A Comparison of 5 Measures of Accelerated Biological Aging and Their Association With Incident Cardiovascular Disease: The CARDIA Study.

BACKGROUND: Accelerated biological aging is an increasingly popular way to track the acceleration of biology over time that may not be captured by calendar time. Biological aging has been linked to external and internal chronic stressors and has the potential to be used clinically to understand a person's personalized functioning and predict future disease. We compared the association of different measures of biological aging and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) overall and by race. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used multiple informants models to compare the strength of clinical marker-derived age acceleration, 5 measures of epigenetic age acceleration (intrinsic and extrinsic epigenetic age acceleration, GrimAge acceleration, and PhenoAge acceleration), and 1 established clinical predictor of future CVD, Framingham 10-year risk score, with incident CVD over an 11-year period (2007-2018). Participants were 913 self-identified Black or White (41% and 59%, respectively) female or male (51% and 49%, respectively) individuals enrolled in the US-based CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) cohort study. The analytic baseline for this study was the 20-year follow-up examination (2005-2006; median age 45 years). We also included race-specific analysis. We found that all measures were modestly correlated with one another. However, clinical marker-derived age acceleration and Framingham 10-year risk score were more strongly associated with incident CVD than all the epigenetic measures. Clinical marker-derived age acceleration and Framingham 10-year risk score were not significantly different than one another in their association with incident CVD. CONCLUSIONS: The type of accelerated aging measure should be taken into consideration when comparing their association with clinical outcomes. A multisystem clinical composite shows associations with incident CVD equally to a well-known clinical predictor.

Childhood maltreatment and trajectories of cardiometabolic health across the reproductive life span among individuals with a first birth during the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood adversity is associated with poor cardiometabolic health in adulthood; little is known about how this relationship evolves through childbearing years for parous individuals. The goal was to estimate differences in cardiometabolic health indicators before, during and after childbearing years by report of childhood maltreatment in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) cohort study. METHODS: Including 743 individuals nulliparous at baseline (1985-1986) with one or more pregnancies >20 weeks during follow-up (1986-2022), we fit segmented linear regression models to estimate mean differences between individuals reporting or not reporting childhood maltreatment (physical or emotional) in waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, and body mass index (BMI) prior to, during, and following childbearing years using generalized estimating equations, allowing for interaction between maltreatment and time within each segment, and adjusting for total parity, parental education, and race (Black or white, self-reported). RESULTS: Individuals reporting maltreatment (19%; 141) had a greater waist circumference (post-childbearing: +2.9 cm, 95% CI (0.7, 5.0), higher triglycerides [post-childbearing: +8.1 mg/dL, 95% CI (0.7, 15.6)], and lower HDL cholesterol [post-childbearing: -2.1 mg/dL, 95% CI (-4.7, 0.5)] during all stages compared to those not reporting maltreatment. There were not meaningful differences in blood pressure, fasting glucose, or BMI. Individuals who reported maltreatment did not report faster changes over time. CONCLUSION: Differences in some aspects of cardiometabolic health between individuals reporting versus not reporting childhood maltreatment were sustained across reproductive life stages, suggesting potentially persistent impacts of childhood adversity.

Understanding the role of childhood nurture, abuse, and stability on gestational diabetes in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (CARDIA).

BACKGROUND: To estimate associations between facets of the maternal childhood family environment with gestational diabetes (GDM) and to test mediation by pre-pregnancy waist circumference. METHODS: We used data from CARDIA, a cohort of individuals aged 18-30 years at baseline (1985-86), followed over 30 years (2016). We included participants with one or more pregnancies ≥ 20 weeks after baseline, without pre-pregnancy diabetes. The primary exposure was the Childhood Family Environment Scale (assessed year 15), including the total score and abuse, nurture, and stability subscales as continuous, separate exposures. The outcome was GDM (self-reported at each visit for each pregnancy). We fit log binomial models with generalized estimating equations to calculate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for age at delivery, parity, race (Black or White), and parental education. We used regression models with bootstrapped CIs to test mediation and effect modification by excess abdominal adiposity at the last preconception CARDIA visit (waist circumference ≥ 88 cm). RESULTS: We included 1033 individuals (46% Black) with 1836 pregnancies. 130 pregnancies (7.1%) were complicated by GDM. For each 1 point increase on the abuse subscale (e.g., from "rarely or never" to "some or little of the time") there was a 30% increased risk of GDM (RR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.7). There was evidence of effect modification but not mediation by preconception abdominal adiposity. CONCLUSIONS: A more adverse childhood family environment was associated with increased risk of GDM, with a stronger association among individuals with preconception waist circumference ≥ 88 cm.

Clinician Attitudes Toward Suicide Prevention Practices and Their Implementation: Findings From the System of Safety Study.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to assess clinicians' attitudes toward suicide-related practices and their implementation, across roles and settings, before implementation of the Zero Suicide model in a health care system. METHODS: Clinicians (N=5,559) were invited to complete a survey assessing demographic characteristics; confidence and self-reported suicide-related practice; leadership buy-in; and attitudes toward suicide prevention, safety planning, and continuous quality improvement (CQI). RESULTS: Of 1,224 respondents, most felt confident conducting suicide screening but less confident performing other suicide-related care. Provider role and care setting were significantly associated with confidence (p<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis H test) and practice (p<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis H test) of providing suicide prevention care, with behavioral health providers and providers in the emergency department (ED) reporting the highest confidence. Attitudes toward safety planning were more positive among women (p<0.001, t test) and behavioral health providers (p<0.001, F test) than among their counterparts or peers. Positive attitudes toward CQI were significantly associated with male sex (p=0.01), non-White race (p=0.03), younger age (p=0.02), fewer years working in health care (p<0.001), administrative role (p<0.001), working in the ED (p<0.001), outpatient settings (p<0.02), and medical provider role (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral health providers and those in the ED reported feeling prepared to deliver suicide-related care, with nurses feeling less confident and less supported. Initiatives to improve suicide-related care should account for clinical role and care setting during planning. CQI could help engage a broader range of clinicians in suicide-related care improvements.

Paying for Medical and Social Complexity in Massachusetts Medicaid.

Importance: The first MassHealth Social Determinants of Health payment model boosted payments for groups with unstable housing and those living in socioeconomically stressed neighborhoods. Improvements were designed to address previously mispriced subgroups and promote equitable payments to MassHealth accountable care organizations (ACOs). Objective: To develop a model that ensures payments largely follow observed costs for members with complex health and/or social risks. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross sectional study used administrative data for members of the Massachusetts Medicaid program MassHealth in 2016 or 2017. Participants included members who were eligible for MassHealth's managed care, aged 0 to 64 years, and enrolled for at least 183 days in 2017. A new total cost of care model was developed and its performance compared with 2 earlier models. All models were fit to 2017 data (most recent available) and validated on 2016 data. Analyses were begun in February 2019 and completed in January 2023. Exposures: Model 1 used age-sex categories, a diagnosis-based morbidity relative risk score (RRS), disability, serious mental illness, substance use disorder, housing problems, and neighborhood stress. Model 2 added an interaction for unstable housing with RRS. Model 3 added rurality and updated diagnosis-based RRS, medication-based RRS, and interactions between sociodemographic characteristics and morbidity. Main Outcome and Measures: Total 2017 annual cost was modeled and overall model performance (R2) and fair pricing of subgroups evaluated using observed-to-expected (O:E) ratios. Results: Among 1 323 424 members, mean (SD) age was 26.4 (17.9) years, 53.4% were female (46.6% male), and mean (SD) 2017 cost was $5862 ($15 417). The R2 for models 1, 2, and 3 was 52.1%, 51.5%, and 60.3%, respectively. Earlier models overestimated costs for members without behavioral health conditions (O:E ratios 0.94 and 0.93 for models 1 and 2, respectively) and underestimated costs for those with behavioral health conditions (O:E ratio >1.10); model 3 O:E ratios were near 1.00. Model 3 was better calibrated for members with housing problems, those with children, and those with high morbidity scores. It reduced underpayments to ACOs whose members had high medical and social complexity. Absolute and relative model performance were similar in 2016 data. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study of data from Massachusetts Medicaid, careful modeling of social and medical risk improved model performance and mitigated underpayments to safety-net systems.

Psychological resources and incident hypertension in the coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) study.

OBJECTIVE: Examining factors that may protect against the development of hypertension is critical, as hypertension is a major public health concern. We examined the individual and combined associations of psychological resources (optimism and mastery) on incident hypertension over 15 years. METHOD: We used data from four exams of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study over 15 years (CARDIA exam years 15-30). Optimism and mastery were standardized to a z-score separately and summed to generate a psychological resources score. We examined the incidence of hypertension (stages 1 and 2; systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥ 80 mmHg) and stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg) among participants without hypertension at baseline. Multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for sociodemographic factors, behavioral factors, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Of 2,927 participants, 58% were women, 42% were Black, and the average age at the study baseline was 40 years (3.63). A higher psychological resources score was associated with lower odds of developing hypertension (stages 1 and 2; odds ratio [OR]: 0.89, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.03], p < .01) and stage 2 hypertension (OR: 0.88, [-0.21, -0.04], p < .01), after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. However, following adjustment for behavioral factors and depressive symptoms, the associations for hypertension (stages 1 and 2) and stage 2 hypertension were no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Greater psychological resources are associated with lower odds of hypertension. Associations were attenuated after additional adjustment for behavioral factors, indicating these factors may be important confounders or mediators. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Characteristics associated with poor atrial fibrillation-related quality of life in adults with atrial fibrillation.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the relationship between poor atrial fibrillation-related quality of life (AFQoL) and a battery of geriatric factors. The objective of this study is to describe factors associated with poor AFQoL in older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) with a focus on sociodemographic and clinical factors and a battery of geriatric factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study of participants aged 65+ with high stroke risk and AF. AFQoL was measured using the validated Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (score 0-100) and categorized as poor (<80) or good (80-100). Chi-square and t -tests evaluated differences in factors across poor AFQoL and significant characteristics ( P  < 0.05) were entered into a logistic regression model to identify variables related to poor AFQoL. RESULTS: Of 1244 participants (mean age 75.5), 42% reported poor AFQoL. Falls in the past 6 months, pre/frail and frailty, depression, anxiety, social isolation, vision impairment, oral anticoagulant therapy, rhythm control, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and polypharmacy were associated with higher odds of poor AFQoL. Marriage and college education were associated with a lower odds of poor AFQoL. CONCLUSIONS: More than 4 out of 10 older adults with AF reported poor AFQoL. Geriatric factors associated with higher odds of reporting poor AFQoL include recent falls, frailty, depression, anxiety, social isolation and vision impairment. Findings from this study may help clinicians screen for patients with poor AFQoL who could benefit from tailored management to ensure the delivery of patient-centered care and improved well being among older adults with AF.

Contribution of social, behavioral, and contextual exposures to Black-White disparities in incident obesity: The CARDIA study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify the contributions of socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, reproductive, and neighborhood exposures in young adulthood to Black-White differences in incident obesity. METHODS: In the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, 4488 Black or White adults aged 18 to 30 years without obesity at baseline (1985-1986) were followed over 30 years. Sex-specific Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate Black-White differences in incident obesity. Models were adjusted for baseline and time-updated indicators. RESULTS: During follow-up, 1777 participants developed obesity. Black women were 1.87 (95% CI: 1.63-2.13) times more likely and Black men were 1.53 (95% CI: 1.32-1.77) times more likely to develop obesity than their White counterparts after adjusting for age, field center, and baseline BMI. Baseline exposures explained 43% of this difference in women and 52% in men. Time-updated exposures explained more of the racial difference in women but less for men, compared with baseline exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting for these exposures accounted for a substantial but incomplete proportion of racial disparities in incident obesity. Remaining differences may be explained by incomplete capture of the most salient aspects of these exposures or potential variation in the impact of these exposures on obesity by race.

Depressive Symptom Subgroups and Their Association with Prevalent and Incident Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify depressive symptom subgroups in a community sample of young adults, investigate their stability over time, and determine their association with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. METHOD: Participants were 3377 adults from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. Using latent class and latent transition analysis, we derived subgroups based on items of the 20-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale in 1990, and examined patterns of change over a 10-year period (1990-2000). Cox regression models were used to examine associations between subgroup membership and prevalent (2000) and incident (2000 to 2016) obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. RESULTS: Three baseline subgroups were identified and labeled: "No Symptoms" (63.5%), "Lack of Positive Affect" (PA, 25.6%), and "Depressed Mood" (10.9%). At 10-year follow-up, individuals in "No Symptoms" subgroup had the highest probability (0.84) of being classified within the same subgroup. Participants classified as "Lack of PA" were likely (0.46) to remain in the same subgroup or be classified as "No Symptoms." Participants in the "Depressed Mood" were most likely to transition to the "Lack of PA" subgroup (0.38). Overall, 30.5% of participants transitioned between subgroups, with 11.4% classified as "Worsening" and 19.1% as "Improving." Relative to the "No Symptoms Stable," other subgroups ("Depressed Stable," "Worsening," and "Improving") were associated with prevalent obesity and hypertension. CONCLUSION: We identified distinct depressive symptom subgroups that are variably stable over time, and their change patterns were differentially associated with CVD risk factor prevalence.

Differential effect of anticoagulation according to cognitive function and frailty in older patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: In older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), cognitive impairment and frailty are prevalent. It is unknown whether the risk and benefit of anticoagulation differ by cognitive function and frailty. METHODS: A total of 1244 individuals with AF with age ≥65 years and a CHADSVASC score ≥2 were recruited from clinics in Massachusetts and Georgia between 2016 and 18 and followed until 2020. At baseline, frailty status and cognitive function were assessed. Hazard ratios of anticoagulation on physician adjudicated outcomes were adjusted by the propensity for receiving anticoagulation and stratified by cognitive function and frailty status. RESULTS: The average age was 75.5 (± 7.1) years, 49% were women, and 86% were prescribed oral anticoagulants. At baseline, 528 (42.4%) participants were cognitively impaired and 172 (13.8%) were frail. The adjusted hazard ratios of anticoagulation for the composite of major bleeding or death were 2.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-4.61) among cognitively impaired individuals and 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.49-1.79) among cognitively intact individuals (P for interaction = 0.08). Adjusted hazard ratios for anticoagulation were 1.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.66-5.13) among frail individuals and 1.39 (95% confidence interval: 0.84-2.40) among not frail individuals (P for interaction = 0.67). CONCLUSION: Compared with no anticoagulation, anticoagulation is associated with more major bleeding episodes and death in older patients with AF who are cognitively impaired.

Associations of Clinical and Social Risk Factors With Racial Differences in Premature Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Racial differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) are likely related to differences in clinical and social factors. The relative contributions of these factors to Black-White differences in premature CVD have not been investigated. METHODS: In Black and White adults aged 18 to 30 years at baseline in the CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults), the associations of clinical, lifestyle, depression, socioeconomic, and neighborhood factors across young adulthood with racial differences in incident premature CVD were evaluated in sex-stratified, multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models using multiply imputed data assuming missing at random. Percent reduction in the ß estimate (log-hazard ratio [HR]) for race quantified the contribution of each factor group to racial differences in incident CVD. RESULTS: Among 2785 Black and 2327 White participants followed for a median 33.9 years (25th-75th percentile, 33.7-34.0), Black (versus White) adults had a higher risk of incident premature CVD (Black women: HR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.71-3.49], Black men: HR, 1.59 [1.20-2.10] adjusted for age and center). Racial differences were not statistically significant after full adjustment (Black women: HR, 0.91 [0.55-1.52], Black men: HR 1.02 [0.70-1.49]). In women, the largest magnitude percent reduction in the ß estimate for race occurred with adjustment for clinical (87%), neighborhood (32%), and socioeconomic (23%) factors. In men, the largest magnitude percent reduction in the ß estimate for race occurred with an adjustment for clinical (64%), socioeconomic (50%), and lifestyle (34%) factors. CONCLUSIONS: In CARDIA, the significantly higher risk for premature CVD in Black versus White adults was statistically explained by adjustment for antecedent multilevel factors. The largest contributions to racial differences were from clinical and neighborhood factors in women, and clinical and socioeconomic factors in men.

Alcohol Use and Blood Pressure Among Adults with Hypertension: the Mediating Roles of Health Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use is associated with increased blood pressure among adults with hypertension, but it is unknown whether some of the observed relationship is explained by mediating behaviors related to alcohol use. OBJECTIVE: We assess the potential indirect role of smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and poor medication adherence on the association between alcohol use and blood pressure among Black and White men and women with hypertension. DESIGN: Adjusted repeated-measures analyses using generalized estimating equations and mediation analyses using inverse odds ratio weighting. PARTICIPANTS: 1835 participants with hypertension based on ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines in three most recent follow-up exams of the longitudinal Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults cohort study (2005-2016). MAIN MEASURES: Alcohol use was assessed using both self-reported average ethanol intake (drinks/day) and engagement in heavy episodic drinking (HED) in the past 30 days. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured by trained technicians (mmHg). Smoking, physical inactivity, and diet were self-reported and categorized according to American Heart Association criteria, and medication adherence was assessed using self-reported typical adherence to antihypertensive medications. KEY RESULTS: At baseline (2005-2006), 57.9% of participants were Black and 51.4% were women. Mean age (standard deviation) was 45.5 (3.6) years, mean SBP was 128.7 (15.5) mmHg, and mean DBP was 83.2 (10.1) mmHg. Each additional drink per day was significantly associated with higher SBP (ß = 0.713 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.398, 1.028) and DBP (ß = 0.398 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.160, 0.555), but there was no evidence of mediation by any of the behaviors. HED was not associated with blood pressure independent of average consumption. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the direct nature of the association of alcohol use with blood pressure and the utility of advising patients with hypertension to limit consumption in addition to other behavioral and pharmacological interventions.

Presence of Geriatric Conditions Is Prognostic of Major Bleeding in Older Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: a Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: In older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), physical, cognitive, and psychosocial limitations are prevalent. The prognostic value of these conditions for major bleeding is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether geriatric conditions are prospectively associated with major bleeding in older patients with AF on anticoagulation. DESIGN: Multicenter cohort study with 2-year follow-up from 2016 to 2020 in Massachusetts and Georgia from cardiology, electrophysiology, and primary care clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Diagnosed with AF, age 65 years or older, CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or higher, and taking oral anticoagulant (n=1,064). A total of 6507 individuals were screened. MAIN MEASURES: A six-component geriatric assessment of frailty, cognitive function, social support, depressive symptoms, vision, and hearing. Main outcome was major bleeding adjudicated by a physician panel. KEY RESULTS: At baseline, participants were, on average, 75.5 years old and 49% were women. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.5 and the mean HAS-BLED score was 3.3. During 2.0 (± 0.4) years of follow-up, 95 (8.9%) participants developed an episode of major bleeding. After adjusting for key covariates and accounting for competing risk from death, cognitive impairment (hazard ratio [HR] 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-2.56) and frailty (HR 2.77, 95% CI 1.38-5.58) were significantly associated with the development of major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: In older patients with AF taking anticoagulants, cognitive impairment and frailty were independently associated with major bleeding.

Psychosocial profiles and longitudinal achievement of optimal cardiovascular risk factor levels: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

Psychosocial factors are associated with the achievement of optimal cardiovascular disease risk factor (CVDRF) levels. To date, little research has examined multiple psychosocial factors simultaneously to identify distinguishing psychosocial profiles among individuals with CVDRF. Further, it is unknown whether profiles are associated with achievement of CVDRF levels longitudinally. Therefore, we characterized psychosocial profiles of individuals with CVDRF and assessed whether they are associated with achievement of optimal CVDRF levels over 15 years. We included 1148 CARDIA participants with prevalent hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and/or diabetes mellitus in 2000-2001. Eleven psychosocial variables reflecting psychological health, personality traits, and social factors were included. Optimal levels were deemed achieved if: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 7.0%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol < 100 mg/dl, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 mm Hg. Latent profile analysis revealed three psychosocial profile groups "Healthy", "Distressed and Disadvantaged" and "Discriminated Against". There were no significant differences in achievement of CVDRF levels of the 3 targets combined across profiles. Participants in the "Distressed and Disadvantaged" profile were less likely to meet optimal HbA1c levels compared to individuals in the "Healthy" profile after demographic adjustment. Associations were attenuated after full covariate adjustment. Distinct psychosocial profiles exist among individuals with CVDRF, representing meaningful differences. Implications for CVDRF management are discussed.

Longitudinal Analysis of Food Insufficiency and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the CARDIA study.

INTRODUCTION: Most previous studies on food insecurity and cardiovascular disease risk factors are cross-sectional. Without longitudinal data, it is unclear whether food insecurity precedes poor health and how exposure timing impacts these relationships. METHODS: Data from 2000 to 2001, 2005 to 2006, and 2010 to 2011 of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study were used. Food insufficiency-a screener measure related to food insecurity-was assessed in 2000-2001 and 2005-2006 using a single item. Cardiovascular disease risk factors were objectively assessed in 2010-2011. Impacts of food insufficiency patterns (food sufficient, food insufficient in 2000-2001 only, food insufficient in 2005-2006 only, food insufficient in both 2000-2001 and 2005-2006) on cardiovascular disease risk factors were estimated using inverse probability weighting of marginal structural models. Covariates that change over time were adjusted for using stabilized weights; baseline covariates were adjusted for in the marginal structural models. Analyses were conducted in 2020-2021. RESULTS: The baseline sample included 2,596 participants (56% women, 47% White). In unadjusted analyses, all food insufficiency patterns were associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure than food sufficiency. After accounting for covariates, estimates were attenuated but still consistent with adverse effects of food insufficiency, particularly among women. CONCLUSIONS: After covariate adjustment, food insufficiency was associated with several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Findings from this study should be replicated in other settings and populations. If verified, this evidence could provide justification for intervening in food insecurity to reduce future cardiovascular disease risk.

Association between risk of obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive performance, frailty, and quality of life among older adults with atrial fibrillation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Geriatric impairments and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are prevalent among older patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Little is known about the association between OSA and geriatric impairments, including frailty, cognitive performance, and AF-related quality of life. The objective of this study was to examine the associations of OSA with frailty, cognitive performance, and AF-related quality of life among older adults with AF. METHODS: Data from the Systemic Assessment of Geriatrics Elements-AF study were used, which included AF participants 65 years and older and with a CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was used to assess the risk of OSA. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between risk of OSA and geriatric impairments, adjusting for sociodemographic, geriatric, and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 970 participants (mean age 75 years; 51% male) were studied. Of the 680 participants without a medical history of OSA, 26% (n = 179) of participants had a low risk of OSA, 53% (n = 360) had an intermediate risk, and 21% (n = 141) had a high risk for OSA. Compared to those with low risk of OSA, participants with an intermediate or high risk of OSA were more likely to be frail (adjusted odds ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-2.56; adjusted odds ratio = 3.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.69-5.32, respectively) in the fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings identify a group of patients at high risk who would benefit from early screening for OSA. Future longitudinal studies are needed to assess the effect of OSA treatment on frailty, physical functioning, and quality of life among patients with AF. CITATION: Mehawej J, Saczynski JS, Kiefe CI, et al. Association between risk of obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive performance, frailty, and quality of life among older adults with atrial fibrillation. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):469-475.

Racial differences in the association of accelerated aging with future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: the coronary artery risk development in young adults study, 2007-2018.

OBJECTIVE: Variability of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including racial difference, is not fully accounted for by the variability of traditional CVD risk factors. We used a multiple biomarker model as a framework to explore known racial differences in CVD burden. DESIGN: We measured associations between accelerated aging (AccA) measured by a combination of biomarkers, and cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality using data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study (CARDIA). AccA was defined as the difference between biological age, calculated using biomarkers with the Klemera and Doubal method, and chronological age. Using logistic regression, we assessed overall and race-specific associations between AccA, CVD, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Among our cohort of 2959 Black or White middle-aged adults, after adjustment, a one-year increase in AccA was associated with increased odds of CVD (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.06), stroke (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.17), and all-cause mortality (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.08). We did not find significant overall racial differences, but we did find race by sex differences where Black men differed markedly from White men in the strength of association with CVD (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12). CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that AccA is associated with future CVD.

Navigating Black Aging: The Biological Consequences of Stress and Depression.

OBJECTIVES: Black persons in the United States are more likely to suffer from social inequality. Chronic stress caused by social inequality and racial discrimination results in weathering of the body that causes physiological dysregulation and biological age being higher than chronological age (accelerated aging). Depression has been linked to both racial discrimination and accelerated aging and accelerated aging has been demonstrated to be higher in Black than White persons, on average. However, we know little about accelerated aging across the life course in Black Americans. METHODS: We used mixed-effects growth models to measure biological age acceleration, measured with cardiometabolic markers, over a 20-year period in Black participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study who were aged 27-42 years at analytic baseline. We included an interaction between depressive symptoms and time to determine whether risk of depression was associated with a faster rate of biological aging. RESULTS: We found that the rate of biological aging increased over a 20-year span and that those at risk for depression had a faster rate of biological aging than those not at risk. We also found that various social factors were associated with biological age acceleration over time. DISCUSSION: Given the known association between perceived racial discrimination and depressive symptoms, we provide a novel instance of the long-term effects of social inequality. Specifically, biological age acceleration, a marker of physiological dysregulation, is associated with time among Black persons and more strongly associated among those with depressive symptoms.

Factors Associated With Patient Engagement in Shared Decision-Making for Stroke Prevention Among Older Adults with Atrial Fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent of, and factors associated with, patient engagement in shared decision-making (SDM) for stroke prevention among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: We used data from the Systematic Assessment of Geriatric Elements-Atrial Fibrillation study which includes older ( ≥65 years) patients with AF and a CHA2DS2-VASc≥2. Participants reported engagement in SDM by answering whether they actively participated in choosing to take an oral anticoagulant (OAC) for their condition. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess associations between sociodemographic, clinical, geriatric, and psychosocial factors and patient engagement in SDM. RESULTS: A total of 807 participants (mean age 75 years; 48% female) on an OAC were studied. Of these, 61% engaged in SDM. Older participants (≥80 years) and those cognitively impaired were less likely to engage in SDM, while those very knowledgeable of their AF associated stroke risk were more likely to do so than respective comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of older adults with AF did not engage in SDM for stroke prevention with older patients and those cognitively impaired less likely to do so. Clinicians should identify patients who are less likely to engage in SDM, promote patient engagement, and foster better patient-provider communication which may enhance long-term patient outcomes.

Gaps in Emergency General Surgery Coverage in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Despite three million adults in the United States (US) being admitted annually for emergency general surgery (EGS) conditions, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, we lack an understanding of the barriers to round-the-clock EGS care. Our objective was to measure gaps in round-the-clock EGS care. METHODS: From August 2015 to December 2015, we surveyed all US-based, adult acute care general hospitals that have an emergency room and ≥1 operating room and provide EGS care, utilizing paper and electronic methods. Surgeons or chief medical officers were queried regarding EGS practices. RESULTS: Of 2,811 hospitals, 1,634 (58.1%) responded; 279 (17.1%) were unable to always provide round-the-clock EGS care. Rural location, smaller bed size, and non-teaching status were associated with lack of round-the-clock care. Inconsistent surgeon coverage was the primary reason for lacking round-the-clock EGS care (n=162; 58.1%). However, lack of a tiered system for booking emergency cases, no anesthesia availability overnight, and no stipend for EGS call were also associated with the inability to provide round-the-clock EGS care. DISCUSSION: We found significant gaps in access to EGS care, often attributable to workforce deficiencies.