Occurrence of pulmonary embolism related to COVID-19.

Recent reports have suggested an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) related to COVID-19. The aim of this cohort study is to compare the incidence of PE during a 3-year period and to assess the characteristics of PE in COVID-19. We studied consecutive patients presenting with PE (January 2017-April 2020). Clinical presentation, computed tomography (CT) and biological markers were systematically assessed. We recorded the global number of hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the same period in 2018-2019. We included 347 patients: 326 without COVID-19 and 21 with COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 experienced more likely dyspnea (p=0.04), had lower arterial oxygen saturation (p<0.001), higher C-reactive protein and white blood cell (WBC) count (p<0.0001 and p=0.001, respectively), and a significantly higher in-hospital mortality (14% versus 3.4%, p=0.04). Among COVID-19 patients, diagnosis of PE was performed at admission in 38% (n=8). COVID-19 patients with diagnosis of PE during hospitalization (n=13) had significantly more dyspnea (p=0.04), lower arterial oxygen saturation (p=0.01), less proximal PE (p=0.02), and higher heart rate (p=0.009), CT severity score (p=0.001), C-reactive protein (p=0.006) and WBC count (p=0.04). During the COVID-19 outbreak, a 97.4% increase of PE incidence was observed as compared to 2017-2019 and the proportion of hospitalizations related to PE was 3.7% versus 1.3% in 2018-2019 (p<0.0001). In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic leads to a dramatic increased incidence of PE. Physicians should be aware that PE may be diagnosed at admission, but also after several days of hospitalization, with a different clinical, CT and biological features of thrombotic disease.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreak on acute coronary syndrome admissions: four weeks to reverse the trend.

Data whether the COVID-19 outbreak impacts the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) admissions and the time required to reverse the downward curve are scarce. We included all consecutive patients referred for an ACS who underwent PCI from February 17, 2020 to April 26, 2020 in a high-volume PCI coronary care unit. We compared the number of ACS patients in 2020 to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Predictors of adverse outcome in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were recorded: symptom-onset-to-first medical contact (FMC), and FMC-to-sheath insertion times. During the studied period (calendar weeks 8-17, 2018-2020), 144 ACS patients were included. In 2020, we observed two distinct phases in the ACS admissions: a first significant fall, with a relative reduction of 73%, from the week of lockdown (week 12) to 3 weeks later and then an increase of ACS. Median symptom-onset-to-FMC time was significantly higher in 2020 than in the two previous years (600 min [298-632] versus 121 min [55-291], p < 0.001). Median FMC-to-sheath insertion did not differ significantly (93 min [81-131] in 2020 versus 90 min [67-137] in 2018-2019, p = 0.57). The main findings are (1) a pattern of a U-curve in ACS admissions, with a first decrease in ACS admissions and a return to "normality" 4 weeks after; (2) a significant increase in the total ischemic time exclusively due to an increase in the symptom-onset-to-first-medical-contact time.

Ideal Cardiovascular Health and Subclinical Markers of Carotid Structure and Function: The Paris Prospective Study III.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that subclinical markers of vascular structure and function, which are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease, would be less frequent in subjects with ideal than poor cardiovascular health (CVH) as defined by the American Heart Association (AHA). APPROACH AND RESULTS: Carotid parameters were measured using high-precision echotracking device in 9155 nonreferred participants attending a health checkup in a large health center in Paris (France) between 2008 and 2012. According to the AHA, participants with 0 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 7 metrics (smoking, physical activity, body mass index, diet, blood glucose and total cholesterol, blood pressure) at the ideal level were categorized as having poor, intermediate, and ideal CVH. Carotid parameters were dichotomized according to their median value, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Mean age was 59.5 (SD 6.3) years; 39% were females, and ideal CVH was present in 10.11% of the study participants. After adjustment for age, sex, education, and living alone and compared with a poor CVH, an ideal CVH was associated with lower common carotid artery intima-media thickness (odds ratio=1.64; 95% confidence interval 1.40, 1.93), absence of carotid plaques (odds ratio=2.14; 95% confidence interval 1.60, 2.87), lower Young's elastic modulus (odds ratio=2.43; 95% confidence interval 2.07, 2.84), and higher carotid distensibility coefficient (odds ratio=2.90; 95% confidence interval 2.47, 3.41). CONCLUSIONS: In community subjects aged 50 to 75 years, ideal CVH was associated with substantially less arterial stiffness and thickness. These associations might contribute to the lower risk of cardiovascular diseases in subjects with ideal CVH.

Registry on acute cardiovascular events during endurance running races: the prospective RACE Paris registry.

AIM: Long distance running races are associated with a low risk of life-threatening events much often attributed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, retrospective analyses of aetiology lack consistency. METHODS AND RESULTS: Incidence and aetiology of life-threatening/fatal events were assessed in long distance races in the prospective Registre des Accidents Cardiaques lors des courses d'Endurance (RACE Paris Registry) from October 2006 to September 2012. Characteristics of life-threatening/fatal events were analysed by interviewing survivors and reviewing medical records including post-mortem data of each case. Seventeen life-threatening events were identified of 511 880 runners of which two were fatal. The vast majority were cardiovascular events (13/17) occurring in experienced male runners [mean (±SD) age 43 ± 10 years], with infrequent cardiovascular risk factors, atypical warning symptoms prior to the race or negative treadmill test when performed. Acute myocardial ischaemia was the predominant aetiology (8 of 13) and led to immediate myocardial revascularization. All cases with initial shockable rhythm survived. There was no difference in event rate according to marathons vs. half-marathons and events were clustered at the end of the race. A meta-analysis of all available studies including the RACE Paris registry (n = 6) demonstrated a low prevalence of life-threatening events (0.75/100 000) and that presentation with non-shockable rhythm [OR = 29.9; 95% CI (4.0-222.5), P = 0.001] or non-ischaemic aetiology [OR = 6.4; 95% CI (1.4-28.8), P = 0.015] were associated with case-fatality. CONCLUSION: Life-threatening/fatal events during long distance races are rare, most often unpredictable and mainly due to acute myocardial ischaemia. Presentation with non-shockable rhythm and non-ischaemic aetiology are the major determinant of case fatality.

[ARNI, new abbreviation for a new class of treatment of heart failure]. / ARNI, nouvelle abréviation pour un nouveau traitement de l'insuffisance cardiaque.

ARNI (Angiontensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor) are a new class of drug : the angiotensin and neprilysin inhibitors. This combined effect allows an optimisation of the heart failure treatment by acting on both pathways of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and of the natriuretic peptides. LCZ696 is a combined molecule of valsartan and sacubitril and is currently the only one on the market. Its efficacy has been shown in a large randomised trial in 2014, and LCZ696 is now part of the last 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of heart failure.

Les ARNI (angiontensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor) sont une nouvelle classe de médicaments inhibiteurs des récepteurs de l'angiotensine et de la néprilysine. Cet effet combiné permet une optimisation du traitement de l'insuffisance cardiaque, en agissant à la fois sur la voie de la rénine-angiotensine-aldostérone et sur celle des peptides natriurétiques. Le LCZ696, une molécule combinant le valsartan au sacubitril, est pour le moment le seul sur le marché. Son efficacité a été démontrée dans une large étude randomisée en 2014 et le LCZ696 a été intégré dans les guidelines 2016 de la Société européenne de cardiologie pour le traitement de l'insuffisance cardiaque.

[LifeVest - a novel treatment option prior to implantable cardioverter defibrillator]. / Le système LifeVest ­ une nouvelle option thérapeutique avant un éventuel défibrillateur implantable.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillation has taken a predominant place in secondary and primary preventions of sudden rhythmic cardiac death in high-risk patients. However, in certain clinical situations, the implantation of definitive system should be postponed. The LifeVest, a portable external cardiac defibrillator system, has emerged as a novel therapeutic option before a final decision.

Le défibrillateur implantable interne a pris une place très claire en préventions secondaire et primaire de la mort subite d'origine rythmique chez les patients à haut risque. Cependant, dans certaines situations cliniques, l'implantation de ce système doit être différée et le système de défibrillateur cardiaque externe portable LifeVest a émergé comme une nouvelle option thérapeutique avant une décision finale.

Major regional disparities in outcomes after sudden cardiac arrest during sports.

AIMS: Characteristics of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) during sports offers a novel (and unexplored) setting to assess factors associated with disparities in outcomes across regions. METHODS AND RESULTS: From a prospective 5-year community-based French registry concerning SCA during sports in 10-75 year-olds, we evaluated whether outcomes differed significantly between geographic regions. We then determined the extent to which variations in community-related early interventions were associated with regional variations in survival. Among 820 SCA cases studied, overall survival at hospital discharge was 15.7% (95% confidence interval, 13.2-18.2%), with considerable regional disparities (from 3.4 to 42.6%, P < 0.001). Major differences were noted regarding bystander initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (15.3-80.9%, P < 0.001) and presence of initial shockable rhythm (28.6-79.1%, P < 0.001), with higher values of these being associated with better survival rates. The proportion of survivors with favourable neurological outcome at discharge was fairly uniform among survival groups (CPC-1/2, varying from 77.4 to 90.0%, P = 0.83). No difference was observed regarding subjects' characteristics and circumstances of SCA occurrence, including delays in resuscitation (collapse-to-call period). With a comparable in-hospital mortality (P = 0.44), survival at hospital discharge was highly correlated with that at hospital admission (regional variations from 7.4 to 75.0%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Major regional disparities exist in survival rates (up to 10-fold) after SCA during sports. SCA cases from regions with the highest levels of bystander resuscitation had the best survival rates to hospital admission and discharge.

Sports-related sudden death in the general population.

BACKGROUND: Although such data are available for young competitive athletes, the prevalence, characteristics, and outcome of sports-related sudden death have not been assessed previously in the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective and comprehensive national survey was performed throughout France from 2005 to 2010, involving subjects 10 to 75 years of age. Case detection for sports-related sudden death, including resuscitated cardiac arrest, was undertaken via national ambulance service reporting and Web-based screening of media releases. The overall burden of sports-related sudden death was 4.6 cases per million population per year, with 6% of cases occurring in young competitive athletes. Sensitivity analyses used to address suspected underreporting demonstrated an incidence ranging from 5 to 17 new cases per million population per year. More than 90% of cases occurred in the context of recreational sports. The age of subjects was relatively young (mean ± SD 46 ± 15 years), with a predominance of men (95%). Although most cases were witnessed (93%), bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was only commenced in 30.7% of cases. Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (odds ratio 3.73, 95% confidence interval 2.19 to 6.39, P<0.0001) and initial use of cardiac defibrillation (odds ratio 3.71, 95% confidence interval 2.07 to 6.64, P<0.0001) were the strongest independent predictors for survival to hospital discharge (15.7%, 95% confidence interval 13.2% to 18.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Sports-related sudden death in the general population is considerably more common than previously suspected. Most cases are witnessed, yet bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was only initiated in one third of cases. Given the often predictable setting of sports-related sudden death and that prompt interventions were significantly associated with improved survival, these data have implications for health services planning.

Main air pollutants and myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution may trigger myocardial infarction (MI), but this association remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess and quantify the association between short-term exposure to major air pollutants (ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter ≤10 µm [PM(10)] and ≤2.5 µm [PM(2.5)] in diameter) on MI risk. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE in-process and other nonindexed citations, and Ovid MEDLINE (between 1948 and November 28, 2011), and EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EBM Reviews-Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (between 2005 and November 28, 2011) were searched for a combination of keywords related to the type of exposure (air pollution, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, PM(10), and PM(2.5)) and to the type of outcome (MI, heart attack, acute coronary syndrome). STUDY SELECTION: Two independent reviewers selected studies of any study design and in any language, using original data and investigating the association between short-term exposure (for up to 7 days) to 1 or more air pollutants and subsequent MI risk. Selection was performed from abstracts and titles and pursued by reviewing the full text of potentially eligible studies. DATA EXTRACTION: Descriptive and quantitative information was extracted from each selected study. Using a random effects model, relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated for each increment of 10 µg/m(3) in pollutant concentration, with the exception of carbon monoxide, for which an increase of 1 mg/m(3) was considered. DATA SYNTHESIS: After a detailed screening of 117 studies, 34 studies were identified. All the main air pollutants, with the exception of ozone, were significantly associated with an increase in MI risk (carbon monoxide: 1.048; 95% CI, 1.026-1.070; nitrogen dioxide: 1.011; 95% CI, 1.006-1.016; sulfur dioxide: 1.010; 95% CI, 1.003-1.017; PM(10): 1.006; 95% CI, 1.002-1.009; and PM(2.5): 1.025; 95% CI, 1.015-1.036). For ozone, the RR was 1.003 (95% CI, 0.997-1.010; P = .36). Subgroup analyses provided results comparable with those of the overall analyses. Population attributable fractions ranged between 0.6% and 4.5%, depending on the air pollutant. CONCLUSION: All the main air pollutants, with the exception of ozone, were significantly associated with a near-term increase in MI risk.

Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Hypertensive Patients with COVID-19 (COVIDECA Study).

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) among hypertensive patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is debated. The aim of the COVIDECA study was to assess the outcome of ACEI and ARB among hypertensive patients presenting with COVID-19. We reviewed from the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris healthcare record database all patients presenting with confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR. We compared hypertensive patients with ACEI or ARB and hypertensive patients without ACEI and ARB. Among 13,521 patients presenting with confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR, 2,981 hypertensive patients (mean age: 78.4 ± 13.6 years, 1,464 men) were included. Outcome of hypertensive patients was similar whatever the use or non-use of ACEI or ARB: admission in ICU (13.4% in patients with ACEI or ARB versus 14.8% in patients without ACEI/ARB, p = 0.35), need of mechanical ventilation (5.5% in patients with ACEI or ARB vs 6.3% in patients without ACEI/ARB, p = 0.45), in-hospital mortality (27.5% in patients with ACEI or ARB vs 26.7% in patients without ACEI/ARB, p = 0.70). In conclusion, the use of ACEI and ARB remains safe and can be maintained in hypertensive patients presenting with COVID-19.

Life-threatening and major cardiac events during long-distance races: updates from the prospective RACE PARIS registry with a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Limited data exist regarding the incidence and aetiology of life-threatening events such as major cardiac events or exertional heat stroke during long-distance races. We aimed to provide an updated incidence, etiology and prognosis of life-threatening events during long-distance races. METHODS: The prospective RACE PARIS registry recorded all life-threatening events/fatal events occurring during 46 marathons, half-marathons and other long-distance races in the Paris area between 2006 and 2016, comprising 1,073,722 runners. Event characteristics were determined by review of medical records and interviews with survivors. RESULTS: The incidence of life-threatening events, exertional heat stroke and major cardiac events was 3.35 per 100,000, 1.02 per 100,000 and 2.33 per 100,000, respectively, including 18 sudden cardiac arrests (1.67 per 100,000). The main aetiology of sudden cardiac arrest was myocardial ischaemia (11/18), due to acute coronary thrombosis (6/11), stable atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (2/11), coronary dissection (1/11), anomalous connection (1/11) or myocardial bridging (1/11). A third of participants with ischaemia-related major cardiac events presented with pre-race clinical symptoms. Major cardiac events were more frequent in the case of a high pollution index (6.78 per 100,000 vs. 2.07 per 100,000, odds ratio 3.27, 95% confidence interval 1.12-9.54). Case fatality was low (0.19 per 100,000). Similarly, we report in a meta-analysis of eight long-distance race registries comprising 16,223,866 runners a low incidence of long-distance race-related sudden cardiac arrest (0.82 per 100,000) and fatality (0.39 per 100,000). Death following sudden cardiac arrest was strongly associated with initial asystole or pulseless rhythm. CONCLUSION: Long-distance race-related life-threatening events remain rare although serious events. Better information for runners on the risk of pre-race clinical symptoms, outside air pollution and temperature may reduce their incidence.

Occurrence of Atrial Fibrillation During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a widely used examination for assessment of coronary ischemia, but several complications have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) during DSE, and a systematic review and meta-analysis were also performed to determine an accurate estimate of the AF incidence. Over a 16-year period, we reviewed all patients referred for DSE. We systematically analyzed all ECG performed during DSE to detect AF during the examination. DSE was completely performed in 4,818 patients (mean age: 62.1 ± 11.7 years). AF was observed in 40 patients (31 men, mean age: 79.7 ± 8.9 years). Incidence of AF during DSE was 0.83%. Regarding the meta-analysis, the combined AF incidence was 0.86%. In our study, patients with AF occurrence had more frequent previous history of paroxysmal AF (p = 0.02) were also older (p < 0.0001) and incidence of AF during DSE increased with age: 0% below 60 years, 0.45% in patients 60 to 69 years, 1.3% in patients 70 to 79 years, and 4% in patients >80 years (p < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, the factors significantly associated with an increased risk of AF were age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.5 to 3.3, p = 0.003) and previous history of paroxysmal AF (aOR = 1.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 1.9; p = 0.04). In conclusion, AF is uncommon during DSE, and elderly patients and patients with previous history of paroxysmal AF are at risk of AF during DSE.

Incidence, Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy With and Without Ventricular Arrhythmia.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a medical entity mimicking an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in TC has been reported in small studies, leading to uncertain knowledge of its incidence. We sought to describe the characteristics, incidence, predictive factors, and outcomes of VA in patients presenting with TC. Over a 12-year period, we reviewed all patients (n = 5,484) referred to our coronary care unit for a suspicion of ACS. TC was diagnosed in 90 patients according to the Mayo Clinic criteria. Incidence of VA among TC was 10%. In multivariate analysis, the factors significantly associated with an increased risk of VA were syncope (p = 0.007), age <55 years (p = 0.008), atypical TC (p = 0.04), a troponin I peak >7 µg/L (p = 0.04), and dobutamine use during hospitalization (p = 0.04). During follow-up, there was no significant difference in mortality rate between patients with or without VA. In conclusion, VA occurred in 10% of patients at the acute phase of TC and independent predictive factors of VA were syncope, atypical pattern of TC, high troponin peak, dobutamine use, and a relatively young age in a female and menopausal population. During the acute phase, identification of high-risk patients with VA allows better management, with electrocardiographic monitoring and therapeutic intervention in the coronary care unit.

Gender and survival after sudden cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results exist regarding the impact of gender on early survival after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). We aimed to assess the association between female gender and early SCA survival. METHODS: We searched Embase, MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (between 1948 and January 2014) for studies evaluating the association between gender and survival after SCA. Two independent reviewers selected studies of any design or language. Pooled odds-ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effects model. Additional sensitivity analyses and meta-regression were carried out to explore heterogeneity. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included involving 409,323 patients. Women were more likely to present with SCA at home, less likely to have witnessed SCA, had a lower frequency of initial shockable rhythm but were more likely to receive bystander CPR. After adjustment for these differences, women were more likely to survive at hospital discharge (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.03-1.20, p=0.006, I(2)=61%). This association persisted in multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis of observational studies demonstrates that women have increased odds of survival after SCA. Further studies are needed to address mechanisms explaining this discrepancy.

Short-term exposure to environmental parameters and onset of ST elevation myocardial infarction. The CARDIO-ARSIF registry.

BACKGROUND: Environmental parameters have been reported to be triggers of acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, the individual role of each parameter is unknown. We quantified the respective association of climate parameters, influenza epidemics and air pollutants with the onset of ST elevation MI (STEMI) in Paris and the surrounding small ring. METHODS: Data from the CARDIO-ARSIF registry (Paris and small ring STEMI population), Météo France (Climate), GROG (Influenza epidemic) and AIRPARIF (Air Pollution) were analyzed. The association between short-term exposure (1 day lag time) to environmental parameters and STEMI occurrence was quantified by time series modeling of daily STEMI count data, using Poisson regression with generalized additive models. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2008, 11,987 <24H STEMI confirmed by angiography were adjudicated. There was a 5.0% excess relative risk (ERR) of STEMI per 10°C decrease in maximal temperature (95% CI 2.1% to 7.8%: p=0.001) and an 8.9% ERR (95% CI 3.2% to 14.9%: p=0.002) during an influenza epidemic after adjustment on week-days and holidays. Associations were consistent when short-term exposure varied from 2 to 7 days. Associations between lower temperatures and STEMI were stronger in magnitude when influenza epidemic was present. Short-term exposure to climatic parameters or pollutants was not associated with STEMI. CONCLUSIONS: The present population based registry of STEMI suggests that short-term exposure to lower temperature and influenza epidemic is associated with a significant excess relative risk of STEMI. Subjects at risk for MI may benefit from specific protections against cold temperature and influenza infection.

Characteristics and outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest during sports in women.

BACKGROUND: No specific data are available on characteristics and outcome of sudden cardiac death (SCD) during sport activities among women in the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: From a prospective 5-year national survey, involving 820 subjects 10 to 75 years old who presented with SCD (resuscitated or not) during competitive or recreational sport activities, 43 (5.2%) such events occurred in women, principally during jogging, cycling, and swimming. The level of activity at the time of SCD was moderate to vigorous in 35 cases (81.4%). The overall incidence of sport-related SCD, among 15- to 75-year-old women, was estimated as 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.79) to 2.17 (95% CI, 1.38-2.96) per year per million female sports participants for the 80th and 20th percentiles of reporting districts, respectively. Compared with men, the incidence of SCDs in women was dramatically lower, particularly in the 45- to 54-year range (relative risk, 0.033; 95% CI, 0.015-0.075). Despite similar circumstances of occurrence, survival at hospital admission (46.5%; 95% CI, 31.0-60.0) was significantly higher than that for men (30.0%; 95% CI, 26.8-33.2; P=0.02), although this did not reach statistical significance for hospital discharge. Favorable neurological outcomes were similar (80%). Cause of death seemed less likely to be associated with structural heart disease in women compared with men (58.3% versus 95.8%; P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Sports-related SCDs in women participants seems dramatically less common (up to 30-fold less frequent) compared with men. Our results also suggest a higher likelihood of successful resuscitation as well as less frequency of structural heart disease in women compared with men.