Impact of initial high sensitivity C-reactive protein on outcomes in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: an observational study.

Aim: The index study aimed to investigate the clinical impact of initial high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on outcomes in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Single-center, prospective, observational study recruiting all recently diagnosed treatment-naive AF patients. Hs-CRP was measured at baseline and patients were followed for 24 months. Results: A total of 126 patients with a mean age of 66.2 (±12.0) years were enrolled. The composite outcome of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 19 (17.7%) at 24 months. Raised initial hs-CRP emerged as an independent predictor of MACCE on regression analysis (OR: 1.569, 95% CI: 1.289-1.912; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Raised hs-CRP was an independent predictor of MACCE at 24 months. It allows for early identification of high-risk patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cause of irregular heartbeat in adults. It has a significant association with clot formation in the heart and acute vessel closure throughout the vascular system particularly of the brain causing stroke. Stroke has a significant impact on quality of life and also is associated with an increased likelihood of death. Inflammation has been linked to the development and progression of AF. In this study, we evaluated the role of a simple inflammatory blood parameter ­ high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with adverse outcomes in 126 AF patients at our center over a period of 2 years. We concluded that hs-CRP was an independent predictor of worse cardiovascular outcomes in AF patients and can help in the earlier identification of high-risk patients, for whom appropriate measures can be taken to prevent adverse events.

Atrial fibrillation and prediabetes: A liaison that merits attention!

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and prediabetes share common pathophysiological mechanisms with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation playing a key role. The resultant vicious cycle which sets in culminates in a higher atherogenicity and thermogenicity of the vascular system resulting in increased major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event (MACCE) events. However, the same has not convincingly been verified in real-world settings. In the recent retrospective study by Desai et al amongst AF patients being admitted to hospitals following MACCE, prediabetes emerged as an independent risk factor for MACCE after adjusting for all confounding variables. However, certain questions like the role of metformin, quantifying the risk for MACCE amongst prediabetes compared to diabetes, the positive impact of reversion to normoglycemia remain unanswered. We provide our insights and give future directions for dedicated research in this area to clarify the exact relationship between the two.

Excess cardiovascular mortality in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A cause for concern!

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide in recent years. With time, our understanding of NAFLD has evolved from an isolated liver condition to a systemic disease with significant manifestations beyond the liver. Amongst them, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most important and clinically relevant. Recent research supports a strong independent link between NALFD and CVD beyond the shared risk factors and pathophysiology. Female sex hormones are well known to not only protect against CVD in pre-menopausal females, but also contribute to improved adipose tissue function and preventing its systemic deposition. Recent research highlights the increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular-cerebral events (MACCE) amongst male with NAFLD compared to females. Further, racial variation was observed in MACCE outcomes in NAFLD, with excess mortality in the Native Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders compared to the other races.

Cardiovascular Considerations and Implications for Treatment in Psoriasis: An Updated Review.

Psoriasis, a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting 2-3% of the global population, has transcended its dermatological confines, revealing a profound association with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review explores the intricate interplay between psoriasis and cardiovascular system, delving into genetic links, immune pathways, and adipose tissue dysfunction beyond conventional CVD risk factors. The pathophysiological connections unveil unique signatures, distinct from other inflammatory skin conditions, in particular psoriasis-specific genetic polymorphisms in IL-23 and TNF-α have consistently been linked to CVD. The review navigates the complex landscape of psoriasis treatments, addressing challenges and future directions in particular relevance to CVDs in psoriasis. Therapeutic interventions, including TNF inhibitors (TNFi), present promise in reducing cardiovascular risks, and methotrexate could constitute a favourable choice. Conversely, the relationship between IL-12/23 inhibitors and cardiovascular risk remains uncertain, while recent evidence indicates that Janus kinase inhibitors may not carry CVD risks. Emerging evidence supports the safety and efficacy of IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors in patients with CVDs, hinting at evolving therapeutic paradigms. Lifestyle modifications, statins, and emerging therapies offer preventive strategies. Dedicated screening guidelines for CVD risk assessment in psoriasis are however lacking. Further, the impact of different disease phenotypes and treatment hierarchies in cardiovascular outcomes remains elusive, demanding ongoing research at the intersection of dermatology, rheumatology, and cardiology. In conclusion, unraveling the intricate connections between psoriasis and CVD provides a foundation for a holistic approach to patient care. Collaboration between specialties, advancements in screening methodologies, and a nuanced understanding of treatment impacts are essential for comprehensive cardiovascular risk management in individuals with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that not only affects the skin but is also linked to issues in the body's fat tissue, which can lead to inflammation and heart problems. The fat tissue in people with psoriasis contains various immune cells, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. Research has found a strong connection between inflammation in fat tissues and cardiovascular problems in people with psoriasis. Specific substances released by fat tissue, like leptin, resistin, and adiponectin, can impact inflammation and cardiovascular health. Psoriasis patients often show increased levels of these substances. Treatment for psoriasis may influence cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that certain medications, like methotrexate or TNF inhibitors, may lower the risk of heart events. However, there are also concerns about potential adverse effects, and further research is needed to fully understand how psoriasis treatments affect cardiovascular outcomes. To manage the cardiovascular risks associated with psoriasis, regular screening for heart-related issues is recommended. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, stress management, and smoking cessation, are also essential. Additionally, specific medications, like statins and metformin, may be beneficial in controlling cardiovascular risk factors in people with psoriasis. Despite advancements in understanding the relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular health, there are still challenges. Research is ongoing to develop better screening guidelines and treatment strategies. Collaboration between dermatologists, rheumatologists, and cardiologists is crucial to address the complex nature of this condition and its impact on the heart.

Left bundle branch pacing set to outshine biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy?

The deleterious effects of long-term right ventricular pacing necessitated the search for alternative pacing sites which could prevent or alleviate pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Until recently, biventricular pacing (BiVP) was the only modality which could mitigate or prevent pacing induced dysfunction. Further, BiVP could resynchronize the baseline electromechanical dssynchrony in heart failure and improve outcomes. However, the high non-response rate of around 20%-30% remains a major limitation. This non-response has been largely attributable to the direct non-physiological stimulation of the left ventricular myocardium bypassing the conduction system. To overcome this limitation, the concept of conduction system pacing (CSP) came up. Despite initial success of the first CSP via His bundle pacing (HBP), certain drawbacks including lead instability and dislodgements, steep learning curve and rapid battery depletion on many occasions prevented its widespread use for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Subsequently, CSP via left bundle branch-area pacing (LBBP) was developed in 2018, which over the last few years has shown efficacy comparable to BiVP-CRT in small observational studies. Further, its safety has also been well established and is largely free of the pitfalls of the HBP-CRT. In the recent metanalysis by Yasmin et al, comprising of 6 studies with 389 participants, LBBP-CRT was superior to BiVP-CRT in terms of QRS duration, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac chamber dimensions, lead thresholds, and functional status amongst heart failure patients with left bundle branch block. However, there are important limitations of the study including the small overall numbers, inclusion of only a single small randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a small follow-up duration. Further, the entire study population analyzed was from China which makes generalizability a concern. Despite the concerns, the meta-analysis adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of LBBP-CRT. At this stage, one must acknowledge that the fact that still our opinions on this technique are largely based on observational data and there is a dire need for larger RCTs to ascertain the position of LBBP-CRT in management of heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.

Risk of permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Which factors are most relevant?

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a formidable treatment option for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis ahead of surgical aortic valve replacement. The encouraging results from large randomized controlled trials has resulted in an exponential rise in the use of TAVR even in the low-risk patients. However, this is not without challenges. Need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) post-TAVR remains the most frequent and clinically relevant challenge. Naturally, identifying risk factors which predispose an individual to develop high grade conduction block post-TAVR is important. Various demographic factors, electrocardiographic features, anatomic factors and procedural characteristics have all been linked to the development of advanced conduction block and need for PPM following TAVR. Amongst these electrophysiological variables, most notably a prolonged QRS > 120 ms regardless of the type of conduction block seems to be one of the strongest predictors on logistic regression models. The index study by Nwaedozie et al highlights that patients requiring PPM post-TAVR had higher odds of having a baseline QRS > 120 ms and were more likely to be having diabetes mellitus that those who did not require PPM.

Development of pulmonary hypertension remains a major hurdle to corrective surgery in Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality encountered in clinical practice with 50% of them having associated congenital heart disease (CHD). Shunt lesions account for around 75% of all CHDs in Down syndrome. Down syndrome patients, especially with large shunts are particularly predisposed to early development of severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) compared with shunt lesions in general population. This necessitates timely surgical correction which remains the only viable option to prevent long term morbidity and mortality. However, despite clear recommendations, there is wide gap between actual practice and fear of underlying PH which often leads to surgical refusals in Down syndrome even when the shunt is reversible. Another peculiarity is that Down syndrome patients can develop PH even after successful correction of shunt. It is not uncommon to come across Down syndrome patients with uncorrected shunts in adulthood with irreversible PH at which stage intracardiac repair is contraindicated and the only option available is a combined heart-lung transplant. However, despite the guidelines laid by authorities, the rates of cardiac transplant in adult Down syndrome remain dismal largely attributable to the high prevalence of intellectual disability in them. The index case presents a real-world scenario highlighting the impact of severe PH on treatment strategies and discrimination driven by the fear of worse outcomes in these patients.

Atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease: An integrative review focusing on therapeutic implications of this relationship.

The incidence of both atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) increases with advancing age. They share common risk factors and very often coexist. Evidence points to an intricate relationship between atrial tissue excitability and neuronal remodeling with ischemia at the microcirculatory level. In this review, we delineated this complex relationship, identified a common theme between the two, and discussed how the knowledge of this relationship translates into a positive and meaningful impact in patient management. Recent research indicates a high prevalence of CAD among AF patients undergoing coronary angiography. Further, the incidence of AF is much higher in those suffering from CAD compared to age-matched adults without CAD underlying this reciprocal relationship. CAD adversely affects AF by promoting progression via re-entry and increasing excitability of atrial tissue as a result of ischemia and electrical inhomogeneity. AF in turn accelerates atherosclerosis via endothelial dysfunctional and inflammation and together with enhanced thrombogenicity and hypercoagulability contribute to micro and macrothrombi throughout cardiovascular system. In a nutshell, the two form a vicious cycle wherein one disease promotes the other. Most AF recommendations focuses on rate/rhythm control and prevention of thromboembolism. Very few studies have discussed the importance of unmasking coexistent CAD and how the treatment of underlying ischemia will impact the burden of AF in these patients. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction remain central to both disease processes and form a handsome therapeutic target in the management of the two diseases. The relationship between AF and CAD is complex and much more than mere coincidence. The two diseases share common risk factor and pathophysiology. Hence, it is impractical to treat them in isolation. Accordingly, we share the implications of managing underlying ischemia and inflammation to positively impact and improve quality of life among AF patients.

Prevalence and predictors of lower extremity atherosclerotic disease amongst high-risk patients using ankle brachial index.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) continues to increase worldwide. This is expected to translate into logarithmic rise in lower-limb amputations especially in the developing world. Majority of patients suffering from LEAD remain asymptomatic until late and are vulnerable to limb-threatening complications unless actively screened and treated. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, observational study to determine the prevalence and predictors of LEAD. Patients with known atherosclerotic vascular disease (but not known LEAD) or those at risk were enrolled. All underwent ankle brachial index (ABI) measurement as per the standard protocol. A threshold of ABI ≤0.90 was taken to diagnose LEAD. RESULTS: A total of 1000 patients were enrolled. The mean age of the group was 61.4 ± 10.0 years and the prevalence of LEAD was 10.2%. Amongst those who had LEAD, the majority of patients (69.6%) had no symptoms. The prevalence of LEAD in diabetic population in our study was 13.2% and it was 30.9% in coronary artery disease patients . Factors independently linked to LEAD on regression analysis included advanced age, presence of diabetes, smoking history, lower serum HDL and a lower ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of patients suffering from LEAD are asymptomatic. Early diagnoses and institution of appropriate medical and physical therapy can prevent excess morbidity and mortality due to LEAD. Factors independently linked to LEAD are advanced age, presence of diabetes, smoking history, lower serum HDL and a lower ejection fraction. The presence of either of these should signal undertaking of appropriate steps to unmask underlying LEAD.

Role of fibrinogen, albumin and fibrinogen to albumin ratio in determining angiographic severity and outcomes in acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic unmasked the huge deficit in healthcare resources worldwide. It highlighted the need for efficient risk stratification in management of cardiovascular emergencies. AIM: To study the applicability of the old, available and affordable nonconventional biomarkers: albumin and fibrinogen in their ability to predict angiographic severity and clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, 166 consecutive patients with ACS were enrolled. Fibrinogen, albumin and their ratio were determined from serum. Patients with underlying chronic liver disease, active malignancy, autoimmune disease, active COVID-19 infection and undergoing thrombolysis were excluded. RESULTS: Mean age of the population was 60.5 ± 1.5 years, 74.1% being males. ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was most common presentation of ACS seen in 57% patients. Fibrinogen albumin ratio (FAR) ≥ 19.2, had a sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 78.9 % [area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) = 0.8, P = 0.001] to predict ≤ thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) 1 flow in culprit artery in STEMI patients. Even in non-STEMI patients, FAR ≥ 18.85 predicted the same with 80% sensitivity and 63% specificity (AUROC = 0.715, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Novel biomarkers, with their high cost, lack of availability and long turn over time are impractical for real-world use. Identifying ≤ TIMI 1 flow in the culprit artery has significant impact of management and outcome. Our study has shown that readily available biomarkers like fibrinogen and albumin can help identify these high-risk patients with good accuracy. This allows risk-stratification and individualization of treatment in ACS.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome II presenting paradoxically as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case report and reappraisal of pathophysiology.

BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a rare disease entity characterized by acute, non-ischemic, reversible myocardial dysfunction that mimics acute myocardial infarction. Activation and excessive outflow of sympathetic nervous system are believed to be central to the figure in the disease pathogenesis. Adrenocortical hormones potentiate the systemic actions of sympathetic nervous system and accordingly are essential for regulation of myocardial function. We present an unusual case of a middle-aged woman with primary adrenal insufficiency who presented paradoxically with TCM. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old woman with past history of hypothyroidism presented to emergency department with history of acute chest pain and syncope. There was no significant drug history or history of an emotional or physical stimulus prior to admission. Prominent pigmentation over the tongue and skin creases of hands were noted. On presentation, she was in shock and had ventricular tachycardia which required electrical cardioversion. The subsequent electrocardiogram demonstrated diffuse T-wave inversions with prolonged QTC. There was apical hypokinesia on echocardiogram, and cardiac biomarkers were elevated. There was persistent inotropic requirement. She had marked postural symptoms, and a postural blood pressure drop of 50 mm Hg was present. Initial laboratory parameters were significant for hyperkalemia (7.8 mEq/L) and hyponatremia (128 mEq/L). These findings prompted evaluation for adrenal insufficiency which was confirmed with appropriate tests. Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome II was thus diagnosed based on the above findings. Coronary angiography revealed normal coronaries. The diagnoses of TCM was established in accordance with the International Takotsubo Diagnostic Criteria. She was started on stress dose steroid replacement therapy and improved dramatically. At one month of follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic, and there was normalization of her left ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: Intricate relationship and interplay exist between the steroid hormones and catecholamines in the pathogenesis of TCM. Steroid hormones not only potentiate the actions of catecholamines, but they also regulate and channelize catecholaminergic actions preventing their deleterious effects on the cardiac tissue. Hence, both steroid deficiency and exogenous steroid replacement may precipitate TCM. Evidence from more such cases and larger perspective studies in future will further improve our understanding of this complex disease process and its myriad associations.

Predictors of dementia amongst newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) confers a 2-to-3-fold increased risk of developing cognitive dysfunction and dementia, independent of age and past stroke. The purpose of study was to identify risk factors for developing dementia amongst AF patients in India. This was a single-centre, prospective, observational study wherein recently diagnosed, treatment naïve, persistent non-valvular AF patients were enrolled. All patients were screened for dementia using the Mini-Mental state exam. Amongst a total of 108 patients enrolled, 40 (37%) had dementia. The most common cognitive deficits were in attention and calculation followed by memory deficits. Factors independently contributing to dementia were advanced age, female sex, presence of diabetes, elevated pulmonary artery pressures and a lower serum albumin.

Accuracy of Global Longitudinal and Territorial Longitudinal Strain in Determining Myocardial Viability in Comparison to Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Out of Window Period Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction Patients.

BACKGROUND: To determine the accuracy of global longitudinal strain and territorial longitudinal strain in determining myocardial viability in comparison to single-photon emission computed tomography in out of window period anterior wall myocardial infarction patients. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective study carried out in a tertiary care center in northern India. All patients presenting with anterior wall myocardial infarction-out of window period without ongoing chest pain and akinetic left-anterior descending territory on echocardiography were recruited. All patients underwent strain echocardiography and the determination of both global longitudinal strain and territorial longitudinal strain within 12-48 hours of anterior wall myocardial infarction. In addition, all underwent single-photon emission computed tomography to determine the viability status of the anterior myocardium. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients of anterior wall myocardial infarction-out of window period were enrolled and underwent strain imaging with speckle tracking and single-photon emission computed tomography for viability determination. Gobal longitudinal strain and territorial longitudinal strain were significantly reduced in patients with nonviable myocardium (P < .001). On receiver-operating curves, a gobal longitudinal strain of <10.45% had a sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 93.9% (AUC=0.889) in predicting nonviability on single-photon emission computed tomography. Similarly, a territorial longitudinal strain of <7.60% had a sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 84.8% (AUC=0.825) in predicting nonviability. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment strategies in patients presenting with anterior wall myocardial infarction, outside the window period is largely guided by the hemodynamic status and influenced by the viability status of the myocardium. Strain echocardiography using speckle tracking provides gobal longitudinal strain and territorial longitudinal strain, both of which have good sensitivity and specificity in predicting viability and can be performed safely and quickly in high-risk group of patients.

Angiographic profile and outcomes in persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A study from tertiary care center in North India.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of atrial fibrillation (AF) with coronary artery disease (CAD) is well established, yet it is often missed. There is evidence of myocardial ischemia on stress imaging in AF patients in the absence of obstructive CAD. In this prospective cohort, we studied the angiographic profiles of non-valvular AF patients. METHODS: The study was a nonrandomized, prospective, single-center observational study of consecutive patients of persistent non-valvular AF. Patients symptomatic for AF despite optimal medical therapy for 3 months were recruited and all underwent coronary angiograms (CAG). Patients with prior history of CAD were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients were followed for a mean duration of 12 ± 1.4 months. The mean age of the study group was 66.07 (±11.49) years. Hypertension was the commonest comorbidity seen in 74% patients. Obstructive CAD was present in 32 (46%) patients, non-obstructive (<50% stenosis) CAD in 17 (24%) patients and normal coronaries in 21 (30%) patients. Overall 49 (70%) patients had evidence of CAD. Amongst patients without obstructive CAD, slow flow was seen in 16 (42%) patients. Lower baseline ejection fraction, lower haemoglobin & albumin levels and higher creatinine levels was associated with increased mortality. In patients without obstructive CAD, hospitalizations for fast ventricular rate were significantly increased in those having slow flow on CAG (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Majority (70%) of our patients had evidence of atherosclerotic CAD on CAG. A large proportion of patients without obstructive CAD had slow flow on CAG.