Prevalence and prognosis of anxiety, insomnia, and type D personality in patients with myocardial infarction: A Spanish cohort.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that patients with myocardial infarction and non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) have more psycho-emotional disorders than patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (MICAD). The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, and type D personality between MINOCA and MICAD and their impact on prognosis. METHODS: Patients with myocardial infarction undergoing coronary angiography were prospectively enrolled. Psychological questionnaires were completed by each patient during admission. RESULTS: Among a total of 533 patients, 56 had MINOCA and 477 had MICAD. There were no differences in the prevalence of anxiety and insomnia between both groups: trait anxiety median value (M) MINOCA = 18 (11-34) vs. MICAD M = 19 (12-27), p = 0.8; state anxiety MINOCA M = 19 (11-29) vs. MICAD M = 19 (12.2-26), p = 0.6; and insomnia MINOCA M = 7 (3-11) vs. MICAD M = 7 (3-12), p = 0.95. More MINOCA patients had type D personality (45.0% vs. 28.5%, p = 0.03). At 3-year follow-up, there were no differences in mortality between MINOCA and MICAD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28-2.17) in major adverse cerebral or cardiovascular events (MACCE) (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.38-1.31). Scores of trait anxiety and negative affectivity were significantly associated with MACCE (HR 1.65, 95% CI [1.05-2.57]; HR 1.75, 95% CI [1.11-2.77], respectively). High insomnia levels were associated with greater mortality (HR 2.72, 95% CI [1.12-6.61]). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety and insomnia levels were similar between patients with MINOCA and those with MICAD, whilst the prevalence of type D personality was higher in the MINOCA than in the MICAD group. Higher scores in trait anxiety, insomnia, and negative affectivity were related to a worse prognosis at 3-year follow-up.

Absence of High Lipoprotein(a) Levels Is an Independent Predictor of Acute Myocardial Infarction without Coronary Lesions.

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (MINOCA) are still under debate. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has proinflammatory and prothrombotic actions and has been involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, no previous studies have linked Lp(a) levels with the probability of developing MINOCA. Moreover, the relationship between MINOCA and the plasma levels of other proatherogenic and proinflammatory molecules such as Interleukin-18 (IL18) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has not been studied. We conducted a prospective, multicenter study involving 1042 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Seventy-six patients had no significant coronary lesions. All patients underwent plasma analysis on admission. MINOCA patients were younger (57 (47-68) vs. 61 (52-72) years; p = 0.010), more frequently female (44.7% vs. 21.0%; p < 0.001), and had lower rates of diabetes and of Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL (9.2% vs. 19.8%; p = 0.037) than those with coronary lesions; moreover, High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were higher in MINOCA patients. The absence of Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL and of diabetes were independent predictors of MINOCA, as well as female sex, high HDL-c levels, and younger age. IL-18 and PCSK9 levels were not predictors of MINOCA. During a follow-up of 5.23 (2.89, 7.37) years, the independent predictors of the primary outcome (acute ischemic events or death) in the whole sample were Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL, older age, low estimated Glomerular Filtration rate (eGFR), hypertension, previous heart failure (HF), coronary artery bypass graft, use of insulin, and no therapy with acetylsalicylic acid. In conclusion, in AMI patients, the absence of high Lp(a) levels, as well high HDL-c levels, were independent predictors of the inexistence of coronary artery disease. High Lp (a) levels were also an independent predictor of ischemic events or death.

Perspectiva de género en el estudio OFRECE: diferencias en la atención entre pacientes que consultan por dolor torácico o por palpitaciones / The gender perspective within the OFRECE study: differences in health care among patients consulting for chest pain and/or palpitations

Introducción y objetivos: En un estudio de base poblacional, se analizaron las posibles diferencias en función del sexo en la atención al dolor torácico o las palpitaciones como motivo de consulta. Métodos: El estudio OFRECE incluyó una muestra aleatoria de la población española de 8.400 participantes de edad ≥ 40 años, de los que 1.132 (13,5%) tenían antecedentes de consulta por dolor en el pecho y 1.267 (15,1%), por palpitaciones y se incluyen en este estudio. Se calculó la odds ratio (OR) de que se practicaran determinadas pruebas y se comunicaran los resultados de las consultas en relación con el hecho de ser mujer, tanto brutas como ajustadas por los factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos, antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular y diagnóstico de angina estable o fibrilación auricular confirmado en este estudio en cada caso. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias en los antecedentes de consulta por dolor torácico entre mujeres y varones (el 13 y el 14,1%; p=0,159) y sí en las consultas por palpitaciones (el 19,0 y el 10,4% respectivamente; p <0,001). A las mujeres con antecedentes de consulta por dolor torácico, en comparación con los varones, se les realizaron menos ecocardiogramas (el 32,5 y el 45,3%; p <0,001), se las remitió con menor frecuencia al cardiólogo (el 49,1 y el 60,1%; p <0,001), ingresaron menos (el 20,1 y el 39,4%; p <0,001) y se alcanzó un diagnóstico en menor proporción de casos (el 60,9 y el 71,9%; p <0,001). Al ajustar, disminuyen las diferencias y dejan de ser significativas en todos los casos: para ecocardiogramas, OR ajustada=0,81 (IC95%, 0,60-1,09); para remisión al cardiólogo, OR ajustada=0,86 (IC95%, 0,63-1,16), y para ingreso, OR ajustada=0,76 (IC95%, 0,54-1,09). En el caso de las palpitaciones, las diferencias no ajustadas son menores y todas desaparecen al ajustar. Conclusiones: Este trabajo no confirma un sesgo en razón del sexo en la atención a estos síntomas, aunque no es descartable completamente un sesgo de género en el diagnóstico confirmado en el estudio que limite su capacidad para identificar diferencias en la atención a las pacientes

Introduction and objectives: To analyze differences between sexes in the clinical management of patients presenting with symptoms of chest pain and/or palpitations within a population-based study. Methods: The OFRECE study included a random sample of 8400 individuals from the Spanish population aged 40 years and older; 1132 (13.5%) had previously consulted for chest pain and 1267 (15.1%) had consulted for palpitations and were included in the present study. We calculated both the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) of undergoing certain tests and the results of consultations by sex. Adjustment was performed by classic cardiovascular risk factors, a personal history of cardiovascular disease, and a diagnosis of stable angina or atrial fibrillation confirmed in the OFRECE study in each case. Results: No differences were observed in history of consultation for chest pain between women and men (13% vs 14.1%; P=.159) but differences were found in palpitations (19% vs 10.4%, respectively; P <.001). Women who had previously consulted for chest pain underwent fewer echocardiograms (32.5% vs 45.3%, respectively; P <.001), were less frequently referred to a cardiologist (49.1% vs 60.1%; P <.001), were less often admitted to hospital (20.1% vs 39.4%; P <.001), and less frequently received a confirmed diagnosis (60.9 vs 71, 9; P <.001). After full adjustment, all differences decreased and become nonsignificant echocardiograms: adjusted OR, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.60-1.09; referral to a cardiologist: adjusted OR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.63-1.16; hospital admission: adjusted OR, 0.76; 95%CI, 0.54-1.09). For palpitations, crude differences were smaller and all became nonsignificant after adjustment. Conclusions: This study does not confirm the existence of sex-related bias in the management of chest pain and palpitations. However, such bias cannot be completely ruled out in diagnoses confirmed within the OFRECE study, which might limit its ability to detect sex-related differences in health care

Hallazgos electrocardiográficos anormales en la población mayor de 40 años. Prevalencia y significación clínica. Resultados del estudio OFRECE / Abnormal electrocardiographic findings in the population older than 40 years. Prevalence and clinical significance. Results of the OFRECE study

Introducción y objetivos: Las anomalías electrocardiográficas son muy comunes. El propósito de este estudio es analizar la prevalencia de hallazgos electrocardiográficos anormales y su significado clínico en la población general española de 40 o más años. Métodos: Subanálisis del estudio OFRECE; se seleccionó una muestra representativa de la población española de 40 o más años. Se dispuso de datos clínicos y electrocardiograma de todos los participantes. La lectura de los electrocardiogramas fue centralizada, los evaluaron de manera independiente 2 cardiólogos expertos y se consultó con un tercero en caso de desacuerdo, para llegar al diagnóstico final por consenso. Antes de iniciarse la lectura de los electrocardiogramas, se establecieron estrictamente los criterios diagnósticos de cada una de las anomalías analizadas. Se estudiaron la prevalencia y los factores clínicos asociados con: crecimiento de cavidades, trastornos de conducción, anomalías de la repolarización, ondas Q patológicas, extrasistolia auricular y ventricular y preexcitación. Resultados: Se evaluó a 8.343 individuos (media de edad, 59,2 años; el 52,4% mujeres). Solo 4.074 (51,2%) presentaron un electrocardiograma rigurosamente normal. Las anomalías más frecuentes fueron las alteraciones inespecíficas de la repolarización (16%) asociadas con enfermedad coronaria y fibrilación auricular; el bloqueo de rama derecha (8,1%) asociado con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica; el hemibloqueo anterosuperior izquierdo (6,5%) relacionado con la hipertensión y la insuficiencia cardiaca y el intervalo PR largo (3,7%) se asociaron con enfermedad coronaria. Conclusiones: Las anomalías electrocardiográficas son muy comunes en la población general de 40 o más años. Tan solo la mitad de la población tenía un electrocardiograma rigurosamente normal

Introduction and objectives: Abnormal electrocardiographic findings are highly common. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographic patterns in the general Spanish population aged 40 years or older. Methods: This subanalysis of the OFRECE study selected a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 40 years or older. Clinical data and electrocardiograms were available in all participants. The electrocardiograms were read centrally. Each electrocardiogram was independently assessed by 2 trained cardiologists and, if there was disagreement, a third was consulted to reach a consensus-based diagnosis. Prior to reading the electrocardiograms, diagnostic criteria were strictly defined for each of the abnormalities analyzed. We analyzed the prevalence and clinical factors associated with cavity enlargement, conduction disorders, repolarization abnormalities, pathological Q waves, atrial and ventricular premature beats, and pre-excitation. Results: A total of 8343 individuals were evaluated, (mean age, 59.2 years; 52.4% women). Only 4074 (51.2%) participants had a completely normal electrocardiogram. The most frequent abnormalities were nonspecific repolarization abnormalities (16%) associated with coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation; right bundle-branch block (8.1%) associated with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease; left anterior hemiblock (6.5%) related to hypertension and congestive heart failure; and long PR interval (3.7%), which was associated with coronary heart disease. Conclusions: Electrocardiographic abnormalities are very common in the general population aged 40 years or older. Only about half of the population had a completely normal electrocardiogram

El Cardiólogo y la Cardiología del Futuro: visión y propuestas de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología para la cardiología del siglo XXI / Cardiologists and the cardiology of the future. Vision and proposals of the Spanish Society of Cardiology for the cardiology of the 21st Century

«La Cardiología del Futuro» es un proyecto de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) que tiene como objetivos definir hacia dónde, desde la posición actual, deben dirigirse las políticas de acción de la SEC, analizar las tendencias y los cambios del entorno que influirán en la práctica de la cardiología en España, definir el perfil de los cardiólogos necesarios en el futuro, proponer las políticas para alcanzar los objetivos que se deriven de las necesidades identificadas, y establecer el papel que ha de desempeñar la SEC en el desarrollo y la implantación de esas políticas. En este artículo se presentan la metodología y los hallazgos más relevantes del informe final de este proyecto y las líneas estratégicas de actuación de la SEC en el futuro inmediato, derivadas del análisis realizado

The Cardiology of the Future is a project of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) whose objectives are as follows: to define the action policies of the SEC; to analyze the trends and changes in the environment that will influence the practice of cardiology in Spain; to define the profile of the cardiologists needed in the future; to propose policies to achieve the objectives resulting from the identified needs; and to identify the role of the SEC in the development and implementation of these policies. This article describes the methodology and the most relevant findings of the final report of this project and the strategic lines to be developed by the SEC in the immediate future, resulting from the analysis performed

Cardiologists and the Cardiology of the Future. Vision and proposals of the Spanish Society of Cardiology for the Cardiology of the 21st Century.

The Cardiology of the Future is a project of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) whose objectives are as follows: to define the action policies of the SEC; to analyze the trends and changes in the environment that will influence the practice of cardiology in Spain; to define the profile of the cardiologists needed in the future; to propose policies to achieve the objectives resulting from the identified needs; and to identify the role of the SEC in the development and implementation of these policies. This article describes the methodology and the most relevant findings of the final report of this project and the strategic lines to be developed by the SEC in the immediate future, resulting from the analysis performed.

The Gender Perspective Within the OFRECE Study: Differences in Health Care Among Patients Consulting for Chest Pain and/or Palpitations.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze differences between sexes in the clinical management of patients presenting with symptoms of chest pain and/or palpitations within a population-based study. METHODS: The OFRECE study included a random sample of 8400 individuals from the Spanish population aged 40 years and older; 1132 (13.5%) had previously consulted for chest pain and 1267 (15.1%) had consulted for palpitations and were included in the present study. We calculated both the crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) of undergoing certain tests and the results of consultations by sex. Adjustment was performed by classic cardiovascular risk factors, a personal history of cardiovascular disease, and a diagnosis of stable angina or atrial fibrillation confirmed in the OFRECE study in each case. RESULTS: No differences were observed in history of consultation for chest pain between women and men (13% vs 14.1%; P=.159) but differences were found in palpitations (19% vs 10.4%, respectively; P <.001). Women who had previously consulted for chest pain underwent fewer echocardiograms (32.5% vs 45.3%, respectively; P <.001), were less frequently referred to a cardiologist (49.1% vs 60.1%; P <.001), were less often admitted to hospital (20.1% vs 39.4%; P <.001), and less frequently received a confirmed diagnosis (60.9 vs 71, 9; P <.001). After full adjustment, all differences decreased and become nonsignificant echocardiograms: adjusted OR, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.60-1.09; referral to a cardiologist: adjusted OR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.63-1.16; hospital admission: adjusted OR, 0.76; 95%CI, 0.54-1.09). For palpitations, crude differences were smaller and all became nonsignificant after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not confirm the existence of sex-related bias in the management of chest pain and palpitations. However, such bias cannot be completely ruled out in diagnoses confirmed within the OFRECE study, which might limit its ability to detect sex-related differences in health care.

Abnormal Electrocardiographic Findings in the Population Older Than 40 Years. Prevalence and Clinical Significance. Results of the OFRECE Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Abnormal electrocardiographic findings are highly common. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographic patterns in the general Spanish population aged 40 years or older. METHODS: This subanalysis of the OFRECE study selected a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 40 years or older. Clinical data and electrocardiograms were available in all participants. The electrocardiograms were read centrally. Each electrocardiogram was independently assessed by 2 trained cardiologists and, if there was disagreement, a third was consulted to reach a consensus-based diagnosis. Prior to reading the electrocardiograms, diagnostic criteria were strictly defined for each of the abnormalities analyzed. We analyzed the prevalence and clinical factors associated with cavity enlargement, conduction disorders, repolarization abnormalities, pathological Q waves, atrial and ventricular premature beats, and pre-excitation. RESULTS: A total of 8343 individuals were evaluated, (mean age, 59.2 years; 52.4% women). Only 4074 (51.2%) participants had a completely normal electrocardiogram. The most frequent abnormalities were nonspecific repolarization abnormalities (16%) associated with coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation; right bundle-branch block (8.1%) associated with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease; left anterior hemiblock (6.5%) related to hypertension and congestive heart failure; and long PR interval (3.7%), which was associated with coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Electrocardiographic abnormalities are very common in the general population aged 40 years or older. Only about half of the population had a completely normal electrocardiogram.

Nuevos datos sobre fibrilación auricular, observaciones al estudio OFRECE. Respuesta / New Data About Atrial Fibrillation, Comment to the OFRECE Study. Response

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Prevalencia de fibrilación auricular en España. Resultados del estudio OFRECE / Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Spain. OFRECE Study Results

Introducción y objetivos: La fibrilación auricular se asocia con elevadas morbilidad y mortalidad, y tanto su incidencia como su prevalencia son altas. No obstante, hay escasos datos poblacionales sobre su epidemiología en España. El objetivo de este estudio es estimar la prevalencia de fibrilación auricular en España. Métodos: Estudio transversal en población española de 40 o más años. Se realizó un muestreo en dos etapas, una primera selección aleatoria de médicos de atención primaria de cada provincia española y, en segundo lugar, se seleccionó aleatoriamente a 20 individuos de la población asignada a cada médico participante. La prevalencia se ponderó por edad, sexo y área geográfica. Se realizó una lectura centralizada de los registros electrocardiográficos. Resultados: Se evaluó a 8.343 personas (media de edad, 59,2 [intervalo de confianza del 95%, 58,6-59,8] años; el 52,4% mujeres). La prevalencia total de fibrilación auricular fue del 4,4% (intervalo de confianza del 95%, 3,8-5,1). La prevalencia fue similar en varones (4,4% [3,6-5,2]) y mujeres (4,5% [3,6-5,3]) y se incrementa progresivamente a partir de los 60 años de edad. En los mayores de 80 años, la prevalencia fue del 17,7% (14,1-21,3). En un 10% de pacientes se diagnosticó una fibrilación auricular no conocida. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de fibrilación auricular en la población general española mayor de 40 años es elevada, del 4,4%. La prevalencia es similar en varones y mujeres y se incrementa escalonadamente a partir de los 60 años. Se estima en más de 1 millón de pacientes con fibrilación auricular en la población española, de los que más de 90.000 están sin diagnosticar (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Atrial fibrillation is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and both its incidence and prevalence are high. Nevertheless, comprehensive data on this condition in Spain are lacking. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the general Spanish population older than 40 years. Two-stage random sampling was used, in which first-stage units were primary care physicians randomly selected in every Spanish province and second-stage units were 20 randomly selected persons drawn from each participating physician's assigned population. The reported prevalence was standardized for the age and sex distribution of the Spanish population. The electrocardiogram recordings were read centrally. Results: Overall, 8343 individuals were evaluated. The mean age was 59.2 years (95% confidence interval, 58.6-59.8 years), and 52.4% of the participants were female. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 4.4% (95% confidence interval, 3.8-5.1). Prevalence was similar in both sexes, men 4.4% (3.6-5.2) and women 4.5% (3.6-5.3), rising with increasing age older than 60 years. In patients older than 80 years, the prevalence was 17.7% (14.1-21.3). In 10% of patients an unknown atrial fibrillation was diagnosed. Conclusions: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the general Spanish population older than 40 years is high, at 4.4%. The prevalence is similar in both sexes and rises steeply above 60 years of age. It is estimated that there are over 1 million patients with atrial fibrillation in the Spanish population, of whom over 90 000 are undiagnosed (AU)

Trombosis en aorta torácica aparentemente normal: nuevo caso y nuevos interrogantes / Thrombosis of an apparently normal thoracic aorta: another case, another conundrum

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Ictus isquémico tras infarto de miocardio fibrinolisado en paciente con hipercoagulabilidad / Ischemic stroke after fibrinolytic therapy myocardial infarction in a patient with hypercoagulability

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[Coronary revascularization: clinical features and indications]. / Indicaciones de revascularización: aspectos clínicos.

Coronary artery revascularization is an established therapeutic intervention and is therefore included in all treatment guidelines for patients with coronary artery disease. Although the procedure has been available for more than 40 years, constant technical progress in surgical and percutaneous revascularization continues to bring the benefits of revascularization therapy to new groups of patients. Therefore the indications and limitations of this approach need to be reviewed and updated periodically. The aim of revascularization therapy is to improve the prognosis or symptoms and quality of life in patients with ischemic heart disease. The revascularization process comprises two aspects: 1) indication and selection of the revascularization procedure, and 2) performance of the procedure. Involvement of the clinical cardiologist in the first step is fundamental. Basing their decisions on clinical, functional and anatomical features, these professionals detect and select patients who would benefit, and also help to select the revascularization technique. In this Update article on revascularization we review, for stable ischemic heart disease and non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, the following: 1) the most relevant aspects to consider when evaluating the need for and the type of revascularization (age, sex, diabetes, renal function, electrocardiographic changes, ventricular function and quantification of functional relevance of coronary artery disease and viability of the acinetic areas); 2) indications for surgical or percutaneous intervention, and the choice of therapeutic strategy according to the latest clinical evidence and guidelines of scientific societies, and 3) currently available data on the controversy regarding choice of the revascularization procedure in patients with multivessel disease.

Indicaciones de revascularización: aspectos clínicos / Coronary revascularization: clinical features and indications

La revascularización coronaria es una intervención terapéutica plenamente consolidada y, por tanto, incluida en todas las estrategias de tratamiento de los pacientes con enfermedad coronaria. A pesar de sus más de 40 años de desarrollo, los continuos avances técnicos, tanto de la revascularización quirúrgica como de la percutánea, hacen que cada vez haya más grupos de pacientes en los que se ha demostrado su utilidad. Por tanto, es necesario actualizar periódicamente sus indicaciones y limitaciones. El objetivo de la revascularización es mejorar el pronóstico o la sintomatología y calidad de vida de los pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica. La revascularización comprende2 aspectos: 1) la indicación y selección del tipo de revascularización y 2) la intervención revascularizadora. En el primero, la participación del cardiólogo clínico es fundamental. Su misión consiste en detectar y seleccionar, sobre a base de datos clínicos, funcionales y anatómicos, a los pacientes que se pueden beneficiar de la revascularización, así como ayudar en la selección de la técnica. En este artículo de «Puesta al Día» sobre revascularización se revisarán, referidos a la cardiopatía isquémica estable y al síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST: 1) los aspectos clínicos más relevantes que es necesario considerar en la valoración de la necesidad o el tipo de revascularización (edad, género, diabetes, función renal, alteraciones electrocardiográficas, función ventricular, cuantificación de la importancia funcional de la enfermedad coronaria o el grado de viabilidad de áreas acinéticas); 2) las indicaciones, tanto de la cirugía como de la angioplastia coronaria, y la estrategia terapéutica de acuerdo con las últimas evidencias y recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas, y 3) los datos disponibles en el momento actual sobre la controversia de la selección del tipo de revascularización en los pacientes con enfermedad multivaso

Coronary artery revascularization is an established therapeutic intervention and is therefore included in all treatment guidelines for patients with coronary artery disease. Although the procedure has been available for more than40 years, constant technical progress in surgical and percutaneous revascularization continues to bring the benefits of revascularization therapy to new groups of patients. Therefore the indications and limitations of this approach need to be reviewed and updated periodically. The aim of revascularization therapy is to improve the prognosis or symptoms and quality of life in patients with ischemic heart disease. The revascularization process comprises two aspects: 1) indication and selection of there vascularization procedure, and 2) performance of the procedure. Involvement of the clinical cardiologist in the first step is fundamental. Basing their decisions on clinical, functional and anatomical features, these professionals detect and select patients who would benefit, and also help to select the revascularization technique. In this Update article on revascularization we review, for stable ischemic heart disease and non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, the following: 1) the most relevant aspects to consider when evaluating the need for and the type of revascularization (age, sex, diabetes, renal function, electrocardiographic changes, ventricular function and quantification of functional relevance of coronary artery disease and viability of the acinetic areas);2) indications for surgical or percutaneous intervention, and the choice of therapeutic strategy according to the latest clinical evidence and guidelines of scientific societies, and 3) currently available data on the controversy regarding choice of the revascularization procedure in patients with multivessel disease

Estrategia invasiva contemporánea en los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST / Contemporary invasive treatment in patients with non-st-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

Los estudios publicados desde 1999 que compararon una estrategia invasiva moderna (con disponibilidad de stent y nuevos antitrombóticos) y conservadora (invasiva selectiva) en los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST han demostrado que la estrategia invasiva disminuye, a largo plazo, la incidencia de muerte o infarto y mejora la evolución clínica en los pacientes de alto riesgo, aunque durante la hospitalización aumenta levemente las complicaciones isquémicas. El momento de realizar la coronariografía es controvertido, aunque la mayoría de las guías recomiendan que se haga en las primeras 48 h. Los pacientes que más se benefician son los que presentan cambios en el ST, elevación de troponinas o diabetes. Los de bajo riesgo con ambas estrategias tienen resultados similares. El beneficio de la estrategia invasiva se atribuye a la revascularización mecánica, pero también al uso de los nuevos antitrombóticos (clopidogrel e inhibidores de la glucoproteína IIb/IIIa). La utilización de clopidogrel está recomendada por la mayoría de las guías, aunque el momento de su aplicación es objeto de controversia y los datos más recientes indican que parece preferible la heparina no fraccionada si se planifica una estrategia invasiva. La administración precoz de inhibidores de la glucoproteína IIb /IIIa (tirofibán o eptifibatida) está indicada. En los casos en que la coronariografía se realiza tempranamente (menos de 2,5-6 h), el uso de abciximab o eptifibatida en el laboratorio de hemodinámica, una vez conocida la anatomía coronaria, parece una estrategia razonable (AU)

Studies published since 1999 that have compared modern invasive treatment (following the availability of stents and new antithrombotic drugs) in patients with non-STsegment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTACS) with more conservative (i.e., selectively invasive) treatment have shown that the long-term outcome is better in high-risk patients when the invasive approach is used. Mortality and myocardial infarction are less likely, although the number of ischemic complications occurring during hospitalization is slightly increased. There is still some controversy about how soon coronary angiography should be performed. Most guidelines recommend carrying it out during the first 48 hours in high-risk patients. The benefit is greatest in those who presented with STsegment alterations, an elevated troponin level, or diabetes. The better results achieved with the invasive approach in high-risk patients are not only due to the effect of mechanical revascularization, but also to the use of new, more aggressive antithrombotic drugs, such as clopidogrel or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Although clopidogrel is recommended by most guidelines, the timing of administration is still controversial. Recent data indicate that unfractioned heparin should be used in NSTACS patients who are expected to undergo invasive treatment. The early administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (e.g., tirofiban or eptifibatide) until several hours after percutaneous intervention is universally indicated, except when coronary angiography is to be carried out within 2.5-6 hours. In these cases, giving abciximab or eptifibatide in the catheterization laboratory seems to be a reasonable approach once the coronary anatomy is known and angioplasty has been decided on (AU)