males and ≥85 cm in females. The central-obese group had higher daytime systolic BP (SBP), nighttime SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) than the non-obese group (all, P<0.001). There were no differences in nocturnal dipping (ND) patterns between the groups. Female participants showed a higher BP mean difference (MD) than male participants with concerns of central obesity (daytime SBP MD 5.28 vs 4.27, nighttime SBP MD 6.48 vs 2.72) and wider pulse pressure (PP). Central obesity within the elderly (≥65 yr) also showed a higher BP MD than within the younger group (daytime SBP MD 8.23 vs 3.87, daytime DBP 4.10 vs 1.59). In conclusion, central obesity has no influence on nocturnal dipping patterns. However, higher SBP and wider PP are associated with central obesity, which is accentuated in women.

Unilateral pulmonary edema: a rare initial presentation of cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction.

Cardiogenic unilateral pulmonary edema (UPE) is a rare clinical entity that is often misdiagnosed at first. Most cases of cardiogenic UPE occur in the right upper lobe and are caused by severe mitral regurgitation (MR). We present an unusual case of right-sided UPE in a patient with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without severe MR. The patient was successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention and medical therapy for heart failure. Follow-up chest Radiography showed complete resolution of the UPE. This case reminds us that AMI can present as UPE even in patients without severe MR or any preexisting pulmonary disease affecting the vasculature or parenchyma of the lung.

Erythrocyte fatty acid profiles can predict acute non-fatal myocardial infarction.

The risk of CHD has been linked to n-3 and trans-fatty acids. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the hypothesis that lower n-3 fatty acids and higher trans-fatty acids in erythrocytes are associated with an increased risk of acute non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and that fatty acid profiles can discriminate MI cases from controls. Fifty cases with acute non-fatal MI and fifty age- and sex-matched controls without MI were recruited. The Omega-3 Index (the sum of EPA and DHA in erythrocytes) was significantly lower in cases than controls (9.57 (SEM 0.28) v. 11.81 (SEM 0.35) %; P < 0.001), while total trans-fatty acids were significantly higher (1.01 (SEM 0.04) v. 0.56 (SEM 0.03) %; P < 0.001). The Omega-3 Index was associated with decreased risk of MI (OR 0.08 (95 % CI 0.02, 0.38); P = 0.001), while total trans-fatty acids were associated with an increased risk of MI (OR 72.67 (95 % CI 6.68, 790.74); P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of fatty acid profiles was larger than that for traditional risk factors, suggesting that fatty acid profiles make a higher contribution to the discrimination of MI cases from controls compared with modified Framingham risk factors. In conclusion, a higher Omega-3 Index and lower trans-fatty acids in erythrocytes are associated with a decreased risk of MI. Furthermore, fatty acid profiles improve discrimination of acute non-fatal MI compared with established risk factors.

Comparison of Morphologic Features and Flow Velocity of the Left Atrial Appendage Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Alone, Transient Ischemic Attack, and Cardioembolic Stroke.

The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a major source of emboli responsible for cardioembolic stroke (CES). We hypothesized that there could be differences in the morphologic and functional features of LAAs among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) alone, patients with cardioembolic transient ischemic attack (CETIA), and patients with CES. Patients with AF and CETIA/CES were included in either a CETIA group or a CES group. Patients with AF without past histories of stroke were included in an AF/non-CVA (cerebrovascular accident) group. Cardiac computerized tomography and transesophageal echocardiography were employed for morphologic and functional assessments of LAAs. Cauliflower LAA morphology increased and chicken wing LAA morphology decreased in frequency in the following order: AF/non-CVA, CETIA, and CES group. LAA orifice diameters were larger in the CETIA and CES groups than in the AF/non-CVA group. LAA flow velocity was higher in the CES group than in the other groups. Multiple multinominal regression analyses showed that the cauliflower morphology was associated with CETIA and CES; however, after LAA orifice diameters and flow velocity were adjusted, LAA morphology was associated with neither of them. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that LAA orifice diameter and flow velocity accurately predicted CETIA (c-statistic 0.839) and CES (c-statistic 0.896), respectively. In conclusion, cauliflower LAA morphology is associated with an increased risk of CETIA and CES through its large LAA orifice diameters and low LAA flow velocity. There are clear differences in LAA orifice diameters and flow velocity among patients with AF alone, CES, and CETIA.

Revised definition of predicted left ventricular mass using ambulatory blood pressure in healthy Korean adults.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy is influenced by both hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic factors. Ambulatory blood pressure is correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy. We established the influences of hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic factors, including ambulatory blood pressure, on variation in left ventricular mass in healthy Korean adults. METHOD: We included 172 subjects (male = 71, female = 101), with normal body mass index and blood pressure, in an analysis of data from the Yangpyung and Yeoju cohort studies and a tertiary cardiovascular center. Left ventricular mass was calculated using the equation: [1.04 × (IVSd + LVDd + PWTd) 3-(LDVs3)] × 0.8 + 0.6. Stroke volume was calculated (mL/beat) using Teichholz's formula. Stroke work (SW in gram-meters/beat [g-m/beat]) was computed as ambulatory systolic BP × stroke volume × 0.0144. RESULTS: Stroke work was the most important determinant associated with left ventricular mass (adjusted R2 = 0.442, p < 0.001), independent of height2.7 and sex. In a regression model including stroke work, height,2.7 and sex, the left ventricular mass was predicted by the equation: 43.11 + 0.61 × SW (g-m/beat) + 9.21 × height2.7-13.99 × sex (male = 1, female = 2) (constant = 43.11 ± 25.88, adjusted R2 = 0.532, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We examined ambulatory blood pressure, as in previous studies, and identified stroke work, height2.7, and sex as important determinants of left ventricular mass in Korean adults of normal weight and normal blood pressure. Ambulatory blood pressure is superior to clinical blood pressure for determining stroke work and predicted left ventricular mass.

Comparison of effects between calcium channel blocker and diuretics in combination with angiotensin II receptor blocker on 24-h central blood pressure and vascular hemodynamic parameters in hypertensive patients: study design for a multicenter, double-blinded, active-controlled, phase 4, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke, and is one of the leading causes of death. Although over a billion people are affected worldwide, only half of them receive adequate treatment. Current guidelines on antihypertensive treatment recommend combination therapy for patients not responding to monotherapy, but as the number of pills increase, patient compliance tends to decrease. As a result, fixed-dose combination drugs with different antihypertensive agents have been developed and widely used in recent years. CCBs have been shown to be better at reducing central blood pressure and arterial stiffness than diuretics. Recent studies have reported that central blood pressure and arterial stiffness are associated with cardiovascular outcomes. This trial aims to compare the efficacy of combination of calcium channel blocker (CCB) or thiazide diuretic with an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). METHODS: This is a multicenter, double-blinded, active-controlled, phase 4, randomized trial, comparing the antihypertensive effects of losartan/amlodipine and losartan/hydrochlorothiazide in patients unresponsive to treatment with losartan. The primary endpoint is changes in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) after 4 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints are changes in msSBP, mean 24-h ambulatory mobile blood pressure, mean 24-h ambulatory mobile central SBP, mean 24-h ambulatory carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, ambulatory augmentation index, and microalbuminuria/proteinuria after 20 weeks of treatment. The sample size will be 119 patients for each group in order to confer enough power to test for non-inferiority regarding the primary outcome. CONCLUSION: The investigators aim to prove that combination of a CCB with ARB shows non-inferiority in lowering blood pressure compared with a combination of thiazide diuretic and ARB. We also hope to distinguish the subset of patients that are more responsive to certain types of combination drugs. The results of this study should aid physicians in selecting appropriate combination regimens to treat hypertension in certain populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02294539. Registered 12 November 2014.

Accidental ten times overdose administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-EPO) up to 318,000 units a day in acute myocardial infarction: report of two cases.

The cytokine erythropoietin protects the heart from ischaemic injury, in part by preventing apoptosis. But appropriate dose of erythropoietin for the protection of injured heart has not been studied. While we were researching the cardiac protective effects of erythropoietin in acute myocardial infarction, we experienced two cases of accidental nearly ten times overdose administration of erythropoietin up to 318,000 units instead of 33,000 units on the second day of three scheduled days of treatment. So a total of 384,000 units of erythropoietin were administered during three days. In case 1, the ALT level soared up to 386 U/l on the second day of administration and decreased slowly. It was back to normal state 3 months later. The AST level increased slowly up to 391 U/l and normalized 3 months later. Haemoglobin level was elevated up to 15.7 g/dl (14.7 g/dl at admission) and, 3 months later, normalized to 14.8 g/dl. In case 2, the ALT level was elevated up to 98 U/l on the second day of administration and decreased slowly. Three months later, the ALT level was normalized. The AST level also increased slowly up to 71 U/l and normalized 3 months later. Haemoglobin level was elevated up to 15.6 g/dl (13.8 g/dl at admission) and, 3 months later, normalized to 13.6 g/dl. In these two cases reported, these patients, even after massive overdose, tolerated it relatively well and the only side-effects we found were elevated liver enzyme and haemoglobin levels.

Two Distinct Responses of Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Pressure to Leg-Raise Exercise in Euvolemic Patients with Exertional Dyspnea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Few studies have invasively assessed diastolic functional reserve and serial changes in left ventricular hemodynamics in euvolemic patients with exertional dyspnea. In this study, sequential changes in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) to leg-raise exercise were measured invasively in patients with early heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) to determine the association between these serial changes and echocardiographic results or clinical features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During their hospital stay, 181 patients with early HFpEF underwent left cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Leg-raise exercise was performed in two stages: during cardiac catheterization and again during TTE. RESULTS: Compared with the initial values, all the invasively measured LVEDP values increased significantly during the leg-raise exercise, whereas the septal e/e' ratio remained unchanged. Active leg-raise led to increased LVEDP, which caused dyspnea. The severity of symptoms correlated with the level and extent of changes in LVEDP. At the end of active leg-raise, LVEDP decreased in 40 patients (22.1%), who were younger and had significantly lower e/e' ratios. On multivariate analysis to predict the response of LVEDP to active leg-raise, age and the septal e/e' ratio remained significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Despite having similar LVEDP values at rest, patients may respond to exercise with different LVEDP levels and clinical manifestations, depending on their diastolic capacity. The leg-raise exercise in early HFpEF can elucidate individual diastolic profiles, and the LVEDP response to the leg-raise test may serve as a useful criterion in stratifying patients with early HFpEF with respect to functional reserve.

Abdominal Wall Hematoma as a Rare Complication following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Abdominal wall hematoma is a rare but potentially serious vascular complication that may develop after coronary angiographic procedures. In particular, an oblique muscle hematoma caused by an injury of the circumflex iliac artery is very rare, yet can be managed by conservative treatment including hydration and transfusion. However, when active bleeding continues, angiographic embolization or surgery might be needed. In this study, we report an uncommon case of injury to the circumflex iliac artery by an inappropriate introduction of the hydrophilic guidewire during the performance of a percutaneous coronary intervention.

Higher Blood Pressure Variability in White Coat Hypertension; from the Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Blood pressure variability (BPV) was recently shown to be a risk factor of stroke. White coat hypertension (WCH) used to be regarded as innocuous, but one long-term follow-up study reported that WCH increased stroke rate compared to normotension (NT). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between WCH and BPV. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 1398 subjects from the Korean Ambulatory Blood Pressure Registry, who were divided into NT (n=364), masked hypertension (n=122), white coat hypertension (n=254), and sustained hypertension (n=658) groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar among groups. The average real variability (ARV), a highly sensitive BPV parameter, was highest in the WCH group, followed by the sustained hypertension, masked hypertension, and NT groups. The results persisted after being adjusted for covariates. The WCH vs. sustained hypertension results (adjusted mean±standard error) were as follows: 24-h systolic ARV, 22.9±0.8 vs. 19.4±0.6; 24-h diastolic ARV, 16.8±0.6 vs. 14.3±0.5; daytime systolic ARV, 21.8±0.8 vs. 16.8±0.6; and daytime diastolic ARV, 16.2±0.6 vs. 13.4±0.5 (p<0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: From the registry data, we found that subjects with WCH or masked hypertension had higher BPV than NT. However, long-term follow-up data assessing the clinical influences of WCH on stroke are needed.

Comparison of morphologic findings obtained by optical coherence tomography in acute coronary syndrome caused by vasospasm and chronic stable variant angina.

This study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate morphologic changes in vasospastic lesions, which can cause acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or chronic stable VA. Thirty-nine patients (52.4 ± 9.0 years, 33 males) with vasospasm-induced ACS who presented with chest pain and displayed transient ST segment elevation on electrocardiography were included in the ACS group. Forty-one patients (49.3 ± 7.7 years, 33 males) who presented with chronic stable variant angina were included in the VA group. The clinical characteristics and morphologic OCT results of the two groups were compared. There were no differences in baseline characteristics, including the proportions of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, between the two groups. Intimal tear, erosion, and intra-luminal thrombi were more frequent in the ACS group than the VA group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.006, respectively). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was higher in the ACS group than the VA group (1.33 ± 1.93 vs 0.48 ± 0.50 mg/l, P = 0.011). Maximal intima thickness of spastic segment (0.38 ± 0.06 vs 0.31 ± 0.05 mm, P < 0.001) was significantly greater in the ACS group than in the VA group. In patients with vasospasm-induced ACS, intimal tear, intimal erosion, and microthrombi are major abnormal morphologic findings of OCT compared with patients with chronic stable VA.

The beneficial effects of Tai Chi exercise on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in elderly women with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been known to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on CVD risk in elderly women with RA. METHOD: In total, 56 female patients with RA were assigned to either a Tai Chi exercise group (29 patients) receiving a 3-month exercise intervention once a week or a control group (27 patients) receiving general information about the benefits of exercise. All participants were assessed at baseline and at 3 months for RA disease activity (Disease Activity Score 28 and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3), functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire), CVD risk factors (blood pressure, lipids profile, body composition, and smoking), and three atherosclerotic measurements: carotid intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). RESULTS: FMD, representative of endothelial function, significantly increased in the Tai Chi exercise group (initial 5.85 ± 2.05 versus 3 months 7.75 ± 2.53%) compared with the control group (initial 6.31 ± 2.12 versus 3 months 5.78 ± 2.13%) (P = 1.76 × 10(-3)). Moreover, baPWV, representative of arterial stiffness, significantly decreased in the Tai Chi exercise group (initial 1693.7 ± 348.3 versus 3 months 1600.1 ± 291.0 cm/s) compared with the control group (initial 1740.3 ± 185.3 versus 3 months 1792.8 ± 326.1 cm/s) (P = 1.57 × 10(-2)). In addition, total cholesterol decreased significantly in the Tai Chi exercise group compared with the control group (-7.8 ± 15.5 versus 2.9 ± 12.2 mg/dl, P = 2.72 × 10(-2)); other changes in RA-related characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. Tai Chi exercise remained significantly associated with improved endothelial function (FMD; P = 4.32 × 10(-3)) and arterial stiffness (baPWV; P = 2.22 × 10(-2)) after adjustment for improvement in total cholesterol level. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi exercise improved endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in elderly women with RA, suggesting that it can be a useful behavioral strategy for CVD prevention in patients with RA.

Relationship between bone mineral density and a 10-year risk for coronary artery disease in a healthy Korean population: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2010.

INTRODUCTION: Bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. If BMD is related independently to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), BMD could play an important role in CHD risk prediction. We assessed the hypothesis that BMD is related independently to the risk of CHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used data from the fourth and fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The study sample included men and women aged 20-79 years, who did not have myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, or diabetes mellitus. We evaluated the relationship between BMD and the Framingham risk score for each sex. RESULTS: In the male population, femur neck BMD [coefficient=-2.167, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.385 to -0.950, P=0.001] and lumbar spine BMD (coefficient=-1.539, 95% CI -2.546 to -0.532, P=0.003) showed an inverse correlation with the Framingham risk score after adjusting for covariates. In the female population, the relationship between BMD parameters and the Framingham risk score was not significant after adjusting for covariates. In the male population, those with femur neck BMD values in the first quartile had greater odds of a 10-year risk greater than or equal to 10% for CHD compared with those in the fourth quartile (odds ratio=1.942, 95% CI 1.315-2.869, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: BMD was correlated inversely with the 10-year risk for CHD in the healthy male population. This result suggests that in the male population, measurement of BMD could be useful for prediction of the risk of CHD.

Health-related quality of life in coronary heart disease in Korea: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007 to 2011.

Using data from 2007 to 2011 of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we evaluated the influence of coronary heart disease (CHD) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as measured by the EQ-5D in comparison with the general population and the predictors of HRQoL in CHD. Compared with the general population, HRQoL was impaired in the EQ-5D dimensions of mobility, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The impairment of HRQoL was much greater in the older age group and in females. In subjects with CHD, the predictors for a low EQ-5D index were old age, female sex, low education, stroke, and noncardiovascular comorbidities, and the predictors for a low EQ Visual Analogue Scale were low income and noncardiovascular comorbidities. For the improvement in HRQoL, preventing stroke and noncardiovascular comorbidities is important, especially among female and older Asian patients with CHD.

Changes in body fat distribution through menopause increase blood pressure independently of total body fat in middle-aged women: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010.

Blood pressure in women increases sharply in middle age, especially after menopause. As the menopausal transition is known to induce changes in body fat distribution, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of body fat distribution as compared with the effect of total body fat on blood pressure through the menopausal transition. We analyzed 1422 subjects aged 45-55 years using the database from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010. The waist circumference (WC) of post-menopausal women was larger than that of pre-menopausal women (80.44 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 79.36-81.52 vs. 78.94 cm, 95% CI 78.27-79.61, P=0.013), but there was no statistically significant difference in body mass index (BMI). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were significantly higher in post-menopausal women than in pre-menopausal women: SBP was 118.33 mm Hg, 95% CI 116.52-120.15 vs. 115.22 mm Hg, 95% CI 114.17-116.28 (P=0.003) and DBP was 76.94 mm Hg, 95% CI 75.88-77.99 vs. 75.25 mm Hg, 95% CI 74.57-75.93 (P=0.009). BMI and WC were positively correlated with BP. After adjustment for BMI, the correlation of WC with SBP remained significant (ß=0.250, 95% CI 0.024-0.476, P=0.030). In a stratified analysis, WC correlated with SBP in women with BMI<25 kg m(-2) (ß=0.358, 95% CI 0.138-0.579, P=0.001), but not in women with BMI25 kg m(-2). We conclude that the changes in body fat distribution through the menopausal transition are associated with SBP, independent of total body fat. This finding indicates that alterations in the localization of body fat are another cause of menopause-related changes in BP.

Body fat distribution after menopause and cardiovascular disease risk factors: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in women increases sharply after menopause. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between menopause and body fat distribution and to investigate their association with cardiovascular disease risk factors. METHODS: We analyzed 2035 women 20-79 years of age using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010 database. Body fat was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The percentage of total body fat and the body fat distribution (BFD) index (the ratio of the trunk fat mass to leg fat mass) are significantly higher in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women (all p<0.001). When adjusted for age, menopause was associated with higher total body fat percentage (adjusted ß=1.082, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.074-2.090, p=0.035). In women with a body mass index<25 kg/m(2), the higher BFD index was also independently associated with menopause (adjusted ß=14.408, 95% CI 1.672-27.145, p=0.027). After adjusting for age and body fat percentage, the BFD index showed significant and independent associations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (adjusted ß=0.060 and 0.042, all p<0.001, respectively), fasting glucose (adjusted ß=0.007, p<0.001), total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (adjusted ß=0.001 and -0.002, p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively), and triglyceride levels (adjusted ß=0.007, p<0.001- except for low density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: After menopause, women have not only higher total body fat percentage but also its different distribution, which independently correlates with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Therefore, this change in body fat may cause the sharp increase in cardiovascular disease incidence in middle-aged women, especially after menopause.