Changes in cardiovascular health and white matter integrity with aerobic exercise, cognitive and combined training in physically inactive healthy late-middle-aged adults: the "Projecte Moviment" randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: This is a 12-weeks randomized controlled trial examining the effects of aerobic exercise (AE), computerized cognitive training (CCT) and their combination (COMB). We aim to investigate their impact on cardiovascular health and white matter (WM) integrity and how they contribute to the cognitive benefits. METHODS: 109 participants were recruited and 82 (62% female; age = 58.38 ± 5.47) finished the intervention with > 80% adherence. We report changes in cardiovascular risk factors and WM integrity (fractional anisotropy (FA); mean diffusivity (MD)), how they might be related to changes in physical activity, age and sex, and their potential role as mediators in cognitive improvements. RESULTS: A decrease in BMI (SMD = - 0.32, p = 0.039), waist circumference (SMD = - 0.42, p = 0.003) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (SMD = - 0.42, p = 0.006) in the AE group and a decrease in BMI (SMD = - 0.34, p = 0.031) and DBP (SMD = - 0.32, p = 0.034) in the COMB group compared to the waitlist control group was observed. We also found decreased global MD in the CCT group (SMD = - 0.34; p = 0.032) and significant intervention-related changes in FA and MD in the frontal and temporal lobes in the COMB group. CONCLUSIONS: We found changes in anthropometric measures that suggest initial benefits on cardiovascular health after only 12 weeks of AE and changes in WM microstructure in the CCT and COMB groups. These results add evidence of the clinical relevance of lifestyle interventions and the potential benefits when combining them. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT031123900.

Automated Systems for Calculating Arteriovenous Ratio in Retinographies: A Scoping Review.

There is evidence of an association between hypertension and retinal arteriolar narrowing. Manual measurement of retinal vessels comes with additional variability, which can be eliminated using automated software. This scoping review aims to summarize research on automated retinal vessel analysis systems. Searches were performed on Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane to find studies examining automated systems for the diagnosis of retinal vascular alterations caused by hypertension using the following keywords: diagnosis; diagnostic screening programs; image processing, computer-assisted; artificial intelligence; electronic data processing; hypertensive retinopathy; hypertension; retinal vessels; arteriovenous ratio and retinal image analysis. The searches generated 433 articles. Of these, 25 articles published from 2010 to 2022 were included in the review. The retinographies analyzed were extracted from international databases and real scenarios. Automated systems to detect alterations in the retinal vasculature are being introduced into clinical practice for diagnosis in ophthalmology and other medical specialties due to the association of such changes with various diseases. These systems make the classification of hypertensive retinopathy and cardiovascular risk more reliable. They also make it possible for diagnosis to be performed in primary care, thus optimizing ophthalmological visits.

Evolución de la prevalencia de arteriopatía periférica en la práctica clínica: Estudio descriptivo poblacional con bases de datos reales (SIDIAP-CMBD) / Evolution of the prevalence of peripheral artery disease in clinical practice: A descriptive population study with real databases (SIDIAP-CMBD)

Objetivo: Evaluar, con datos de práctica clínica real (SIDIAP y CMBD), la evolución de la prevalencia de arteriopatía periférica (AP) en la población catalana y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular presentes en las personas con esta patología. Diseño: Estudio longitudinal descriptivo poblacional. Emplazamiento: Atención primaria. Participantes: Pacientes que figuran en SIDIAP y CMBD con diagnóstico de arteriopatía periférica entre los años 2008 y 2018 ≥ 35 años, así como aquellos sin diagnóstico, pero con un registro del ITB < 0,9 en SIDIAP. Intervenciones y mediciones: Variable principal AP (CIE-9, CIE-10). Datos sociodemográficos, factores de riesgo y patología cardiovascular, consumo de fármacos y eventos cardiovasculares prevalentes en el momento del diagnóstico. Resultados: Se contabilizaron 141.520 pacientes. Un 75% tenía hipertensión, un 58% eran fumadores o exfumadores y un 23% tuvieron un infarto de miocardio. La prevalencia global fue aumentando desde el 1,2% en 2008 hasta el 3,1% en 2018. La prevalencia de AP aumentó con la edad, con un incremento moderado en edades tempranas, y más pronunciado en > 55 años, rebasando el 10% en > 85 años. Conclusión: Se trata de un estudio poblacional donde se observa que la evolución de la prevalencia de arteriopatía periférica ha presentado un incremento constante durante los años 2008 a 2018, siendo superior en varones especialmente a partir de los 55 años. Los estudios con grandes bases de datos pueden facilitar el diseño y la implementación de nuevas políticas en los sistemas nacionales de salud.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate, with real world data (SIDIAP and CMBD), the evolution of the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the Catalan population and the cardiovascular risk factors present in people with this pathology. Design: Longitudinal descriptive population study. Site: Primary health care. Participants: Patients listed in SIDIAP and CMBD with a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease between 2008 and 2018 ≥ 35 years, as well as those without a diagnosis, but with an ABI < 0.9 in SIDIAP. Interventions and main measurements: Main variable AP (ICD-9, ICD-10). Sociodemographic data, risk factors and cardiovascular disease, drug use and prevalent cardiovascular events at the time of diagnosis. Results: 141,520 patients were studied. 75% had hypertension, 58% were smokers or former smokers, and 23% had a myocardial infarction. The global prevalence increased from 1.15% in 2008 to 3.10% in 2018. The prevalence of PAD increased with age, with a moderate increase at younger ages, and more pronounced in > 55 years, exceeding 10% in > 85 years. Conclusion: This is a population study where it is observed that the evolution of the prevalence of peripheral artery disease has presented a constant increase during the years 2008–2018, being higher in men, especially from 55 years of age. Studies with large databases can facilitate the design and implementation of new policies in national health systems.(AU)

[Evolution of the prevalence of peripheral artery disease in clinical practice: A descriptive population study with real databases (SIDIAP-CMBD)]. / Evolución de la prevalencia de arteriopatía periférica en la práctica clínica: Estudio descriptivo poblacional con bases de datos reales (SIDIAP-CMBD).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, with real world data (SIDIAP and CMBD), the evolution of the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the Catalan population and the cardiovascular risk factors present in people with this pathology. DESIGN: Longitudinal descriptive population study. SITE: Primary health care. PARTICIPANTS: Patients listed in SIDIAP and CMBD with a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease between 2008 and 2018 ≥ 35 years, as well as those without a diagnosis, but with an ABI < 0.9 in SIDIAP. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Main variable AP (ICD-9, ICD-10). Sociodemographic data, risk factors and cardiovascular disease, drug use and prevalent cardiovascular events at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: 141,520 patients were studied. 75% had hypertension, 58% were smokers or former smokers, and 23% had a myocardial infarction. The global prevalence increased from 1.15% in 2008 to 3.10% in 2018. The prevalence of PAD increased with age, with a moderate increase at younger ages, and more pronounced in > 55 years, exceeding 10% in > 85 years. CONCLUSION: This is a population study where it is observed that the evolution of the prevalence of peripheral artery disease has presented a constant increase during the years 2008-2018, being higher in men, especially from 55 years of age. Studies with large databases can facilitate the design and implementation of new policies in national health systems.

Supervised physical activity in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease: protocol for a randomized clinical trial (ARTPERfit Study).

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a marker of cardiovascular morbidity, causing disability, loss of mobility and poor quality of life, manifesting clinically in the form of intermittent claudication (IC). Physical exercise increases the distance walked and improves quality of life. The aim of our study will be increased walking distance prolonging the time of onset of pain in patients with symptomatic PAD (IC). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will be performed in Mataró Hospital's vascular surgery service and School of Health Sciences, TecnoCampus. This population comes from 15 primary healthcare centres ofNorth Barcelona, Spain (450 000 inhabitants).This study will be a four-group parallel, longitudinal, randomised controlled trial, blind to analysis.The main primary outcome of this study will be the improvement in pain-free walking distance. Others primary objectives are and improvement in functional status, quality of life and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). Secondary outcomes will be the analysis of cardiorespiratory fitness, evaluation of muscle fitness, determine the maintenance of primary objectives at 6 and 12 months.We will be included 124 patients (31 per group). The changes of the outcome (Barthel, SF-12, VascQOL-6, ABI) of the three intervention groups vs the control group at 3, 6 and 12 months will be compared, both continuously (linear regression) and categorically (logistic regression). A person who has not performed at least 75% of the training will be considered to have not completed the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study will be conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki . It was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Research Institute Primary Health IDIAP Jordi Gol (20/035 P),Barcelona 6 October 2020. Informed consent will be obtained from all patients before the start of the study. We will disseminate results through academic papers and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04578990.

Relationship between Retinal Microvasculature, Cardiovascular Risk and Silent Brain Infarction in Hypertensive Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to analyze the role of artery-vein ratio AVR assessment using VesselMap 2 software (Imedos Systems) and cardiovascular risk evaluation by means of REGICOR in the prediction of silent brain infarction (SBI) in middle-age hypertensive patients from the ISSYS study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 695 patients with hypertension aged 50 to 70 years who participated in the project Investigating Silent Strokes in HYpertensives: a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study (ISSYS), was conducted in two Primary Care Centres of Barcelona. Participants agreed to a retinography and an MRI to detect silent brain infarction (SBI). The IMEDOS software was used for the semiautomatic caliber measurement of retinal arteries and veins, and the AVR was considered abnormal when <0.66. The REGICOR score was calculated for all patients. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of AVR and REGICOR scores on SBI. The OR (odds ratio) for a high REGICOR score and an abnormal AVR were 3.16 and 4.45, respectively. When analysing the interaction of both factors, the OR of an abnormal AVR and moderate REGICOR score was 3.27, whereas with a high REGICOR score it reached 13.07. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of AVR in patients with hypertension and with a high REGICOR score can contribute to the detection of silent brain infarction.

Associations Between Systolic Interarm Differences in Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes and Mortality: Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Development and Validation of a Prognostic Algorithm: The INTERPRESS-IPD Collaboration.

Systolic interarm differences in blood pressure have been associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. We undertook individual participant data meta-analyses to (1) quantify independent associations of systolic interarm difference with mortality and cardiovascular events; (2) develop and validate prognostic models incorporating interarm difference, and (3) determine whether interarm difference remains associated with risk after adjustment for common cardiovascular risk scores. We searched for studies recording bilateral blood pressure and outcomes, established agreements with collaborating authors, and created a single international dataset: the Inter-arm Blood Pressure Difference - Individual Participant Data (INTERPRESS-IPD) Collaboration. Data were merged from 24 studies (53 827 participants). Systolic interarm difference was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: continuous hazard ratios 1.05 (95% CI, 1.02-1.08) and 1.06 (95% CI, 1.02-1.11), respectively, per 5 mm Hg systolic interarm difference. Hazard ratios for all-cause mortality increased with interarm difference magnitude from a ≥5 mm Hg threshold (hazard ratio, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01-1.14]). Systolic interarm differences per 5 mm Hg were associated with cardiovascular events in people without preexisting disease, after adjustment for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00-1.08]), Framingham (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01-1.08]), or QRISK cardiovascular disease risk algorithm version 2 (QRISK2) (hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.06-1.18]) cardiovascular risk scores. Our findings confirm that systolic interarm difference is associated with increased all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular events. Blood pressure should be measured in both arms during cardiovascular assessment. A systolic interarm difference of 10 mm Hg is proposed as the upper limit of normal. Registration: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42015031227.

Sex-Specific Protective Effects of APOE ε2 on Cognitive Performance.

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) has an important role in the multiple trajectories of cognitive aging. However, environmental variables and other genes mediate the impact of APOE on cognition. Our main objective was to analyze the effect of APOE genotype on cognition and its interactions and relationships with sex, age, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype in a sample of 648 healthy participants over 50 years of age with a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Our results showed that APOE ε2 carriers performed better in the Verbal Memory (p = .002) and Fluency Domains (p = .001). When we studied the effect of sex, we observed that the beneficial effect of APOE ε2 on the normalized values of these cognitive domains occurred only in females (ß = 0.735; 95% confidence interval, 0.396-1.074; p = 3.167·10-5 and ß = 0.568; 95% confidence interval, 0.276-0.861; p = 1.853·10-4, respectively). Similarly, the sex-specific effects of APOE ε2 were further observed on lipidic and inflammation biomarkers. In the whole sample, APOE ε2 carriers showed significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. These differences were found only among females. Furthermore, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol mediated the protective effect of APOE ε2 on cognition in the whole sample and total cholesterol in females, providing candidate physiological mechanisms for the observed genetic effects. Our results show that the neuroprotective role of APOE ε2 in cognition varies with sex and that the lipidic profile partially mediates this protection. Age-related cognitive and functional decline is a continuous biological process with different cognitive trajectories (1). Complex interactions between heritability, environmental influence, and cognitive functions in aging have been highlighted (2). In particular, genetic differences explain around 15%-25% of the variance in life expectancy (3). Therefore, the identification of susceptibility genes and their biological effects on cognitive aging is required to establish interindividual differences in this process and promote early personalized interventions to delay cognitive decline and minimize the financial burden of aging in the health care system.

Long-Term Morbidity and Mortality after First and Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in the ARTPER Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular events are a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The risk of recurrence after a first cardiovascular event has been documented in the international literature, although not as extensively in a Mediterranean population-based cohort with low cardiovascular risk. There is also ample, albeit contradictory, research on the recurrence of stroke and myocardial infarctions (MI) after a first event and the factors associated with such recurrence, including the role of pathological Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). METHODS: The Peripheral Arterial ARTPER study is aimed at deepening our knowledge of patient evolution after a first cardiovascular event in a Mediterranean population with low cardiovascular risk treated at a primary care centre. We study overall recurrence, cardiac and cerebral recurrence. We studied participants in the ARTPER prospective observational cohort, excluding patients without cardiovascular events or with unconfirmed events and patients who presented arterial calcification at baseline or who died. In total, we analyzed 520 people with at least one cardiovascular event, focusing on the presence and type of recurrence, the risk factors associated with recurrence and the behavior of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) as a predictor of risk. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2017, 46% of patients with a first cardiovascular event experienced a recurrence of some type; most recurrences fell within the same category as the first event. The risk of recurrence after an MI was greater than after a stroke. In our study, recurrence increased with age, the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetes and the use of antiplatelets. Diabetes mellitus was associated with all types of recurrence. Additionally, patients with an ABI < 0.9 presented more recurrences than those with an ABI ≥ 0.9. CONCLUSIONS: In short, following a cardiac event, recurrence usually takes the form of another cardiac event. However, after having a stroke, the chance of having another stroke or having a cardiac event is similar. Lastly, ABI < 0.9 may be considered a predictor of recurrence risk.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise, Cognitive and Combined Training on Cognition in Physically Inactive Healthy Late-Middle-Aged Adults: The Projecte Moviment Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle interventions are promising strategies to promote cognitive health in aging. Projecte Moviment examines if aerobic exercise (AE), computerized cognitive training (CCT), and their combination (COMB) improves cognition, psychological health, and physical status compared to a control group. We assessed the moderating role of age and sex and the mediating effects of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), and psychological health on intervention-related cognitive benefits. METHODS: This was a 12-week multi-domain, single-blind, proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial (RCT). 96 healthy adults aged 50-70 years were assigned to AE, CCT, COMB, and a wait-list control group. The per protocol sample, which completed the intervention with a level of adherence > 80%, consisted of 82 participants (62% female; age = 58.38 ± 5.47). We assessed cognition, psychological health, CRF, and energy expenditure in PA at baseline and after the intervention. We regressed change in each outcome on the treatment variables, baseline score, sex, age, and education. We used PROCESS Macro to perform the mediation and moderation analyses. RESULTS: AE benefited Working Memory (SMD = 0.29, p = 0.037) and Attention (SMD = 0.33, p = 0.028) including the Attention-Speed (SMD = 0.31, p = 0.042) domain, compared to Control. COMB improved Attention (SMD = 0.30, p = 0.043), Speed (SMD = 0.30, p = 0.044), and the Attention-Speed (SMD = 0.30, p = 0.041) domain. CTT group did not show any cognitive change compared to Control. Sportive PA (S-PA) and CRF increased in AE and COMB. Age and sex did not moderate intervention-related cognitive benefits. Change in S-PA, but not in CRF, significantly mediated improvements on Attention-Speed in AE. CONCLUSION: A 12-week AE program improved Executive Function and Attention-Speed in healthy late-middle-aged adults. Combining it with CCT did not provide further benefits. Our results add support to the clinical relevance of even short-term AE as an intervention to enhance cognition and highlight the mediating role of change in S-PA in these benefits. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03123900.

Correction: Contribution of the ankle-brachial index to improve the prediction of coronary risk: The ARTPER cohort.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191283.].

Contribution of the ankle-brachial index to improve the prediction of coronary risk: The ARTPER cohort.

BACKGROUND: The different cardiovascular risk prediction scales currently available are not sufficiently sensitive. AIM: The aim of the present study was to analyze the contribution of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) added to the Framingham and REGICOR risk scales for the reclassification of cardiovascular risk after a 9-year follow up of a Mediterranean population with low cardiovascular risk. DESIGN AND SETTING: A population-based prospective cohort study was performed in the province of Barcelona, Spain. METHOD: A total of 3,786 subjects >49 years were recruited from 2006-2008. Baseline ABI was performed and cardiovascular risk was calculated with the Framingham and REGICOR scales. The participants were followed until November 2016 by telephone and review of the clinical history every 6 months to confirm the possible appearance of cardiovascular events. RESULTS: 2,716 individuals participated in the study. There were 126 incidental cases of first coronary events (5%) during follow up. The incidence of coronary events in patients with ABI <0.9 was 4-fold greater than that of subjects with a normal ABI (17.2/1,000 persons-year versus 4.8/1,000 persons-year). Improvement in the predictive capacity of REGICOR scale was observed on including ABI in the model, obtaining a net reclassification improvement of 7% (95% confidence interval 0%-13%) for REGICOR+ ABI. Framingham + ABI obtained a NRI of 4% (-2%-11%). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the addition of the ABI as a tool to help in the reclassification of cardiovascular risk and to confirm the greater incidence of coronary events in patients with ABI < 0.9.

Evolución y grado de control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular tras 5 años de seguimiento y su relación con la incidencia de arteriopatía periférica: cohorte poblacional ARTPER / Evolution and degree of control of cardiovascular risk factors after 5 years of follow-up and their relationship with the incidence of peripheral arterial disease: ARTPER cohort

Fundamento y objetivo: Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) son bien conocidos, pero su grado de control no es óptimo. Este trabajo pretende valorar la evolución y el control de los FRCV clásicos tras 5 años de seguimiento de una cohorte poblacional y su relación con la incidencia de arteriopatía periférica (AP). Material y método: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Selección de pacientes 2006-2008; segunda visita entre 2011-2012. En ambas fases se realizó un índice tobillo-brazo en condiciones estandarizadas. Se registraron variables demográficas, antecedentes y FRCV, presión arterial, perfil lipídico, glucosa y hemoglobina glucosilada en pacientes diabéticos y cálculo del riesgo cardiovascular mediante REGICOR. Resultados: Fueron analizados 2.125 individuos. Se incrementó la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en un 15,4%, en un 8,2% la diabetes (DM) y en un 20,4% la hipercolesterolemia, manteniéndose estables la obesidad y el tabaquismo. REGICOR se mantuvo alrededor de 5,5%. Se incrementó el control de los FRCV durante el seguimiento, excepto para la DM y la obesidad. En el análisis multivariante la HTA no controlada presentó un riesgo de más del doble para AP incidente (odds ratio [OR] 2,3; intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC 95%] 1,3-4,1), y el tabaquismo, de 5 veces (OR 5,0; IC 95% 2,5-10,2). Conclusiones: Tabaquismo y HTA mal controlados incrementan el riesgo para AP en esta población. A pesar del aumento del tratamiento farmacológico persiste un control subóptimo de los FRCV (AU)

Background and objective: Although cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are well known, their degree of control is not optimal. The aim of this study is to assess the evolution and control of CVRFs after 5 years of monitoring a population-based cohort and their association with the incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Material and method: Prospective cohort study recruited between 2006-2008. Second phase between 2011-2012. An ankle brachial index was determined for all participants in both phases. Demographic variables, CVRF and previous cardiovascular events, blood pressure, total cholesterol and its fractions (HDL, LDL), triglycerides, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in diabetic patients and the cardiovascular risk score according to the REGICOR table were recorded. Results: A total of 2,125 individuals were analyzed. We observed an increase in the prevalence of hypertension (HT) (15.4%), diabetes (DM) (8.2%) and hypercholesterolemia (20.4%), with no changes in obesity and smoking. The cardiovascular risk determined on the basis of the REGICOR table remained at around 5.5%. We observed an increased control of CVRF throughout the follow-up period, except in the case of DM and obesity. In the multivariate analysis, uncontrolled HT 2-folded the risk of onset of PAD (odds ratio [OR] 2.3; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3-4.1), whereas smoking 5-folded this risk (OR 5.0; 95% CI 2.5-10.2). Conclusions: Smoking and uncontrolled HT increase the risk of onset of PAD in this population. Despite the increase in drug treatments, the control of CVRFs continues to be suboptimal (AU)

Evolution and degree of control of cardiovascular risk factors after 5 years of follow-up and their relationship with the incidence of peripheral arterial disease: ARTPER cohort. / Evolución y grado de control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular tras 5 años de seguimiento y su relación con la incidencia de arteriopatía periférica: cohorte poblacional ARTPER.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are well known, their degree of control is not optimal. The aim of this study is to assess the evolution and control of CVRFs after 5 years of monitoring a population-based cohort and their association with the incidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Prospective cohort study recruited between 2006-2008. Second phase between 2011-2012. An ankle brachial index was determined for all participants in both phases. Demographic variables, CVRF and previous cardiovascular events, blood pressure, total cholesterol and its fractions (HDL, LDL), triglycerides, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in diabetic patients and the cardiovascular risk score according to the REGICOR table were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 2,125 individuals were analyzed. We observed an increase in the prevalence of hypertension (HT) (15.4%), diabetes (DM) (8.2%) and hypercholesterolemia (20.4%), with no changes in obesity and smoking. The cardiovascular risk determined on the basis of the REGICOR table remained at around 5.5%. We observed an increased control of CVRF throughout the follow-up period, except in the case of DM and obesity. In the multivariate analysis, uncontrolled HT 2-folded the risk of onset of PAD (odds ratio [OR] 2.3; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3-4.1), whereas smoking 5-folded this risk (OR 5.0; 95% CI 2.5-10.2). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and uncontrolled HT increase the risk of onset of PAD in this population. Despite the increase in drug treatments, the control of CVRFs continues to be suboptimal.

Prevalence of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease in individuals with chronic immune mediated inflammatory disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) and to assess whether age-associated progression in ankle-brachial index (ABI) differs between individuals with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (CIID) and the general population. METHODS: Pooled analysis with data from individuals aged 50 years and older with ABI measurements, obtained from population-based cross-sectional studies conducted in Catalonia (Spain). Information on three CIID diagnoses (i.e., inflammatory bowel disease, systemic connective tissue disorders, and inflammatory polyarthropathies and spondylopathies, considered as one entity for purposes of analysis) was obtained from electronic medical records. To ascertain the statistical association between PAD and CIID, logistic regression models were fitted and adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. We tested the interaction between age and CIID diagnosis for ABI values. RESULTS: We included 8799 individuals, 312 (3.6%) with CIID. The age-standardized prevalence of PAD was higher in the CIID group (12% vs. 6% in general population, p = 0.001), and the model adjusted for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors also showed higher risk in individuals with CIID [Odds Ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.65 (1.15-2.38); p = 0.007]. The inflammatory polyarthropathies/spondylopathies diagnosis was significantly associated with PAD in the fully adjusted model [1.80 (1.18-2.75); p = 0.006]. The atherosclerotic process was accelerated in individuals with CIID, compared to the general population (p for interaction<0.001). CONCLUSION: In individuals with CIID, age-standardized prevalence of PAD was significantly higher than in the general population and the atherosclerotic process was accelerated. However, only inflammatory polyarthropathies/spondylopathies was associated with significant risk of PAD.

Concordancia entre 3 métodos de medición del índice tobillo-brazo para el diagnóstico de arteriopatía periférica / Concordance between 3 methods of measurement the ankle-brachial index to diagnose peripheral artery disease

Fundamento y objetivos: Determinar la concordancia del índice tobillo-brazo (ITB) determinado mediante esfigmógrafo automático Omron y la medición automatizada mediante triple toma respecto al método de referencia doppler, así como su sensibilidad y especificidad. Pacientes y métodos: Pacientes de la cohorte poblacional ARTPER, clasificados como arteriopatía periférica (AP) si ITB < 0,9, calcificados si ITB ≥ 1,4, y sanos. Se calculó el índice kappa para ver la concordancia entre los 3 métodos con estas categorías y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) para ver la concordancia del valor continuo de ITB. Resultados: Se incluyeron 88 participantes, un 52% mujeres, con una edad comprendida entre 57 y 87 años. Fue posible calcular el ITB en el 100% con doppler, en el 97% con Omron y en el 95% con triple toma. Las medias (desviación estándar) de ITB con los 3 métodos fueron: doppler 1,089 (0,236), Omron 1,082 (0,110), triple toma 1,146 (0,134), con pobre concordancia (CCI doppler/Omron = 0,27, doppler/triple toma = 0,13 y triple toma/Omron = 0,39). Categorizando el ITB en AP-sano-calcificación presentaron ITB < 0,9 un 13,6% (mediante doppler), 6,8% (Omron) y 3,4% (triple toma), e ITB ≥ 1,4 un 9,1% (mediante doppler), 1,1% (Omron) y 9,1% (triple toma), obteniendo índices kappa débiles (doppler/Omron = 0,22, doppler/triple toma = 0,01, triple toma/Omron = 0,17). Tanto Omron como triple toma fueron muy específicos (97%), pero muy poco sensibles (8 y 33%, respectivamente) con respecto a doppler. Conclusiones: Ni Omron ni triple toma tienen una buena concordancia con doppler, por lo que los primeros no parecen adecuados para el cribado de AP en las consultas de atención primaria (AU)

Background and objectives: To determine the concordance of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) determined by automatic measurements (sphygmomanometer Omron and the triple cuff device) using doppler as the gold-standard, computing as well as sensitivity and specificity. Patients and methods: ARTPER population cohort subjects, classified as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) if ABI < 0.9, calcified ifABI 1.4 and healthy otherwise. To asses concordance we used kappa index using the 3 categories and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for ABI continuous values. Results: Eighty-eight participants, 52% women, 57-87 years. It was possible to calculate the ABI using doppler for100%,97%usingOmronand95%using triple.ABImeans (standarddeviation)were:doppler1.089 (0.236),Omron1.082 (0.110),triple1.146(0.134), withpoor agreement(ICCdoppler/Omron = 0.27,doppler/ triple = 0.13, and triple/Omron = 0.39). Categorizing ABI as PAD-healthy-calcified 13.6% (doppler), 6.8% (Omron) and 3.4% (triple) were PAD and 9.1% (doppler), 1.1% (Omron) and 9.1% (triple) were calcified. Kappa indexes were weak (doppler/Omron = 0.22, doppler/triple = 0.01, triple/Omron = 0.17). Both triple andOmronwerehighly specific (97%)buthadvery lowsensitivity (8 and33%, respectively) comparedtodoppler. Conclusions: Concordance of ABI automatic measurements as Omron and triple with doppler was poor, and they do not seem suitable for screening for PAD in primary care consultations (AU)

[Concordance between 3 methods of measurement the ankle-brachial index to diagnose peripheral artery disease]. / Concordancia entre 3 métodos de medición del índice tobillo-brazo para el diagnóstico de arteriopatía periférica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the concordance of the ankle-brachial index (ABI) determined by automatic measurements (sphygmomanometer Omron and the triple cuff device) using doppler as the gold-standard, computing as well as sensitivity and specificity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: ARTPER population cohort subjects, classified as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) if ABI<0.9, calcified if ABI≥1.4 and healthy otherwise. To asses concordance we used kappa index using the 3 categories and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for ABI continuous values. RESULTS: Eighty-eight participants, 52% women, 57-87 years. It was possible to calculate the ABI using doppler for 100%, 97% using Omron and 95% using triple. ABI means (standard deviation) were: doppler 1.089 (0.236), Omron 1.082 (0.110), triple 1.146 (0.134), with poor agreement (ICC doppler/Omron=0.27, doppler/triple=0.13, and triple/Omron=0.39). Categorizing ABI as PAD-healthy-calcified 13.6% (doppler), 6.8% (Omron) and 3.4% (triple) were PAD and 9.1% (doppler), 1.1% (Omron) and 9.1% (triple) were calcified. Kappa indexes were weak (doppler/Omron=0.22, doppler/triple=0.01, triple/Omron=0.17). Both triple and Omron were highly specific (97%) but had very low sensitivity (8 and 33%, respectively) compared to doppler. CONCLUSIONS: Concordance of ABI automatic measurements as Omron and triple with doppler was poor, and they do not seem suitable for screening for PAD in primary care consultations.

Ankle-brachial index and the incidence of cardiovascular events in the Mediterranean low cardiovascular risk population ARTPER cohort.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is a cardiovascular disease highly prevalent particularly in the asymptomatic form. Its prevalence starts to be a concern in low coronary risk countries like Spain. Few studies have analyzed the relationship between ankle-brachial index (ABI) and cardiovascular morbi-mortality in low cardiovascular risk countries like Spain where we observe significant low incidence of ischemic heart diseases together with high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between pathological ABI and incidence of cardiovascular events (coronary disease, cerebrovascular disease, symptomatic aneurism of abdominal aorta, vascular surgery) and death in the >49 year population-based cohort in Spain (ARTPER). METHODS: Baseline ABI was measured in 3,786 randomly selected patients from 28 Primary Health Centers in Barcelona, distributed as: ABI<0.9 peripheral arterial disease (PAD), ABI ≥1.4 arterial calcification (AC), ABI 0.9-1.4 healthy; and followed during 4 years. RESULTS: 3,307 subjects were included after excluding those with previous vascular events. Subjects with abnormal ABI were older with higher proportion of men, smokers and diabetics. 260 people presented cardiovascular events (incidence 2,117/100,000 person-years) and 124 died from any cause (incidence 978/100,000 person-years). PAD had two-fold greater risk of coronary disease (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.2) and increased risk of vascular surgery (HR = 5.6, 95%CI 2.8-11.5) and mortality (HR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.4-2.5). AC increased twice risk of cerebrovascular events (HR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.0-3.5) with no relationship with ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: PAD increases coronary disease risk and AC cerebrovascular disease risk in low cardiovascular risk Mediterranean population. ABI could be a useful tool to detect patients at risk in Primary Health Care.

Prevalence of obesity and associated cardiovascular risk: the DARIOS study.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Spanish population as measured with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) and to determine the associated cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Pooled analysis with individual data from 11 studies conducted in the first decade of the 21st century. Participants aged 35-74 years were asked about the history of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Height, weight, WC, blood pressure, glycaemia, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary risk were measured. The prevalence of overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2)), general obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)), suboptimal WC (≥ 80 cm and < 88 in women, ≥ 94 and < 102 in men), abdominal obesity (WC ≥88 cm ≥102 cm in women and men, respectively) and WHtR ≥0.5 was estimated, standardized for the European population. RESULTS: We included 28,743 individuals. The prevalence of overweight and suboptimal WC was 51% and 30% in men and 36% and 22% in women, respectively; general obesity was 28% in both sexes and abdominal obesity 36% in men and 55% in women. The prevalence of WHtR ≥0.5 was 89% and 77% in men and women, respectively. All cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with abnormal increased values of BMI, WC and WHtR. Hypertension showed the strongest association with overweight [OR = 1.99 (95% confidence interval 1.81-2.21) and OR = 2.10 (1.91-2.31)]; suboptimal WC [OR = 1.78 (1.60-1.97) and OR = 1.45 (1.26-1.66)], with general obesity [OR = 4.50 (4.02-5.04), and OR = 5.20 (4.70-5.75)] and with WHtR ≥0.5 [OR = 2.94 (2.52-3.43), and OR = 3.02 (2.66-3.42)] in men and women respectively, besides abdominal obesity in men only [OR = 3.51 (3.18-3.88)]. Diabetes showed the strongest association with abdominal obesity in women [OR = 3,86 (3,09-4,89). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity in Spain was high. Overweight, suboptimal WC, general, abdominal obesity and WHtR ≥0.5 was significantly associated with diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and coronary risk. The use of lower cut-off points for both BMI and particularly WC and could help to better identify the population at risk and therefore achieve more effective preventive measures.

Measurement of the ankle brachial index with a non-mercury sphygmomanometer in diabetic patients: a concordance study.

BACKGROUND: The removal of mercury sphygmomanometers from health centers requires the validation of other instruments to measure blood pressure in the limbs to calculate the ankle-brachial index (ABI). METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study of agreement between two measurement methods in type 2 diabetes patients from three urban primary healthcare centres in the Barcelonès Nord i Maresme area (Catalonia, Spain). RESULTS: 211 patients were included, from these, 421 limbs were available for study. The mean age of the participants was 67 years (SD = 10), 51.7% were women. CONCLUSION: The combination of a Doppler device with the hybrid sphygmomanometer is a simple and reliable method to measure ABI showing that hybrid sphygmomanometer is a good alternative to the use of mercury sphygmomanometers.