The impact of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular diseases.

The link between influenza and medical complications is well stablished and plays a role in the high mortality rates of this disease. Available scientific evidence suggests that influenza vaccination might reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. This setting for cardiovascular prevention beyond immunoprotection has been studied in several clinical trials. Most of them include populations with coronary artery disease. However, differences in clinical design, population included, and vaccination strategies might explain divergent results and should be interpreted with caution. The present article summarizes available literature in a manner that aids physicians in a better interpretation and encourages the implementation of influenza vaccination in cardiovascular prevention programmes.

Análisis mediante encuesta telemática de la adherencia a la dieta Mediterranea al inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Analysis by means of a telematic survey of adherence to the Mediterranean diet at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción: La elección de los alimentos en época de confinamiento están influenciadas por múltiples factores como pueden ser la disponibilidad alimentaria que puede verse reducida y que constituyó uno de los principales retos a afrontar por los gobiernos en las pandemias pasadas, el estatus económico familiar que puede variar, así como el propio hecho del confinamiento que proporciona al grupo familiar de más tiempo para dedicar a la preparación de distintos platos pero también les sitúa en una situación que puede ser vivida como estresante y conducir a pautas distintas de consumo alimentario. Objetivo: Conocer el patrón dietético habitual, es decir previo al confinamiento recabando esta información en el momento en que se iniciaba aquel. Método: Estudio observacional transversal mediante encuesta alimentaria telemática anónima en línea que monitorizó la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en tiempo real en 492 adultos de España en la pandemia por covid19 durante la segunda quincena del mes marzo 2020. Resultados: Nuestro estudio muestra que el grado de adherencia a la DM en la primera parte del confinamiento ha sido elevado, mostrando una puntuación de 10.0 ± 2.0 en el test de MEDAS y de 9.3± 2.1 en el PREDIMED modificado. En concreto en nuestro estudio un 77% de la población estudiada presenta una alta adherencia a la dieta mediterránea frente a moderada adherencia el 22,4%y baja el 5%. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio refleja una alta adherencia de los participantes a la Dieta Mediterránea.(AU)

Introduction: The choice of food in times of confinement is influenced by multiple factors such as food availability that may be reduced and that constituted one of the main challenges to be faced by governments in past pandemics, the family economic status that can vary, as well as the fact of confinement that provides the family group with more time to dedicate to preparing different dishes but also places them in a situation that can be experienced as stressful and lead to different patterns of food consumption. Objective: To know the usual dietary pattern, that is, prior to confinement, collecting this information at the time it began. Method. Cross-sectional observational study using an anonymous online telematic food survey that monitored adherence to the Mediterranean diet in real time in 492 adults from Spain in the pandemic by covid19 during the second half of March 2020. Results: Our study shows that the degree of adherence to DM in the first part of confinement has been high, showing a score of 10.0 ± 2.0 in the MEDAS test and 9.3 ± 2.1 in the modified PREDIMED. Specifically, in our study, 77% of the studied population had a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, compared to a moderate adherence in 22.4% and a low adherence in 5%. Conclusions: Our study reflects a high adherence of the participants to the Mediterranean Diet.(AU)

Influencia del confinamiento ocurrido en España debido a la pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea / Influence of the confinement that occurred in Spain due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak on adherence to the Mediterranean diet

Introducción: La dieta mediterránea (DMed) reduce la morbimortalidad. El confinamiento ocurrido en España entre los meses de marzo y mayo de 2020 podría generar cambios conductuales, entre ellos la adherencia a la DMed. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido valorar la citada adherencia al concluir dicho confinamiento y compararla con la situación previa. Métodos: Los datos se obtuvieron mediante 2cuestionarios en línea, uno al comienzo del confinamiento y otro al final, contestados por personas adultas procedentes de población española, las cuales respondieron de forma anónima y voluntaria. La valoración de la adherencia a la DMed se realizó a través de 2cuestionarios: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) y PREDIMED modificado, los cuales contenían 14 cuestiones cada uno. Otras variables incluidas fueron: edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal (IMC), comunidad autónoma de procedencia, tipo de convivencia en domicilio y nivel de estudios alcanzado. Al concluir el confinamiento la comparación entre los cambios se realizó con el estadístico t de Student y la prueba de McNemar. Resultados: Participaron 207 personas (137 mujeres), con una edad media de 51,3±12,4 años, intervalo de edad: 20-83 años. Transcurrido el confinamiento, el IMC permaneció sin cambios (24,55±3,7kg/m2 inicial y 24,57±3,7kg/m2 final; p=0,752), sí aumentó el consumo de pescado (51,2% inicial y 60,9% al final; p=0,003), fundamentalmente en las mujeres, y la adherencia a la DMed: la puntuación total por término medio aumentó tanto en MEDAS (10,16±2,0 al inicio y 10,57±2,0 al final; p=0,001), como en PREDIMED modificado (9,47±2,1 al inicio y 9,93±2,1 al final; p <0,001). También la proporción de los participantes que tenían una puntuación clasificada como alta al principio aumentó al final del confinamiento: de 80,7% inicial en MEDAS a 87,9% al final (p=0,021) y de 68,6% inicial en PREDIMED modificado a 75,8% al final (p=0,037)...(AU)

Introduction: The Mediterranean diet (MDiet) reduces morbidity and mortality. The lockdown that took place in Spain between the months of March and May 2020 may have led to behavioural changes. The aim of the present study was to assess adherence to the MDiet at the end of the lockdown period and to compare it with the situation prior to it. Methods: Data were obtained by means of 2online questionnaires, one at the beginning of lockdown and the other at the end, completed by adults from the Spanish population, who responded anonymously and voluntarily. The assessment of adherence to the MDiet was carried out using 2questionnaires: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and modified PREDIMED, which contained 14 questions each. Other variables included were: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), autonomous community of origin, home living conditions, and level of studies achieved. At the end of the lockdown period, the comparison was made using the Student t statistic and the McNemar test. Results: A total of 207 people (137 women) participated, with a mean age 51.3±12.4 years, age range: 20-83 years. After lockdown, BMI remained unchanged (initial 24.55±3.7kg/m2 and final 24.57±3.7kg/m2, P=.752), as well as fish consumption (initial 51.2%) and 60.9% at the end, P=.003), mainly due to the women, and adherence to the Mdiet. The mean total score of MEDAS increased with 10.16±2.0 at the beginning, and 10.57±2.0 at the end; P=.001). This also occurred with the modified PREDIMED (9.47±2.1 at the beginning and 9.93±2.1 at the end, P<.001). Similarly, the proportion of participants that had a score classified as high at the beginning increased at the end of lockdown: from 80.7% initially in MEDAS to 87.9% at the end (P=.021) and from 68.6% initially in modified PREDIMED to 75.8% at the end (P=.037). Conclusions: In the study sample, during lockdown there were no changes in BMI, but there were increases in fish consumption and adherence to the MDiet.

Influence of the confinement that occurred in Spain due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak on adherence to the Mediterranean diet. / Influencia del confinamiento ocurrido en España debido a la pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea.

INTRODUCTION: The Mediterranean diet (MDiet) reduces morbidity and mortality. The lockdown that took place in Spain between the months of March and May 2020 may have led to behavioural changes. The aim of the present study was to assess adherence to the MDiet at the end of the lockdown period and to compare it with the situation prior to it. METHODS: Data were obtained by means of 2online questionnaires, one at the beginning of lockdown and the other at the end, completed by adults from the Spanish population, who responded anonymously and voluntarily. The assessment of adherence to the MDiet was carried out using 2questionnaires: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and modified PREDIMED, which contained 14 questions each. Other variables included were: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), autonomous community of origin, home living conditions, and level of studies achieved. At the end of the lockdown period, the comparison was made using the Student t statistic and the McNemar test. RESULTS: A total of 207 people (137 women) participated, with a mean age 51.3±12.4 years, age range: 20-83 years. After lockdown, BMI remained unchanged (initial 24.55±3.7kg/m2 and final 24.57±3.7kg/m2, P=.752), as well as fish consumption (initial 51.2%) and 60.9% at the end, P=.003), mainly due to the women, and adherence to the Mdiet. The mean total score of MEDAS increased with 10.16±2.0 at the beginning, and 10.57±2.0 at the end; P=.001). This also occurred with the modified PREDIMED (9.47±2.1 at the beginning and 9.93±2.1 at the end, P<.001). Similarly, the proportion of participants that had a score classified as high at the beginning increased at the end of lockdown: from 80.7% initially in MEDAS to 87.9% at the end (P=.021) and from 68.6% initially in modified PREDIMED to 75.8% at the end (P=.037). CONCLUSIONS: In the study sample, during lockdown there were no changes in BMI, but there were increases in fish consumption and adherence to the MDiet.

Cambios observados en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una población española durante el confinamiento debido a la pandemia ocasionada por el SARS-CoV-2 / Changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet observed in a Spanish population during confinement for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

INTRODUCCIÓN: el confinamiento domiciliario debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 puede influir en los perfiles dietéticos de la población, sometida súbitamente a un factor estresante que implica importantes modificaciones en los hábitos de vida. Entre otros, la restricción de la movilidad y el cambio en la forma de realizar el trabajo, pasando de ser presencial a no presencial (teletrabajo). OBJETIVO: conocer el patrón dietético habitual previo al confinamiento y valorar la evolución de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea semanalmente hasta la conclusión del mismo. MÉTODOS: los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario anónimo semanal en línea que monitorizó la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en tiempo real en una muestra inicial de 490 adultos de España. La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se valoró mediante los cuestionarios MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) y PREDIMED modificado. RESULTADOS: el confinamiento debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 influyó en los hábitos alimenticios de los participantes, de modo que la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea aumentó al concluir el período de confinamiento, lo cual tiene especial interés, ya que se partía de una buena adherencia inicial (adherencia MEDAS: 10,03 ± 1,9 inicial y 10,47 ± 2,1 final; p = 0,016; adherencia PREDIMED modificado: 9,26 ± 2,0 inicial y 9,89 ± 2,1 final; p < 0,001), sin observarse cambios clínicamente relevantes en la composición corporal valorada por el índice de masa corporal (IMC) excepto en las mujeres (23,3 kg/m2 ± 2,9 inicial y 23,4 kg/m2 ± 2,9 final; p < 0,001), con un discreto aumento de dicho parámetro pero manteniendo en promedio los valores saludables aconsejados por las guías. CONCLUSIONES: en la población estudiada observamos una mejora de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea sin observar cambios clínicamente relevantes en el IMC

INTRODUCTION: home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic can influence the dietary profiles of the population, suddenly subjected to a stressful factor that implies important modifications in life habits. Among others, a restriction of mobility and a change in the way of carrying out work, going from being face-to-face to non-contact (teleworking). OBJECTIVE: to know the usual dietary pattern prior to confinement, and to assess the evolution of adherence to the Mediterranean diet weekly until its conclusion. METHODS: data were collected using a weekly anonymous online questionnaire that monitored adherence to the Mediterranean diet in real time in an initial sample of 490 adults from Spain. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) and modified PREDIMED questionnaires. RESULTS: confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the eating habits of the participants, so that adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased at the end of the confinement period, which is of special interest, since it was based on a good initial adherence (MEDAS adherence: 10.03 ± 1.9 initial and 10.47 ± 2.1 final; p = 0.016; modified PREDIMED adherence: 9.26 ± 2.0 initial and 9.89 ± 2.1 final; p < 0.001), without observing clinically relevant changes in body composition as measured by body mass index (BMI) except in women (23.3 kg/m2 ± 2.9 initial and 23.4 kg/m2 ± 2.9 final; p < 0.001), with a slight increase in this parameter, but maintaining on average the healthy values recommended by the guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: in the studied population we observed an improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean diet without observing clinically relevant changes in BMI

[Changes in adherence to the Mediterranean diet observed in a Spanish population during confinement for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic]. / Cambios observados en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en una población española durante el confinamiento debido a la pandemia ocasionada por el SARS-CoV-2.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic can influence the dietary profiles of the population, suddenly subjected to a stressful factor that implies important modifications in life habits. Among others, a restriction of mobility and a change in the way of carrying out work, going from being face-to-face to non-contact (teleworking). Objective: to know the usual dietary pattern prior to confinement, and to assess the evolution of adherence to the Mediterranean diet weekly until its conclusion. Methods: data were collected using a weekly anonymous online questionnaire that monitored adherence to the Mediterranean diet in real time in an initial sample of 490 adults from Spain. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) and modified PREDIMED questionnaires. Results: confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the eating habits of the participants, so that adherence to the Mediterranean diet increased at the end of the confinement period, which is of special interest, since it was based on a good initial adherence (MEDAS adherence: 10.03 ± 1.9 initial and 10.47 ± 2.1 final; p = 0.016; modified PREDIMED adherence: 9.26 ± 2.0 initial and 9.89 ± 2.1 final; p < 0.001), without observing clinically relevant changes in body composition as measured by body mass index (BMI) except in women (23.3 kg/m2 ± 2.9 initial and 23.4 kg/m2 ± 2.9 final; p < 0.001), with a slight increase in this parameter, but maintaining on average the healthy values recommended by the guidelines. Conclusions: in the studied population we observed an improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean diet without observing clinically relevant changes in BMI.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el confinamiento domiciliario debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 puede influir en los perfiles dietéticos de la población, sometida súbitamente a un factor estresante que implica importantes modificaciones en los hábitos de vida. Entre otros, la restricción de la movilidad y el cambio en la forma de realizar el trabajo, pasando de ser presencial a no presencial (teletrabajo). Objetivo: conocer el patrón dietético habitual previo al confinamiento y valorar la evolución de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea semanalmente hasta la conclusión del mismo. Métodos: los datos se recopilaron mediante un cuestionario anónimo semanal en línea que monitorizó la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en tiempo real en una muestra inicial de 490 adultos de España. La adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se valoró mediante los cuestionarios MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener) y PREDIMED modificado. Resultados: el confinamiento debido a la pandemia de COVID-19 influyó en los hábitos alimenticios de los participantes, de modo que la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea aumentó al concluir el período de confinamiento, lo cual tiene especial interés, ya que se partía de una buena adherencia inicial (adherencia MEDAS: 10,03 ± 1,9 inicial y 10,47 ± 2,1 final; p = 0,016; adherencia PREDIMED modificado: 9,26 ± 2,0 inicial y 9,89 ± 2,1 final; p < 0,001), sin observarse cambios clínicamente relevantes en la composición corporal valorada por el índice de masa corporal (IMC) excepto en las mujeres (23,3 kg/m2 ± 2,9 inicial y 23,4 kg/m2 ± 2,9 final; p < 0,001), con un discreto aumento de dicho parámetro pero manteniendo en promedio los valores saludables aconsejados por las guías. Conclusiones: en la población estudiada observamos una mejora de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea sin observar cambios clínicamente relevantes en el IMC.

How to interpret right ventricular remodeling in athletes.

Long-lasting athletic training induces an overload on the heart that leads to structural, functional, and electrical adaptive changes known as the "athlete's heart." The amount of this heart remodeling has been traditionally considered balanced between the left and the right heart chambers. However, during intense exercise, the right heart is exposed to a disproportional afterload and wall stress which over a long period of time could lead to more pronounced exercise-induced changes. Highly trained athletes, especially those involved in endurance sport disciplines, can develop marked right ventricular (RV) remodeling that could raise the suspicion of an underlying RV pathology including arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). The distinction between physiological and pathological RV remodeling is essential as ACM is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes, and high-intensity exercise training has demonstrated to accelerate its phenotypic expression and worsen its prognosis. The distinction between physiological and pathological RV remodeling is essential since ACM is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in athletes, and high-intensity exercise training has demonstrated to accelerate the phenotypic expression and worsen the prognosis. This article outlines the physiological adaptation of the RV to acute exercise, the subsequent physiological structural and functional changes induced by athletic training and provides useful tips of how to differentiate between physiological RV remodeling and a cardiomyopathy phenotype.

Deciphering the Riddles in Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death in Western countries, and its development is largely associated with unhealthy dietary patterns. A large body of scientific evidence has reported that nutrition might be the most preventive factor of cardiovascular disease death and could even reverse heart disease. Processes of chronic inflammation and oxidative distress share triggers that are modifiable by nutrition. This review aimed to identify potential targets (food patterns, single foods or individual nutrients) for cardiovascular disease prevention, and analyse the mechanisms implicated in their cardioprotective effects.

Anatomical and clinical predictors of valve dysfunction and aortic dilation in bicuspid aortic valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with early valvular dysfunction and proximal aorta dilation with high heterogeneity. This study aimed to assess the determinants of these complications. METHODS: Eight hundred and fifty-two consecutive adults diagnosed of BAV referred from cardiac outpatient clinics to eight echocardiographic laboratories of tertiary hospitals were prospectively recruited. Exclusion criteria were aortic coarctation, other congenital disorders or intervention. BAV morphotype, significant valve dysfunction and aorta dilation (≥2 Z-score) at sinuses and ascending aorta were established. RESULTS: Three BAV morphotypes were identified: right-left coronary cusp fusion (RL) in 72.9%, right-non-coronary (RN) in 24.1% and left-non-coronary (LN) in 3.0%. BAV without raphe was observed in 18.3%. Multivariate analysis showed aortic regurgitation (23%) to be related to male sex (OR: 2.80, p<0.0001) and valve prolapse (OR: 5.16, p<0.0001), and aortic stenosis (22%) to BAV-RN (OR: 2.09, p<0.001), the presence of raphe (OR: 2.75, p<0.001), age (OR: 1.03; p<0.001), dyslipidaemia (OR: 1.77, p<0.01) and smoking (OR: 1.63, p<0.05). Ascending aorta was dilated in 76% without differences among morphotypes and associated with significant valvular dysfunction. By contrast, aortic root was dilated in 34% and related to male sex and aortic regurgitation but was less frequent in aortic stenosis and BAV-RN. CONCLUSIONS: Normofunctional valves are more prevalent in BAV without raphe. Aortic stenosis is more frequent in BAV-RN and associated with some cardiovascular risk factors, whereas aortic regurgitation (AR) is associated with male sex and sigmoid prolapse. Although ascending aorta is the most commonly dilated segment, aortic root dilation is present in one-third of patients and associated with AR. Remarkably, BAV-RL increases the risk for dilation of the proximal aorta, whereas BAV-RN spares this area.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system as a bridge to reparative surgery in ventricular septal defect complicating acute inferoposterior myocardial infarction.

Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a rare but potentially lethal complication of acute myocardial infarction. Medical management is usually futile, so definitive surgery remains the treatment of choice but the risk surgery is very high and the optimal timing for surgery is still under debate. A 55-year-old man with no previous medical history attended the emergency-room for 12 h evolution of oppressive chest pain and strong anginal pain 7 days ago. On physical examination, blood pressure was 96/70 mmHg, pansystolic murmur over left sternal border without pulmonary crackles. An electrocardiogram revealed sinus rhythm 110 bpm, elevation ST and Q in inferior-posterior leads. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed inferoposterior akinesia, posterior-basal septal rupture (2 cm × 2 cm) with left-right shunt. Suspecting VSD in inferior-posterior acute myocardial infarction evolved, we performed emergency coronarography with 3-vessels disease and complete subacute occlusion of the mid segment of the right coronary artery. Left ventriculography demonstrated shunting of contrast from the left ventricule to the right ventricule. He was rejected for heart transplantation because of his age. Considering the high surgical risk to early surgery and his hemodynamic and clinical stability, delayed surgical treatment is decided, and 4 days after admission the patient suffered hemodynamic instability so venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation system (ECMO) is implanted as a bridge to reparative surgery. The 9th day after admission double bypass, interventricular defect repair with pericardial two-patch exclusion technique, and ECMO decannulation were performed. The patient's postoperative course was free of complications and was discharged 10 days post VSD repair surgery. Follow-up 3-month later revealed the patient to be in good functional status and good image outcome with intact interventricular septal patch without shunt. ECMO as a bridge to reparative surgery in postinfarction VSD is an adequate option to stabilize patients until surgery.

Estado nutricional en insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada y receptores de trasplante cardiaco / Nutritional status in advanced heart failure and heart transplant patients

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Vascular approaches for transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a rapidly evolving therapeutic modality currently available for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) that are unsuitable for surgery because of technical/anatomical issues or high-estimated surgical risk. Transfemoral approach is the preferred TAVI delivery route when possible. Alternative non-transfemoral access options include transaortic, trans-subclavian and transapical access. Other approaches are also feasible (transcarotid, transcaval, and antegrade aortic) but are restricted to operators and hospitals with experience. The peculiarities of each of the vascular approaches designed for TAVI delivery make it necessary to carefully assess patient's atherosclerotic load and location, arterial size and tortuosity, and presence of mural thrombus. Several clinical trials are currently ongoing and in the near future the indications for these approaches will likely be better defined and extended to a broader spectrum of TAVI candidates.

Enfermedad difusa no revascularizable de los tres vasos coronarios: pronóstico a largo plazo / Diffuse coronary artery disease not amenable to revascularization: long-term prognosis

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Acetylcholine-induced coronary spasm in patients with unobstructed coronary arteries is associated with elevated concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether epicardial and microvascular coronary artery spasm in response to acetylcholine (ACH) is associated with markers of inflammation, platelet stimulation, and endothelial activation in patients with angina and unobstructed coronary arteries. BACKGROUND: Patients with angina pectoris despite angiographically normal coronary arteries represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Both impaired coronary microvascular dilatory responses as well as diffuse distal epicardial and microvascular coronary artery spasm have been described as possible pathogenic mechanisms. Although inflammation has been proposed to play a pathogenic role in angina, an association between ACH-induced coronary vasospasm and inflammation in Caucasians has not been reported previously in this context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed 62 consecutive patients (26 men, age 60±10 years) with chest pain despite angiographically unobstructed coronary arteries (<50% stenosis) who underwent intracoronary ACH testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery spasm. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), e-selectin, neopterin, and sCD40L concentrations were measured in all patients before ACH testing. The ACH test was considered to be 'positive' in the presence of (a) angina and at least 75% coronary diameter reduction (epicardial coronary artery spasm) or (b) ischemic ST-shifts and angina in the absence of epicardial spasm (microvascular spasm). Eight patients without angina pectoris served as a control group. RESULTS: The ACH test was positive in 48 patients (77%). Twenty-seven patients had epicardial spasm (56%) and 21 patients had microvascular spasm (44%). Epicardial spasm was diffuse in 26 patients (96%) and focal in one patient (4%). Elevated hs-CRP, e-selectin, and sCD40 ligand concentrations were significantly (P≤0.05) associated with a positive ACH-test response. Hs-CRP (odds ratio 1.54, confidence interval 1.02-2.33, P=0.04) and sCD40 ligand (odds ratio 1.001, confidence interval 1.00-1.001, P=0.003) were predictors for a positive ACH test on multivariate analysis. None of the patients in the control group developed epicardial or microvascular spasm during ACH testing. CONCLUSION: Epicardial and microvascular coronary spasm in response to ACH correlate significantly with hs-CRP and sCD40 ligand concentrations in patients with angina pectoris and angiographically unobstructed coronary arteries. These results suggest that an association exists between inflammation and coronary artery spasm in patients with angina pectoris despite unobstructed coronary arteries and studies are needed to explore the mechanisms underlying this association.