Procedural and cardiovascular outcomes of geriatric vs non-geriatric patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation - a nationwide cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Permanent pacemaker implantation is increasing exponentially to treat atrio-ventricular block and symptomatic bradyarrhythmia. Despite being a minor surgery, immediate complications such as pocket infection, pocket hematoma, pneumothorax, hemopericardium, and lead displacement do occur. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from 2016 to 2018 to identify patients with pacemakers using ICD-10 procedure code. The Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The sample size consisted of 443,460 patients with a pacemaker, 26% were <70 years (male 57%, mean age of (60.6±9.7) yr, Caucasian 70%) and 74% were ≥70 years (male 50%, mean age of (81.4±5.9) yr, Caucasian 79%). Upon comparison of rates in the young vs elderly: mortality (1.6% vs 1.5%; P<0.01), obesity (26% vs 13%; P<0.001), coronary artery disease (40% vs 49%; P<0.001), HTN (74% vs 87%; P<0.01), anemia (4% vs 5%; P<0.01), atrial fibrillation (34% vs 49%; P<0.01), peripheral artery disease (1.7% vs 3%; P<0.01), CHF (31% vs 39%; P<0.001), diabetes (31% vs 27.4%; P<0.01), vascular complications (1.1% vs 1.2%; P<0.01), pocket hematoma (0.5% vs 0.8%; P<0.01), AKI (16% vs 21%; P<0.01), hemopericardium (0.1% vs 0.1%; P = 0.1), hemothorax (0.3% vs 0.2%; P<0.01), cardiac tamponade (0.4% vs 0.5%; P<0.01), pericardiocentesis (0.4% vs 0.4%; P<0.01), cardiogenic shock (4% vs 2.3%; P<0.01), respiratory complications (1.9% vs 0.9%; P<0.01), mechanical ventilation (5.1% vs 2.9%; P<0.01); post-op bleed (0.5% vs 0.3%; P<0.01), need for transfusion (4.8% vs 3.8%; P<0.01), severe sepsis (0.6% vs 0.5%; P<0.01 ), septic shock (2% vs 1%; P<0.01), bacteraemia (0.8% vs 0.4%; P<0.01), lead dislodgement (1.4% vs 1.1%; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that the overall complication rates were lower in the elderly despite higher co-morbidities. This aligns with previous studies which showed lower rates in the elderly. Hence providers should not hesitate to provide guideline driven pacemaker placement in the elderly especially in patients with good life expectancy.

Impact of Social Vulnerability on Cardiac Arrest Mortality in the United States, 2016 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrest is 1 of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 340 000 out-of-hospital and 292 000 in-hospital cardiac arrest events per year in the United States. Survival rates are lower in certain racial and socioeconomic groups. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a county-level cross-sectional longitudinal study using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research multiple causes of death data set between 2016 and 2020 among individuals of all ages whose death was attributed to cardiac arrest. The Social Vulnerability Index is a composite measure that includes socioeconomic vulnerability, household composition, disability, individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups status and language, and housing and transportation domains. We examined the impact of social determinants on cardiac arrest mortality stratified by age, race, ethnicity, and sex in the United States. All age-adjusted mortality rate (cardiac arrest AAMRs) are reported as per 100 000. Overall cardiac arrest AAMR during the study period was 95.6. The cardiac arrest AAMR was higher for men compared with women (119.6 versus 89.9) and for the Black population compared with the White population (150.4 versus 92.3). The cardiac arrest AAMR increased from 64.8 in counties in quintile 1 of Social Vulnerability Index to 141 in quintile 5, with an average increase of 13% (95% CI, 9.8%-16.9%) in AAMR per quintile increase. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality from cardiac arrest varies widely, with a >2-fold difference between the counties with the highest and lowest social vulnerability, highlighting the differential burden of cardiac arrest deaths throughout the United States based on social determinants of health.

Frequency of Cardiac Valvulopathies in Patients With Marfan Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a progressive connective tissue disease with a broad range of clinical manifestations. We sought to establish the spectrum of structural valvular abnormalities as cardiovascular involvement has been identified as the most life-threatening aspect of the syndrome. This was a systematic review with a meta-analysis of studies indexed in Medline from the inception of the database to November 7, 2022. Using the random-effects model, separate Forest and Galbraith plots were generated for each valvular abnormality assessed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics whilst funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess for publication bias. From a total of 35 studies, a random-effects meta-analysis approximated the pooled summary estimates for the prevalence of cardiac valve abnormalities as mitral valve prolapse 65% (95% CI: 57%-73%); mitral valve regurgitation 40% (95% CI: 29%-51%); aortic valve regurgitation 40% (95% CI: 28%-53%); tricuspid valve prolapse 35% (95% CI: 15%-55%); and tricuspid valve regurgitation 43% (95% CI: 8%-78%). Only one study reported on the involvement of the pulmonary valve (pulmonary valve prolapse was estimated at 5.3% (95% CI: 1.9%-11.1%) in a cohort of 114 patients with MFS). We believe this study provides a description of the structural valvular disease spectrum and may help inform providers and patients in understanding the clinical history of MFS in the current treatment era with its increased life expectancy.

Trends in Premature Mortality from Acute Myocardial Infarction in American Indians/Alaska Natives in the United States from 1999 to 2020.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) groups. They are disproportionately found to have a higher rate of premature myocardial infarction (MI). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research were queried to identify premature MI deaths (female <65 years and male <55 years) occurring within the United States between 1999 and 2020. We investigated proportionate mortality trends related to premature MI in AI/ANs stratified by gender. Deaths attributed to acute MI (AMI) were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes I21 to I22. We compared the proportional mortality rate because of premature MI with that of a non-AI/AN racial group, which comprised all other races (Blacks, Whites, and Asian/Pacific Islander populations). In AI/ANs, we analyzed a total of 14,055 AMI deaths, of which 3,211 were premature MI deaths corresponding to a proportionate mortality rate of 22.8% (male 20.8%, female 26.2%). The non-AI/AN population had a lower proportionate mortality of 14.8% (male 13.7%, female 16%), p <0.01). On trend analysis, there was no significant improvement over time in the proportionate mortality of AI/ANs (19.8% in 1999 to 21.7% in 2020, p = 0.09). Upon comparison of gender, proportionate mortality of premature MI in women showed a statistically nonsignificant increase from 21.6% in 1999 to 27.3% in 2020 [average annual percent change of 0.7, p = 0.06)]. However, men had a statistically significant decrease in proportionate mortality of premature MI from 18.5% in 1999 to 18.2% in 2020 [average annual percent change of -0.8, p = 0.01)]. AI/ANs have an alarmingly higher rate of proportionate mortality of premature MI than that of other races, with no improvement in the proportionate mortality rates over 20 years, despite an overall downtrend in AMI mortality. Further research to address the reasons for the lack of improvement in premature MI is needed to improve outcomes in this patient population.

Trends in Infective Endocarditis Mortality in the United States: 1999 to 2020: A Cause for Alarm.

BACKGROUND: Data on national trends in mortality due to infective endocarditis (IE) in the United States are limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: Utilizing the multiple causes of death data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database from 1999 to 2020, IE and substance use were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Between 1999 and 2020, the IE-related age-adjusted mortality rates declined. IE-related crude mortality accelerated significantly in the age groups 25-34 years (average annual percentage change, 5.4 [95% CI, 3.1-7.7]; P<0.001) and 35-44 years (average annual percentage change, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.3-3.3]; P<0.001), but remained stagnant in those aged 45-54 years (average annual percentage change, 0.5 [95% CI, -1.9 to 3]; P=0.684), and showed a significant decline in those aged ≥55 years. A concomitant substance use disorder as multiple causes of death in those with IE increased drastically in the 25-44 years age group (P<0.001). The states of Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia showed an acceleration in age-adjusted mortality rates in contrast to other states, where there was predominantly a decline or static trend for IE. CONCLUSIONS: Age-adjusted mortality rates due to IE in the overall population have declined. The marked acceleration in mortality in the 25- to 44-year age group is a cause for alarm. Regional differences with acceleration in IE mortality rates were noted in Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. We speculate that this acceleration was likely due mainly to the opioid crisis that has engulfed several states and involved principally younger adults.

Trends and Outcomes of Type 2 Myocardial Infarction During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is limited data on the impact of type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from January 2019 to December 2020 was queried to identify T2MI hospitalizations based on the appropriate International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision-Clinical Modification codes. Monthly trends of COVID-19 and T2MI hospitalizations were evaluated using Joinpoint regression analysis. In addition, the multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used to compare in-hospital mortality, coronary angiography use, and resource utilization between 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: A total of 743,535 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of T2MI were identified in the years 2019 (n=331,180) and 2020 (n=412,355). There was an increasing trend in T2MI hospitalizations throughout the study period corresponding to the increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in 2020. The adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality associated with T2MI hospitalizations were significantly higher in 2020 compared with 2019 (11.1% vs. 8.1%: adjusted odds ratio, 1.19 [1.13-1.26]; p<0.01). In addition, T2MI hospitalizations were associated with lower odds of coronary angiography and higher total hospitalization charges, with no difference in the length of stay in 2020 compared with 2019. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant increase in T2MI hospitalizations with higher in-hospital mortality, total hospitalization costs, and lower coronary angiography use during the early COVID-19 pandemic corresponding to the trends in the rise of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Further research into the factors associated with increased mortality can increase our preparedness for future pandemics.

Impact of social vulnerability on cardiac arrest mortality in the United States, 2016-2020.

Importance: Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 340,000 out-of-hospital and 292,000 in-hospital cardiac arrest events per year in the U.S. Survival rates are lower in certain racial and socioeconomic groups. Objective: To examine the impact of social determinants on cardiac arrest mortality among adults stratified by age, race, and sex in the U.S. Design: A county-level cross-sectional longitudinal study using death data between 2016 and 2020 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database. Setting: Using the multiple causes of death dataset from the CDC's WONDER database, cardiac arrests were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), tenth revision, clinical modification codes. Participants: Individuals aged 15 years or more whose death was attributed to cardiac arrest. Exposures: Social vulnerability index (SVI), reported by the CDC, is a composite measure that includes socioeconomic vulnerability, household composition, disability, minority status and language, and housing and transportation domains. Main outcomes and measures: Cardiac arrest mortality per 100,000 adults. Results: Overall age-adjusted cardiac arrest mortality (AAMR) during the study period was 95.6 per 100,000 persons. The AAMR was higher for men as compared with women (119.6 vs. 89.9 per 100,000) and for Black, as compared with White, adults (150.4 vs. 92.3 per 100,000). The AAMR increased from 64.8 per 100,000 persons in counties in Quintile 1 (Q1) of SVI to 141 per 100,000 persons in Quintile 5, with an average increase of 13% (95% CI: 9.8-16.9) in AAMR per quintile increase. Conclusion and relevance: Mortality from cardiac arrest varies widely, with a more than 2-fold difference between the counties with the highest and lowest social vulnerability, highlighting the differential burden of cardiac arrest deaths throughout the U.S. based on social determinants of health.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of atrial fibrillation in cardiac sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of atrial arrhythmias, in particular, atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) are of growing interest in the field of infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Via a systematic review with meta-analysis, we sought to synthesize data on the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of atrial arrhythmias as well as outcomes in patients with CS. METHODS: PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically queried from inception until April 26th, 2023. Using the random-effects model, separate plots were generated for each effect size assessed. RESULTS: From a total of 8 studies comprising 978 patients with CS, the pooled summary estimates for the prevalence of AF was 23% (95% CI: 13%-34%). Paroxysmal AF was the most common subtype of AF (83%; 95% CI: 77%-90%), followed by persistent AF (17%; 95% CI: 10%-23%). In 9 studies involving 545 patients with CS, the pooled incidence of AF was estimated at 5%, 13.1%, and 8.9% at <2 years, 2-4 years, and > 4 years of follow-up respectively, with an overall cumulative incidence of 10.6% (95% CI: 4.9%-17.8%) over a 6-year follow-up period. Increased left atrial size and atrial 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake were identified as strong independent predictors for the development of atrial arrhythmias on qualitative synthesis. CONCLUSION: The burden of AF and related arrhythmias in CS patients is considerable. This necessitates close follow-up and predictive risk-stratification tools to guide the initiation of appropriate strategies, including therapeutic interventions for prevention of AF-related embolic phenomenon, especially in those with known clinical predictors.

Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Coronary Bypass Graft Markers on Angiographic Procedural Outcomes.

Utilization of radio-opaque coronary artery bypass graft markers is known to decrease the amount of contrast dye required to complete the procedure. The practice of marking bypass grafts varies significantly among surgeons. Limited data exist comparing the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with and without coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) markers. We sought to explore the impact of proximal radio-opaque markers placed during CABG in subsequent percutaneous coronary intervention procedural risks. In our understanding of the current literature, this is the first meta-analysis conducted to evaluate the association between procedural angiographic metrics and CABG radio-opaque markers. We performed a query of MEDLINE and Scopus databases through August 2022 to identify relevant studies evaluating procedural metrics among patients with previous CABG with and without radio-opaque markers who underwent angiography. The primary outcomes of interest were fluoroscopy time, amount of contrast, and duration of angiography. We identified a total of 4 studies with 2,046 patients with CABG (CABG with markers n = 688, CABG without markers n = 1,518).2-5 Total fluoroscopy time was significantly reduced among patients with CABG markers compared with those with no markers (odds ratio [OR] -3.63, p <0.0001). The duration of angiography (OR -36.39, p >0.10) was reduced, although the result was not statistically significant. However, the amount of contrast utilization was significantly reduced (OR -33.41, p <0.0001). In patients who underwent CABG with radio-opaque markers, angiographic procedural metrics were improved, including reduced fluoroscopic time and the amount of contrast agent required compared with no markers.

Calcified Right Atrial Thrombus With Near-Systemic Pulmonary Pressures in a Morbidly Obese Patient: A Clinical Conundrum.

Intracardiac masses are not uncommon, but a calcified right atrial thrombus (CRAT) is an exceedingly rare entity and often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We discuss the case of an incidentally noted CcRAT in a 40-year-old man presenting with progressive dyspnea. We further review the literature on the subject, highlighting the need for an individual patient-centred care plan.

Prevalence and outcomes of low ankle brachial index by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk level: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

BACKGROUND: Ankle brachial index (ABI) as a risk-enhancing factor in addition to the pooled cohort equation (PCE) in assessing cardiovascular risk for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is uncertain. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), for 5130 participants, aged 40 and older, without known cardiovascular disease or diabetes, with available data on standard ASCVD risk and ABI. Prevalence of low ABI (ABI<0.9) and all-cause mortality in persons with low, borderline and intermediate ASCVD risk categories using PCE was assessed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of low ABI was 3.1%. The participants with low ABI were predominantly clustered in the intermediate (33%) and high (33%) ASCVD risk categories while most participants with a normal ABI were in the low (56%) and intermediate (23%) risk categories. All-cause mortality was higher among participants with low ABI compared to those with a normal ABI in both the intermediate/borderline and high-risk categories, p<0.001 but not in the low-risk ASCVD category, p = 0.323. CONCLUSIONS: Using the PCE, two-third of the participants with low ABI were classified as having a low, borderline or intermediate risk of ASCVD. Low ABI was associated with an increased all-cause mortality in the overall cohort and specifically among those with a borderline/intermediate or high risk of ASCVD but not in those with a low risk of ASCVD. Our study supports consideration of ABI as a risk enhancer for primary prevention among patients classified as borderline or intermediate risk of ASCVD.

Burden of atrial fibrillation among adults with heart failure in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults with heart failure (HF) and summarise the all-cause mortality ratio among adult patients with coexisting HF and AF in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SETTING: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional and cohort studies with primary data on the prevalence and incidence of AF among patients with HF and the all-cause mortality ratio among patients with HF and AF in SSA. We combined text words and MeSH terms to search MEDLINE, PubMed and Global Health Library through Ovid SP, African Journals Online and African Index Medicus from database inception to 10 November 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled prevalence. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence and incidence of AF among patients with HF, and the all-cause mortality ratio among patients with HF and AF. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of the 1902 records retrieved from database searches were included in the review, totalling 9987 patients with HF. The pooled prevalence of AF among patients with HF was 15.6% (95% CI 12.0% to 19.6%). At six months, the all-cause mortality was 18.4% (95% CI 13.1% to 23.6%) in a multinational registry and 67.7% (95% CI 51.1% to 74.3%) in one study in Tanzania. The one-year mortality was 48.6% (95% CI 32.5% to 64.7%) in a study in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We did not find any study reporting the incidence of AF in HF. CONCLUSION: AF is common among patients with HF in SSA, and patients with AF and HF have poor survival. There is an urgent need for large-scale population-based prospective data to reliably estimate the prevalence, incidence and risk of mortality of AF among HF patients in SSA to better understand the burden of AF in patients with HF in the region. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018087564.

Temporal trends in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among U.S. adults. Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2018.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are a significant cause of disability and mortality. Study of trends in cardiovascular risk at a population level helps understand the overall cardiovascular health and the impact of primary prevention efforts. AIMS: To assess trends in the estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk among U.S. adults from 1999-2000 to 2017-18 with no established cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Serial cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999-2000 to 2017-18 (10 cycles), including 24 022 US adults aged 40-79 years with no reported ASCVD. ASCVD risk was assessed using the pooled cohort equations (PCEs). There was a significant temporal decline in the mean 10-year ASCVD risk from 13.5% (95% CI, 12.5-14.4) in 1999-2000 to 11.1% (10.5-11.7) in 2011-12 (Ptrend < 0.001) and to 12.0% (11.3-12.7) in 2017-2018 (overall Ptrend = 0.001), with the mean ASCVD risk score remaining stable from 2013-14 through 2017-2018 (Ptrend = 0.056). A declining trend in ASCVD risk was noted in females, non-Hispanic Blacks and those with income <3 times the poverty threshold with Ptrend of <0.001, 0.002, and 0.007, respectively. Mean total cholesterol and prevalence of smokers showed a downward trend (Ptrend <0.001 for both), whereas type 2 diabetes and mean BMI showed an upward trend (Ptrend < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The 20-year trend of ASCVD risk among NHANES participants 40-79 years, as assessed by the use of PCE, showed a non-linear downward trend from 1999-2000 to 2017-18. The initial and significant decline in estimated ASCVD risk from 1999-2000 to 2011-12 subsequently stabilized, with no significant change from 2013-14 to 2017-18. Mean BMI and prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased while mean serum cholesterol levels and prevalence of smoking declined during the study period. Our findings support invigoration of efforts aimed at prevention of CVD, including primordial prevention of CVD risk factors.

Previously undiagnosed angina pectoris in individuals without established cardiovascular disease: Prevalence and prognosis in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and prognosis of previously undiagnosed angina pectoris (AP) in the absence of established cardiovascular disease (CVD) are unknown. This study sought to determine the prevalence and prognosis of previously undiagnosed AP in the absence of established CVD in the United States. METHODS: Data derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2018) and the Rose Angina Questionnaire (RAQ) were used to identify AP among participants ≥ 40 years without established CVD. Determinants of previously undiagnosed AP (AP undiagnosed prior to RAQ analysis) and predictors of all-cause mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Of the 27,506 participants eligible for analysis, 621 participants had previously undiagnosed AP. Thus, the prevalence of previously undiagnosed AP was 1.99% (95% CI 1.79-2.20). Female gender, poverty, < high school education, hypertension, cigarette smoking, and obesity were independent predictors of previously undiagnosed AP. All-cause mortality rates were 1.71 per 1000 person months for participants with previously undiagnosed AP and were 1.08 per 1000 person months to those without previously undiagnosed AP (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of previously undiagnosed AP in the United States is 1.99% in persons ≥ 40 years of age without established CVD. Previously undiagnosed AP in those without established CVD was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality.

Burden and predictors of statin use in primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease in the US: from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020.

AIMS: To assess the current state of statin use, factors associated with non-use, and estimate the burden of potentially preventable atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) events. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using nationally representative data from the 2017 to 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, statin use was assessed in primary prevention groups: high ASCVD risk ≥ 20%, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 190 mg/dL, diabetes aged 40-75 years, intermediate ASCVD risk (7.5 to <20%) with ≥1 ASCVD risk enhancer and secondary prevention group: established ASCVD. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk was estimated using pooled cohort equations. We estimated 70 million eligible individuals (2.3 million with LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL; 9.4 million with ASCVD ≥ 20%; 15 million with diabetes and age 40-75years; 20 million with intermediate ASCVD risk and ≥1 risk enhancers; and 24.6 million with established ASCVD), about 30 million were on statin therapy. The proportion of individuals not on statin therapy was highest in the isolated LDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL group (92.8%) and those with intermediate ASCVD risk plus enhancers (74.6%) followed by 59.4% with high ASCVD risk, 54.8% with diabetes, and 41.5% of those with established ASCVD groups. Increasing age and those with health insurance were more likely to be on statin therapy in both the primary and secondary prevention categories. Individuals without a routine place of care were less likely to be on statin therapy. A total of 385 000 (high-intensity statin) and 647 000 (moderate-intensity statin) ASCVD events could be prevented if all statin-eligible individuals were treated (and adherent) for primary prevention over a 10-year period. CONCLUSION: Statin use for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD remains suboptimal. Bridging the therapeutic gap can prevent ∼1 million ASCVD events over the subsequent 10 years for the primary prevention group. Social determinants of health such as access to care and healthcare coverage were associated with less statin treatment. Novel interventions to improve statin prescription and adherence are needed.

Near-Fatal Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Young Patient With Occlusive Coronary Artery Disease.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) due to obstructive coronary artery disease in young patients is an unusual event. Its clinical pattern somewhat differs from that of elderly patients, thus placing them at an increased risk of misdiagnosis, as this young population typically does not demonstrate the traditional risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. We report the case of a 35-year-old man who presented with new-onset chest pain leading to cardiac arrest and was found to have 100% occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, which was successfully managed with the placement of a drug-eluting stent. We briefly reviewed the literature and noted that to reduce the risk of dramatic outcomes, it is imperative to include acute MI in the differential diagnosis of young patients presenting with chest pain, regardless of the presence or absence of any identifiable risk factor.

Prevalence and Trends of Opioid Use in Patients With Depression in the United States.

Background Depression and prescription opioid use have a bi-directional relationship. Depression commonly co-occurs with chronic noncancer pain and is known to be associated with opioid use. Studies have found an increased risk of depression only in patients with opioid dependence. Other studies have found an increased risk of opioid misuse in depressed patients. In addition, chronic pain conditions can lead to depression without the use of opioids. Methods We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected over seven survey cycles spanning 14 years: 2005/2006-2017/2018. Included in our study were participants ≥18 years who completed the patient health (PHQ-9) questionnaire. Persons with documented use of opioids were considered to have chronic use of opioids. Relevant data files were merged, and analytical weights computed in keeping with the survey analytical guidelines. Prevalence measures are reported as proportions. Associations were assessed using the Chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the trend in the prevalence of opioid use. We used STATA-16 for data analysis and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 36,459 participants met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of depression was 7.7% (95% CI: 7.3-8.2). The prevalence of any narcotic use was 6.0%. Among depressed individuals, Blacks: OR 0.71 (95% CI: 0.54-0.93) and Hispanics: OR 0.48 (95% CI: 0.34-0.67) were less likely to be on narcotics compared to non-Hispanic Whites. The prevalence of opioid use was stable over the first 12 years, followed by a significant drop in the last two years. Conclusion Beyond the risk for opioid misuse, and opioid use disorder, depression should also be considered when prescribing opioids. It is therefore important to implement a training to screen for depression in patients receiving opioids for pain management.

Prevalence and risk factors for the development of abdominal aortic calcification among the US population: NHANES study.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is an important marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease and its prognosis. Advanced age, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and higher truncal fat are known markers of AAC in studies conducted around the world. However, literature for these risk factors and their co-occurrence is limited in the US. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used data from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic, v4.0) to detect the occurrence of AAC in a sample population (n = 3140) of the NHANES survey using a computer-assisted interviewing system to assess the risk factors for AAC. RESULTS: We found the national prevalence of AAC in the US to be 28.8%. After adjusting for confounders, persons with hypertension: OR = 1.66 (95% CI: 1.30-2.13) and smokers: OR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.24-2.14) were more likely to have AAC compared to their respective counterparts. Increasing age was positively associated with AAC: OR = 1.06 (95% CI: 1.04-1.08). There was a statistically significant negative association between body mass index (BMI) and AAC, more so in smokers than in non-smokers: OR = 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94-0.97). We did not observe any statistically significant association between diabetes and AAC. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, smoking, and hypertension was associated with increased occurrence of AAC. Paradoxically, increasing BMI was inversely associated with AAC and there was no statistically significant association between total body and trunk fat percentages and AAC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish the nationwide prevalence and associated factors in the US.

Impact of COVID19 on resident physicians of a community hospital in New York city.

Introduction: Novel Corona Virus Disease 19 has created unforeseen burden on health care. New York city is one of the epicenters of pandemic and here we explore physical, mental and social impact of COVID 19 on Resident Physicians (RP) working within the center of this epicenter. Methods: This is a single-center cross-sectional web-based survey involving RP of a community hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Questionnaire was formulated in online platform. We used a convenient sampling method. Univariate analysis was conducted and presented the distribution of qualitative responses as frequency and percentages. Result: COVID19 related symptoms were reported by 39.8% RP. COVID19 IgG and IgM antibodies, both negative were reported by 34.9%, while only 6% RPs were IgG antibody positive. Symptomatic RP tested for COVID19-PCR was positive in 42.42%. Self-isolation from family during the pandemic was reported by only 14.5%. Financial constraints, lack of accommodation, and emotional reasons were main reasons of not being able to self isolate. Being bothered by 'Anxiety' and 'Nervousness' were reported by 8.5% on 'Almost every day' while 46.3% reported on 'several days in the two weeks duration'. 'Uncontrollable worrying', 'Feeling down', 'Depressed,' or 'Hopeless' was reported as 'Not at all' by 78.8% and 3.7% reported it to 'occur nearly every day for the last two weeks'. Conclusion: Aftermath of fight against pandemic has left RP with significant physical, mental, and social impact. Appropriate stress management and safety interventions are urgently needed. Further studies are needed to explore the detailed impact of COIV19 on RP.