Relationship between body mass index and clinical events in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: It is still unclear whether body mass index (BMI) affects bleeding and cardiovascular events in patients requiring oral anticoagulants (OAC) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and antiplatelet agents after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between BMI and clinical events in patients who underwent PCI under OAC therapy for AF. METHOD: This was a multicenter, observational cohort study conducted at 15 institutions in Japan. AF patients who underwent PCI with drug-eluting stents for CAD were retrospectively and prospectively included. Patients were divided into the Group 1 (BMI <21.3 kg/m2) and the Group 2 (BMI ≥21.3 kg/m2) according to the first-quartile value of BMI. The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (NACE), a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major bleeding events within one year after index PCI procedure. RESULTS: In the 720 patients, 180 patients (25.0%) had BMI value <21.3 kg/m2. While the rates of NACE and MACE were significantly higher in the Group 1 than the counterpart (21.1% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.003 and 17.2% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.004), that of major bleeding did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (5.6% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.54). The cumulative rate of NACE and MACE was significantly higher in the Group 1 than the Group 2 (both log-rank p = 0.002), although that of major bleeding events was equivalent between the 2 groups (log-rank p = 0.41). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, while BMI value <21.3 kg/m2 was not associated with major bleeding events, that cut-off value was an independent predictor for increased NACE and MACE. CONCLUSIONS: Among the patients undergoing PCI for CAD and requiring OAC for AF, BMI value was a useful indicator to predict major adverse clinical events.

Regional wall motion abnormalities on focused transthoracic echocardiography in patients presenting with acute chest pain: a predefined post hoc analysis of the prospective single-centre observational EPIC-ACS study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the ability of the assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) detected via transthoracic echocardiography to predict the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department. DESIGN: Prospective single-centre observational study. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital emergency unit. PARTICIPANTS: Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest pain suggestive of obstructive CAD. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary endpoint was defined as the presence of obstructive CAD, requiring revascularisation therapy. RESULTS: Overall, 657 patients (age 58.1±18.0 years, 53% men) were included in our study. RWMA were detected in 76 patients (11.6%). RWMA were significantly more frequent in patients reaching the primary endpoint (26.2% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, the presence of RWMA was associated with threefold increased odds of the presence of obstructive CAD (3.41 (95% CI 1.99 to 5.86), p<0.001). Adding RWMA to a multivariable model of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score, cardiac biomarkers and traditional risk factors significantly improved the area under the curve for prediction of obstructive CAD (95% CI 0.777 to 0.804, p=0.0092). CONCLUSION: RWMA strongly and independently predicts the presence of obstructive CAD in patients presenting with acute chest pain to the emergency department. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has been registered online (NCT03787797).

Effectiveness of low-dose rivaroxaban in preventing recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Despite advancements in coronary artery disease (CAD) management, major adverse cardiovascular events persist. Vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants present bleeding risks. Low-dose rivaroxaban (2.5 mg) is approved by the European Society of Cardiology and the US Food and Drug Administration for CAD. The survival advantage and risk-benefit profile of combining low-dose rivaroxaban with aspirin for CAD patients remain uncertain. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy of low-dose rivaroxaban plus aspirin versus aspirin monotherapy in CAD patients. METHODS: We systematically searched databases for randomized controlled trials exploring low-dose rivaroxaban with aspirin in CAD patients. Of the 6220 studies screened, five met the inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes included myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding events, and all-cause mortality. The analysis employed a fixed-effects model, calculating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials involving 41,351 participants were included. Rivaroxaban (2.5 mg) significantly reduced all-cause mortality (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.95; P = 0.002), myocardial infarction (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.94; P = 0.006), and stroke (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49-0.76; P < 0.00001) compared to aspirin alone. However, it increased major bleeding risk (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.40-1.97; P < 0.01). Meta-regression revealed no dose-dependent impact on all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Low-dose rivaroxaban demonstrates survival benefits and reduces myocardial infarction and stroke risks in CAD patients, albeit with an increased risk of major bleeding. Consideration of patient bleeding risk is crucial when adding rivaroxaban to antiplatelet therapy. Further research is warranted to compare its effectiveness and safety with dual antiplatelet therapy or P2Y12 inhibitors.

Patients With Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Polyvascular Disease. Sub-Analysis of the Real-World Registry KAMMA (Clinical Registry on Patient Population With Polyvascular Disease in the Russian Federation and Eurasian Countries).

AIM: To study the clinical status and data of laboratory and instrumental examination of patients with non-obstructive ischemic heart disease (IHD) and multifocal atherosclerosis (MFA) included in the KAMMA registry. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subanalysis included 1,893 IHD patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and ultrasonic examination of peripheral arteries. Based on the CAG data, patients were divided into two groups: group 1, patients with obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (CA) (maximum stenosis ≥50% and/or history of percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass grafting, n=1728; 91.3%) and group 2, patients with non-obstructive CA (maximum stenosis <50%, n = 165; 8.7%). RESULTS: A comparative analysis based on the degree of coronary obstruction in patients with verified IHD who were included in the KAMMA registry showed that 8.7% of them had coronary artery stenosis of less than 50%. The overwhelming majority of patients with non-obstructive CA had MFA affecting the brachiocephalic arteries in 94.3% and the lower extremity arteries in 40.2%. Among patients with non-obstructive IHD, women predominated; risk factors such as smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus were less frequent in this group than in the obstructive IHD group. Patients with non-obstructive CA more frequently had a history of dyslipidemia; they had higher total cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and they more frequently received moderate-intensity statin therapy than patients with obstructive CA (55.8% vs. 34.5%). Characteristic features of patients with non-obstructive CA were less severe IHD and less frequent history of acute coronary syndrome. However, the incidence of stroke, peripheral arterial thrombosis, and chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities did not differ in groups 1 and 2, whereas the incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was higher in the non-obstructive IHD group. CONCLUSION: IHD patients without coronary obstruction also require assessment of the peripheral arterial status, as they may have advanced MFA, which should be taken into account when choosing the "aggressiveness" of therapy.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with coronary flow reserve impairment: A pilot meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to affect approximately 25% of the global population. Both, coronary artery disease and NAFLD are linked to underlying insulin resistance and inflammation as drivers of the disease. Coronary flow reserve parameters, including coronary flow reserve velocity (CFRV), baseline diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV), and hyperemic DPFV, are noninvasive markers of coronary microvascular circulation. The existing literature contains conflicting findings regarding these parameters in NAFLD patients. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted on major electronic databases from inception until May 8, 2024, to identify relevant studies. We pooled the standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the inverse-variance random-effects model. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Four studies with 1139 participants (226 with NAFLD and 913 as controls) were included. NAFLD was associated with a significantly lower CFRV (SMD: -0.77; 95% CI: -1.19, -0.36; P < .0002) and hyperemic DPFV (SMD: -0.73; 95% CI: -1.03, -0.44; P < .00001) than the controls. NAFLD demonstrated a statistically insignificant trend toward a reduction in baseline DPFV (SMD: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.38, 0.19; P = .52) compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Patients with NAFLD are at a higher risk of coronary microvascular dysfunction, as demonstrated by reduced CFRV and hyperemic DPFV. The presence of abnormal coronary flow reserve in patients with NAFLD provides insights into the higher rates of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Early aggressive targeted interventions for impaired coronary flow reserve in subjects with NAFLD may lead to improvement in clinical outcomes.

Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin as Chronic Maintenance Antiplatelet Monotherapy in Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of the HOST-EXAM Trial.

BACKGROUND: Clopidogrel monotherapy improved clinical outcomes compared with aspirin monotherapy during a chronic maintenance period in patients who underwent coronary stenting in the HOST-EXAM (Harmonizing Optimal Strategy for Treatment of Coronary Artery Stenosis-Extended Antiplatelet Monotherapy) trial. However, it is uncertain whether the beneficial effect of clopidogrel over aspirin is different according to the renal function. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a post hoc analysis of the HOST-EXAM trial. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, readmission due to acute coronary syndrome, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeding type ≥3, during the 2-year follow up. Among the 5438 patients enrolled in the HOST-EXAM trial, 4844 patients (mean age, 63.3±10.6 years; 74.9% men) with a baseline creatinine value were analyzed in this study. A total of 508 (10.5%) patients had CKD, who were at higher risk of the primary end point compared with those without CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 2.01 [95% CI, 1.51-2.67]). Clopidogrel monotherapy was associated with a lower rate of the primary end point in both patients with CKD (HR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.44-1.25]) and patients without CKD (HR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.56-0.91]). No significant interaction was observed between the treatment effect and CKD status (P for interaction=0.889). CONCLUSIONS: During the chronic maintenance period after coronary stenting, the risk of thrombotic and bleeding events was significantly higher in patients with CKD compared with those without CKD. There was no statistical difference in the treatment effect of clopidogrel monotherapy in those with versus without CKD.

Identification of right coronary artery ectasia with echocardiography and confirmation with multimodal imaging.

We present the case of a patient with myocardial infarction due to coronary ectasia. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a unique image of a cystic-like mass in the right atrium corresponding to the ectatic right coronary artery (arrows), which was confirmed with computed tomography.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on the Mortality of Myocardial Infarction Patients With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries.

OBJECTIVES: Myocardial infarction without significant stenosis or occlusion of the coronary arteries carries a high risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events and poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index and outcomes in patients with a suspected myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA). METHODS: Patients were recruited at Bergmannsheil University Hospital from January 2010 to April 2021. The primary outcomes were in-hospital and long-term mortality. Secondary outcomes consisted of adverse events during hospitalization and during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 373 patients were included in the study, with a mean follow-up time of 6.2 years. The patients were divided into different BMI groups: < 25 kg/m² (n = 121), 25-30 kg/m² (n = 140), and > 30 kg/m² (n = 112). In-hospital mortality was 1.7% versus 2.1% versus 4.5% (p = 0.368). However, long-term mortality tended to be higher in the < 25 kg/m² group compared to the 25-30 and > 30 kg/m² groups (log-rank p = 0.067). Subgroup analysis using Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a higher rate of cardiac cause of death in the < 25 kg/m² group compared to the 25-30 and > 30 kg/m² groups: 5.7% versus 1.1% versus 0.0% (log-rank p = 0.042). No significant differences were observed in other adverse events between the different BMI groups during hospitalization and long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a BMI < 25 kg/m² who experience a suspected myocardial infarction without significant coronary artery disease may have higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular cause of death. However, further data are needed to confirm these findings.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with coronary artery disease in Iranian patients with peripheral artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: It is well known that peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) coexist and therefore, patients diagnosed with PAD have an increased chance of developing concomitant CAD. CAD-related complications could be a leading cause of postoperative mortality in individuals with PAD undergoing vascular surgery. We present a case series of 48 patients who underwent coronary angiography before vascular surgery and an updated review of previous reports to determine the prevalence of concomitant CAD in a convenience sample of Iranian patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 48 patients with confirmed PAD admitted to Imam Ali Hospital, affiliated with the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah Province, Iran. A vascular surgeon diagnosed PAD based on the patient's symptoms, Doppler ultrasound, and CT angiography (CTA). All patients underwent coronary angiography to determine if they also had CAD. We defined significant CAD as a ≥70% luminal diameter narrowing of a major epicardial artery or a ≥50% narrowing of the left main coronary artery. RESULTS: Of 48 patients, 35 (72.9%) were male, 13 (27.1%) were female, and the mean age was 64.18±12.11 years (range, 30 to 100 years). The incidence of CAD in patients with PVD was 85.42% (41/48). The patients with CAD were more likely to be hypertensive than those without CAD (80.5 vs. 14.3, p-value<0.001). Of 41 patients with CAD, 9 (22.0%) had one-vessel disease, 10 (24.3%) had two-vessel disease, and 22 (53.7%) had three-vessel disease. CONCLUSION: Hypertension was a significant risk factor for CAD. Patients with hypertension and multiple major coronary risk factors scheduled for PVD surgery should be carefully evaluated for concomitant CAD.

Can the SYNTAX score predict mortality in patients with cardiac arrest?

OBJECTIVE: Sudden cardiac death or arrest describes an unexpected cardiac cause-related death or arrest that occurs rapidly out of the hospital or in the emergency room. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between coronary angiographic findings and cardiac death secondary to acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated with cardiac arrest were included in the study. The severity of coronary artery disease, coronary chronic total occlusion, coronary collateral circulation, and blood flow in the infarct-related artery were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups, namely, deaths secondary to cardiac arrest and survivors of cardiac arrest. RESULTS: A total of 161 cardiac deaths and 42 survivors of cardiac arrest were included. The most frequent (46.3%) location of the culprit lesion was on the proximal left anterior descending artery. The left-dominant coronary circulation was 59.1%. There was a difference in the SYNTAX score (16.3±3.8 vs. 13.6±1.9; p=0.03) and the presence of chronic total occlusion (19.2 vs. 0%; p=0.02) between survivors and cardiac deaths. A high SYNTAX score (OR: 0.38, 95%CI: 0.27-0.53, p<0.01) was determined as an independent predictor of death secondary to cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: The chronic total occlusion presence and SYNTAX score may predict death after cardiac arrest secondary to ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Association of ACEI/ARB therapy with total and cardiovascular death in coronary artery disease patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: a large multi-center longitudinal study.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and angiotensin­converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin­receptor blockers (ARB) can improve cardiac and renal function, but whether ACEI/ARB therapy improves long-term prognosis remains unclear among these high-risk patients. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between ACEI/ARB therapy and long-term prognosis among CAD patients with advanced CKD. METHODS: CAD patients with advanced CKD were included in five hospitals. Advanced CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<30 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Cox regression models and competing risk Fine and Gray models were used to examine the relationship between ACEI/ARB therapy and all-cause and cardiovascular death, respectively. RESULTS: Of 2527 patients, 47.6% population of our cohort was discharged on ACEI/ARB. The overall all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were 38.6% and 24.7%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that ACEI/ARB therapy was found to be associated with lower rates of both all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR)=0.836, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.738-0.948, p = 0.005) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.817, 95%CI: 0.699-0.956, p = 0.011). In the propensity-matched cohort, the survival benefit was consistent, and significantly better survival was observed for all-cause mortality (HR = 0.856, 95%CI: 0.752-0.974, p = 0.019) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.830, 95%CI: 0.707-0.974, p = 0.023) among patients treated with ACEI/ARB. CONCLUSION: ACEI/ARB therapy showed a better survival benefit among high-risk CAD patients with advanced CKD at long-term follow-up, which manifested that strategies to maintain ACEI/ARB treatment may improve clinical outcomes among these high-risk populations.

What is the current knowledge on the topic? Advanced CKD is highly prevalent and strongly associated with higher mortality risk and worse outcomes among CAD patients, and patients with advanced CKD have often been excluded from randomized controlled trials, creating an evidence gap for these high-risk CAD patients. ACEI/ARB are beneficial for greater survival among CAD patients, but the effect of ACEI/ARB therapy on long-term prognosis is unclear among CAD patients with advanced CKD.What does this study add to our knowledge? ACEI/ARB treatment showed a better survival benefit among high-risk CAD patients with advanced CKD at long-term follow-up.How might this change clinical pharmacology or translational science? CAD patients with advanced CKD are not only have worse outcomes but also limited in their choice of therapy strategies. Our study may prompt an important reference for the subsequent improvement of long-term prognosis among these high-risk populations.

[Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions on Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis].

PURPOSE: In this study a systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the impact of non-pharmacological interventions on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with coronary artery disease who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature databases up to November 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using R software (version 4.3.2). RESULTS: Eighteen randomized studies, involving 2,898 participants, were included. Of these, 16 studies with 2,697 participants provided quantitative data. Non-pharmacological interventions (education, exercise, and comprehensive) significantly reduced the risk of angina, heart failure, myocardial infarction, restenosis, cardiovascular-related readmission, and cardiovascular-related death. The subgroup meta-analysis showed that combined interventions were effective in reducing the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), and individual and group-based interventions had significant effects on reducing the occurrence of MACE. In interventions lasting seven months or longer, occurrence of decreased by 0.16 times, and mortality related to cardiovascular disease decreased by 0.44 times, showing that interventions lasting seven months or more were more effective in reducing MI and cardiovascular disease-related mortality. CONCLUSION: Further investigations are required to assess the cost-effectiveness of these interventions in patients undergoing PCI and validate their short- and long-term effects. This systematic review underscores the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in decreasing the incidence of MACE and highlights the importance of continued research in this area (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023462690).

"One-stop" interventional therapy for quadricuspid aortic valve combined with severe coronary artery disease: a case report.

Congenital Quadricuspid Aortic Valve (QAV) malformation is a relatively rare cardiac valve malformation, especially with abnormal coronary opening and severe stenosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The patient underwent "one-stop" interventional treatment with transcatheter aortic valve replacement and percutaneous coronary stent implantation. Follow up for 12-month with good outcomes.

The U -shape relationship between free fatty acid level and adverse outcomes in coronary artery disease patients with hypertension: evidence from a large prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is scarce on the effect of free fatty acid (FFA) level in the prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with hypertension. This study. METHODS: A large prospective cohort study with a follow-up period of average 2 years was conducted at Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital from December 2016 to October 2021. A total of 10,395 CAD participants were divided into groups based on FFA concentration and hypertension status, and then primary outcome mortality and secondary endpoint ischemic events were assessed in the different groups. RESULTS: A total of 222 all-cause mortality (ACMs), 164 cardiac mortality (CMs), 718 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and 803 major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were recorded during follow-up period. A nonlinear relationship between FFA and adverse outcomes was observed only in CAD patients with hypertension. Namely, a "U -shape" relationship between FFA levels and long-term outcomes was found in CAD patients with hypertension. Lower FFA level (< 310 µmol/L), or higher FFA level (≥ 580 µmol/L) at baseline is independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. After adjustment for confounders, excess FFA increases mortality (ACM, HR = 1.957, 95%CI(1.240-3.087), P = 0.004; CM, HR = 2.704, 95%CI(1.495-4.890, P = 0.001) and MACE (HR = 1.411, 95%CI(1.077-1.848), P = 0.012), MACCE (HR = 1.299, 95%CI (1.013-1.666), P = 0.040) prevalence. Low levels of FFA at baseline can also increase the incidence of MACE (HR = 1.567,95%CI (1.187-2.069), P = 0.002) and MACCE (HR = 1.387, 95%CI (1.070-1.798), P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline FFA concentrations significantly associated with long-term mortality and ischemic events could be a better and novel risk biomarker for prognosis prediction in CAD patients with hypertension. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The details of the design were registered on https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (Identifier NCT05174143).

Simultaneous bilateral bullectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting through median sternotomy approach.

Lung bullae can severely compromise lung function. Smoking is an important cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. Significant diseases in the cardiovascular and thoracic systems may require multiple interventions apart from medical management. We discuss a patient in which simultaneous bilateral bullectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting were performed through the median sternotomy approach.

Long-Term Survival after Coronary Artery Surgical Revascularization-Does Ambient Temperature Matter?

Background and Objectives: The progression of global warming results in an increased exposure to extreme heat, leading to exaggeration of preexisting diseases and premature deaths. The aim of the study was to present possible risk factors for all-cause long-term mortality in patients who underwent surgical revascularization, including an assessment of the influence of ambient temperature exposure. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis included 153 (123 (80%) males and 30 (20%) females) patients who underwent off-pump revascularization and were followed for a median time of 2533 (1035-3250) days. The demographical, clinical data and ambient temperature exposure were taken into analysis for prediction of all-cause mortality. Individual exposure was calculated based on the place of habitation. Results: In the multivariate logistic regression model with backward stepwise elimination method, risk factors such as dyslipidaemia (p = 0.001), kidney disease (p = 0.005), age (p = 0.006), and body mass index (p = 0.007) were found to be significant for late mortality prediction. In addition to traditional factors, environmental characteristics, including tropical nights (p = 0.043), were revealed to be significant. Conclusions: High night-time ambient temperatures known as tropical nights may be regarded as additional long-term mortality risk factor after surgical revascularization.

Coronary Artery Disease in Patients on Dialysis: Impact of Traditional Risk Factors.

Background and Objectives: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of traditional risk factors to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients on dialysis. Materials and Methods: In this study, 54 patients on dialysis with angina symptoms or a positive exercise stress test underwent coronary angiography. Lesions with obstruction >70% lumen diameter of the coronary artery were considered significant. Traditional risk factors included hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia, age, gender, and time spent on dialysis. Results: Out of 54 participants, 41 (75.92%) were men and 13 (24.07%) women. CAD was present in 34 (62.96%) patients, and 20 (37.03%) patients were without CAD. The average age of the participants was 66.51 years. In the group with CAD, the average age was 69.52 years with an average time spent on dialysis of 2.73 years. In the group without CAD, the average age was 61.40 years with a time spent on dialysis of 2.35 years. Hypertension was present in 92.59% of all participants and 97.05% of those with CAD. Diabetes was present in 41.17 patients with CAD and 40% of those without CAD. Dyslipidemia was present in 76.47 participants with CAD and in 40% of those without CAD. Smoking was noticed in 35.29% of the participants with CAD and 57.14% of those without CAD. Besides hypertension, significant predictors for the development of CAD in patients on dialysis were dyslipidemia (OR 3.698, Cl 1.005-13.608, p = 0.049) and age (OR 1.056, Cl 1.004-1.110, p = 0.033). Conclusions: Among the traditional risk factors, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and age are the predictors for the development of CAD in patients on dialysis. Further large randomized clinical studies are needed to clarify the role of traditional risk factors for CAD in patients with ESKD.

Impact of the Type of Anticoagulation Therapy on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Bifurcation Lesion and Atrial Fibrillation-Insights from the Bulgarian Bifurcation Registry.

Background and Objectives: Patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease represent a group with a greater risk of mortality. To evaluate patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a significant coronary bifurcation lesion and compare the clinical outcomes between the patients on anticoagulant treatment with Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and those on direct anticoagulant (DOAC). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of patients with AF and stable coronary artery disease, who had evidence of a significant coronary bifurcation lesion. A log-rank test was used to assess the difference in mortality between patients taking VKA and those on DOAC. The primary endpoint was the incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular death at mid-term. Results: A total of 226 patients with AF and a significant bifurcation lesion were included. The mean age was 70.9 ± 9.2, and 70% were males. Of the patients, 123 (54.7%) were on VKA treatment, and 103 (45.3%) were taking DOAC. For a median follow-up time of 55 (39-96) months, overall mortality was 40%, whereas CV mortality was 31%. Both all-cause (28.2% versus 50.4%, p = 0.020) and CV death (12.7% versus 24.9%, p = 0.032) were significantly lower in patients taking DOAC versus those on VKA. In patients treated with PCI, CV mortality was significantly lower in patients taking DOAC (21.4% versus 40.5%, p = 0.032). VKA therapy was an independent predictor of cardiovascular death (HR 1.88; 95% CI 1.11-3.18; p = 0.01), together with chronic kidney disease (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.13-2.92; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Treatment with DOAC in patients with atrial fibrillation and coronary bifurcation lesion was associated with significantly lower mortality independently of the treatment approach. VKA was an independent predictor of CV mortality.